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Ways to brighten theholidays for local seniors

How tax changes canaffect youPAGE 4

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December 2012 • Vol. 5, Issue 8 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Inside...

Holiday recipeChef Diane Lestina creates PepperJelly Bites

Pg. 3

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

MemoryMedicWhat happens to an aging brain

Pg. 2

50plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College StationCommunications Inc.1729 Briarcrest Drive

Bryan, Texas

PUBLISHERCrystal DuPre

DIRECTOR OF SALES ANDMARKETINGRon Prince

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITORShauna Lewis

shauna.lewis@theeagle.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGERJoanne R. Patranella

SPECIAL PROJECTS/MARKETINGCOORDI-NATOR

Dawn Goodalldawn.goodall@theeagle.com

For more information on 50plus advertisingopportunities, call the AdvertisingDepartment at 979-731-4738

Chef Diane: Pepper Jelly Bites 3Financial Literacy: Tax changes 4Bradway: What to do with a frozen shoulder 5Cover:Remembering seniors during holidays 10Calendar 19Travel: Biking tours 17

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Deterioration of the brainsneaks up on most of us. Thefirst clue might be hearingloss, especially in the higherfrequencies. We may be forcedinto bifocals, even trifocals.But the most serious signsof deterioration occur in thebrain.

As we age, our reflexesslow. We walk and actslower. We even talk slower.Our memory starts to fail,especially the short-termform of memory ability thatis so crucial for learning newthings.

Brain-scan technologyreveals aging can causethe brain to shrink. Nervetracts in the brain shrivel,making the cerebrospinalfluid cavities larger and evenleaving gaping holes in thebrain. Shriveling occurs inthe neuron terminal branchesthat form the contact pointsamong neurons. People maylose 40 percent or more ofdopamine neurons, causingParkinson’s disease.

These are brutal truths.Whole societies are beingaffected in major economicand social ways in countrieswhere the population is agingrapidly, such as Japan (23percent over 65), Germany(20.5 percent), Italy (20.4percent) and the U.S. (13percent). The countriesthat show that fastest rate

of change in populationage, in order, are Iran,Vietnam, Mexico, India andSouth Korea. The obviousconsequences are a shrinkinglabor force and shifting of anation’s wealth to health care.

The challenge for agingindividuals is to reduce therate of their decline. This hascreated a growth in the anti-aging industry focused on

vitamins andsupplements,fad diets, gymfacilities,mind trainingprogramsand bookslike mine onmemory. Thegood newsis that these

things can work, if they arebegun while people are inearly middle age.

A likely cause of mentaldecline in most people isdiminished blood flow insmall vessels that are easilyplugged by cholesterol andfats or ruptured by high bloodpressure. These undetected“mini-strokes” are probablyquite common as we age,yet they cause cumulative,progressive damage. Anothersource of damage is thelifetime cumulative effect

Dr. BiLL KLeMMthe memory meDiC

What happensto an aging brain

See Memory Medicpage 18

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It’s the holidays, and whether youare hosting a party or are asked tobring an appetizer to a pot luck get-together, these Pepper Jelly Bites willbe sure to please.

Pepper jellyalways seemsto get put overcream cheese,but here we dressit up a bit byputting a dab intoa cheese tart.

By using bothgreen and redpepper jelly, youcan make it feelmore festive.

Another plusis that these can be made ahead andfrozen, and if you are planning aparty, you know how important it isto have some make-ahead recipes.

Pepper Jelly BitesMakes 36.Ingredients:2 cups finely shredded cheddar

cheese1/2 cup softened unsalted butter1 teaspoon paprika1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepperDash salt1 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup hot pepper jelly – red orgreen or both

Use electric mixer on mediumspeed to beat cheese, butter, paprikaand cayenne until blended. Add flourand blend just until mixture forms adough.

Shape into 36 small balls and placein mini-muffin pans. Press dough upthe sides to make a tart shell shapeand spoon about 1 teaspoon pepperjelly into the center of each one.Bake at 375 degrees Farenheit for 15minutes or until golden brown. Coolfor 10 minutes in muffin tin and thenremove to cool on rack. Serve at roomtemperature.

If making ahead, place cooled tartson a cookie sheet and freeze. Whenfrozen, remove from cookie sheet andplace in covered container with thelayers separated by waxed paper.

To reheat, place frozen tarts oncookie sheet, then pre-heat oven to 350degrees. When oven is to temperature,place bites in oven for eight to 10minutes.

Diane Lestina, a certified personal chef,holds cooking classes and cooks forresidents in the Bryan-College Stationarea. To learn more, visitwww.chefdiane.com

Diane LestinaCook it Simple

www.ChefDiane.Com

Pepper Jelly Bites make a festive dish

Chef Diane Lestina created a Pepper Jelly Bites recipe to serve as an appetizerfor holiday gatherings.

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We have all heard thatsignificant tax provisionswill expire on Dec. 31 unlessCongress takes action beforethen. Exactly how will thisproblem affect your wallet?And what, if anything, canyou do about it? Nearly allincome levels will be touchedin some way by this situation.We’ll discuss some of theways you might see the effect,but first a warning.

Tax software warningCertified public

accountants (CPAs) arestaying on top of the movingtarget of last-minute taxlaws. However, the consumertax preparation softwarecompanies might not be ableto respond as quickly to latechanges in the law. If youuse such software to prepareyour 2012tax return,be carefulto get anup-to-dateversion thatincludesall the lastminute taxlaw changes.If youhave everconsidered working with atax CPA, this would be theyear to do it.

Smaller take-home payIf you receive a W-2,

you have a paycheck. IfCongress does not act, thetax withholding on yourpaycheck is going up. Thusyour take-home pay in 2013could shrink. Payroll taxrates are increasing by 2percent. For example, if your2012 gross salary of $70,000stays the same in 2013, yourtake-home pay will declineby $1,400 solely due to thispayroll tax increase.

Affordable HealthCare Act affects tax oninvestments

Buried in the 1,990 pagesof the Affordable HealthCare Act is a provision thatincreases income tax oninvestments by 3.8 percent.No act of Congress willchange this. Jodi Jones,CPA with Seidel, Schroeder& Company, advises that,with careful tax planningand action on your part, youmay be able to minimize the2013 tax law impact. It wouldinvolve “acceleration ofcapital gain transactions.”

The dreaded AlternativeMinimum Tax (AMT)

Congress intendedAlterative Minimum Tax(AMT) for high-incometaxpayers. The tax was neverindexed for inflation. Thismay seem like a minor point,but when it affects yourtax liability, it can be a bigdeal. Over the years, moretaxpayers have been payingAMT. A range of factorscauses you to qualify forAMT, including your incomelevel (between $100,000 and$200,000) and the numberof children you claim asdependents. The more youclaim, the more likely you areto pay AMT, because of thecomplex AMT calculationsthat include claimingchildren as dependents.

You can’t do anythingabout the number of childrenin your family, but you cantime certain deductions thatcould affect when you willpay the higher taxes via AMT.For example, you might beable to reduce the impact ofAMT this year by paying yourproperty taxes before year-end. James Larkin, CPA withThompson, Derrig & Craig,said more than 26 milliontaxpayers will pay AMT forthe first time this year. Theincreased tax for them willaverage $3,700. If you wantto try to avoid AMT, seek theadvice of a tax CPA soon.

Estate taxesLet’s set the stage with

a broad definition of whatis in an estate and what isnot. In general, an estateincludes all assets owned bythe decedent. As with all taxtopics, you should consult aCPA to determine how estatetaxes relate to your uniquesituation.

Generally speaking, ataxable estate includes:

• Cash• Personal residence• Other real estate• Securities• Family business• Mineral interests• Investments in

non-family businesses,partnerships and the like

• Undivided interests inpartnerships, land, mineralinterests and the like

• Life insurance policies

Know the size of yourestate

Do you really know howlarge your taxable estate is?

“Mineral interests areoften not considered’” Jonessaid. “In parts of Texas,the market value used indetermining estate value canbe quite large.”

So don’t assume the estatetax changes don’t apply toyou because your estate istoo small. It might be largerthan you think. Check witha CPA this week and find outwhat, if anything, you need todo before Dec. 31 to come upwith the taxable value of yourestate.

Possible estate lawchanges and how theymight affect you

Under current lawthrough 2012, if your estateis valued at more than $5million, the amount over $5million would be taxed at 35percent when you pass on.This is called a $5 millionexemption. As of Jan. 1, 2013,if your estate is worth more

than $1 million, the amountover $1 million will be taxedat 55 percent when you passon. This is called a $1 millionexemption. There are waysto reduce your gross taxableestate, such as through giftingor giving your childrenproperty. These are beyondthe scope of this article. Seea certified public accountantfor details of how this couldapply to you.

Let’s look at a simplifiedexample for a $6 millionestate. If you pass away onDec. 29, 2012, your taxableestate would be $1 millionand your resulting estate taxcould be $350,000. Under the2013 rules as they currentlystand, if you pass away onJan. 2, 2013, your taxableestate would be $5 millionand your resulting estate taxcould be $2,750,000.

Jones has some clientswhose wealth is in land.

“This causes some clientssignificant stress. If theirwealth is in land, they mighthave to sell assets to come upwith the cash to pay estate

taxes,” Jones said.To minimize the effect of

this significant tax increase,Jones is consulting withher clients to reduce oreliminate their estate tax hitby considering gifts betweengenerations before Dec. 31.

“They must gather theirfacts and think through allaspects and consequencesof the decision,” Jones said.“The same is true if theyhave a family business.Their decisions have to makesound business sense andcoordinate with their estateplanning. The tax tail shouldnot wag the dog.”

Larkin explains a secondestate tax issue that mightbe of benefit. It’s calledportability. Larkin bestexplains it with an example.Husband and wife havea combined communityproperty estate of $2 million.Husband dies in 2012 andleaves his $1 million to wife.

tracY stewartfinanCial literaCy

How tax changes can affect you

See Stewartpage 18

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My shoulder has been hurtingso badly that I can’t lift my arm tobrush my hair or pull a sweater overmy head. In addition, I can’t sleepthrough the night as the pain wakesme every few hours. I’ve tried heatand gentle stretches, but it’s gettingworse. I don’t know how I could haveinjured it. Should I see the doctor oris there something else I can do? SB(College Station)

Likely youare describing acondition called“frozen shoulder”or pain andstiffness in theshoulder jointsuch that you havetrouble movingyour shoulder.The medical termis adhesive capsulitis. While thecause of this condition is not fullyunderstood, risk factors include:

• Age and gender – Women andanyone over 40 appear to be at greaterrisk.

• Certain medical conditions –Diabetes, hypo/hyper thyroidism,heart disease, Parkinson’s diseaseand chronic inflammatory arthritis ofthe shoulder.

• Past injuries/surgeries – frozenshoulder can develop after a shoulder

has been immobilized for a period oftime due to surgery, fracture or otherinjury.

With a frozen shoulder, the morequickly you seek medical attention,the better. This is because pain ismost intense initially, and delaysin treatment can result in a longerperiod of time to heal. With FrozenShoulder, you often experience threestages:

1. “Freezing” - You experienceincreasing pain, and as the painworsens your shoulder becomes stiffto the point of immobilization in somecases. This stage can last severalmonths to a year.

2. “Frozen” - Your shoulderbecomes stiffer but the pain remainsthe same or may decrease some.However, daily activities may bedifficult if not impossible and thepain can be quite intense at night,particularly if sleeping on the painfulshoulder. This stage lasts four to 12months.

3. “Unfreezing” - You graduallyregain movement in your shoulderand the pain begins to fade, but itmay recur from time to time as thestiffness recedes. Patients do notalways regain full range of motionin their shoulder but can usually domost normal daily activities withoutpain. This stage lasts five months to

many years.Because treatment for a frozen

shoulder involves treating both painand stiffness, various treatmentmethods are needed. As a physicaltherapist who specializes inmusculoskeletal pain, I typicallysee patients in the first stage andthus the initial focus is minimizingor eliminating pain. I use triggerpoint dry needling, manual therapy,manipulation, therapeutic massageand heat. As the pain begins todecrease, I add gentle stretches. Fromthe beginning the patient is also givena home exercise program, as it isimportant to keep the joint mobile.In addition to physical therapy, thefollowing treatments are also used:

• Pain medication – This mightinclude over the counter medicinesand/or prescribed pain medication(i.e., aspirin or ibuprofen - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

• Corticosteroid injections –can help relieve pain and improvethe movement in your shoulder.However, injections will not cure yourcondition and thus your symptomscan recur. Further, repeatedinjections can damage your shouldercapsule lining and thus are limitedand spaced out several weeks betweeneach injection.

• Treatment for pain without

medication – As noted, because I haveadvanced credentialing in triggerpoint, dry needling is a treatmentmethod to eliminate and reduce painthat does not involve pain medication.A thin filament needle is inserted intoa “trigger point” or a tight muscleband. The insertion of the needle intothe tight muscle causes the muscleto grab the needle and then releaseit. This creates immediate bloodflow back into the area, initiating arenewed healing effect. Nothing isinjected into the skin.

• Targeted exercises to stretch outthe tight muscles and work on stiffjoints. This may involve passive andactive exercises to move the joint inall directions (please see our websiteBVphysicaltherapy.com for examplesof some exercises that you can do– as long as you do not experiencepain. If you experience pain, stopimmediately and talk to your doctoror physical therapist).

• Manual therapy and/ortherapeutic targeted massage areused to loosen the muscles aroundthe shoulder, which is important forrecovery.

• Hot and cold therapy

Leon BraDwaYphySiCal therapy

What to do about a frozen shoulder

See Bradwaypage 18

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What to do with your retirement accountbefore the next economic turndown

Metro Creative Services- A struggling economycan have both instant andlongterm consequences.When the economy issuffering, consumers tendto spend less in the shortterm while making financialdecisions that affect themover the long haul.

One of the biggestquandaries men and womenface during a recession oreconomic downturn is howto approach their retirementaccounts, most notably a401(k).

When the economy beginsto struggle, men and womenmay notice their 401(k) plansare struggling right alongwith it, losing money thatmost were counting for theirretirements. This can inducea certain degree of panic, asaccount holders worry abouttheir financial futures andhow they are going to get byshould the recession last andtheir retirement accountscontinue to shrink.

But such panic might beunwarranted. According tothe investment managementfirm Vanguard, participantsaving and investing behaviorhad returned to prerecessionlevels by 2010, and participantaccount balances actuallyrose 13 percent between 2005-2010, despite the considerablemarket shock that occurredduring the recession of2008-2009. Those figuresillustrate that even duringa particularly bad economicswoon investors will return totheir typical behavior soonerrather than later. Therefore itpays to avoid overreacting atthe onset of a downturn andmaintain your peace of mind.

While some peoplemanage to maintain acool head during times ofeconomic struggles, othersmay lose sleep when thenext recession or downturnrears its ugly head. To avoidsuccumbing to such stress,consider the following tipsto protect your retirementaccounts should the economyonce again take a turn for theworse.

• Pay attention to yourportfolio. Young people justbeginning their professionalcareers are often told toenroll in a 401(k) program

as soon as possible, but toavoid making any changesin the near future once theaccount has been set up.While no investors, young orold, should allow a knee-jerkreaction after a bad financialquarter to dictate how theymanage their retirementaccounts, that doesn’t meanyou should ignore an accountentirely. Pay attention to yourportfolio, examining it atleast once per year so you canmake adjustments to yourinvestments if need be. Justdon’t allow a sudden reactionto a bad quarter dictatethese adjustments, whichshould only be made after acareful examination of yourretirement account’s portfolioand its performance. If you’rehappy with the performance,don’t change a thing.

• Reduce your risk asyou age. Financial expertscan often predict when theeconomy will thrive andwhen it will struggle. Butunless you are such anexpert, avoid playing withfire. As you age, reduce yourrisk with regard to yourinvestments. Young peoplecan afford to take on morerisk because they have moretime to make up for a riskthat doesn’t work out. Menand women age 50 and olderhave no such luxury andshould reconfigure theirretirement accounts as theyage so their investmentsare less risky and moreconservative. This strategyshould be put to use even ifyou lost a substantial amountof money during a previousrecession or downturn. Itmight be tempting to tryto make up for lost money,but that strategy carriesconsiderable risk, and youmight end up depleting yourretirement savings a secondtime.

• Spread the moneyaround. When contributingto a retirement account suchas a 401(k), the standard isto deposit 6 percent of eachpaycheck into that account. Ifyou’re depositing more than 6percent into your retirementaccount, consider decreasingyour retirement contributionto the standard amount anddepositing the extra moneyinto a high-interest savingsaccount. The savings account

won’t put your deposits atrisk, and if the economy isfaring well, you will still bedoing well with your 401(k)while ensuring some of yourmoney won’t suffer shouldthe economy suddenly take aturn for the worse.

• Don’t cash out tooearly. When the economystruggles, many investorshave discovered they simplydon’t have the stomach forinvesting. That’s perfectlyunderstandable with certaininvestments, but a retirementaccount should not be oneof them. Cashing out aretirement account too earlycould incur substantialpenalties that, if yourretirement account wasaffected poorly by a bad year,may only further depletean account you likely spentyears building. Avoid thetemptation to cash out earlyif your retirement accountis struggling. It’s often notworth the steep price.

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(StatePoint) Looking for athoughtful gift this holiday season?Give a gift basket.

Don’t be intimidated by the task-- it`s easy to create the perfect giftbasket for even the fussiest person.

“A food basket is a welcome gift forall occasions,” says Bonnie Tempesta,founder of the cookie companyBoncora Biscotti. “You can make it aselegant, whimsical or celebratory asyou want -- and at whatever cost yourbudget allows.”

Gift baskets also offer a chance toinject some personality into a gift.

“What you choose to put in agift basket is a reflection of whoyou are as a gift giver,” says JeanThompson, Owner and CEO of SeattleChocolates, maker of premiumchocolate bars and truffles. “It`s agreat way to share your good taste.”

Follow these simple tips to makeunique gift baskets for everyone onyour list:

• Decide what you want to includebefore you buy the basket so you canpick the right size. No matter whatsize basket you use, it should beoverflowing.

• If a traditional wooden basketisn`t your style, look for other vessels:a colorful paper bag, a pretty pastry

box, a flower pot. The possibilities areendless -- and inexpensive.

• Fill the basket with higher- andlower-priced items to keep overallcosts down. Include items of varyingheights to add visual interest.

• Arrange the contents arounda theme, such as all things redor everything handmade or allchocolate!

• Choose foods you love orproducts you`re excited about trying.Chances are, if you were wowed by atreat, your gift recipient will be too.

• “Go for edibles that don’t needto be eaten right away,” says EdmondSanctis, co-founder of Sahale Snacks.“Treats that can be nibbled andshared all season long are ideal giftbasket additions.”

• Splurge on indulgences yourrecipient normally wouldn`t buy forhim or herself, like limited-editionholiday chocolate from SeattleChocolates. You can find a wide rangeof such products in all colors andstyles to suit any gift basket theme atwww.SeattleChocolates.com.

• Add a food item that’s new orhard to find. For example, BoncoraBiscotti, available only online, arehandmade to order. Plain or dippedin chocolate, they go great with acup of joe, so pair this gift with some

gourmet coffee. Read more aboutBonnie Tempesta’s handcraftedbiscotti at www.BoncoraBiscotti.com.

• Include unusual flavorcombinations that can be used forsnacking as well as cooking. SahaleCrunchers almond snacks can beeaten out of hand or used for holidaymeal prep. Plus, they’re glutenfree. Find delicious recipes at www.SahaleSnacks.com.

• Use colorful, recyclable paper,like tissue paper or shredded paper, tofluff up the contents of your basket.

• The finishing touch on a giftbasket is not the shrink wrap; it`s thenote. Tell your gift recipient why youchose what you did!

With these tips, you’re sure tocreate a gift your friends and familywill appreciate.

Gift baskets make inexpensive, thoughtful presents

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Christmas spending gets naughty or niceBy CECIL SCAGLIONEMature Life Features

To save or to splurge, that is theseasonal question.

It’s been tough keeping economicends in sight over the past fewyears. You may have just completedpaying your credit-card bill from lastChristmas -- or from the Christmasbefore that.

If you think you can salve yourpsyche by going on a seasonalspending spree, all you’re going to dois shatter your savings.

The holidays give us a guilt-freepass to shop till we drop, according toLeslie Greenman, a financial advisorwho’s written “Dating Our Money: AWomen’s Guide to Confidence withMoney & Men (AuthorHouse, $14.95).

“You don’t have to feel bad aboutspending because you’re not buyingthings for yourself,” she said.

This gift-giving psychology thatcan cause a fiscal fever is not good foryour financial well-being.

That warm feeling you get fromwatching loved ones merrily tearopen their gifts turns to cold shivers

when the bills arrive.Careful planning can help

you fulfill your need to give whileprotecting your need to save.

One thing you should have doneto save money this year is buy yourwrapping paper and Christmas cardsat last year’s day-after-Christmassales.

You also could have picked upa scarf for your spouse during thisyear’s spring sales or a used bike for agrandchild at a yard sale.

Greenman suggests you beginyour savings plan at home. If you’rehaving a party, make it pot luck soyou don’t have to bear the total cost ofall the food and drinks.

Make a gift list and think aboutwhere you’re going to buy, saidGreenman. And finish your shoppingearly in the season.

“As the holiday gets closer andyou realize you haven’t even madea dent in your list, you’ll start to getdesperate. You’ll think you have to getwhatever is available.”

So make a list, check it twice andtake cash. How many times have you

walked into a store and immediatelyfound the perfect gift for yourgranddaughter? You hadn’t plannedon spending that much, but she wouldlove it. So you just put it on yourcredit card. Don’t stray from your list.

Cash helps keep you in line so youdon’t ruin your credit line. This is thetime of year you can look at ways toredeem any credit-card points youmay have accumulated.

Set a holiday-shopping curfew.Putting a time limit on your shoppingwill help you stay on budget andprevent you from lingering in sectionsof a store that may have caught youreye but don’t contain any items onyour list.

Because holiday shopping shouldbe fun, take a moment to rewardyourself if you finish by yourdeadline. Buy yourself a cup of hotchocolate or, better yet, make somefor yourself and your family whenyou get home.

Remember, the less time you spendshopping, the more time you’ll have tospend with friends and family.

It’s the thought, not the cost, thatcounts. For example, a photo of you

and a friend in a frame with a specialnote about how much you enjoyed thetime you spent together is a great gift.

Then there’s online shopping.There’s less hustle and bustle asyou compare prices that are “almostalways better,” Greenman said.

“You have a greater selectionand, usually, free shipping is offeredaround the holidays. When you usespecific search terms, you can avoidbeing distracted by all of the otheritems you might want to look at or betempted to buy if you were shoppingin the store.”

Credit-card discipline is requiredhere, so don’t shop for yourself.The best deals will emerge afterChristmas. Wait until then to getmore bargain for your buck.

You might suggest a secret Santa-style gift exchange for your family. Toplan for next year, have everyone picka name out of a hat.

When you’re shopping for justone person, you have a lot more timeto think about what would make thebest gift. You can set a price limit toavoid one-upmanship and competitionwhen the gifts are opened.

By CECIL SCAGLIONEMature Life Features

Layaways are back.Several major household-

name retailers, in an effort toboost holiday sales, have re-initiated the practice that hadalmost disappeared before theeconomy flopped a few yearsago. It was so simple to swipeyour plastic through thecredit-card reader and walkout of the store with youracquisition that you weregoing to pay later.

The recession changedthat. As folks lost their jobs,many lost their credit andsome forfeited their creditcards. So shopkeepers sawthe need to allow customersto lay gifts aside and set up apayment schedule.

But, because there’spaperwork involved, youhave to determine if thedocumentation is worththe devil in the details, saidAndrea Woroch, a consumer

and money-saving expert forKinoli Inc.

First of all, there’s usuallyan origination fee tacked ontothe price of the product whenyou sign the layaway-paymentcontract.

And the penalty fordeciding not to buy the item,should you change your mindduring the payment process,usually hovers around 30percent of the price.

These two issues aloneshould make you take time toconsider such a transaction.

Some layaway plans alsohave time limits, so you mustmake sure you have enoughtime to make all the paymentsor you’ll lose both the productand all the money you paid ifyou miss a deadline.

Some credit analystsfigure you probably will payless using your credit card

MONEY MATTERS

Layaways easecredit-card crunch

SeeCreditpage 178

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Boomers connect at rapid pace(BPT) - Even though they’re

still common, jokes about cluelessbaby boomers calling their kids tofigure out how to use technology arestarting to feel outdated.

While today’s youngestgenerations are practically born withtablets, smartphones and laptops intheir hands, grandparents are alsoadopting technology at a startlingpace.

Boomers’ enthusiasm to consumenew technology is growing andchanging as fast as the field of newproducts available. In fact, a 2012Forrester Research technology surveyfound 78 percent are online, and ofthose, 54 percent own laptops. Tabletuse among boomers is growing too; 11percent already own one and another15 percent plan on buying one soon.

While the boomers’ generationaltrait of progressiveness helps toexplain this tech rush, more practicalreasons demystify it as well. Manyamong the generation are at the peakof their earning power, with moremoney to spend on technology thanother age groups.

A 2012 survey by Nielsen showedthat within five years, approximately50 percent of the U.S. population willbe 50 or older, and they’ll control 70percent of disposable income. Forthis generation, a forward-thinkingmindset has always been a commontrait, so crossing the digital dividewas bound to happen.

Despite their proven purchasingpower, many advertisers are leavingthese consumers in the lurch.Although boomers account for 49percent of total sales of consumerpackaged goods, Nielsen estimates

that less than 5 percent of advertisingdollars are targeted toward adultsages 35 to 64.

Overcoming the learning curveas well as the lack of attention frommarketers has shown just how muchboomers value the latest technologydevelopments. But for those who don’tyet have their hands on the latestgadgets, organizations like AARP aremaking it easier for boomers to getconnected.

“AARP’s goal is to provide valueto its members, and our research hasshown that many AARP members areearly adopters of technology,” saysAngela Jones, senior vice presidentof Business Development andLifestyle Products for AARP Services.“Through AARP’s relationships withretailers and manufacturers, ournearly 38 million members receivediscounts on their favorite technologyproducts.”

For example, members can getdiscounts of 5 to 12 percent on arange of HP products, 10 percent offAmazon’s Kindle e-readers, includingthe popular tablet Kindle Fire, andeven discounted phone service fromVonage.

Whether they’re keeping up withthe new pace of workat the office or simplylooking for a betterway to connect withfamily, there’s nodoubt that boomersare demandingtechnology that helpsto improve their lives.As they grab eachnew opportunityto connect, the

idea of boomers being behind thetechnological times is fading fast.

For more information about

discounts available to AARPmembers, visitwww.aarpdiscounts.com.

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By Holli L. EstridgeSpecial to The Eagle

Early this month a group of 50 to 60 local seniors willdeliver more than 600 holiday gift bags to nursing homeresidents and home-bound seniors, filled with requesteditems like warm clothing, blankets, house slippers and bathtowels.

Launched in 1997 with items crafted and donated byvolunteers with the Brazos Bluebonnet Guild, SeniorChristmas has grown into an annual event serving nursinghome residents and homebound meal clients of the AreaAgency on Aging.

As many seniors enter the holiday season facingeconomic and health challenges – and even loneliness –coordinated community outreach programs like SeniorChristmas or even small acts of kindness can have a majorimpact on how many local seniors spend their holidays.

According to the American Geriatrics Society, smallgestures – such as inviting a senior out and to get-togethers,taking into account their needs, such as transportation orspecial diets – can be a great help.

The AGS also suggests offering to help them with theircleaning, shopping, cooking and other preparations forget-togethers in their homes, as well as being a supportivelistener, encouraging discussions about their feelings andconcerns.

Opportunities to help seniorsOpportunities abound for helping seniors

this holiday season.

Senior ChristmasSenior Christmas collects donations

year-round for its annual gifting to nursinghome residents and homebound seniors.Carolyn Kraus, RSVP Senior Corps programmanager, said donations of new and gentlyused clothing – specifically in sizes thatare not often donated (like sweatshirts orpants in size 5X) – are welcomed, as well asmonetary donations, which help volunteersto purchase specifically requested items.

Seniors can still donate to SeniorChristmas for this year’s program bymailing a check made out to BVCOG-RSVP(noting “Senior Christmas” on the memoline) to P.O. Drawer 4128, Bryan, Texas77805-4128. Checks should be sent by Dec. 10.

Volunteer teams will begin sorting andpackaging gifts in the first two weeks ofDecember, laundering items that are in needof freshening up, repairing items in need ofbuttons or a new hem, packing candy for giftrecipients, shopping for specially-requesteditems, sewing dusters and nightgowns andmaking simpler items such as fleece scarves.

Kraus said one area of need this year is volunteers withSUVs or vans who can help deliver bags to nursing homeswithin the 14-county region.

To volunteer or find more information, contact RSVP at979-595-2800 ext. 2026.

Senior CircleSenior Circle, a senior organization at College Station

Medical Center, is working with Texas Home HealthHospice, Texas Home Health and the Brazos Valley Area onAging to provide a Valentine’s Day card to every nursinghome resident in the Brazos Valley. Senior Circle meetsonce a month for a potluck lunch and valentine projectparty.

“We make homemade cards using construction paper,stickers, glitter, etc, and inside each card is a special notesuch as, ‘You are blessed,’ or ‘Someone is thinking of you’and others along those lines” said Mandy Williams, SeniorCircle advisor. “We sign the cards, ‘Love, Senior Circle.’”

Williams said Senior Circle has been working on theproject since January.

Benefit counselorsKraus said a handful of year-round opportunities

exist for local residents who want to pitch in. The AreaAgency on Aging of the Brazos Valley and the Departmentof Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of

Insurance, Texas LegalServices Center and SeniorMedicare Patrol willsponsor a HICAP (HealthInformation, Counselingand Advocacy Program)Benefits Counselor LevelI training Dec. 17-19 at theBrazos Valley Council ofGovernments, at 3991 E.29th St. in Bryan.

HICAP benefitcounselors are trainedin the areas of Medicare,Medicaid and privateinsurance and will provideinformation, counseling,assistance and advocacyto people who are 60 andolder and others whoare Medicare-eligible,regarding their benefits,entitlements and legalrights. Area Agencyon Aging staff benefitcounselors will traininterested individualsand provide guidance andsupport to all volunteerbenefit counselors.

“The Medicare/Medicaid system canbe overwhelming tounderstand, and with moreTexans becoming Medicare beneficiaries than ever before,the need for benefits counselors is growing,” said Kraus.“With the help of volunteer counselors, more eligibleTexans can be helped to acquire benefits and maintain theirrights.”

The training is a 25-hour course. For more information,contact the Area Agency on Aging of the Brazos Valley at979-595-2806 ext. 2022.

Elder-AidElder-Aid is in need of handy men to help with client

home repairs. Some typical home repairs include repairing/replacing wheelchair ramps, roof repairs and exterior andinterior painting. Volunteers with knowledge of plumbingand flooring are especially needed. Not able to do repairsbut understand the work, a construction coordinatorcan help to call and check things out on a project beforeassembling a volunteer team and other repair jobs.

“Elders are sometime unable to clean their house dueto disabilities, back problems or illness,” Kraus said.“Volunteers can help out by cleaning ceiling fans, washingwindows, mopping and vacuuming.

For more information, contact, Heidi Jenkins, Elder AidVolunteer coordinator, at 979-823-5127.

How to make the season brighterfor local elderly residents

Remembering seniors over the holidays

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By Holli L. EstridgeSpecial to The Eagle

Early this month a group of 50 to 60 local seniors willdeliver more than 600 holiday gift bags to nursing homeresidents and home-bound seniors, filled with requesteditems like warm clothing, blankets, house slippers and bathtowels.

Launched in 1997 with items crafted and donated byvolunteers with the Brazos Bluebonnet Guild, SeniorChristmas has grown into an annual event serving nursinghome residents and homebound meal clients of the AreaAgency on Aging.

As many seniors enter the holiday season facingeconomic and health challenges – and even loneliness –coordinated community outreach programs like SeniorChristmas or even small acts of kindness can have a majorimpact on how many local seniors spend their holidays.

According to the American Geriatrics Society, smallgestures – such as inviting a senior out and to get-togethers,taking into account their needs, such as transportation orspecial diets – can be a great help.

The AGS also suggests offering to help them with theircleaning, shopping, cooking and other preparations forget-togethers in their homes, as well as being a supportivelistener, encouraging discussions about their feelings andconcerns.

Opportunities to help seniorsOpportunities abound for helping seniors

this holiday season.

Senior ChristmasSenior Christmas collects donations

year-round for its annual gifting to nursinghome residents and homebound seniors.Carolyn Kraus, RSVP Senior Corps programmanager, said donations of new and gentlyused clothing – specifically in sizes thatare not often donated (like sweatshirts orpants in size 5X) – are welcomed, as well asmonetary donations, which help volunteersto purchase specifically requested items.

Seniors can still donate to SeniorChristmas for this year’s program bymailing a check made out to BVCOG-RSVP(noting “Senior Christmas” on the memoline) to P.O. Drawer 4128, Bryan, Texas77805-4128. Checks should be sent by Dec. 10.

Volunteer teams will begin sorting andpackaging gifts in the first two weeks ofDecember, laundering items that are in needof freshening up, repairing items in need ofbuttons or a new hem, packing candy for giftrecipients, shopping for specially-requesteditems, sewing dusters and nightgowns andmaking simpler items such as fleece scarves.

Kraus said one area ofSUVs or vans who can help deliwithin the 14-county r

To volunteer or find mor979-595-2800 ext. 2026.

Senior CircleSenior Circle, a senior org

Medical Center, is worHospice, Texas Home Health and the Brazos VAging to provide a Valentine’s Dahome resident in the Brazos Vonce a month for a potlucparty.

“We make homemade carstickers, glitter, etc, and inside eacsuch as, ‘You are blessed,’ or ‘Someone is thinking ofand others along those lines” said MandCircle advisor. “We sign the car

Williams said Senior Cirproject since January

Benefit counselorsKraus said a handful of

exist for local residents wAgency on Aging of the Brazos Vof Aging and Disability Services

How to make the sfor local elderly r

Remembering senior

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ea of need this year is volunteers withho can help deliver bags to nursing homes

within the 14-county region.olunteer or find more information, contact RSVP at

979-595-2800 ext. 2026.

, a senior organization at College Stationorking with Texas Home Health

exas Home Health and the Brazos Valley Area onalentine’s Day card to every nursing

esident in the Brazos Valley. Senior Circle meetsor a potluck lunch and valentine project

e homemade cards using construction paper,, and inside each card is a special notelessed,’ or ‘Someone is thinking of you’

and others along those lines” said Mandy Williams, Seniore sign the cards, ‘Love, Senior Circle.’”

illiams said Senior Circle has been working on theuary.

Benefit counselorsKraus said a handful of year-round opportunities

esidents who want to pitch in. The Areathe Brazos Valley and the Department

bility Services, Texas Department of

Insurance, Texas LegalServices Center and SeniorMedicare Patrol willsponsor a HICAP (HealthInformation, Counselingand Advocacy Program)Benefits Counselor LevelI training Dec. 17-19 at theBrazos Valley Council ofGovernments, at 3991 E.29th St. in Bryan.

HICAP benefitcounselors are trainedin the areas of Medicare,Medicaid and privateinsurance and will provideinformation, counseling,assistance and advocacyto people who are 60 andolder and others whoare Medicare-eligible,regarding their benefits,entitlements and legalrights. Area Agencyon Aging staff benefitcounselors will traininterested individualsand provide guidance andsupport to all volunteerbenefit counselors.

“The Medicare/Medicaid system canbe overwhelming tounderstand, and with moreTexans becoming Medicare beneficiaries than ever before,the need for benefits counselors is growing,” said Kraus.“With the help of volunteer counselors, more eligibleTexans can be helped to acquire benefits and maintain theirrights.”

The training is a 25-hour course. For more information,contact the Area Agency on Aging of the Brazos Valley at979-595-2806 ext. 2022.

Elder-AidElder-Aid is in need of handy men to help with client

home repairs. Some typical home repairs include repairing/replacing wheelchair ramps, roof repairs and exterior andinterior painting. Volunteers with knowledge of plumbingand flooring are especially needed. Not able to do repairsbut understand the work, a construction coordinatorcan help to call and check things out on a project beforeassembling a volunteer team and other repair jobs.

“Elders are sometime unable to clean their house dueto disabilities, back problems or illness,” Kraus said.“Volunteers can help out by cleaning ceiling fans, washingwindows, mopping and vacuuming.

For more information, contact, Heidi Jenkins, Elder AidVolunteer coordinator, at 979-823-5127.

e the season brighterrly residents

g seniors over the holidays

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Simple tips for dodging holiday weight gain(BPT) - The holidays

are full of fun activities,tasty treats and plenty ofcelebration, but being busyand eating all the extras canquickly lead to weight gain.With a few key strategies, it’ssurprisingly easy to enjoy theseason to the fullest and stillavoid Santa’s extra bulge.

Dr. Christopher Mohris a fitness and nutritionalexpert who consults fortelevision, print and radiooutlets throughout thecountry. He understandsthe difficulties of stayinghealth-focused during all thefestivities. Mohr offers somegood reminders and uniqueinsights on how to avoidgaining extra weight duringthe holidays.

Eat quality calories‘Too many people think

that to avoid weight gainyou need to avoid calories.In reality, you need to eatcalories to stay healthy, butyou need to focus on qualitycalories,’ says Mohr. ‘Choosefoods that are packed withvitamins and nutrients,rather than just emptycalories.’

Seek out ‘real’ foodsfor snacks and meals overprocessed junk foods fullof salt, unhealthy fats, andsugar. The fresher the better,because when foods areminimally processed, theytypically retain higher levelsof vitamins and minerals.

For example, skip thebag of chips and snack onfresh fruits and veggies.When possible, cook meals athome where you can controlthe ingredients and reduceunhealthy extras like butter,salt and oil.

Manage stress and focusDuring the holidays,

people tend to try to do toomuch. This quickly leads tostress, which can have manyunhealthy consequences,including overeating andweight gain. Being extremelybusy also can lead toconvenience eating, whereyou hit up the nearest fastfood restaurant to save time,rather than head home tocook a nutritious meal.

‘Remember to stay focusedduring the holiday seasonand take breaks,’ remindsMohr. ‘If you’re too stressed,you will be more likely to

eat unhealthy foods and getless sleep. That combinationmay compromise yourimmune system. The lastthing you want is a few extrapounds and a bad cold at theconclusion of the holidays.’

Support a healthymetabolism

‘In order for yourmetabolism to functionas efficiently as possible,you need to fuel your bodyregularly,’ Mohr explains.‘That means you need to eatbalanced meals and takesupplements that supportyour metabolism.’

He advises to never skipbreakfast, no matter howbusy you are. Breakfastjumpstarts your metabolismand helps it function well allday.

Additionally, considertaking a fish oil supplementthat supplies the body withessential omega-3 fatty acids.

“Studies show thatomega-3s support a healthymetabolism,” Mohr says.“People generally knowabout the health benefitsof omega-3s to brain andcardiovascular health, butthey are surprised to findout a high-quality fish oilsupplement helps keep yourmetabolism functioningwell.”

Indulge strategically‘Deprivation isn’t a good

weight-loss strategy, andit certainly isn’t much funduring the holiday season.Instead of avoiding all thecandy, cookies, and rich foodsserved at festive gatherings,think of your own personalstrategy before you go to anevent,’ Mohr says.

He suggests picking justone item you love, such asGranny’s apple pie or AuntJude’s stuffing, and letthat be your one-time no-guilt holiday indulgence.In exchange, cut out otherextras you don’t like as much.Remember, just because it’sbeing served doesn’t meanyou need to eat it.

Cut out high-calorie itemslike sauces and gravies, andholiday beverages like cocoaand eggnog.

You’ll get to enjoy thatone item you look forwardto all year and, by avoidingothers you care less about,

you won’t risk holiday weightgain.

Celebrating the season to

the fullest doesn’t mean youneed to end the year with afew extra pounds.

Follow these expert tipsand you’ll enjoy the holidaysand start 2013 looking andfeeling healthy.

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979.764.0009

Diabetes can affect hearingBy JAMES GAFFNEYMature Life Features

Most people are familiar with thefact that diabetes poses several healthrisks.

Now add, according to a recentstudy at Detroit’s Henry FordHospital in Detroit, another potentialhealth problem and lifestyle issue:hearing loss.

Diabetes-related hearing loss isgreater among women as they age,especially if the metabolic disorder isnot well-controlled with medication.

“A certain degree of hearing lossis a normal part of the aging processfor all of us, but it is often acceleratedin patients with diabetes, especiallyif blood-glucose levels are not beingcontrolled with medication and diet,”said Dr. Derek J. Handzo, with the

hospital’s Otolaryngology-Head andNeck Surgery department at HenryFord. “Our study really points toimportance of patients controllingtheir diabetes, especially as they age,based on the impact it may have onhearing loss.”

Nearly 26 million people in theUnited States have diabetes. Another34.5 million have some degreeof hearing loss, according to theNational Diabetes Association.

Signs of hearing loss includedifficulty hearing background noisesor hearing conversations in largegroups, as well as regularly needingto turn up the radio or televisionvolume.

The Henry Ford research teamreviewed records for 990 patientsthat had audiograms performed

at the hospital between 2000 and2008. Patients were categorized bygender, age (younger than 60 yearsold, between 60-75 years old andolder than 75 years old), and if theyhad diabetes. Those with diabeteswere divided into two groups: well-controlled or poorly controlled, asdetermined by American DiabetesAssociation guidelines.

Handzo noted that previousstudies about diabetes and hearingloss had not focused on blood-glucoselevels, nor did they include such adiverse population based on age andgender.

Research revealed that womenbetween the ages of 60 and 75 withpoorly controlled diabetes hadsignificantly worse hearing thanthe control group and those whosediabetes was well-controlled.

Among women younger than 60,those with diabetes -- regardless ofwhether or not it was being controlled– had worse hearing than non-diabetic women.

For men in the study, there wasno significant difference in hearingbetween those with diabetes that well-controlled or poorly controlled andthose who did not have diabetes.

Men had more hearing loss acrossthe board compared with women inthe study, regardless of their age orwhether or not they had diabetes.

“Younger males in general haveworse hearing, enough to possiblymask any impact diabetes may haveon hearing,” said Handzo. “But ourfindings really call for future researchto determine the possible role genderplays in hearing loss.”

By JAMES GAFFNEYMature Life Features

Older adults seem to experienceoverall better health-care quality andimprovements when family membersaccompany them during doctor’svisits.

That seems like a no-brainer. Butsometimes it takes a scientific studyto prove something beyond a shadowof a doubt.

And that is precisely whatresearchers at the Johns HopkinsBloomberg School of Public Healthdid recently when they conducteda study that revealed that familycompanions who routinelyaccompany older adults to physicianoffice visits can be helpful to health-care quality improvement efforts.

They also found that three-quarters of older adults whoattend physician visits with afamily companion are consistentlyaccompanied by the same companionover time.

“Continuity of care is a centraltenet of an effective patient-providerpartnership,” said Dr. Jennifer L.Wolff, lead author of the study andan associate professor with theBloomberg School’s Departmentof Health Policy and Management.“Our study documents that thepatient-provider relationship oftenincludes a consistently present andactively engaged family member.This work suggests that quality-of-care improvements may result frommore-productive communication andeducation that targets both patientsand their companions.”

Wolff and her colleagues at theJohns Hopkins schools of PublicHealth, Nursing and Medicine,and Weill Cornell Medical Collegeanalyzed a national survey of

Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 yearsor older.

They found that 75 percent of the9.5 million older adults who attendedroutine physician visits with afamily companion were consistentlyaccompanied at 12 months follow-up. Nearly nine outof 10 (87.9 percent)beneficiaries whowere consistentlyaccompaniedover time wereaccompanied by thesame companion.

Patients who wereolder, less educatedand diagnosed withmultiple chronicconditions weremore likely tobe consistentlyaccompanied at oneyear follow-ups.

Nearly 35.5 percentof accompaniedbeneficiaries werephysically disabledand receivedhelp with dailyactivities from theirfamily companion.Companions ofthese patients weremore active in visitcommunication byproviding informationdirectly to thedoctor (71 percent),asking the doctorquestions (67 percent)and explaining thedoctor’s instructionsto the patient (55percent).

“Initiatives toimprove older adults’quality-of-chronic-

illness care have typically focused onimproving health-care professionaland patient competencies, andhave ignored the fact that Medicarebeneficiaries often manage theirhealth conditions and attend routinephysician visits with a family

member, predominantly a spouse oran adult child,” said Wolff. “Resultsfrom this study may help informhealth reform initiatives that seek toimprove care quality and lower costs,such as the Patient Centered MedicalHome.”

Family companion at doctor visits enhances senior health care

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By JAMES GAFFNEYMature Life Features

Dealing with cancer is difficultfor everyone involved: the patient aswell as his or her family and friends.As people live longer and face greaterchances of developing the disease,it pays to understand the risks andbenefits of treatment.

“People are making life-and-death decisions that may affect theirsurvival and they need to know whatthey’re getting themselves into,” saidDr. Angela Fagerlin, a University ofMichigan Medical School internal-medicine associate professor andU-M Comprehensive Cancer Centerresearcher. “Cancer treatments andtests can be serious. Patients need toknow what kind of side effects theymight experience as a result of thetreatment they undergo.”

She outlined 10 things healthcareprofessionals can do to improve theway they communicate informationabout treatment risks to patients.Patients can tap into these samepractices to become fluent in thelanguage of cancer care and betterunderstand their options.

1. Insist on plain language.If you don’t understand something

your doctor says, ask him or her to

explain it better. “Doctors don’t knowwhen patients don’t understand them.They want patients to stop them andask questions,” said Fagerlin, whois also a research scientist at theVeteran’s Administration Ann ArborHealthcare Center.

2. Focus on the absolute risk.The most important statistic to

consider is the chance that somethingwill happen to you. “It’s importantthat patients and doctors know howto communicate these numbers, andpatients need to have the courage toask their doctor to present it so theycan understand,” she said.

3. Visualize your risk.Instead of just thinking about

numbers, try drawing 100 boxesand coloring in one box for eachpercentage point of risk. So, if yourrisk of a side effect is 10 percent, youwould color in 10 boxes. This kindof visual representation, called apictograph, can help you understandthe meaning behind the numbers. Askyour doctor to draw it out for you, ordo it yourself.

4. Consider risk as a frequencyrather than as percentages.

What does it mean to say 60percent of men who have a radicalprostatectomy will experience

impotence? Imagine a roomful of 100people: 60 of them will have this sideeffect and 40 will not. Thinking of riskin terms of groups of people can helpmake statistics easier to understand.

5. Focus on the additional risk.You may be told the risk of a

certain side effect occurring is 7percent. But if you didn’t take thedrug, is there a chance you’d stillexperience that? Ask what theadditional or incremental risk ofa treatment is. “You want to makesure the risk number you’re beingpresented is the risk due to thetreatment and not a risk you wouldface no matter what,” Fagerlin said.

6. The order of informationmatters.

Studies have shown that the lastthing you hear is most likely to stick.When making a treatment decision,don’t forget to consider all of theinformation and statistics you’velearned.

7. Write it down.You may be presented with a

lot of information. At the end ofthe discussion, ask your doctor if awritten summary of the risks andbenefits is available. Or ask yourdoctor to help you summarize all theinformation in writing.

8. Don’t get hung up on averages.Some studies have revealed that

learning the average risk of a diseasedoes not help patients make gooddecisions about what’s best for them.Your risk is what matters, not anyoneelse’s. Focus on the information thatapplies specifically to you.

9. Less may be more.Don’t get overwhelmed by too

much information. In some cases,there may be many differenttreatment options but only a few maybe relevant to you. Ask your doctorto narrow it down and discuss withyou only the options and facts mostrelevant for you.

10. Consider your risk over time.Your risk may change with time.

“What seems like a small risk overthe next year or two may look a lotlarger when considered over yourlifetime,” said study author Dr. BrianZikmund-Fisher, U-M School ofPublic Health, health behavior andhealth education assistant professor.

If you’re told the five-year risk ofyour cancer returning after a certaintreatment, ask what the 10-year or 20-year risk is. In some cases, this datamight not be available, but always beaware of the time frame involved.

Clarity helps patients handle cancer

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MATURE TRAVEL SCENE

By IGOR LOBANOV-BANOV-BANOROST

BySTBy

OVSKYOVSKYOVMatureMatureMatur LifeLifeLif Featuresaturesatur

The opportunity to visitinteresting and exotic places is oneof the principal reasons people takecruises.

Well aware of this, cruisecompanies make sure every personbooking an itinerary receiveceivecei s a listof guided shore tours, along withthe suggestion to sign up earlyearlyear to beguaranteed a “seat on the bus.”

Cruise lines look forward to plentyof passengers signing up for severalshore tours because they are a majorsource of revenue beyond the basicprice of the cruise.

Discretionary spending by cruisepassengers for spa treatments,alcohol and soft drinks at the bars,wagering in the casino, pre- and post-cruise hotel transfers, as well as shoretours reportedly accounts for about30 percent of the cruise companies’revenue.

And industry observers note thatnet profits from onboard purchasesactually are higher than that fromcruise tickets.

Shore-tour fees, which can rangefrom around $50 to several hundreddollars, can add up quickly. Take acouple of the day-long outings andyou may be out $1,000 or so.

HavingHavingHa the cruise providerarrange for all your tour needs, andyour flights from and to your home,may make it easier for you to enjoyyour holiday, but it also can put a bigdent in your pocketbook.

Fortunately, there are cost-savingcost-savingcost-saalternativetiveti s.

Start by booking your own airtransportation to and from the ship.

Then go online and check websitesthat will sign you up for tours youwant at significantly lower prices.

Here are four such sites: Viator.com, tourdeals.com, shoretrips.com,and portpromotions.com

Their offeringsofferingsof also include pre-and post-cruise stays or extendedvisits, ground transportation betweenyour hotel and the ship, and otherservices.

Viator,or,or Inc., which specializes inresearching and booking tours andactivitiesactivitiesacti around the world, recentlyset up a website – shoreexcursions.viator.com – for cruise passengersto find and book shore excursions.This and other sites list a selection ofexcursions offerofferof ed by major cruiselines in many popularports of call. You areasked to enter thecruise line, name ofthe ship, and the dateof your sailing.

The sites respond

with the ship’s itinerary and a list oftours available during that voyagealong with the ship’s arrivarivari l anddeparture times in each port, thetime the tour takes, and the level ofactivityactivityacti . You can choose one or moretours and send your selections to thesite’s shopping cart to set up payment.

Prices listed are those of theofferingofferingof organization. To determinehow much you will save,save,sa you will havehavehato compare these prices with those onthe cruise line’s shore-excursion list.

If you havehaveha not yet selected acruise, you can search the Internetsites of your tours and excursions inyour ports of interest. Some sites givegivegiyou comparison pricing.

For examples, a Carnivanivani l Cruiseday trip in Naples that includes avisit to the island of Capri showsthe cruise line’s price at $200 versusViator’s price of $134. A PrincessCruises’ Whale Watching AdveAdveAd ntureand Mendenhall Glacier Tour out ofJuneau, Alaska, listed at $179 wasofferofferof ed by Viator for $131.

The online sites also promotesmall-group and customizable tours

for those who want to by-pass thelarge crowds that make up popularship-arranged tours. Examples of thecustomized tours from Viator includea half-day limousine tour of New YorkCity for $66, and a small-group tastingof Greek cuisine in Athens for $73.

Shoretrips.com lists three-portshore-tour packages for Alaskacruises.

A second money-savingmoney-savingmoney-saapproach is to make your shore-tour arrangements directly duringthe cruise, perhaps in concert withlike-minded passengers. Often, youand the others in your group cansimply debarkdebarkdebar and you’ll probablyfind someone on the dock or nearbyhawking local tours at prices belowthat at the ship’s tour desk.

However,er,er local tour operators mayofferofferof fewer perksperksper and you may havehaveha toride in a less-comforless-comforless-comf table vehicle.

Finally, you may choose to tourby yourself or share the cost of ataxi with a few others. You and yourshipmates can then go ashore whenyou want, where you want, and stopwhen you want.

Cruise Log: Save on shore

By IGOR LOBANOV-BANOV-BANOROST

BySTBy

OVSKYOVSKYOVMatureMatureMatur LifeLifeLif Featuresaturesatur

Over the past decadeand a half, 73-year-oldGeorge Byam of East GrandRapids, Mich., has taken 20bicycle excursions in foreigncountries.

The retired businessman,who considers his cyclingability “minimal,” selectstours listed as leisurelyor easy. “I probably go anaverage of nine miles perhour and stop about 60 timesa day to take photographs.”He generally rides about 35miles a day. And he hateshills.

One of the pleasuresof bike touring, he says, ismeeting locals and engagingin conveconvecon rsations, even if he

can’t speak the language.“One of my mottos is tonever take a bike tour in acountry where I can speakthe language. It’s always funto communicate with peoplewhen you don’t use the samesayings.”

Cycling, he believes, isthe best way to tour because,“trains take you throughthe countryside too fast, andwalking is too slow.” Hispreferred terrain is rollinghills and flat stretches withconstantly changing scenery.

A great tour for Byam isone where things don’t go asplanned. When something,such as a mechanicalproblem or poor directions,

Bicycle tour devotee’spedal-power journeys

SeeTour troublespagepagepa 1716

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rather than get stuck withan origination fee and non-purchase penalty.

Most merchants prefer toset up automatic checking-account deductions forlayaway payment, Worochsaid, ostensibly to save youthe hassle of visiting the storeto make each payment. It’sjust another way to make surethey get their money.

However, if one of thosepayments bounces, you’ll be

charged healthy overdraftfees from both the merchantand your bank.

Don’t lay away when youcan pay, Woroch said. Whileit’s difficult to part with cashduring the holidays, the feesyou incur with a layaway planaren’t always worth it if youcan pay cash and avoid thehassle.

If you feel you really needa particular product, shopthe Internet. Comparisonshopping with your mouseis much easier on your feetand takes much less time.And you can sleep on yourdecisions before you buy.

Creditfrom page 8

goes wrong, that trip becomes verymemorable. “You learn more aboutyourself and how to cope withproblems in those situations than anyother time.”

Byam’s earliest biking journeyswere guided tours, as he fearedgetting lost. Today he prefers the self-guided variety.

“I’ve come to love reading a mapand trying to decipher what the localsreally mean by what they are saying.”

He adds that most of the countrieshe has visited have excellent roadsigning. And European roads arefar less dangerous than those in theUnited States.

When selecting a tour, he is

mindful of the time of the year,local temperatures, and the outing’srequired skill level.

His tips for thefirst-time bike tourparticipant include:

• If the weatheris questionable, keepyour upper body dryand warm;

• Pack threedifferent weights ofshirts: a T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, andheavy sweatshirt;

• If you’retraveling on roads,wear a bright-coloredwindbreaker to bevisible to motorists,and

•On warmer days, carry enoughwater for the full day because you

never know how far it will be to afilling station or store.Tour troubles

from page 16

By IGOR LOBANOV-ROSTOVSKY

Mature Life Features

Maybe hanging on to handlebarsas you bounce across a farmer’spasture to the accompaniment ofrattling cowbells on grazing cattledoesn’t sound all that appealing. Nordo you feel like recapturing youryouth by banging your bike throughthe ruts and rises of a forest trail. Butyou might like pedaling quietly alonga Dutch dike, or rolling along quietstreets of a friendly town or village.

Soaking in the countryside fromthe saddle of a bicycle can give you afresh perspective. The breeze on yourface and scent of flowers or grainin nearby fields can stimulate yoursenses in ways not possible whentravel by car, train or motor coach.

There are escorted biking holidaysthat let you roll from one village ortown to the next for several hoursa day, stopping at regular intervalsto catch your breath as well as takebreaks for lunch or to enjoy somelocal attraction. By late afternoon,you arrive at your overnightdestination, usually an inn, local

hotel or other accommodation. Or itmight be a castle.

Van-supported inn-to-inn toursbegan in the United States in the early1970s in Vermont, with its charmingcountryside boasting barns andgrazing cows. Soon, groups werepedaling through France’s LoireValley, England’s Cotswolds andIreland’s Ring of Kerry.

Today, you can bike New Zealand,the Peruvian Andes, Hawaii’sBig Island, the U.S. and Canadianmountain regions, Amish villages andLouisiana plantations. Some tourscombine biking with travel aboarda barge or other form of transport.Also available are custom-designeditineraries tailored to your interests.

You probably will pedal about 25miles a day, but that depends on yourroute and any historical or scenicstops along the way. If there are somesteep hills, you can dismount andwalk up. And if you feel you want toquit pedaling for a while, the luggagevan is usually close by for a ride.

Dinner is a time to relax in thecompany of your fellow riders, tradestories about the day’s adventures,

and receive a briefing from yourescort on what tomorrow will bring.

Many, but not all, of your fellowriders probably ride bikes regularlyback home to keep muscles inshape. If you haven’t ridden a bikefor a while, it’s a good idea to takesome short rides around yourneighborhood in the weeks before youhead out to join the group. Your fellowriders will probably range from about40 to 70 years of age and older.

The cardiovascular and muscle-toning health benefits of biking arewell known. But a biking journey thatrequires several hours of pedalingdaily can produce minor achesand pains such as saddle sores, legand back aches, neck soreness andcramps, usually in the calf muscles.

To help prevent chafing of theskin that can be caused by constantpedaling, professional bike ridersadvise wearing cycling shorts that arelong and close-fitting with no innerseams and lined with chamois. Washthem with a mild antiseptic soap.

Lower back pain can arise whenyou try pumping up a long hill beforethose muscles are in shape. Or when

your reach – the position of yourhandlebars – is not far enough to letyour back stretch out to avoid puttingtoo much weight on the hips andlower back.

Cramps, especially in the calf,can result from pushing too hard onmuscles not sufficiently warmed upor from lack of use. To relieve them,press the middle of your calf firmlywith your thumb for 20 seconds.

Wear a helmet anytime andanywhere you bike. Most bicycle-touring companies require that andthey usually provide one with yourbicycle.

There are hundreds oforganizations that offer escortedbicycling tours. A few examples areInternational Bicycle Tours at www.internationalbicycletours.com whoseitineraries are marketed throughRoad Scholar (www.roadscholar.org),the 50-and-older educational programformerly known as Elderhostel;Backroads at www.backroads.com; and Cycle America (www.cycleamerica.com) whose focus ison national park tours in the UnitedStates and Canada.

Biking tours can be beautiful

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of oxidative free radicals that resultfrom energy metabolism. The brainconsumes about 20 percent of all thebody’s oxygen, even though it onlyweighs about 3.5 pounds.

When brain cells do die orare damaged for any reason,healthy neurons are assaultedby inflammatory chemicals, likecytokines, that are released by thebrain’s immune cell system. Braininflammation is commonly caused byinfections such as colds and flu andby diets deficient in anti-oxidants.

We now know brain functionneed not decline with age, at least forpeople who stay healthy and mentallyactive. By the way, research showsthat a lifetime of vigorous learninghelps prevent or delay Alzheimer’sdisease.

Level of education and lifetimeof intellectual stimulus of researchseem to protect brain against aging.Here are some examples:

• Leo Tolstoy learned to ride abicycle at 67

• Queen Victoria began learningHindustani at 68

• Giuseppe Verdi was stillcomposing operas in his 80s

• Somerset Maugham wrote hislast book at 84

• Frank Lloyd Wright designed hislast building at 89

• In their 90s, Robert Frost waswriting poems and George BernardShaw was writing plays, GeorgiaO’Keefe was painting pictures, andPablo Casals was playing cello

• Oliver Wendell Holmes was stilldominating the Supreme Court untilhe retired at 91

• Linus Pauling was activelypublishing just before his death at age93.

• Leopold Stokowski recorded 20albums in his 90sand signed a six-yearcontract at 96

Scientists areparticularly notedfor being sharp andproductive long intothe late 80s and 90s.The National ScienceFoundation reports

that at age 69 more than 29 percent ofscientists and engineers with PhDsstill work full time, compared to 13percent of scientists with a master ofscience degree or bachelor of sciencedegree. Marion Diamond, an activesenior scientist at 75, published datashowing that brain cells can grow andlearning can improve throughout life.

Of course, genes and luck havea lot to do with how well one ages.Even so, things like exercise, dietand mental activity influence geneexpression. Two genes have alreadybeen identified that become expressedas new memories are formed.

Too many seniors resignthemselves to the ravages of age.They will find, however, large benefitsfrom challenging themselves in newexperiences and competencies. Better

yet, learning new things makes youfeel good about yourself, especiallywhen accomplishing things otherpeople think you can’t do.

Sources:1. Discover Magazine (2012).

Special issue “2062 World Almanac.”October.

2. Rupp, R. (1998) Committed toMemory. New York: Random House.

3. Diamond, Marian (1993). Anoptimistic view of aging brain.The Free Library. http://www.thefreelibrary.com.

Dr. Klemm is author of anew memory improvement book,Memory Power 101 (New York:Skyhorse) and an e-book in multipleformats for students, Better Grades,Less Effort (Smashwords.com).

Her estate is now $2 million. If theexemption were to stay at $5 million,she would not have an estate taxissue. But, if the exemption is downto $1 million when husband dies, wifehas an estate tax issue because herestate at $2 million is greater than the$1 million exemption amount. Larkinexplains that wife can avoid her estatetax issue by electing portability. Asexpected, there are a lot of details

that I cannot go into here.However, Larkin said, “We

have clients who otherwise are notrequired to file an estate tax returnwho are filing just to elect thisportability feature. Could be a greatmove if portability carries over insome form into 2013.”

Planning and predictionsFor years it has been standard

advice to push income into next yearand avoid paying income taxes now.This year, that rule of thumb hasbeen tossed aside. Both Jones andLarkin are advising their clients to

seriously think about pushing asmuch income as possible into their2012 tax return instead of delaying tothe 2013 tax return. There are manyuncertainties about taxes in 2013.Both Jones and Larkin are estimatingtheir clients’ income taxes two ways:assuming laws change and assuminglaws don’t change.

Larkin explained, “We don’t knowexactly what 2013 taxation will looklike, but it is not going to be betterthan 2012.”

Just the tip of the icebergFolks, we have run out of room

here. I have left out more taxwarnings than I have put in thisarticle. I cringe to think what myfellow CPAs are saying as they readthis column. “I can’t believe she leftout ….!” If you want to know whatthose items are and whether or howyou can plan to effectively deal withthem, I recommend that you do whatI have done: meet with a tax CPApronto.

Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS,CFF, CDFA, CFP® through her blog atwww.TexasDivorceFinance.com.

Stewartfrom page 4

• Manipulation whileunder general anesthetics–a doctor will stretch yourshoulder while you areasleep. This may also bedone in connection witha corticosteroid and localanesthetic injected into yourshoulder.

• Surgery or arthroscopiccapsular release may alsobe used if all other methodsfailed and you still have painand stiffness interfering withyour ability to do normaleveryday activities.

Regarding what to do now,I recommend that you makean appointment with yourdoctor so he/she can rule outother conditions.

If the diagnosis is “FrozenShoulder”, you’ll want tobegin physical therapytreatments immediately. I

would recommend tryingmore natural methods of painmanagement first, such astrigger point dry needling,along with over the counterpain medicine.

If the pain is quite severe,you may talk with yourdoctor about injections. Thesooner the pain is reduced thesooner you can work on thestiffness. You don’t want yourshoulder to be immobile fortoo long because you shoulderwill tighten and the pain willincrease.

Make sure to exploreoptions for physical therapybecause not all physicaltherapist specialize in painmanagement nor haveadvanced credentialing in thenewest treatment methods.

Leon Bradway is a physicaltherapist and director ofthe Sports Back and PainManagement Clinic. See www.bvphysicaltherapy.com.

Bradwayfrom page 5

MemoryMedicfrom page 2

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CALENDAROngoing

Sit and Fit – Seniors meet fromnoon to 12:45 p.m. every Tuesdayand Thursday at SouthwoodCommunity Center to enjoy a workoutwhile sitting in a chair. The center isat 1520 Rock Prairie Road in CollegeStation. For more information, contactSouthwood Community Center at979-764-6351 or College StationParks and Recreation Department,Senior Services at 979-764-6371 ormrodgers@cstx.gov.

Line dancing - SouthwoodCommunity Center, 1520 Rock PrairieRoad in College Station, holds linedancing for seniors from 1:30 to 2:30p.m. every Tuesday and from 10 to 11a.m. every Friday. For more details,contact Southwood CommunityCenter at 979-764-6351 or CollegeStation Parks and RecreationDepartment, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bluegrass Jam Session –Held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. everyTuesday at Southwood CommunityCenter, at 1520 Rock Prairie Roadin College Station. All skill levels arewelcome. Participants should bringstring instruments and a friend. Formore information, contact SouthwoodCommunityCenterat979-764-6351orCollege Station Parks and RecreationDepartment, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

42 dominoes - Seniors meet from9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday toplay 42 at Southwood CommunityCenter, 1520 Rock Prairie Road inCollegeStation. Formore information,contact Southwood CommunityCenter at 979-764-6351 or College

Station Parks and RecreationDepartment, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Friday Bridge - SouthwoodCommunity Center, 1520 Rock PrairieRoad in College Station, offers bridgefor seniors from 9 a.m. to noon everyFriday. For more details, contactSouthwood Community Centerat 979-764-6351, College StationParks and Recreation Department,Senior Services at 979-764-6371 ormrodgers@cstx.gov.

Dec. 4Computer 101“Beginning

Basic Computer Class” – Classthat teaches basic computer skillswill be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. onTuesdays and Thursdays starting onDec. 4 and lasting three weeks, atSouthwood Community Center, 1520Rock Prairie Road in College Station.Cost is $60. To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov, contact College StationParks and Recreation Departmentat 979-764-3486 or visit the CollegeStation Parks and RecreationDepartment at 1000 Krenek TapRoad. For more information, callCollege Station Senior Services at979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Computer 102 “IntermediateComputer Class” - Intermediatecomputer class will be held from 10:45a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays andThursdays for three weeks startingon Dec. 4. Classes will be held atSouthwood Community Center, 1520Rock Prairie Road in College Station.Cost is $60. To register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov, contact College StationParks and Recreation Department

at 979-764-3486 or visit the CollegeStation Parks and RecreationDepartment at 1000 Krenek TapRoad. For more information callCollege Station Senior Services at979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Dec. 5Computer Club for Seniors

– Monthly meeting is held from 9to 10:30 a.m. at the Carter’s CreekTraining Room, at 2200 North ForestParkway in College Station. Thismonth the group will be lookingat “What is new in the world ofelectronic technology”. Best Buywill present computers, cameras,tablets, phones and more. Free andno pre-registration needed. For moreinformation, contact College StationParks and Recreation Department,Senior Services at 979-764-6371 ormrodgers@cstx.gov.

Dec. 8Senior Pageant -All seniors ages

55 and older are invited to enjoy freefood, entertainment and door prizesfrom 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lincoln Center,1000 Eleanor St. The pageant will

honor the “Age of Elegance” witha fashion show. For more details,contact Lincoln Center at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

Dec. 9Brazos Valley Symphony’s

Holiday Brass and OrganSpectacular – Holiday concert willbe held at 5 p.m. at Christ UnitedMethodist Church in College Station,followed by a reception with cookiesand beverages in the church foyer.Tickets are $10 per child and $25per adult, and can be purchasedbefore the event at the MSC BoxOffice, located in Rudder Auditoriumor online at www.boxoffice.tamu.edu;they will also be available at the doorat the event. 979-696-6100

Dec. 12Holiday Open House – People

ages 55 and older are invited from10 a.m. to noon to learn about thevariety of activities and classesavailable at Southwood CommunityCenter. There will be refreshments,entertainment, door prizes and photoswith Santa. For more details, contactSouthwood Community Center at

979-764-6351 or College StationParks and Recreation Department,Senior Services at 979-764-6371 ormrodgers@cstx.gov.

Dec. 13AARP Driver Safety Class –

From 1 to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Annex,3030 E. 29th St., Ste. 100, in Bryan.Call 979-731-1231 to register.

Dec. 20Movie andPopcorn - Seniors are

invited to enjoy a movie and popcornat Southwood Community Center,1520 Rock Prairie Road. Movie startsat 1 p.m. For more details, contactSouthwood Community Center at979-764-6351 or College StationParks and Recreation Department,Senior Services at 979-764-6371 ormrodgers@cstx.gov.

Jan. 7Free meditation class - Held the

first Monday of every month, from 6 to6:45 p.m. at Brazos Healing Center,1804 Brothers Blvd, Suite D, CollegeStation. BrazosHealingCenter.com or402-3595.

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Christmas Open HouseChristmas Open HouseChristmas Open HouseChristmas Open HouseChristmas Open HouseChristmas Open House

Watercrest At BryanWatercrest At BryanWatercrest At BryanWatercrest At BryanWatercrest At BryanWatercrest At BryanWatercrest At BryanWatercrest At BryanWatercrest At BryanDecember 19th, 5-7pm

3801 E Crest Dr Bryan, T X 77802(Near the intersection of University and Boonville Road)979-708-7033 • www.watercrestbryan.com

We will be serving hors d’oeuvres & dessertsfrom our chef and providing entertainment,music, door prizes, and dancing.

We will becollecting newtoys for the Toysfor Tots program

Join us for a Holiday Open House and findout why Watercrest at Bryan was votedBest Independent Living Community of theBrazos in 2010, 2011 & 2012!Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 979-703-7088 or byemail to marketing@watercrestbryan.comby Monday, December 17th.

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