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Friday, August 9, 2024

Understanding Thyroid Eye Disease



Thyroid Eye Disease can cause pain and disfigurement, but treatment makes an impact.

You’re probably familiar with the most common age-related eye conditions: glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Thyroid Eye Disease, or TED, while less common and less familiar to most people, still affects about 63,000 individuals in the United States. 

An autoimmune disorder, TED causes inflammation in the muscles and fatty tissues behind the eye. When the area behind the eye becomes inflamed, people with TED might notice these symptoms:

  • Bulging eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • A gritty feeling in the eyes
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty closing the eyes completely, resulting in a “stare”
  • Pain in or behind the eyes

Most people experience symptoms in both eyes, but it’s possible that only one eye feels the effects. For some, a frustrating part of the disease is that it changes the appearance of the eyes and face. In a recent study on patient experiences with TED, some participants noted that the disease has a negative effect on their self-confidence. Others said that it makes daily activities like reading and driving less comfortable. One person shared, “This is a very difficult disease that causes tremendous damage to one’s health, ability to be independent, and psychologic well-being. As is the case with other autoimmune diseases, it is unpredictable, triggers other, significant health problems, and is always with you.”

People are most often diagnosed with TED in their 40s or 60s, but onset can happen for people in their 20s through 90s. Women are four times more likely to be diagnosed than men. That’s because women are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid releases too many hormones. Thyroid Eye Disease usually occurs along with hyperthyroidism, which in turn often occurs with Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder. TED is sometimes called Graves’ eye disease. 

Diagnosis Can Be Frustrating

Many people with TED say they struggled to find out that they had the disease. In the same recent study, one participant with TED said, “It was hard getting a diagnosis. I visited 2 local doctors who just prescribed eye drops that did nothing. It wasn’t until I went to a major teaching hospital in a large city that I received a correct diagnosis.” 

If you suspect you may have TED, ask your doctor to examine your eyes and eyelids. A blood test can confirm if hyperthyroidism is contributing to the symptoms, and your doctor may also order imaging: an orbital ultrasound, CT, or MRI. 

According to Dr. Eve M. Glazier and Dr. Elizabeth Ko of UCLA, “There is no known cure for the condition at this time. That means treatment focuses on managing existing symptoms and monitoring their effect on vision.”

A New Treatment

Thankfully, treatment can make a big impact on the symptoms of TED. Steroids can help reduce inflammation in the initial stage of the disease, so getting a diagnosis early can make a difference in the long-term effects of TED.

Currently, Tepezza (teprotumumab) is the only FDA-approved drug to reduce the symptoms of TED. Approved in 2020, the drug can help reduce eye pain, redness and swelling, double vision, and bulging eyes. 

If your doctor prescribes Tepezza, you may receive an IV-infusion of the drug every three weeks for about five months. TED is relatively uncommon, and Tepezza treatment isn’t available everywhere. Some patients may have to travel for these infusions. Tepezza is usually covered by insurance or Medicare. 

In some cases, people with TED might decide on surgery. Eyelid surgery helps the eyelids close over the cornea and reduce the risk of eye damage. Orbital decompression surgery involves making the eye socket larger or removing some tissue from behind the eye. Eye muscle surgery can also help reduce eye bulging. 

Lifestyle changes can also help reduce TED symptoms. Number one: smokers should quit, since smoking increases the chance of developing TED by seven or eight times, and it drags out the inflammatory stage. People with TED can also find relief by: 

  • Wearing sunglasses
  • Using cool compresses on the eyes
  • Taking selenium, if a doctor prescribes it

Thyroid Eye Disease is complex, like other autoimmune disorders, and can have a serious impact on individuals’ quality of life. The TED Community Organization provides support for people with TED and their families. Check out their website for online support groups, patient story podcasts, and many more resources. 




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New Rules for Buying and Selling a Home



A landmark settlement means that, as soon as this month, the 6% commission will become a thing of the past.  


In March, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached a settlement with home sellers in a major antitrust lawsuit. In addition to paying $418 million, NAR agreed to change the way their realtors do business in the United States. 

The best news for home buyers and sellers is that the new rules eliminate the standard 6% commission included in home price listings. How exactly this change will reshape the experience of homebuying remains to be seen. Buyers’ agents will need to develop new ways to negotiate their fees directly with home buyers.

One thing is for sure: the rule changes, which could go into effect as soon as August 17, will significantly impact home buyers, home sellers, and real estate agents. According to Norm Miller, University of San Diego professor emeritus, the settlement kicks off the biggest shake-up in real estate in a century. “I’ve been waiting 50 years for this,” he told CNN.

Could you be eligible for compensation from this settlement?

Possibly, if you sold a home in recent years that was listed on an MLS. But, even if you qualify, don’t expect a big payout. For more information, check the eligibility requirements for your state or call 888-995-0207.
With a 6% rate, and the median price of a U.S. home at $417,000, a seller could end up paying over $25,000 in brokerage fees. According to CNN, the home sellers’ agents who brought the suit against NAR sought to uncouple sales commissions from home prices. As a result of their successful suit, sellers’ agents are no longer required to share their commission with buyers’ agents.

The NAR reminds the public that broker fees were always negotiable. But they didn’t always appear so when rolled into the home cost on a multiple listing service, or MLS. An MLS is a database of available listings created and maintained by real estate brokers collaborating in a geographic area. Popular websites like Zillow or Redfin use MLS data to power their searches. Among other changes to MLS rules, the NAR settlement will: 

  • Prohibit an MLS from listing required broker compensation. 
  • Require compensation disclosures to sellers, and to prospective sellers and buyers. 
  • Require brokers who use an MLS to enter into a written agreement with the buyer prior to touring a home.

Overall, industry experts and home buyers hope that a more transparent process will translate into a more competitive market. Without a standard 6% commission, U.S. brokerage costs may fall more into line with those of other countries, like Singapore and the UK, where realtors charge 1% to 2% for the same services. 

The UK’s brokerage market may offer a glimpse into the future for the U.S. One British online-only real estate agency, Purplebricks, offers to help you sell your house, for free. For a fee, you get extra services, like “a 360 virtual tour” and “expert mortgage advice.” These and other alternative brokerage models that exist only in small ways in the U.S. today may expand their market share in the coming years.

Realtors in Uncharted Waters

While probably good news for people on the hunt for a new home, the settlement will likely hurt realtors’ bottom lines, especially for less-established professionals. According to Miller, the UCSD real estate professor, lower brokerage fees could even mean a mass exodus of realtors from the industry.  

Plus, the burden of education about the new rules, for now, may rest largely with realtors themselves. Builder and investor Sam Mehrbod, Ph.D., writing for Forbes, suggests that realtors get used to talking directly to customers in detail about how the new open pricing structure benefits them. Realtors will need to outline the services they provide each step of the way during the home buying process, the purpose of each service, and the cost. 

Another standard new business practice for buyers’ agents will be to draw up a template for contracts with buyers. The template should outline all expectations while remaining easy for buyers to read and understand. Realtors can also strengthen their trust with buyers and sellers in this new environment by using social media and giving local presentations to answer frequently-asked questions. 

One change to expect immediately is that interested home buyers will be required to sign a contract with agents before touring a home. While such a contract, sometimes called a buyer-broker agreement, is already required in some states, it will become mandatory throughout the country. 




This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice from a qualified financial advisor.



Sources:



Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors



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Protecting Your Skin: Summer Skincare Tips for Older Adults

Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor activities, family gatherings, and enjoying the sunshine. However, for older adults, it's crucial to pay extra attention to skincare during these warm months. As we age, our skin becomes more sensitive and requires more care to stay healthy and protected. Here are some essential summer skincare tips for older adults:

1. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin, especially in the summer. Older adults should aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, which can become more susceptible to damage and irritation. Consider incorporating hydrating foods into your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.



2. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser that doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils. Harsh soaps can dry out the skin, making it more prone to damage from the sun and environmental factors. Cleansing your face twice a day helps to remove dirt, sweat, and pollutants, keeping your skin clean and fresh.

3. Apply Moisturizer Regularly

As we age, our skin produces less oil, leading to dryness. A good moisturizer can help to keep the skin soft and supple. Look for products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help to lock in moisture. Apply moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face to trap moisture in the skin.

4. Sun Protection is a Must

Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin aging and damage. Older adults should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats, can also provide additional protection from the sun.



5. Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure

Try to stay out of the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest. If you must be outside, seek shade whenever possible and take breaks indoors to cool down and hydrate.

6. Incorporate Antioxidants into Your Skincare Routine

Antioxidants can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. Look for skincare products that contain vitamins C and E, green tea extract, or ferulic acid. These ingredients can help to brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging.

7. Be Gentle with Your Skin

Avoid using harsh exfoliants or abrasive scrubs, as older skin is thinner and more delicate. Instead, use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote a radiant complexion. Always use a light touch and avoid over-exfoliating, which can cause irritation and damage.

8. Monitor Skin Changes

Keep an eye on any changes in your skin, such as new moles, growths, or changes in existing moles. Older adults are at a higher risk for skin cancer, so regular self-examinations and annual check-ups with a dermatologist are important for early detection and treatment.


Taking care of your skin is essential at any age, but it becomes even more important as we grow older. By following these summer skincare tips, older adults can enjoy the sunshine while keeping their skin healthy and protected. Remember to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and be gentle with your skin to maintain a youthful and radiant complexion all summer long.


Brought to you by Tara Schumann, Digital Media Specialist for The Society of Certified Senior Advisors.
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Traveling Solo: More Older Women Are Taking Trips on Their Own



Whether in an organized group or on their own, older women are discovering the joys of solo travel. 


For many Americans, retirement means travel. Today, more and more seniors are flying solo: 17% of baby boomers are looking forward to an international solo trip this year. And many of these new solo travelers are women. 

According to Road Scholar, one of the leading senior travel companies, 30% of their tour participants are solo travelers, and of those, 85% are women. When Road Scholar surveyed solo women travelers to investigate this trend, they found that 60% were married. While some other solo travelers were recently widowed or divorced, only 6% of respondents said that they traveled solo because they didn’t have anyone in their lives to join them. 

So why are so many older women choosing to explore the world on their own? For some, they simply don’t share the same travel goals or habits as their spouses. Joanna Moorhead, 61, an avid international solo traveler, says her partner’s schedule isn’t as flexible as hers. For Rosalind Duhs, whose husband has dementia, travel is something she does for herself.  “Of course, my thoughts turn to our excellent holidays together,” she says, “but those days are gone and I’m lucky that, for me, still working hard and earning, carer’s respite can be exotic. I look forward to getting back to see him.”  

Other women, partnered or not, simply love the freedom of solo travel. Waking up and deciding to do exactly what you want, when you want, can feel exhilarating—especially if you’ve spent every vacation of your adult life keeping the whole family on schedule. Traveling alone might be liberating for women who have never had the chance to get to know themselves in places that are outside their comfort zone. “You also learn to dig deep and realize that you have resilience and abilities that you never thought you had,” says solo traveler Janice Falconer. 

And women for whom solo travel has always been a way of life? They see no reason to let their age stop them from venturing out on their own. Sam Mendes says she never got a second glance when she traveled solo in Brazil in her late 20s. But now, she says, in her 50s, “with the same sense of wanderlust I had three decades ago, if I mention that I’m going to Mexico for a month, or have just returned from a trip to Cuba alone, I seem to get a response from women of my age of either horror or awe: ‘What, on your own?’”

Before Packing Your Bags

There are valid reasons to hesitate. For solo travelers, the risk of getting lost or becoming the victim of crime in an unfamiliar place is compounded when you know you’ll have to deal with unexpected problems yourself. And for older adults traveling solo, knowing your physical limits is important. Janice Waugh, of Solo Traveler World, cautions: “Know how far you can walk, how far you can ride, how far you can hike, what stairs are like for you, what it’s like on uneven surfaces — just take account of this, because it can really affect your enjoyment of the trip once you go.”  

Traveling alone can be expensive, too. Instead of sharing the cost of a hotel room, for example, you’re paying for it yourself. And some would-be solo travelers worry that, once on the road, they’d feel too lonely to enjoy the trip. 

Consider Group Travel

Group travel helps to put these concerns to rest. Traveling in a group offers a built-in support network in case of emergency, and buying a package can make a trip more economical overall. Group tours like those offered by Road Scholar and alumni associations also provide an easy way to make friends, something that women say they’re looking for from solo travel. Waugh told Travel and Leisure that, with a tour, “You know you’re going to be sitting with someone to have dinner; you know someone’s going to navigate the whole destination. So that’s a really valid and useful way to travel for seniors.”

Whether with a group or on a self-designed trip, women who decide to travel alone tend to report that loneliness doesn’t characterize their journey. In fact, meeting new people, in the tour group or through chance encounters, becomes a highlight. “Much travelled but always with family, I feared that I might feel melancholy. Far from it,” says Rosalind Duhs, the traveler whose husband has dementia. “Apart from my itinerary, which was planned with a travel agent, I’ve felt liberated by doing what I wanted…The only problem I’ve encountered is mansplaining—on long-haul flights and in restaurants.”

Are you an older woman considering a solo international trip? Start with these tips:
  • Start small. Pick a “practice” destination close to home, like a city an hour away, and plan a mini solo vacation. If you’re not sure if you’d enjoy spending a week on your own in Amsterdam, see how it feels to get to know Milwaukee by yourself for a weekend. 
  • Do your research. Talk to other solo women travelers to get answers to your questions before you go. Two active Facebook forums to check out are Solo Travel Wisdom and Solo in Style.
  • Choose the right destination. Some cities and countries will be easier to navigate as a solo woman as compared to others. According to women in the Solo Travel Wisdom group, some top destinations for women over 70 traveling solo are Vietnam, Portugal, Mexico, and small towns in Europe. 



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Thursday, August 8, 2024

Modem, Router, WAP, Switch: Internet Terms for Savvy Seniors



Want to sound instantly smarter? Learn the definition of these basic tech words for the equipment that helps us get online – and that some of us use without really understanding.


Most of us are familiar with the terms modem and router. We know we have one of each at home, and that we need them in order to use our home computer. For anything beyond that, well, we can call the Geek Squad or hope that our neighbor’s teenager will come over and lend some expertise (even if she thinks we’re sadly out of date). It doesn’t have to be that way.

Knowledge is power. Better yet, this is pretty basic stuff. So let’s dive into these four terms and how they relate to hopping on your home internet. (That teenager? She’s going to give you some newfound respect). Let’s talk about them in a way we can all understand.

Modem

The modem connects to a cable (or telephone wire in remote areas) in order to act as the interface between your computer and the world. It translates the digital signals from your computer into analog information to be carried out into the world. It’s a process called modulation and demodulation, names that are only important if you wonder why it’s called a “mo-dem.” 

A modem usually has only one internet protocol (IP) address that identifies your location to the internet. Every device connected to the internet has a unique IP address. Just as a package can’t reach you without your home address, information from the internet can’t be accessed without an IP address.

Router

Your modem can only send out information to one device at a time. You need a router so that Fred can watch his favorite Netflix show on the smart TV while Wilma looks up brontosaurus recipes on her laptop and Pebbles checks Insta on her phone. Your router will connect all your different home devices to each other and the modem. 

How Do I Know If My Router Has a Switch?

Tech is always evolving, and many or most routers have a switch built into them nowadays. The tell? If your router has several ports, then a switch is built in. 
Your modem will give each device its own internal IP address. If your modem address is like a building number, the router addresses resemble different apartment numbers in that building. The router routes information from the modem and sends it to the device that requested it. 

Wireless Access Point

Your wireless access point (WAP) is probably built into your home router. Standalone WAPs are more common for businesses, where they enable devices to connect wirelessly instead of with a tangled mess of wires. 

However, if you have a big home with “dead” areas where the Wi-Fi doesn’t reach, you may want a mesh network kit that will let multiple units cover your home with Wi-Fi more effectively than range extenders. Mesh networks can act as WAPs when paired with a router, or they may even be able to take on the job of a router as well. 

Switch

If your router runs out of Ethernet ports for all your devices, which can happen if you have a lot of smart home devices, add a switch for additional ports. It’s a bit like a power strip for your devices; just plug extra devices into the switch, plug the switch into your router, and you’re good to go. 

So, to sum it up, just remember that:
The modem converts your provider signal to your home network.
The router connects networks within your home.
The WAP connects Wi-Fi access points wirelessly.
The switch connects multiple devices in the same network.




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Saturday, August 3, 2024

Zoning In On Hypnotherapy for Seniors



Entering a hypnotic state can improve symptoms of many mental and physical illnesses—and Medicare may cover it. 


Back pain, anxiety, cancer treatment side effects, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—while they don’t have much in common on the surface, all these conditions have been shown to improve with hypnosis. Hypnotherapy—the use of hypnosis to treat medical and psychological conditions—still has a cultural reputation for being a bit woo-woo. But it’s been endorsed by doctors for many years as a safe and effective treatment for a range of ailments, many of which affect seniors. 

When a person experiences hypnosis, they enter a state of focused attention. The background fades away, and they’re able to pay close attention to a therapist’s suggestions. While hypnosis is defined as an altered state of consciousness, the person usually remembers the entire experience, and they choose whether or not to follow any given directions.

Why does hypnotherapy work? 

Researchers think one reason is the hypnotic state quiets a person’s critical voice, allowing suggestions that one might normally dismiss to take root instead. For a person who experiences anxiety and depression, the new ideas could support a shift in attitude that transforms self-esteem. For someone with chronic pain, hypnotherapy could support a shift toward thinking less about the pain. “Hypnotherapy can help you decide which things you should give your attention to, and which you shouldn't,” according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Older adults are uniquely positioned to benefit from hypnotherapy because it’s used to treat many common conditions associated with aging, such as insomnia and pain. And researchers are starting to look into specific ways hypnotherapy can be combined with other interventions to support seniors. In one recent study, hypnosis helped seniors to feel less afraid of falling during rehab exercises. In another study, older adults with cognitive decline experienced less anxiety around an invasive procedure when they were hypnotized before the operation.

It's not uncommon for us to develop new or heightened fears in our later years. Compared to younger adults, and to their younger selves, seniors may experience higher levels of fear related to falling, being along, crime, illness, and dying. What starts as a natural response to the challenges of aging can turn into a phobia. Hypnotherapy, long used to treat phobias, may help older adults find relief.

For most individuals, hypnotherapy has no side effects, but it’s not for everyone. Among people with a history of psychosis, hypnotherapy can worsen or prompt symptoms. And some people are simply less susceptible to hypnotism than others, and may benefit less or not all. As with any intervention, always consult with a qualified provider before pursuing treatment.

When does Medicare cover hypnotherapy?

Medicare may cover hypnotherapy, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ 2024 Medicare Learning Network publication on mental health coverage. Medicare only covers uses that are deemed medically necessary—so you’ll likely have no luck getting reimbursed for hypnotherapy to enhance job performance, for example. But if your doctor diagnoses you with IBS and refers you to a therapist for hypnotherapy, that use may be covered. 

In some cases, a Medicare Advantage plan may cover hypnotherapy when Original Medicare doesn’t. In other instances, a prior authorization may be necessary. 

If you’re already seeing a therapist for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition, hypnosis may be one of the modalities your therapist employs with you during sessions. If Medicare already covers those sessions, hypnotherapy would generally be covered as part of the larger treatment plan. 

For insurance coverage, and for the best treatment, it’s important to seek hypnotherapy from qualified health professionals. Not all certified hypnotherapists are mental health providers; for example, dentists sometimes seek certification because hypnosis can help reduce anxiety related to dental procedures. But when you’re looking for a specialist, you’re probably in search of a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, doctor, nurse, or social worker. 

Ask about the provider’s credentials and experience using hypnosis to treat your particular condition. You can search the websites of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, or the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists. Be more careful when the practitioner advertises hypnotherapy as their primary or only mode of treatment. Usually, hypnotherapy helps improve the effectiveness of other therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), physical therapy, and occupational therapy.




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Friday, August 2, 2024

Famous & 65

Look who's turning 65 this month

Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!


Image Source: Wikipedia

August 13 - Danny Bonaduce, actor, radio host  

You might know Danny Bonaduce as the mischievous redheaded middle son of the musical family of The Partridge Family. Bonaduce won audiences over as Danny Partridge, son of Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones), during the show’s run from 1970 to 1974. As a young actor, Bonaduce also appeared in Corvette Summer (1978) as a high school student alongside Mark Hamill (Star Wars). He had cameos and recurring roles in a variety of TV shows including Married…with Children, CSI, Monk, and The Drew Carey Show. 

Despite struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, Bonaduce successfully reinvented himself several times during his entertainment career. From the late 1980s through the early 2020s, he hosted radio shows in his native Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle, and elsewhere, becoming a well-known on-air personality. 

He also stepped onto the wrestling mat for charity many times. Bonaduce faced off against some famous personalities, most of whom weren’t professional fighters, either, including actor Donny Osmond and baseball player José Canseco. 

Bonaduce was arrested more than once on drug and assault charges, but he never lost a sense of humor about his own ups and downs. He titled his 2002 memoir Random Acts of Badness. 






Image Source: Wikipedia

August 14 - Magic Johnson, basketball star

Widely acknowledged as the greatest point guard of all time, Magic Johnson was born Earvin Johnson, Jr. in Lansing Michigan. When he was a sophomore in high school, his talent on the basketball court earned him the name Magic. Johnson is famous for his incredible passing skills: with a career total of 905 NBA games, Johnson holds the record for highest average of assists per game (11.2).

Johnson played for the Los Angeles Lakers during his entire career, leading the team to five NBA championships between 1979 and 1991. That period became known as the Showtime era because of Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabar’s spectacular style of play, characterized by lots of fast breaks, high scores, and excitement from the crowd.

Johnson joined the 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team, dubbed The Dream Team for its roster of NBA stars, namely Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley. They won gold in Barcelona. 

When Johnson tested positive for HIV, he retired abruptly from the Lakers, but later went on to play two more seasons. In his retirement, Johnson became an advocate for safe sex and HIV/AIDS awareness. He also kept playing basketball, most notably touring the world with the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team he founded. 

In 2021, ESPN ranked Johnson the 17th greatest athlete of the 21st century. 






Image Source: Wikipedia

August 17 - Jonathan Franzen, author

These days, few novelists reach the height of celebrity that Jonathan Franzen has achieved in his three-decade career. The author is perhaps most famous for his novels The Corrections (2001) and Freedom (2010). The Corrections won the National Book Award and elevated Franzen to the national spotlight.
 
Franzen’s six novels, short fictions and essays, plus his presence as a public intellectual, have earned him a dual reputation as both an important voice in American letters and an elitist grump. He has the distinction of having been disinvited from Oprah’s Book Club, after he said in an interview that her choice of The Corrections made him “cringe” because of her track record of picking “schmaltzy” books. Nine years later, Oprah picked Freedom, offering Franzen a redemptive moment. He took her up on it and appeared on her show. 

Freedom recounts the tragicomic story of the Midwestern Berglund family. According to Franzen, the novel was inspired in part by the death of his friend and highly-acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace. Freedom received enormous recognition, and some critics lent it the coveted label “The Great American Novel.” It’s currently in production as a limited TV series with Melanie Marnich (Big Love, The Affair) as head writer.

Franzen lives in Santa Cruz, California and describes himself as an avid birdwatcher. He served for almost a decade on the board of the American Bird Conservatory.






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