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Thursday, October 10, 2024

Nurturing Your Emotional Wellness: A Guide for Older Adults during Emotional Wellness Month




As we age, it’s natural to focus on physical health—staying active, eating well, and keeping up with doctor visits. But have you ever thought about your emotional wellness? Taking care of your emotional health is just as important for living a full and happy life. October is Emotional Wellness Month, making it the perfect time to check in with yourself, reduce stress, and nurture a positive mindset.

What is Emotional Wellness?

Emotional wellness means understanding and managing your feelings, keeping healthy relationships, coping with stress, and handling life’s changes with resilience. It’s more than just feeling happy; it’s about accepting all emotions—both good and bad—and dealing with them in a healthy way. For older adults, emotional wellness can help you stay engaged with life, remain connected to others, and continue to enjoy new experiences, even when life brings change.

Why is Emotional Wellness Important for You?

As we grow older, life brings new challenges—like retirement, the loss of loved ones, health changes, or moving to new living situations. These experiences can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness. Without emotional support, it’s easy to feel isolated, which can affect both your mental and physical health.

Taking care of your emotional wellness helps you stay positive, connected, and able to manage life’s stresses. Being emotionally healthy can also boost your immune system, reduce the risk of depression, and improve your brain health. Simply put, emotional wellness plays a key role in your overall well-being and can help you live a vibrant and active life.

Simple Tips for Boosting Your Emotional Wellness

Here are some easy ways to nurture your emotional health:

  1. Stay Connected
    Social interaction is crucial for your emotional health. Keep in touch with family, friends, and your community. Regular phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits can make a big difference. You might also consider joining a local senior center, community group, or club to meet new people and stay engaged.

  2. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation
    Mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking deep breaths can help you manage stress. Try spending a few minutes each day focusing on the present moment. These small practices can ease anxiety and improve your mood.

  3. Enjoy Meaningful Activities
    Hobbies or activities that bring you joy can boost your emotional wellness. Whether you enjoy gardening, painting, volunteering, or learning something new, staying mentally and physically active will help you feel fulfilled and build emotional resilience.

  4. Talk about Your Feelings
    Sharing your emotions with someone you trust—whether a family member, friend, or counselor—can lighten the load. Don’t hesitate to open up about how you feel, especially if sadness or anxiety lasts for a while. Talking to a professional can offer extra support.

  5. Stay Physically Active
    Physical activity is great for your mood. Even gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or yoga release endorphins, which help improve your emotional health and reduce stress.

  6. Focus on Positivity
    Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of life can help you maintain a healthy mindset. Try keeping a gratitude journal or saying daily affirmations to boost your emotional well-being.

Navigating Life Transitions with Emotional Wellness

Life changes as we age, but with the right emotional support, you can navigate these transitions with resilience.

  • Retirement: Retirement can feel exciting, but it might also leave you wondering what’s next. Staying busy with hobbies, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones can help fill the gap.

  • Grief and Loss: Losing a spouse or close friend is incredibly hard, but talking about your feelings and seeking grief counseling can provide comfort. Honoring memories in positive ways can also help you heal.

  • Health Changes: Dealing with health challenges or mobility limitations can be tough. Focus on what you can still do and find joy in modified activities. Staying positive and active in small ways can make a big difference.

Conclusion

Emotional wellness is an essential part of healthy aging. This Emotional Wellness Month, take time to prioritize your emotional well-being. Whether it’s staying connected with loved ones, picking up a new hobby, or practicing mindfulness, there are many ways to nurture your emotional health and enjoy life to the fullest.


Brought to you by Tara Schumann, Digital Media Specialist for The Society of Certified Senior Advisors.
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Wednesday, October 9, 2024

A New Option for Bunions



3D Bunion Correction surgery may or may not have advantages over traditional procedures.


About a quarter of people on the planet have bunions, and in the U.S. it’s more like a third. Each year, 350,000 people in the U.S. opt for a bunionectomy, and many are choosing a new surgery: Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™. Lapiplasty bills itself as a less-invasive procedure that will get you back on your feet faster. Let’s take a look at the evidence to help you decide which bunion treatment options could be right for you.

Bunions 101

A bunion forms when the joint of the big toe protrudes from the side of the foot and starts to push against the other toes. Bunions run in families, and having flat feet may predispose you. Wearing tight-fitting shoes and high heels over many years can increase the likelihood of developing bunions. They’re also common among teachers, nurses, and others who spend a good amount of their working life on their feet. Because of these factors, older people and women are more likely to look down and see one or two bunions developing.

Some people experience pain at the toe joint that makes walking, chores, and exercise uncomfortable. Other, luckier, people have bunions for many years without any pain.

When bunion pain starts to interfere with daily activities, it may be time to consider surgery. Over time, bunions can lead to osteoarthritis, swollen nerves, and dislocation of the toe. What you don’t want is for bunion pain to keep you sedentary, since exercise is important for physical and mental health.

Correcting Bunions: Traditional vs. 3D Surgery

In traditional bunion surgery, surgeons cut down or reposition the protruding bone. In the most common type of surgery, osteotomy, screws or pins are used to realign the big toe joint. 

A new surgery, referred to as lapiplasty or 3D Bunion Correction, debuted in 2016. By 2022, it was one of the most commonly-performed bunionectomy surgeries. In contrast to an osteotomy, lapiplasty involves realigning the entire toe joint and attaching titanium plates to the metatarsal bone further up the foot, allowing the whole foot to move as before. The company that developed lapiplasty says that performing a “tri-plane correction” at the joint of the metatarsal bone addresses the root cause of the bunion. 

Both traditional bunion surgery and lapiplasty are highly effective. Across all types of bunion surgery, almost 90% of patients report satisfaction, and only 5% report that the bunion comes back after surgery, according to an article in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. We didn’t find any independent evidence that patients report overall higher satisfaction with lapiplasty as compared to other bunion surgeries.

For most people, both traditional osteotomy and lapiplasty are minimally-invasive outpatient procedures. One advantage of lapiplasty for some may be a faster recovery time. The company behind 3D Bunion Correction surgery says you’ll be back on your foot in a boot within 3 to 10 days. You can expect to wear comfortable shoes within 6 to 10 weeks, and resume normal activities at 4 to 6 months. One lapiplasty recipient reported running a 10k race 5 months after surgery.

According to Cleveland Clinic, the recovery time after an osteotomy is similar: most people are starting to walk normally again within 6 to 12 weeks. For any bunion surgery, some patients might be referred to physical therapy to help them regain strength and a full range of movement in the foot. Swelling could last 6 to 9 months after surgery.

Depending on your insurance, one big disadvantage of 3D Bunion Correction could be the cost. Lapiplasty can run you between $3,500 and upwards of $12,000, in part because there aren’t as many surgeons trained in the procedure. Based on your geographic area, an osteotomy may cost $1,600 to $3,880 or more. Bunion surgeries that are deemed medically necessary, rather than cosmetic, are more likely to be covered by insurance. 

Complications can occur with all bunion surgeries. Infection is always a risk, as is nerve damage and the death of bone tissue due to decreased blood supply. Rarely, the implants can crack or loosen, requiring repeat surgery. 

If You Don’t Need Surgery

Some people will need a surgical solution to their bunion problems, and they’ll want to consult with their podiatrist to decide which surgery is appropriate for their specific condition. For those experiencing mild discomfort from bunions, remember: there are non-surgical options for relief. Here are a few.
  • Elevate your feet when resting.
  • Soak your feet in cool water.
  • Stretch your feet to increase their flexibility and strength. Physical therapy can help.
  • Wear wider, more accommodating shoes.
  • Use orthotic shoe pads for comfort.
  • Ask your doctor about anti-inflammatory medication.

The takeaway? If you need bunion surgery, lapiplasty may be the best choice for you, but other, more traditional, “2D” surgeries remain a reliable option.



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Changing Tax Rules on Gift-Giving




The gift tax exclusion will likely drop in 2026. Estate planners will want to take note this year.


With the holidays just around the corner, many people will give the gift that never goes out of style: cash. Those who are considering being especially generous will want to review the federal gift tax rules for 2024.

The federal gift tax can range from 18% all the way up to 40%. But most Americans will never end up owing it. That’s because the penalty only kicks in once you’ve given away a lifetime total of $13.61 million.

In 2024, at least. That number has been rising since 2018, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. However, it’s scheduled to drop back to pre-2018 levels in 2026 unless Congress acts sooner—meaning that in just over a year, gift givers will likely be subject to a lifetime tax exclusion of $7 million, about half the current limit. 

For now, it’s a good idea to know the rules about what constitutes a gift, which gifts the IRS wants to know about, and how high-net-worth individuals and couples might want to take advantage of the higher exclusion limit while it lasts.

What Constitutes a Gift?

The IRS defines a gift as any transfer from one individual to another where the giver does not receive full compensation in return. So, federal gift tax applies to: 
  • Cash
  • Stock transfers
  • Real estate
  • Vehicles and other property
  • Insurance policy benefits
  • Forgiven debts

Gifters won’t pay federal tax on:
  • School tuition, when paid directly to the school
  • Medical expenses, when paid directly to the provider
  • Charitable donations
  • Gifts to spouses

A major advantage of the gift tax exclusion is that it allows family members to transfer wealth to the next generation, reducing the size of their estate without incurring taxes on the transfer. 

Annual and Lifetime Limits

The annual gift tax limit, also known as the gift tax exclusion, determines how much one individual can give to another in one year without having to file IRS Form 709 to report the gift. In 2024, the gift tax exclusion is up to $18,000, from $17,000 in 2023. For a married couple, that number doubles to $36,000. 

The tax exclusion applies to single gifts to individuals. So, a married couple could give $36,000 to each of their 5 grandkids in a single year without having to report the gifts. 

But, once a single gift exceeds that annual tax limit, the amount above the limit starts to count toward the lifetime gift tax exclusion. That’s where the $13.61 million number comes in. Once a person exceeds that lifetime limit, additional gifts get taxed. The rate then depends on the size of the gift: from 18% on gifts of up to $10,000, to 40% on $1 million or more. 

For example, if a mother wants to contribute $50,000 toward her son’s wedding expenses, she’ll exceed the $18,000 gift tax limit and would need to use Form 709 to report $32,000 toward her lifetime gift tax exclusion. In 2024, she’d still be $13,578,000 away from paying taxes on gifts.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Most often, gift tax limits come into play with estate planning. 2025 will be a good time to consider taking action to transfer wealth to loved ones tax-free, at least for people who expect to pass on more than $7 million in assets. 

There are pros and cons to giving away large amounts of cash and other assets, like real estate, to loved ones. One downside for the giver is losing access to those assets, since they must truly be given away to constitute a gift. Parents and older family members should think carefully about what they can comfortably give now. 

Also consider balancing gifts to family with charitable gifts, which are subject to different tax rules. Trusts can serve as another option to pass on large gifts; trusts offer the giver more control over how the recipient uses the money. 

Always consult a qualified financial planner who can help you minimize tax liability as the gift tax limits change in the next couple of years. And, rest assured that for the 2024 holidays, unless you’re giving each grandkid more than $18,000, the IRS doesn’t want to know about any gifts to your loved ones.


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




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Sunday, October 6, 2024

Changing U.S. Flood Zones



As flood zones creep toward homes and businesses that have historically stayed above water, don’t rely solely on traditional methods to assess your flood risk..


As the 2024 hurricane season winds down, analysts are still totaling the damages of another historic year for flooding. Last year, in the U.S., an estimated 70 people lost their lives in floods, and total losses from flooding neared $7 billion. Looking ahead, flooding will continue to affect more and more people each year. For property owners, knowing where flood zones are expanding, and how fast, is becoming key to planning for the future.

According to Yale Climate Connections, people who live in the following cities and states should expect flooding to affect their lives more often in the coming years: Miami, New York City, New Jersey, Charleston, Norfolk, Houston, New Orleans, and the Florida Keys. Other places near rivers, like Ellicott City, Maryland and small-town Vermont, will also continue to see 100-year floods much more often than once a century. The truth is that many places that don’t often flood now could become chronically inundated–i.e., unlivable–in the future.

Predicting the Future in the Age of Global Weirding

Understandably, property owners want to know whether they live in one of these soon-to-be-wetter zones. For years, homebuyers and insurers have relied on FEMA maps to assess flood risk. But those maps are no longer enough. They’re often out of date, and more importantly, all bets are off as climate change advances. Instead of global warming, scientists now often talk about global weirding to get at the unpredictable nature of climate change. Some areas will warm as others cool, and some areas will flood more frequently–or much more frequently–while other regions experience more drought. 

Plus, there’s no single reason why flooding is getting worse. Warmer air translates into more inches of rain falling faster during brief storms. As glaciers melt, sea levels gradually rise. In some places, the ground itself is sinking, due to natural shifts and groundwater extraction, among other causes. This gradual sinking, called land subsidence, is happening rapidly across the East Coast. 

With so many variables, pinpointing the flooding risk for one area becomes an advanced science, and no map can offer a completely accurate assessment of your flood risk. But there are a number of free online tools available that update and go beyond FEMA maps to help you make the best predictions possible.

Here are a few easy-to-use, free resources for homeowners, people thinking of moving to coastal areas, and anyone curious about how U.S. landscapes may change in the next 80 years. Consider triangulating the data for your area by comparing the output from different tools. 
  • NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management calls its Sea Level Rise Viewer “a good place to start your flood mitigation planning.” Use the tool to visualize predictions and generate different scenarios for precise locations in your city, town, or rural property. When you know a structure needs to be built or raised higher off the ground, this data aims to help you decide: How much higher?
  • When Rising Seas Hit Home, from the Union of Concerned Scientists, lets you explore maps of the U.S. to see where homes are at risk of becoming chronically inundated by 2035 and 2100, based on a moderate or higher rate of sea level rise. For each area, the tool offers an estimate of how many homes will become unlivable, how many people they currently house, how much the homes are worth today, and how much they contribute to the local tax base. For example, in Virginia Beach, in 2035 with a moderate rate of sea level rise, 214 homes are at risk. Today, they house about 516 people, are worth $79,510,900, and contribute $793,763 to the local tax base. 
  • The Coastal Risk Screening Tool from Climate Central is an interactive map that allows users to zero in on areas and view projected sea level rise based on different variables: global temperature increase, year, elevation, and melting ice sheets. Climate Central describes itself as a policy-neutral nonprofit group of scientists and says they constantly update the data powering their risk screening tool.

What about Flood Insurance?

FEMA took this data into account to develop their new Risk Rating 2.0, introduced in 2022. Before buying property, check the cost of flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which covers up to $250,000 for residential properties. The NFIP’s new Risk Rating 2.0 system calculates premiums based on detailed property-specific flood risks, updated with the best predictions for new flooding realities. 

The NFIP introduced Risk Rating 2.0 in order to keep itself afloat amidst a deluge of claims, resulting in higher rates for 77% of policyholders. For example, premiums in Louisiana could rise by 122%, and in some Florida regions, rates could triple or more.

Homeowners can reduce their rate by reducing their flood liability. Here are a few strategies, all of which are much easier said than done.
  1. Elevate your home.
  2. Move expensive machinery to higher floors.
  3. Install flood openings, which help protect walls from pressure caused by standing water.
Scientists will remind us that we can still reduce long-term flood risk by reducing emissions. “Current and future emissions matter,” says a 2022 NOAA report. Today, we’re looking at the likelihood of 2 feet of sea level rise by 2100, according to the report. By reducing emissions, we can still avoid adding 1.5 to 5 feet of sea level rise. In other words, staying on the current global emissions track could mean a total of 7 feet of sea level rise by 2100. But that worst-case scenario is not inevitable.



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Turning Living Rooms Into Senior Centers



Highly interactive in-home technology brings the senior center to you–possibly for free. 


Exercise classes, art therapy, tech education, good conversation. Senior centers provide a lot of value to people who might otherwise be spending most of their time alone. And we know that’s important because social isolation is hazardous to mental and physical health.

But what happens when older adults don’t live near a quality senior center, can’t get themselves there, or just aren’t inclined to leave the comfort of home? These days, we have the technology to bring the senior center to seniors, wherever they are, through in-home devices, personal robots, and live classes developed by and for older adults. 

This tech isn’t about safety or fall monitoring, but it is about health: social, physical, and emotional health. Three services–Uniper Care, ElliQ, and GetSetUp–exemplify how some companies are focusing on health while re-inventing the traditional senior center.

Get Connected

It’s never been easier for older adults to enjoy all the benefits of senior centers from their living rooms. But that’s only true for those who have Internet access at home–and nearly 22 million older Americans don’t.

AgingConnected, a program of OATS from AARP, gets seniors online by connecting them with affordable Internet service. Visit their website to learn about what’s available in your area.  
Perhaps the best news is that many people can access this tech for free through local Areas Agencies on Aging, Medicare, libraries, brick-and-mortar senior centers, and more. Read on to find out how.

Uniper Care

Uniper Care describes itself as “your virtual senior center” and a “HIPAA-compliant digital health service for older adults reinventing the way we age.” Available to people 60 and older, Uniper Box is a device that connects to any TV, with a camera and a simple remote control that includes voice activation. Uniper Care programming is also available via an app on smartphones and tablets.

The two major elements of Uniper Care’s appeal are the interface’s simple design tailored toward older adults and the big selection of interactive options. Users can take live classes on a variety of subjects, join peer discussion groups, play group games, video chat with family members and friends, and even connect to telehealth appointments.

New users can get started in four steps: enroll, get the Uniper Box installed, set it up with personal preferences, and participate from home. Programs are offered in different languages, and the help desk is tailored to older adults.

Individuals can join a direct-to-consumer program called Uniper Everyday for $450/year ($47.50/month). But you may already have free access to Uniper Care through organizations where you’re a member, including Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Veterans Affairs, managed care organizations (MCOs), Area Agencies on Aging, and community-based and religious organizations. Contact your local ADRC to ask for more information.

ElliQ

ElliQ calls itself “a voice operated care companion that empowers healthy, happy independence at home.” ElliQ sits on a tabletop. A phone-sized screen display accompanies a goblet-shaped element that lights up and moves in a way that evokes a human talking. The device, a product of Intuition Robotics, is AI-enabled, HIPAA compliant, and encrypted. The only things users need to get started are a power outlet and a WiFi connection. 

Marketed to people over age 60, ElliQ can carry on a natural-language conversation on any topic in a woman’s voice. “She” can offer medication reminders, health tips, and mindfulness exercises. She can also call up trivia, games, jokes, and news. Users can work with ElliQ to create a digital memoir. And the robot helps you easily make video calls and send messages to contacts, all with natural voice commands.

“There’s nothing mind boggling about any part of her,” said one user who accessed ElliQ through her local ADRC in Broward County, Florida. “She gives me instructions on what to do, all of which is very simple.”

The difference between ElliQ and other voice-activated AI companions like Alexa is that ElliQ “exudes caring,” said Charlotte Mather-Tayor, CEO of the Broward County Area Agency on Aging. The little robot is designed to have empathetic conversations with people experiencing isolation and “turn them around from feeling really maybe despondent to being very positive,” according to Mather-Taylor.

To purchase ElliQ on your own, expect to pay $50/month for an annual subscription, plus a $250 enrollment fee. But ElliQ partners with Area Agencies on Aging to provide their robots and subscriptions for free. Use this tool to find out if your local Agency can connect you with ElliQ at no cost.

GetSetUp

GetSetUp says it was “created by older adults, to help people 55+ learn new skills, connect with others, and unlock new life experiences.” Multiple live classes and workshops take place simultaneously at just about any time of day. GetSetUp reaches 160 countries, so they’re active in your time zone no matter where you’re living or traveling. 

Popular learning categories range from cooking to travel to creativity to business. On a recent Friday morning, live classes included “How to Back Up Your iPhone and iPad Photos on iCloud,” “Sun, Surf, and Salutations: A California-Inspired Yoga Class,” and “Future of Travel: Innovations that Will Change the World.” All classes are led by GetSetUp community members who apply to share their skills and knowledge through interactive workshops. 

Whether they’re aware of it or not, millions of Americans already have full access to GetSetUp for free through their Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans, local libraries, senior centers, or other community and government organizations. With organizational access, you can choose from over 500 free classes each month, and your local organization or Medicare provider may offer their own special classes, too. Check your eligibility at the GetSetUp website. Even if you’re not eligible through an organization, anyone can sign up for free and access 10 live classes each month. 

The bad news? There’s no excuse now. If starting a yoga practice or learning how to organize your photos has been in the back of your mind, it’s all just a voice command away.




Sources:



Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors



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Grooming Secrets for Mature Men



Gentlemen, look no further: here are your essential tips for healthy and attractive hair and skin, in your 50s and beyond.


We all want to look our best, and we can all use a little encouragement sometimes. Men entering their sixth and seventh decades may want to update their daily grooming regimen to address the natural changes that our skin and hair undergo over time. Below, find your encouragement and some pro tips. 

The Hair on Your Head and Face…

All the men’s style sources we researched for this article advocated for shorter trims for mature men. The argument is that a longer cut, coupled with hair loss, gives an older look. Shorter styles tend to come across as more contemporary and can be easier to care for. 

Beards are also in style right now, not least among men in their 50s and up. The consensus seems to be that a beard adds a few years to a person’s look, but your mileage may vary. Keep in mind that maintaining a healthy beard can amount to more work than a clean shave. Beards need shampooing and conditioning; washing a beard with soap will lead to dryness. Beards also call for daily combing and regular exfoliation (more on that below). Using a beard oil is a great idea to condition and add shine.

…and the Hair in Your Ears and Nose

While you might be inclined to maximize your hair and beard, the nose and ear tufts, not so much. Men’s and women’s ears and noses keep growing as we get older, and for some, that can mean more visible hair. To keep it under control, use a small blunt-tipped scissors or an electric trimmer, available for under $10 at drug stores.

Don’t try to pluck nose hairs! It’s not worth the pain. But, you might want to pluck bushy eyebrows, especially right after getting out of the shower, when hair tends to release more easily. AARP offers this clever tip: Use a clean toothbrush to brush bushy eyebrows straight up, and then use a small scissors to snip the excess length above the browline. Now, even when your eyebrow hairs are out of line, they’ll be too short to stick too far out.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Starting in our 60s and 70s, skin often starts to feel drier. Mature skin grows thinner and starts to lose water more easily. Moisturizer becomes a man’s best friend. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests applying moisturizer within three minutes of washing your face or exiting the shower or bath, to lock in moisture. Use warm, not hot, water, as hot water can strip skin of natural oils. 

Mature skin tends to be more sensitive, so looking for “gentle” skincare products is a good rule of thumb. But what constitutes a “gentle” moisturizer or sunscreen? Look for products that include these descriptors:
  • Fragrance-free. Fragrances can irritate skin, causing redness and itchiness.
  • Non-comedogenic. In other words, non-pore-blocking. Let your skin breathe.
  • Hyaluronic acid. OK, this is an ingredient, not a descriptor, but it’s a great term to find on the label. This moisturizing carbohydrate occurs naturally in skin and eyes, so few people are allergic to it, and it’s super hydrating.

As with food products, skincare manufacturers can slap advertising copy like “natural” and “for sensitive skin” on their labels with nothing to back up those claims. The Mayo Clinic offers a website and app called SkinSafe to help consumers choose quality skincare products based on the ingredients.

Add a Face Scrub to Your Routine

“Yeah, it's another product, another step, but cell turnover gets sluggish with age,” according to AARP.  Exfoliating weekly removes dead skin cells from the face that cause skin to look dull and dry. Plus, dead skin cells can clog pores, leading to other problems like acne. And dermatologists say that exfoliating is especially important for men, who often have thicker, rougher skin because of higher levels of testosterone. 

Scrubs can also help you get a closer shave and remove dirt and dead skin from beards. Plus, it’s refreshing, kind of like a satisfying back scratch for your face. Give exfoliation a try–you may never go back.

The Inevitable Plug for Wearing Sunscreen

Alright guys, no surprises here: sunscreen is for you, too. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, using an SPF 15 sunscreen as directed every day can reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 40%, and your risk of melanoma by up to 50%. Should you use sunscreen even when it’s cloudy? Yes: up to 80% of the sun’s harmful rays can still reach your skin on cloudy days. It’s never too late to up your sunscreen game and reap the protective health and beauty benefits. And no matter your gender, let’s be honest: we’re all going for beautiful skin.




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Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Famous & 65

Look who's turning 65 this month

Find out which celebrities are turning 65 this month!


Image Source: Wikipedia

October 15 - Sarah, Duchess of York, aka Fergie  

British royal Sarah Duchess of York, born Sarah Ferguson and also known as Fergie, turns 65 on October 15. She gained widespread attention after her marriage to Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, in 1986. They have two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

Fergie was a popular figure during her marriage, known for her lively personality and charitable work. Later, though, her relationship with the royal family became strained, and she and Prince Andrew separated in 1992, officially divorcing in 1996. Since then, she’s garnered some notoriety on a couple of occasions. The Turkish government accused her of violating Turkish law in 2012 when she gathered documentary footage at an orphanage, and she was also caught on camera accepting a large bribe from an undercover agent in exchange for access to her ex-husband. Despite tumult, she’s generally thought of as a philanthropic British public figure.

Fergie has been involved in many charitable causes, founding Children in Crisis and Chances for Children in the early 1990s. At the start of the pandemic in 2020, she founded Sarah’s Trust to support healthcare workers and hospice staff in the UK and abroad.

She’s also authored several books, including children's books and memoirs. Active in film and television for years, Fergie is known as a documentary presenter and producer, and even had a short stint as a Today Show correspondent in 2008. 






Image Source: Wikipedia

October 23 - Ken Watanabe, actor

Hailing from rural Japan, Ken Watanabe is known to international audiences as a leading actor with gravitas, charisma, and strong James Bond vibes. He first gained prominence in his home country with his performance in the critically acclaimed film The Last Samurai (2003), where he played the role of Katsumoto, a Samurai leader. His portrayal earned him international recognition and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. 

Watanabe appeared in several Hollywood films, including Letters from Iwo Jima (2006), directed by Clint Eastwood, and Inception (2010), directed by Christopher Nolan. In Inception, Watanabe played the role of Saito, a wealthy businessman. Recently, he’s also lent his voice to the supremely popular Transformers franchise and starred in the HBO series Tokyo Vice in 2022. 

Over the years, Watanabe has been diagnosed with both leukemia and stomach cancer, and he has made a strong recovery each time. 





Image Source: Wikipedia

October 23 - “Weird Al” Yankovic, musician, parody artist, legend

I can’t say it better than Sam Anderson in his marvelous 2020 New York Times profile of Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic:

“Weird Al, for anyone reading this through a golden monocle, is the most renowned comedy musician in the history of the multiverse — a force of irrepressible wackiness who, back in the 1980s, built a preposterous career out of song parodies and then, somehow, never went away. After 40 years, Yankovic is now no longer a novelty, but an institution — a garish bright patch in the middle of America’s pop-cultural wallpaper, a completely ridiculous national treasure, an absurd living legend.”

The five-time Grammy-Award winning accordion player, singer, and songwriter defies categorization and explanation. His hits are parodies of other hits, but his energetic stage presence and relentless creativity are all his own. Consistently wholesome while never being anything less than deeply weird, Yankovic’s best-known songs include “Eat It” (a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”), “Like a Surgeon” (a parody of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”), and “White and Nerdy” (a parody of “Ridin’” by Chamillionaire and Krayzie Bone). Speaking of Michael Jackson and Madonna, they’re the only two artists besides Weird Al who have had Billboard Top 100 hits every decade since the 1980s. 

As he turns 65, Yankovic isn’t currently on tour, but he’s promised that new music is on the way. He may also still be recovering from all the press around the release of his characteristically unhinged 2022 “biopic,” Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.






Source:

Wikipedia
Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
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