Coming of Age March 2024

In the March issue of Coming of Age, Madonna challenges ageism, flavanols in disease-reducing foods, fighting ageism in healthcare, the Ides of March, our next in-person museum visit, our book club, and more!

Flavanols are naturally-occurring and potent compounds found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and tea leaves. A new study shows that consuming flavanols can reduce mortality risk both from all-causes in general and certain chronic diseases. To increase your flavanol intake, experts recommend relying on a healthy and varied diet rather than supplements.

To incorporate more flavanol-rich foods into your diet, Dr. Thomas Holland, research study clinician and medical advisor at RUSH University, Chicago, suggests an overall shift to a healthier diet, such as the MIND diet or the Green Mediterranean diet. “These diets stand as one of the preeminent ways we can safeguard cognitive health while also mitigating risks for Alzheimer’s dementia, all-cause mortality, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, given their robust flavonoid concentrations,” he said.

A flavonoid-rich diet may help keep blood vessels healthy, balancing cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of heart issues. It may also help prevent cancer by eliminating carcinogens from the body and stopping cancer cells from growing and spreading. The new study, published in the scientific journal Nature, investigated the association between the intake of dietary flavanols — isorhamnetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and quercetin — and the risk of all-cause and disease-specific mortality in adults in the U.S. Read more.

Ever notice a health professional speaking at top volume to an older adult who has normal hearing? Or calling an older woman "honey?" Survey: Have you ever experienced ageism in a healthcare setting? CLICK HERE to indicate Yes/No & your experience. With older adults spending an average of 21 days a year on medical appointments, according to a recent study, ageism in healthcare can lead to both overtreatment (well-meaning physicians laying on more medications and procedures) and undertreatment (like saying "you're too old for this") of older adults. Doctors may make assumptions about older people based on age rather than individual needs.

And often, medical schools provide little education on caring for older adults. "Age-Friendly Health Systems" is one way to combat ageism in health care. An initiative that focuses on Age-Friendly Health Systems is designed to improve care for older adults. It uses the 4Ms Framework, one way to follow an approach to care that supports older patients. The 4Ms are:

• What Matters: Discussing what matters most to the individual patient.
• Medication: Managing medications to optimize function and minimize harm.
• Mentation: Best practices in assessing and addressing cognitive and mental health.
• Mobility: Optimizing physical functioning.

Read more.

VIDEOS regarding ageism in the health field, under nine minutes each, some providing solutions:

• Sharon K. Inouye, MD, MPH, Hebrew SeniorLife / Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA on turning awareness into action to address issues caused by ingrained ageism.
• Public Health in Focus: Fighting Ageism: George Mason University
• Skynews Australia: Ageism in the Health System Affects 50% of Older Adults

With spring just around the corner, also encroaching upon us -- tomorrow (Friday, March 15) -- is the Ides of March. Deemed a bad omen for Caesar in Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the "Beware the Ides of March" quote sealed both his fate and the way we think about the day. It all began in 1599 when the play was first performed.

But its prior history was one of celebration. In ancient Rome, the Ides of March simply referred to the date of the full moon, usually occurring between March 13-15. The seasons changed, growth and blooms were near.

Until the Bard cemented an ominous meaning, the day had a totally innocuous connotation. In popular culture, numerous TV series and sitcoms have cast the Ides of March in a gloomy light. In the 2011 movie The Ides of March, a campaign staffer (Ryan Gosling) receives a hard lesson in dirty politics while he's working for an up-and-coming presidential candidate (George Clooney). The movie includes much figurative backstabbing, an allegory for Caesar's assassination.

Throughout history, one can certainly find tragic incidents taking place on March 15. But is life imitating art, or art imitating life? And a surprise. In this article, the History Channel includes a brief video for Shakespeare lovers, summarizing his work: Read more.

This month's resource highlight is Changing The Narrative. This organization considers itself a movement to combat ageism through education, changing our own language, speaking engagements, sending anti-ageist birthday cards, and more!

You can sign up with them to learn or volunteer to host intergenerational conversations, become part of a speakers bureau, write your own story, contact elected officials or become part of their email list.

E-mail us if you know of other resources for older adults at info@comingofage.org. Visit: comingofage.org/resources.

Looking for a fun, social and cultural outing? Join Coming of Age NYC on a museum field trip to the Rubin Museum of Art. You won’t want to miss it. Free museum entry for 65+! See masterworks spanning centuries and regions, from Eastern India to Mongolia. The museum closes its doors in early October - don't miss it! Optional for purchase: Guided tour headsets are available for rental, and everyone's welcome to join us afterwards to socialize at the museum's cafe.

Thursday, April 4 | 3-5 p.m. EDT

In Person | Rubin Museum of Art | 150 W. 17th St., NYC 10011

Free over 65 | Approx. $20 at the door under 65

Unlock Your Movement Potential With Mobile Body Alignment & The Alexander Technique

Get your dance groove on and learn about important functional anatomy. Mobile Body Alignment supports fluid motion, joyful body learning, and healthy joints and muscles. No matter your access to mobility or level of movement skill, you’ll learn the magic Mobile Body Alignment points that help you move without pain or injury.

Get your heart rate going, and begin to feel more stable and confident in your body. Wear loose, comfortable clothing allowing free movement at the joints, especially the hip joints. With Clare Maxwell, certified teacher by the The American Society for the Alexander Technique and The International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association. 

Thursday, March 21 | 6-7:30 p.m. EDT

FREE | via Zoom

• Gain practical tools and strategies from Dr. Schwartz’s research, experience and psychology background.
• The delicate balance: Discover how to honor your loved one’s memory while courageously embracing the future.

Thursday, March 28 | 3-4:00 p.m. EDT

FREE | via Zoom

Scott E. Weiner has a Ph.D. in philosophy, is a certified hypnotist, and for 15+ years twice-monthly has facilitated this workshop for Gilda’s Club.

Tuesday, April 2 | 10-11:30 a.m. EDT optional additional half-hour

FREE | via Zoom

Completing Spiritual Unfinished Business: Recovering from Religious Trauma and Easing Spiritual Suffering in Late Life

With Dr Connie Zweig, author of Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path and The Inner Work of Age. In every tradition, saints and poets speak of the soul’s search for the beloved, the seeker’s yearning for the divine, for the Self beyond ego. This holy longing is a secret feeling with many disguises, leading us to pursue a higher union in spiritual practice, religious discipleship, even romantic embrace. It guides us to timeless wisdom and transcendent experiences.

It also can go awry when we project the divine onto a therapist, teacher, priest, guru, rabbi, or roshi who is all too human. If he or she abuses power--sexual, financial, or emotional coercion--we feel the shock of betrayal, our innocence lost, our faith destroyed. And we may live with this religious trauma for decades. Today, we have the tools of depth psychology and spiritual shadow-work to help us recover and rekindle the flame of longing in our souls. This presentation, based on Zweig's book, Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path, explains why we are drawn to charismatic leaders, what we unconsciously give away to them, and how to reclaim it for our own treasury.

Wednesday April 17 | 6-7:30 p.m. EDT

FREE | via Zoom

Ever dreamed of starting your own business? Maybe you have a hidden talent or a passion project you'd love to turn into reality. This session is designed specifically for older adults who are eager to explore entrepreneurship in their encore years.

Join us for an informative and interactive session, where you'll learn the key steps for taking your business idea from concept to launch. Whether you're looking for a creative outlet, a way to give back to the community, or a chance to build a financial legacy, this presentation will equip you with the basics of what you’ll need to thrive as an entrepreneur. With Chuck Hunker, consultant, Boulder SBDC and board member Downtown Boulder Business Improvement Distroict, and Sharon King, Executive Director, Boulder Small Business Development Corporation.

Thursday, April 18 | 3-4 p.m. EDT

FREE | via Zoom

Attorney Marcy Einhorn gives an overview of the critical considerations and difficult decisions families must handle, be they medical or property related. Such topics are often disputed among family members.

In this session, Einhorn introduces the concept of mediation, an alternative to arguments and the prohibitive expenses of litigation.

Marcy Einhorn, Esq. provides conflict resolution services to families engaged in complex decision-making. She helps the people involved get to the heart of a dispute and find the common ground that it takes to move beyond hardened positions, from conflict to resolution. Watch it here.

Don't forget! You can view all previously recorded webinars

on our YouTube channel here. And the Coming of Age playlist here.

Seeking greater fulfillment and direction in your life? Curious about how to face challenges such as empty-nest syndrome or job loss? If so, you're not alone. Our Coming of Age booklet, The Age For Change shows these challenges can be opportunities for growth and renewal. It's about aging gracefully and finding purpose in later life.

Join us to discuss The Age for Change, exploring themes of aging, purpose, and change. We will share our own experiences and learn from each other. Each week, we will cover one or two chapters and the questions that follow at the end of each chapter. Join a supportive community and have a chance to explore these important topics.

Additional details: When enough people express interest (minimum of six), we will confirm a schedule that accommodates as many as possible for virtual meetings via Zoom, and provide a free link to download a pdf of The Age for Change. We invite you to join us. Click here to sign up!

Join our team: Want to serve as an Explore Your Future facilitator? Help us find resources, learn about Zoom event hosting, and/or help plan events? Do you have something age-positive to speak or write about? If you're an older adult looking for something rewarding to do with your extra time, we're looking for you! Email us at info@comingofage.org.

Contribute: You also can help support Coming of Age as we work to build communities of people aged 50 and older who live with passion and purpose! Coming Of Age is sponsored by PSS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donations from the public and private sectors to provide programs like Coming of Age. CLICK HERE TO DONATE. Thank You!  

secure.givelively.org/donate/presbyterian-senior-services/coming-of-age 

Make a difference in the lives of 1,000+ New Yorkers every single day with a tax-deductible donation to PSS, which operates Coming of Age and Coming of Age NYC. We are proud that 91 cents of every dollar we raise goes directly to our vital programs and services.