March 31, 2023 | By Monica Cissell
This time of year, many are thinking about getting healthy by eating better and increasing physical activity. Another key element to overall good health is sustained relationships. These relationships can improve health by helping us fight illness, speeding recovery time and prolonging life. Humans have an internal need to be socially connected. When those needs […]
| By The Active Age
The answers to last month’s ticket contest quiz were: 1.) “Solitary Man.” 2.) “The Johnny Cash Show.” Of 74 readers who entered the contest, 72 got both answers correct. The winners of the drawing for tickets to the Neil Diamond-Johnny Cash Tribute Show at the Orpheum were Michael Sampson, Ron Turner, Kathleen Jenkins and Stephen […]
February 28, 2023 | By Patti Sullivan
When people say the military gets two recruits for the price of one, they are referring to military spouses. Although not officially part of the military, the military spouse enlists on the day she — and now sometimes he — says “I do.” The Retired Officers Wives Club in Wichita is comprised of such spouses. […]
| By Jim Kuhlmann
Once upon a time there was a fourth grader who took piano lessons for four years and, like most fourth-graders, did not practice much. A great-uncle loaned him a set of drums to try out. Hello! In fifth grade this kid bought his own trap set on layaway at Bennett’s Music Store on East Douglas […]
| By The Active Age
It’s been a “year of firsts” for Susan Armstrong, and now she’s notched another one: She’s joined the board of The Active Age. “I’m excited,” she said. “I really do love The Active Age.” Armstrong retired recently from Armstrong Chamberlin, the marketing firm she started 40 years ago, and has now launched a new career […]
| By The Active Age
Elvira Crocker, a journalist, communications specialist and activist, and Louis Sturns, a Texas lawyer and judge, were inducted into the Wichita State University Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the school last month. Both cited the pivotal role that higher education played in their lives. Crocker grew […]
| By Joe Stumpe
When it comes to exercise, my super-fit mother-in-law follows a simple philosophy: Some is better than none, and more is better than some. I think that’s one reason why she survived a life-threatening medical scare in her mid ‘80s and is back to walking several miles a day (some other good habits, such as eating […]
| By Family Features
Eating right doesn’t mean giving up meat and other favorite foods. What it really means is enjoying them in moderation, prepared in ways that don’t add excess calories or fat (but still qualify as tasty!). Follow other common-sense steps — such as getting exercise and plenty of sleep, avoiding stress and not smoking — and […]
| By Ted Ayres
“Can’t We Talk About Something Pleasant” by Roz Chast (Bloomsbury, 2014, $19) Originally published in 2014, “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant” won Roz Chast a National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography and was also a finalist for the National Book Award. Of course, awards are nothing new for Chast, a staff cartoonist for The […]
| By Ted Blankenship
I am one of the few Americans not concerned about the cost of gasoline because the eye doctor told me I should give up driving. What? Just because I can’t see the road? What can an old guy like me do when he needs a bolt or some nails? Send his wife to the store? […]
| By Nancy Wheeler
Identify the key person’s name that is mentioned in the following tunes. The answers appear on page 16. 1. “You got me rockin’ and a rollin’/Rockin’ and a-reelin’” (Beach Boys). 2. “I’m begging of you please don’t take my man” (Dolly Parton). 3. “Take a sad song and make it better” (Beatles). 4. “Hang down […]
| By Diana Morton
Forum Theatre, at the Wilke Center, 1st United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. Murder on the Orient Express. Ken Ludwig’s clever adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense of her celebrated novel, with a healthy dose of humor to quicken the pace. 8 pm Thu-Sat, 2 pm Sun, now-Mar 5. […]
| By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, I had dental insurance through my work for many years but lost it when I retired and joined Medicare. Where can retirees find affordable dental care? -Uninsured Al Dear Al, Unfortunately, about two-thirds of U.S. retirees don’t have dental insurance today. Without coverage from traditional Medicare, and with […]
| By Monica Cissell
The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is an important group of advocates in the state of Kansas. It’s composed of 125 representatives from across the state who work on behalf of adults 60 years and older during their two-year term. The KSHL develops bills and resolutions which are presented to the Kansas Legislature and governor as […]
| By The Active Age
‘Old school’ potato bake on way A St. Patrick’s Day potato bake is planned to raise money for the McCormick School Museum from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 18. The menu includes baked potatoes with toppings, salad and a variety of crisps and cobbers for dessert. The suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for children […]
February 1, 2023 | By Joe Stumpe
Society wife-turned-gossip columnist Zoe Anderson Norris stirred up early Wichita with her sharp pen. As it turns out, she was just getting started. Norris went on to become one of the most prolific writers of her time as well as a colorful New York City personality known as the “Queen of Bohemia.” Now, the author […]
| By The Active Age
Older adults should get the updated (bivalent) booster COVID-19 vaccine and mask up as necessary in light of data showing those residents are still most at risk of hospitalization and death, a health official said. “It is still the case that the older the person, the higher the risk there is,” said Adrienne Byrne, director […]
| By Jill D. Miller
It’s hard to ignore that February is the month for love. Flowers, chocolates and romantic gifts are all around us — in stores, on signs and in ads. But what if you’re single, divorced or widowed with no partner to shower you with gifts? No need to feel alone and unloved. I’ve found the solution: […]
| By The Active Age
Here’s an Italian import perfect for dessert or your next coffee break. Cantucci are Italian almond biscuits that originated in the Tuscan city of Prato. They’re delicious dipped in dessert wine, coffee or cappuccino. The recipe comes from Nonna Siriana Fumi of Tuscan Women Cook, a week-long cooking class held in Tuscany. Although you can […]
| By Ted Blankenship
A while ago I wrote a column on how to train your dog. I got to thinking that maybe I slighted you cat people. To make amends, I’ll give you some pointers on how to train your cat. Despite what you may think, cats can be trained. You just have to get them to do […]
| By Ted Ayers
“River of the Gods,” by Candice Millard (Doubleday, 2022, 349 pages, $32.50) Candice Millard made a name for herself as a scholar-writer with books on Winston Churchill, James Garfield and Theodore Roosevelt. In her new book, she tackles one of the best-known expeditions of all time, the search for the Nile led by Sir Richard Francis Burton. […]
| By Nancy Wheeler
It’s ski season, and many people are headed off to their favorite mountain resorts. However, mountains are famous for a variety of reasons. How many of these can you identify? The answers appear below. 1. At 29,032 feet, it is the highest mountain on earth and was first scaled by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay […]
| By Monica Cissell
If you’re interested in advocating for older adults, the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature may be right for you. The SHL is a unicameral assembly composed of 125 representatives from across Kansas. This group develops bills and resolutions that are presented to the Kansas Legislature and governor as recommendations for state policy. […]
| By Tammara Fogle
Wichita Community Foundation on the move The Wichita Community Foundation is on the move literally and virtually. The foundation is moving to Broadway Autopark (pictured at right) at the corner of Broadway and English in early 2023 from its current location in the Epic Center at 301 N. Main. A news release from the foundation notes that […]
| By Jim Miller
Simple Home Safety Solutions for Aging-in-Place A Checklist of What to Do When a Loved One Dies When Can I Change My Medicare Coverage? The Best Reacher Grabber Tools of 2023 What Happens if You Work While Receiving Social Security? Dear Savvy Senior, Falls and fires are the two things I worry most about for […]