We never use the words ‘sanity’ and ‘fashion trends’ in the same sentence

I have a brief, old credential as a fashion observer in that before my marriage I worked for a New York publicity firm where I covered the wholesale garment industry and then wrote about the new fashions I had viewed. I still love and appreciate beautifully made and well-designed clothes, but with the untimely closing of the wonderful department and specialty stores that carried clothes made in Europe to the store’s exacting specifications (yet still affordable), we have descended to a paroxysm of competitive designer labelling on everything from underwear to lipstick.

Bold initialing now substitutes for good taste. Glancing through the current issues of Vogue, Marie Claire and Vanity Fair, it seems that only prices have ascended to a higher level. Even the fashion copywriters have all adopted a similar, limited vocabulary. I would have been fired if my descriptive powers were limited to “Cool,” “Sexy,” “Wow,” “Hot,” “New” and “Must Have.” So maybe my views are outdated and old-fashioned, but as a consumer as well as a columnist, here goes:n Diane von Furstenberg is one of the few unchanging designers, still featuring her wrap dress, which I find as tiresome as my old bathrobe (which also comes undone at inopportune moments).n Shoes and boots are still both breathtakingly expensive and unwearable by anyone but the very young with a complete disregard for future foot problems. n Models for the Juicy Couture collections are so spread-eagled across the magazine pages, it is hard to tell what they are wearing. n All models, however, carry a huge designer handbag, usually held in front of them like a weapon or perhaps, a shield. You could certainly deal a fatal blow to any would-be pickpocket, judging by the heft of most of them. (A recent news article detailed one inventive New York pickpocket who visited fashionable watering holes in his wheelchair; handily lifting expensive handbags stored under the bar and on restaurant chairs.) n Ralph Lauren is in Russian mode, with elegant ball gowns featured with traditional Cossack fur hats. Did he foresee, perchance, Putin’s renewed popularity? n Exotic feathers and even more glitzy jewelry, vests and jeans studded with grommets, as well as colorful, patterned furs, all shout expensive excess. Skirt lengths are either very short or long with side splits to show lots of leg. Still in evidence are ankle socks worn with pumps; a look I still think is awful, even for the very young. n There are also little print-covered baby-doll dresses ... .a look you can duplicate if you happen to still possess any old, vibrantly colorful housecoats, preferably a bit too snug and short.n Many advertised items say, “Price upon request” which translated means, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it. This is the height of snootiness and exclusivity, especially today when the top 1 percent of the population earns 20 percent of the income. There is tremendous pressure on the middle class to purchase luxurious items, but what you buy should not determine your sense of self. Unfortunately, many young people have not yet absorbed that lesson.n I can’t even begin to touch on the men’s collections in this column; suffice to say, the male models all look like underfed teenagers with permanently clenched teeth. As for me, my fall fashion plans are to pull out former dependables, maybe add a new jacket or colorful cashmere sweater, succumb to a glitzy pin at a church bazaar and viola! I’m all set for whatever my calendar calls for. How about you?


Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

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At Covenant Village in Cromwell, Prof. William Evans of Duke Research Center tells seniors of the importance of exercise

Millions of hours of research and millions of dollars have been expended on the quest to find ways to slow down the aging process. The billion-dollar cosmetic industry, “hope in a jar” is just one example of our never-ending search for the secret to remaining youthful.

While personally, I have very little faith in the expensive creams and lotions that have made Helena Rubenstein and Charles Revson multimillionaires, I could not resist going to hear Professor William Evans of the Duke Research Center in North Carolina, speak about “Slowing Down the Effects of Aging”.

Evans has been studying the problem for years; especially the prevention of muscle loss and the effects of protein and muscle metabolism. He has held positions at Penn State University, Tufts in Boston, has appeared on CBS and PBS and is the co-author of “Bio-markers … The 10 Determinants of Aging You Can Control.”

Surely, if anyone could advise me on staying younger, longer, it would be Professor Evans. Additionally, the talk was held at the Covenant Village of Cromwell, and gave me the opportunity to become better acquainted with this charming retirement community.

While genetics play a part in how we age, equally or even more important, is our lifestyle. One main contributing factor known as sarcopenia, is age-related loss of muscle mass. Muscle weakness causes a loss of independence. The less muscle we have, the fewer calories we need, but the weaker we become, and the less likely we will exercise and therefore become obese — a vicious cycle ending in an osteoporosis-related fracture for 1 in 2 older women and 1 in 8 men. Evans also pointed out that the risk of dying for a 50-year-old woman is as high from a hip fracture as it is from breast cancer. Obviously, then, exercise is of prime importance.

But, here’s the hard part. The kind of exercise matters very much, and progressive resistance training along with aerobic exercise is what made the difference in the many controlled studies of men and women, some in their 90s. That kind of exercise, combined with a low-fat, high-carb eating plan, resulted in participants losing 1 pound a week, even though they were eating as much food as they desired. Results were truly amazing. After only 10 weeks on the diet and exercise program, walking speed and endurance increased, participants were able to do stairs more easily, and they enjoyed higher overall energy levels and vigor.

A member of the audience pointed out that when he visited his doctor and had a stress test, he was only told that he had “passed,” but he never learned how he measured up for his age. Evans agreed, and said we need to know how we are doing on the following biomarkers:n Muscle massn Strengthn Basal metabolic raten Body fatn Aerobic capacityn Blood pressuren Insulin sensitivityn Cholesteroln Bone densityn Body temperature regulationn Cognitive functionn Immune function

While, overall, I found the lecture informative and interesting, I also came away slightly discouraged. The men and women in Evans’ study had some unique help. The proper food had all been prepared and ready for them, and they worked with exercise specialists who understood and could encourage them in resistance training.

Many seniors, especially those living alone, are not motivated to cook balanced, nutritious meals and be aware of eating low-fat, high-carb foods. While Local Ys and exercise clubs offer classes and equipment, very few also have well- trained instructors to make sure participants are doing the proper exercise and doing it correctly. If as a society, we want to help our seniors remain active and also cut down on our health-care costs, finding answers to the above roadblocks, should be of paramount importance.

We are fortunate in our area to have some excellent exercise programs at several senior centers and geriatric specialists at Yale who can advise. Get moving! Stay healthy! Feel younger!

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

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Changes in reverse home mortgages due at end of September

FALL FORECAST FOR SENIORS HOLDS BOTH

GOOD AND BAD NEWS

Isn’t it encouraging to know that more older Americans have jobs: 35.9 percent of men, ages 65-69, and 25.6 percent of women in that same age group, making those figures the highest since records began to be kept in 1981 .

The employment rate this summer for women age 70-74 was also higher than any previous summer. Although people younger than 30 are still having trouble finding permanent jobs, it appears that older workers are postponing retirement, whenever feasible. It could also be possible that many employers are beginning to fully appreciate the work ethics of mature Americans, their reliability, positive attitude and expectation of a hard day’s work for a day’s pay.

The bad news is that more elderly Americans are having trouble making ends meet and now under consideration by Congress are cuts in the food stamp and other programs. Additionally, new rules, which go into effect on Sept. 30, will make it much harder to get a reverse mortgage.

Although the new rules may prove burdensome to a few, to my mind, they are a much-needed improvement that should prevent many seniors, for whom a reverse mortgage became an unwise decision culminating in a loss of money as well as the eventual loss of their homes, from making the same mistake. The major changes are these:n There will be a limit on the amount of money that can be withdrawn in the first year, which will encourage people to use a reverse as a long-term retirement planning tool, rather than using it in a crisis.n A lower loan amount (about 15 percent less home equity, on average, than the current maximum allowable now.) There will also be some higher fees based on the amount withdrawn.n Lenders will be required to do a financial assessment to ensure that homeowners can afford to make all the necessary tax, insurance and other payments over the life of the loan. All income sources will be looked at as well as the borrower’s credit history. If a lender determines that you might not be able to keep up with property taxes, required insurance, etc., you will have to set aside money in a reserve. This last requirement could disqualify many borrowers and hits hardest in areas which have modest home values, but higher property taxes and insurance rates.

Reverse mortgages were created to help seniors remain in their own homes by allowing those 62 or older to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free income. Seniors could elect to receive the money as lump-sum front payment, a line of credit, or as a fixed monthly payment.

While this was a good product for those seniors whose home was suitable in both the layout and upkeep costs to enable them to remain there for another 7-10 years, it was not a good solution for seniors who, due to changing health or economic conditions, would need to move because the up-front costs of the reverse are quite high. 

Unfortunately, there was a great deal of telemarketing fraud in which seniors were approached by telemarketers offering “free information” on how to turn their homes’ equity into cash. Many seniors paid out thousands of dollars to these providers who did little more than referring their loan application to mortgage lenders. Some seniors were also advised to invest all or most of the cash into an annuity which allowed the provider to pocket about 8-10 percent of the loan.

Other women, whose name was not on the title to the house and became widows after receiving a reverse mortgage, lost their homes. Even with the new rules regulating reverse mortgages, seniors must give careful thought if this is an appropriate product for them. Call AARP about their publications on reverse mortgages, speak to an elder law attorney or a local trusted bank official. 

You may wish to consider a home equity line of credit or refinancing your current loan or think seriously about a move to a smaller, less costly residence. Depending on your age, current health needs and income, an assisted living or continuing care community could also be an excellent choice.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

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Just what does Labor Day mean in 21st-century America?

Labor Day brings forth many different feelings. For some, it sadly marks the end of summer. For mothers, it is often a welcome relief; the kids will finally be going back to school, and for many who regularly toil long hours, it brings a needed day off.

We should remember, however, that Labor Day had its origins in the labor union movement; especially their push to win an eight-hour workday. It is somewhat ironic that at the moment, France which has been held up as a model of social enlightenment with 35-hour work weeks and a five-week summer vacation, is having to rethink some of its liberal worker policies in order to compete in the international marketplace.

Here in America, we are also revisiting our long-held belief that anyone can become hugely successful if he (or she) just works hard enough. We are so defined by what we do, that now even women of wealth pursue meaningful careers.

The initial question asked at social functions is no longer where you are from or who your parents are, but what do you do? Thomas Jefferson said that his proudest achievement had been in creating a meritocratic United States where “a new aristocracy of virtue and talent replaced the old one of unfair privilege.” What would Jefferson have thought about today’s Washington where ambassadorships are given to generous political donors, and large American corporations hire the sons of wealthy Chinese businessmen as enticements to invest vast sums of money in their companies? Sorry, Tom, you did not put an end to “unfair privilege.” It remains alive and well in America today. America is still a hard-working nation, but that workplace has undergone some vast changes. The fabric mills of New England and the auto assembly lines of Detroit no longer provide unskilled workers with lifelong employment and good wages. Lady Liberty no longer welcomes the poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free, but reaches out instead to the doctors, engineers and scientists from abroad. We no longer can count on large companies like AT&T and General Electric to offer lifetime employment to loyal employees.Even top executives, such as the recent dismissal of the much-touted new head of J.C. Penney Co., Ron Johnson, after only 17 months in the position, are no longer exempt from being fired. As a result, employees are less likely to remain loyal to one company and move about more often.We also have come to expect more from our work since with the advent of the Internet and smart phones, we spend even more time in work-related activities. It no longer suffices that our work pays the rent; we want it to fulfill our emotional needs as well.

Our workplace is in a constant state of flux. At present, the majority of married couples are both working, there are more women who are the major breadwinners and more and more women cracking that glass ceiling. As to the future, who knows?

So whether you are on the open road, stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, seeking the sun somewhere, visiting relatives or just relaxing at home with your feet up, this senior worker wishes you a most Happy Labor Day!

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

I'm reading: Just what does Labor Day mean in 21st-century America?