And Just Like That, 60 Became the New 40

And Just Like That, 60 Became the New 40 - By: Patrizia Winsper

It blew my mind when I saw Journalist Flora Gill’s tweet in early January exposing how drastically our perception of women of “a certain age” has changed over the last two decades. The eye-opener: The Golden Girls characters in season one were younger than the current Sex and the City actresses. Let that sink in… ?

I wondered how Baby Boomers, the fastest growing segment of the population, felt about being “seniors” since they look rather different – let’s say it, better - and live significantly longer than people aged 58 to 76 did just one generation ago. With a sizeable Peachtree Corners crowd enjoying their golden years, I set out to discover how today’s “60 is the new 40” phenomenon is taking shape in our city.

Better self-care throughout our lives undoubtedly contributes to our longevity. More active lifestyles, healthier choices, improved nutrition, and unabashedly tending to our intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs all contribute to our long-term health. Let’s have a look at how some local individuals and organizations are helping us put our best foot forward now and as we step into our twilight years.

Skincare Treatments Fight Father Time

(Left) Writer, Patrizia Winsper reasearching anti-aging treatments at Subarban Med Spa. Shown here having a Clayton Shagal chocolate mud mask applied by Aesthetician, Taylor Olson.

Suburban Med Spa offers an array of services that cater to selfcare for every season of the year and of life. Aesthetician, Taylor Olson has a background in medical aesthetics. She regaled me with knowledge about their anti-aging treatments while giving me a divine skin polishing facial, the first step in determining a client’s skin concerns.

“Aging is inevitable but preventative measures can be taken. Good skin is part what you do at home but you should also be in the care of an aesthetician who can devise the right treatment plan,” Olson said. Spa services and products are tailored to address your specific goals. Many are unaware of the multitude of options available to treat issues like enlarged pores, acne scars, rosacea, sunspots, skin laxity, loss of volume, collagen, and elastin.

For a good at-home regimen, arm yourself with medical grade skincare lines carried by the spa like Vital C by Image Skincare, Clayton Shagal, and Obagi. They’ll produce better results than over the counter products because they contain more of the most proven active ingredients. Each product Olson applied felt luxurious and smelled delightful – fragranced only by plant botanicals. They can be pricey but as Aesthetician, Blanca Verner said, “The best accessory is good skin,” so absolutely worth the investment.

“Our most popular skin care product for ages 55 and up, is the Neo Therapy Neck & Décolleté Tightening Cream by Neocutis. There are over 100 plant stem cells and growth factors in their products; skin building blocks like collagen, elastin, peptides – the most potent form you can buy,” Olson shared. The formula was originally created in Switzerland for pediatric burn victims. Aesthetic dermatology swooped it up when skin began to regenerate from third-degree burns in just two weeks. Users can expect improvements in texture, fine lines and wrinkles. ?

Also trending in personal care, jade rollers used to help products penetrate deeper into the skin and reduce puffiness. “Once you’ve applied all of your skincare, roll until you see a bit of redness, that’s a sign the blood is flowing and the products are penetrating. You can pick one up at TJ MAXX inexpensively.

Combat changes in aging skin in the treatment room with photo rejuvenation – an Intense Pulse Light (IPL) skin-tightening laser targeting areas of skin laxity where you’re losing plumpness, have more lines and wrinkles. It tightens the skin and treats age and sun spots by triggering the body’s natural response to heal wounds and regenerate the skin. Your body interprets it as a sunburn, so it sends peptides, collagen and elastin to rebuild - all things that make your skin look youthful. It’s great for crow’s feet around the eyes, it’s non-invasive, and delivers results.

(Left) Aesthetician, Taylor Olson - Suburban Med Spa.

Next in the arsenal against aging skin? “Acids are an aesthetician’s best friend,” Olson chuckled. Glycolic, salicylic, or lactic - they all treat different things. For those who are sensitive to lasers, chemical peels are ideal. The best anti-aging peel containing the highest grade of acid in a chemical peel was developed in Italy, the PRX-T33. “When women come back in four weeks for their follow-up, it looks like eight years were removed from their face. It’s insane how tight and plump the skin is. We call it Botox in a bottle,” Olson described.

The big guns in the fight against stubborn lines and wrinkles are injectables. Clients who don’t mind needles go next door to see Dr. Singhal M.D., who owns the practice. He and his PA Amber administer filler injections like Botox and Juvéderm to rejuvenate the face by smoothing away facial lines and wrinkles, creating fuller lips, and shaping facial contours.

Look radiant at every age with the help of Dr. Singhal and the knowledgeable aestheticians at Suburban Med Spa: (678) 282-0051.

The Latest in Senior Coiffures?

Gone are the bouffants of yesteryear. Today’s 60-and-older adults opt for crowning glories that help them turn back the hands of time. Color-wise, anything goes! Covid had seniors embracing their grays, but according to Senior Colorist, Faith Harding at Van Michael Salon, those same people are opting for some lowlights now to add dimension to their haircuts and break up the gray. “We see more experimenting with fashion color,” Harding added. Her one rule to avoid looking dated: “Extremes like all black or all white age you. Anything in between is fair game.”

Stylist, Ginger Rowland has noticed that undercuts on bobs – cutting short or shaving under the hair - have become popular among women of a certain age. “We have more seniors coming in to have their hair blown out for parties, or adding extensions for a new look,” Rowland said. The salon offers services for thinning hair and balding.

To discover the most flattering “do” for you, see Faith and Ginger at Van Michael in the Forum: (678) 987-3600.

Brushing and Flossing Regularly Keeps Seniors Smiling

Kristina Dawson, DMD of Peachtree Corners Dental Associates sees patients of all ages. Her recommendations for the oral care of the 60+ group are routine visits and daily maintenance at home. A dental team will monitor any changes. “As we age, we become more susceptible to dry mouth, cavities that form on the root surfaces of teeth and it’s important to manage any systemic disease that can affect the oral cavity,” Dr. Dawson said. She feels prevention is key, along with early, conservative intervention when necessary.

Thinning enamel causes teeth to yellow with age. For a brighter smile, patients may consider an at-home whitening kit or an in-office procedure.?

?Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dawson’s trusted team: (770) 448-5666.?

The Silver Fox’s Den

What’s new about where mature folks dwell these days? Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Certified Agent, Amy Fuchs of FamilyHomesGa at Keller Williams Chattahoochee North feels seniors are living their “best lives ever.” Contrary to what was the norm just a few years ago, downsizing is not always the way to go. Fuchs shared some exciting new developments.

1.?Upsizing: “Yes, I said upsizing,” Fuchs affirmed. Many are purchasing larger homes with the primary bedroom on the main floor for obvious convenience, yet they also want extra bedrooms, media rooms and play areas to enjoy when extended family and the grandchildren visit.?

2.?New Construction near City Centers: ?Live/play areas appeal to seniors who enjoy being within walking distance to all the action. Peachtree Corners Town Center is a popular example. With dozens of restaurants, Sprouts, nail salons and boutiques, the new construction around the center is a trendy spot for all ages. ?

“We often think of ranch style homes as the most popular among seniors, that isn’t necessarily the case anymore.?Townhome living offers low maintenance and proximity to city centers. Seniors and builders are adding elevators to their options; it’s no longer a feature available only in the luxury market. It opens up a popular alternative from the traditional, hard to find ranch,” Fuchs said.?

3.?55+ Communities: ?Both as rental and purchase options, these communities are becoming lifelines for widows and widowers wanting to open up their lives after the tragedy of losing a spouse.?Fuchs explained, “Instead of sitting in a big house and looking back, wonderful people wanting to be social and move forward are finding joy in the activities and social aspect these communities offer.”

“Last year I worked hard to help seniors.?Several lost a spouse, some due to Covid. Seeing them move into a new situation that brightened their lives was a very rewarding experience.?I plan to do this more. “The Silver Fox” section on our website is dedicated to the 55+ crowd with tips, properties and vendors that appeal to their needs,” Fuchs said.

Reach Amy Fuchs directly at (404) 439-1031 with any real estate inquiries.?

You’re Not Too Old and it’s Never Too Late

(Above) Athletes ranging in age from 20 to 70 meet regularly on the Fitness Trail in Peachtree Corners for boot camp style and HIIT workouts. Shown here, a group participates in the Murph 2020 - a Memorial Day workout in honor of Lieutenant Michael Murphy, Medal of Honor winner.

Adults are staying young longer in large part by adhering to today's health directives to keep active. City Councilman, Alex Wright (51) works out regularly with a unique, mixed age group of athletes (20-70). They've been making good use of the Fitness Trail in Peachtree Corners since the pandemic shut down the YMCA. At the height of closures, they were meeting seven days per week. Currently, various groups are meeting once or twice a week in the winter for boot camp style, or HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts, since they've been able to return to the gym. Some focus on cardio, some train for Spartan races, others concentrate on obstacles.

Anywhere from four to 20 people gather as early as 5:30 a.m. for strength, cardio and body weight workouts using obstacles on the trail and equipment they bring along like dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, ropes, sandbags and jump ropes. Strength exercises include kettlebell swings, dumbbell presses, and sandbag snatches. Running with a 30 lb. ball or a weighted vest, burpees, mountain climbers, rope slams, and jump rope constitute cardio work. Using their own body weight; pull-ups, pushups and air squats get the job done. Obstacles on the trail include rope climb, wall climb, rings, and the rope traverse.?

(Right) Rich Woodfield on the monkey bars.

“Some can outperform people 20-30 years younger. They've taken good care of themselves and put in the daily work,” Wright revealed.?Like Rich Woodfield (63) who competes in Spartan races and seldom misses a workout. “He didn’t start exercising until his late forties. It’s never too late,” Wright said. He also mentioned Amy Massey and Kristin McEwen who are in incredibly good shape at 50+, and 71-year-old Terry Evans, who participated in the November Decathlon and works out daily at CrossFit. To join this challenging, multi-generational group of fitness buffs, email [email protected] .

(Left) Kristin McEwen rope climbing on the Fitness Trail.?

As for fitness trends among older athletes, Wright called out the rise of pickleball over tennis, indoor cycling, more outside walking since the Covid outbreak, and yoga.?

(Below) Amy Massay, Organizer of The Glow Run, participating in the Murph 2021.

Fexibility = Longevity

If kettle bells, tire flips and rope climbing are not your speed, try exercise that’s not as jarring on your joints. David Penn, Founder of Sun Dragon Yoga, can ameliorate the daunting physical challenges that aging can present. Yoga is a brilliant way to maintain muscle mass, flexibility and balance. Practicing yoga comes with an added benefit: It’s instrumental in the reversal of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease prevention. ?

?Sun Dragon Yoga has been offering classes tailored to seniors in the Peachtree Corners area for six years. As a member of the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation (www.arpf.com ), Penn incorporates research-based, results-producing findings into daily classes.?

?In a few weeks, members notice an increase in strength, greater flexibility, improved balance and overall well-being in mind, body, and spirit - there’s a reason why yoga’s popularity is growing. “Two 45-minute classes a week can change your life,” Penn exclaimed. ?Grab a yoga mat and get ready to flow into a sharper mind and a healthier, longer life with David Penn: (313) 303-0096.?

Train to Independence

Certified Personal Trainer, Mick Danskin trains a general clientele, but found a niche working with elders. “Seniors want to stay in their homes and remain independent for as long as possible. Although some of them have seen physical therapists, the amount of care they receive is limited by insurance. With fewer limitations, I’m free to correct their issues, usually by visiting clients twice weekly for one-hour sessions,” Danskin explained.?

Seniors receive a 10-session discount at $60 per session (regularly $80), which includes a free in-home assessment. Clients with heart conditions must provide a doctor's release prior to commencing an exercise program.?

Danskin specializes in correcting muscle imbalances, posture, lack of flexibility and strength issues to help seniors live safely independently. Some of his clients recovering from illness or surgery find themselves unable to overcome postural problems, or have trouble walking properly. “I've helped several people gain functional strength, energy, and re-learn how to walk,” Danskin said.?

Addressing the health concerns of the elderly, Danskin works through customized stretches, balance and strength exercises which improve joint discomfort. “Movement and exercise stimulate bone density, staving off osteoporosis. The recommendation for otherwise healthy seniors would be at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, five days a week,” Danskin shared. Hop on the train to independence, schedule a session with Mick Danskin: (678) 491-0332.

Excited about his imminent Nutrition Coach certification, Danskin likes to discuss adequate hydration and nutritional supplementation with his clients. “Most seniors have decreased appetite and find it difficult to meal plan for only one or two people. This often leads to inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, exacerbating problems like lack of energy, muscle and bone mass loss.??

Healthy Eating Prolongs Life

Owner of Clean Eatz, Nancy Glass, has the answer for seniors who want to remain autonomous without the hassle of cooking for one or two people. Properly portioned, health-conscience, prepared meals are ideal for anyone interested in healthy eating made easy.

Clean Eatz sources quality ingredients to offer customers affordable, nutritious meals. Nothing is fried and no salt or oil are used in their meal preparation - only sodium free seasonings and gluten free sauces.?

“We offer weekly meal plans as low as $6.52 a meal. The meals are prepared fresh. You select what you want from a menu that changes weekly. Then, just heat and eat! It’s like having a personal chef. No dishes to wash, no grocery shopping, just enjoy,” Glass beamed. Customers make their selections for the week and the entire order goes home with them.

There are five entrée options you can have for lunch, dinner or breakfast, a sixth item for breakfast. You can order any quantity of each meal and skip meals you don’t want. We also have a weekly gluten free cauliflower crust pizza.

The Grab N Go freezers are stocked with meals that were made fresh in the café and then frozen. They can cater to all

dietary needs: vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, extra protein (great for maintaining muscle), low carb, and BASIC.?BASIC meals are prepared with no seasonings or sauces, allowing for customization when you take them home. Shareable family meals containing four servings are priced at $17.99. Grab N Go meals are readily available to boost your weekly meal plan recipes providing additional variety, in case you need more or you just want to try something new.

Fresh, hot, made to order items are available from the café menu. Burgers, build your own bowls, salads, wraps, flatbreads and smoothies are available for dine in, to go, or delivery through UberEATS. The average price is $8.79.

?“Clean Eatz is here to help anyone striving for a healthy lifestyle. Once you’ve taken that first step it becomes a way of life. Small improvements lead to BIG changes. You’ll start to feel better and notice the changes in your body,” Glass said. ?

Gerrie Wydeven - Winning at the Game of Life in Peachtree Corners

A brief chat with Gerrie Wydeven makes you want to be her when you grow up. Turning 72 this March, she admittedly struggles to call herself a senioir. It could be because she is the poster woman for someone who has done life right for a long time, and is continuing to live it to the fullest, reaping the rewards of her good habits into her retirement years.?

Wydeven has been making fitness a priority for over 30 years, alternating exercises to include strength training, stretching, and aerobics. “My favorite gym activity was attending different classes at the old Golds Gym (and the two subsequent buyouts). Now I do a similar routine at home four to five times a week since the gym has closed,” she said.?

She and her husband, Tim Nolan, walk two to three miles, four to five times a week - usually in their neighborhood, yet they also drive to various Gwinnett and Fulton parks for a change of scenery.

Along with working out, making small tweaks to her diet like eliminating sugar in coffee, limiting the use of butter and oils, reducing sodium, maximizing proteins, minimizing carbs and limiting unhealthy choices have kept her at a healthy weight. “I try to eat the magical foods like blueberries, spinach, and nuts as often as possible” Wydeven added.

Rolling with the Punches

A broken foot from slipping on the stairs – a common injury among mature adults – has caused Wydeven to tread more carefully on steps or any uneven surface. She added balancing exercises to her routine and invested in better walking shoes.

Keep an Active Mind

Wydeven considers herself a lifelong learner. “I love discoveries that make me appreciate the wonders of this world and recognize that there’s so much more to know and incorporate in my worldview,” she said.

Free online courses available from Yale and Harvard have stirred her curiosity. She’s taken about 14 over the years. Of note were two Yale courses: Epidemics in Western Society since 1600 (useful given our recent Covid experience) and African American History – Emancipation to the Present. A favorite Harvard Course, Justice. “Everyone can do these courses at their own pace, they’re easy to access,” Wydeven said.

?An avid reader, Wydeven read almost 80 books last year. She belongs to her neighborhood book club and is a voracious user of the local library.

Feed your Soul

Wydeven and Nolan travel both domestically and abroad more than most. She cites Mark Twain in defense of her wanderlust, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Some favorite destinations include: Istanbul, Morocco, San Francisco, Peru, Amsterdam, and Paris.

When traveling, they opt for walking tours and visits to parks and gardens. They’ve taken over 30 in San Francisco alone. “Walking tours wonderfully combine exercise and learning experiences,” Wydeven said.

Hobbies

A passion for scrapbooking and photography collided in the creation of over 40 travel journals over the past 15 years. Last year’s journals highlighted the mini and domestic trips they were limited to because of Covid. Wydeven enjoys using Facebook to share her photographs too.

Relationships – The Secret to Healthy Aging

(Above) Gerrie Wydeven and Tim Nolan enjoying al fresco dining at Grace 1720.

“My husband, daughter, son and their families/significant others give me joy every day – they are the reason I am a happy camper and very seldom get down. I have a close relationship with my sister as well,” Wydeven shared. She maintains friendships throughout the country from her days of traveling for work as a senior manager with the Federal government.

Purpose

Finding meaningful things to do with your newfound time after retirement is key to aging well. Wydeven Designs was her business finding, refurbishing and selling heirloom quality upholstered furniture.

“For 15 years, I scoured estate and garage sales, Craigslist, and thrift shops to find high-quality, reasonably priced chairs, settees, chaises, loveseats, and ottomans. I bought discounted fabrics, learned how to chalk paint, developed relationships with the upholstery shop, shippers, woodwork refinishers, and clients throughout the country. I loved doing this and was always amazed with the before and after transformations and the joy of happy customers! Over this period, I maintained three different websites and a blog, selling through Etsy, eBay, One King’s Lane, and directly” Wydeven shared.

?Art classes are something she’s had time for since retiring. She’s been sketching with colored pencils for ages and sells her work online. “I need something to motivate me to create this art. Another adventure to keep me busy,” Wydeven smiled. Her artwork is available at www.etsy.com/shop/WydevenDesigns .

The cultural shift in attitude towards what it means to be "older" is evident in Peachtree Corners, our little microcosm of society. Better knowledge of selfcare trends, proper food and fitness régimes, and maintaining social connections all contribute to staving off cognitive and physical decline. Enjoy your extended active years for 60 has indeed become the new 40!

Elder Care with Heart

Susan Kearns, Director of Happy Hearts Respite Care, would like to spread the word about a ministry held at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church Mondays from 10:00 to 3:00. Families can drop off their live-in aging loved ones and have time to run errands, rest and reboot. Meanwhile, elders enjoy breakfast, conversation, devotions, music, games and exercise in Fellowship Hall. Sports like balloon volleyball, beanbag and basketball toss get everyone moving. Visits with the preschool babies, lunch, and crafting are all part of the fun-filled day. "The second graders from Cornerstone Christian Academy regale us with performances," Kearns said. "They also work on projects with our seniors." Canine friends, Pancake and Pork Chop present their tricks during pet therapy sessions, bringing smiles to all. Email Susan Kearns for more information about Happy Hearts: [email protected] .

Kiana Mills, Memory Care Director of The Mansions at Sandy Springs Assisted Living & Memory Care, is happy to shed light on the positive behavioral outcomes that daily goings-on and engagement can provide for seniors. Residents at The Mansions located in Peachtree Corners enjoy participating in a structured day with meaningful activities and opportunities to make good use of their time. Activities range from trivia, group games, sensory engagement, gardening, music therapy, cooking, and more.

“We go the extra mile by tailoring our activities to the interests and abilities of our residents. This has allowed us in many ways to reduce some of the difficult behaviors displayed by seniors with dementia so that they have a wonderful quality of life,” Mills said.

Email Kiana Mills to learn more about programs at The Mansions: [email protected]?

Pensioner Perks

• Ray Paracha is opening a UPS next to Ingles at the end of March, at 5075 Peachtree Pkwy #107. He’s offering a 10% discount to seniors and veterans.?
• Instructor, Jennifer Bonacci and Executive Director, Katie Furlough of The Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA, encourage seniors to connect with others and work on their wellness goals by attending senior classes and social events. In February take advantage of “Try the Y Tuesday.”?
• Rico Figliolini likes Mailbox Books. Gwinnett County Public Library provides access to library materials for cardholders who are homebound due to age, illness, etc. www.gwinnettpl.org/adults/mailbox-books/ ?
• Kathy Donohue McDonough enjoys Zaxby’s 10% senior discount.?
• Julie Davis recommends healthy dining options: Salata, Pokéworks, Loving Hut, Press Blend Squeeze, Planet Smoothie, Cava, L’Thai Organic Cuisine.?
• Davis’ Fitness picks: Jazzercise, Anytime Fitness, Burn Boot Camp, Redline Athletics?
• Gerrie Wydeven loves the money-saving High Museum Reciprocal Programs. Members get free admission and discounts at participating institutions throughout the U.S. www.high.org/reciprocal-membership-programs ?
• Wydeven also recommends the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Membership Program which grants free access to over 345 gardens in the U.S. It’s a great way to find hidden gems while traveling! www.ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/ ?
• Senior Pass for National Parks is another of Wydeven’s favorites. Those aged 62 and over are eligible. www.tripsavvy.com/how-to-purchase-the-senior-pass-3361867

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