According to “Issue Brief: LGBT and Dementia,” a co-publication of the Alzheimer’s Association and SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), there are 2.7 million LGBT people over age 50, and that number will likely double over the next 15 years. While the LGBT community faces similar health concerns as the general public, the LGBT population who receive a dementia diagnosis face uniquely challenging circumstances.

• Even with recent advances in LGBT rights, LGBT older adults are often marginalized and face discrimination.
• They are twice as likely to age without a spouse or partner, twice as likely to live alone and three to four times less likely to have children — greatly limiting their opportunities for support.
• There’s also a lack of transparency as forty percent of LGBT older people in their 60s and 70s say their healthcare providers don’t know their sexual orientation (Out and Visible).

The Institute of Medicine identified the following pressing health issues for LGBT people: lower rates of accessing care (up to 30%); increased rates of depression; higher rates of obesity in the lesbian population; higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use; higher risk factors of cardiovascular disease for lesbians; and higher incidents of HIV/AIDS for gay and bisexual men (Brennan-Ing, Seidel, Larson, and Karpiak, 2014). Risk factors for heart disease — including diabetes, tobacco use, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — are also risk factors for Alzheimer’s and stroke-related dementia.

Due to the healthcare-related challenges they and others have faced, an LGBT person may not reach out for services and support because they fear poor treatment due to their LGBT identity, because they fear the stigma of being diagnosed with dementia, or both. Several studies document that LGBT elders access essential services, including visiting nurses, food stamps, senior centers, and meal plans, much less frequently than the general aging population.

Among the 16 recommendations for organizations and service providers in their Issue Brief, the Alzheimer’s Association and SAGE suggest:

• Expand your definition of family.
• Educate yourself and your staff on LGBT cultural competency.
• Find or create support groups specifically for LGBT people.
• Partner with local LGBT community groups and political organizations.
• Help LGBT people and their families with legal and financial planning.

To read more from this survey and data results, click here.

The post The LGBT Community and Dementia appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

The menu is curated by Chef Ned Bell, known for hosting seven seasons of Cook Like a Chef on Food Network Canada. All items are locally sourced from start to finish, with the dinner menu including Pacific salmon and other seafood dishes, while meat eaters can enjoy the organic beef strip loin, and there’s also a vegan option as well. Sounds good, but for $399.00 per person ($569.00 VIP with wine pairing), it is on the pricey side, especially when it all must be consumed in the one-hour time period slotted in the air. Apparently sales might not be doing so well, as there was a special 50% off offer for July 14 to 20 reservations. I’d keep an eye on the website for additional promotions throughout the run in North Vancouver.

Upon “lift off” from the ground, the table is hoisted into the air, and is then manually maneuvered by one staff member on the ground who pulls a rope back and forth, round and round, allowing diners to view Vancouver’s skyline. That’s if there’s any time to enjoy the skyline, as the meal is rushed from start to finish, with the first appetizer already plated and waiting for you when you are seated. There were a couple instances where the servers were asking if people were done their meal, when they took a couple seconds to look around or chat with their dining partner. Another individual asked to take the remainder of their main course home, because they were already onto desserts. The entire time in the air is 60 minutes, and to serve 22 diners (when at capacity) in that time is obviously a challenge on the staff, but perhaps an added 15 minutes might let diners enjoy themselves a bit more.

Speaking of the staff, it seems that summer students were hired with not one individual responsible for overseeing things. Apparently Ned Bell goes up on certain dates, and his other chef, Evan, does as well on occasion. Neither were there when I went. The music played from the “bartenders” phone was all over the map, from disco to hip hop, and very choppy. They cut the music abruptly to switch to another tune, and the volume alternated between too loud and not loud enough. No one needs to dine listening to the Bee Gees or Led Zeppelin!

Finally, the later time I was moved to was deemed “Premium” as it took place during sunset. Unfortunately, by the time you’re in the air, the sun has already set behind the mountains to the west, so don’t expect to grab any Instagram snaps. In fact, the setting sun darkens many of the images of Vancouver’s skyline at that time of night. The staff really try to help by offering to take some pictures, but their photography skills are something else that might need sharpening up.

Overall, the concept is great, the value for the money is not, unless you snag one of their 50% off offers. I’d suggest if you want the elevated experience, go for the “Happy Hour in the Sky” for $149.00 that gives you canapes and a glass of wine, as well as dessert in the sky. You get 45 minutes in the air, as opposed to an hour, but you only have the dessert to work on, and the rest of the time can be spent enjoying the views.

Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver is on now through July 28, at 415 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, where a private reception areas is set up to lounge in prior to dinner. The experience will then move to West Vancouver from August 4th to September 3rd.

More info and bookings details can be found here.

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WESTCOAST Sightseeing announced renowned Executive Chef Ned Bell has joined their team as Chef Ambassador to create an exceptional menu of delicious, locally inspired food and drinks for Dinner in the Sky Canada, a unique elevated dining experience in Greater Vancouver this summer.

“We are excited to have Ned Bell, who is both a talented chef and champion of the environment, join us in creating an unforgettable dining experience for our Dinner in the Sky guests,” said Robert Safrata, CEO of WESTCOAST Sightseeing. “WESTCOAST Sightseeing looks forward to offering this spectacular dining and sightseeing experience to local and international guests this summer.”

Chef Ned Bell stated, “I love getting people excited about food,” shares Bell. “And let’s face it, dining doesn’t get too much more exciting and enchanting than when enjoying delicious local dishes and wines while suspended high above this breathtaking view.”

About Ned Bell:

Ned has cooked around the world naming some career highlights as hosting seven seasons of Cook Like a Chef on Food Network Canada, opening his own Kelowna-based-restaurant – Cabana Grille — and receiving the Food Service & Hospitality magazine’s Pinnacle Award for Chef of the Year (2015). Recent favourites include leading a multi-chef sustainable seafood celebration at New York’s James Beard House and serving up geo-duck for the future King of England and Princess Kate in Kelowna, B.C.

Bell also acts as Executive Chef for Vancouver-based Ocean Wise at the Vancouver Aquarium, and was inspired to found Chefs for Oceans in 2014 to raise awareness and advocacy for responsible seafood choices and the importance of supporting healthy oceans, lakes and rivers. Bell’s commitment to seafood stewardship has skyrocketed ever since and he proudly accepted the international SeaWeb Seafood Champion for Advocacy Award for his efforts through leadership, innovation, vision and activism in the fall of 2017.

About WESTCOAST Sightseeing:

Vancouver-based WESTCOAST Sightseeing is a privately owned business, and the largest sightseeing operator in Vancouver. WESTCOAST Sightseeing has been sharing remarkable experiences with guests in Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler for over 30 years and has partnership with many leading tourism attractions and affiliates. WESTCOAST Sightseeing has committed to convert its fleet of 80+ vehicles to zero-emission, electric buses over the next five years, with the first clean-energy buses arriving in 2018. It also operates electric boats, providing unique Coal Harbour e-tours providing spectacular view of the north shore mountains and city skyline.

About “Dinner in the Sky”:

“Dinner in the Sky” was founded in Belgium over 30 years ago and first came to Vancouver last year for a sold-out month of July, delighting diners with gourmet food, cocktails, wine and stunning views from over 100 feet in the sky in North Vancouver. It is now enjoyed in 62 countries worldwide.

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For the fifth consecutive year, the challenge is scheduled during the Key West Pride celebration and is presented in partnership with the Key West Business Guild.

The cocktail classic brings together regional winners from previous competitions held in LGBT bars across North America. During the final rounds, they compete to create the cocktail that best embodies Key West’s creativity and spirit.

The top two bartenders are to receive a combined total of $20,000 for charity — with a portion given to a Key West organization of their choice and the rest to a favorite hometown charity. The first-prize mixologist also is named honorary grand marshal of the 2018 Pride Parade.

Festivities are to begin with an all-welcome Pride kick-off gala where cocktail fans can meet the Stoli contestants and judges. The event is slated for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at Key West’s Island House, 1129 Fleming St.

Contest elimination rounds are planned Thursday and Friday, June 7 and 8, at LGBT hotspots in the 700 and 800 blocks of Key West’s legendary Duval Street. Each features multiple bartenders vying for spots in Saturday night’s final round.

The Stoli group “raises the bar” with its action-packed competition finale, set for 7 p.m. Saturday on an open-air stage in the 700 block of Duval Street. Scheduled hosts include Stoli USA’s national LGBT ambassador Patrik Gallineaux and “Real Housewives of Dallas” star LeeAnne Locken, with entertainment provided by chart-topping singer/songwriter Debby Holiday.

The dueling bartenders are to be rated by an all-star lineup of celebrity judges including Emmy Award–winning comedy writer and actor Bruce Vilanch, singer/actress and former “American Idol” finalist LaToya London and acclaimed Key West female impersonator Sushi.

The festivities culminate in the Pride Parade, led by the Stoli winner and slated to begin at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 10. The parade route proceeds up Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Afterward, Pride participants can attend Stoli’s official after-parade party at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St., home of Key West’s popular Sunday Tea Dance.

Event information and schedule

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or gaykeywestfl.com

Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Youtube • Keys Voices blog

The post Key West Cocktail Classic Finals to Showcase Top LGBT Mixologists – June 6 to 10, 2018 appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Tin and aluminum, the traditional 10th anniversary gift is no way to celebrate a gay travel milestone! Outings & Adventures founded in 2008, in Tampa, Florida, is going big and out of the box, hosting the first all-gay private charter European River Boat Bike Tour, July 7-14, 2018.

The weeklong departure sets sail on a deluxe canal boat from Metz, France, a city rich in history dating back 3,000 years, traveling through Luxembourg and concluding the bucket list adventure in Cochem, Germany. Bonding, biking and camaraderie will bring together 24 men as they meander historic waterways dotted with iconic castles, half-timbered fairy-tale villages, old Roman outposts, and routes connecting some of the world’s most celebrated vineyards.

No other gay travel company offers this itinerary. Since its inception, Outings & Adventures has hosted hundreds of events including numerous all-gay charter Caribbean windjammer cruises, a river cruise out of Paris and adventures in Costa Rica and the Pacific Northwest. To commemorate Outings & Adventures’ longevity, they’ve raised the bar for the 10th Anniversary Celebration Trip. Their European River Boat Bike Tour is the perfect itinerary, combining history, biking, cultural excursions, great food and wine and the company of like-minded gay men.

Trip Highlights
• Celebratory 10th Anniversary Welcome Reception
• Cycle past charming villages and lush vineyards
• Explore the volcanic landscape of the maars
• Taste the Moselle Valley’s famous wines
• Tour the former Roman stronghold of Trier
• Learn an ancient art at a bell foundry and museum
• Visit Luxembourg, France and Germany in one trip
• 2 dinner options while onboard, 3-4 courses        nightly
• Complimentary glass of wine with dinner each night
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners included
• 2 bike guides/support on all ride and 2 hosts
• Week long bike rental, helmets and panniers included

The Barge Iris
Outings & Adventures departs on a deluxe and spacious 12-cabin riverboat with a homelike atmosphere. Converted to accommodate 24 guests Iris was put into service in 2005 with private bathrooms and showers and climate control throughout. Common areas include a dining area, a lounge with a bar, and a sundeck at the bow and, of course, Iris has the modern convenience of WiFi.

Itinerary
This 7-night adventure kicks off with embarkation in Metz, France, an ancient city strategically situated on a Roman trading route that is home to St. Etienne Cathedral, the third largest Gothic church in France.

The Moselle River will be the guide during the week long expedition from France through Luxembourg and to the final port of Cochem, Germany.
Sailing 179 miles in total, with visits that include the ancient city of Thionville, which until the 1980s was the centre of the steel industry. Pass by a former fortress and palace inhabited by powerful Dukes of Lorraine. The bike route is rolling French countryside, riparian landscapes and tiny villages.

Pedal toward Luxembourg, the tiny nation about the size of Rhode Island. The path leads to a place that’s a throwback in time, Saarburg, which means “fortress on the river Saar.” In the 1300s, the town fathers diverted a local river to run through the centre so they’d have access to water. A high waterfall connects the steep drop down between the “upper and lower” towns lined with 17th-18th century homes clinging to the hillside. Medieval German engineering at its best!

The winding bike route on day 4 travels on scenic hairpin turns along the Moselle, passing the wine making villages of Trittenheim and Piesport along the way—a region beloved by Riesling aficionados. Then in Bernkastel visit one of the prettiest town squares with timber-frame buildings dating back to the 1400s. The castle ruins on the hill are base lit at night. An evening stroll along the river is a must…words can’t describe the feeling of Old Europe.

Leaving the river, take a bus up to an agricultural region called the Eifel. From there, it’s an exhilarating ride downhill along a rails-to-trails path. A ride of a lifetime for many—through German forests and former train tunnels, over bridges and around small lakes formed from volcano craters many years ago.

The adventure concludes in Cochem, Germany after passing downstream and through the last set of locks. A visit to richly decorated Cochem Castle dating back to 1130 is our final excursion.

Hurry, this one is selling fast. More info and booking details here.

Search Dozens of Gay Travel Sites or Just One!
Outings & Adventures is the most comprehensive travel site targeting the gay consumer with 100s of vacation options; cruises of all kinds, big ships, windjammer, river cruises, and small yacht sailings, group tours, accommodations, food and wine experiences, yoga retreats, pride guide, a gay campground directory and more.

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There are various “hook up” apps out there, such as the well known Tinder, Scruff and Grindr platforms. Recent news around targeted attacks of individuals using these apps for criminal activities, are putting even more pressure on someone to take a look a putting some sort of security measures in place, or risk being shutdown completely.

Up until recently many also used the Craigslist personal ads. This last option ceased recently in the United States due to the U.S. Senate passing an anti-sex trafficking bill that could hold the website and others responsible for illegal activity if it becomes law. Now, as of this week Craigslist pulled their Canadian personal ads section from the site as well, with no warning or reasoning behind this decision.

In the past, Craigslist had their own share of problems with “meet ups” gone wrong, some not even connected via the personal ads section. There was even a movie made called the Craigslist Killer.

So why is it that just last week Facebook announced it is jumping into the “adult personals/dating” market? A statement did indicate this was for more social dating purposes, as opposed to sexual hook ups, and Time magazine recently reported that there have been many positive outcomes to meeting on social media platforms as well.

So when and where do we need to draw the line on restrictions and straight out bans?

First and foremost, safety should be of utmost importance, and while all the disclaimers in the world can be placed throughout websites and within terms of agreements, the fact remains there are risks out there. However, there are risks meeting people in person at bars or social outings as well.

Unfortunately, as long as there are bad people in this world, there will be a risk of inherent danger when meeting someone new. Don’t let this stop you from talking to people while you make your travels around the world. The vast majority of people we encounter in our lifetime are good, honest citizens.

Also, people love to share stories about their hometowns with visitors. This is the best way to learn about a place, and get off the beaten path, or to just get off, if that’s what you’re looking for.

So as the platforms for online dating and hook ups is changing quite rapidly, there will most likely be more of a crackdown on certain sites, now that the government and corporations are taking even greater control of our lives, and tracking every move we make.

Until then, safe travels, happy meet ups, and don’t forget to swipe right!

The post Hooking Up On The Go – Where To Now? appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

BURST was founded by Hamish Khayat in 2017 with the goal of revolutionizing the sonic oral care industry by providing consumers with affordable and high-quality products. Through its subscription, direct ship business model, BURST charges consumers a fair and affordable price. Consumers can purchase their first BURST subscription box online for $69.99, or through a dental professional. This includes the toothbrush, USB charger and one toothbrush head. For an additional $6.00, including shipping and handling, consumers will receive a new toothbrush head every three months.

THE BURST DIFFERENCE

• BURST’s distinctive black bristles are a result of binchotan charcoal sourced from Wakayama, Japan. By coating the bristles with this particular type of charcoal, they are able to collect and absorb potentially harmful substances between your teeth and gums – including bacteria, plaque, germs and other toxins. By absorbing these impurities, yellow stains on the teeth and the bacteria that causes bad breath are reduced.
• This brush features an industry-leading 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute and three different brushing modes: whitening, sensitive and gum massage.
• The brush is equipped with a two-minute timer to ensure users are thoroughly brushing for a deep clean. Additionally, the Quadpacer interval timer will double vibrate every thirty seconds, letting you know to move to the next quadrant of your mouth. At the end of two minutes, the brush will turn off.
• BURST will perfectly complement a busy and active lifestyle: the sonic toothbrush can be charged via USB, and for travellers, a quick one-hour charge will last four weeks.

BURST WHITENING STRIPS
• BURST launched its second product in its line of effective, affordable oral care products in Nov. 2017 – whitening strips will remove years of intrinsic
stains in just a few days.
• Price: A subscription is $14.99; delivered in packs of 1 or 2 every three months. A one-time purchase is $19.99.
• Each pack includes a 7-day supply.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram — @burstoralcare, #brushburst

The post BURST – the traveller’s toothbrush for those one the go appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has just introduced the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, and here’s what they have to say. “Smartphones that reimagine the way we communicate, share and experience the world. Made for the ways we increasingly communicate and express ourselves with images, videos and emojis, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ drive innovation with the most advanced camera yet.”

Redesigned with a new Dual Aperture lens that powers an innovative low light camera, Super Slow-mo video capabilities and personalized AR Emoji, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ ensure you never miss a moment and make your everyday experiences epic, and to socially share for the world to admire.

Each model delivers an enhanced entertainment experience with powerful stereo speakers tuned by AKG, immersive audio with Dolby Atmos, and a refined edge-to-edge Infinity Display. Each version also comes with the new SmartThings app, which unites Samsung IoT services into one single, smart experience.

Camera Reimagined
The S9 and S9+ cameras come with a Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor with dedicated processing power and memory, as well as the following features:

 Super Slow-mo: Make every day moments epic with dynamic, slow-motion video that captures 960 frames per second, with automatic Motion Detection.
Users can then select background music from 35 different options or add a tune from their favourite playlist. Users can also create, edit and share GIF files.

 Low Light Camera: Dual Aperture1 (F1.5 – F2.4) automatically lets in more light when it’s dark and less light when it’s too bright, taking photos that are crisp and clear.

 AR Emoji: A data-based machine learning algorithm, which analyzes a 2D image of the user and maps out more than 100 facial features to create a 3D model that reflects and imitates expressions, like winks and nods, for true
personalization.

 Bixby: Intelligence platform that uses augmented reality and deep learning technologies to provide helpful information about a user’s surroundings. With real-time object detection and recognition, Bixby instantly generates information directly on top of the image that the camera is pointing at.

Entertainment Reimagined
Comes with stereo speakers tuned by AKG that also support Dolby Atmos enabled surround sound, giving the effect of 360-degree sound, complemented by revolutionary Infinity Display.

A Device that Fits with the Connected Lifestyle
For those constantly on the move, the next-generation Samsung DeX empowers a mobile lifestyle by bringing a large, full-screen experience to the mobile handset. With DeX Pad, a new docking system, users can easily connect to a larger monitor, keyboard and mouse to expand the mobile experience with enhanced document editing or even full-screen gaming.

Standard Features
Each unit comes with IP68 water and dust resistance, and fast wireless charging, and now support expandable memory of up to 400GB and are equipped with the latest premium application processors offering powerful performance, fast network speeds and sophisticated image processing.

Also includes Knox 3.1, the Samsung latest defense-grade security platform, including three different biometric authentication options – iris, fingerprint, and facial recognition. The devices support Intelligent Scan, a new verification mode that intelligently fuses the collective strength of iris scanning and facial recognition technology to quickly and conveniently unlock a user’s phone in any environment.

Preorder and Availability
In Canada, Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will be offered in Lilac Purple and Titanium Grey. Available in stores beginning March 16, 2018. Consumers can trade in their old phone between February 25, 2018 and April 9th, 2018 to receive a minimum of $100 off in addition to the trade-in value.

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