A Special Section Highlighting Senior Lifestyles This monthʼs focus: Celebrating Life
A
waken Your AgePotential
Area men featured in top-selling book BY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER Twin Cities author and visionary gerontologist Lori Campbell intends her Amazon No. 1 best-selling book, Awaken Your AgePotential: Exploring Chosen Paths of Thrivers (Beaver’s Pond Press, October 2012), to start a philosophical revolution. Her mission is to create a new vision of aging, one where people expect to live healthy, purposeful lives from beginning to end—and act on that belief. “I envision thriving becoming the new norm in aging. I believe the AgePotential movement will be a catalyst for that change,” said Campbell. Awaken Your AgePotential challenges the notion that a person’s later years must involve the “dreaded Ds,” which are disease, decline, depression, denial, dependence, disability and despair. Through the compelling stories of ten “thrivers” ages fifty years and older, Campbell shows the AgePotential philosophy in action: ordinary people creating extraordinary aging experiences. “Getting to know the thrivers in this book have forever changed the way I think and live,” said Campbell. “It piqued my curiosity to know more.” Campbell profiles Sal Valdovinos, 87, of Richfield in her chapter on selfefficacy, which is a person’s belief in their ability to succeed in a particu-
lar situation. Valdovinos emigrated to the United States from Mexico at five years old. Although he enjoyed learning, he struggled in school. Teachers encouraged him to pursue trade school, which he did instead of grad-
uating high school. At eighteen, he entered the Army and fought in World War II. Upon return, he used the GI Bill to go to college, but failed his first year. Instead of giving up, he went to night school to learn basic grammar and writing skills, all while
working full time as a welder. He ended up graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, receiving a scholarship for graduate school. He went on to earn a master’s degree in BOOK: TO PAGE 3
2 Mature Lifestyles – Thursday, December 13, 2012
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Book FROM PAGE 1 psychology from the University of Indiana. Now Valdovinos has his own practice, Life Management Institute, teaching people how to create, manage and live their best lives. “As long as you know you can choose your thoughts, you can create anything,” said Valdovinos. “No matter what happens, you can use your imagination to put a spin on it. Your gifts from God, creativity and experience, will serve you.” In her chapter on gratitude, Campbell interviews Bloomington resident Fran Heitzman, the 87-yearold founder of Bridging, the largest furniture bank in North America. Since 1987, Bridging has served more than 60,000 households, and it all began with one generous act Heitzman witnessed at seven years old. It was Christmas Eve during the Great Depression. A knock at the back door revealed “Grandma” Bradbury, a Hennepin County worker, holding a Christmas tree in one hand and a sack of oranges in the other. He says in the book, “That Christmas tree and bag of
oranges laid the groundwork for the else is monumental,” said Heitzman. project I launched when I was 61 years “Give old clothes to someone. Just do something. If you take one can of food old.” “Aging is a very unique, individual- to the food shelf, you’ve done someistic experience, but there are com- thing.” Valdovinos encourages people to be mon threads. Fran and Sal both exhibit those four qualities I write about in the creative force in their own life. “Life is neutral. my book,” said It’s what you make Campbell. “They of it,” said take responsibility Valdovinos. “Don’t for their health go to the grave and aging journey; wondering what they don’t buy into you could have the ageist thinkdone. Leave a legaing; they demoncy and a contribustrate a mindful, tion.” p r o a c t i v e Awaken Your approach to their AgePotential is health and aging available through journey; and they Amazon.com and create and live a Bar nesNoble.com passion-centered life.” –SAL VALDOVINOS, and can be ordered bookH e i t z m a n RICHFIELD RESIDENT through stores. You may believes the key to also order it at thriving is to focus www.agepotential.com to receive speon staying busy and helping others. “My doctor recently told me that cial offers and gifts. For more information on Bridging, the reason I’m still here is that I’m active. My body is not shutting down. a nonprofit organization serving the I have a purpose to get up in the morn- greater Twin Cities, or to get involved, ing. We live a longer and happier life visit www.bridging.org or call (952) if we help one another. The satisfac- 888-1105. tion you get from helping someone
‘Life is neutral. It’s what you make of it. ... Don’t go to the grave wondering what you could have done. Leave a legacy and a contribution.’
Lori Campbell is a gerontologist and bestselling author. Her book, Awaken Your AgePotential: Exploring Chosen Paths of Thrivers became an Amazon No. 1 best seller and features profiles of Twin Cities seniors.
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American Heart Association Tributes
Celebrate
Life Mark special events in
the life of a friend, relative or
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Is Minnesota the Land of 10,000 Choruses? Options exist for those interested in making music BY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER
colleague — and continue the fight against heart disease — with an American Heart Association Tribute. For more information please call 1-800-AHA-USA-1 or visit us online at americanheart.org
©2008, American Heart Association. 1/08CB0243
Minnesota could be called the Land of 10,000 Choruses. David Halligan, choir director for the Plymouth Senior Center’s senior choir, believes this is a more accurate slogan for the most robust music community he’s ever encountered. “The huge number of singing groups is amazing. Music in the state of Minnesota is better than any state I’ve lived in,” he said. “It’s keen, welldone, and a wonderful place to live if you’re looking for fine arts and performing with a group.” Opportunities abound for local seniors who love to sing, thanks to senior center volunteer choirs like
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Halligan’s Plymouth Rockers, and the partnership of local organizations like Senior Community Services (SCS). SCS works with six senior centers with volunteer choirs: Gillespie Center in Mound; Minnetonka Senior Center; Plymouth Creek Center; Monticello Senior Center; Delano Senior Center and Crow River Senior Center in St. Michael. Steve Pieh, senior services and activities manager of the Minnetonka Senior Center, believes that it is the job of local senior centers to present a wide range of offerings to its members. “Some enjoy exercise or history. Others enjoy artistic things like creating music,” said Peih. “The opportunity to make music and perform in the community is a wonderful thing. It brings joy to the participants and those they sing to.” The Minnetonka Senior Chorale, in its 32nd season and part of the Music Association of Minnetonka (MAM), practices in the Minnetonka Senior Center on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 to noon, September through May. The group is non-auditioned, which means there are no tryouts. Anyone 55 or older is invited to participate. Volunteer choirs like the Minnetonka Senior Chorale and Plymouth Rockers sing in the community, primarily to other seniors in nursing homes, veteran’s homes, and retirement communities. “The Rockers perform regularly for assisted living facilities which houses folks with limited mobility and do not get out very often. We bring the music to them,” said Halligan. “We set the mood of the program to the audience. We include them on the singing parts, and they light up. They enjoying singing and clapping. No matter what the situation, we’ll get a twinkle, a movement from them.” Halligan sees daily what the choir means to those who sing. “Most are retired folks over 65
who want to reconnect with what they did in high school and college,” he said. “They got busy with families and careers, and gave up music. Now they’re coming back to it.” Halligan says there’s room for everyone, even the ones who are musically challenged. “I kind of identify those people and work harder with them one on one. I want everyone to feel like a contributing part of the group.” The Plymouth Rockers rehearse every Monday from 9 – 11:30 at the Plymouth Creek Community Center, August through June. There are no auditions necessary. A wide variety of music is performed from popular songs to spiritual songs. “These volunteer choirs bring so much joy to the people they sing to and they receive many joys and rewards in return. They are a wonderful gift to the community,” said Sue Gallus, program director for SCS. “There’s a country song out by Eric Church and one of the lines is, ‘funny how a melody sounds like a memory.’ I think this says it all.” On October 16, 2012 SCS worked with several senior centers to host approximately 130 people from several area senior programs. They spent the day singing, attending workshops on vocal subjects. “Sue came to us and said they’d like to do something for the singing groups. We worked to put a workshop together that talked about managing the group, getting the audience involved, improving your singing, getting energy. I think they (the singers) enjoyed the focus on the music side of community services,” said Halligan. For more information about Senior Community Services, go to www.seniorcommunity.org or call (952) 541-1019. For more information and a list of upcoming performances for MAM, go to www.musicassociation.org or call 952-401-5954; for the Plymouth Rockers, go to www.plymouthrockers.org or call 952-6887244
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Thursday, December 13, 2012– Mature Lifestyles 5
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6 Mature Lifestyles – Thursday, December 13, 2012
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Performing art in Burnsville’s PAC BY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER When the Burnsville Performing Arts Center (BPAC) opened its doors in January of 2009, becoming the Heart of the City’s crown jewel, it provided many seniors the perfect opportunity to both help the community and surround themselves with music. One of the facility’s first volunteers was Judy Tschumper, a retired City of Burnsville employee who helped to create the Heart of the City on Nicollet Avenue. “I love Burnsville. I was excited when the PAC was built. I love that place. I love to volunteer there and I love to go as an attendee. It’s such a wonderful asset south of the river,� said Tschumper. She arrives before the performance, puts on her black and gold usher vest, picks up a flashlight and ticket scanner, and takes her place by one of the concert hall entrances. “I help people get to the proper door. I scan their tickets as they go in and direct them to their seats,� said Tschumper. “We are greeters to make them feel comfortable.�
The best part to Tschumper is watching people’s faces when they come to the BPAC for the first time and see the allglass lobby, with its sweeping view of Nicollet Commons Park, the Minnesota River Valley, and the Minneapolis skyline. “They come from all walks of life and from all over the state. Some have never been here before. They are in awe of what the theater looks like,� she said. When Tschumper is not volunteering, she loves to come to the BPAC as a guest. “I’ve seen a whole variety of different things there,� she said. “I’m a season ticket holder for the Dakota Valley Symphony Series. Just a week ago, I saw the Minnesota Youth Symphonies perform.� Tschumper has always loved music. She sang in high school and was part of the concert and pep bands. She still enjoys singing with her church and the Dakota Valley Chorus. “I sang, but nothing that would go to Broadway,� she said. Fellow BPAC volunteer Fred Steaderman began donating his time almost as soon as he moved into the
neighborhood. After retiring 10 years ago, he moved from his home in South Minneapolis to Boca Raton, Forida. He missed being close to family and decided to move to Burnsville to be near his son. “I didn’t know much about what was happening in Burnsville. When I came back looking for an apartment, I discovered the Heart of the City. This is the most urban area I’ve ever lived in. I can walk to restaurants, the barbershop, the theater. There’s always something going on,� he said. Like Tschumper, Steaderman’s love of music began early in life. “I performed in grade school and high school, and on and off since then,� he said. As an adult, he began doing more backstage directing and managing, roles he enjoyed more than being on stage. During his time in Boca Raton, he worked as house manager for a theater. With the BPAC within walking distance from his new apartment, the opportunity seemed custom made. He works as an usher and on the event staff during dance competition season. “You are really able to make your own
choices about when and where you work, opposed to having to show up everyday and do what others want you to do,� said Steaderman. “That flexibility is really nice. I am able to select shows I want to work. If I don’t want to work, I don’t sign up.� “The staff at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center is so grateful to our usher volunteers. They truly strengthen our mission and encompass the passion of the community for the arts,� said Kandice Nelson, marketing director for BPAC. The Burnsville Performing Arts Center is located at 12600 Nicollet Ave in the Heart of the City. The center has two theatres, a 1014 seat Proscenium Stage and an intimate 150 seat Black Box. Presentations at the Burnsville PAC include cultural events, dramas, comedies, dance, and musical acts from local arts organizations and national touring artists. Join the mailing list at www.burnsvillepac.com for event notifications and special VIP offers. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer may e-mail info@burnsvillepac.com or call 952-895-4685.
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Thursday, December 13, 2012– Mature Lifestyles 7
BY EMILY HEDGES CONTRIBUTING WRITER Barb Johnson has loved every place she has ever lived. From Chicago to Congo to China, the missionary nurse and teacher felt at home among friends. But of all the places she’s called home, Covenant Village of Golden Valley is close to the top. Johnson wanted to be a missionary from the time she was young. After nurse training in California, she lived in Cameroon and then Congo, where she spent 25 years as a nurse. She came back to the United States in 1987 and served as the Africa director in World Mission Department of the Evangelical Covenant Church for 14 years in Chicago. In that position, she traveled to Africa and other countries throughout the world. She retired from the position in 2001 and decided to put her French language skills learned in Congo to work in West Africa where she stayed for a year as a bi-lingual secretary in the mission office. Once again, she returned home to Chicago, but still had one more international adventure left in her. “China was the cherry on top of the frosting on top of the cake as far as I was concerned,” said Johnson. Johnson taught classes in a small English-immersion school in China for four years, a time in her life she remembers fondly. “It was because of the people. They loved us, especially the young people. I loved the food, culture, everything,” she recalled. “We had meals together, parties, games. We loved them.” She believes it was working with the young people in China that helped to keep her young. But when it was time to return to Chicago, she began to think about when and where her next move should be. She was trying to decide between a retirement community in Southern California and the Twin Cities, near her brother and his family. “One day someone said to me, ‘People are more important than weather,’” she recalled. “That helped me decide where. Next was to decide when. I had said ‘in five years.’ Then it was ‘in two years.’” Johnson said they she prayed that God would show her when it was time to go. AFRICA: TO PAGE 8
Barb Johnson spent a quarter century of her life devoted to mission work in Africa as a nurse. After several more years committed to world mission endeavors, including four years in China, she finally came home to Minnesota. What she discovered is the importance of making the right decision about a retirement community and that family is the bond that truly matters.
8 Mature Lifestyles – Thursday, December 13, 2012
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New Village welcomes Johnson home AFRICA: FROM PAGE 7 “I didn’t want to go early. I was enjoying my house, but I didn’t want to wait too long. I didn’t want other people making the decision for me. I wanted to be able to pack my own things,” she said. She filled out a questionnaire from Covenant Village of Golden Valley. After returning it, she received a call from the staff. “We had a good conversation. When I hung up the phone I knew it was time to go.” She took it as a sign she had made the right decision when her home in Chicago sold in only a week to a missionary family. “I am blessed to be here. It was the right decision. I have a number of friends my age and I tell them they need to think about this. I have never talked to anyone that has ever said, ‘We moved too soon,’” said Johnson. “Seniors choose to move to Covenant Village of Golden Valley residential living because of the safety and security they feel here. They make the decision early, while they are able to, so their children don’t have to make the decision for them during a health crisis,” said Craig McDaniels, director of sales and marketing for Covenant Village. “The fellowship between the residents and staff is rare. Covenant Village is open to all denominations of faith and is a community where everyone feels welcome.” Johnson volunteers in the library at Covenant Village, which is connected to the Hennepin County Library System. She attends First Covenant Church in Minneapolis, a multi-ethnic urban church that she loves. Her advice to other seniors: “Keep active and involved in things. Don’t sit around your house. Get out and meet people. Keep fit,” she said. Covenant Village of Golden Valley is located at 5800 St. Croix Avenue in Golden Valley. For more information, go to www.covenantvillageofgoldenvalley.com or call 763-546-6125.
Barb Johnson believes moving into Covenant Village of Golden Valley was one of the best decisions she ever made. Photo provided by Johnson.
On Barb Johnson’s retirement community decision
“
I am blessed to be here. It was the right decision. I have a number of friends my age and I tell them they need to think about this. I have never talked to anyone that has ever said, ‘We moved too soon.’
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Thursday, December 13, 2012– Mature Lifestyles 9
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Dear Maria & Staff: Thank you, for making my father’s stay, both at Rembrandt and Tiffany, a good place for him to be. He felt it was home, and always wanted to go back. He liked it when Maria took the time to say hello, and the high teas for birthdays. He enjoyed the gifts she gave, especially the glass fish. I have them, where everyone can enjoy them. Vicki and Shirley, plus all the others at Rembrandt were great to him. Vicki knew when he needed a stronger touch, and used it. Thanks. She did not abuse him, just talked to him in a way he knew she was the boss. Sandy, LaVonne, and Marketing were great, when we had problems, when I first took over as Power of Attorney. They were always there, to answer questions or concerns. He was 6 months from 100 years old, and went downhill fast. But you all knew how to handle him, when demetia got worse, and he wouldn’t like to follow directions, or eat. Thanks again. We still have my Aunt Jessie Warner in Roybet, and her sister Irene Medvic. So I may come to see them once in awhile. So you may still see me around. Know you will say hello. Take Care,
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10 Mature Lifestyles – Thursday, December 13, 2012
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Ring the bell for those in need BY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER “Aren’t you ringing kind of early this year?” This is the question Salvation Army bell ringer Ed Nelson, 69, gets most often during the 20-plus hours he spends each holiday season standing in the cold, collecting money for neighbors in need. “The need is there,” responds the Mounds View resident, which usually draws a dollar or two. “Thank you and Merry Christmas,” he says. Nelson first heard about The Salvation Army in 1948. “Way back, my folks never had much money. At Christmas time one year, I heard knocking at our kitchen door. No one ever came to the front door,” remembered Nelson. “It was the Salvation Army with a basket of fruit, other food and a new pair of brown shoes for me.” The experience made an impression on the five-year-old. He never forgot the joy he felt that Christmas, and it was then that he began to understand the gift inherent in giving. “As a kid, I heard in Sunday School that it’s much better to give than receive, and it sure is,” said Nelson. The Lions Club of White Bear Lake got him into bell ringing. In 2004, members were encouraged to volunteer with the program. When he retired from Northwest Airlines a few years later, he was able to increase his number of hours ringing. When volunteers arrive for their shift, a bucket, apron and bell are waiting for them. Nelson says lots of Lions Clubs will book a block of shifts over a day or weekend. Although his Lions Club does this, he likes to book his own shifts too. He also volunteers to sort money from 20 to 25 hours a week. Nelson explained that once the buckets are filled, they are taken to a security company that removes the coins and sends them through a counting machine. Before the bills can be run through another machine, they must be smoothed out. That’s where volunteers like Nelson come in. “People got to wrinkle them up. We straighten them,” said Nelson. He says the job gets tricky on those rare
occasions that it rains instead of snows. “If the bills get wet, we have to lay them out and use a fan to dry them. That slows up the process.” Nelson rings most of his time at the Cub Foods located at the corner of Rice Creek Road and Silver Lake Road. He says the best thing about the job is the children he encounters. “Young parents bring kids up, sometimes two or three years old. They put the coins in one at a time,” he said. “What better lesson can parents do than show their kids the joy of giving?” He recalled a couple of years ago one child getting his mother to stop as they were leaving. “He had to come give me a cupcake. I thought that was very nice.” The only part Nelson doesn’t care for is getting dressed for a shift, especially on a typical December day in Minnesota. “I wear up to six layers of clothes. I can’t move very well when I’ve got that many clothes on,” he said. “It’s thinking about cold that gets me cold.” Nelson never lets the cold weather stop him from showing up at a shift, or booking an extra shift if the Salvation Army needs him. He explained that a number of slots go unfilled each holiday season, which means they are staffed by paid workers. “The Salvation Army works hard to get enough volunteers to fill the shifts but that is particularly difficult during the weekday. Beside the obvious bonus of saving money with volunteers, there is the added benefit that volunteers usually pick stores and areas where they know other customers and a friendly familiar face is always a plus for fundraising,” said Annette Bauer, public relations director for The Salvation Army Northern DHQ. The Salvation Army Northern Division has been serving people in need in Minnesota and North Dakota for more than 125 years. They provide basic needs assistance, housing, youth services, rehabilitation, disaster relief, counseling and more. For more information about volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army, go to www.salvationarmynorth.org or call 651-746-3400.
Ed Nelson of Mounds View is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army because he wants to help those in need.
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Even though they're still common, jokes about clueless baby boomers calling their kids to figure out how to use technology are starting to feel outdated. While today's youngest generations are practically born with tablets, smartphones and laptops in their hands, grandparents are also adopting technology at a startling pace. Boomers' enthusiasm to consume new technology is growing and changing as fast as the field of new products available. In fact, a 2012 Forrester Research technology survey found 78 percent are online, and of those, 54 percent own laptops. Tablet use among boomers is growing too; 11 percent already own one and another 15 percent plan on buying one soon. While the boomers' generational trait of progressiveness helps to explain this tech rush, more practical reasons demystify it as well. Many among the generation are at the peak of their earning power, with more money to spend on technology than other age groups. A 2012 survey by Nielsen showed that within five years, approximately 50 percent of the U.S. population will be 50 or older, and they'll control 70 percent of disposable income. For this generation, a forward-thinking mindset has always been a common trait, so crossing the digital divide was bound to happen. Despite their proven purchasing power, many advertisers are leaving these consumers in the lurch. Although boomers account for 49 percent of total sales of consumer packaged goods, Nielsen estimates that less than 5 percent of advertising dollars are targeted toward adults ages 35 to 64. Overcoming the learning curve as well as the lack of attention from marketers has shown just how much boomers value the latest technology developments. But for those who don't yet have their hands on the latest gadgets, organizations like AARP are making it easier for boomers to get connected. "AARP's goal is to provide value to its members, and our research has shown that many AARP members are early adopters of technology," says Angela Jones, senior vice president of Business Development and Lifestyle Products for AARP Services. For example, members can get discounts of 5 to 12 percent on a range of HP products, 10 percent off Amazon's Kindle e-readers, including the popular tablet Kindle Fire, and even discounted phone service from Vonage. There's no doubt that boomers are demanding technology that helps to improve their lives. As they grab each new opportunity to connect, the idea of boomers being behind the technological times is fading fast. For more information about discounts available to AARP members, visit www.aarpdiscounts.com.
Thursday, December 13, 2012â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mature Lifestyles 11
Clueless? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fooled, baby boomers tech hungry & learning fast
12 Mature Lifestyles – Thursday, December 13, 2012
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YOUR
At UCare, we know Boomers. So as you make your move to Medicare, consider the health plan that hits all the right notes. UCare for SeniorsSM lets you choose from plans that cover prescription drugs, travel, eyewear, dental, fitness programs like SilverSneakers® and more. There are no co-pays for primary care visits with most plans. And you’ll get to talk to a real person 24/7 when you call customer service. It’s just what you’d expect from health care that starts with you. UCare Minnesota and UCare Wisconsin, Inc. are health plans with Medicare contracts. ©2012, UCare H2459 H4270_101512 CMS Accepted (10202012)
VOICE IS STILL BEING HEARD.
WE’VE
BEEN EXPECTING YOU.
Learn more about the benefits of UCare for Seniors in our new eGuide to Medicare at ucareplans.org/eguide. Or call (toll free) 1-877-523-1518 (TTY) 1-800-688-2534, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.