According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, surveys from the Pew Research Center & the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 18 million living military veterans in the United States by the end of 2023. Seventy-two percent of those veterans are age 50 & older, and many served during wartime.
Military personnel make significant sacrifices to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy each day, and it’s vital that those efforts are never forgotten, even if it’s been decades since service personnel have been on active duty. Veterans Day was observed November 11th but we encourage the community to continue honoring those who have served.
Thirty-seven percent of living veterans are age 70 & older, and these brave individuals must face the challenges of aging as well as some, including chronic injuries, that might be traced to their time in the military. That makes helping aging veterans an especially worthy endeavor, & those interested in doing just that can consider the following ideas.
• Offer your expertise free of charge. Working professionals can help aging veterans by providing advice or services free of charge or at steep discounts. For example, accountants can offer to prepare & file aging veterans’ tax returns free of charge or, if the returns are complicated, at steep discounts. Financial advisors can visit a local veterans hall or home & speak to members or residents about managing money after retirement.
• Invite veterans over for special events or gatherings. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that veterans who served in the last 30 years make up the largest number of living veterans. Though there are still plenty of veterans who served prior to 1994, they may no longer have extensive social networks as more & more aging veterans pass away. Social connections are vital to long-term health, & researchers at the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State University found that adults between the ages of 70 & 90 who reported more frequent, pleasant social interactions exhibited improved cognitive performance in the ensuing days. Individuals who want to help aging veterans can invite them over for special events, such as game watches, holiday gatherings or even weekly family meals.
• Pitch in around the house. Whether they suffered injuries during their time in the service or not, many aging veterans face the same physical limitations as others approaching or past retirement age. Offer to help aging veterans around the house. Mobility issues can make it hard to mow a lawn, tend to a garden or clean the interior of a home. Such tasks are made much easier when others pitch in, & these gestures can be a great way for families to show their appreciation to the brave individuals who protected the freedoms Americans enjoy each day. There’s no shortage of ways to help aging veterans, many of whom could use a helping hand as they navigate their golden years.
Annual Holiday Events Coming To Boone County
Village of Poplar Grove 11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Celebration - to be held Saturday, November 23rd from 4-6 PM at Village Hall, 200 N. Hill Street, Poplar Grove. Refreshments available include hot dogs, chips, apple cider donuts, popcorn, hot cider, hot chocolate & coffee. Enjoy a carriage ride, shop for local crafts & bring the grandchildren for pictures with Santa.
Hometown Christmas & Light Up The Night Parade - The Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce will host Hometown Christmas in downtown Belvidere on Friday, December 6th, 5-9 PM. Enjoy a magical evening of festivities to celebrate the holiday season. The Belvidere Park District has organized the Light Up The Night Parade stepping off at 5:30 PM. The parade starts at Madison St. & moves down State St. to end at the Community Building. Enjoy this festive night time parade full of holiday lights.
November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month & the perfect time to reflect on Northern Illinois Hospice’s 45 years of serving the region.
In 1974, the first American hospice was founded in Connecticut. Five years later, Northern Illinois Hospice was formed & began making its indelible mark on end-of-life care in this region. We’re proud of our history & legacy, as well as the moxie of our founders. These bold, inspiring community volunteers turned an idea into reality. In the spring of 1979, the planning group (mostly local clergy) first met to discuss interest in starting a hospice in Northern Illinois. By that summer, the group grew larger & included health care professionals. A board of directors was then formed & Northern Illinois Hospice Association was in motion. The agency became official that August when the State of Illinois awarded the new organization its charter.
Committees were developed, meetings were held, & visits were made to other hospices to learn more about how to run an agency. Judy (Carra) Engblom became Executive Director the next year. When board president Rabbi Lewison moved to Chicago to start another hospice, Dr. Don Hajek assumed the role.
In September 1980, the first volunteers completed training & started serving our first patient, Ralph. Ralph & his family were assisted by a care team that provided 106 hours of support, 53 of those in his final week. Those amazing volunteers, who had busy lives of their own, somehow found time to meet early Sunday mornings at SwedishAmerican Hospital. As there was no insurance reimbursement or Medicare benefit for hospice care back then, community kindness & donations were a lifeline. Fast forward to today, and you’ll see hospice & palliative care is a respected health care specialty. Now, Northern Illinois Hospice has more than 90 staff members, 105 volunteers, & an annual operating budget of more than $9M. We’ve served thousands & thousands of families these last five decades & are on track to serve nearly 600 patients in six counties this year.
Northern Illinois Hospice is a community gem that’s sustained by caring individuals across Boone County & beyond! Here’s to another 45 years. We will keep building on the dream together.
Tips To Simplify Holiday Cooking
Many a holiday host has wrestled with what to serve for their gathering & how to prepare meals while still finding time to spend with loved ones. Hosts can consider these tips to simplify holiday cooking this year.
• Utilize shop-from-home services. By shopping from home, holiday hosts can sort through their lists & let someone else navigate crowded store aisles. The small fee involved can be well worth the time saved.
• Scale back the sides. Some hosts feel an impressive dinner spread is one with plenty of options. Several side dishes requires a lot of time & money, and such foods may take away from the star of the table. Guests might fill up on rolls, potatoes & salads, leaving little room for the main course. Scaling back on sides creates more time for hosts to mingle with family & ensures everyone gets their fill of the main course.
• Delegate some of the work. Asking guests to bring a little something to the meal doesn’t immediately turn it into a potluck. However, it can reduce some of the work the host has to do. Figure out who is bound to be an early arrival, & ask that person to bring an appetizer. Individuals who like to be fashionably late can bring side dishes or desserts. Delegating beverage detail also can be a time-saver.
• Familiar is often fabulous. A major holiday is seldom the right time to experiment with a new, labor-intensive dish. Rather than risk an epic fail, hosts should stick to meals they have prepared before. Also, familiar flavors may appeal to a greater number of guests.
• Include some prepared foods. While it is perfectly okay to cater the entire dinner, that can prove costly. If budget doesn’t allow for a fully catered meal, supplement with some prepared dishes to help save time, particularly those recipes that can be complicated.
• Make it a buffet. Sit-down dinners require careful timing to ensure all foods are set out hot & ready-to-eat. A buffet-style meal involves far less strategizing with meal preparation & frees up time to spend with guests. Holiday meals require a lot of effort, but some suggestions can ensure hosts have time to spend with loved ones.
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S E N I O R L I V I N G SENIOR LIVING
Embracing Fall: A Reminder For Fall Prevention
Submitted By: Alden Meadow Park
Fall season in the Midwest is a celebrated time, marked by crisp air, vibrant colors, & the excitement of football. However, it also serves as a poignant reminder to consider the risks of falling, especially as we age. Fall prevention is crucial, particularly for those over 65, as more than a third of this age group experiences falls each year, making it a leading cause of injuries & accidental deaths.
Understanding Risk Factors: As we age, several factors contribute to an increased risk of falling. The National Institute on Aging highlights that decreased eyesight, hearing, & reflexes can play significant roles. Health conditions such as muscle weakness, diabetes, heart disease, & other ailments can impair balance. Additionally, certain medications may induce dizziness or sleepiness, further increasing fall risk. Environmental hazards at home or in the community also pose threats.
Staying Active & Informed
1. Physical Activity: Regular exercise, as advised by your doctor, enhances muscle strength & balance, keeping joints flexible. Weight-bearing activities like walking can also help slow bone loss.
2. Regular Health Checks: Have your eyesight & hearing tested regularly. Even minor changes can affect your stability. Always use prescribed glasses or hearing aids.
3. Medication Awareness: Be aware of your medications’ side effects. Discuss any that may cause dizziness with your healthcare provider.
4. Assistive Devices: If necessary, use assistive devices for stability while walking. Consult a physical therapist for guidance on appropriate devices & safe usage.
5. Report Falls: Always inform your doctor if you’ve had a fall since your last appointment, as it could indicate new medical issues or medication problems.
Making Lifestyle Adjustments
• Sleep Well: Ensure you get enough rest; fatigue can lead to falls.
• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can significantly impair balance & reflexes. Reducing consumption can decrease fall risk.
• Rise Slowly: Stand up gradually to prevent blood pressure drops that can cause falls.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Use nonskid, rubber-soled shoes that provide adequate support.
Navigating Cold Weather Safely: Be extra cautious on wet or icy surfaces. Have snow removed promptly & salt spread on walkways. Wearing gloves outdoors will help maintain a firm grip on handrails.
Creating a Safer Home Environment
• Install Night Lights: Position night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, & hallways for better visibility.
• Accessible Lighting: Keep a lamp within reach of your bed for nighttime needs & consider using glow-in-the-dark switches.
• Declutter: Remove tripping hazards from your home.
• Add Grab Bars: Install grab bars in bathrooms & next to toilets for added support.
• Ensure Safe Stairs : Put railings on both sides of stairways for extra security.
Let’s commit to making this fall, & every season, a safe one. Prioritizing fall prevention will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.
About the Author: Jesse has over 20 yrs. of experience in risk management & insurance. He is an Ill. Licensed Physical Therapist, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, & hosts the “Dad Bod by Jesse” podcast.
Why Supporting Local Small Businesses Matters
Shopping local retailers is more than just a transaction - it is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities. Take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses:
• Strengthen the local economy: These businesses often are owned & operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
• Enhanced customer service: Owners & employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service - tailoring recommendations, accommodating special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being more friendly.
• Support the community: Small businesses serve the community through the products & services they offer, & many give back in other ways as well. They often sponsor schools, sports teams & charities.
• Innovative offerings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas & trends. They can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
• Job creation: Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce & frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings.
There are numerous benefits to shopping at small businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 30th, & throughout the year. Such firms help to establish a more resilient, diverse & bustling local community.
Rd., Rockford treatyourselfas.com 815-581-5551
B O O N E C O U N T Y B O O N E C O U N T Y BOONE COUNTY
S E N I O R L I V I N G S E N I O R L I V I N G SENIOR LIVING
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Article Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Executive Direct Boone County Council on Aging Dear Friends,
As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound impact we have made on the lives of area seniors. We recognize that the generosity of our community has been crucial to Boone County Council on Aging, allowing us to provide essential services, companionship, and support to our elderly neighbors who often face isolation and uncertainty.
This year, we have seen a significant rise in demand for our services:
• 17,944 hours of loving in-home care
• 10,162 services provided by Information and Assistance counselors
• 30,684 bus rides to doctors, shopping, and more
• 20,886 activity sign-ins and 3,814 volunteer hours at Keen Age Center
We are proud to respond to the community’s needs by expanding services, but we need your help! Will you consider donating today? Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can ensure that our seniors receive the care, support, and connection they deserve. If you would like to help us through a financial contribution or if we can be of service to you, please contact us at (815) 544-9893 or www.keenage.org.
At this time of giving thanks, we want to express our deep appreciation for your continued support & compassion.
Warm regards, Kelly Hillan, Executive Director
Donations Allow Us To Provide Essential Services Be Mindful Of Pets During The Holiday Season
The magic & wonder of the holiday season can be enthralling for people of all ages. There is so much to see & do during the holiday season, making it easy to forge lasting memories. Although the holidays can be exciting, the season can induce anxiety in pets. Pets like cats & dogs often thrive on routine & familiarity. Switch up that routine & various behavioral issues can arise, including having accidents in the home. Pets also may become more destructive, chewing or clawing at items to release pent-up tension & anxiety. Pet owners who want the season to be festive for their pets can consider the following strategies.
• Gradually introduce new items. Gradually decorate living spaces so pets can grow acclimated to their newly decorated environment. Add a few pieces to rooms each day until you finally have all of your decorations out for display. This way pets can sniff around the decorations & realize they do not pose a threat.
• Keep familiar pet belongings. Try not to upset the apple cart too much in regard to pets’ cherished possessions. For example, do not move the dog bed from the living room & place the Christmas tree in its place. Pets need that familiarity & having some of their items with familiar smells can make for a smooth adjustment.
• Designate a pet-safe zone. If you will be inviting people over during the holidays, set aside a room for pets so they can be in relative quiet away from boisterous crowds. Locking pets away also helps prevent their escape from the home as guests come & go.
• Secure the tree & other decorations. Pets are often curious about new things, & they may climb or paw at items to try to understand them better. Decorative items may end up being knocked over by curious pets. Secure the tree using a string & an anchor to the ceiling or wall like you might secure a large screen TV to prevent it from tipping over. Keep breakable ornaments & other trinkets behind display cases or beyond the reach of pets.
• Discourage pets from using decorations as toys. Reprimand pets or move them away from holiday decor so they don’t get the idea that these items are now their toys.
• Be careful with holiday foods. Holiday foods & desserts are rich & full of ingredients that may not be healthy for pets. Keep a secure lid on trash pails & remind holiday guests that pets should not be fed table scraps. Pets may need some time to adjust to the changes that come with holiday decorating & celebrating to keep them happy & safe.
