Boone County Shopper Senior Living May 2023

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

Coping With An Empty Nest

Many people find it rewarding to start a family & raise children. Watching kids grow through the years & sharing in their experiences can bring life to a household. Mothers spend 18 years or more devoted to their children, & often their identities are defined as “Mom” above all else. As a result, it can be difficult to think about life without kids in the home & the emotions that resonate when that day comes can be overwhelming. Many parents feel a sense of sadness & loss when their last child leaves the family home. Referred to as “empty nest syndrome,” these feelings are not officially labeled as a clinical mental health issue, but they are very real for many people. While parents encourage their children to become independent & branch out in their own lives, not every parent can cope with an empty nest. The parenting & family resource Verywell Family states that mothers with empty nest syndrome experience a deep void in their lives that oftentimes makes them feel a little lost. Moms who are feeling the pangs of sadness due to an empty nest can employ some strategies to alleviate these feelings.

• Keep friends close. Use this opportunity to spend more time with close friends & put yourself first. Schedule all of those activities you may have temporarily put on hold while caring for children through the years.

• Make time for travel. New experiences can broaden anyone’s horizons. Travel as a couple or with a group of friends. Put the focus on fun & then share the experiences later on with your adult children.

• Redefine yourself. The experts at Psychology Today suggest finding new roles & interests to explore, or spend more time exploring existing hobbies. For example, if you’ve thought about doing community theater, do so now that you have some free time. Or maybe you’ve always had a goal of going back to school? Now may be the time to make that happen.

• Reconnect with your partner. Recall the years before you had children when it was only the two of you & devote time to making more memories as a couple. Plan date nights, go to sporting events, attend a summer concert, or pursue other shared interests.

• Change things up at home. Turn children’s rooms into spaces you can use for your own interests. One can be a crafting room or a home office. Another may be a home theater. No longer labeling those rooms as the kids’ spaces can help the transition.

Empty nest syndrome is real, but there are many ways to move past the mixed emotions synonymous with this phenomenon.

SUNDAY, MAY 14TH

Door To Door Bus Service In Boone County

THURSDAY, APRIL 20TH

The Boone County Council on Aging picks clients up at their homes & drops them off at their destination. ANYONE can ride these buses. Door to Door Bus Service within Boone County is offered with a one-day notice. Call the Transportation number at 815-975-9059.

A Medical Escort Van is also offered. The Council on Aging also has a Medical Escort Van to help with medical rides to Winnebago County. One week’s advance notice is required and there is limited availability, so call early. The escort drives you to your appointment, stays with you, & when you are ready, returns you to your home. The medical car is billed by mileage, which is $1 per mile.

Fares for bus riders are as follows: Ages 12-59 $2 per trip; children (under 12 years) $1 per trip; adults 60 years & over donations gratefully appreciated. Ride service hours are Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM.

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

Flag Etiquette On Memorial Day

Many Americans pausing on Memorial Day to remember military service members who died serving their countries will fly their flags at half-staff in mournful tribute & appreciation for their sacrifices. But the ritual is not as simple as raising the flag halfway up the pole & locking it in place. Here are five things to know about proper flag etiquette on Memorial Day, as well as how to properly show respect as the colors are presented in ceremonies being held around the country.

The flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only on Memorial Day, and then should be raised to the top of the staff.

When raising the flag to half-staff, it “should be hoisted to the peak for an instant & then lowered to the half-staff position,” according to the U.S. flag code. “The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.”

During ceremonies when the flag is hoisted or raised, spectators who aren’t in military uniform should face the flag, stand at attention & place their right hand over their heart. Others should:

• If you’re in uniform, give a proper military salute;

• A person who is not in uniform, but is wearing a hat should take it off with their right hand and hold it at their left shoulder with their palm resting on their heart;

• If you’re not a U.S. citizen, stand at attention.

When the colors advance in a moving column, it is appropriate to salute the flag as it passes. Make sure the flag is in pristine condition & isn’t tattered & torn, and that its red & white bars & the union (the blue field of stars) are bright & vibrant.

VFW Post 1461 Events For Memorial Day

The VFW will be hosting a blood drive. The “Remember Our Heroes Blood Drive” is Thursday, May 25th, 2-6 PM at 1310 W. Lincoln, Belvidere. Please bring a photo ID and eat & drink before donating. To schedule an appointment contact Rob Bland at rbland@rrvbc.org. Donors will receive a T-shirt from Humana & VFW District 6 while supplies last & all donors will be entered into a drawing for a $500 Visa card. All blood types are needed.

The VFW will be placing flags at the graves of Veterans. Flags will be placed Thursday, May 25th (rain date May 26th) & then picked up on Wednesday, May 31st. Volunteers please meet at 1310 W. Lincoln, Belvidere at 8 AM. There will not be a parade this year, however, the VFW Post 1461 will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 AM on Monday, May 29th at the club.

Great Part-Time Jobs For Retirees

Many adults nearing retirement age count down the days until they can bid adieu to the daily tasks of working so they can enjoy more time for recreation, travel or whatever they aspire to do. As enticing as unending free time may seem, some find it is not ideal. As current seniors can attest, inflation can drive up the costs of living, & seniors who were once able to afford a certain retirement lifestyle may no longer enjoy that hard-earned luxury. Others may miss the daily opportunities to socialize, or the way problem-solving stimulates the brain. But even retirees who miss working may not be ready to return to the workforce full-time. That can make part-time employment ideal:

Here’s a look at some part-time positions that could be a good fit for older adults reentering the workforce. Retail sales associate - Retail opens seniors up to a wide array of responsibilities. Jobs may include greeting customers, making sales, putting out inventory, & helping customers select merchandise. Being personable & having good customer service skills are necessary. Many stores offer flexible hours.

Consultant - Retirees who loved their job but wanted to spend less time doing it can return as consultants. Individuals often find they earn more per hour working as consultants than they did as full-time staff members. Consulting is a way to share expertise & experience without making a full-time commitment.

Customer service representative - Tasked with helping customers solve problems & ensuring customer satisfaction. They may work in a traditional office or store location, or answer calls & resolve issues from home. School positions - Retirees may want to consider jobs working in schools or in related capacities. Driving a school bus is an option if people are willing to undergo the proper training & licensing to operate this type of vehicle. Seniors also may consider working as lunchroom aides or lunch service providers, crossing guards, substitute teachers, & paraprofessionals. School employees will only work a few hours during the day. They’ll also enjoy many holidays off as well as summer vacations.

Receptionist - Greet patients or customers in office settings. According to AARP, they are the welcoming faces of organizations. Answering phones & light clerical work also may be required of receptionists. Those who want to work off-peak hours can think about working nights & weekends in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. Seniors have many different options if they decide they want to return to the workforce in a part-time capacity.

Live Your Best Life

Residents are at the heart of all we do. We operate with integrity and are passionate about the services we provide as we live our core values of Love, Compassion and Dignity every day.

Schedule your visit to our community today!

Boone County Farming

The History Of Cinco De Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the fifth of May. This holiday commemorates the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. The holiday is primarily celebrated in Pueblo, Mexico but has spread to other parts of the country & even the U.S. The holiday became popular in the U.S. as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the 1960’s, brought to awareness by Chicano activists.

FRIDAY, MAY 19TH, NOON TEE TIME

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Celebrations traditionally consist of military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla & other festive events. In the U.S. the holiday is celebrated with many traditional Mexican dishes including guacamole, tacos, burritos & enchiladas. The colors of Mexico’s flag are green, white & red. Green for hope & independence, white for purity & religion, and red for Spain & union. Enjoy this annual celebration of Mexico.

Month’s Healthy Recipe

Get Serious About Stroke

Stroke is a serious medical condition & a leading cause of disability in North America. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. However, 80% of strokes are preventable. Sometimes called a brain attack, or a cerebrovascular accident, a stroke happens when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. This can deprive the brain of oxygen & cause brain cells to begin to die within minutes, warns the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute.

A stroke is a medical emergency. If someone is suspected of having a stroke, emergency personnel should be called immediately. Every minute counts when a person is suffering a stroke, & medical personnel can begin potentially lifesaving treatment on the way to an emergency room.

Symptoms of stroke - Sometimes symptoms of stroke can occur out of nowhere, & other times there may be subtle signs that something has been brewing. These are the most common signs of stroke.

• Trouble speaking & understanding what others are saying. This may include slurred words or trouble understanding speech.

• Paralysis can occur in the face, arm or leg. Numbness or weakness also may occur. This often affects just one side of the body.

• Sometimes there is trouble seeing in one or both eyes, including blurry or blackened vision.

• Headaches will come on severely, & can be accompanied by vomiting, altered consciousness or dizziness.

• Someone having a stroke may stumble or lose balance & experience coordination issues.

The National Stroke Assoc. uses the acronym FAST to educate the public about detecting signs of stroke.

• F (Face): Ask the person to smile & look for drooping on one side.

• A (Arms): Have the person raise both arms & check to see if one arm drifts downward or cannot be raised.

• S (Speech): Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase & check for slurring or strange sounds.

• T (Time): Call 911 or emergency medical help immediately if any of these indicators are present.

Types of stroke - There are different types of stroke. Most strokes are ischemic strokes, says the CDC. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or other particles like fatty deposits block blood vessels to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. High blood pressure & aneurysms often are culprits in hemorrhagic stroke. Transient ischemic attacks, also called mini-strokes, serve as warnings of a future stroke. Blood clots often cause these as well.

Diagnosing & treating stroke - Doctors will use various imaging techniques to check for brain & blood vessel health if there is risk for stroke. Blood pressure & other general health assessments can give doctors an idea of potential risk factors for future stroke incidents. If blood clots are present, doctors may use medication, stents & surgery to break up or address clots. Stroke is a medical emergency. Individuals are urged to take stroke risk seriously & act promptly if symptoms are present.

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10 Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Mentally Declining

Dear Friends, Alzheimer’s Association® suggests that there are ten ways to help reduce your risk of mentally declining by adding these healthy habits.

See the full article at: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain

• Exercise

• Stop smoking

• Avoid an injury to your brain by wearing your

• Be a lifelong learner

• Take care of your heart

• Eat a healthy diet seat belt or wearing a helmet while biking.

• Manage your stress and mental health

• Challenge your mind with puzzles, arts and crafts or strategic card games

• Get enough sleep

• Stay socially connected

You don’t have to go far in our community to give your brain some love! Check out our Keen Age Center, Belvidere Park District, Belvidere YMCA, Ida Public Library, Rock Valley College Center for Learning in Retirement, Boone County Health Department & others for resources to help you adopt healthy habits that will go a long way toward benefiting your brain & body. Stay sharp my friends! Kelly

JACK WOLF MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING

Join the Boone County Council on Aging for their annual Jack Wolf Memorial Golf Outing, May 19th at Timber Pointe Golf Club, Noon Tee Time. Registration opens at 11 AM and box lunch is included. Gift bags include drink & meal tickets, snacks & more. Call Steve at 779-552-7246 for info or to register. The golf outing is presented by Kunes Belvidere.

3 Fun & Effective Outdoor Exercises For Seniors

The benefits of spending time in the great outdoors are significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, spending time outdoors may improve mental health & help to reduce stress, & the vitamin D the body absorbs while outside can have a positive effect on blood cells & the immune system. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which strengthens bones. That’s especially beneficial for seniors, as bone density often decreases after age 50, which can increase the risk of fractures, especially so in women over the age of 50. Spending time in the great outdoors also provides a social benefit, encouraging individuals from all walks of life, including seniors, to get out of their homes & spend time with other people. With so much to gain from spending time outside, seniors can consider these three outdoor exercises to maintain or improve their overall health.

1. Walking: It’s free & effective. In fact, WebMD notes that a brisk 30-minute walk can improve blood flow, contribute to a stronger heart, strengthen bones, & even help people sleep better at night. In addition, a 2022 study found that people between the ages of 40 & 79 who walked about 9,800 steps per day were 51% less likely to develop dementia than people who didn’t walk much at all.

2. Cycling: Riding a bike is both fun & a great form of outdoor exercise. A 2020 study published in the journal The Lancet found that people who cycled to work were 24% less likely to die of heart disease & 11% less likely to develop cancer. Seniors, whether they are still working or retired, can incorporate cycling into their daily routines & enjoy all the fun & health benefits that riding a bike provides.

3. Hiking: Hiking is a bit more strenuous than walking, particularly when choosing to traverse steep and/or rocky terrain. Hiking after age 60 can help people reduce risk of falls & fractures; lower risk for a host of ailments, including coronary heart disease, colon cancer & diabetes; reduce blood pressure, even in adults already diagnosed with hypertension; & maintain healthy bones & joints. Hiking is not a one-size-fits-all activity, so seniors are urged to speak with their physicians prior to hiking trails that are not flat.

Seniors can consider these three fun activities & others as they answer the call of the great outdoors. Walking, cycling & hiking offer a great reason to get out of the house & reap the health benefits of spending time outside.

Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center