My Communicator | Spring 2020

Vol. 28, No. 2 | Spring 2020

COVID-19 Helpful resources for older adults and how you can make a difference during this difficult time PAGE 16

TRANSITIONS IN AGING

What the 2020s Have in Store for Aging Boomers Within 10 years, all of the nation’s 74 million baby boomers will be 65 or older. The most senior among them will be on the cusp of 85.

Even sooner, by 2025, the number of seniors (65 million) is expected to surpass that of children age 13 and under (58 million) for the first time, according to Census Bureau projections.

“In the history of the human species, there’s never been a time like this,” said Dr. Richard Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging, referring to the changing balance between young and old.

What lies ahead in the 2020s, as society copes with this unprecedented demographic shift?

See BOOMERS page 4.

SourcePoint is "On the Go" Thanks to Private Donor

Find us at MySourcePoint.org and follow us on

PAGE 25

SPRING CONTENT 01 What the 2020s Have in Store for Boomers

Transitions in Aging

SourcePoint Headquarters 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware South Office 1070 Polaris Parkway, #200, Columbus 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org EIN 31-1354284

06 Staying on Top of Trends

Transitions in Aging

08 Yoga for Health: Body and Mind

Health & Wellness

09 CBD for Arthritis Pain

Health & Wellness

10 Encore! Encore!

Transitions in Aging

12 5 Ways to Have Better Conversations

Greater Good

14 Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage Technology

16 From the Source

A Special Report on the COVID-19 Pandemic

18 Reflections on Writing

Creative Writing

19 New Senior Showcase Dates

Local News

21 Volunteering: 21st Century Trends Volunteering

22 Eating Well As You Age

Health & Wellness

25 SourcePoint Launches "On the Go" Van

Local News

26 How to Know If You're Ready to Retire

Transitions in Aging

28 The Challenge Your Marriage May Face Caregiving

30 Alcohol Abuse Amongst the Elderly

Health & Wellness

SourcePoint is the primary resource and starting point for professional expertise, services, and programs for Delaware County adults who want to thrive after 55. SourcePoint is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Services and programs are supported in part by the local senior services levy, corporate and private donations, sponsorships, grants, the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and United Way of Delaware County.

2020 Board of Directors President: Frank Pinciotti, Lewis Center Vice President: Richard Roell, ChFC, FFSI, RIA, MBA, Galena Secretary: Gretchen Roberts, MSN, NEA-BC, Powell Treasurer: Karen Crosman, Powell Gerald Borin, MPA, Powell Becky Cornett, PhD, Delaware Carlos Crawford, MS, JD, Delaware Anne Farley, LSW, MS, Powell Jack Fette, Lewis Center Alice Frazier, MD, Delaware Wren Kruse, JD, New Albany Roger Lossing, CPA, JD, CFP, Lewis Center James Mendenhall, Powell Trudy Poole, Lewis Center Carolyn Slone, Delaware Jane Taylor, Dublin Roger Van Sickle, Delaware Dennis Wall, Delaware The board typically meets the last Wednesday of each month at noon. Members of the public who wish to attend may call the executive director at 740-363-6677.

My Communicator is published quarterly and is made possible through advertisers, donors, and volunteers.

Nearly 50,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout Delaware County. My Communicator is available at SourcePoint and more than 60 locations, such as libraries, senior living communities, health care facilities, and nonprofit organizations. To find a nearby pick-up site, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677. Read My Communicator online at MySourcePoint.org/publications.

To advertise or submit content for consideration, contact Alison Yeager, director of communications and development, at alison@MySourcePoint.org.

The appearance of advertising does not represent an endorsement by SourcePoint. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising.

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We’re in this together, Delaware County!

As we navigate the coronavirus situation in Ohio, SourcePoint remains committed to those we serve—our seniors. As a nonprofit organization, we have proudly served Delaware County seniors for nearly 28 years.

Seniors like Greta, who receives home-delivered meals, Paul, who gets rides to his dialysis appointments, and Diane, who needs help managing her medications.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

We know seniors are at a higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. As the county’s most comprehensive aging services provider, we are taking every precaution to ensure the health and well-being of our in-home care clients, including Greta, Paul, and Diane. You can help, too.

Make a donation to SourcePoint to support the vital in-­­home care services that help our seniors live safely and independently at home. Services like Meals on Wheels, medical transportation, nursing services, and more. Services that—thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and providers—don’t stop during a crisis.

With a gift, you support the older adults in your home, your neighborhood, and your county. Because when our community comes together, we can get through anything.

Go to MySourcePoint.org

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today.

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Spring 2020

Boomers

of older adults are obese, while 28% are physically inactive, putting them at higher risk of physical impairments and chronic medical conditions.

Here’s what a dozen experts said:

Rather than concentrate on treating disease, “our focus should shift to health promotion and prevention, beginning in early life,” said Dr. Sharon Inouye, a professor at Harvard Medical School.

From page 1

A crisis of care. Never have so many people lived so long, entering the furthest reaches of old age and becoming at risk of illness, frailty, disability, cognitive decline, and the need for personal assistance.

Even if scientific advances prove extraordinary, “we are going to have to deal with the costs, workforce, and service arrangements for large numbers of elders living for at least a year or two with serious disabilities,” said Dr. Joanne Lynn, a legislative aide on health and aging policy in New York.

Experts caution we’re not ready.

Altering social infrastructure. Recognizing the role environments play in aging, experts are calling for significant investments in the next decade.

Their wish list: Make transportation more readily available, build more affordable housing, modify homes and apartments to help seniors age in place, and create programs to bring young and old people together.

Helping older adults remain connected to other people is a “The cost of long-term care in the home or care in assistedcommon theme. “There is a growing understanding of the living facilities is unaffordable for most families,” said Jean need to design our environments and social infrastructure Accius, senior vice president of thought leadership at AARP. in a way that designs out loneliness and isolation," said Dr. He cited data from the Genworth Cost of Care Study: While Linda Fried, dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of the median household income for older adults was just Public Health. $43,696 in 2019, the On a positive note, a median cost for a private worldwide movement room in a nursing home to create “age-friendly was $102,204; $48,612 “I believe ageism is perhaps the communities” is for assisted living; and biggest threat to improving quality of taking hold, with 430 $35,880 for 30 hours of life for older people in America today." communities and six home care a week. states joining an effort “Boomers have smaller to identify and better families and are more respond to the needs likely to enter old age single, so families cannot be expected of older adults. A companion effort to create “age-friendly to pick up the slack,” said Karl Pillemer, a professor of human health systems” is likely to gain momentum. development at Cornell University. “We have only a few years Technology will be increasingly important, with aging-into plan different ways of providing care for older people to place likely made easier by virtual assistants like Alexa, video avoid disastrous consequences.” chat platforms like Skype or FaceTime, telemedicine, robotic Living better, longer. Could extending “healthspan,” the time caregivers, and wearable devices that monitor indicators, during which older adults are healthy and able to function such as falls, according to Deborah Carr, chair of sociology at independently, ease some of these pressures?

Boston University.

The World Health Organization calls this “healthy life Changing attitudes. Altering negative attitudes about aging— expectancy” and publishes this information by country. Japan such as a widespread view that this stage of life is all about was the world’s leader, with a healthy life expectancy at birth decline, loss, and irrelevance—needs to be a high priority as of 74.8 years in 2016. In the U.S., healthy life expectancy was these efforts proceed, experts say.

68.5 years out of a total average life expectancy of 78.7 years.

“I believe ageism is perhaps the biggest threat to improving Laura Carstensen, director of Stanford University’s Center on quality of life for older people in America today,” Harvard’s Longevity, sees cause for optimism. Americans are beginning Inouye said. to exercise more and eat more healthful diets, she said. And Although the “OK Boomer” barbs that gained steam last year scientific studies in recent years have shown that behavior testify to persistent intergenerational tension, there are signs and living environments can alter the trajectory of aging. of progress. The World Health Organization has launched a Other trends are concerning. Notably, more than one-third global campaign to combat ageism. Last year, San Francisco

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Spring 2020 became one of the first U.S. cities to tackle this issue via a public awareness campaign. And a “reframing aging” toolkit developed by the FrameWorks Institute is in use in communities across the country.

5 need to,” Stone said.

Dr. John Rowe, a professor of health policy and aging at Columbia University, observed that “low savings rates, increasing out-of-pocket health expenditures, and continued increases in life expectancy” put 41% of Americans at risk of running out of money in retirement.

Advancing science. On the scientific front, Dr. Pinchas Cohen, dean of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, points to a growing recognition that “we can’t just apply one-size-fits-all Read about how SourcePoint is guidance for aging.”

Will working longer be a realistic alternative for seniors? Trends point in the opposite direction. On one hand, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that by 2026 30% of adults ages 65 to 74 and 11% of those 75 and older will be working.

tackling these trends on page 6.

During the next 10 years, “advances in genetic research and big data analytics will enable more personalized—and effective—prescriptions” for both On the other hand, age discrimination makes it difficult for prevention and treatments, he said. large numbers of older adults to keep or find jobs. According to a 2018 AARP survey, 61% of older workers reported “My prediction is the biggest impact is going to be felt witnessing or experiencing age discrimination. around predicting dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as biomarker tests that allow the early identification of people “We must address ageism and ageist attitudes within the at heightened risk become more available,” Cohen continued. workplace,” said Accius, of AARP. “A new understanding of Another potential development: the search for therapies that lifelong learning and training, as well as targeted investments to help certain groups transition from old jobs to new ones, might slow aging by targeting underlying molecular, cellular, will be essential.” and biological processes—a field known as “geroscience.”

Human trials will occur over the next decade, said Hodes, of Source: Kaiser Health News, a nonprofit news service. the National Institute on Aging, while noting “this is still farreaching and very speculative.”

Addressing inequality. New therapies spawned by cuttingedge science may be extraordinarily expensive, raising ethical issues. “Will the miracles of bioscience be available to all in the next decade—or only to those with the resources and connections to access special treatment?” asked Paul Irving, chair of the Milken Institute’s Center for the Future of Aging.

Several experts voiced concern about growing inequality in later life. Its most dramatic manifestation: The rich are living longer, while the poor are dying sooner. And the gap in their life expectancies is widening.

Carr noted that if the current poverty rate of 9% in the older population holds over the next decade, “more than 7 million older persons will live without sufficient income to pay for their food, medications, and utilities.”

“We now know that health and illness are affected by income, race, education, and other social factors” and that inequalities in these areas affect access to care and health outcomes, Pillemer said. “Over the coming decade, we must aggressively address these inequities to ensure a healthier later life for everyone.”

Working longer. How will economically vulnerable seniors survive? Many will see no choice but to try to work “past age 65, not necessarily because they prefer to, but because they

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Spring 2020

TRANSITIONS IN AGING

Staying On Top of Trends SourcePoint is no stranger to the trends noted in the "Boomer" article.

In fact, many are reflected in local programs and services. Here are just a few ways SourcePoint is serving— and adapting to serve—Delaware County's aging population: IN-HOME CARE SERVICES As the need for in-home care soars, SourcePoint has embraced the challenge of providing services to help adults 55 and older remain living safely in their own homes with independence and dignity.

"We provide direct access to care services, as well as referrals to other community resources," said Karen Waltermeyer, SourcePoint's director of client services, pictured at right. "We work with individuals to identify and assess their specific needs and to develop plans to help them achieve their goals. Our services are designed for those who are not able to independently complete activities of daily living, and who would otherwise, without assistance, not be able to continue living in their home."

Eligibility for in-home care services is based on need, rather than income, and available on a sliding fee scale.

Waltermeyer said growth of the 55+ population over the next decade will provide an opportunity to evolve the in-home services SourcePoint offers.

"We routinely evaluate feedback from the individuals we serve and their families. We look at gaps in services and explore ways to meet those needs," she said. "For example, as individuals become increasingly tech

savvy, we could explore what services could be delivered via technology and still meet their needs."

Waltermeyer cited the current means of providing rides to medical appointments.

"If individuals are comfortable connecting electronically with their physicians, we could explore how to best assist them to use that option," she said.

In the years ahead, collaborating with community partners to limit duplication of services, streamlining access to services, and building a community of support around an individual will be increasingly important.

Waltermeyer said SourcePoint will continue to be proactive in working with community partners and mindful of available services to ensure they meet the ever-changing needs.

LIVING BETTER, LIVING LONGER As we move into the 2020s, older adults are becoming more proactive in their health, wellness, and decisionmaking than ever before.

"We are already seeing seniors at every age embrace technology to help make their lives easier," said Amy Schossler, SourcePoint's director of community programs, pictured at right.

"Ride-sharing, meal delivery, grocery and prescription delivery, and social connection sites are all being routinely used by older adults. I recently offered to drop a meal off to my parents after they returned home from a trip, so they wouldn’t have to go to the store immediately. My 78-year-old

mother responded that there was no need since she had a coupon for Uber Eats. The use of technology is powerful for seniors to maintain their independence and make life easier, especially if transportation is an issue."

In a recent survey, Delaware County older adults indicated that they want to stay in the community as they age. Schossler said this "aging in community" can be accomplished in their long-time home, by downsizing to a smaller place, or by moving into a local retirement community.

"Communities should be embracing this desire, as older adults have a huge economic impact where they live," Schossler said. "They enjoy shopping locally and supporting their community businesses. Through Age-Friendly Delaware County, we are fostering a movement for more businesses to become age-friendly and help make shopping locally a positive experience for all ages."

The national age-friendly initiative encourages cities, counties, and states to prepare for the rapid aging of the population by working together to strengthen and advance communities. Locally, SourcePoint leads the charge with Age-Friendly Delaware County.

"With the 65+ population expected to grow to 82,000 by 2030, Age-Friendly is about creating an infrastructure that will support that growth in our community," said Jackie Haight, agefriendly coordinator at SourcePoint.

"The five-year plan focuses on six key areas that influence healthy aging: housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, community health

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and safety services, transportation, community engagement, and communication."

such as transportation to medical appointments or home-delivered meals, to eligible clients this year.

The second year of the initiative began in March, and Haight, pictured at right, said a strategic plan will be unveiled in June, outlining action steps that support the key areas of livability.

In addition, there are more programs popping up that provide healthrelated, behavior-change education.

"Our vision is that Delaware County is an active, safe, healthy, connected community for all ages and abilities," Haight said. "We know older adults are trending— they're active, have a voice, engage, and are eager to learn. They want to be part of the whole community. We don't slow down as we grow older, we wake up."

AGING IN PLACE Clare Decker, SourcePoint's community education and initiatives manager, said more communitybased health services will be available in the coming decade.

"Activities that address health-related social risk factors are coming into recognition on a larger scale," Decker said. "This includes integrating systems, such as establishing links between health care and social service providers."

She noted some Medicare Advantage Plans are offering more communitybased supportive services,

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"These programs can help adults make healthier decisions as they age and understand how to access resources in their community if they need

them," said Decker, pictured at left.

One example is a Matter of Balance, a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase physical activity among older adults. Over the eight-class series, participants discuss their concerns about falling, learn how to reduce fall risk through behavior change and modifying their home environment, and practice exercises geared toward improving strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance.

Decker said SourcePoint puts on about six series each year.

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Older adults in Delaware County can also take part in Healthy U sessions dealing with chronic conditions and diabetes.

"In this six-week course, participants receive a 'toolbox' to manage symptoms and learn to live a higher-quality, more active life with a chronic condition," Decker said.

Decker said other programs contribute to living better and longer in the community as we age, including various fitness programs in the enrichment center, Meals on Wheels and community cafes, and the learning and social opportunities that contribute to healthy aging and stave off isolation.

Jeff Robinson is a feature writer for My Communicator.

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Spring 2020

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Yoga for Health: Body and Mind Have you rolled out a yoga mat lately?

If so, you’re among many who have taken up yoga to relax and stay fit. One in seven adults in the U.S. has practiced yoga in the past year. Yoga may bring several health and wellness benefits.

Based in Indian philosophy, yoga involves both the body and mind. It began as a spiritual practice. Modern yoga focuses more on physical poses, breathing techniques, and meditation.

Meditation involves exercises that help you clear and calm your thoughts.

“With practice, yoga can teach you to direct the mind on a single object,” explained Dr. Pamela Jeter, an NIH expert on yoga research. “It’s practicing being aware and present from moment to moment.”

But, she says, it takes a lot of practice.

She suggests focusing on the physical aspects first.

With time, the meditation becomes easier.

There are many types of yoga. Some are slower and focus on holding poses.

Others involve flowing movements that connect to your breathing.

Research suggests yoga may help improve general wellness. In studies, yoga has helped some people manage stress, improve mental health, lose weight, or quit smoking.

Manos, Martin & Pergram Co., LPA that There’s also evidence na

yoga may be helpful for some medical conditions.

Yoga may help lessen pain and menopause symptoms. It improved sleep in studies of older adults and people with cancer.

Several studies have shown yoga can help those with chronic low back pain.

Some experts now recommend it as a first-line treatment for low back pain, among other non-drug treatments.

But, Jeter cautions, more high-quality research is needed to confirm yoga’s health benefits. “There’s a lot of research out there for different health conditions, but there’s not enough to say for sure,” she said. Yoga shouldn’t replace treatment from your health care provider.

It’s also unclear what it is about yoga that helps. The practice combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements.

“There are a lot of components in yoga. We don’t know what the active ingredient is,” Jeter said.

Research into yoga is ongoing. Studies are now looking at whether yoga is helpful for specific groups of people.

For example, whether it can reduce chronic pain for military veterans or improve quality of life for people who have had breast cancer. New studies are also looking into whether yoga may help mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What should you know if you’re thinking about starting yoga?

“Start slowly and carefully in order to avoid any sort of injury,” Jeter said.

If you have a medical condition, talk with your health care provider before getting started.

Everyone’s body is different.

Postures should be modified based on your abilities.

Choose an experienced instructor who is attentive to your needs.

You may also want to seek out a yoga therapist. “Yoga therapists have more extensive training than other teachers,” Jeter explained.

“They’re trained to work with different conditions and mostly work one-on-one or in small groups.”

Source: NIH News in Health.

To read more articles like this, go to newsinhealth.nih.gov.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know WHAT IS CBD? CBD, short for cannabidiol, is an active compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is not intoxicating, but may cause some drowsiness. The CBD in most products is extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis that has only traces (up to 0.3%) of THC, the active compound that gets people high.

DOES CBD WORK FOR ARTHRITIS? Animal studies have suggested CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, but these effects have not been validated in studies in humans.

Anecdotally, some people with arthritis who have tried CBD, but not all, report noticeable pain relief, sleep improvement, and anxiety reduction.

IS CBD SAFE TO USE? Research evaluating the safety of CBD is underway.

At this point, little is known. So far, no serious safety concerns have been associated with moderate doses. CBD is thought to have the potential to interact with some drugs commonly taken by people with arthritis. Talk to your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you take any prescription medications.

IS CBD LEGAL? CBD products derived from hemp are no longer considered Schedule I drugs under the federal Controlled Substances Act, but they still remain in a legal gray zone.

There are changes underway on federal and state levels that will ultimately clarify the laws and regulations related

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what has worked or not worked, whether there are other options to try first, how to do a trial run, what to watch for, and when to return for a follow-up visit to evaluate the results. Keep a symptom and dose diary to track effects.

to CBD-based products and sales.

Despite that, they’re widely available in nearly every state and online.

SHOULD I GIVE CBD A TRY? Without quality clinical studies on CBD and arthritis, doctors have not been able to say who might benefit from CBD, at what dose and in which form, who likely won’t benefit, and who should avoid it. Still, there is agreement on several points: • CBD is not a substitute for disease-modifying treatment for inflammatory arthritis.

• Patients who are interested in trying CBD should first talk to the health care provider who treats their arthritis. Together, they can review

• Quality CBD products can be expensive, especially when used for prolonged periods. To avoid wasting money, be sure the product is having a positive effect on symptoms.

WHAT TYPE OF PRODUCT SHOULD I CONSIDER? CBD-based products can be taken orally, applied to the skin, or inhaled.

There are pros and cons for each, which should be discussed with your doctor prior to use.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING? There is good reason to be a cautious shopper.

CBD products are largely unregulated in the U.S. Independent testing has shown mislabeling and lack of quality control. The biggest issues are strength of CBD (significantly more or less than the label says), the presence of undeclared THC, and contamination.

Be aware that marketers and people behind retail counters are not health professionals; they are salespeople. That's why your doctor is your best source for guidance and monitoring when using an unregulated product.

Source: The Arthritis Foundation.

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Spring 2020

TRANSITIONS IN AGING

Encore! Encore!

More older adults are using retirement as a time to embark on a second career.

If you know someone who is retired, then you've probably also heard them say that retirement is keeping them busier than when they were working.

These days, as a growing number of people reach retirement age, that shouldn't come as a surprise. Studies show that active older adults tend to live longer, healthier lives. And while for some, "active" may be defined as traveling, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with grandchildren, for others, it means embarking on a second "encore" career or starting a business.

"There is a trend nationally where people are looking to utilize the skills they have in a different way," said Natalie Zimmerman, director of Employment for Seniors in Columbus. "A lot of people are looking to mentor or do coaching, depending on their background. Today's idea of retirement has changed—it may mean part-time work or consulting. Baby boomers have a tremendous skill set and are a resource, and it may just be a matter of determining how those skills are transferable from one career to another."

The Employment for Seniors office can help with that, as can national organizations, such as Encore.org. Encore states there are currently more people over 50 in the U.S. than under 18. By 2035, 1 in 3 Americans will be over 50. That growing population provides a wealth of resources that Encore says "we can't afford to waste."

Encore defines an encore career as "continued work in the second half of life that combines social impact, purpose, and, often, continued income." Zimmerman adds one more important aspect to that description.

"What's also important is to really think about what brings someone joy," she said. "What are their passions, and what do they really want to do? Many people decide to go into something that has nothing to do with what they've done during their career, but they are following their passion."

All dolled up for an encore Susie Ross fits that description. The Delaware County resident spent the last 16 years of her full-time career as the clerk for

the City of Powell. Before she retired in 2014, she rediscovered a hobby that hearkened back to her school days.

"Fourteen years ago, my mom and I bought a dollhouse for my granddaughter, and it reinvigorated our interest," said Ross, who, along with her sister, Barb Ramsey, now runs It's A Miniatures Life, a business dedicated to all things dollhouses. "Dollhouses were Barb's hobby in high school, and after building one for my granddaughter, Grace, we started building more for ourselves."

The business developed gradually, and Ross was able to devote more time to it after retiring from her clerk position.

She built the company's website from a template, but had some knowledge that came from her clerk experience.

"There was a time in Powell when I had to learn the back end of websites, and I'd learned PageMaker and other skills that I developed more as we put the business together," she said.

"We've built a bigger website and updated it since then."

Their work includes custom dollhouse kit building, dollhouse repair, and decorating or redecorating completed dollhouses.

Their love of carpentry and all things miniature came from watching their dad, who was a carpenter. Today, they can provide a 1/12-scale replica of just about anything you can think of to furnish a dollhouse.

"We can create everything for the inside, from crown molding and flooring to electric. They can get pretty elaborate," Ross said. "A custom house built with a furnished interior can take nine to 12 months to complete. We work on only one at a time."

Ross started the business before retiring from her clerk job, and she recommends anyone looking to embark on a postretirement career do the same, if possible.

"It does help to start before you retire if you can," she said.

"It's also important to decide why you're doing it. Are you doing it because you love the work, or the subject? Are you doing it to make money? If you're doing it for love, then the money won't matter. But if money matters, you'll need a business plan."

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Ross said she and Ramsey put a great deal of time and effort into the business, which includes website and search engine work, the actual dollhouse and accessory creation, setting up at three Ohio shows for dollhouse enthusiasts per year, and responding to online orders. It's mostly a labor of love, and she'd ultimately like the business to be online only. But until then, she said meeting people and helping others enjoy the hobby are particularly gratifying.

Regardless of the situation, Zimmerman said the trend for newly retired people these days is definitely not to "sit around and watch Netflix.

"The profile of someone looking to embark on an encore career is one of energy and determination, with a strong work ethic," she said. "They are emotionally resilient and want to be part of something greater than themselves."

"If you're doing it for love, then the money won't matter."

"It's satisfying, despite all the work. We've met so many wonderful people," she said.

Finding your fit Employment for Seniors can help others see how they can mesh their skills and experience with their passion, if they aren't already a natural fit.

"Maybe you start by volunteering for an organization that is very heartfelt, and see from there how it can transition into a career," Zimmerman said. "Say you love working with animals and want to do something with that, and you maybe were an IT person during your career. You could start by volunteering at an animal shelter to see what they need. Maybe you realize that you might be able to use your background to create an online database to help that shelter connect people with rescue animals."

Zimmerman recommends allowing yourself time to evaluate what will really bring joy in the next phase of your life.

"I would encourage people to network and volunteer, or see what it looks like to begin a small business," she said. "The market is recognizing that when someone retires, there is a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge walking out the door, and that knowledge and experience can be taken on to that next career step. We can help them identify those transferable skills and how they might move into another industry or another type of job experience, and we can articulate what a volunteer experience would look like."

While many who use Employment for Seniors' services are looking for something that brings personal satisfaction, Zimmerman said there can also be a financial component to an encore career.

"There may be an economic factor where another job is needed to supplement retirement, and that's important, too," she said.

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That inspiration is just one of the things that impresses Zimmerman about working with those 50 and older, the age group served by Employment for Seniors.

"They are not just concerned with exercise and eating healthy as they age, but there's also that sense of value and purpose in life," Zimmerman said. "It helps keep people from becoming isolated and it utilizes the skills acquired over a career to pay it forward."

Jeff Robinson is a feature writer for My Communicator.

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Spring 2020

GREATER GOOD

5 Ways to Have Better Conversations Across Difference It's not easy, but we can find common ground in difficult conversations.

It’s hard to talk across differences in race, class, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, or any other kind of identity. We often lack the tools to help us graciously navigate conversations like these—and so we avoid having them. We just don’t talk, even though research shows diverse groups are more innovative, better at problem solving, more open to alternative viewpoints, and better off in the long run.

As a diversity facilitator and former director of inclusivity at Colorado Academy, a pre-K-12 school, I’ve helped students, teachers, and parents find ways to enter these difficult yet critical discussions in all kinds of settings—at diversity conferences, through teaching an anti-bias social justice curriculum, and during professional development retreats.

Now, in my role as director of school engagement at Project Wayfinder—an organization focused on helping students develop a sense of identity and purpose—I continue to help schools thoughtfully navigate difficult conversations. These conversations invite students to reflect on who they are, what society expects of them, and how their identity informs their purpose. Here are five guiding perspectives I’ve learned from this work to make these difficult conversations just a little easier.

1. Listen to their story.

Sometimes we just don’t know what we don’t know. Meeting someone where they are means truly hearing, recognizing, and honoring that person’s journey.

defensiveness, and other negative emotions.

You may even write the person off, vowing to never talk to them again.

If disengaging entirely is what you need to do, then that’s what you need to do; racism and other forms of prejudice are real, and sometimes you need to protect yourself instead of trying to help another person grow.

But, depending on the situation, there are other kinds of responses you might consider. What if you asked them to clarify?

You could say something like, “Tell me more,” or “That’s interesting; what makes you say that?”

Questions like these are buffers against impulsive, negative reactions. More importantly, they give your conversation partner the chance to reflect on why they used the language they did. Through this reflection, they may realize that it didn’t come out the way they intended and decide they want to rephrase their thought. When having difficult conversations, it’s essential to try to have grace, giving others the room to be messy and offering the chance to recalibrate.

3. Be a bridge, not a barrier.

Often we don’t know how profoundly the things we say and do affect others. Making a joke, asking a question, or even giving a compliment can come across as offensive, whether we intend it to be or not. Learning more about our hidden biases and assumptions, as revealed by others’ reactions to our words, can yield great insight and self-awareness. From there, we can become more conscious of appropriate ways to interact with those who have different identities than we do.

If you take the time to understand your conversation partner’s background, you’ll have a better idea if this person is even ready to have this kind of conversation. Maybe you’ll realize that first you need to build a relationship that fosters trust. Rather than jumping straight into a conversation about racism, for example, you might start by sharing where you first learned about your race and how you understand this part of your identity.

Start by taking an honest inventory of why you avoid certain conversations—and yes, making jokes can be a way of avoiding them. Then, analyze what you typically do when someone points out something you did that was offensive or unkind. The ultimate goal is to be receptive and not defensive—a bridge, not a barrier. The more we open up, listen, and hear stories and perspectives of other incredible humans, the more likely it is that we’ll learn powerful lessons and give others permission to be their authentic selves.

2. Try not to take anything personally.

This one can be the most challenging. We aren’t robots.

Feeling attacked for who we are can trigger anger,

4. Lean into discomfort.

We all like comfort, and we all fall into the habit of avoiding situations that create negative emotion. But when we push

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ourselves to our edges and make ourselves stand in the fire, we grow and learn. Leaning into discomfort means saying, “This is difficult for me, but I’m going to continue nonetheless.”

The most powerful way to lean into discomfort is to stay present. Being present in a conversation is about really listening to what others have to say. That means allowing someone to finish their whole story or point before you share yours. It’s about more than not interrupting; active listening means making a sincere effort to understand what someone is trying to tell you and taking it in completely before sharing your part.

Beautifully

The second strategy to help you stay present is to notice your body—when does your heart beat faster and your breath shorten? Are your muscles tensing? Noting these physical cues can help us ease out of fight-or-flight mode and return to the moment.

Also try to notice and label your emotions. Saying to yourself, “I’m feeling offended/impatient/triggered right now” can help you create a little breathing room for yourself in tense moments and then keep going.

5. Set norms to create a safe and brave container.

Agreements, or norms, are agreed-upon behaviors or guidelines that help build trust and community. Having a group set norms before a meeting or discussion helps everyone understand what’s expected. Norms are useful to return to as reminders if the conversation stays off-topic or gets tense. Best viewed as a living document, they can always be changed, replaced, erased, and put up for discussion.

Here are some community agreements you might propose to create a safe and brave container: • We agree to be fully present.

• We accept the candidness of others as a gift.

• We accept conflict as a catalyst for change.

• We take risks.

• We speak from the “I” perspective.

• We respond rather than react.

• We honor confidentiality.

No matter where we fall on an issue, if we’re willing to engage with people who have different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences than we do, there’s hope for common ground…even between those with identities that seem impossible to reconcile. With work and care and the suspension of judgment, it’s possible to locate shared humanity. And when we do that, we help each other become the best versions of ourselves. © 2018 The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

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614-276-1439

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Columbus | Delaware | Grove City | Westerville

DELAWARE, OHIO

WE ARE HERE TO HELP Connect with your local Alzheimer’s Association for resources to help you and your loved ones navigate Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more about: • Caregiver support groups • Day Out Club • Memories in the Making® art class 39 West Winter Street Delaware, OH 43015 | 740.363.1365 alz.org/centralohio

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Spring 2020

TECHNOLOGY

Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage Older Americans are increasingly drawn to new technology, according to a national AARP survey, but they often do not take full advantage of their devices, and are concerned about privacy online.

In the past year, 51% of older Americans say they bought a tech product. The top purchases: • Smartphone (23%) • Computer or laptop (12%) • Smart television (11%) • Tablet (10%) • Smart home technology (12%) • Wearable device (7%) Although people ages 50 and older use smartphones, wearable technology, and smart home technology at about the same pace as younger adults, device preferences vary among people of different ages. Those under 50 are losing interest in tablets, for example, but those over 50 continue to buy them, with more than half owning one.

Although older adults expressed enthusiasm for trying out new devices, their responses indicate they don’t always use the tech to its full potential.

For instance, while about half of Americans own a smart television, just 42% use its streaming or online features to watch shows.

SMARTPHONE SAVVY The study found the generation gap in smartphone adoption is narrowing.

In the past two years, smartphone adoption has jumped from 70% to 77% among older adults.

In 2014, when 8 in 10 younger Americans owned a smartphone, only half of adults over 50 owned one.

Today, smartphone adoption is 86% among Americans ages 50 to 59 and 81% for those 60 to 69. Meanwhile,

62% of those 70+ use smartphones.

sometimes or always misunderstand.

Still, younger users are more likely to report using their smartphones on a daily basis. When older adults use them, it’s most often for email, directions, online searches, or checking social media.

Three in four older Americans want to stay in their homes and age in place, and technology that allows them to get help in an emergency or track their health virtually can be critical to helping them achieve that goal. About 40% of respondents indicate they were interested in using technology that would remind them to take medicine and tell their health care provider if they took it. Another 21% are open to videoconferencing with their health care providers, the study finds.

EMERGING HOME SECURITY AND SMART TECH MARKET AARP finds consumers over 50 are helping fuel the demand for smart home technology, such as home monitoring, security systems, home assistants, and smart appliances. Many find the products are convenient and give them peace of mind. Although many adults ages 50 and older are interested in buying smart home safety technology, just 10% of older Americans are using these safety devices now.

If offered a choice, about 53% of respondents say they would prefer to have their health care needs managed by a mix of medical staff and health care technology.

Older individuals are particularly interested in using smart home and security tech to see who is at the front door (59%), automatically shut off appliances (42%), control a thermostat (38%), detect a fall or get emergency help (39%), and monitor doors and windows (48%).

Data privacy is a concern among older individuals who use wearable tech.

While 66% of older adults say they’re comfortable sharing personal healthrelated information from wearable devices with health care providers, 30% would not share it at all. Just 8% of those over 50 feel comfortable sharing digitally tracked health information on social media, AARP finds.

Yet older Americans also see a downside: Only about 1 in 10 are very or extremely confident that their interactions with any smart home technology will be kept private.

BUILDING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS Three quarters of all adults ages 50 and older use social media on a regular basis, primarily Facebook, followed by YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

LEVERAGING HEALTH BENEFITS Older adults welcome voice-activated home assistants. Ownership of home assistants, such as smart speakers, has more than doubled in the past two years. Just 4% of consumers over 50 used a device in 2017 compared to 17% today. Most report the devices are somewhat or very helpful, although 67% also say the home assistants

Older Americans most often sign on to social networks on smartphones (55%), followed by computers (47%) and tablets (41%). They are drawn to these sites to stay connected with friends and family.

Source: Brittne Nelson Kakulla, 2020 Tech Trends of the 50+, AARP Research, January 2020.

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Spring 2020

FROM THE SOURCE A special report on the COVID-19 pandemic and community resources for older adults.

Staying Safe at Home To avoid being exposed to the coronavirus, it’s important for everyone to stay at home. This is particularly true for older adults and people with some chronic conditions, who have a higher risk for complications from COVID-19—the illness caused by the coronavirus.

Why Older Adults and People with Chronic Conditions are at Higher Risk Our immune systems weaken as we age, making it harder to fight off infectious diseases. Cancer treatment, immune deficiencies, smoking, and prolonged use of medications that weaken the immune system can also make it harder for the body to fight off the virus. People with certain chronic health conditions—including heart disease, lung diseases, obesity, diabetes, or liver disease—also have a harder time fighting the virus.

Protecting Yourself There is currently no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19 and no medication to treat it, so the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. COVID-19 is thought to spread primarily through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. It may also be transmitted after you have touched a surface or object with the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises older adults to: • Stay home.

• If you do need to go out in public, stay at least 6 feet apart from others and wear a simple cloth face covering to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

• Avoid high-touch surfaces like elevator buttons, door handles, and counters. If you must touch these surfaces, use a tissue or disposable wipe to touch them.

• Don’t touch your face, nose, eyes, or mouth.

• Wash your hands with soap and water often; hand sanitizers are OK to use if they contain at least 60% alcohol.

Symptoms of COVID-19 Not everyone with COVID-19 will experience symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild enough that you don’t realize you are infected, even though you are contagious. Symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and may include: • Fever.

• Cough (usually a dry or unproductive cough).

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

• Fatigue.

• Loss of smell and taste.

• Body aches.

• Nausea, diarrhea, stomach aches, or vomiting.

What to Do if You Get Sick Call your health care provider if you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and begin to develop symptoms. They can advise you on whether to get tested for the virus. In most cases, it’s best to stay at home to avoid infecting others—or becoming infected yourself.

Most people who become infected with COVID-19 can recover at home. For some people, however, the virus can be serious or fatal. Call 911 and seek immediate medical care if you experience: • Trouble breathing.

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

• Confusion not experienced previously.

• Bluish lips or face.

• Any other severe symptoms.

Protecting Yourself from Scams Unfortunately, there are scammers trying to take advantage of this crisis by pretending to sell you tests or medicines.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov), the best defense is to say NO to anyone you don’t know who contacts you by phone, in person, by text message, or email, and asks for your Social Security Number, bank account number, credit card information, Medicare ID number, driver’s license number, or any other personally identifiable information.

Need Support to Stay Safe at Home?

Every community has resources to help older adults age well at home—for example, programs that provide homedelivered meals, transportation to medical appointments, inhome services, resources for caregivers, and other supports that can help older adults live independently and safely at home. While some activities are paused during this crisis, especially those that bring people together in group settings, local agencies on aging are adapting programs to meet the increasing need for social engagement.

To learn what’s available in Delaware County, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677 or info@MySourcePoint.org.

This fact sheet was developed by the Alliance for Aging Research and the Eldercare Locator. Updated versions may be found at agingresearch.org/COVID19safety.

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Staying Connected The COVID-19 outbreak requires us to change our daily habits and maintain significant physical distance from other people. These restrictions may exacerbate an already growing problem for older adults—social isolation. Social isolation can sometimes lead to loneliness and studies have shown that both isolation and loneliness can put older adults at higher risk for heart disease, dementia, mental health issues, and stroke.

But limiting physical interaction does not have to mean stopping social interaction altogether. Doing a variety of activities online can help you remain connected with, and even expand, your social circles.

The National Council on Aging gathered some tips—some high-tech, some not—to help you stay connected: • Write or email a friend with whom you haven’t been in touch in a while and rekindle your friendship.

• Read a book to a grandchild or family friend over the phone or via video chat.

• Do an online workout. Choose from one of the thousands of fitness routines available on YouTube. SourcePoint has several online at MySourcePoint.org/onlineprograms.

• Host a virtual get-together. If you can’t meet your friends in person for coffee or lunch, move the gathering online via a group video chat.

• Teach others your skills. If you’ve been waiting to show the world your special talents, now’s your chance. Use your phone to create short teaching videos and post these online.

• Follow SourcePoint on Facebook for engaging content, online caregiver support, and videos from staff.

Remember that despite the potential negative effects of social isolation, the COVID-19 outbreak demands we all practice it to protect our health and well-being. Try out some of our tips or come up with creative ideas of your own to use technology to help you stay connected to your social circles.

How You Can Help Check on your older family, friends, and neighbors.

Offer them a meal, make a grocery run, help them access telehealth care, and talk to them on the phone. While organizations like SourcePoint can help, we can’t do it alone. It’s truly a community effort.

If you find that an older adult in your life could benefit from in-home care services like Meals on Wheels, call our information and referral specialists at 740-363-6677 to learn more.

Volunteer. SourcePoint depends on its volunteers to deliver vital services to local seniors. During a crisis, those services are more essential than ever. If you're healthy and able to donate your time and talent to help Delaware County seniors, go to MySourcePoint.org/volunteer or contact Jill Smith, volunteer recruiter, at 740-203-2368 or jill.smith@MySourcePoint.org.

Donate. SourcePoint remains committed to those we serve—Delaware County seniors. You can help, too. Make a donation to SourcePoint today to support the growing need for in-home services, such as Meals on Wheels.

With a gift, you support your older family, friends, and neighbors. Go to MySourcePoint.org/give today.

For the latest COVID-19 news, visit reputable sources like the Ohio Dept. of Health at coronavirus.ohio.gov or the CDC at cdc.gov/covid19 Find the latest SourcePoint updates at MySourcePoint.org/COVID19.

Questions? Call us at 740-363-6677, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Spring 2020

CREATIVE WRITING

Writing

My Writing Mantra

Longingly I look At the words I have written Will they embrace me?

"She believed she could, so she did."

Artful words bring forth Sweeping emotions thought dead True enlightenment?

I believed him and proceeded to prove him right. I wanted to live up to his belief in me and in the process, I came to believe in myself.

Staring, a blank page Where are the letters and words Did they desert me?

Powerful great books Can captivate readers with Imagination Writing and reading Make it possible to feel Stories in color Words now bursting forth Demanding to be written My fingers obey One can write about Anything and everything Making connections Good book and deep sigh Shows reading has proven why Pleasure is nearby

My husband once told me, many years ago, that he believed I could do anything I put my mind to.

I wasn't always as confident as I am now. Every life has its obstacles and mine has been no exception. Depression, PTSD, serious illness, and others have been part of my life.

I taught myself to view each obstacle as a challenge to be overcome, a hurdle rather than a wall. Believing that I could meet each challenge, I did.

I am not unique, for I know many who share my views. It's a mindset, I believe. Some people get up and create the circumstances they want, while others wait for someone else to do it for them or wait for it to fall into their laps.

I have refused to wait, for that would limit me and my achievements.

My current goal is to write a novel. My first step in reaching this goal is challenging myself to learn the craft of writing. Writers are not born, they are made by learning to use the tools our language has provided. I am a good student, a fast learner.

I will succeed because I believe I can.

Judy Titus is a SourcePoint member.

Meg Williams is a SourcePoint member.

Haikus on Writing

Inspiration

Thoughts come from within Flowing from mind to paper Telling my story

I searched everywhere for inspiration today: Up in the sky beyond the clouds On the breeze and among the branches Through the sunrise to the sunset I turned over rocks Then, I looked in my heart, and there you were.

Long held memories Released from mind to paper Life in black and white Sandy Moreland is a SourcePoint member.

Connie Hill is a SourcePoint member.

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LOCAL NEWS

New Senior Showcase Dates Local residents are invited to attend the third countywide Senior Showcase, a juried art show that features the artwork of individuals in Delaware County ages 55 and older.

The free exhibit, which features about 60 works, runs Aug. 28 through Oct. 9 at the Arts Castle in Delaware. After that, a smaller show featuring the prizewinners’ work will take place at the Orange Branch of the Delaware County District Library from Oct. 12 through Oct. 23 and then at Willow Brook at Delaware Run from Oct. 26 through Nov. 6.

“Art can help seniors in many ways, providing a creative outlet for sharing memories and feelings and opportunities for learning,” said Diane Hodges, executive director of the Arts Castle.

“Experts agree that creating and viewing art can help people deal with stress and open up venues for communication and socialization,” Hodges said. “Often, seniors need to find new

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avenues that provide a sense of fulfillment and focus in their lives. Inherently, art allows such transformations to happen.”

The show includes drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, computer art, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, wood, stone, jewelry, and sculpture.

The Senior Showcase is a collaboration among the Arts Castle, the Delaware County District Library, and Willow Brook Christian Communities. SourcePoint is a contributing sponsor, with additional support from Don Ewell, Beth Fisher at HER Realtors, and Ross Art Museum.

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Spring 2020

WE BELIEVE YOUR CANCER FIGHT DESERVES EVERY EXPERT ON YOU R SI DE

Grady Memorial Hospital At OhioHealth, our affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network® allows our physicians to review your diagnosis and treatment with their peers at the nation’s top cancer hospital. That means you’ll benefit from the latest research and expertise from leading physicians in the area.

Because we believe exceptional cancer care should be close to home and the ones you love.

Make a personal connection at CancerCall at 1 (800) 752.9119 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or visit OhioHealth.com/CancerCare.

MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center © OhioHealth Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. FY19-166697-CancerWeBelieve. 11/18.

CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES TO LAST A LIFETIME! Your oral health affects your overall well-being, so it’s important to find a dentist you like and trust. At Sexton Dental we make your health a priority and keep you coming back for that confident smile you want!

General & Cosmetic Dentistry Implant Restorations Whitening Crowns & Bridges Dentures “I have had such great experiences with Dr. Sexton. He truly cares for my dental needs. The staff and dental assistants are great and add to the experience at this dental office!” - T.K. 3769 Columbus Pike, Suite 110 Delaware, OH 43015 www.sexton-dental.com

740-363-2080 MySourcePoint.org

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VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering: 21st Century Trends While in the midst of a career in client services, Pat Liggett’s supervisor nominated her for a position on SourcePoint’s board of directors.

Though he enjoyed the prestige it brought his company, he insisted Pat, pictured at right, take vacation time to attend board meetings. That was in 1991. These days, it is more common for businesses to encourage community involvement, even if it means a schedule adjustment or using work time.

Julie Hope is a cardiac nurse for Riverside Hospital. When she decided to contribute to her community by delivering Meals on Wheels, her employer supported her volunteer endeavors by making sure her work schedule never conflicted with her volunteer schedule.

For many adults, their primary social outlet is the workplace. After Pat retired from her job in Columbus, she realized she lacked a social network in Delaware County, even though she had lived here for years. With her board tenure ending, Pat launched herself into other SourcePoint volunteer opportunities, primarily Meals on Wheels and medical transportation.

3,500 hours, 21,500 miles, and 21 years later, Pat said, “There are times when I thought I should just move into SourcePoint and save money on my electric bill.”

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Her circle of friends—both people and pets— grew rapidly as her volunteerism expanded. “My daughter asked why I keep dog bones in the car when I don’t have dogs,” said Pat. “I replied, ‘I do have dogs.

I have Sampson, Clyde, Lily…’ At one of my stops, the client’s cat is always in the window waiting for her treat to arrive.”

Another volunteer trend is vacation volunteering. Campground hosting and national park preservation is popular amongst the RV set. Those who enjoy unique cultural experiences opt for international service. Last summer, SourcePoint volunteer Karen Johnson spent two weeks teaching children at an international church conference held in Thailand. Though labeling her trip a “vacation” is a stretch, in between volunteer activities, Karen was able to visit popular tourist sights and pet a tiger. She achieved an experience that was both memorable and meaningful.

She also found her fitness level improved with volunteering. Pat is a perpetual step counter, estimating that her two weekly meal routes average a combined 2,201 steps. Since she started delivering in 2008, she has carried hot lunches over 1,000 miles!

Though SourcePoint offers the occasional stand-alone volunteer event, the organization continues to rely heavily on a community of committed volunteers. Providing volunteer-led services to seniors in their homes requires careful screening and training, which consumes agency resources.

Prospective volunteers are matched with the opportunity that best fits their availability and interests in order to improve their chances of long-term success. If you are ready to pursue an established volunteer program, SourcePoint might just be a good fit.

Unfortunately for nonprofit organizations like SourcePoint, Pat’s example of long-term commitment is becoming unique. The new generation of volunteers is more interested in smaller, short-term projects and intermittent service. Many prospective volunteers want to try out an organization by assisting with an event or other one-time opportunity before becoming more involved.

The most recent Gallup Survey on volunteerism found that 41% of those who volunteered served only once or infrequently, as opposed to 39% who were willing to commit on an ongoing basis.

For more information, contact Jill Smith, volunteer recruiter, at 740-203-2368 or jill.smith@MySourcePoint.org.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Eating Well as You Age As you get older, eating well can help improve mental acuteness, boost your energy levels, and increase your resistance to illness. These nutrition and diet tips can help.

Healthy eating is important at any age, but becomes even more so as we reach midlife and beyond. As you age, eating a healthy diet can help improve mental acuteness, boost energy levels, and increase resistance to illness.

Eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Rather, it should be all about enjoying fresh, tasty food, wholesome ingredients, and eating in the company of friends and family.

No matter your age or your previous eating habits, it’s never too late to change your diet and improve the way you think and feel. Improving your diet now can help you: Live longer and stronger. Good nutrition can boost immunity, fight illness-causing toxins, keep weight in check, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, bone loss, and cancer.

Along with physical activity, a balanced diet can also contribute to enhanced independence as you age.

Sharpen your mind. People who eat fruit, leafy veggies, and fish and nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids may be able to improve focus and decrease their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidantrich green tea may also enhance memory and alertness as you age.

Feel better. Wholesome meals can give you more energy and help you look better, resulting in a boost to your mood and self-esteem. It’s all connected—when your body feels good, you feel happier.

MORE THAN JUST FOOD Eating well as you age is about more than just the quality and variety of your food. It’s also about the pleasure of eating, which increases when a meal is shared. A social atmosphere stimulates your mind, makes meals more enjoyable, and can help you stick to your healthy eating plan.

Even if you live alone, you can make healthy meals more pleasurable by: Shopping with others. Shopping with a friend can give you a chance to catch up without falling behind on your chores.

It’s also a great way to share meal ideas and save money on deals like “buy one, get the second half price.”

Cooking with others. Invite a friend to share cooking responsibilities— one prepares the entrée, the other dessert, for example. Cooking with others can be a fun way to deepen your relationships, and splitting costs can make it cheaper, too.

Making mealtimes a social experience.

The simple act of talking to a friend or loved one over the dinner table can play a big role in relieving stress and boosting mood. Gather the family together regularly and stay up to date on everyone’s lives. Invite a friend, coworker, or neighbor over. Visiting an adult day care center or enrolling in a senior meal program can also provide both companionship and nutritious meals for older adults.

HOW TO CREATE A HEALTHY DIET The key to healthy eating is to focus on the whole, minimally processed food that your body needs as you age—food that is as close to its

natural form as possible. Our bodies respond differently to different foods, depending on genetics and other health factors, so finding the healthy diet that works best for you may take some experimentation. These tips are a good place to start: Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Break the apple and banana rut and go for color-rich pickings like berries or melons. Aim for 2‒3 servings a day.

When it comes to veggies, choose antioxidant-rich dark, leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli, as well as colorful vegetables like carrots and squash. Make veggies more appetizing by drizzling them with olive oil, sprinkling with goat cheese, or frying with garlic or chili flakes. Try for 2‒3 cups every day.

Choose calcium for bone health.

Maintaining bone health as you age depends on adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

Good sources include milk, yogurt, cheese, or non-dairy sources, such as tofu, broccoli, almonds, and kale.

Go “good fat” not “no fat.” Rather than trying to cut out fat from your diet, focus on enjoying healthy fats, such as omega-3s, that can protect your body against disease and support your mood and brain function.

Vary your sources of protein. As you age, eating enough high-quality protein can improve your mood, boost your resistance to stress, anxiety, and depression, and even help you think more clearly. However, eating too much protein from processed meat products, such as hot dogs, bacon, and salami,

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may increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other health problems.

Vary your sources of protein instead of relying on just red meat by including more fish, beans, peas, eggs, nuts, and seeds in your diet.

Eat more fiber. Dietary fiber can do so much more than keep you regular. It can lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, improve the health of your skin, and help you lose weight. As you age, your digestion becomes less efficient, so it’s important to include enough fiber in your diet.

Women over 50 should aim to eat at least 21 grams of fiber per day, men over 50 at least 30 grams a day.

Be smart about carbs. Choose whole grains over processed white flour for more nutrients and fiber and cut down on sugar and refined carbs. While our senses of taste and smell diminish with age, we retain the ability to distinguish sweet tastes the longest, leading many older people to consume more sugar and refined carbs than is healthy. Unlike complex carbs that are rich in fiber, refined or simple carbs can lead to a dramatic spike in blood sugar, followed by a rapid crash, which leaves you feeling hungry and prone to overeating.

COPE WITH CHANGING NEEDS Every season of life brings changes and adjustments to your body.

Understanding what is happening will help you take control of your nutritional and dietary requirements.

Physical Changes Metabolism. Every year over the age of 40, our metabolism slows, and often we become less physically active. This makes it even more important to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits to avoid weight gain.

Weakened senses. Older adults tend to lose sensitivity to salty and bitter tastes first, so you may be inclined to salt your food more heavily than before—even though older adults need less salt than

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younger people. Use herbs, spices, and healthy oils, such as olive oil, to season food instead of salt.

and good circulation. Up your fiber intake and talk to your doctor about possible supplements.

Medications and illness. Some health problems or medications can negatively influence appetite or affect taste, again leading older adults to consume too much sugar or salt. Talk to your doctor.

Lifestyle Changes Loneliness and depression. For some, feeling down leads to not eating and in others it may trigger overeating.

Sharing meals with other people can be an effective antidote to loneliness.

Reach out to friends or neighbors— everyone loves a home-cooked meal and most people who live alone are in the same boat as you. Be the one to reach out and break the ice.

Digestion. Due to a slowing digestive system, you generate less saliva and stomach acid as you get older, making it more difficult for your body to process certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, B6, and folic acid, which are necessary to maintain mental alertness

See EATING page 24.

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Eating

From page 23 Death or divorce. If you’re newly single, you may not be used to cooking or have little enthusiasm for preparing meals for just yourself. However, cooking your own meals can help you take charge of your health. The key to cooking for one is to master a few basic skills and get creative in making meals that work specifically for you.

Living on a limited budget. With the right tips and a little planning, it is possible to enjoy healthy food on the cheap. Often, by simply cutting out junk and processed foods, you can free up enough in your budget to enjoy healthier, quality food.

OVERCOME OBSTACLES Let’s face it, there’s a reason why so many of us have trouble eating nutritiously every day. Sometimes it’s just quicker or easier to eat unhealthy food. If you’re having trouble getting started on a healthy eating plan, these tips can help: Boost a low appetite. Check with your doctor to see if your loss of appetite could be due to medication, and whether the medication or dosage can be changed.

Try natural flavor enhancers, such as olive oil, butter, vinegar, garlic, onions, and spices, to boost your appetite.

Cope with difficulty chewing: • Make chewing easier by drinking smoothies made with fresh fruit, yogurt, and protein powder.

• Eat steamed veggies and soft food, such as couscous, rice, and yogurt.

• Consult your dentist to make sure your dentures are properly fitted.

Deal with a dry mouth: • Drink 8–10 glasses of water a day.

• Take a drink of water after each bite of food.

Spring 2020 • Add sauces and salsas to moisten your food.

• Avoid commercial mouthwash.

• Ask your doctor about artificial saliva products.

What if you don’t like healthy food?

None of us were born with a craving for French fries and donuts or an aversion to broccoli. This conditioning happens over time as we’re exposed to more unhealthy food choices. However, it is possible to reprogram your brain’s food cravings over time so that you crave healthier foods instead.

Commit to keeping an open mind. Just because a food is healthy, it doesn’t mean it can’t be tasty as well.

Don’t change everything all at once.

Add a side salad to your normal dinner, substitute unhealthy fries with baked sweet potato fries, or have a smaller portion of dessert and fill up with melon slices.

Focus on how you feel after eating well—this will help foster new habits and tastes. The more healthy food you eat, the better you’ll feel afterwards.

Or you're stuck in a rut?

No matter how healthy your diet, eating the same foods over and over is bound to get boring. Rekindle inspiration by: • Browsing produce at a market.

• Reading a cooking magazine.

• Buying foods or spices you haven’t tried before.

• Chatting with friends about what they eat.

Or you can’t shop or cook for yourself?

Take advantage of home delivery.

Many grocery stores have online delivery services.

Swap services. Ask a neighborhood teen or college student if they would be willing to shop for you in return for homework help, for example.

Share your home. Consider having a housemate who would be willing to do the grocery shopping and cooking.

EATING WELL ON A BUDGET For many older adults on a limited budget, knowing how to eat healthily is only part of the problem. Paying for the healthiest food isn’t always easy, but there are ways to stretch your budget and save money on nutritious food.

Eat out less. It may seem that fast food is less expensive than cooking at home. But a meal for two at a fast-food restaurant, with drinks and fries, can cost $10 to $15. Preparing a simple beef stew or roast chicken with vegetables can cost far less and leave you with leftovers, as well.

Stick to your grocery list. The more prepared you are when food shopping, the less impulse purchases you’ll make.

Buy in bulk. Doing things in bulk saves time and money. It’s always a good idea to buy non-perishable items, such as dried beans and canned fish, in bulk.

You can freeze perishable items like meat and bread in smaller portions to use as needed or split them with a friend—saving you both money.

Search out farmers markets. Many places host weekly markets where local farmers sell fresh food directly, often cheaper than the grocery store.

Purchase generic or store brands.

When you shop at conventional grocery stores, the store or generic brand will often be cheaper than the name brand for the same quality product.

Cook once and eat multiple times.

Cook a large meal at the beginning of the week so that you have extra to use later in the week when you don’t feel like cooking.

Source: HelpGuide, a nonprofit mental health and wellness website.

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LOCAL NEWS

SourcePoint Launches “On the Go” Van SourcePoint received a gift from a private donor in 2019 for the purchase and branding of a new van. The van is part of an ongoing initiative to increase access to SourcePoint’s professional expertise, resources, and programs. Nicknamed “SourcePoint On the Go,” the van will be utilized year-round to bring resources to older adults and family caregivers across Delaware County.

The donor, Noreen Slusser Weisberg, is a longtime Delaware resident. She joined SourcePoint in 2009 based on a recommendation from a neighbor. Weisberg volunteers for the organization, as well, assisting with insurance education. This is her first major gift to the nonprofit.

“SourcePoint appreciates this generous support for our mission,” said Amy Schossler, director of community programs at SourcePoint. “The growth of the older

population in Delaware County is booming and this van will help expand our reach, especially in more rural areas.”

The van’s back panel is inscribed with “Supported by the Slusser-Weisberg Family” in recognition and honor of Weisberg’s gift.

“I wanted to do something to honor and remember both my husband, Joe H. Weisberg, and my parents, Albert and Lorena Campbell Slusser, who are no longer with me,” said Weisberg. “The SourcePoint On the Go van is a good way for me to support SourcePoint and its mission.”

SourcePoint is a private 501(c)(3) organization serving all of Delaware County. Funding for community programs comes from a variety of sources, including the local property tax levy, corporate and private donations, and grants. To learn more, go to MySourcePoint.org/give.

WE BELIEVE I N N EUROSCI ENCE CARE THAT GOES BEYON D MEDICAL TREATMENT

Grady Memorial Hospital At OhioHealth, our collaborative approach helps patients participate in the healing of their minds, bodies and spirits. Whether you are managing a long-term condition like multiple sclerosis or recovering from a stroke, we’re here for you. Our patients get access to advanced clinical expertise from neurosurgeons, neurologists, nutritionists and therapists, and we offer unique wellness programs like neuro yoga and OhioHealth Delay the Disease™, an exercise program especially for those with Parkinson’s disease.

Discover neuroscience care that puts you at the center of your treatment at OhioHealth.com/Neuroscience. © OhioHealth Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. FY19-205317-NeuroWeBelieve. 11/18.

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Spring 2020

TRANSITIONS IN AGING

How to Know If You're Ready to Retire For most of your working life, retirement can feel almost theoretical. But then, all of the sudden, it’s time for you to retire.

Are you even ready? And when is the right time? Retirement needs to last for the rest of your life, so you have to consider your future! What do you want your quality of life to be?

The age at which someone is ready for retirement can vary greatly depending on how much they’ve saved up, what they want their retirement lifestyle to look like, whether they have outstanding debts, or even how much they enjoy their current job. Retirement always sounds good, but it’s not always the right time to retire—especially if you’re not prepared.

Think About Your Lifestyle This is one of the most important things to consider when deciding if you’re ready for retirement. What do you want to do with your retiree years? Do you want to travel the world? Play golf? Move to a warmer climate? Move closer to family?

Consider how much these things will cost and plan accordingly. Don’t limit yourself—just try to save enough so you can live your retirement dream in comfort. You can’t save for something that you’ve never even thought of.

Create a Retirement Budget Once you have decided what your retirement lifestyle is going to look like, you can create a prospective budget for those years. Considering that you’ll most likely be on a fixed income in retirement, you need to know what you’ll be spending your money on. Start by calculating the budget that you currently live on, then apply that to the ways your life

might change in retirement. Create a monthly budget you might be able to live on post-retirement and test it out for a while to see if it works.

Be mindful that you may have new expenses as you age. You might need to remodel your home to be more accessible or employ a home care aide. Or, on the brighter side, you might pick up a new hobby that you never had time for in the past.

Calculate What You Will Receive From Social Security If you want to be ready for retirement, you need to know what you’ll be getting through Social Security. Social Security will likely not be your only source of retirement income, provided you have a pension, 401(k), or other savings plan. But it is an important piece of the pie.

Social Security is a complex system that takes into account how much money you have earned, when you were born, the credits you have accumulated, and more. Dive deep into the workings of Social Security if you are serious about retirement.

Currently, you cannot claim retirement benefits from Social Security until you are 62 or older— and the longer you delay your retirement, the bigger the benefits (though the benefits max out at age 70). If you wait to claim Social Security until your “full retirement age,” you’ll get the full benefits you are entitled to every month.

Make Sure You Have Insurance Before you retire, you need to make sure your retirement health insurance is taken care of. You might be able to continue with the health insurance that you already have, but

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Spring 2020 there is a chance it could change in retirement. Speak with your health insurance provider to double check. If you are 65 or older, you can qualify for Medicare.

Pay Off Your Debts This step isn’t necessarily required, but it does make retirement a whole lot easier. Being on a fixed income does not make it easy to pay off your debts. And who wants to be worrying about debt in retirement anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be golfing or something?

Your debt should retire before you do. It might be worth it to work an extra two or three years if it makes the difference between retiring with debt and retiring debt-free.

Create an Emergency Fund You never know what could happen—and retirement is supposed to last for the rest of your life. Having a financial buffer to protect you from unexpected costs can prevent you from unexpectedly sinking into post-retirement debt (which, based on the point above, we want to avoid).

Put your emergency funds in a high-yield savings account, and make sure you can access it quickly and easily. You’ll be thankful when you need it.

Start Planning Your Estate Ghoulish, I know. But planning for retirement means planning for the future, no matter how hard it can be to think about.

It is possible to write a will yourself, but it will probably be easier and more comprehensive if you hire an estate planning attorney to help you. Do you want a will or a revocable living trust? Your attorney can help you decide.

In planning your estate, you should not only be thinking about what’s going to happen after you die, but what’s going to happen in the late stages of your life. Your children or other loved ones should know what you want even if you lose the ability to communicate with them. Make sure you have a disability plan, appoint a durable power of attorney, and create a personal health care directive.

Decide the Age You Want to Retire Once you have everything else in your retirement checklist checked off, you can finally decide on the age you will be ready for retirement. Make sure to take all of the variables into consideration before making your choice!

Get a Big, Comfy Chair Get yourself a nice chair. You earned it!

This article first appeared on Your AAA Network, the official website of AAA Northeast.

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Spring 2020

CAREGIVING

The Challenge Your Marriage May Face The vow "in sickness and in health" might be put to the test as you get older.

To celebrate his 60th birthday, Joe Golden rode his bike from Virginia to Oregon. Long-distance stints came to a halt, though, in 2016, when Golden suffered a stroke at age 68. More strokes and leukemia followed.

find that a 15-year age difference that didn’t matter in their 20s and 30s can seem huge when one is 65, and the other 80.

61, has had to make the transition from a partnership to a solo act. Work.

Household chores. Grocery shopping.

Paying bills. Managing medications.

Coordinating and providing care. Shuttling to doctor appointments.

"There is no one else I would rather be with, but it wears on you."

“Joe is still loving and caring and has a great sense of humor, but he’s not Joe, and that’s scary and painful,” said his wife CJ, who has written a book about their saga called "One Pedal at a Time."

“The physical work of caregiving makes me tired, but I can get over that. It’s the emotional turmoil of watching my husband be different than he had been, and seeing the change in this vibrant man who I love so much.”

A CHANGED RELATIONSHIP As of 2009, there were nearly 3.5 million spousal caregivers, according to AARP. With people living longer, that number is expected to grow.

The number who have Alzheimer’s disease has grown, too. Today, 5.8 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s; by 2050, that rate is slated to triple.

And while being a caregiver to a parent is tough, when it’s your beloved husband or wife: “In addition to all the usual challenges that come with caregiving responsibilities, it’s also a big change in the marriage relationship,” says John Schall, CEO of Caregiver Action Network, a national family caregiver organization. “There are new issues of dependency and it can get in the way of intimacy. The marriage dynamic has to adapt to a new normal.”

Those who married older spouses may

Diana Denholm’s husband was 16 years older. The psychotherapist and author of "The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook" cared for him for 11 years, while he suffered colon cancer and then congestive heart failure.

“When a spouse dies, it’s horrible, but it’s over,” Denholm said. “When the spouse has a chronic condition or all of a sudden something serious happens, it is an ongoing ordeal. The couple doesn’t know what to expect from each other. It totally changes the game.

There can be excruciating loss.”

THE PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL DRAIN In the last 23 years, Steve McMillian’s wife Wendy has had breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, and another rare autoimmune disease that creates open wounds on her leg. She gets around in an electric wheelchair.

While they have an aide during the week, Steve, who has knee problems, handles nights and weekends. That can mean getting Wendy out of bed, bathing and dressing her, checking wounds, making sure she is fed, and helping her to the toilet. Sleep at their Alexandria, Va., home is often interrupted by nightly trips to the bathroom.

Like most spousal caregivers, Steve,

“There is no one else I would rather be with, but it wears on you,” said Steve.

That stress and exhaustion can take a toll. According to one study, older spousal caregivers have a 63% increased chance of dying over those of the same demographic who aren’t caring for a spouse.

KEEPING IT TOGETHER If you’re caring for your spouse, it’s normal to feel conflicted emotions, experts say—everything from guilt to resentment to anxiety and even jealousy of other happy couples. These strategies can help you cope.

Focus on what you can still do as a couple. You both love the symphony, but your husband can’t sit for hours?

Go to the concert and leave at intermission. Or listen to your favorites at home. Your wife can’t fly? Plan shorter car trips.

Find the right outlets. It’s normal to feel resentment, but you have to avoid taking out anger on your spouse (who likely already feels like a burden). Instead, seek out in-person or online support groups, such as Well Spouse Association or Caregiver Action Network, disease-specific organizations, a therapist, member of the clergy, sibling, or close friend.

Ask for help. Too often, people will say

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Spring 2020 the absolute wrong thing, or not offer the help you need most.

Unfortunately, that means you will often need to take the initiative. If you’re feeling lonely, ask a friend out for coffee, a movie, a walk, or make time for a long phone call. Need food or transportation for a doctor’s appointment or something else?

CaringBridge lets family members request help, and volunteers to sign up for it.

Promote independence. No adult likes to feel dependent, so give your spouse whatever control they can handle.

If your spouse has difficulty walking or with fine motor tasks, consider investing in voice-enabled, smart-home technology, so they don’t have to ask you to turn on the lights, play music, or change the TV channel. Other devices can help remind them when to take

29 medication, to lock the door, and more.

Find caregiving-specific resources. If your spouse has Alzheimer’s, check whether local museums and theaters have special programs for people with dementia and their family caregivers.

Some towns and organizations have memory cafes, which are places where family caregivers and those with memory issues gather and engage in structured activities or conversation.

You may also be able to find respite services via your local Area Agency on Aging, the Family Caregiver Alliance’s Family Care Navigator, the federal government’s Eldercare Locator or Caregiver Support, and your human resources department at work.

Source: Considerable, a new media brand for people who are redefining what it means to grow older and are looking forward to what’s next.

Are you caring for a loved one?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. SourcePoint connects Delaware County caregivers to support, programs, and resources.

Learn how we can help at

MySourcePoint.org/caregiver

“I would recommend Willow Brook Christian Village over any other place for rehabilitation therapy. The nursing staff and physical therapists are exceptional, and the food is delicious.”

- Dr. Bob Caulkins Dr. Bob Caulkins had a challenging year. He broke his leg, then had knee replacement surgery. Each time, Dr. Bob went to Willow Brook Christian Village for rehabilitation therapy. The retired family doctor practiced for 58 years in Delaware and could pick anywhere for his therapy.

He chose Willow Brook.

Call Nicole Ketron at 740-369-0048 to learn more.

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We invite you to contact us about our rehabilitation services, including: • Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy

Not-for-profit • willow-brook.org

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Spring 2020

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Alcohol Abuse Amongst the Elderly

Alcohol is a major part of the culture of the U.S. In 2014, alcohol sales—which include beer, wine, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages—totaled nearly $225 billion. The following year, more than 15 million Americans over the age of 18 reported having Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), known more commonly as alcoholism. That number reaches even higher among people who haven’t reported the disease or have yet to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse noted a number of reasons why people start drinking or using drugs: • For pleasure.

• Because of peer pressure.

• Out of curiosity of what it makes them feel like.

• To stay attentive while working, studying, or being around other people.

• To make them feel better or less stressed.

A number of people in that group are seniors. About 10% to 15% of people don’t start to drink heavily until they are older in age, according to UCLA professor Dr. Alison Moore.

Because of this, alcohol-related emergency room discharges among the elderly reached nearly three-quarters of a million in 2012. This number—as well as the number of alcoholics who are also seniors—is expected to rise as the senior population grows to 80 million by the year 2050.

Once users start to consume more drugs or alcohol, they build up a tolerance, and it takes more and more to reach the desired effect. This amount varies per person.

To first understand the severity of alcohol addiction among the elderly, though, we must first understand what an alcohol addiction is and can look like.

WHAT IS AN ADDICTION? Addiction is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as “a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence.” It is an illness, like cancer and heart disease, and not something people prolong to do as a “choice.” Those who suffer from addiction often continue to participate in whatever substance they’re addicted to when they know it is detrimental to their health, and when they’re aware of treatment options. It is nearly impossible for them to stop on their own and without help.

In 2014, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said there were approximately 21.5 million people ages 12 or older in the U.S. addicted to either alcohol or drugs. Nearly three million of those suffer from addictions to both of those substances.

Symptoms Not everyone who is addicted to a substance shows it. You may often hear people close to addicts who overdose or seek treatment say things like, “I never in a million years would’ve guessed he/she was addicted to alcohol” or “I knew they liked to drink, but I never knew it was that bad.”

Just as there are different reasons why people start consuming alcohol or drugs, there is a wide range of symptoms—both physical and mental—that may reveal an addiction. These symptoms may be in plain sight, but they can also be hidden away, because they’re only partaking in their addiction in solitude. Some of these symptoms include: • Short-term memory loss.

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Spring 2020 • • • •

Bloodshot eyes.

Sudden fluctuations in weight.

Becoming isolated from family and friends.

Making an excuse as to why you’re drinking like you’re stressed or you’ve had a long day.

• Start to change social groups, toward people who may be addicts and are encouraging or reinforcing the behavior.

• Lethargic behavior, which also may signal depression.

These symptoms can appear in people at any age.

PREVALENCE AMONG SENIORS Alcoholism doesn’t stop once you hit a certain age. While it may sound easy to chalk up an alcoholic’s tendencies to “he’s lived a long life already and earned the right to make his own decisions,” there is no specific age where it’s okay for you to be consuming mass amounts of alcohol.

The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence points out that up to 11% of elderly hospital admissions are because of drug- and alcohol-related issues. This is a similar rate to elderly people being admitted to the hospital because of heart attacks, which can also be caused by prolonged alcoholism. The alcohol-related admissions number increases to 14% relating to emergency room visitations, and the rate at which the elderly are admitted to psychiatric hospitals due to alcohol or drugs is 2%.

To make matters more difficult, studies have found that older people are less likely to receive alcoholism as an outof-the-gate diagnosis than younger people. This problem can boil down to how difficult it is to identify alcoholism in a senior. One study conducted in the late 1980s found that it was less likely that older patients (who are alcoholics) would be diagnosed with alcoholism than younger patients with alcoholism would be.

One article, which describes substance abuse among seniors as an “invisible epidemic,” notes that a driving force behind alcoholism and substance abuse in the elderly is how many live independently, or not in nursing homes or assisted living.

Less than 5% of seniors live in dependent living situations, which allows a great deal of potential isolation and independent decision making to percolate into a substance addiction.

Even when seniors live inside nursing homes and assisted living, though, the NCADD says that nearly 50% of those living in those facilities have “alcohol-related problems.” The same council also points out that the demographic with the highest rates of alcoholism are widowers over the age of 75.

31 INCREASED SENSITIVITY TO ALCOHOL Aging can lower the body’s tolerance for alcohol. Older adults generally experience the effects of alcohol more quickly than when they were younger. This puts older adults at higher risks for falls, car crashes, and other unintentional injuries that may result from drinking. “Even though younger and older adults appear to have similar metabolism, the behavioral implications are different,” said Sara Jo Nixon, a researcher and professor at the University of Florida.

There are a number of physiological reasons as to why older adults start to feel the effects from alcohol quicker. These reasons can include: • Less muscle to absorb alcohol.

• Alcohol takes longer to absorb.

• Less water in our body.

In addition to feeling the effects of alcohol quicker, the damage alcohol can do to older bodies proliferates as we age when it is paired with health issues that already are more problematic in the elderly.

INCREASED HEALTH PROBLEMS Drinking alcohol throughout your life can cause a slew of health issues, particularly when you abuse it as you age.

Years of alcohol abuse can exacerbate the risk of many health issues that you are already at risk of contracting simply due to age, including diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, liver problems, osteoporosis, memory problems, mood disorders, and dehydration.

BAD INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICATIONS Many prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies, can be dangerous or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. According to the NIAAA, medications that can interact badly with alcohol include aspirin, acetaminophen, cold and allergy medicine, cough syrup, sleeping pills, and anxiety or depression medicine.

HOW TO GET HELP No matter your age, there are ways to get help if you’re suffering from alcohol addiction, especially as an elder. The first step, though, is identifying the problem. This is either a realization and acceptance the individual has to come to, which may come at the hands of a diagnosis from a doctor after seeking help for various medical issues.

When looking for ways to get sober and begin your path to recovery, there are various treatments you can seek. These include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), rehab, and/or therapy.

It’s important to remember that there is always help and a support system out there for you, no matter your age.

Source: National Council for Aging Care.

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You’re at higher risk.

If you’re 65 or older, you are at higher risk of getting very sick from the coronavirus. You must take extra care of yourself.

Stay home if you can.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your face.

Disinfect frequently touched objects.

Wash up after being in public spaces.

Stay about six feet away from others.

If you’re sick, stay home and away from others.

If you have symptoms of fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, call your health care provider before going to their office.

We are all at risk, and some more than others. In challenging times, the choices you make are critical. And their impact is significant. Help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Visit coronavirus.gov for the latest tips and information from the CDC.

TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP SLOW THE SPREAD.