My Communicator | Summer 2021

Vol. 29, No. 3 | Summer 2021

Ageism is Getting Old Our decades-old attitudes toward aging can be harmful to our health SEE AGEISM ON PAGE 4

RETIREMENT READY

4 Steps to a Happy Single Retirement The number of seniors who are single and childless is growing. This group needs to be purposeful as they think about their health and finances and fostering companionship as they retire.

As her parents grew older, Carol Marak saw how they relied on their three children for care and knew that wouldn’t be an option for her. Without a partner or children, she would have to build a different future for herself.

Marak, 69, of Dallas, decided she had to learn as much as possible about how to age without close relatives to lean on.

As one prong of that effort, in 2016 she started the private Facebook group Elder Orphans. Within a month, the site

attracted about 1,000 members. It now has close to 10,000, who offer each other advice, resources, and sometimes a shoulder to lean on. “It just keeps growing,” says Marak, who also runs a website with tips for the “solo and smart.”

The number of elder orphans—or solo seniors, as many prefer to be called—keeps growing. An AARP Public Policy Institute Report projected that the number of women ages 80 to 84 without biological children will increase from nearly 12% in 2010 to 16% in 2030 and to almost 19% in 2050.

According to AARP’s own internal analysis of additional census data, 18% of men and women over 50 never had biological children; it’s 11% for those 75-plus. In addition, the number of Americans who never marry has been steadily growing; in 2018, 35% of those ages 25 to 50 had never married, compared with 9% in 1970.

See RETIREMENT on page 12.

Find us at MySourcePoint.org and follow us on

SUMMER CONTENT 01 4 Steps to a Happy Single Retirement

Retirement Ready

03 Aging is a Gift

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

Age-Friendly

04 Ageism is Getting Old Ageism

07 Newly Designed, More Accessible Website Age-Friendly

08 Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging

Health & Wellness

10 Achieving a Healthy Weight after 60

Health & Wellness

16 From the Source

SourcePoint News, Programs, and Resources

17 My "Aha!" Moment Age-Friendly

18 SourcePoint's 2020 Annual Report Snapshot

In Our Community

20 'I Can Breathe Again' Coronavirus

22 Thank You: A Message from OhioHealth

In Our Community

23 Creative Writing: Twilight Reflection Arts

24 Why You Should Manage Your Medical

Records

Health & Wellness

25 2022 Grants Available

In Our Community

26 Eat with Intention and for Prevention

Nutrition

27 Sudoku

Fun & Games

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.

2021 Board of Directors President: Richard Roell, ChFC, FFSI, RIA, MBA, Galena Vice President: Gretchen Roberts, MSN, NEA-BC, Powell Secretary: Alice Frazier, MD, Delaware Treasurer: Wren Kruse, JD, New Albany Adrienne Corbett, Delaware Becky Cornett, PhD, Delaware Carlos Crawford, MS, JD, Delaware Karen Crosman, Powell Jack Fette, Lewis Center Roger Lossing, CPA, JD, CFP, Lewis Center James Mendenhall, Powell Dennis Mowrey, Delaware Frank Pinciotti, Lewis Center Carolyn Slone, Delaware Jane Taylor, Dublin Michael Tucker, JD, Delaware 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.

About 48,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout Delaware County. My Communicator is available at SourcePoint and more than 50 locations, such as libraries, senior living communities, health care facilities, and other nonprofit organizations. To find a nearby pickup site, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677. Read My Communicator online at MySourcePoint.org/publications.

28 7 Tips for Moving to a Senior Living Community

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

29 Serving on the Alzheimer's Task Force

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

Transitions in Aging In Our Community

30 Dementia and Money Management

Health & Wellness

Summer 2021

3

AGE-FRIENDLY

Aging is a Gift Aging is a gift—and one that SourcePoint’s executive director embraces.

"Considering the challenges and losses we’ve encountered over the past 15 months, I am more appreciative of the blessing each birthday represents. In the past, I’ve been reluctant to share my age; I now realize how hiding my age only contributes to ageism. Today, I embrace each year as both an achievement and a gift—affording me the time to serve our community at SourcePoint and the time to spend with family and friends. I am proud to say I am 60 years old, and I love what I do!"

Each month, SourcePoint delivers birthday treats to those in-home care clients celebrating a milestone birthday. In celebration of her own 60th birthday that month, Fara Waugh, pictured at right, volunteered to make the June deliveries.

For many, birthdays are an opportunity to reflect on the past year and consider what might be possible the next. As we get older, we may find those reflections skewing negative, influenced by everyday ageism.

Happy birthday to everyone celebrating a milestone this year—embrace it!

Ageism is built into our culture. We see ageist messages in the birthday cards we buy, the media we consume, and the jokes we tell. Often, we don’t pause to acknowledge the negativity in those messages. Fara thinks it’s better to emphasize the positive:

Read more about everyday ageism on page 4.

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4

Ageism From page 1

Of course, it's all meant in good fun.

Journeying through life with a sense of humor is often how we cope with challenging times and experiences.

We even tend to take a lighthearted approach to getting older, perhaps as a distraction from those uncertainties that come with aging.

That would explain the department store birthday decor for the 50-andolder set, which tends to include everything from black balloons and "over the hill" party favors to walking canes and fiber pills. We kid about dining during the "early bird special" and going to bed at a time that's far earlier than when we used to go out.

The stereotypes and clichés have been around for years, and while they're meant to be in jest, they can result in potentially harmful attitudes and behaviors on which we rarely dwell.

Jokes and observations about getting older can lead to the misperception that all older adults are frail and have diminishing mental skills.

According to an article in The Conversation, research shows that ageist attitudes can harm the health of older adults. The article cites the World Health Organization, which acknowledges ageism as "the last socially accepted form of prejudice."

A Washington Post article refers to "everyday ageism," where we tend— through our actions and words—to reinforce the idea that "old is bad (and young is good)." Need help with your cell phone or laptop? Call a teenager, because surely an older adult won't know how technology works! We retain those negative messages about being older to the point they become reality.

Summer 2021 Musician Ben Folds explores the topic of ageism in his song "Fred Jones, Part 2," where a 25-year newspaper employee "sits alone at his desk in the dark," his belongings packed into boxes because "a man's here to take him downstairs."

We don't know much more of Fred's story, but the song provides a broader look at the cycle of aging in the workplace: "Today's just a day like the day that he started/ No one is left here that knows his first name/ And life barrels on like a runaway train/When the passengers change/They don't change anything/ You get off; someone else can get on/...and I'm sorry, Mr. Jones/ It's time." Whether or not you remain qualified and of value to the company, you're shown the door once you hit a certain age.

When is old?

But what age is considered old? Bob Horrocks, who served as SourcePoint's executive director until his retirement in 2019, said he has a rule for determining that.

"I was once asked by a Delaware County Commissioner during a presentation, 'How old is old?' I quickly responded that old is at least 15 years older than your current age," Horrocks said. "This was not an original thought. I had heard it while studying gerontology in graduate school, and even back then it rang true. When I was

in my late 40s, 65 seemed pretty old to me. Now, at 69, not so much.

Now old is maybe 85.

Even then, I have known some pretty old 50-year-olds and some pretty young 85-year-olds."

The point, Horrocks said, is that ageism happens "when we allow all the negative stereotypes about growing older to affect how we think about and act toward people who are older.

"My experience is that it happens in subtle ways and usually out of a sense of caring, but without thinking about how this impacts the recipient," said Horrocks, who added that his personal ageism pet peeve is when he's called "sweetie" or "honey." "I was called sweetie often when I was under the age of 8, but at some point it stopped until I was in my mid 60s. It is always said in a friendly way and I know that it not said to offend.

But, it does somewhat offend me."

A global and local issue

The pandemic shined a light on ageism around the world. COVID-related deaths of older adults were often associated with other "underlying health conditions" implying that all people of a certain age are unhealthy, and ageism put forth the message that younger people didn't have to worry about getting COVID. The article in The Conversation cites an interview with Ukraine's ex-health minister, who said people over age 65 were

MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021 already "corpses" and suggested the government focus on those "still alive."

Such occurrences around the world perhaps made us more aware of how ageism manifests itself in our backyard.

Fara Waugh, SourcePoint's executive director, said Delaware County is no stranger to ageist attitudes.

"Unfortunately, ageism exists here as it does throughout our society," said Waugh, citing a good friend who worked beyond age 70 and was referred to as someone who is "still working." "This is ageist language; the words are not only demeaning and disrespectful, but they contribute to stereotypes of what someone of a certain age is expected to look, act, sound, or be like."

Waugh said various assumptions made about older adults contribute to ageism.

"If they have difficulty with technology, they are presumed less intelligent; if they don't contribute to a conversation because they are struggling to hear, they are presumed to be disinterested," Waugh said. "This treatment of our most experienced citizens fails to appreciate or even recognize the valuable contributions they make to our great community."

Amy Schossler, director of community programs at SourcePoint, said ageism often contributes to the public perception of programs that SourcePoint offers.

"When I speak to people about our community programs and mention that we have a wide range of fitness programs that include spinning classes, yoga, and strength training, they automatically assume that these are watered-down classes for those who can't exercise like they once did," Schossler said. "This couldn't be further from the truth. Our classes are no different than what you would find in

MySourcePoint.org

5 a YMCA or other fitness center. Our members are strong, break a sweat, and are meeting their own personal fitness goals."

Along with a decrease in strength, ageism is also often associated with an increase in vulnerability, resulting in older adults being frequent targets of scams. Karen Waltermeyer, director of client services at SourcePoint, said they are frequently sharing information about scams with in-home care clients so they can stay sharp and combat any attempts.

"We also continue to advocate for the right of individuals to make their own decisions based on their lifestyles, cultures, and preferences," Waltermeyer said.

"Well-intentioned friends, family members, and others may not agree with the decision of the older adult. Unless there is reason to believe the person does not have the capacity to make an informed decision, we support the older adult's decisions on how they are living their life. We need to continue to respect our older community members in this area."

A need for change

Horrocks said in his experience, the majority of older adults are "fiercely independent, almost to a fault."

"Most provide much more than they seek," he said. "We are relatively active, healthy, and engaged

with our family and community. We pay lots of taxes, but are relatively infrequent users of local public services. We spend money locally and provide lots of care and assistance to children and grandchildren. We volunteer at all sorts of public and nonprofit organizations.

"The negative stereotypes that have been passed down for generations are simply not true for most, yet they stubbornly persist," Horrocks added.

"They are true for some and I have spent my professional life trying to make things better for this group of people. But, by ignoring the reality that older adults are a huge asset is a disservice to them and our community."

Age-Friendly Delaware County aims to change that, with an ageism awareness campaign that will debut later this summer. While details of the campaign were still being finalized at press time, Schossler said the idea is to share messages about ageism, ageist language, and negative aging stereotypes with the community.

"We plan to introduce more intergenerational programming, where young and old can work together, as well as provide meaningful volunteer opportunities to help older adults continue to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways," Schossler said.

See GETTING OLD on page 6.

6

Getting Old From page 5

SourcePoint's AgeFriendly coordinator, Jackie Haight, said another focus will be a Positive Aging Campaign.

"This will include agefriendly awareness events, a documentary series at the Strand Theatre, increased access to educational opportunities through scholarships for the Lifelong Learning Institute at Ohio Wesleyan University, and promoting age-friendly choices through a social media campaign," Haight said.

SourcePoint has also received funding from Greif, Inc. to create an agefriendly video that Haight hopes will help people "think before they speak and use an age-friendly lens in their communications, actions, and decision making." The ultimate goal, she said, is to have people walk away thinking, "people of all ages do all things," creating a mindset that replaces the age-related biases present in society.

"We know within any context that stereotypes and bias hurt people," Haight said. "The age-friendly initiative focuses on those 55 and older, but it really benefits people of all ages.

Anything that we accomplish within our age-friendly focus areas helps the community; if not you personally, then someone you love."

Reaching that goal will require not only a concerted effort among members of the community, but also collaboration between community partners. Haight cited the Sage & Seekers Program,

Summer 2021 coordinated through one of SourcePoint's partners, HelpLine's Connections Volunteer Center.

"This is an eight-week intergenerational program that combats social isolation and dissolves age-related segregation within our communities. It meets the universal and compelling needs of both young adults and older adults to make sense of their lives through the simple art of conversation," Haight said. "Older adults in the community have been connected with students from the Delaware City and Big Walnut school districts."

Sage & Seekers creates an environment conducive to sharing stories, bridging the generation gap while honoring and empowering older adults. Haight said dissolving age-related segregation while learning from older adults can help young people become stronger leaders in the future, and it helps the older adults stay active while serving as mentors, leaders, role models, and advisors for the younger generation. It's a win-win that Waltermeyer said will enhance our community today and well into the future.

"Every member of our community is valuable to the history, current, and future success of Delaware County," Waltermeyer said. "Older adults bring a wealth of experience, insight, and energy that cannot be overlooked as our community continues to evolve."

Combating ageism

Age-Friendly Delaware County and its ageism awareness campaign are rooted in the belief that ageism can be

combated at all levels—local, national, and global—through education.

"People make assumptions based solely on someone's age," Haight said. "The age-friendly initiative gives us an additional platform to educate the community on what great things people of all ages are doing. Through education, we can open their minds.

We should not define people based on their age; we need to change the conversation. As long as we are growing and learning, age doesn’t matter."

Waltermeyer called articles such as this one "a good starting point" to get the conversation about ageism going, with the work of Age-Friendly Delaware County helping to show those areas within the community where improvement is needed.

"Often, people do not even realize they are being ageist," Waltermeyer said. "Telling someone they look great 'for someone their age' or jumping in to help someone without asking the individual if you can assist are both well intended; however, they may inadvertently leave the older adult feeling judged and stereotyped."

Acknowledging ageist behavior—and particularly being aware when the behavior is inadvertent—can go a long way toward making ageism a thing of the past, in our community and beyond.

"We need to be open to hearing feedback from older adults and letting them know their input is important," Waltermeyer said. "We need to keep them in the conversation."

To learn more about Age-Friendly Delaware County and its ageism awareness campaign, visit MySourcePoint.org/age-friendly.

Jeff Robinson is a feature writer for SourcePoint's My Communicator.

MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021

7

AGE-FRIENDLY

Newly Designed, More Accessible Website SourcePoint, the county’s most comprehensive aging services provider, is proud to announce the launch of its newly designed website at MySourcePoint.org. The new site features improved functionality and navigation, a dynamic, responsive design, and accessibility solutions.

The new website highlights the nonprofit organization’s key services and programs for Delaware County adults ages 55 and older and family caregivers.

“With the size and scope of our programs growing substantially over the past several years, it’s important that visitors to our website are able to find what they need, when they need it,” said Alison Yeager, SourcePoint’s director of communications and development. “The website redesign is clean, modern, and affords users the access and functionality they need.”

The accessibility features, which include the ability to adjust contrast, text size, spacing, and cursor size, are triggered by a user clicking the blue "eye" icon at the center-right of the screen. This provides an inclusive browsing experience for

MySourcePoint.org

older adults and other individuals with varying degrees of visual impairment.

SourcePoint received support for the new site from OhioHealth, the organization’s health and wellness partner since 2014.

8

Summer 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of growing older. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression.

Depression is not just having “the blues” or the emotions we feel when grieving the loss of a loved one. It is a true medical condition that is treatable, like diabetes or hypertension.

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S DEPRESSION? Someone who is depressed has feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time. He or she may also experience: • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism.

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness.

• Irritability, restlessness.

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable.

• Fatigue and decreased energy.

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions.

• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping.

• Overeating or appetite loss.

• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts.

• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment.

HOW IS DEPRESSION DIFFERENT FOR OLDER ADULTS? Older adults are at increased risk.

We know that about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have two or more.

Depression is more common in people who also have other illnesses, such as heart disease or cancer, or whose function becomes limited.

Older adults are often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Health care providers may mistake an older adult’s symptoms of depression as just a natural reaction to illness or the life changes that may occur as we age, and therefore not see the depression as something to be treated. Older adults themselves often share this belief and do not seek help because they don’t understand that they could feel better with appropriate treatment.

HOW MANY OLDER ADULTS ARE DEPRESSED? The good news is that the majority of older adults are not depressed. Some estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from less than 1% to about 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home

health care and to 11.5% in older hospitalized patients.

HOW DO I FIND HELP? Most older adults see an improvement in their symptoms when treated with antidepression drugs, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. If you are concerned about a loved one being depressed, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately.

• Call 911.

• Visit a nearby emergency department or your health care provider’s office.

• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-7994TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor.

Source: Division of Population Health and National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, both divisions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read more at cdc.gov.

LIVING BEYOND LOSS

Dynamic Support for Those Dealing with Loss Rediscover yourself, regain a sense of identity, and build your support system.

Available both online and in-person at SourcePoint.

MySourcePoint.org/caregiver | 740-363-6677 MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021

9

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?

First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?

• Feeling a little down • Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework

• Some trouble sleeping • Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others

If so, here are some self-care activities that can help: • Eating healthy • Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga) • Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person) • Talking to a trusted friend or family member • Practicing meditation, relaxation, • Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule and mindfulness If the symptoms above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more?

• Difficulty sleeping • Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood

• Difficulty concentrating • Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable • Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities • Thoughts of death or self-harm

Seek professional help: • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)—virtual or in person; individual, group, or family

• Medications • Brain stimulation therapies

For help finding treatment, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

National Institute of Mental Health

NIH Publication No. 20-MH-8134

MySourcePoint.org

www.nimh.nih.gov Follow NIMH on Social Media @NIMHgov

10

Summer 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Achieving a Healthy Weight after 60 Obesity is a word most of us are familiar with, and it’s often associated with powerful perceptions and emotions. But what does it actually mean to be living with obesity? How does this condition impact a person’s health and life—and how can older adults manage their weight to promote healthy living?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is when a person exhibits “weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given height.” The CDC groups weight into four different categories: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. People who fall into the latter group have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater. Obesity is not the same thing as being overweight, which is defined as having a BMI of 25 kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2.

BMI is a general measurement, but it doesn’t take into account individual body composition or how much fat and muscle a person has. Overall health and lifestyle factors may be more important than BMI in older adults.

Managing a Healthy Lifestyle in America Today Over the past few decades, obesity has become an epidemic in the U.S. From 2017 to 2018, the age-adjusted obesity rate in adults was 42.4%. This condition was the biggest contributor to the nation’s chronic disease problem, making up 47.1% of the total cost of chronic diseases overall.

While obesity in America affects all populations, it appears to impact some groups more than others. Racial and ethnic minorities have been shown to experience higher rates of obesity and other chronic diseases. Being severely overweight has also been linked with income level and socioeconomic status.

The Stigma Around Being Overweight As America grows more aware of the negative implications of diet culture and promotes body positivity messages, obesity is still often viewed as a behavioral problem. People who carry significant extra weight may be falsely labeled as lazy or lacking self-control. Many deal with bias and discrimination in their personal relationships, during health care visits, and even in the workplace.

The issue of excessive body weight goes much deeper than physical appearance, however.

According to the CDC, people who carry extra weight are at risk for a number of serious chronic conditions, such as heart disease, gallbladder disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. COVID-19 and obesity have also been linked, since being overweight can increase your risk of complications and severe illness from coronavirus.

People living with obesity may also experience quality-of-life issues, chronic pain, mobility issues, and depression or anxiety. Women who carry excess weight, in particular, are more likely to have a negative body image.

In 2013, the American Medical Association officially recognized obesity as a disease. This was a major step forward in destigmatizing the topic, though there is much more work to do. Classifying obesity as a medical issue empowered both patients and doctors to discuss it more openly and explore treatment interventions.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and behavioral factors. These include: • • • • •

Dietary habits.

Physical inactivity.

Family history.

Certain diseases. (e.g., Cushing’s disease.)

Some medications. (e.g., antidepressants.)

Environmental factors may come into play as well. Many populations simply lack access to affordable, nutritious food.

For example, compared to 31% of white Americans, only 8% of Black Americans live in a census tract with a supermarket.

This scenario is known as being in a “food desert.”

Treatment Options The good news is that obesity is a preventable and treatable disease. There is a full range of treatment options to explore, including: • Lifestyle changes, such as eating more healthfully and incorporating more physical activity into your routine.

• Bariatric surgery, which involves procedures that reduce the amount of food the stomach can hold. Gastric bypass is one type of bariatric surgery.

MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021

11

• Anti-obesity medications.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for addressing obesity.

Instead, the best strategy is to speak with your provider about the different options available and how you can best meet your goals for a healthy weight.

Managing obesity not only requires working closely with a health care provider; it depends on having insurance coverage for all treatment options. March 4 marked World Obesity Day, a global campaign that emphasizes the role of proper insurance coverage in promoting the destigmatization and mainstreaming of obesity care. This initiative is focused on helping people with this disease get access to safe, affordable, and appropriate treatments.

Times are changing, and obesity is slowly but surely gaining acceptance as a serious health condition. If you’re an older adult who is living with excess weight, hope and help are available. You have options that can enable you to reach a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic disease, and live a longer, happier life.

Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.

Take a step toward better health!

Join Grace Clinic Delaware for this FREE, fun, walking program. What better way to start the spring season than making strides toward a healthier lifestyle?

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month 10:00am – 11:00am Mingo Park – 500 E. Lincoln Ave. in Delaware Everyone is welcome!

At the Walk, you will: • • • •

Learn about important health topics Have your questions answered by local physicians Build new friendships Enjoy an informal, relaxed and fun walk at your own pace Questions?

740-816-6955 Graceclinicweb.org

Panic Disorder PTSD Mood Disorders ADHD Dissociative Identity Disorder

1 in 3 people report symptoms of Anxiety and Depression.

You Are Not Alone.

Do you feel helpless because your adult child or spouse is str uggling with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions?

Do you need help because you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions?

NAMI Suppor t Groups help you and your family members.

Call 740-815-1767 A schedule of all groups is available at

www.NotAloneOhio.org Funding provided by:

Depression Dissociative Identity Disorder Anxiety Mood Disorders Anxiety

Depression Bipolar Disorder Anxiety OCD Depression Schizophrenia Anxiety Panic Disorder Depression PTSD Anxiety

Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Depression OCD Anxiety Schizophrenia Depression Panic Disorder Anxiety PTSD Depression

MySourcePoint.org

12

Retirement

Summer 2021 1. Get a Checkup

From page 1

Of course, people with partners or spouses and children can also find themselves facing retirement alone—through divorce or widowhood, if children move far away or become estranged. But those who have always or long been single and childfree know they have only themselves to rely on.

They understand they need to be as organized and practical about their future as possible, both financially and physically, while also creating a lifestyle that builds connection and purpose, says gerontologist Mary Jo Saavedra. Good preparation, she says, can help you avoid “the majority of threats that derail a safe and fulfilling aging experience.”

Now Hiring!

Several in-home care providers are seeking professional caregivers to help serve the older adults in our community.

Join this rewarding profession today!

Contact the following about open positions for home health aides and homemakers: Arcadia HomeCare: Alice Sarkodie asarkodie@arcadiahomecare.com, 614-846-8209 Assisting Hands: Shawna Malone smalone@assisting hands.com, 740-868-4089 Care With a Heart: Marissa Vogelpohl office@advancedseniorsupport, 614-891-7480 Caregiver USA caregiverusecorp.easyapply.com, 614-408-9939 FirstLight HomeCare: Cindy Maio 614-495-0276, ext. 103 Home Health Connections: Marsha Lee mlee@hhc-oh.com, 614-839-4545 Home Helpers: Nancy Rogers 58321@homehelpershomecare.com, 740-892-2255 Interim HealthCare: Patrick Blevins pblevins@interim-health.com, 740-409-0001 Right at Home: Gretchen Brewster gretchen@rahcolumbus.com, 614-734-1110 Silver Crown: Mark Breker mark@silvercrownservices.com, 614-407-1231

About eight years ago, Marak began preparing for her own fulfilling retirement by signing up for a thorough physical checkup and medical assessment of any potential chronic diseases based on her family medical history. The only concern that cropped up was high cholesterol and being overweight, so she started eating healthier and eventually lost 50 pounds. Ill health can be the start of the fastest decline, and it’s also the most expensive, she says. “If I’m going to age alone, I’d better get in the best physical shape I can.”

The same is true of your finances. Like everyone else, you’ll need to figure out how much retirement savings you have and what you most likely will need to enjoy your retirement years. A certified financial planner can help you determine those numbers. The Garrett Planning Network lists advisers who don’t require any asset or income minimums for their clients. You can also start the process on your own by using the many online retirement calculators that are available for free from banks, investment firms, and others.

Beyond that, think about the insurance a single person without dependents needs most. For example, long-term care insurance could be helpful, “and is something I tend to talk about more with clients without spouses or children,” says Jessica Howe, a certified financial planner with Silver Oak Advisory Group in Portland, Ore. But because long-term care insurance becomes more expensive as you get older—or sometimes is impossible to buy after a certain age or if you have a chronic illness—you’ll want to purchase it in your 50s and early 60s. Self-insuring is another option.

Howe also believes, broadly speaking, that disability insurance matters more than life insurance for those without immediate families. “If no one is depending on them, dying isn’t going to leave anyone in the lurch,” she says. “But if they become disabled in the height of their earning years, they will still have to support themselves.”

Life insurance can be important for other reasons: for example, if you want to leave some money for a beloved nephew, friend, or charity, or to cover end-of-life expenses.

Karen Jennings, 66, who lives in Hampton, Va., says she bought a life insurance policy to pay for her funeral. “I had an aunt who was single,” Jennings says. “Being single, she said, meant you didn’t need a whole lot of life insurance, but enough to bury you.”

Visiting Angels: Eileen Huber ehuber@visiting angels.com, 614-392-2820 Wise Medical Staffing: Sharmella Morgan smorgan@wisemedicalstaffing, 614-801-2800, ext. 108

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2. Think About Who Would Make Important Decisions for You Financial and legal directives, such as powers of attorney and health care proxies, are the areas most solo retirees worry about the most. Kate Kaufmann, 68, of Portland, Ore., says she feels a responsibility to have all her affairs in order because “no one has a moral or legal obligation to care for me.”

While that may sound depressing, that’s not how Kaufmann sees it. Divorced four years ago with no children, she has what she calls a chosen family, or a “family of the heart” of close friends whom she can rely on. “With all my siblings having kids of their own, I’m on the fringes of their families,” Kaufmann says. “But in my chosen family, it’s more symbiotic. Over time, we’ve come to rely on each other in profound ways. Being prepared is my act of love for the people involved in my care.”

An important step is deciding who will carry out financial and health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated. “These legal documents—which are critical for anyone, but especially for those who don’t have family advocating for them—are your voice and allow you to make decisions up to the end,” says Saavedra, who is also an agingcare professional and author of "Elder Care 101."

Howe tells her clients that if a relative or friend is unavailable to serve as a power of attorney, a professional fiduciary, such as an accountant, lawyer, or trust company official, might be a good option. If you're relying on friends, Howe says, it’s best to divide the tasks between two friends as “you probably shouldn’t have someone managing your assets also write checks for your bills.”

Determining who will speak for you medically can be even trickier. The first and most basic step is to fill out an advance directive outlining what sort of life-sustaining treatments you do or don’t want. The directive should be easily accessible for your doctors and anyone you’ve chosen to be involved in your health care. But there are also supplemental documents, such as a portable medical order or physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (the name varies depending on the state) that provide clearer instructions for first responders in an emergency. Visit polst.org to learn more about these documents.

Everyone also needs a health care proxy or surrogate, although finding someone you trust to carry out your wishes

MySourcePoint.org

can be tough. Saavedra recommends checking fivewishes.org for examples of how to think about and discuss your health care choices with a potential health surrogate. She says one important point to consider is “who in your circle is objective enough to do what you want, not what they want.”

Have the conversation with them before drawing up your documents. “The worst thing you can do is just put Aunt Martha as a health care proxy and never talk to her about it,” Saavedra says.

If possible, name a second person as a backup surrogate in case your first choice doesn’t work out or lives too far away when an immediate decision is needed. After her divorce, Kaufmann had to change all her executors, powers of attorney, and proxies because she had no siblings or other family nearby. Instead, she turned to friends. “I was really nervous about it and couldn’t quite spit out the question,” she recalls. She was dancing around the topic so much that it took a while for her friends to understand what she wanted.

Once they did, they all said yes.

Kaufmann has created what experts say is essential—an active care team for her financial and medical needs. That includes lawyers, doctors, and friends with whom she has had detailed conversations and who have all the necessary documentation. “Because we don’t have children, our starting point is more realistic and pragmatic,” she says about retirees like her. “There’s a built-in requirement to be purposeful.”

You also need to have friends who will be honest and willing to speak up even if it’s difficult. Not having children who nag you to get help in to clean the house or to consider giving up the car keys may sometimes be a blessing, Saavedra says, but “you don’t have that cattle prod saying, ‘Isn’t it time to move into a home?’”

Aralyn Hughes, 74, of Austin, Tex., says she has a community of other single women who have agreed to play that reciprocal role. “We know we’re going to have to depend on each other as we get older. I tell them, ‘If my memory starts to go, I want you to tell me and then I’ll decide what to do.

You may not agree with me, but it’s in my control.’”

Continued on page 14.

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Summer 2021

3. Explore Housing Options Perhaps no question looms larger over single, childless people than where to live. Although it may be more daunting to plan a move on your own, at least you alone get to choose the location and type of accommodation.

There are other options besides traditional retirement communities, says Beth Baker, a writer who has covered aging for many years. She is the author of "With a Little Help from Our Friends: Creating Community as We Grow Older."

Again, this is something to do thoughtfully. Too often people think of things like climate when moving rather than what she sees as the key factor, which is a true sense of community. “Just having a house you like isn’t enough to grow old and be well,” Baker says.

Marak, who lived in a Dallas suburb, felt it wasn’t an ideal place to stay as she grew older but didn’t want to move to a 55-plus community. “I wanted to live somewhere where I felt connected the minute I walked out the door and wanted to be able to walk to errands to stay in shape. Also, I didn’t have someone to take me to the store if I needed to go,” she says.

Cohousing.org offers more information, including how you can find co-housing developments around the country.

Another option is sharing a house. That’s the plan for Hughes, a former real estate broker in Austin, Tex., who still dabbles in the business. When a client of hers bought a lot, she asked Hughes her thoughts on what to do with it, and Hughes told her, “You should build a house where people can be a community. Where they can have independence and privacy and shared space.” Hughes plans to move into the dwelling her client built, living in the downstairs bedroom, where she will serve as property manager. The two large upstairs bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, will most likely be for younger people, she says. The goal is to enjoy a more environmentally and financially cost-efficient lifestyle that offers both a family setting and space where you can be alone, she says.

If you want to stay in your home and just have someone to help with errands or give you a lift to the store, the Village to Village Network might be the answer. The idea was first put into practice in Boston about 20 years ago by people who didn’t want to move to an institutional setting In Delaware County, SourcePoint's in-home care services but needed help, says the can help. Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/care. network’s executive director Barbara Sullivan.

So, in 2017, she found what she wanted and moved into a high-rise condominium in the city. The benefits of the move especially became apparent when the pandemic hit as she would have been far more isolated living in a house on her own. “I don’t feel alone. I have become friendly with the people in the building and have two dear friends who live here,” Marak says. “COVID highlighted how important it is to live like this.”

For her 66th birthday, Kaufmann gave herself the present of putting a deposit on a retirement home; most of the $3,000 deposit is returnable if she decides not to live there. “I see it as my backup plan,” she says.

A growing option is co-housing, where people live in their own apartments (typically consisting of a bedroom and bathroom, though it can vary) but share common areas, such as the dining and living rooms, kitchen, and garden.

Baker says about 150 co-housing developments, which can be solely for seniors or multi-generational, exist around the country now, with at least 100 more in development. This is different from sharing a house. Think of it more as moving into a condo with far more shared spaces than just the lobby and gym, and where, typically, expectations and values are spelled out. Most co-housing apartments go for the market rate, Baker says, but some are built as affordable housing.

Beyond that, the arrangements vary. Some communities or villages have paid staff to organize the network and some consist entirely of volunteers. Some networks charge membership dues and some don’t. Almost all are nonprofit.

“When a community starts a village, they do a needs assessment, and it takes a core group of activists to decide what is needed,” Sullivan says. The organization’s website (vtvnetwork.org) offers a map of existing networks, a toolkit to help start villages, and other resources. When considering where to move, people sometimes look for neighborhoods that already have such a network, she adds.

The volunteers are all ages, and Sullivan says it’s not unusual for college students to help out, especially with technology, such as downloading photos or teaching a network member to use social media. One thing the villages are not designed for is medical assistance, Sullivan stresses.

There are now 280 villages around the country, with 80 more in development. Sullivan says COVID spurred “a robust number of developing villages with people really scared about nursing homes.” One village in California was even able to negotiate getting vaccines for its network, she says.

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4. Discover What You Find Fulfilling Retirement means not just planning for the future but also enjoying it when it finally arrives. If anyone takes that to heart, it’s Hughes. When she sold her business in 2008, she saw it as an opportunity, telling herself, “I’ve saved my money. I’m going to do what I’ve always wanted.”

Her bucket list was long. She signed up to learn dancing and drumming. She edited an anthology, "Kid Me Not," about the first generation of women who came of age after birth control became widely available and who chose not to have children. She directed a one-woman show and became the subject of a documentary called “Love in the Sixties.” She’s now writing a memoir.

Not everyone finds fulfillment in retirement on such a grand scale as Hughes. Smaller meaningful ways are just as good.

Jessie Taylor, 66, of Phoenix, retired a few years ago from his job as a commercial property manager, is divorced, and almost never sees his children. He is on his own and unhappy about it. But he recently adopted a black and white kitten he

named Spirit to keep him company, and Spirit is, well, lifting his spirits. “The kitten is helping,” Taylor says. “I figured he needed to be rescued and I needed to be rescued.”

Finding companionship and purpose in life are two of the most important ingredients of a rewarding older age, almost as essential as having solid finances and medical care, Saavedra says. Forging those connections doesn’t come naturally to many people, but for single, childless retirees, it’s required learning.

Without the vibrancy that children and grandchildren can bring, “it’s easy for your story to be about loss,” Saavedra says. There is physical deterioration or friends who become ill or die. “Life can become doctor’s appointments and funerals,” she says. “We want to change that story about loss and make it be about possibility.”

Republished with the permission of Kiplinger's Retirement Report. Read more at kiplinger.com.

DISCOVER IDEAS,

acquire knowledge, & fuel your curiosity.

Beautifully Join the community of lifelong learners 55 and older!

• • • • •

Fall term begins October 11 with a variety of in-person and online classes.

Thought-provoking classes are taught by practitioners, professors and others.

Scholarships are available.

A July 31 Sneak Peek of the Fall term will be held on the Ohio Wesleyan campus.

Visit owu.edu/LLI for Fall course and scholarship information and to register

for the July 31 Sneak Peek.

Services funded in part by SourcePoint: Thrive After 55.

Registration begins September 7 Learn more at

owu.edu/LLI MySourcePoint.org

614-276-1439

modlich-monument.com

Columbus | Delaware | Grove City | Westerville

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Summer 2021

FROM THE SOURCE The latest news, programs, and resources available at SourcePoint.

Community Programs Aplenty!

From hundreds of programs available on-site and online at our enrichment center to classes offered at partner organizations in your neighborhood, there’s something for everyone!

You can find in-person and online program information at MySourcePoint.org/enrichment. Register online or with customer service.

Health & Safety Protocols When health orders were rescinded in June, we made several modifications to our visitor guidelines. In consultation with the Delaware Public Health District and CDC guidelines, SourcePoint continues to encourage social distancing and health and hygiene best practices.

In addition, all guests are encouraged to wear masks; fully vaccinated guests are not required to do so. We encourage all guests to read the latest protocols at MySourcePoint.org/restart prior to any visit.

Scholarship Funds Available There is no annual fee for Delaware County residents ages 55 and older to join the enrichment center. A free community pass provides access to the center, as well as numerous free programs. Select programs, including some fitness, arts, and education classes, require a fee.

For qualifying individuals, scholarship awards help with program fees, and applying is quick and easy!

Pack Food for Meals on Wheels We need volunteers to help in our busy kitchen where delicious Meals on Wheels are handcrafted for older adults in Delaware County. Our current need? Help packing the meals into trays!

Join SourcePoint for this team-based, fast, fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity. You’ll enjoy a free lunch, new friends, and the joy of providing nutritious meals to local seniors.

Currently, on-site volunteers and staff continue to wear masks when near each other. Meal packing involves standing for most of the shift and repetitive arm motions. It is typical for a volunteer to commit to a shift on the same day each week. Available shifts include: • 7-11 a.m. Monday, Thursday, or Friday.

• 8-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

• 12-3 p.m. Wednesday.

• 12-2 p.m. Thursday.

Contact our volunteer recruiter, Jill Smith, at jill.smith@ MySourcePoint.org or 740-203-2368 to learn more and sign up today! You can also go to MySourcePoint.org/volunteer to fill out an online application.

For more information, visit the customer service desk at SourcePoint or call 740-363-6677.

Find visitor guidelines and related updates at MySourcePoint.org/restart.

Questions? Call us at 740-363-6677.

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AGE-FRIENDLY

My "Aha!" Moment When Thinking Age-Friendly As I participated in Age-Friendly Delaware County meetings about how to improve and innovate outdoor spaces, it was a bit overwhelming. There are so many parks, bike trails, and outdoor spaces—where and how do you start?

I realized what seemed like a large undertaking—making outdoor spaces more age-friendly—could actually be accomplished if we divided the improvements into small steps. This would allow us to make some immediate and noticeable changes. When a bench-with-arms idea was brought up, I brought the conversation back to our leadership team and we looked at the idea. We felt it was something we could tackle fairly quickly to get the ball rolling and make an immediate impact. While we hadn’t budgeted for the arms initially in 2019, we were able to allocate funds from the budget mid-year to add arms to a few benches. Then in 2020 and into 2021, we were able to retrofit all benches in the district with arms.

This small, but effective change, is an important step.

We want everyone of all ages and abilities to have the opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy nature and the parks.

We also want it to be a pleasant experience. Though it is a simple solution, adding arms to benches wasn’t something we had thought of, but once it was suggested, it made sense.

It is one more piece of the puzzle that allows our parks to be enjoyed by a wider range of people of all ages and abilities.

It also raises the question and provides movitation for exploring what else we can do. We are always looking for ways we can make the parks more enjoyable and accessible to visitors. As we develop new parks and look at amenities in existing parks, we are looking at development

SENIOR SAFETY DAY FREE EVENT! MySourcePoint.org

and improvements through an age-friendly lens. We ask questions like: How can we make indoor facilities more comfortable? Are there certain types of chairs that are easier for all ages to use? Do we need more benches along certain trails? How can we make our trails more navigable for visitors through signs, markers, etc.? What age-friendly programming can we offer that would be of interest and benefit to a maturing population? How can we connect parks so that people can walk or bike to them, offering a safer and greener alternative than driving?

We encourage visitors to reach out to us through a variety of channels to share their thoughts about how we can make the parks more age-friendly.

Rich Niccum is Preservation Parks' education service manager.

TUESDAY, AUG. 3, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

SourcePoint, 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware Morning Session: Age-Friendly Delaware County Featuring educational information on scams, identity theft, mental health awareness and resources, LifeCards, the special needs registry, weather warnings and notifications, crisis intervention, and more.

Afternoon Session: Driver Safety Featuring discussions on driver safety as we age and free car fit assessments.

Hosted by SourcePoint in collaboration with community partners

AAA, City of Delaware Fire Dept., City of Delaware Police Dept., Delaware County Prosecutor, Delaware County Transit, Delaware Public Health District, DMMHRSB, Emergency Management Services, HelpLine, OhioHealth, Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Learn more and register at MySourcePoint.org/events

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Summer 2021

2020 Annual Report Snapshot Find the full report at MySourcePoint.org/publications

1,828

seniors received in-home care

590

Zoom classes were hosted online

249,264

Meals on Wheels were served While our community cafes shut down in March due to the pandemic, in 2020, our home-delivered meals saw a 5% increase over 2019.

4,678 716

volunteers helped fulfill our mission

4,900+

members engaged in community programs The enrichment center was closed for six months, but online programs were created to fill part of the gap.

6,700+

calls were placed to older adults

phone calls for information were answered Whether you had a question, needed a referral, or wanted to join us, our team was here to help!

Our customer service team reached out to clients and members to check on their well-being during Ohio’s Stay-at-Home Order.

GO! SourcePoint launched our “On-the-Go” van thanks to a donor.

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Thank You, 2020 Donors FOUNDERS CLUB

Recognizing annual gifts of $240+ Anonymous Gail Abernathy Linda Aldrich William Allman Virginia L. Ashbrook Phyllis A. Azbell Lois A. Barbro Patricia Barnes Michael and Laura Bean Daniel C. Bear Albert C. Bell Charlotte G. Bendure Kirby G. Black Donald Blackburn Craig and Mary Blight Gerald Borin Jeanette Bradford Clarence L. Bradley Lloyd Brooks William and Sherry Brown Karen and John Burger Betty Calhoun Patricia L. Cashdollar Lawrence W. Clark Marilyn Clark Kim Clewell Suk Clum Elmer S. Coleman Mark A. Conkle David and Joyce Conrow Carl C. Cooke Nita M. Cordray Carlos and Yolanda Crawford Joyce C. Crooks Karen Crosman Oscar Delgado James and Bernie Dew Anthony and Wilma DiCenzo Arthur and Martha Edelblute Louis Falcone Jeffrey A. Fenstermaker Jack and Nicole Fette Kathleen Flanagan Vicky Flesch Doris J. Franklin MaryJo Gaskalla Joseph and Margaret Gernert Nancy Gernstetter Walter and Ruth Gibson Richard R. Giffin Katherine E. Gingery Hettie F. Given Virginia H. Gladden Philip and Susan Glover Armida Greulich Lloyd and Cheryl Hagerty RoseMary Halter Roger W. Harris Christopher and Rebecca Hawk Joseph Hemmerle Bonnie J. Higgins Barbara Hines Brian and Traci Hipsher Mary and Tom Homan Bob and Jan Horrocks Donald J. Hulslander

MySourcePoint.org

Keila and Thomas Hund Martha J. Hurley William Jackson Peggy Jenkins Sandra K. Johnson Robert W. Kelley Larry B. Kelly Kristen Kennedy and Brent Howe Donald E. Ketner Ella M. Kigar Lance Kinder Theodore Klupinski Sam Kocher Philip and Carolyn Krave Wren Kruse William and Patricia Laakso Suzan Lake Nobis Grace Lang Jan Larson Mary L. Lauro Ronald and Sally Lehman Veronica V. Leib Jeanette Lewis Wayne and Jo Ann Lockhart Linus B. Losh Roger and Charlene Lossing Lori G. Loveless Edward J. Madison Laura Marczika Doug and Becky Martin Steve and Debbie Martin Jim Mendenhall Leslie Menges Shirley Metro Molly Michael William B. Mills Louise Pauline Moodespaugh Jane Moore Ed E. Morris James E. Morrow Shelby J. O’Bryan John and Shirley Passias Family et. al.

Barbara S. Pettegrew Carol L. Phillips Robert and Doris Pigott Karen Pillion and Joni Paxton Frank Pinciotti Roy W. Plymale Patricia Pomeroy Stanley C. Pratt Jean D. Pugh Richard D. Reed Fred and Mary Reid Dona D. Reynolds Gretchen M. Roberts Glenna L. Rodman Richard Roell James W. Roesch David Russell Doris Russell Amy and Frank Schossler Roger and Betty Schultz Brady A. Seeley William R. Sheppard Floyd Siebert Carolyn and Ed Slone Kenneth J. Smith Laura J. Smith

Robert M. Smith Tony and Jill Smith Dennis and Sue Snavely Carol Snyder Michael P. Somerville Ronald and Mildred Spears Glenn M. Stalter Barbara Starker Jim Stevning William and Arminta Stickney William and Rose Tausel Jane Taylor Del Tayner William R. Thurston Karen Tomacelli Michael L. Tucker Marlene Turrill Darrel and Kathie Tyler Roger and Shirley Van Sickle Nancy Verber Rosemary C. Vestal Marianne Vijan Norma J. VonSchriltz Harold and Marilyn Waite Dennis A. Wall Karen and Paul Waltermeyer Victor and Supranee Wang Padet Wattanasarn Karen L. West Donald J. Wilburn Nelda J. Wilhite Faith M. Williams Alice Willis Alan Wincek Jay and Susan Wolf Carmen D. Wolfe Timothy A. Wolfe Carol C. Wood Norman and Gail Yager Alison and Chris Yeager Elizabeth Young Andrew J. Zakrajsek Julie “Z” Zdanowicz and Jeff Pullins Karen Zvosechz

Nicole Edwards and Renee Watts Edward and Joan Eppick Carolee A. Fugate Steve and Alicia Gorman Robert and Janet G. Griffiths David and Sherry Hanes Milo and Susan Hilty William and Nancy C. Housel George Kaitsa William and Virginia Kavage Floyd V. Keck Jill Patricia King Cecile P. Kish James Kroninger Diana L. Kukor Richard and Maureen Larger Richard and Doris Lyons Joan and Fred Manter Brian and Phyllis McClatchie Wilda J. Nutter Robert and Sue Postle Joy Rendon Michael D. Reynolds Franklin and Beverly Rundio Irena C. Scott Richard and Betty Smith Delbert R. Smith Jr Mildred J. Stevens Annabel C. Thomas Jim M. Thorpe Gary and Linda Vaughan Richard S. Wartel Fara Waugh and Jay Fry Paul and Joanne Wilkinson Charles Witter Ted and Anna Wurm

Anonymous Mary E. Akrouche Ruth E. Alves Diana J. Bird William Blum Donald and Betsy Brown Joseph William Chelena Becky Cornett Betty L. Deeds John and Debbie Dieker

Susan Guy and Tina Frank Margaret I. Jolliffe Trust ‡ Karen Kersh Kurapkat ‡ Ruth L. McCormick Eileen Moses ‡ George and Ella Radebaugh ‡

Capital City Hospice ClearCaptions The Columbus Foundation Fidelity Charitable The Gables of Westerville Greif, Inc. Inno-Pak, LLC Nationwide Foundation OhioHealth Champion Feed & Pet Supply Community Foundation of Union County Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Delaware County Task Force on Aging Polaris Community Fund at the DCF Fidelity Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. United Way of Delaware County Flanagan & Assoc. Insurance Agency V&P Hydraulic Products, LLC Vantrust Real Estate, LLC Ohio Living Sarah Moore Willow Brook Christian Communities Raymond Sovik, LLC Women Giving Together at the DCF Redwood Apartment Neighborhoods SERVPRO of Delaware Treplus Communities THE CHESHIRE SOCIETY Recognizing those who intend to DIRECTORS CLUB make or have made a planned gift Recognizing annual gifts of $1,000+ Margaret Ann Bruce ‡

Note: If a donor is deceased, the symbol (‡) follows the name.

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Summer 2021

CORONAVIRUS

‘I Can Breathe Again’ Older adults begin to test freedom after COVID vaccinations With a mix of relief and caution, older adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are moving out into the world and resuming activities put on hold during the pandemic.

Many are making plans to see adult children and hug grandchildren they haven’t visited for months—or longer.

Others are getting together with friends indoors, for the first time in a long time.

People are scheduling medical appointments that had been delayed and putting trips to destinations near and far on calendars. Simple things that felt unsafe pre-vaccination now feel possible: petting a neighbor’s dog, going for a walk in the park, stopping at a local hangout for a cup of coffee.

“I feel I can breathe again,” said Barry Dym, 78, of Lexington, Massachusetts, expressing a widely shared sense of freedom.

The rapid rollout of COVID vaccines to people 65 and older makes this possible. As of June, 75% of seniors in the U.S. had been fully vaccinated, while 86% had received at least one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes the protection that vaccines offer.

According to the CDC, people who are fully vaccinated can meet indoors without masks, without incurring significant risk. Also, they can visit relatively safely with people who haven’t been vaccinated, so long as those individuals are healthy and gatherings remain small.

Still, with coronavirus variants circulating and tens of thousands of new infections reported daily, the CDC continues to recommend precautions elsewhere, such as wearing masks, staying physically distant in public, and refraining from air travel.

How are older adults who’ve been fully vaccinated—a privileged group, to be sure, given the millions of seniors who’ve yet to get shots—balancing a desire to shed isolation with a need to stay safe amid a pandemic that’s not over? I asked several people I’ve spoken with previously about their plans and reflections on the difficult year we’ve been through.

Mardell Reed, 80, of Pasadena, California, told me she wasn’t sure she’d get the vaccine originally, because “I was concerned about the process going so fast and drug companies maybe producing something that wasn’t up to par.” But she changed her mind “once we all started hearing from actual scientists rather than politicians.”

Now, Reed tries to educate people she knows who remain reluctant to get the shots. One of them is her 83-year-old stepsister.

“No one had explained anything about the vaccines to her,” Reed told me. “I talked about all the things that would be possible—seeing her daughter, who lives up north, seeing more of her grandkids, and I think that convinced her.”

Reed used to walk in her neighborhood regularly before the pandemic but stopped when she became afraid of being around other people. Reviving that habit is a goal.

Among Reed’s other priorities in the months ahead: visiting with her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and seeing her primary care physician, a dentist, a neurologist who’s treating nerve damage, and an eye doctor. “I didn’t want to go to places where people might be sick this last year; now, it’s time for me to catch up on all that,” she said.

Harry Hutson, 73, and his wife, Mikey, 70, invited two couples to their house in Baltimore, on separate nights, after getting their second Moderna shots in February and waiting two weeks. “We’re going right into having safe dinners with people who’ve been vaccinated,” Hutson told me.

He feels a touch of lingering uncertainty, however. “While we’re 95% sure this is the right thing to do, we’re a little tentative. For a whole year, we’ve had ‘COVID is death’ engrained in us. After that, you can’t just go back to normal, just like that,” he said.

Hutson has continued working as an executive coach during the pandemic and has recently been giving talks on hope to business groups, nonprofit organizations, and churches.

“What I tell people is, ‘You’ll help yourself by helping others.’

We’re all emerging from trauma and healing has to be a collective, not an individual, endeavor.”

MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021 On a personal note, Hutson is going through an attic full of yearbooks, letters, and photos, “curating my family’s history.”

He hopes to make an across-the-country road trip with his wife later this year visiting the family of his wife’s son in Madison, Wisconsin, his daughter’s family in Portland, Oregon, and his brother in Eugene, Oregon, as well as several friends.

Marian Hollingsworth, 67, of La Mesa, California, spent last spring and summer sequestered at home with her husband, Ed, 72, who had stomach cancer, focused on keeping Ed safe from the coronavirus. But his illness progressed and, in early October, Ed died at home, where the couple’s four adult children had gathered to say goodbye.

Since then, Hollingsworth’s son Morgan, 27, who lives in New York City, has stayed with his mom, keeping her company.

But grief struck hard: Hollingsworth lost weight and couldn’t sleep at night despite profound fatigue. “It was like getting hit by the biggest Mack truck you could find,” she told me.

The pandemic’s resurgence in the fall and winter made adjusting to Ed’s loss “even more of a challenge,” Hollingsworth said, since she couldn’t get together with friends or get hugs—a form of contact she longed for. To this day, his clothes hang in the closet because the places she’d like to send them aren’t accepting donations.

When Hollingsworth became fully vaccinated in March, she said, she felt for the first time that “my head was coming up above water.” Although she’s not sure, yet, how much she wants to go out and see people, she’s looking forward to simple pleasures: petting the neighbor’s dog and going on “distanced walks” with a few friends. “I’m going to be cautious until there’s more clarity about what’s really safe,” she told me.

Wilma Jenkins, 82, who lives in South Fulton, Georgia, has struggled with depression off and on for years—a challenge she’s spoken about publicly in talks to older adults. This fall and winter, isolated at home, “it’s been rough for me—it’s just been so sad,” she admitted.

21 “I’m not afraid to move back into the world, but I will continue to be masked and socially distanced and wash my hands,” she told me.

Jenkins plans to start walking outside again; go to restaurants, so long as they’re not too crowded; and resume visits with her two daughters, both physicians, who live in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Her most ambitious goal: flying out to San Diego in late July for a celebration marking her grandson Jamal’s retirement from the Navy.

Barry Dym is haunted by an image that’s recurred often during the past year: He’s on a moving sidewalk, unable to get off, being hurried to a destination he doesn’t want to reach: old age. The image is associated with the pandemic and knee pain that has worsened, painfully, over the past six months, making walking harder.

This past year was a time of adjustment for Dym, who retired four years ago from his work as a consultant to nonprofit organizations. “One of the lessons of COVID for me was I still need to feel useful and I love helping people. I realized maybe I’d pulled back too far.”

So, Dym expanded his coaching and mentoring practice—an activity he plans to continue. “Whatever I can do to help make this world better, I’m not going to stop trying,” he said.

Outside of travel plans with his wife, Franny—to the Florida Keys this spring, to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts in the summer, and perhaps to Israel in the fall—Dym said he finds himself “more curious than anything” about what lies ahead. “I really don’t know what my life will be like. I’ll have to find out.”

Source: Judith Graham, Kaiser Health News. Read more at khn.org.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, separate facts from fiction, and book your appointment today at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Even though Jenkins describes herself as an “introvert,” she made sure she had social contact before the pandemic. Most days, she’d take herself out to lunch at local restaurants, chatting with the wait staff and other regular customers.

One of Jenkins’ great loves is music—the blues and jazz.

A few days after we spoke, she was planning to return to her favorite nightclub, St. James Live in Atlanta, to catch a show—her first such outing since becoming fully vaccinated in February.

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22

Summer 2021

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Thank You: A Message from OhioHealth Thank you.

Two small words.

Words you say over and over again, from week to week, to people you see or interact with.

At a restaurant, in the grocery line, to a family member, to a coworker, thank you. But for the last nearly year and a half, thank you just doesn’t seem like it goes far enough.

As the president of OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, I have had a front row seat to the most heartbreaking and heartwarming days during this COVID-19 pandemic. I have seen a Delaware County community hurting, getting sick, in some cases dying, in many cases getting better, rallying around each other, working hard, harder than ever, and doing so much for so many.

At Grady Memorial, our physician offices, OhioHealth Lewis Center Emergency Department, and the Delaware Medical Campus, it has truly been nothing short of amazing to see our teams do what they do best. They show up ready to make a difference.

They put our patients, their families, and each other first, and themselves after. During COVID-19, they worked long hours, they sacrificed. They missed time with their families, their

friends. They showed up early and stayed late.

They held hands of very sick patients; and supported families as they lost loved ones.

They helped get video calls set when visitors couldn’t come to the hospital. They have supported each other, each day, without hesitation.

They don’t ask, why are we doing this?

They instead say, what more can I do?

I am lucky, our health system is lucky, and our community is lucky, to have the dedication and compassion of our professional caregivers.

How is thank you enough?

To our community, the wonderful Delaware County, I am in awe of the strength and support you have shown our teams, and each other. While so many of you were forced to stay away from those closest to you, you still wanted to support our front lines and staff. You sent cards, gift cards, bought food, sent videos, posted support online, and never stopped showing up for us. All of this, while worried about this deadly disease. You masked up when it was time, you socially distanced. You got vaccinated when it was your turn. You supported your teachers. You ordered food from local restaurants, you shopped with retailers.

You made other counties step back and

say, “Did you see what good news is coming from Delaware County?”

We have police, EMS, and firefighters, construction workers, financial institutions, city and county employees, grocery store workers, and so many more who pushed through a scary time, because the work had to be done.

We have seen the work of SourcePoint continuing to serve the residents of Delaware County. Delivering meals and critical aging services, to enhance the wellness journey alongside what we are doing at OhioHealth.

How is thank you enough?

We are still not fully out of the COVID-19 world. It’s looking better each day. Fully vaccinated individuals can see their loved ones, their friends, and masks are coming off. One thing I know for certain, and that is saying something after so many months of uncertainty—this community is special.

And while thank you might not be enough for all that you’ve done, I hope you know that when I say it, from the bottom of my heart, I do not take for granted what those two words mean, especially now.

Thank you, for everything.

Steve Bunyard is the president of OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital and OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital. OhioHealth has been SourcePoint's health and wellness partner since 2014.

Adults ages 65 and older account for 84% of all fall deaths and 75% of nonfatal fall hospitalizations in Ohio.

Falling is not a natural part of aging. Assess your own falls risk and stand up to falling down! Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/falls.

MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021

23

ARTS

Creative Writing: Twilight Reflection As the sun slips below the horizon the soft muted colors of twilight begin to climb the western sky. Now comes the slowing down time, those long drawn-out moments between day and night, work and rest. It's time to sit, to think, to be.

In those moments of imperfect clarity I see the shadow of my day. I count, not the tasks completed, but the satisfaction I felt at work well done. I feel the aching of my muscles and recall the pleasure of performing physical labor. As twilight softens the hard edges of reality, I see my garden, not as it is, but as it will be when my work is complete. I see myself walking paths which don't yet exist, bordered by trees whose full growth I will only see in fading twilight.

The harsh sounds of the day soften and begin to recede. The birds twitter and then grow silent as they find their rest. A gentle quietness now descends upon my world, matched

by the quietness of my mind and body. The quietness is a welcome prelude to the deep silence of the night to follow.

Shadows lengthen and then disappear as the light thins and gradually fades away.

My little patch of earth has turned its face from the sun and now looks toward the vast darkness of space. As the crickets begin their nightly serenade, I stand and stretch my weary body. Now that I've seen the day to its rest, it's time to look to my own.

Judy Titus is a participant at SourcePoint's enrichment center.

Flex your creative writing skills at SourcePoint!

Beginning level available, too. Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/enrichment.

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24

Summer 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Why You Should Manage Your Medical Records Tara Nurin has lived in seven states and seen at least a dozen doctors. So, in an effort to organize her health information, Nurin, a freelance journalist and author, started compiling decades worth of her medical records. Sometimes, the process has been surprisingly simple. Other times, it's been exasperating.

Nurin, 47, lives in Camden, N.J.—a city and state that both have health information exchanges, which enable record sharing across medical institutions. For Nurin, this means her current health care system links its virtual patient portal to her old system, making those records easy to combine.

"Your medical record... varies from place to place. We're in an era where people need to be sure that they've got all the information and that information is right."

But tracking down her old medical records from a dermatologist was an exercise in frustration.

Nurin couldn't remember the provider's name. After two emails to her primary care doctor, that office sent a name—the wrong one.

Finally, Nurin found a prescription from her former dermatologist. She filled out a form to allow her new doctor to request the records, but as far as she knows, they're still in limbo.

"That I've had to chase this down through so many different doctors' offices multiple times is aggravating," Nurin says.

"It concerns me a tiny bit," she adds. "I'm relatively young and healthy, so it's never been particularly critical to have my records. But I have no idea when I was immunized for certain things and no idea about other aspects of my health history and, theoretically, that could present a problem."

Why Isn’t This Process Easier?

Despite strides over the last decade to improve access to medical information, the U.S. health care system remains frustratingly fragmented. Many providers have online patient portals with at least some medical data, but you can't always depend on those systems to communicate with each other.

There's no master patient identifier to ensure all your records are linked back to you, says Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist and director of the Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation at the Yale School of Medicine. The only way to ensure you have all your health records, he says, is to compile them yourself.

"Your medical record, believe it or not, even in 2021, varies from place to place," Krumholz says. "We're in an era where people need to be sure that they've got all the information and that information is right."

Is It Worth the Time It Takes to Gather Your Records?

There are several reasons why you should compile your medical records, Patients who read even if you don't have a their health notes are major health issue, says more likely to take Catherine DesRoches, their medications as an associate professor at Harvard Medical School prescribed. and executive director of OpenNotes, a nonprofit that studies and advocates for communication between patients and health care providers.

When patients have access to their medical notes, a 2019 study found, about a quarter identify an error—and half of those errors are considered clinically important. (That's a better success rate, DesRoches says, than many of the artificial intelligence systems that health care organizations use to catch potentially dangerous mistakes.)

Also, according to research, patients who read their health notes are more likely to take their medications as prescribed.

Why the bump in compliance? Sometimes we just need a reminder. Unless prompted, patients only remember half of what's discussed during a clinical visit, one study showed.

We might recall even less from a particularly stressful visit, DesRoches says.

"Looking at what's in your record is a really great way to be sure that you understand what the doctor is thinking, and you know what you're supposed to do next," she says.

"Those two things are quite powerful for patients."

MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021 How Do I Get Started?

Here's how to compile, manage, and use your records: GO DIGITAL. Start by signing up for the patient portals of all your health care providers, DesRoches says, and finding out what they have there. Through the portals, you might be able to link your digital records, as Nurin did, or request your records as a printable PDF. (As of April, these online data hubs are even more rich with information. That's when a federal rule took effect that requires health care providers to give patients free access to all the information in their electronic records, including procedure notes and laboratory report narratives.)

CONSIDER AN APP. To streamline the process, you could connect your patient portals to a third-party medical recordmanagement application. But a cautionary note: apps aren’t covered by federal HIPAA privacy rules, so the onus is on the consumer to review an app’s privacy standards.

Krumholz, who founded Hugo Health, a company that uses a cloud-based platform to enable patients to compile health data, says: Read the fine print to ensure your security is protected and you maintain ownership of your information.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. Though federal and state laws aim to make it easier for patients to access their medical records, discrepancies remain. Krumholz was a co-author of a 2018 study that found some of the top U.S. hospitals were not complying with medical-record release requirements.

25 IN OUR COMMUNITY

2022 Grants Available Applications will soon be available for the 2022 funding of community programs that serve Delaware County residents ages 55 and older. SourcePoint annually awards funding to local service organizations to help address the diverse needs of the county’s older population.

The 2022 grant application process begins with a mandatory applicant conference on Friday, July 9. Any organization interested in applying for funding should contact Jackie Haight at jhaight@MySourcePoint.org or 740-203-2435.

SourcePoint helps fund existing programs in the county as a cost-effective, efficient way to address the various needs of older adults in the community. Each year, SourcePoint’s board of directors and other community stakeholders review grant applications and award funding to those organizations that help broaden the scope of services available to local seniors. The Delaware County senior services levy makes this grant funding available.

2022 grant applications will be available at MySourcePoint. org/grants after the applicant conference on July 9. All applications must be submitted electronically by Aug. 20.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has online resources to help patients understand their rights around medical records.

MAINTAIN YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS. Make sure to hang on to any related to a major health event, such as a heart attack, cancer, or surgery, says DesRoches. Related scans, imaging, and other tests are also important, Krumholz adds, to help prevent costly and sometimes harmful repeat tests.

USE YOUR DATA. You can use your medical records to keep up with your doctor’s orders, prepare for upcoming appointments, share your health history with new doctors, and keep family members in the loop. Having ownership of your medical records makes it easier to get a second opinion, Krumholz says, and to participate in medical research.

"I'm hoping within five years that this is going to be really common," he says. "A patient's medical records will tell a story of their health that can potentially provide insights that may help them and may help others."

Source: Christina Hernandez Sherwood, Next Avenue. Read more at nextavenue.org.

MySourcePoint.org

Tuesday, Sept. 21 Delaware County Fair FREE ADMISSION for adults 55+ with a valid I.D.

26

Summer 2021

NUTRITION

Eat with Intention and for Prevention Science reveals that eating mostly plants like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas, garden peas, fava beans, etc.) plays a big role in preventing cancer.

These foods are high in fiber, nutrients, and natural substances called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals or phytonutrients may help prevent cancer. Plant-rich diets contribute to healthy body weights and provide energy to be active and physically fit—both are important when considering cancer prevention.

One way to guide your meal and snack choices for optimal health and cancer prevention is to consider the New American Plate Model.

This model ensures that two-thirds or more of your plate will be fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or beans. One-third or less of your plate will be animal protein. Following this model will help manage risk for cancer and other chronic diseases along with managing body weight. The keys are portion and proportion, meaning more plants and less meat. Be adventurous and find a new plant to try as often as you can.

Keep in mind that every new vegetable, fruit, whole grain, and legume contributes disease-fighting power!

Not every cancer is preventable, but it is encouraging to know that research suggests 40% of cancer cases in the U.S. could be prevented. While including all these phytonutrientrich foods, be sure to limit the things we know contribute to cancer cases and other chronic disease. These include alcohol, processed meats, red meat, and processed sugars, including sugar-sweetened beverages.

Experimenting with a delicious plant-rich recipe can be a great way to get started on your cancer-prevention diet journey. I recommend giving this Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushroom dish a try. Enjoy all the fresh and nutritious aspects of this dish!

Debbie Beyer is the director of development and marketing at Cancer Support Community Central Ohio, a SourcePoint grant recipient.

Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Portobellos INGREDIENTS 4 large portobello mushroom caps 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 small shallots, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped 5 cups raw baby spinach 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 4 ounces goat cheese, sliced 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, divided 8 basil leaves, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Using damp paper towel or cloth, gently wipe any dirt from portobello caps. Use small knife to slice off each stem at base of caps and discard.

3. Coat mushroom caps on each side using 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place mushrooms gill-side up on a baking sheet and roast until they start to soften, about 10 minutes. While mushrooms are roasting, make the filling.

4. Heat large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil until it begins to shimmer.

Add shallots and garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes, until translucent.

5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir.

6. Add spinach and stir gently until spinach begins to wilt, about 1 minute. Add pepper.

7. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté for another minute.

Remove pan from heat and set aside.

8. Remove mushrooms from oven and divide spinach mixture evenly among each portobello cap.

9. Top each cap with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and 1 ounce goat cheese. Broil mushroom caps an additional 1-2 minutes until cheese starts to melt.

10. Serve each cap topped with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and basil.

NUTRITION: Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 240 calories, 16 g total fat (7 g saturated fat, 0 g trans-fat), 40 mg cholesterol, 13 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein, 3 g dietary fiber, 300 mg sodium, 4 g sugar, 0 g added sugar.

MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021

27

FUN & GAMES

Sudoku EASY

HARD

See Sudoku Solutions on page 31.

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28

Summer 2021

TRANSITIONS IN AGING

7 Tips for Moving to a Senior Living Community The current real estate market is greatly in favor of sellers and many older adults may be considering whether to downsize and move to senior living. After more than a year of remaining close to home due to the pandemic, many older adults are now discovering living life in a community with others is an antidote for isolation.

Senior living communities are for adults ages 55 and older and are typically comprised of cottage homes and apartments.

They are often an attractive option because they offer a broad range of amenities that bring like-minded individuals together and can make retirement healthier and more enjoyable than it might be in an average neighborhood.

If you are considering a senior living community could be right for you, there are some things you should know.

1. Location Maybe you want to move closer to children and grandchildren, or stay within a few miles of familiar stores, health care providers, and services you use now. A quick Google search online can help you find communities that cater to older adults nearby or in another area.

2. Living Options and Services Will this be an interim move, or do you want a community that can serve your needs as they change? Many senior communities offer both independent and assisted living, or personal care, so that you can add on services as you need them, which may be more cost-effective.

3. Experience the Community for yourself Senior living communities offer life enrichment programming for their residents. Plan a visit on a day when you can see the kinds of programs offered. Many also offer a “trial stay” so that you can experience what a real day would be. Some communities focus on outdoor activities, trips, social, or religious groups, and some offer all of the above. Ask for a calendar of events to see if the offerings appeal to you.

4. Get to Know the Staff and Your Neighbors You want to live in a community where the management and residents have an excellent relationship. Make sure to meet with management and talk to residents to get a clear picture of what community life is like.

5. Know What You are Looking For When you know what you want to spend your time doing in retirement, it is easier to choose a place that suits your needs. If you prefer nature, hiking, and the great outdoors, find a place in a rural setting, or if you like shopping, exploring museums, and culture, look for a community in a more urban setting.

6. Understand the Cost Senior communities typically charge a monthly fee to cover meals, housekeeping, transportation, and activities. Choose a community that fits best with your budget. Often there are incentives for moving in. Ask your contact at the community about current incentives that may be better than usual coming out of the current pandemic.

7. Discover the Amenities Senior living communities offer an array of features and perks that you would not find in traditional multifamily housing. For example, is transportation available to appointments, or are meals factored into the cost? How far is the nearest hospital? Are religious services on-site? Are pets allowed? What happens if you need a higher level of care?

Over the past year, senior living communities have perfected the art of maintaining strict infection control and sanitation standards, as well as providing meaningful ways for residents to safely interact and participate in programs to prevent isolation. Now that many residents and staff are fully vaccinated, residents are once again visiting with family and friends.

Moving to a senior living community is a big step, as many older adults leave homes they have lived in for decades.

But the low interest rates are pushing home prices skyward, making this an ideal time to consider cashing in your equity for a lifestyle more ideally suited to your stage in life.

Tracy Brannon is executive director at United Church Homes–The Polaris Community, a new luxury independent living apartment community with amenities and services for individuals 55+. United Church Homes also operates St. Michael’s Community, an affordable independent senior living community in Delaware.

MySourcePoint.org

Summer 2021

29

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Serving on the Alzheimer's Task Force It’s so wonderful to see people out and about these days, and there seems to be so much to catch up on. For me, 2021 feels as though it’s flying by. I wanted to pause though, and make time to share the latest news about an exciting initiative that I’ve been fortunate to be a part of.

If you hadn’t heard, I was appointed last year to the Governor’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. This task force is long overdue. I’m embarrassed to say that when it was created, Ohio was the only state left to address this issue and plan accordingly for our senior community.

You may wonder why I agreed to sit on such a task force. Well, the decision was easy. Professionally, I’ve seen the worst in those who prey upon seniors battling Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Personally, my family has a connection to Alzheimer’s that dates back to my elementary school years. It was then that my maternal grandfather was diagnosed.

I remember Grandpa as a silly, goofy, and affectionate man who loved me immensely. I also remember life getting more and more difficult as his disease progressed. One time, Grandpa took off in his truck. In his mind, he was just going for a Sunday drive. To our family, however—panic! Grandpa was lost, and a search took place that ended up on the evening news. Luckily, he was found safe.

Ultimately, Grandpa lived in a nursing home when my grandmother could no longer care for him. Looking back, I remember the emotional struggle for my family, and the added strain of limited services in a small town.

Fast forward to a few years ago—our family learned that Mom had early-stage Alzheimer’s. Almost 30 years later, and I found the same struggles, the same questions. What care options are available? Can Dad care for Mom full time? Should he? How will we handle safety and maintain Mom’s dignity as her disease progresses? How will we… how can we face this again? And finally, what can I do as a daughter? How can I assist others in my community?

So, you see, there really was no question when I thought about applying to serve on the Governor’s Task Force. For every family navigating these waters, for every person victimized because they suffer from Alzheimer’s or related dementias, I say yes. As difficult as these diseases can be, I am optimistic about Ohio’s renewed devotion and attention to them, and I am humbled to serve alongside experts in this field.

COVID did delay us a bit, but so far in 2021 we’ve met monthly online, and have a lot to share. You can view meetings and read meeting minutes at aging.ohio.gov by clicking on About Us: Who We Are: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Task Force.

I’ve been assigned to the Experience Committee, and am spearheading the effort to collect information from those affected.

As dark as these diseases can be, and as helpless as they can make us feel, it’s important to remember there a lot of people who care. I am excited to contribute to this task force. Our report is due this fall, so keep an eye out for our findings.

If you need help navigating a diagnosis, or are a caregiver looking for support, SourcePoint (MySourcePoint.org) is an excellent resource. Other good resources are the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) and the National Institute on Aging (nia.nih.gov).

Melissa Schiffel is the Delaware County Prosecutor.

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30

Summer 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Dementia and Money Management Dementia may cause problems with money management years before diagnosis People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias may start having trouble managing their finances several years before their diagnosis, according to new research supported by NIA. Published online in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study is the first large-scale analysis of people’s ability to manage their money before and after a dementia diagnosis.

Common symptoms of dementia, including memory and cognitive limitations, can lead people with dementia to have trouble handling money and paying bills, so repeated financial mistakes can be an early sign of the disease. The new study, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, linked Medicare claims data to credit card payments and credit reports to examine dementia-related money problems.

The researchers analyzed information from 1999 to 2018 on more than 81,000 Medicare beneficiaries, about a third of whom were diagnosed with dementia within this period.

All study participants were at least 65 years old and lived alone. The researchers studied the number of missed credit card payments and credit scores for seven years before and four years after a dementia diagnosis and compared this information against data from people without dementia.

The study found that people who had dementia had more missed credit card payments as early as six years before their diagnosis and were more likely to have lower-thanaverage credit scores twoand-a-half years before their diagnosis. After diagnosis, people with dementia had even more missed payments and lower credit scores than people without dementia, and this trend continued for at least three-and-a-half years after diagnosis.

those who had lower levels of education had increases in missed payments seven years before diagnosis, while people who had higher education levels had increases in missed payments only two-and-a-half years before diagnosis. This difference confirms previous findings suggesting that people with higher education levels can have less severe dementia symptoms.

The researchers point out some limitations of the study: By using only Medicare claims data, the study might have missed some cases of dementia, and additional information from utility bills, rent payments, or medical collections might have helped to provide a clearer picture of money problems. Also, the findings might not apply to married couples or older adults in assisted living facilities, because those people might have help handling their finances.

The study’s results help show that the period during which an older adult might be at risk of financial mismanagement and scams may be longer than currently understood and point to the need for early diagnostic tools and policies to help protect older adults. The researchers also noted that improved support services and financial guidance could help people with dementia and their caregivers get the resources they need to maintain their financial security and independence.

Source: The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. Read more at nia.nih.gov.

Results also showed that among people with dementia,

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Summer 2021 ARTS

31 Sudoku Solutions

Creative Showcase

EASY

HARD

There are a variety of creative arts programs available at SourcePoint. Whether you're a beginner or a more experienced artist, there is something new to explore!

See a sampling of recent work below and learn more at MySourcePoint.org/enrichment.

MAKE YOURSELF

AT HOME Plein art painting in SourcePoint's courtyard.

Whether you’re at Ohio Living Sarah Moore for assisted living, long-term nursing care, or short-term rehabilitation, one thing remains the same — we don’t believe that you’re living in our facility. We believe that we’re working in your home.

Wind chime creation.

So we do everything we can to make you feel at home whenever you’re on our campus, from comfortable furniture on our iconic front porch, to seeing your favorite foods on the menu, to staff members who feel like friends and treat you like family.

Call 740.362.9641 to schedule your tour today!

26 North Union Street Delaware, Ohio 43015 ohioliving.org

Woodcarving group.

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Assisted Living | Short-Term Rehabilitation Long-Term Nursing Care | Home Health & Hospice

IN-HOME CARE

FITNESS & WELLNESS CAREGIVER SUPPORT

ARTS & EDUCATION

You’re in the right place!

Delaware County is the best place to thrive after 55.

In Delaware County, SourcePoint provides a variety of services and programs for adults 55 and better, including: IN-HOME CARE SERVICES like personal care and Meals on Wheels that help you live safely at home, where you want to be.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS that engage you in fitness, wellness, arts, and education.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT that helps you better care for your loved one—and yourself.

SourcePoint is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that proudly serves all of Delaware County.

We’re just a click or call away!

MySourcePoint.org/55 | 740-363-6677