My Communicator | Winter 2023

HEALTH

Your treadmill may not be a time machine, but research shows that regular exercise can help slow the body’s aging process.

“Exercise is the closest thing we’ve found to a magic pill for combating the effects of aging,” says Dr. Linda Fried, dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, in an interview with Columbia Magazine. “That’s because it works on every physiological system and keeps your entire body fine-tuned. It even stimulates your brain and helps to prevent cognitive decline.”

What are the benefits of exercise and how does it impact aging?

The benefits of exercise in preventing or managing chronic conditions that can influence longevity are well-documented. But researchers have found that it goes much further than that. Here is some of what they have discovered about aging and exercise so far.

SourcePoint is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides professional expertise, services, and programs for Delaware County adults who want to thrive after 55, as well as family caregivers. Services and programs are supported by the local senior services levy, private and corporate donations, grants, and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.

2023 Board of Directors

President: Gretchen Roberts, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Powell

Vice President: Alice Frazier, MD, Delaware

Secretary: Pamela Foster, Orange Township

Treasurer: Dennis Mowrey, Delaware

Randy Bournique, Delaware

Bill Brown, Delaware

Adrienne Corbett, Delaware

Carlos Crawford, JD, Powell

Karen Crosman, Powell Ron Fantozzi, Columbus Jack Fette, PhD, Orange Township

Liz Gitter, MSSW, Delaware

Anna Horstman, MD, Delaware Wren Kruse, JD, New Albany Joann Richards, RN, PhD, Liberty Township Jane Taylor, Dublin Cheri Thompson, Delaware Michael Tucker, JD, Delaware Roger Van Sickle, Delaware

The board typically meets the last Wednesday at noon for eight months out of the year. Members of the public who wish to attend may call the chief executive officer at 740-363-6677.

My Communicator is published quarterly and is made possible through advertisers, donors, and volunteers. About 40,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout Delaware County. My Communicator is delivered to ThisWeek and Sunday Columbus Dispatch subscribers in the county and is available for pick-up at SourcePoint and 50 other locations, such as libraries, senior living communities, health care facilities, and other nonprofit organizations. To find a nearby pick-up site, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677. Read My Communicator online at MySourcePoint.org/publications To

In November, Delaware County voters approved a renewal of the Senior Services Levy at 1.3 mills with an addition of 0.1 mill. Board of Elections data showed the levy had passed with 69% of the vote in favor of the levy.

“We are so grateful to community members for their continued support of the levy,” said Fara Waugh, CEO of SourcePoint. “This means we can sustain the vital aging services we have put in place for the last 30 years and maintain support of the rapidly growing older population in Delaware County.”

The property tax levy provides over 80% of the nonprofit organization’s funding, which supports in-home care services, such as care management, Meals on Wheels, personal care, emergency response systems, adult day care, and medical transportation. Funds also enable SourcePoint to provide health and wellness programs, nutrition, insurance education, caregiver support, volunteer opportunities, and more.

The current levy expires at the end of 2023, and the newly approved levy will provide funding from 2024 through 2028. The new total costs will be $35.10 per $100,000 of assessed property value, which is a modest increase of $3.50 per year.

HEALTH

Hearing Loss and Older Adults

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. It is one of the most common conditions affecting older and elderly adults. Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Having trouble hearing can make it hard to understand and follow a doctor’s advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms. It can also make it hard to enjoy talking with friends and family. All of this can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even dangerous.

Do I have a hearing problem?

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to three or more of these questions, you could have a hearing problem and may need to have your hearing checked by a doctor.

1. Do you sometimes feel embarrassed when you meet new people because you struggle to hear?

2. Do you feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them?

3. Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper?

4. Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem?

5. Do you have difficulty hearing when visiting friends, relatives, or neighbors?

6. Does a hearing problem cause you to attend religious services less often than you would like?

7. Does a hearing problem cause you to argue with family members?

8. Do you have trouble hearing the TV or radio at levels that are loud enough for others?

9. Do you feel difficulty with your hearing limits your personal or social life?

10.Do you have trouble hearing family or friends when you are together in a restaurant?

What should I do if I have trouble hearing?

Hearing problems can be serious. The most important thing you can do if you think you have a hearing problem is to seek professional advice. There are several ways to do this. You can start with your primary care physician, an otolaryngologist, an audiologist, or a hearing aid specialist. Each has a different type of training and expertise. Each can be an important part of your hearing health care.

An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. An otolaryngologist will try to find out why you’re having trouble hearing and offer treatment options. He or she may also refer you to another hearing professional, an audiologist. An audiologist has specialized training in identifying and measuring the type and degree of hearing loss and recommending treatment options. Audiologists also may be licensed to fit hearing aids. Another source of hearing aids is a hearing aid specialist, who is licensed by a state to conduct and evaluate basic hearing tests, offer counseling, and fit and test hearing aids.

Why am I losing my hearing?

Hearing loss happens for different reasons. Many people lose their hearing slowly

as they age. This condition is known as presbycusis. Doctors do not know why presbycusis affects some people more than others, but it seems to run in families. Another reason for hearing loss with aging may be years of exposure to loud noise. This condition is known as noise-induced hearing loss. Many construction workers, farmers, musicians, airport workers, yard and tree care workers, and people in the armed forces have hearing problems even in their younger and middle years because of too much exposure to loud noise.

Hearing loss can also be caused by viral or bacterial infections, heart conditions or stroke, head injuries, tumors, and certain medicines.

What treatments and devices can help? Your treatment will depend on your hearing loss, so some treatments will work better for you than others. There are a number of devices and aids that can improve hearing loss. Here are the most common ones:

Hearing aids are electronic instruments you wear in or behind your ear. They make sounds louder. Things sound different when you wear a hearing aid, but an audiologist or hearing aid specialist can help you get used to it. To find the hearing aid that works best for you, you may have to try more than one. Ask your audiologist or hearing specialist whether you can have a trial period with a few different hearing aids. Both of you can work together until you are comfortable.

Cochlear implants are small electronic devices surgically implanted in the inner ear that help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or hardof-hearing. If your hearing loss is severe, your doctor may recommend a cochlear implant in one ear or both.

Assistive listening devices include telephone and cell phone amplifying devices, smart phone or tablet apps, and closed circuit systems (induction coil loops) in places of worship, theaters, and auditoriums.

Lip reading or speech reading is another option that helps people with hearing problems follow conversational speech. People who use this method pay close attention to others when they talk, by watching how the speaker’s mouth and body move.

Can my friends and family help me?

Yes. You and your family can work together to make hearing easier. Here are some things you can do:

Tell your friends and family about your hearing loss. They need to know that hearing is hard for you. The more you tell the people you spend time with, the more they can help you.

Ask your friends and family to face you when they talk so that you can see their faces. If you watch their faces move and see their expressions, it may help you to understand them better.

Ask people to speak louder, but not shout. Tell them they do not have to talk slowly, just more clearly.

Turn off the TV or the radio if you aren’t actively listening to it.

Be aware of noise around you that can make hearing more difficult. When you go to a restaurant, do not sit near the kitchen or near a band playing music. Background noise makes it hard to hear people talk.

Working together to hear better may be tough on everyone for a while. It will take time for you to get used to watching people as they talk and for people to get used to speaking louder and more clearly. Be patient and continue to work together. Hearing better is worth the effort.

Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, part of the National Institutes of Health. Read more at nidcd.nih.gov.

MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677

Hearing Aids

In 2022, the FDA issued a final rule that establishes a new category of hearing aids: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids. This ruling is intended to reduce the financial burden of prescription hearing aids and to make hearing technology more accessible to consumers.

OTC hearing aids are for adult patients with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are currently available or will soon be available in a variety of retail markets. Even though OTC hearing aids are available, there are some reasons they may not be the best choice for every individual. An OTC hearing aid is not an appropriate option for individuals with hearing thresholds beyond the mild to moderate hearing loss range. It is strongly recommended that any individual considering a purchase of OTC hearing aids have their hearing tested by an audiologist first in order to determine if their hearing levels are appropriate for OTC devices.

Perceived hearing difficulties may be a sign of a temporary hearing issue like occluding wax in the ears, which can be removed by an audiologist. Additionally, OTC hearing aids are not appropriate solutions for those with a perceived difference in hearing between the right and left ears, a sudden change or worsening in hearing, ringing or roaring in one or both ears (tinnitus), dizziness or vertigo, or pain and/or drainage from the ears.

Hearing aids are medical devices. Treatment may be appropriate and cost effective with OTC hearing aids, but without evaluation by a hearing health care professional, it could also cause a person to miss out on proper hearing care. Audiologists can evaluate and diagnose the cause and degree of a person’s hearing loss. In addition, audiologists can appropriately and safely select, carefully fit, and tune hearing aids to best meet an individual’s listening goals. The involvement of a hearing health care professional allows for routine follow-up care and troubleshooting to ensure individual satisfaction and proper function over time.

The Delaware Speech and Hearing Center encourages all consumers to educate themselves, contemplate whether OTC hearing aids will fully address their needs, and consider scheduling a full hearing evaluation before moving forward with treatment of their hearing needs. Call 740-369-3650 or email contact@delawareshc.org for more information or to schedule a hearing consultation.

Exercise

From page 1

Exercise bolsters immunity

In a study of adults ages 55-79 with longstanding exercise routines, researchers at the U.K.’s King’s College London and University of Birmingham found they had the immune systems of much younger adults. All the participants were recreational cyclists.

“An organ called the thymus, which makes immune cells called T cells, starts to shrink from the age of 20 and makes less T cells. In this study, however, the cyclists’ thymuses were making as many T cells as those of a younger person,” a University of Birmingham media release reports.

Studies show that aging can diminish the body’s immune response, making older adults more vulnerable to respiratory infections and other diseases. So, for these cyclists and others who engage in high-intensity workouts, this is hopeful aging and exercise news.

Exercise slows ‘biological clock’

After examining data from more than 5,800 adults ages 20-84, a Brigham Young University exercise science professor discovered that adults who ran a minimum of 30-40 minutes, five days a week, had an almost nine-year “biological aging advantage.” That advantage is tied to something called telomeres.

“Telomeres are the nucleotide endcaps of our chromosomes,” explains a BYU news report on Professor Larry Tucker’s research. “They’re like our biological clock and they’re extremely correlated with age; each time a cell replicates, we lose a tiny bit of the endcaps. Therefore, the older we get, the shorter our telomeres.”

The high-octane exercisers had “significantly longer” telomeres than sedentary adults, conferring that almost nine-year biologic advantage. They had a seven-year advantage over adults who were moderately active.

“We know that regular physical activity helps to reduce mortality and prolong life, and now we know part of that advantage may be due to the preservation of telomeres,” says Tucker, whose research was published in Preventive Medicine.

Exercise keeps brains young “Better mood, better energy, better memory, better attention.” That’s what neuroscientist and author Wendy Suzuki experienced after becoming a regular at the gym. In her TEDWomen talk, The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise, Suzuki calls exercise “the

most transformative thing you can do for your brain today.”

But what about aging? Can exercise delay aging in the brain? Research suggests not only that it can, but that moderate to intense exercise may slow aging by 10 years.

A study of 876 people with an average age of 71 showed that over time, participants who exercised minimally, or not at all, experienced a greater mental decline than those who engaged in moderate or intense workouts.

The American Academy of Neurology writes: “When looking at people who had no signs of memory and thinking problems at the start of the study, researchers found that those reporting low activity levels showed a greater decline over five years compared to those with high activity levels on tests of how fast they could perform simple tasks and how many words they could remember from a list. The difference was equal to that of 10 years of aging.”

How to enjoy (and reap) the benefits of exercise while aging

While much of the research into aging and exercise focuses on adults with long-term fitness habits, experts say it’s never too late to reap the benefits of physical fitness.

“Aging is a physiological process that can be influenced for the better (delaying it) or worse (accelerating it),” write the authors of the research study Anti-Aging Through Fitness Enhancement. “The most recent scientific evidence shows that regularly and appropriately practiced physical exercise, in order to improve physical fitness, is currently the best way to delay or even prevent the consequences of aging. Such exercise always brings benefits, irrespective of the age, sex, health, or the physical condition of the person who undertakes it.”

What is the best exercise for aging? Want to learn more about exercise for older adults? Check out The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60 article at ncoa.org to learn about recommended workouts and evidence-based exercise programs that are suited to all ability levels. If you’re just starting a fitness routine, or thinking about taking your workouts in a new direction, be sure to talk with your doctor about what’s appropriate for you.

You can also find exercise tips and helpful information on maximizing your physical and mental health at ncoa.org/older-adults/health

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

SAFETY Driving Under the Influence of Age

During 2021, nine Delaware County fatal motor vehicle crashes took the lives of 12 people. Five of those crashes were the fault of a driver aged 64 or older. The main contributing factors were failure to yield, following too closely, and driving off the roadway. Last year, one-third of the 3,413 crashes in Delaware County were related to mature drivers over the age of 55. In fact, Ohio has one of the highest rates of fatal traffic crashes involving elderly drivers in the U.S., according to a recent study by transportation-research group TRIP. So why is the risk of causing a crash so high among our most experienced drivers?

This is a question that we must begin asking ourselves as we age.

Studies reveal the reasons older drivers are at risk include how aging reduces the faculties needed to drive. These may include cognitive decline, decreased vision, decreased hearing, and decreased motor skills including reaction time or coordination. In other words, greater physical, visual, or cognitive impairment in older people is directly associated with the increased senior involvement in motor vehicle crashes. In addition, many older adults use medications, which may interfere with driving regardless of age, but can be particularly risky to older adults.

More mature drivers have a great deal of practical experience in driver safety. It is natural to overestimate the effects aging may have on one’s ability to apply that experience. It is imperative that every driver re-evaluates their individual challenges to drive safely and apply appropriate measures to compensate. Arthritis might in fact affect your ability to drive. Stiff and weakened joints may make it more difficult to turn your head to look back, turn the steering wheel quickly, or brake easily. Many drivers are unaware that resources exist to help them continue to drive safely. Unfortunately, a time may come when the only reasonable decision will be to relinquish one’s driver’s license for the safety of all.

For more information on how to continue to drive safely as you age, contact SAFE Delaware County Coalition Coordinator Jackie Bain at jbain@delawarehealth.org or call 740-203-2083.

Join in an older-adult safe-driver conversation at SourcePoint: “Talks with a Trooper” on Monday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m.

HOME SAFETY CHECKS

Have you had a home safety check?

The purpose of a home safety check is to inform and offer solutions to fall risks to keep older adults safe in their homes.

During a home safety check, the focus is on 3 Rs: Risk, Recommendation, and Referral.

The objective is to evaluate your home environment for fall risks and offer recommendations and referrals to partner agencies to assist based on each need.

Delaware County residents ages 55+ can contact SourcePoint to schedule a home safety check. Family and friends can call on someone’s behalf, but consent must be given by the person receiving the home safety check.

For more information, call SourcePoint at 740-363-6677.

Limited Budgets

From page 1

Economic insecurity is upending the lives of millions of older adults as soaring housing costs and inflation diminish the value of fixed incomes.

Across the country, seniors who until recently successfully managed limited budgets are growing more anxious and distressed. Some lost work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Others are encountering unaffordable rent increases and the prospect of losing their homes. Still others are suffering significant sticker shock at grocery stores.

Dozens of older adults struggling with these challenges—none poor by government standards—wrote to me after I featured the Elder Index, a measure of the cost of aging, in a recent column. That tool, developed by researchers at the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, suggests that 54% of older women who live alone have incomes below what’s needed to pay for essential expenses. For single men, the figure is 45%.

To learn more, I spoke at length to three women who reached out to me and were willing to share highly personal details of their lives. Their stories illustrate how unexpected circumstances—the pandemic and its economic aftereffects, natural disasters, and domestic abuse—can result in unanticipated precarity in later life, even for people who worked hard for decades.

BETTYE COHEN

“After 33 years living in my apartment, I will have to move since the new owners of the building are renovating all apartments and charging rents of over $1,800 to 2,500 a month, which I cannot afford.”

Cohen, 79, has been distraught since learning that the owners of her Towson, Maryland, apartment complex are raising rents precipitously as they upgrade units. She pays $989 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment with a terrace. A similar apartment that has been redone recently went on the market for $1,900.

This is a national trend affecting all age groups: As landlords respond to high demand, rent hikes this year have reached 9.2%.

Cohen has been told that her lease will be canceled at the end of January and that she’ll be charged $1,200 a month until it’s time for her apartment to be refurbished and for her to vacate the premises.

“The devastation, I cannot tell you,” she said during a phone conversation. “Thirty-three years of living in one place lets you know I’m a very boring person, but I’m also a very practical, stable person. I never in a million years would have thought something like this would happen to me.”

During a long career, Cohen worked as a risk manager for department stores and as an insurance agent. She retired in 2007. Today, her monthly income is $2,426: $1,851 from Social Security after payments for Medicare Part B coverage are taken out, $308 from an individual retirement account, and $267 from a small pension.

In addition to rent, Cohen estimates she spends $200 to $240 a month on food, $165 on phone and internet, $25 on Medicare Advantage premiums, $20 on dental care, $22 for gas, and $100 or more for incidentals, such as cleaning products and toiletries.

That doesn’t include non-routine expenses, such as new partial dentures that Cohen needs (she guesses they’ll cost $1,200) or hearing aids that she purchased several years ago for $3,400, drawing on a small savings account. If forced to relocate, Cohen estimates moving costs will top $1,000.

Cohen has looked for apartments in her area, but many are in smaller buildings, without elevators, and not readily accessible to someone with severe arthritis, which she has. One-bedroom units are renting for $1,200 and up, not including utilities, which might be an additional $200 or more. Waiting lists for senior housing top two years.

“I’m miserable,” Cohen told me. “I’m waking up in the middle of the night a lot of times because my brain won’t shut off. Everything is so overwhelming.”

CARRIE ENGLAND

“It’s becoming too expensive to be alive. I’ve lost everything and break down on a daily basis because I do not know how I can continue to survive with the cost of living.”

England, 61, thought she’d grow old in a three-bedroom home in Winchester, Virginia, that she said she purchased with her partner in 1999. But that dream exploded in January 2021.

Around that time, England learned to her surprise that her name was not on the deed of the house she’d been living in. She had thought that had been arranged, and she contacted a legal aid lawyer, hoping to recover money she’d put into the property.

Without proof of ownership, the lawyer told her, she didn’t have a leg to stand on.

“My nest was the house. It’s gone. It was my investment. My peace of mind,” England told me.

England’s story is complicated. She and her partner ended their longtime romantic relationship in 2009 but continued living together as friends, she told me. That changed during the pandemic, when he stopped working and England’s work as a caterer and hospitality specialist abruptly ended.

“His personality changed a lot,” she said, and “I started encountering emotional abuse.”

Trying to cope, England enrolled in Medicaid and arranged for eight sessions with a therapist specializing in domestic abuse. Those ended in November 2021, and she hasn’t been able to find another therapist since. “If I wasn’t so worried about my housing situation, I think I could process and work through all the things that have happened,” she told me.

After moving out of her home early in 2021, England relocated to Ashburn, Virginia, where she rents an apartment for $1,511 a month. (She thought, wrongly, that she would qualify for assistance from Loudoun County.) With utilities and trash removal included, the monthly total exceeds $1,700.

On an income of about $2,000 a month, which she scrambles to maintain by picking up gig work whenever she can, England has less than $300 available for everything else. She has no savings. “I do not have a life. I don’t do anything other than try to find work, go to work, and go home,” she said.

England knows her housing costs are unsustainable, and she has put her name on more than a dozen waiting lists for affordable housing or public housing. But there’s little chance she’ll see progress on that front anytime soon.

“If I were a younger person, I think I would be able to rebound from all the difficulties I’m having,” she told me. “I just never foresaw myself being in this situation at the age I am now.”

ELAINE ROSS

“Please help! I just turned 65 and am disabled on disability. My husband is on Social Security and we cannot even afford to buy groceries. This is not what I had in mind for the golden years.”

When asked about her troubles, Ross, 65, talks about a tornado that swept through central Florida in 2007, destroying her home. Too late, she learned her insurance coverage wasn’t adequate and wouldn’t replace most of her belongings.

To make ends meet, Ross started working two jobs: as a hairdresser and customer service representative at a convenience store. With her new husband, Douglas Ross, a machinist, she purchased a new home. Recovery seemed possible.

Then, Elaine Ross fell twice over several years, breaking her leg, and ended up having three hip replacements. Trying to manage diabetes and beset by pain, Ross quit working in 2016 and applied for Social Security Disability Insurance, which now pays her $919 a month.

She doesn’t have a pension. Douglas stopped working in 2019, no longer able to handle the demands of his job because of a bad back. He, too, doesn’t have a pension. With Douglas’ Social Security payment of $1,051 a month, the couple live on just over $23,600 annually. Their meager savings evaporated with various emergency expenditures, and they sold their home.

Their rent in Empire, Alabama, where they now live, is $540 a month. Other regular expenses include $200 a month for their truck and gas, $340 for Medicare Part B premiums, $200 for electricity, $100 for medications, $70 for phone, and hundreds of dollars—Ross didn’t offer a precise estimate—for food.

“All this inflation, it’s just killing us,” she said. Nationally, the price of food consumed at home is expected to rise 10% to 11% this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To cut costs, Ross has been turning off her air conditioning during peak hours for electricity rates, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., despite summer temperatures in the 90s or higher. “I sweat like a bullet and try to wear the least amount of clothes possible,” she said.

“It’s awful,” she continued. “I know I’m not the only old person in this situation, but it pains me that I lived my whole life doing all the right things to be in the situation I’m in.”

Source: Kaiser Health Network. Read more at khn.org.

TRANSITIONS IN AGING

Coping with Grief: Life After Loss

Losing someone you love can change your world. You miss the person who has died and want them back. You may feel sad, alone, or even angry. You might have trouble concentrating or sleeping. If you were a busy caregiver, you might feel lost when you’re suddenly faced with lots of unscheduled time. These feelings are normal. There’s no right or wrong way to mourn. Scientists have been studying how we process grief and are learning more about healthy ways to cope with loss.

The death of a loved one can affect how you feel, how you act, and what you think. Together, these reactions are called grief. It’s a natural response to loss. Grieving doesn’t mean that you have to feel certain emotions. People can grieve in very different ways.

Cultural beliefs and traditions can influence how someone expresses grief and mourns. For example, in some cultures, grief is expressed quietly and privately. In others, it can be loud and out in the open. Culture also shapes how long family members are expected to grieve.

“People often believe they should feel a certain way,” says Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal, a psychologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “But such ‘shoulds’ can lead to feeling badly about feeling badly. It’s hugely important to give yourself permission to grieve and allow yourself to feel whatever you are feeling. People can be quite hard on themselves and critical of what they are feeling. Be compassionate and kind to yourself.”

ADAPTING TO LOSS

Experts say you should let yourself grieve in your own way and time. People have unique ways of expressing emotions.

For example, some might express their feelings by doing things rather than talking about them. They may feel better going on a walk or swimming, or by doing something creative like writing or painting. For others, it may be more helpful to talk with family and friends about the person who’s gone, or with a counselor.

“Though people don’t often associate them with grief, laughing and smiling are also healthy responses to loss and can be protective,” explains Dr. George Bonanno, who studies how people cope with loss and trauma at Columbia University. He has found that people who express flexibility in their emotions often cope well with loss and are healthier over time.

“It’s not about whether you should express or suppress emotion, but that you can do this when the situation calls for it,” he says. For instance, a person with emotional flexibility can show positive feelings, like joy, when sharing a happy memory of the person they lost and then switch to expressing sadness or anger when recalling more negative memories, like an argument with that person.

Grief is a process of letting go and learning to accept and live with loss. The amount of time it takes to do this varies with each person. “Usually people experience a strong acute grief reaction when someone dies and at the same time they begin the gradual process of adapting to the loss,” explains psychiatrist Dr. M. Katherine Shear at Columbia University. “To adapt

to a loss, a person needs to accept its finality and understand what it means to them. They also have to find a way to re-envision their life with possibilities for happiness and for honoring their enduring connection to the person who died.”

Researchers like Lichtenthal have found that finding meaning in life after loss can help you adapt.

Connecting to those things that are most important, including the relationship with the person who died, can help you coexist with the pain of grief.

TYPES OF GRIEF

About 10% of bereaved people experience complicated grief, a condition that makes it harder for some people to adapt to the loss of a loved one. People with this prolonged, intense grief tend to get caught up in certain kinds of thinking, says Shear, who studies complicated grief. They may think the death did not have to happen or happen in the way that it did. They also might judge their grief—questioning if it’s too little or too much—and focus on avoiding reminders of the loss.

“It can be discouraging to experience complicated grief, but it’s important not to be judgmental about your grief and not to let other people judge you,” Shear explains.

Shear and her research team created and tested a specialized therapy for complicated grief in three NIH-funded studies. The therapy aimed to help people identify the thoughts, feelings, and actions that can get in the way of adapting to loss.

They also focused on strengthening one’s natural process of adapting to loss. The studies showed 70% of people taking part in therapy reported improved symptoms. In comparison, only 30% of people who received the standard treatment for depression had improved symptoms.

You may begin to feel the loss of your loved one even before their death. This is called anticipatory grief. It’s common among people who are long-term caregivers. You might feel sad about the changes you are going through and the losses you are going to have. Some studies have found that when patients, doctors, and family members directly address the prospect of death before the loss happens, it helps survivors cope after the death.

LIFE BEYOND LOSS

NIH-funded scientists continue to study different aspects of the grieving process. They hope their findings will suggest new ways to help people cope with the loss of a loved one.

Although the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, many people make it through the grieving process with the support of family and friends. Take care of yourself, accept offers of help from those around you, and be sure to get counseling if you need it.

“We believe grief is a form of love and it needs to find a place in your life after you lose someone close,” Shear says. “If you are having trouble moving forward in your own life, you may need professional help. Please don’t lose hope. We have some good ways to help you.”

Source: National Institutes of Health. Read more at newsinhealth.nih.gov.

Coping With Loss

Take care of yourself. Try to exercise, eat healthy food, and get enough sleep. Avoid habits that put your health at risk, like drinking too much alcohol or smoking.

Talk with caring friends. Let others know if you need to talk.

Try not to make any major changes right away. It’s a good idea to wait for a while before making big decisions, like moving or changing jobs.

Join a grief support group in person or online. It might help to talk with others who are also grieving. Check with your local hospice, hospitals, religious communities, and government agencies to find a group in your area.

Consider professional support. Sometimes talking to a counselor can help.

Talk to your doctor. Be sure to let your health care provider know if you’re having trouble with everyday activities, like getting dressed, sleeping, or fixing meals.

Be patient with yourself. Mourning takes time. It’s common to feel a mix of emotions for a while.

SourcePoint provides wraparound services for you throughout your entire caregiving journey.

Our Caregiver Grief Group is a six-week course that addresses grief with readings from the renowned book “On Grief and Grieving” and related discussion.

Living Beyond Loss is a group that provides dynamic support for those dealing with loss and empowers members to steer the conversation. Rediscover yourself, regain a sense of identity, and build your support system. Learn

CAREGIVING

The Cycle of Care

How generational caregiving disproportionately impacts Black women

When I was born at just 24 weeks, weighing a mere 1 1/2 pounds, my mother was thrust into new roles as mother and caregiver. In addition to the startling rates of maternal mortality among Black people, Black babies are 50% more likely to be born prematurely than white babies. Not only would she learn to perfect the discontinuous diaper change, she quickly had to learn the delicate skill of changing a tracheotomy. Her unpaid maternity leave extended from a few short weeks to a few long months as she cared for her medically fragile newborn. The world she and my father had dreamed of since their days as high school sweethearts was turned upside down as they embarked on a brand-new care journey.

Throughout my mother’s life, she would continue to be my caregiver as I underwent more than 40 surgeries (and counting) and as my father recovered from rupturing both patella tendons, a Type-2 diabetes diagnosis, two strokes, and a heart attack. Although my father had always been active and relatively healthconscious, heredity, social determinants of health, and an unexpected accident put him on the receiving end of care in his mid-30s.

Dementia: A Devastating Diagnosis

In the middle of my father’s health crises, my mother began exhibiting symptoms of memory loss and behavior changes. Seven years after my father’s first stroke, and when I was 27, my mother was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia, the leading forming of dementia in adults younger than 60. Upon her diagnosis, I left my first full-time job out of undergrad and I became her full-time caregiver.

As I cared for my mother and, periodically, cared for my father, I continued encountering health challenges of my own, including being diagnosed as pre-diabetic. During my role as a caregiver, I found myself stress-eating less nutritious foods and exercising less frequently. It was clear to me, however, that I needed to make a significant change if I wanted to continue caring for my mother.

While I lost 80 pounds in three years, health issues stemming from my premature birth continued to disrupt my caregiving responsibilities. Unable to afford health insurance without an income, I have since developed additional health conditions due to caregiver stress, which for years have compounded existing unmonitored conditions.

Black Women Have Always Cared

Black women have a long and hard legacy of caring for others in the U.S., from forced care by way of the enslavement of African people to the poverty wages earned by paid care workers today. The care roles historically held by Black, Latina, and immigrant women like my paternal grandmother and maternal stepgrandmother do not end with the close of the workday. Many return home to care for older parents, disabled children, or other family and community members. We are often living and breathing care.

The Risk of Generational Poverty

The ubiquitousness of care in the Black community gives me pause. While some view caregiving as an act of reverence for one’s elders, the responsibilities of caregiving often lead to an inability to create generational wealth. With the savings of older adults drained by health care costs and many younger caregivers unable to save due to lost wages, paying out of pocket for care expenses, and health care for themselves, the cycle of caregiving might very well contribute to generational poverty.

According to the Center for Workforce Inclusion, “those caring for loved ones with dementia spend an average of $62,000 a year in out-of-pocket expenses, which is 81% higher than the average spending on patients without dementia.”

Personally, that means nearly the majority of my current annual salary. With mounting debt, unpaid student loans, and ongoing health care costs for myself and my parents—both of whom now live with different forms of dementia—I contemplate whether or not having a family of my own one day is wise. Though I love children and believe I would make an excellent mother someday, I fear that I will eventually saddle my children with the burden of unpaid caregiving in a society that continues to devalue caregiving and the lived experiences of Black people.

‘THOSE CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH DEMENTIA SPEND AN AVERAGE OF $62,000 A YEAR IN OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES,’ WHICH IS THE MAJORITY OF MY SALARY.

One Story, One Solution

My story is by no means unique. There are more than 53 million family caregivers in the U.S. Many of these caregivers are disabled or living with chronic conditions that may necessitate care in the future. Unfortunately, our care infrastructure is broken. Homeand community-based services are neither affordable, accessible, nor equitable, particularly for people of color. Increasing access to services like in-home care, respite, adult day centers, home modifications, and transportation, and mandating policies for paid leave and childcare, would allow more women of color to continue earning a living, while also ensuring their loved ones are well cared for and safe in their homes.

Once we decide as a nation that care across the ages, from birth to death, is a priority that must be well-funded and whose workers must be well paid, we will be one step closer to realizing the reality of a just, equitable, and fair society where everyone can live and age in their homes and communities with the dignity and respect they deserve. We must take swift legislative action to mandate access because time is running out and care can’t wait!

Source: Aisha Adkins, MPA, CNP, is an advocate, storyteller, care partner and thought leader. Originally published by American Society on Aging. Read more at generations.asaging.org.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

SourcePoint Welcomes New Board Members

SourcePoint announces the appointment of four new members to its board of directors. Joining the board of directors are William Brown, Ron Fantozzi, Anna Horstman, and Cheri Thompson.

William (Bill) Brown is a retired quality assurance executive who previously served on SourcePoint’s board of directors from 2015 through 2018. Prior to that, Brown served on the board of Senior Citizens Inc. from 2011 through 2014. He brings extensive knowledge of the history of the nonprofit organization, as well as Delaware County’s aging population. A Delaware resident, Brown has volunteered for several years as a special projects committee member at the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, as well as a fitness center attendant and golf league coordinator at SourcePoint.

Ron Fantozzi, a Columbus resident, recently retired from Trane Technologies and has extensive volunteer experience. For over 30 years, he has volunteered at local organizations, including the Jaycees, Kenton High School, SourcePoint, and the Special Olympics. Fantozzi also serves on the board of directors for his Homeowners

Association and was a trustee of the Alum Creek Sailing Association for three years.

Anna (Annie) Horstman is a physician who moved to Delaware County from Putnam County upon retirement. In Putnam County, she served on the health board and library board. Since moving to Delaware, Horstman has been an active participant in SourcePoint’s community programs. From 2020 through 2022, she served on the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.

Cheri Thompson recently retired from her position as executive director of global technology from JPMorgan Chase. She has extensive volunteer experience with organizations like the Foster Care

Ministry, Friends of the Delaware County District Library, and Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure Survivor Tribute. Thompson, a Delaware resident, is an active participant in SourcePoint’s community programs.

SourcePoint’s board of directors is responsible for establishing the mission and ensuring that the organization continues to fulfill that mission with legal and ethical integrity. The board determines the strategic direction and provides financial oversight of the nonprofit organization. The board employs a chief executive officer to supervise staff, implement policy, and oversee day-to-day operations.

Pictured, left to right: Bill Brown, Ron Fantozzi, Annie Horstman, and Cheri Thompson.

FROM THE SOURCE

The latest news, programs, and resources available at SourcePoint.

Community Program Schedule

Winter Quarter: Jan. 2‒April 1

Close at 4 p.m. Jan. 13; Close at 2 p.m. March 10; Closed Jan. 2, Jan. 14, and Jan. 16.

Spring Quarter: April 3‒July 1

Registration opens March 20. Close at 4 p.m. May 26; Close at 2 p.m. June 9; Closed May 27 and 29.

Summer Quarter: July 3‒Sept. 30

Registration opens June 19. Close at 4 p.m. July 3 and Sept. 1; Closed July 4, Aug. 18, Sept. 2, and Sept. 4.

Fall Quarter: Oct. 2‒Dec. 30

Registration opens Sept. 18. Close at 4 p.m. Nov. 22, Dec. 22, and Dec. 29; Close at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 and Nov. 17; Closed Nov. 23-25, Dec. 23, Dec. 25, and Dec. 30.

Dates are subject to change. Find the most up-to-date information at MySourcePoint.org.

Scholarships Available

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

SourcePoint wants every Delaware County resident 55 and better to be active and engaged in our community. Financial barriers should not stand in the way.

That’s why SourcePoint has scholarships available for those with modest incomes. Those who are interested in obtaining a scholarship to lessen the financial burden of program fees can fill out an application at MySourcePoint.org/scholarship or in person with the customer service supervisor.

2023 Special Events

We’re excited about the year ahead! 2023 special events at SourcePoint include:

• Thursday, March 23: Swing into Spring Italian Dinner.

• Saturday, April 29: Retirement Ready Drive-Thru.

• Saturday, June 3: Health & Wellness Expo. (Now in the spring!)

• Thursday, June 22: Community Music Festival.

• Wednesday, July 19: Community Music Festival.

• Thursday, Aug. 24: Community Music Festival.

• Thursday, Sept. 14: Fall Fundraiser.

• Tuesday, Sept. 19: Senior Day at the Delaware County Fair.

• Thursday, Oct. 12: Oktoberfest Dinner.

• Saturday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Breakfast at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

As we approach event dates, more information will be available at MySourcePoint.org/events and at SourcePoint.

Day Trips & More!

Trips offer experiences to learn, grow, renew, be inspired, make new friends, and so much more. Leave the planning, driving, and parking to us, and say yes to new adventures!

Solo travelers and friends and family age 21+ are welcome, and tripgoers using mobility devices are accommodated Coming up this winter:

• Jay Leno Friday, Feb. 3, 6:30‒11 p.m. $90 for ComPASS holders; $110 for others.

• Ohio History Center Thursday, Feb. 16, 9:15 a.m.‒3 p.m. $50 for ComPASS holders; $70 for others.

SourcePoint also partners with travel agencies to plan and promote trips near and far. Tripgoers have a spectrum of travel destinations and trip lengths from which to choose.

Go to MySourcePoint.org/EC or contact Mary Ann Evans at 740-203-2406 to learn more and register.

You, Too, Can March for Meals on Wheels!

Across the country, Meals on Wheels programs have come together each March since 2002 to celebrate the communitywide collaboration that ensures older adults can live healthy, happy, and independent lives at home, where they want to be.

SourcePoint has provided Meals on Wheels to Delaware County older adults since 1998. As of October, SourcePoint had already served over 226,000 meals, a 19% growth over the previous year.

Our program provides vital nutrition, with meals tailored to meet medical needs and preferences.

Did you know clients select from multiple menus that offer hot, cold, low-sodium, carb-controlled, and vegetarian options?

Recipes are handcrafted in SourcePoint’s production kitchen, resulting in healthy, delicious meals like strawberry salmon salad, root-beer braised pork, and vegetable teriyaki over brown rice. (Classic recipes like meatloaf remain a favorite!)

In addition to addressing senior hunger, SourcePoint provides a valuable human connection with those who may live alone or otherwise be isolated. From a friendly “hello” and safety check to a volunteer singing “Happy Birthday!” to a client, the fact that SourcePoint delivers more than just a meal is the most beautiful and irreplaceable aspect of the program.

To ensure our nutritious meals and vital safety checks continue as Delaware County’s older population increases in coming years, we rely on donations to bolster our funding.

We need your help to support SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels:

• Feed one neighbor for a year with $3,500.

• Feed one neighbor for a month with $275.

• Feed one neighbor for a week with $65.

You can make a gift today at MySourcePoint.org/give. The support of community members like you ensures no older adult in need is turned away. We are proud to serve our Delaware County community!

NUTRITION Making Sense of Nutrition Advice

Nutrition can be especially confusing for older adults, but these days nutrition is confusing for everyone. Every month a new study comes out that revises our understanding of what, and how much, we should eat. And even when experts agree on nutrition advice, it can be next to impossible to understand how to apply that advice to ourselves.

The confusion isn’t just about what seniors eat: it’s also about what they don’t. Because aging affects all systems in the body, older adults frequently have additional challenges to face when it comes to eating properly. Illness, disability, and isolation can prevent seniors from getting the food they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and even some of the more common effects of aging, such as the loss of taste and smell and the loss of appetite, can make seniors less interested in taking in calories and nutrients.

Unfortunately, nutrition is just as important for seniors as it is for younger people: undernourished seniors can have problems fighting infection, experience cognitive issues, and suffer from the sort of muscle weakness that can put them at risk for catastrophic falls.

Fortunately there are ways to address all these issues. Armed with strategies and a full understanding of how standard nutrition advice can be modified to suit seniors’ unique needs, there’s no reason why age should prevent an otherwise healthy adult from getting the nutrition they need—or, if they’re fighting illness or injury, getting the nutrition they need to heal.

SENIOR NUTRITION: THE BIG CHALLENGES

Still, there’s no escaping the fact that age can make it harder for some people to eat and drink as much as they should. And as a result, malnourishment can be a significant issue among the elderly, exacerbating problems and dangers that are already present. For example, a 1995 study found that 43% of senior patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit were malnourished.

Where do these challenges come from?

Here’s a quick look at some of the issues that can prevent seniors from getting all the food they need.

Social Factors

In this article we’ll be focusing mostly on the problems that individual seniors can face, but if you’re an older adult, or have one in your life, it’s important to keep some broader concerns in mind. For example, many older adults find themselves less interested in eating because they live alone—an effect that can be especially profound for people who have recently lost loved ones.

Many seniors also have problems keeping up their nutrition because, living on a fixed income, they have trouble affording food. In fact, a survey conducted by the AARP Foundation of people 50 and older found that many—even many whose income was double the federal poverty line—had found themselves needing to cut down on what they’d spent on food in the previous year. If you’re an older adult wrestling with either of these issues, you

might find it hard to admit that you’re having problems.

Still, understand that a lack of interest in mealtimes can lead to health issues, just as they will for younger people. If you have a senior in your life, be sure to check in: ask specifically if they’re skipping meals out of loneliness or cutting down on their food budget. There are services that can help provide companionship, even if you can’t, and of course there are services like food pantries and Meals on Wheels that exist primarily in order to help seniors in need.

Lack of Appetite

Now to consider physical barriers to good nutrition. The first sounds simple: lack of appetite. To a certain extent, the loss of appetite among seniors is understandable, and possibly benign: aging tends to cause loss of muscle mass; the loss of muscle mass means seniors need fewer calories, and this naturally causes older people to be less hungry. The problem, however, is that it’s difficult to maintain healthy levels of vital nutrients—vitamins, minerals, and essentials like protein—as your intake of all foods decline.

Other factors in loss of appetite are less benign, however. As we get older, we start producing less of the hormones that trigger hunger in our bodies, meaning that we can even start to get fewer calories than we need to maintain ordinary activities. Older people are also likely to be taking medications that suppress appetite or even cause nausea. What’s more, GI issues and other infirmities can also cause seniors to lose their appetite.

Loss of Sense of Smell and Taste

Another related effect of aging is our tendency to lose our senses of smell and taste. Younger people don’t have to wait until they get to the table to appreciate the smell of cooking food: older people, however, may not appreciate aromas, and even when they’re eating, they may not enjoy the taste or smell of their food as much as they used to. Unfortunately, too, some medications can dull the sense of taste, and so again they may contribute to a disinterest in food.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Quite apart from GI illnesses or the side effects of illnesses elsewhere in the body, our GI system tends to run into problems simply because we’re getting older. As we age, our intestines become less efficient at absorbing nutrients. Digestion slows, too, and as our stomachs take longer to empty, they cause problems like reflux and heartburn, and can make gas issues more likely. What’s more, as appetite decreases for other reasons, so does our intake of the fiber essential for good gut health, leading to a vicious cycle in which poor nutrition leads to digestive issues that then lead to poor nutrition.

Related to gut problems are problems elsewhere in our GI system, particularly with chewing. As we get older, we lose muscle mass everywhere, even in our jaws, and this can make both chewing and swallowing more difficult. What’s more, age can lead to dental issues, and this, too, can interfere with older adults’ ability to chew—and, by extension, cause problems in their digestive system.

Disabilities and Mental Health

More than 38% of people over 65 had at least one disability as of the last census, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And physical disabilities can take a toll on nutrition: They can prevent seniors from being able to shop for food or prepare their own meals, and can, in some cases, even prevent them from feeding themselves. And cognitive issues like dementia can also get in the way of seniors’ ability to make their own meals, even when other functions aren’t affected. Finally, many older adults struggle with depression, and depression often leads to a lack of appetite.

BASIC NUTRITION STRATEGIES

With all these hurdles in the way of good nutrition, what can seniors—and the people who care for them—do?

The short answer, though it involves a lot of details that we’ll get to later, is simply

to get in the habit of eating regular, nutritious meals. But there are some things to stay mindful of even if you’re fully on board with more healthy eating.

What About Supplements?

Remember one of the fundamental issues in senior nutrition: that even when a lack of appetite comes from needing fewer calories, taking in less food can prevent seniors from getting the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that they still need—and may need more of now that they’re older. In such a situation, many doctors will recommend that seniors take dietary supplements. These supplements don’t have to come in pill form either: liquid meal replacements like Ensure can also help older adults get the nutrients they need—and also provide some badly-needed calories.

Learn more about Big Walnut area history:

• Serve as a docent at the Myers Inn

• Work at special events

• Research exhibits

• And lots of other ways! Contact us at BigWalnutHistory.org or 740-965-3582 On-the-Square in Sunbury

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It should be noted, however, that not all researchers agree on the importance of supplements. A 2014 review by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, for example, recommended against daily multivitamins for adults who had no serious health problems. And even seniors may be able to avoid using supplements as long as they’re continuing to eat healthy, so you might be better off spending your money on food. Finally, it’s important to note another caveat about supplements: they are also implicated in choking incidents among seniors.

But that’s the cost-benefit analysis for otherwise healthy people. For those having problems getting nutrition from the food they eat, taking supplements can be a useful, and healthful, strategy.

See NUTRITION on page 18.

Volunteer with Big Walnut Historical Society

From page 17

NutritionAnd there are particular supplements that older adults may need more than younger people.

Since seniors are less likely to get sun exposure, they may need help getting vitamin D, for example, even though vitamin D is known to help with chronic pain and help prevent heart disease.

Senior digestive systems also have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12, and so supplements might be necessary, especially since a deficiency in B12 is linked to dementia.

Many older women supplement with calcium, since loss of bone mass is known to be a problem faced by women, but men, too, have to deal with this issue, especially as they get older.

Finally, while the body has no trouble absorbing Omega-3 fatty acids, your brain cells, the chief beneficiary of Omega-3 in your body, tend to have a hard time taking on this essential nutrient as you get older. As a result, the amounts you take in in food might not be enough to support this nutrient’s benefits for mood and memory. For that reason, an Omega-3 supplement may be essential.

There’s one last nutrient that you may want to supplement for: protein. It’s such an obvious need that you may not think about it as a nutrient, but it’s essential to maintain muscle mass, which in turn helps with a variety of important functions from simple activity to immune system strength. And if appetite is reducing the intake of food, there’s a good chance that a senior won’t be getting enough protein.

Mixing protein powders into shakes or using meal replacement drinks will help you stay healthy.

Hydration

One secret weapon in keeping older adults well-nourished is easily accessed, fairly palatable, and mostly free. And that’s water. The problem is, however, that, once again, age interferes with our body’s ability to get as much water as it needs. For one thing, older bodies retain less water than younger bodies do, sometimes as much as 5-10% less. To make things worse, older people are less likely to feel thirsty, even when they’re on the verge of being dehydrated. What’s more, drinking water can lead to some unpleasant effects: a single glass can make a senior feel full, cause bloating or gas, and can cause significant problems for those dealing with incontinence.

Despite all these issues, good hydration is essential. After all, being dehydrated can cause serious problems in its own right. For example, dehydration may make people as much as twice as likely to die from a stroke. Not having enough water can also cause unpleasant health issues, such as headaches, fever-like symptoms, dizziness, and a lack of energy—as well as problems with memory and focus. Finally, dehydration can lead to a loss of appetite and other unpleasant GI problems like heartburn and constipation.

The good news, however, is that staying hydrated doesn’t necessarily mean constantly refilling your water glass. Not everyone needs the proverbial “eight glasses of water” anyway, and people can maintain hydration using beverages they enjoy, including fruit juices, coffee, and tea. What’s more, juices, milk, soft drinks,

and other beverages may also contain calories, enabling a senior to meet two nutrition needs at a time.

Rethinking Diet

Again, just eating a variety of appetizing foods is often enough for seniors to get enough nutrition. But given the challenges some face, it can help enormously to take a different approach to meals and to food in general. That’s because much of the standard advice about what’s healthy and preferable in terms of the food you eat doesn’t apply as much when you’re not eating enough. Here are some ways to think about food that may make it easier to get the nutrition you need as a senior:

IS A WEIGH-REDUCTION MINDSET STILL APPROPRIATE?

As we get older, it’s always possible that the effects of our diet over the course our lives could catch up with us. And it’s also true that addressing some of the biggest diet risks—excess salt and fat in the diet, for example—can still have beneficial effects. By the same token, studies suggest that getting in a couple more servings of fruits and vegetables every day can cut problems related to cardiovascular disease by almost a third.

But for those who just aren’t getting enough to eat, such considerations really should be laid aside. Your body needs calories in order to perform basic functions, and if “healthy” foods aren’t appetizing enough for you to get those calories, don’t be afraid to eat cookies, or some other favorite food, in order to boost your intake. Especially as seniors progress through their 70s and 80s, favorite foods can be a source of joy and satisfaction, as well as essential nutrients.

Don’t be afraid of prepared food:

In a similar vein, for seniors who are having difficulty preparing their own meals, having pre-prepared food available can make it much easier to

find nourishment. Since seniors take in less food in general, it’s better to have nutrient rich foods like fruits and vegetables making up significant parts of the diet, but again, if getting enough calories is a problem, don’t be afraid to rely on microwaved meals and other items from the pantry and freezer. In fact, preprepared frozen fruits and vegetables can be a great source of vitamins and fiber.

Have more meal times:

One easy way to address a lack of appetite and the slowing of the digestive system is to have more, and smaller meals. This can be as simple as making it easier to snack during the day by leaving healthy snacks in easy reach, but it can also mean planning for second breakfasts and lunches.

Spice up your foods:

As mentioned previously, we tend to lose our senses of taste and smell as we get older. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution to this problem: spicing up your meals. If possible, avoid using salt to give your food more flavor, but add more herbs or other spices to your favorite foods, and feel free to exceed the recommended spice levels in your favorite recipes. Finally, food can become more appetizing if it’s attractive to look at, so it can help to add bright, fresh fruits and vegetables to your plate and to individual dishes.

WHAT TO EAT? AND HOW MUCH?

Even if you do find ways of increasing your intake of food, there remains the question of what you should eat. This is obviously a subject of a lot of controversy: every day a new study urges us to eat particular foods, abandon others, and–often–to ignore previously published advice. Even the general nutrition guidelines have changed dramatically over the years, with the government and other researchers releasing new models of how to eat every decade or so.

Pyramid or Plate?

Early attempts by the government to give nutritional guidelines might seem fairly primitive to us now. From promoting the four basic food groups to laying out food recommendations on a “food wheel,” the government’s attempts to clarify what people needed in terms of nutrition could only be as good as the medical research that backed it up.

Then, in 1992, in response to advances in nutrition research, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a model of nutrition called the “Food Pyramid.” This familiar figure was laid out in six sections, each covering a particular type of food, with the size of each section indicating how much you needed of that type of food every day. The Food Pyramid advice ran along these lines:

• Cereals and grains: 6-11 servings/day

• Fruits: 3-4 servings

• Vegetables: 3-4 servings

• Meat and other non-dairy protein: 2-3 servings

• Dairy products: 2-3 servings

• Fats, oils, and sweets: for these, the pyramid’s advice was to use sparingly

The pyramid was, at times, the subject of controversy: many felt that it placed too heavy an emphasis on grains, and many also suggested that the grain and dairy sections were put into the pyramid— and given such prominence—out of deference to America’s grain and dairy industries. In 2005, partly in response to these criticisms, and also in response to continuing research, the USDA revised their guidelines. They replaced the horizontal sections of the food pyramid with vertical wedges in a figure they called “MyPyramid.” This new pyramid gave less

emphasis to grains, dairy, and fruit, and gave vegetables more relative weight in the ideal diet.

My Plate

Our understanding of our nutrition needs didn’t stop in 2005, however, and in 2011, the USDA changed its approach, got rid of the pyramid, and switched to a new diagram in the shape of a plate. Still, the MyPlate framework goes in the same general direction: fruits and vegetables take up about half of an ideal “plate”— that is, half of a recommended meal or daily diet—with protein and grains taking up the other half, and with dairy relegated to a side dish. Again, this completes a trend that has been obvious since the first pyramid, emphasizing fruits and vegetables and de-emphasizing other elements of our diets.

So What is a Serving, Anyway?

Now that we have this new, improved model of how we should eat, what does it mean? In general terms, MyPlate—and the science behind it—recommends that each meal should include roughly equal servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein. But then the question is: what is a serving? Fortunately, most prepared or packaged foods these days have information on them about “serving size,” and this can be used as a guide. But for those who are making their own dishes, or relying, as per advice, on fresh fruits and vegetables, figuring out a serving can be a challenge. Here are some ways to think about it that might make it easier.

Vegetables

In the MyPlate system, vegetables make up the biggest portion of an ideal meal. See SERVING on page 20.

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Serving

From page 19

So what counts as a vegetable? Basically, any part of a plant (in particular, the stem, root, or flower) that humans can eat that comes out savory rather than sweet after cooking. Overall, vegetables—especially “superfoods” like broccoli and spinach— contain far greater concentrations of vitamins and other essential nutrients than any other kind of food, and that’s one of the main reasons why they take up so much of a plate. But how much is that, really? A standard serving of vegetables is about 3 ounces, and here’s what that could look like:

• A single tomato (sliced or sectioned)

• Half a cup of corn or other fresh, small vegetable, including peas

• A full cup of leafy vegetables like fresh spinach, arrugala, or endive (lettuce— which is relatively low in nutrients— doesn’t count)

• Half of a medium sweet potato or potato, or other starchy vegetables like turnips

• Half a cup cooked (as opposed to dried) beans or lentils

• Half a cup of cooked cruciferous vegetables (think broccoli and cauliflower), squash, root vegetables (think carrots), or spinach

Grains

In the MyPlate guidelines, grains make up the second-largest portion. Ideally, the grains you eat should be as unrefined as possible in order to provide you with fiber, as well as complex carbohydrates. Note, too, that while the term “grains” may make you think of wheat fields, this category also includes things like couscous, quinoa, rice, oatmeal, pasta, and cornmeal. So what does a serving of grains look like?

• Half a cup of cooked grains like rice or pasta

• Half a cup of cooked oatmeal

• Two-thirds of a cup of breakfast cereals like cornflakes

• A quarter cup of heavier cereals, such as granola or muesli

• A single slice of bread or half a roll

Note: For a lot of people, this may seem like a surprisingly small amount of grains. The key thing to remember, though, is that, especially for seniors, these guidelines can be thought of as minimums, and as suggestions about the ideal proportions for each of these different types of food in your diet.

Fruits

Fruit makes up the next largest portion of the MyPlate guidelines. In contrast to vegetables, fruits are supposed to be sweet: they’re usually the seed-bearing part of the plant. In addition to providing essential calories, fruits are low in fat, are even better at supplying you with beneficial fiber than grains, and are a source of essential nutrients. So what does a serving of fruit look like?

• A single large fruit, such as an apple, banana, peach, orange, or pear

• Two smaller fruits, like plums, apricots, clementines or mandarin oranges, or kiwi fruits

• A half cup of preserved fruit like fruit cocktail, frozen fruits like blueberries, diced fruits like strawberries, or the smallest types of fruit like fresh berries and grapes

Meat and Other Proteins

While meat makes up the smallest portion of the MyPlate guidelines (apart from dairy and fats), that doesn’t mean it’s unimportant. In fact, it’s a testament to how concentrated meats and legumes are in terms of nutrition. In addition to supplying vital protein, meat provides important minerals like iron and zinc, and important vitamins like B12. In addition to well-known sources of protein, such as beef, chicken, pork, fish, and eggs, you can get protein from sources like beans, nuts, tofu, and some dairy products, but

fortunately or unfortunately, meat is the most concentrated source of protein commonly available. In terms of portion size, the standard advice to eat a serving of meat that’s about the size of a deck of cards still applies—and it applies to all types of meat, including fish, poultry, pork, and beef. For other types of protein, here are some guidelines for serving size:

• Six ounces (just under a cup) of tofu

• Two large eggs

• One ounce (a handful) of seeds and nuts, and a tablespoon of peanut or other nut butters

• A full cup of cooked beans, chickpeas, lentils, or split peas

Dairy, Oils, and Sweets

Apart from dairy products like cheese that can supplement your protein intake, dairy products would, ideally, make up a fairly small portion of your diet, as would fats such as butter, margarine, and oil (and heavily sugared desserts). But for seniors, that just means that it’s best not to rely on them for calories, not that you should eliminate them completely. In fact, milk products can be a good way to get the calcium your body needs, and oils can provide you with other nutrients.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION

As we get older, we confront natural challenges to getting enough to eat. And given all the stigma that our society attaches to overeating, it’s easy to ignore the problems that undereating could cause. But they are many, from a lack of energy, to problems with emotions and cognition, to more severe issues like organ failure and the diseases of malnutrition. No matter how old we get, our bodies still need fuel to work effectively.

Just as breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a healthy and adequate diet is the first condition for having a joyful later life.

Source: Aging.com.

NUTRITION Turkey, Craisin, and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

This recipe makes four servings.

2 acorn squash

12 ounces ground turkey

1 yellow onion

4 celery stalks

¼ cup of dried cranberries

2/3 cup of chopped apples, fresh, frozen or canned

1 tablespoon thyme, minced

2 tablespoon fine breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons parmesan

1 tablespoon low-sodium chicken base

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon of cooking oil

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.

2. Wash the squash. Remove the stem and keep the skin on.

3. Place stem-side down on a flat surface and cut the squash down the middle, vertically.

4. Scoop out the seeds and discard.

5. Spray the sections with oil.

6. Place the squash in the oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, until fork tender OR partially steam then finish in oven, so they do not get too brown.

7. In the meantime, heat a pan on the stove on medium-high heat.

8. Add the oil, onions, thyme, and garlic.

9. Cook until onions are tender.

10. Add the turkey and cook until turkey is fully cooked.

11. Add apples, celery, and cranberries and cook for 3-4 minutes.

12. Add low-sodium chicken base.

13. Stir in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

14. Taste filling and adjust seasonings as desired.

15. Fill the squash with the stuffing. Garnish with parsley to add a little extra color.

Notes: If it looks dry, add some apple cider. Feel free to replace the turkey with sausage if desired. Suggested side to serve with the stuffed acorn squash: roasted root vegetables.

To make vegetarian, remove meat from recipe and use apple cider in place of chicken base to moisten.

French Quiche with Bacon and Onions

This recipe makes six servings.

1 pie shell

5 large eggs

1 cup chopped bacon

½ yellow onion

1 tablespoon thyme, minced

1 cup shredded gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Partially cook pie shell, about 8 minutes.

3. Let cool.

4. Lower oven temperature to 325 F, or lower fan to 350 F if using a nonconvection oven.

5. Saute bacon and onions. When nearly done add thyme, salt, and pepper.

6. Let cool.

7. Put bacon and onions in pie shell, then fill with egg.

8. Top with cheese.

9. Bake in oven until done, about 45 minutes.

10. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting.

11. Cut pie into six pieces.

12. Serve warm.

Notes: Feel free to switch out the meat with any other desired meat. Suggested sides to serve with the quiche: a muffin, salad of any kind, stewed tomatoes, or fresh fruit.

To make vegetarian, swap out bacon with 1 cup small-cut broccoli, spinach, or your favorite mushrooms! If using spinach, make sure to drain excess liquid once cooked.

Enjoy these nutritious meals and more at SourcePoint!

Cafe 55 is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For Delaware County residents 55+, lunch is available on a donation basis. (Suggested donation of $5.)

Those under 55 may purchase lunch for $8.

CAREGIVING

Six Essential Terms Every Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Needs to Know

Caregiving for someone with dementia can be overwhelming, especially for first-time caregivers. These caregivers not only experience the emotional impact that occurs when a close family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, but also face a steep learning curve in their new role as caregiver. One of the most important things a dementia caregiver can do is to educate themselves about the disease and the care and support resources available to help.

As we start a new year, the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter is highlighting six essential terms that are important for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers to know.

1. Person-centered care – Most often associated with professional caregivers in long-term care settings, personcentered care offers important guidance for family caregivers, as well. It requires understanding the world from the perspective of the individual living with dementia. It encourages caregivers to consider a person’s interests, abilities, history, and personality to inform interactions and care decisions.

2. Dementia-related behaviors – The term is used to describe wide-ranging behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. While most people associate Alzheimer’s and dementia with memory loss due to changes in the brain, there are several other challenging behaviors that can accompany an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, including aggression, anger, anxiety, agitation, and depression, along with many others. The Alzheimer’s Association offer strategies to help caregivers address these and other diseaserelated behaviors.

3. Caregiver burnout – Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia can be exhausting— mentally, physically, and emotionally. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2022 Disease Facts and Figures report, Alzheimer’s caregivers report experiencing higher levels of stress than non-dementia caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a caregiver stress check to help caregivers identify and avoid caregiver burnout.

Respite care – Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person living with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Respite services can be provided at home—by a friend, other family member, volunteer, or paid service—or in a care setting, such as adult day care or longterm care community.

5. Care consultations – A care consultation can help family members work through tough decisions, anticipate future challenges, and develop an effective care plan. Hannah Adams, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter, offers free care consultations at SourcePoint on a regular basis. She can also provide support via phone or video chat. During these consultations, Hannah works with families to discuss wide-ranging, disease-related issues, including disease progression, care and living options, and referrals to local support services. To schedule a care consultation, call Hannah at 614-643-2137 or email hladams@alz.org.

5. Treatment pipeline – Currently, there are more than 100 disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatments in clinical trials —researchers often refer to this as the treatment pipeline. Earlier this fall, positive topline results from phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease were announced. These are the most encouraging results in clinical trials treating the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s to date. Caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer or another dementia can play an active role in helping advance potential new treatments by enrolling in a clinical trial.

“Education is key when it comes to understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Hannah. “These six essential terms can empower our family caregivers with the knowledge and resources to support them through their journey caring for a loved one living with the disease.”

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia and find local support services and resources, visit alz.org/centralohio.

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

We love our volunteers! Join the winning team that makes our community the best place to thrive after 55.

SourcePoint’s volunteer orientation includes a presentation, tour, and the chance to sign up for various areas, from meal delivery to cafe host; medical transportation to home chores; fitness monitor to activity leader!

FUN & GAMES

Sudoku

See Sudoku Solutions on page 27.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

SourcePoint Awards Community Grants

SourcePoint’s board of directors approved $423,266 in grant funding for 18 aging services programs in Delaware County. Each year, SourcePoint awards funding to local nonprofit and government organizations to broaden the support available to the community’s older adults. Funding existing programs is a costeffective, efficient way to address the various needs of the older population.

As Delaware County’s most comprehensive aging services provider, SourcePoint’s communitygrants foster a collaborative system of care for local seniors and family caregivers.

Each year, a committee made up of SourcePoint board, staff, and community members reviews grant applications and selects organizations that fill gaps in the community, providing needed services to older adults. Those awarded grants for 2023 include the following:

The Alzheimer’s Association: $47,000 to provide supportive services to individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Cancer Support Community: $6,800 for community-based educational programs for those living with cancer and their families.

Catholic Social Services: $24,000 for the Senior Companion Program, which prevents social isolation among homebound older adults.

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging: $10,000 for the Volunteer Guardian Program, which advocates for the rights

of older adults who are unable to do so themselves.

Central Ohio Symphony: $2,200 for transportation for older adults with mobility issues to and from symphony concerts on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus.

Common Ground Free Store: $14,300 to support a portion of operating expenses for the agency providing food, clothing, and household items to low-income older adults.

Ohio Wesleyan University’s Lifelong Learning Institute

and high school students.

Humane Society of Delaware County: $10,000 for the Pet Care Assistance Program, which provides vaccines, medication, surgeries, and grooming for up to 100 animals residing in 50 older-adult households.

Lutheran Social Services: $21,000 to support operations and food costs for older adults at the local food bank.

Delaware Speech and Hearing Center: $84,216 to expand and enhance hearing and speech health services to older adults and their caregivers.

Grace Clinic: $31,000 to expand hours of operation to increase accessibility of lowcost health care and services to rural areas of the county and $10,000 to provide dentures to low-income older adults.

HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties: $49,500 for continued support of the Connections Volunteer Program; $41,250 to support management and oversight of volunteer matches and client referrals for the Senior Companion Program; and $5,000 to expand Sages & Seekers, an evidence-based, intergenerational program that brings together older adults

National Alliance on Mental Illness Delaware and Morrow Counties: $25,000 to support recovery and educational programming for older individuals with mental illness and their families.

OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital: $26,000 for the Driver Rehabilitation for Instruction and Vehicle Education (DRIVE) program intended to improve older driver safety.

Ohio Wesleyan University Lifelong Learning Institute: $8,500 to improve access to the Lifelong Learning Institute’s adult educational programming.

VOICEcorps Reading Service: $7,500 to increase access to and awareness of print news and information through an audio format for those with visual impairments.

HelpLine’s Sages & Seekers Program

GIVING The Many Ways to Give Back

Charitable giving is often driven by a desire to help others, support an interest, or simply make our community a better place. Delaware County’s nonprofit organizations have been fortunate to benefit from the generosity of our community members.

While people don’t give to nonprofits solely because of tax benefits, tax laws continue to provide benefits to those making such gifts. It’s truly a win-win.

Gifts of cash are convenient and easy to make, and individuals can receive benefits for charitable gifts of cash. Cash gifts can be made in the form of check, credit card, or by electronic transfer. Be sure to save all receipts.

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a convenient way to make a gift each year. A DAF is a charitable giving vehicle established through a public charity that allows you to donate and claim a tax deduction in one year, then distribute the funds to various charities over time. So you can use a DAF to facilitate future gifts, as well.

Retirement plans can be a source now— and later. Many participate in one or more retirement plans, such as a 401(k), 403(b), or individual retirement account (IRA). For those 701/2 or older, you can make qualified charitable distributions from your IRA. Even better: The transfer counts toward your required minimum distribution for the year.

If you would like to make a meaningful gift in the future, you can name a charitable organization a beneficiary of all or part of a retirement plan. In many cases, you can also name a charity a beneficiary of an insurance policy or of brokerage or financial accounts. You may also wish to

consider arranging charitable gifts through your will, living trust, or estate plans, after taking care of your loved ones.

Noncash gifts are a good option to consider, as well. Gifts of stock and other publicly traded securities, such as mutual funds, are appealing, as they can reduce what you may owe for both income and capital gains tax purposes.

You can also donate gifts-in-kind, from something as small as a bag of pet food to something as large as a vehicle! Donating your car, truck, or other vehicle to SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels program is easy and impactful through Meals on Wheels America’s partnership with CARS.

There are also ways to give while doing everyday tasks—many organizations, including SourcePoint, utilize third-party fundraising solutions. AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of each eligible purchase to the nonprofit organization of your choice. You essentially give a little each time you shop online!

Kroger Community Rewards offers similar benefits. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your shopper’s card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your card.

Your gifts, whether large or small, help organizations like SourcePoint carry out our mission every day, all year long. We are grateful for your support. If we can be of assistance with the charitable aspects of your plans, please contact us.

Alison Yeager is the director of communications and development at SourcePoint, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency recipient. To learn more about giving opportunities, call 740-3636677, email give@MySourcePoint.org, or go to MySourcePoint.org/give.

CREATIVE WRITING

How Did I Get So Old?

Life feels like a roller coaster, the climb up is slow and pleasant, then, wow! All of a sudden you are flying down the other side!

Today is my husband, Clint’s, 81st birthday. Yes, he was actually born on Halloween, 81 years ago. I will join him in the 81-year-old class in a few weeks.

How did this happen? How did we both get so old, so quickly? I honestly don’t know. On the day we were married, we were healthy and middle-aged. (Well, a bit past middle-aged, to be honest.) But we certainly didn’t think we’d soon be so old.

The next thing we knew, we were in our 80s! There are some clues, I guess. Most of our friends are now old; our children are talking about retiring soon; and our grandchildren are starting to have children! We are no longer invited on ski and hiking trips, but have more family birthdays we are expected to remember.

Our aches and pains are more frequent, but with the help of a few good physicians (whose names I can’t recall) and a handful of prescription pills each day, we get along pretty well.

We no longer cook dinners for our friends, we just invite them to go out to eat with us. And while we eat, we compare our ailments. It sometimes takes hours at the restaurant!

After coffee, the first thing we do each day is check the calendar to see if we have anything scheduled for the day. A blank square on the calendar always brings a sigh of relief. No place to be, nothing to do. Those are the best kind of days for us.

I have to make a list each day though, so I don’t forget the important stuff like getting dressed and taking our pills, at least before noon. Our aging minds just don’t function as well as when we were younger.

We love seeing or hearing from our children and grandchildren, and grumble when that doesn’t happen often enough.

We read the obituaries and note the number of people who have died in their 60s and 70s. We are glad to have made it through those decades, with pretty good health, but wonder if we will make it through our 80s. The odds are against us.

In our younger years, we enjoyed a large garden each summer. Now we only raise blackberries and a few tomato plants on our two acres. We recently bought a couple of raised bed planters for the back porch so as to garden without bending over.

We continue to make accommodations for our age. We’ve removed a bathtub and replaced it with a walk-in shower, and installed railings outside all steps.

We recently had a visit from my 90-year-old cousin and her new 82-year-old boyfriend. They sat on the sofa, holding hands, and talked about several trips they are planning for the next few months. Bob still works part-time and Martha keeps busy sewing, crocheting, and volunteering at their church.

I believe they are on to something! Both keeping busy AND planning for the future. A future that is not certain but a present filled with plans and activity.

And isn’t that the best way for all of us to live, planning for the future, and enjoying as many things as possible today.

Here’s to Bob and Martha! May their remaining days be filled with love and joy and fun activities.

Marjorie Wilhelm is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint’s enrichment center. Written in October 2022.

Meditation

When my life is filled with stress And I can take no more, I close my eyes and visualize I’m standing on the shore. Seven miles of clean white sand, The ocean deep and clear. With palm trees swaying in the breeze I take my refuge here.

The waves caress my body And soothe my weary soul, Cradled in the arms of nature, I am rocked with ebb and flow.

Birdsong fills the tropic air, The sun shines on my face. My spirit is renewed once more Here in my favorite place.

Donna Bingham is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint’s enrichment center.

What Holds Me Together

Glue, seams, pins, staples…. Some kind of structure?

A job, a hobby, a vocation, a role… Some kind of purpose?

A house or home, a community or town… Some kind of container?

Family, friends, colleagues, neighbors…. Some kind of relationship?

All of these are outside of me. They matter, all in different ways.

Yet, there’s an inner core that must matter first. Without it, when the outside stuff changes, life feels like it unravels.

Glue melts. Seams split. Pins and staples break. Jobs are demanding. Hobbies get stale. Houses require upkeep. Communities require action.

Family and friends grow and move on. Neighbors feel like strangers.

Roles shift over time. Where do they take me if my core is shaky?

It can be a roller coaster of a ride. Emotions rise and fall with every elation and despair. Energy fluctuates between automatic and stalled. Focus intensifies and dissipates like a tropical storm.

What’s holding me together?

The answer is not a crumbling structure. The answer is not a baffling purpose. The answer is not a phantom container. The answer is not absent relationships.

The answer involves my relationship with myself. This is where hope sprouts, like any growing edge, when it is nurtured.

Acknowledging my emotions and respecting their causes. Recognizing and honoring my energy fluctuations. Focusing on what matters, not what aches. Remembering we all come from love and are worthy of love. Love holds me together.

Gae Snyder is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint’s enrichment center.

One Foot into Hell

I search my soul for who I am, What I became and where I’ve been. Who I strive to be, to find my home, The direction I turned, the friendships I’ve known. The wrong turns I made throughout my life, The people I hurt beyond my spite. From childhood to manhood, I was forced to grow. In the jungles of hell, the devil had a tow. From the bush to the streets, I found my glitch, Helping or hurting the lines were squeamish. I worked hard to do good during my day, I lost a few souls along the way. In the fall of my life, I fell to evil, My life turned into upheaval. Things turned dark and meanness took over, Life was bleak and death seemed closer. In the darkness came life in my writings and art, The love of my wife gave me a restart. I concentrate on life and the beauty it gave, My happiness came visiting Christ at the grave. Although my art is depressed, my writing prevailed, I was drawn away from depression and pulled out of hell.

Charles Doeble is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint’s enrichment center.

Sudoku Solutions

SAFETY

Emergency Planning for Solo Agers

Emergencies strike without warning—here are steps to take when you are facing a crisis and family can’t be there to help

For Beth, living alone is a good thing. Over the years, she has grown accustomed to the single lifestyle. She’s satisfied with doing things on her own, even to take long bike rides. Just the other day, the cool weather motivated Beth to do exactly that—jump on the bicycle for a ride.

But this ride was different. As she glided down the driveway, and turned onto a busy street, nothing could have prepared her for what was about to happen A few miles away from home, from nowhere, an eighteen-wheeler skirted a little too close, blowing Beth off balance. Stunned, she jerked the bike a bit too hard which sent her hurling over the handlebars, crashing on her hip. She stayed there until the ambulance showed up.

In the ER, the doctor reported: “Broken hip, you’ll be in rehab awhile. Who should we call?”

Having a trusted friend, family member, or professional to call or text as an emergency contact should be the top priority when compiling confidants for medical records, important documents, and smartphones. The designation is I.C.E.: In Case of Emergency contact. And it should be labeled as such. Perhaps you rely on a close friend or family. But if you have no one nearby, you’re stuck.

In 2019, the Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation claimed 22% of the 50 to 80 age group had an emergency or disaster, such as a power outage lasting more than a day, severe weather, evacuation, or lockdown, while 73% reported experiencing at least one such event during their lifetime.

Although more than half of older adults believe they will experience some type of crisis, the majority feel confident in their ability to manage. And when living alone, it’s critical to prepare and develop a support network of friends.

A Network of Support for Emergencies

Create a group of people for interactions and relationships, as well as a group that will look out for one another. What’s important is that you’re comfortable with one another and you actively participate in the relationships. If you enjoy their company and conversation, they are part of your network.

Alison Arnett, geriatric care manager at PremierCMGA in Atlanta, suggests developing a purpose-driven network. “No one lives alone—there are people all around. To feel secure and connected, develop a team of people who can support you,” she says. “Many times, people are stuck because they have no one to look out for their welfare.”

Where to Find People to Support You Make a list of activities and groups that give the opportunities to engage with people:

• Political, religious, sports, social, or hobbies

• Visit local senior centers, public libraries, and volunteer

• Get to know your neighbors

• Teach a hobby and a skill that you excel in at the local community college or lifelong learning institute

• Call the Area Agency on Aging for a list of active adults’ groups

• Contact local NCOA active aging programs

Caryn Issacs of New York, a patient advocate with GetHealthHelp.com, advises, “When selecting people to care for you in time of need, pick those who know your preferences, and who are strong enough to lift things like shopping bags and even walkers. It’s vital they know how to access transportation and other services. It’s better if they’re active listeners and efficient note takers. And you must trust them.”

Here are several types of emergencies you should prepare for:

Power Outages

For a power outage lasting over 24 hours, two in three older adults felt very confident that they were prepared, 27% were somewhat confident, and only 4% were not confident at all, according to the Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

In July, my high rise building in Texas lost power for 17 hours. The temperature hit 100 degrees outside. The outage was not city wide; however, a year earlier during a winter storm, power failed throughout the metroplex. From that, I learned to be better prepared.

Arnett suggests, “Learn the locations of the city-sponsored shelters in case of lost power and situations like a snowmageddon.” People need to know where to go and have a plan to get there in case of a weather-related crisis. Finding shelter is critical. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center to receive guidance or information.

Additionally, make sure to know when to evacuate an area.

Assemble a Power Outage Emergency Kit

• Meals, snacks and water for up to two weeks

• Styrofoam coolers for food storage

• Flashlights, lanterns, and candles

• Extra batteries

• Battery operated laptop, cell phone charger, radio, and fan

• Cash on hand

Read the full guide at Ready.gov to learn what’s needed in a power outage plan.

Medical Emergencies

No one expects to slice one’s finger while preparing food, which I experienced. When it happened, there were neighbors who I knew could help out. I grabbed a towel, wrapped the finger, and walked down the hall to a friend’s apartment.

And if the crisis is more traumatic than a cut finger like a bicycle accident or a broken hip, Nancy Ruffner, a patient advocate in North Carolina, encourages third-person thinking, which removes you from the situation. If you land in the hospital, who could step in and do what needs to be done?

“When making a plan, remove the emotions and focus on the tasks—who could get mail, find or assemble bills, and pay them? Who will watch your home; water plants, check for security, turn lights off and on, move things around outside to create the appearance of someone there?” says Ruffner. “If you have a pet, who will care for it?”

Be Prepared

Have a hospital go-to bag filled and ready to grab. Include an I.C.E. list, list of medications and medical conditions, a photocopy of

MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677

a health insurance card, Medicare card (black out the last four digits of the Social Security number,) toiletries, pen and notebook, puzzle books, lip balm, hand sanitizer, personal grooming items, and a copy of any Healthcare Power of Attorney documents. Identify a key contact person. Make an extra copy of the contents of each folder and leave it with a friend or relative.

Create a spreadsheet listing your support contacts and information, such as who will look after your home, pet, vehicle, food in the refrigerator, etc. Also list who will check on you in the hospital, gather necessities, and bring them to you.

Make sure you have a first aid kit and emergency supply kit on hand at all times. Additionally, know how to recognize a medical emergency.

Weather Emergencies

Extreme Cold Mountain regions aren’t the only areas affected by winter storms. Even low altitude regions get hit. Blankets of snow snarls traffic and keep people indoors.

In 2016, winter storm Jonas crushed the Northeast with up to 31 inches of snow.

During winter storms, the priority is staying warm and safe. Here are some tips for planning ahead:

Cold Weather Emergency Kit

Home: Keep the cold out with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. If you’re without power, have a power outage emergency kit on hand.

Car: Jumper cables, sand, flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and nonperishable snacks. Keep a full tank. Ready.gov offers a full guide for car prep.

Hurricane, Tornadoes, and Floods

As has been observed recently in the wake of Hurricane Ian in Florida and the Carolinas, it’s important to be prepared for an emergency, knowing that internet access could be impacted by major storms. Ready.gov offers options for emergency messages from authorized federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial public alerting authorities that broadcast warnings.

Be Wary of DisasterRelated Scams

Colleen Tressler, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, warns, “In addition to preparing for weather disasters, protect yourself from scammers. These criminals use emergencies to cheat consumers.”

See EMERGENCY on page 30.

Emergency

From page 29

• Clean-up and repair scams—Ask for IDs, licenses, proof of insurance, and references. Ask friends for referrals. Put all promises in writing and understand what you’re signing. Never pay cash or full payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied.

• Imposter scams—Ask for IDs. If they ask for money or a bank account or credit card number, it’s a scam.

• Job scams—Be alert. Read up on the latest scams at consumer.ftc.gov

• Be wise to rental listing scams—Another category to review at consumer.ftc.gov.

Be alert, stay safe, and prepare for emergencies. Do it now before you’re taken by surprise and build a support team of nearby peers and friends.

Additional Emergency Resources for Solo Agers

• Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults: cdc.gov/aging

• Older Adults Emergency Preparedness: redcross.org/gethelp

• 6 Tips on How Older Adults Can Prepare for a Disaster: nia.nih.gov/health

• Seniors – Prepare Now for an Emergency: fema.gov

• Seniors: ready.gov/seniors

Source: Carol Marak, author of “SOLO AND SMART: The Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future,” is a former family caregiver and an avid writer and advocate for the solo community. Originally published on Next Avenue.

FEEDBACK My Communicator Readership Survey

Periodically, SourcePoint evaluates its publications in order to gather important demographic information about our readers, their preferences, and how they are affiliated with our organization.

On the following page, you will find a brief survey that should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

You can cut and return your completed survey to: SourcePoint

Attn: Communications Dept. 800 Cheshire Road Delaware, OH 43015

Alternatively, you can fill out the survey on our website at MySourcePoint.org/paper.

Whether you fill out the survey online or on paper, please submit one survey per person. If you have multiple people in your household who read My Communicator, they can fill out a separate survey online or pick up another paper at SourcePoint.

As always, we appreciate your feedback!

Making sense of Medicare.

SourcePoint’s free classes take the mystery out of Medicare and empower you to make sound insurance decisions.

Classes are held at SourcePoint and other locations throughout the county, and are available online, too!

Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/insurance

MY COMMUNICATOR READERSHIP SURVEY

The survey below is also available online at MySourcePoint.org/paper. Whether you fill out the survey online or on paper, please submit one survey per person. Thank you!

How do you mostly access My Communicator?

If hard copy, where do you get your copy?

Both

Other:

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements based on your reading experience:

What sections of My Communicator interest you most? (Check all that apply.)

What topics would you like to see covered in My Communicator?

Were you familiar with SourcePoint prior to reading My Communicator?

What best describes your relationship with SourcePoint? (Check all that apply.)

Five Tips for Exercising Safely During Cold Weather

Don’t let falling temperatures stop your outdoor exercise plans! You can walk, ski, ice skate, shovel snow, and more.

Take a few extra steps to stay safe:

Warm up and cool down, such as stretching or walking in place, to prepare and restore your muscles before and after a workout. Pick the right clothes. Dress in several layers of loose clothing to trap warm air between them. Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it’s snowy or rainy, and don’t forget a hat, scarf, and gloves.

Be extra careful around snow and icy sidewalks so you won’t slip and fall. Wear sturdy shoes to give you proper footing.

Learn about the signs of hypothermia, a drop in body temperature that can cause serious health problems.

Check the forecast. If it’s too windy, cold, or wet outside, consider an indoor workout instead using an online video or your own routine.

Visit www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercising-outdoors to learn more.