Vol. 32, No. 1 | Winter 2024
More Than Just a Meal SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels program comes with plenty of rewards... and challenges SEE MEALS ON WHEELS ON PAGE 8
FINANCES
Money Matters: Top 10 Budgeting Tips Franklin had a problem that many people face, but few rarely talk about. He didn’t know much about money and debt management. Until recently, this 72-year-old Cleveland resident used multiple credit cards to make his purchases—not an unusual situation. But without a solid understanding of his expenses or how he planned to cover them, Franklin often found himself between a rock and a hard place: He had to use his entire Social Security check to pay his monthly bills, which meant he had nothing left over for daily needs like food, utilities, or gas for his car. Franklin’s inability to make ends meet spiraled into a crisis that threatened not only his financial stability, but also his health and well-being. Eventually, the stress of it all led him to his local Department on Aging, where he asked for help. See MONEY on page 6.
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Read mor e about the April 8 solar eclipse on page 11
WINTER CONTENT 01 Money Matters: Top 10 Budgeting Tips Finances
03 SourcePoint Announces New Board Members In Our Community
04 When You Think About Your Health, Don’t Forget Your Eyes Health & Wellness
08 More Than Just a Meal Feature
11 2024 Solar Eclipse In Our Community
12 The Widowhood Effect Transitions in Aging
14 From the Source
SourcePoint News, Programs, and Resources
16 Government Imposter Scams Consumer Safety
18 Understanding Personality Types Lifestyle
20 Be Proactive About Your Driving Safety Driving Safety
21 Healthy Recipes from Cafe 55 Nutrition
22 Mrs. Independent: Trends Show Married Women are Leaving Husbands Home to Travel Travel & Leisure
23 Sudoku
Fun & Games
24 SourcePoint Awards Community Grants In Our Community
25 Speakers Bureau In Our Community
26 Recipe for Disaster; Little Things; Not Caring What Others Think of Me Creative Writing
29 What Exercises Can Help Prevent Falls? Health & Wellness
30 The Hazards of Hypothermia Weather Safety
SourcePoint 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org EIN 31-1354284 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. 2024 Board of Directors President: Alice Frazier, MD, Delaware Vice President: Pamela Foster, Orange Township Secretary: Liz Gitter, MSSW, Delaware Treasurer: Dennis Mowrey, Delaware Randy Bournique, Delaware Bill Brown, Delaware Adrienne Corbett, Delaware Ron Fantozzi, Columbus Beth Fligner, JD, Dublin Anna Horstman, MD, Delaware Wren Kruse, JD, New Albany Joann Richards, RN, PhD, Liberty Township Gretchen Roberts, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Powell Jane Taylor, Dublin Cheri Thompson, Delaware Michael Tucker, JD, Delaware Roger Van Sickle, Delaware Jodie Wegmiller, BSN, MBA, 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 5,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout Delaware County. My Communicator is available for pickup 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 advertise or submit content for consideration, contact Alison Yeager, director of communications and development, at alison@MySourcePoint.org. The appearance of advertising does not represent an endorsement by SourcePoint. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising that conflicts with our mission.
Winter 2024
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IN OUR COMMUNITY
SourcePoint Announces New Board Members SourcePoint announces the appointment of two new members to its board of directors, as well as the full slate of officers and board members for 2024. Joining the board of directors are Beth Fligner and Jodie Wegmiller. Beth Fligner is the Senior Assistant Attorney General for Ohio. A Dublin resident, Fligner previously worked as the assistant prosecuting attorney for Delaware County. She has extensive volunteer experience, having worked with the Dublin Food Pantry, Dublin Youth Athletics, Fairy Godmothers, Lacrosse Boosters, and the PTO for Dublin elementary, middle, and high schools. Fligner earned a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and her Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Jodie Wegmiller, a Delaware resident, is the Director of Nursing at OhioHealth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capital University and a master’s degree from Western Governors University.
The full 2024 board includes 18 individuals: President Alice Frazier, Vice President Pamela Foster, Secretary Liz Gitter, Treasurer Dennis Mowrey, Past President Gretchen Roberts, Sustaining Director Roger Van Sickle, Randy Bournique, William Brown, Adrienne Corbett, Ron Fantozzi, Beth Fligner, Annie Horstman, Wren Kruse, Joann Richards, Jane Taylor, Cheri Thompson, Michael Tucker, and Jodie Wegmiller. 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.
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Begin your volunteer journey! The Mature Reader is a monthly newsletter from the Delaware County District Library highlighting programs, clubs, and opportunities to connect with other seniors in and around Delaware County. Scan the QR code below to sign up now!
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! Be part of the team!
Mondays, Jan. 8, Feb. 12 & March 11, at 11 a.m. Learn more, apply, and sign up at
MySourcePoint.org/volunteer MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677
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Winter 2024
HEALTH & WELLNESS
When You Think About Your Health, Don’t Forget Your Eyes I vividly remember that late Friday afternoon when my eye pressure spiked and I staggered on foot to my ophthalmologist’s office as the rapidly thickening fog in my field of vision shrouded passing cars and traffic lights. The office was already closed, but the whole eye care team was there waiting for me. One of them pricked my eyeballs with a sharp instrument, allowing the ocular fluid that had built up to drain. That relieved the pressure and restored my vision. But it was the fourth vision-impairing pressure spike in nine days, and they feared it would happen again—heading into a weekend. So off I went to the emergency room, where I spent the night hooked up to an intravenous tube that delivered a powerful anti-swelling agent. Later, when I told this story to friends and colleagues, some of them didn’t understand the importance of eye pressure, or even what it was. “I didn’t know they could measure blood pressure in your eyes,” one of them told me. Most people consider their vision to be vitally important, yet many lack an understanding of some of the most serious eye diseases. A 2016 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, based on an online national poll, showed that nearly half of respondents feared losing their eyesight more than their memory, speech, hearing, or limbs. Yet many “were unaware of important eye diseases,” it found.
A study released in July, conducted by Wakefield Research for the nonprofit Prevent Blindness and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, showed that onequarter of adults deemed at risk for diseases of the retina, such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, had delayed seeking care for vision problems. “There is significantly less of an emphasis placed on eye health than there is on general health,” says Rohit Varma, founding director of the Southern California Eye Institute at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. Because eye diseases can be painless and progress slowly, Varma says, “people get used to it, and as they age, they begin to feel, ‘Oh, this is a normal part of aging and it’s OK.’” If people felt severe pain, he says, they would go get care. For many people, though, it’s not easy to get an eye exam or eye treatment. Millions are uninsured, others can’t afford their share of the cost, and many live in communities where eye doctors are scarce. “Just because people know they need the care doesn’t necessarily mean they can afford it or that they have the access to it,” says Jeff Todd, CEO and president of Prevent Blindness. Another challenge, reflecting the divide between eye care and general health
care, is that medical insurance, except for children, often covers only eye care aimed at diagnosing or treating diseases. More health plans are covering routine eye exams these days, but that generally does not include the type of test used to determine eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions—or the cost of the lenses. You may need separate vision insurance for that. Ask your health plan what’s covered. Since being diagnosed with glaucoma 15 years ago, I’ve had more pressure checks, eye exams, eyedrops, and laser surgeries than I can remember. I should know not to take my eyesight for granted. And yet, when my peepers were filling with that vision-threatening fog last March, I felt oddly sanguine. It turned out that those serial pressure spikes were triggered by an adverse reaction to steroid-based eyedrops prescribed to me following cataract surgery. My ophthalmologist told me later that I had come “within hours” of losing my eyesight. I hope my brush with blindness can help inspire people to be more conscious of their eyes. Eyeglasses or contact lenses can make a huge difference in one’s quality of life by correcting refractive errors, which affect 150 million Americans. But don’t ignore the risk of far more serious eye conditions that can sneak up on you. They are often manageable if caught early enough. Glaucoma, which affects about 3 million people in the U.S., attacks peripheral vision first and can cause irreversible 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
Winter 2024 damage to the optic nerve. It runs in families and is five times as prevalent among African Americans as in the general population. Nearly 10 million in this country have diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes in which blood vessels in the retina are damaged. And some 20 million people age 40 and up have macular degeneration, a disease of the retina associated with aging that diminishes central vision over time. The formation of cataracts, which cause cloudiness in the eye’s natural lens, is very common as people age: Half of people 75 and older have them. Cataracts can cause blindness, but they are eminently treatable with surgery. If you are over 40 and haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam in a while, or ever, put that on your to-do list. And get an exam at a younger age if you have
5 diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or if you are African American or part of another racial or ethnic group at high risk for certain eye diseases. Healthful lifestyle choices also benefit your eyes. “Anything that helps your general health helps your vision,” says Andrew Iwach, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco. Minimize stress, get regular exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Also, quit smoking. It increases the risk of major eye diseases.
from your computer screen and cellphone, and wear goggles when working around the house or playing sports. The Prevent Blindness website (preventblindness.org) offers information on virtually everything related to eye health, including insurance. Other good sources include the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s “EyeSmart” site and the National Eye Institute. So read up and share what you’ve learned. Source: KFF Health News. Read more at kffhealthnews.org.
And consider adopting habits that protect your eyes from injury: Wear sunglasses when you go outside, take regular breaks
Cancer? Find your support here. Patients, caregivers, loved ones, survivors, and bereaved. All services are free.
614 -884-HOPE (4673) cancersupportohio.org
MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677
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Money From page 1
Why managing a budget is a common challenge for older adults Seventy-two-year-old Franklin is most certainly not alone. In fact, you may even recognize him in yourself or someone you know. At a time of skyrocketing consumer costs, even the most money-savvy seniors can find it difficult to scrape by—especially when they rely on a fixed monthly income. Take these numbers, for instance.
Winter 2024 well-being. Together, these can help you better weather today’s uncertainties—like when food prices rise; and enjoy tomorrow’s opportunities—like traveling to visit your grandchildren or friends. “Even if you already have and use a budget, looking at ways to decrease your spending can be a great way to make those pennies count,” Bauer said. “And this doesn’t always mean cutting out things you need or enjoy. There may be several areas where you can reduce your expenses or capitalize on your existing assets—which is why it’s a good practice to evaluate those kinds of opportunities at least once a year.”
Top 10 budgeting tips for all seniors to consider
UMass Boston’s Elder Index measures the income that older adults need to live independently. According to its interactive modeling tool, an older adult in excellent health who lives in the Washington, D.C. area and pays a mortgage needs $3,665 per month to cover basic living expenses.
1. Your out-of-pocket coverage and policies Why Circumstances change, and your plans and coverage may no longer be relevant. It’s easy to forget about your choices once you’ve made them, but that means you could be leaving money on the table.
Now, consider that the average monthly Social Security check was $1,847 at the end of 2023.
How • Gather together your spending commitments: supplemental health insurance; prescription drug coverage; and life insurance and long-term care policies. • Determine whether you’re getting the best rates or have the most cost-effective plan(s). • Enlist help from a knowledgeable friend, family member, or professional to evaluate alternatives before you make any changes.
“Even with other sources of income, the margin between what many older adults spend versus what they take in can be razorthin,” said Medicare expert Brandy Bauer, former Director of NCOA’s MIPPA Resource Center.
That’s why being educated on how money management works—and learning how to implement strategies for managing debt, saving more money, and stretching the dollars they have—is so important,” Bauer said. Happily, this is now the case for Franklin. Newly armed with practical money budgeting tips he learned in a financial literacy course, he is now working toward greater economic independence and a more secure future.
Want to better manage your own money? These tips for older adults can help you do it
When you’re not working anymore, like Franklin, it’s important to make every penny count. Using a budget calendar to track your spending can help you more easily visualize your monthly income and expenses. At the same time, there are a variety of steps you can take, strategies you can use, and resources you can tap to improve your financial
2. Your Medicare health insurance Why You may be eligible to put $100 back into your monthly Social Security check. You could also save money on your premiums and co-pays. How • Look into Medicare Savings Programs and learn whether you qualify. • Connect with an NCOA-endorsed licensed Medicare broker who will provide expert advice on finding the right program, at no cost to you.
SourcePoint’s Medicare education program can help, too! Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/insurance.
740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
Winter 2024 3. Your Medicare prescription drug coverage Why Depending on your income, you could save money on your Part D premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. How • Learn about Extra Help and see if you’re eligible. • Visit NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp at benefitscheckup.org to apply for Extra Help online. 4. Your property taxes Why Home values are rising across the country—and updated assessments can be a shock to your wallet. Many states offer a senior property tax exemption for residents who are 65 or older, which means you could save hundreds of dollars a year. How • Visit NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp to learn whether this program is available in your state and how to apply. 5. Your phone service Why You could be paying more than you need. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for monthly discounts on your basic wireless or home telephone service through the government. How • Read about the FCC’s Lifeline program at fcc.gov/lifelineconsumers. • Learn about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program at fcc.gov/acp. • Visit NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp to see how you can apply. 6. Your desire and ability to give back Why Do you have extra time on your hands? Your life and career experiences could potentially provide an extra source of income. How • Check into AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP opportunities in your area. (americorps.gov) • See if you can participate in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Created in 1965, SCSEP is the nation’s oldest program to help low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55+ find work. (dol.gov/agencies/eta) 7. Your home Why Your house, if you own one, likely represents your greatest financial asset. Even though its value isn’t liquid, there may be ways for you to leverage equity so you can continue to live independently.
MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677
7 How • Read about how you can use your home to stay at home. NCOA’s guide (ncoa.org/article/use-your-home-to-stay-athome) walks you through different options on how to tap your home equity, including reverse mortgages and home equity lines of credit. • Talk to a trusted financial professional to decide whether any of these options are right for you. 8. Your senior discounts Why Why not? From national parks to locally owned stores, public transportation agencies to private entertainment venues, a variety of entities gratefully recognize your wisdom and contributions through reduced rates and prices. How • In most cases, simply ask whether there’s a senior citizen discount. You may be pleasantly surprised! 9. Your estate Why Managing your money extends to how you’d like it distributed among your heirs, if you have them, or to charities you support. If you’re in a position to leave a financial legacy in any amount, it’s a good practice to communicate your wishes ahead of time. How • Make a will. • Appoint a health care agent. • Designate a durable power of attorney. • Use NCOA’s partnership with FreeWill to get started. (freewill.com/ncoa) • Always consult an attorney. 10. Your other benefits options Why Millions of older adults miss out on saving money through public and private benefits programs simply because they don’t know about them, don’t believe they’re eligible, or aren’t sure how to apply. How • Visit NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp to see what’s available in your area and how you can apply for money-saving benefits. When it comes to money and budgeting, you’re not alone. NCOA’s Age Well Planner (ncoa.org/age-well-planner/finance) connects you to the resources, tools, and experts you need to help manage your financial well-being. Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.
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Winter 2024
Meals on Wheels From page 1
On the surface, the name Meals on Wheels pretty well describes what the program is and does: It provides hot meals via delivery driver—almost daily—to those who may otherwise not be able to get them. But below the surface—and behind the scenes—there’s much more going on. According to Meals on Wheels America (mealsonwheelsamerica.org), the national program, which was reportedly started by a group of Philadelphia citizens in 1954, has grown to serve nearly 2.2 million older adults annually. In Delaware County, an average of 1,190 meals have been served per day in 2023, according to data provided by SourcePoint. That figure, nearly 250,000 in total through the end of October, includes home-delivered meals, as well as those served in SourcePoint’s community cafes. But a closer look at the numbers reveals the additional benefits of this critical program. The Meals on Wheels website indicates that: • 77% of home-delivered meal participants say the meals improve their health; • 85% say the services help them feel more secure; and • 92% say the meals help them live more independently. In Delaware County, a survey distributed by SourcePoint to meal participants showed that 75% of respondents indicated that meal delivery resulted in having someone to talk to and an increased sense of safety, while nearly half said on most days, the Meals on Wheels driver is the only person they see.
SourcePoint data show that in October alone, drivers indicated that 30 clients had some change of condition. On two occasions, 9-1-1 was called.
A history of growth
The Delaware County Meals on Wheels program is in its 16th year of operating out of the SourcePoint facility on Cheshire Road. As Delaware County has grown over that span, so has the program and its need for volunteers. Pillion said the program currently utilizes about 400 volunteers each week between drivers, kitchen staff, meal packers, and cafe workers.
“We currently have 36 routes, and we would love to split some of those because they have become so large,” Pillion said. “We try to keep a route to between 12 and 15 stops, but some have gotten up to 24.” The growth of Delaware County in recent years is only going to continue, Pillion said, with the older adult population growing as much or more as other age groups. “We do know that in the coming years the older adult population is just going to multiply,” she said. “When you have great school systems, then grandparents move in. SourcePoint has an impeccable reputation for what we offer, so people are moving here because of that. Last year, we had about 15% growth in the number of meals served, and now we’re at about 13%. Previous years were about five percent.” In addition to managing the growth of the program, SourcePoint’s nutrition staff is also dealing with an unexpected shortage of volunteers.
Pillion said the meal drivers have the daily opportunity to not only provide a meal to keep their clients healthy, but also to check on them if they’re not.
“I don’t think anyone anticipated the volunteer issues, which COVID hurt quite a bit,” said Pillion, who added that the pandemic provided the opportunity for many of the program’s long-time volunteers to bow out. “The level of commitment is quite different now. People were locked down during COVID and didn’t like it. Now if they want to go somewhere, they go. And some have their own health issues or parents and grandkids to keep them busy. I can remember when volunteers would say, ‘I can’t do this today, I have to deliver meals.’ Now it’s the other way around.”
“I can’t tell you the number of times we find clients who have fallen or are in some other type of distress,” Pillion said. “How long would they have been in that condition if not for our drivers?”
Dave Pace, SourcePoint’s nutrition administration manager, said they work to make sure the meals still get delivered, but having fewer volunteers means other benefits of the program are impacted.
“We are more than just a meal,” said Karen Pillion, nutrition program administrator at SourcePoint. “Yes, it is a nutritious meal made with a lot of care that will be healthy for them, but we are also combating social isolation, giving them a relationship with their meal driver, and doing wellness checks.”
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“When drivers have more stops, they can’t spend as much time at each stop, so there isn’t as much of that personal connection with clients,” said Pace, adding that growing the volunteer base can be hindered by the daily meals schedule. “We are limited in what we can offer to volunteers based on the time frame when the meal delivery needs to occur. Most people will say, ‘Here is my availability. What opportunities do you have?’ and that may not match up with the meal delivery period.
she said. “The nice thing with the corporate volunteers is that, if the company commits, we know they will have someone there on a given day during a given week and the meals will be delivered.”
One way that SourcePoint is planning to address this issue is the creation of a hub route in the southern part of Delaware County.
Kitchen challenges
“That will allow a driver to feed multiple routes from a central location,” Pillion said. “The U.S. 23 corridor has become so busy and it takes longer just having people drive here to get meals. We figure we can knock 20 to 40 minutes off some routes by having this hub.” The hub, which Pillion said they hope to start in January, is just one example of the out-of-the-box thinking that is needed to keep Meals on Wheels running smoothly. “We’ll occasionally double up drivers and they’ll run two routes, which we try to make in close proximity to each other. We’ll pull administrative staff to deliver meals if we need to,” Pillion said. “We recently had three of our staff out on the road. We have some staff members who have more flexibility in their schedules and are willing in a pinch to go out on a route for us.” “And we recently started piloting with one organization to work with corporate volunteer groups,” Pace said. “They’ll take a meal on a specific day and show up and do delivery. So that will help one day a week for a specific route.” Pillion said the one caveat with having the corporate volunteer groups help is ensuring they have the appropriate background check. “We require anyone who comes into contact with clients to be background checked. For these groups, what we are doing to mitigate that is work with their volunteers who have already had background checks completed,”
Delivery of the meals is only one challenge that SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels team faces. The daily food preparation is another. Tiffany Gilletly, SourcePoint’s food service manager, said cost and availability of food items are two aspects of that challenge. “There are still items that we can’t get on a consistent basis, so we spend a lot of time trying to plan around that,” Gilletly said. “It’s also a matter of getting items that meet the nutritional requirements set by the federal Older Americans Act. I spend a lot of time building our menus and try to follow the guidelines as closely as possible, especially for our diabetic clients and clients with heart or other health issues.” “And our menus are done in advance, so if there is an out-ofstock item, you are committed to what that meal is, so where do you find what is missing?” Pace said.
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Since the pandemic, SourcePoint has also incurred freight charges above and beyond the already increased cost of food. To cite one example, Gilletly said juice has doubled in cost. “So you have to ask, do we discontinue it or just go to a smaller size? We opted for the smaller size, and that will help offset some of the costs,” Gilletly said. “Our goal is to figure out what is best for our clients in the end.” See MEALS on page 10.
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Meals
From page 9 SourcePoint’s Meals program has a target “per meal” cost, so any price increase has an impact. “When you have an item that used to be 34 cents and it jumps to 74 cents, that immediately impacts the overall cost by that much,” Pillion said. Gilletly said SourcePoint is also dealing with the labor issues that many other organizations have experienced. “I’ve had a huge rotation in staff,” Gilletly said. “The drive of the workforce is different than it used to be since the pandemic, and everyone wants to be paid more money.” Pillion said what Gilletly is seeing with the kitchen staff translates to the administrative staff, as well. “People burn out. It can be a high-stress job because every day you wonder if we’ll have enough volunteers,” Pillion said. “When hiring, we look at resumes for longevity. It takes a year for someone to learn everything that happens here, whether it’s in the kitchen or the administrative area. We go in hoping we find someone who will stick around for a while, and we do look for people who are committed to our mission.” “That is important because there’s this challenge of ‘You are expecting this of me and there is this level of stress, and I’m making X. I can make this same amount elsewhere with less stress,’” Pace said. Because SourcePoint is a levy-based, nonprofit, social service organization, Pillion said they must answer to the taxpayers and keep things running while “watching those overhead issues.” “Our federal funding pays for less than 1/3 of a delivered meal, and that funding runs out in mid-June,” she said. “Our levy pays roughly 65% of each meal and 100% once our funding runs out. It’s a tough predicament and demand is only going to continue to increase. What we’re seeing here as far as an increase in demand, leveled funding, and a challenge to get volunteers is something the entire network is seeing across the country.”
Winter 2024 “That’s why our levy, our donations, and keeping the public informed of what we do are so important,” Pace said. Ultimately, Pillion said she hopes staff and volunteers keep the impact of their mission in mind as they do the work and deliver the meals. “It is very rewarding work, and you know every day that you’re making a difference and having a direct impact on your community,” Pillion said. “We do everything in our power to make sure those in our community who need a meal, have it. Our staff and volunteers live that mission every day and we couldn’t do it without them.” To volunteer for Meals on Wheels or learn more about the program, call SourcePoint at 740-363-6677 and ask for the volunteer recruiter. To donate to Meals on Wheels, go to MySourcePoint.org/give. Source: Jeff Robinson is the feature writer for My Communicator.
FREE AND HEALTHY FOOD
for Delaware County residents! Visit your local LSS Food Pantries drive thru distribution:
TUESDAYS 4-6 P.M. THURSDAYS 10 A.M.–12 P.M.
UNITY COMMUNITY CENTER | 54 ROSS ST.
Order online and schedule your pick-up Visit LSSfoodpantries.org to place an order and make an appointment for a pick-up date and time.
Call our help desk If you need assistance, please call our help desk at 877-LSS-MEAL weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Services funded in part by SourcePoint
740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
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IN OUR COMMUNITY
2024 Solar Eclipse On Monday, April 8, 2024, people in Delaware County and other areas within a 124-mile-wide swath of Ohio will be able to experience the totality of a solar eclipse. State planners anticipate that those traveling to and through Delaware County on the day of the eclipse could double the county’s population. The Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is working with a variety of governmental and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that plans are in place to address this influx of visitors and the potential strain on resources and emergency response services. This local group of planners will issue bulletins each month to guide the planning efforts of individuals and organizations who may be impacted by this event. Whether you plan to take in this rare occurrence from Delaware County, provide services to spectators, or maintain everyday operations, please sign up to receive email notifications when new planning bulletins are posted. You can sign up for email notifications at co.delaware.oh.us/2024solareclipse.
Initial Considerations Many people are expected to travel to Delaware County to view the eclipse, and area hotels have already seen an influx of bookings on days surrounding the eclipse. Other travel amenities including food and fuel may experience increased demand that leads to shortages. Local school districts will be closed or operating under a distance-learning plan on the day of the eclipse. Delaware County and the State of Ohio are encouraging people to come early and stay late, as there will likely be heavy traffic on the day of the event. Patrons, employees, and others may experience increased travel times on the day of the eclipse.
What Can You Do Now? Start planning ahead by considering the following questions this month: • Does your schedule on April 8, 2024, allow for the potential increase in local travel times? • Will you have the amenities you need before the event? Can you order supplies ahead or have them delivered on a different day? • Do you need to increase staffing to accommodate the influx of visitors to Delaware County? • Do you need additional supplies or stock to account for the potential increase in demand?
Guides to Safe Viewing It is never safe to look directly at the sun’s rays, even if the sun is partially obscured. The only safe way to look directly at a partially eclipsed sun is through specialpurpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers. ema.ohio.gov/media-publications/ohio-total-solar-eclipse owu.edu/about/offices-services-directory/perkins-observatory/observingastronomical-events/solar-viewing-and-eclipses/
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Winter 2024
TRANSITIONS IN AGING
The Widowhood Effect How to survive the loss of a spouse We’ve all heard stories of inseparable older couples where one person passes away shortly after the other. The idea of dying from a broken heart may seem like something straight out of a Hollywood movie. But there’s an official name for this very real occurrence. It’s called the “widowhood effect.” What is the widowhood effect? With the widowhood effect, older adults grieving a spouse’s death have an increased risk of dying compared to those whose spouses are living. This effect has been documented by researchers. A 2013 study showed that people had a 66% increased mortality risk within the first 90 days of losing their spouse. These results held true for both men and women. A previous study from 2008 drew a similar conclusion, finding that surviving spouses had a 30-90% increased mortality risk within the first three months following the death of their spouse. What causes the widowhood effect? Researchers aren’t sure. There are numerous theories behind the widowhood effect, but no firm evidence for what causes it. Some possible reasons why one grief-stricken spouse dies soon after their partner include: The physical and mental tolls of being a caregiver. Adults who spend all their time caring for an ailing spouse may neglect their own health and well-being. This lack of self-care may carry into the grieving process once the spouse passes on. For example, the surviving partner may fail to take their prescribed medications or keep important doctor’s appointments. The physiological impact of grief. Symptoms of grief can range from poor sleep and weight loss to lower immunity and illness. According to a 2018 study by researchers at Rice University, men and women suffering intense grief after their spouse’s passing experienced up to 17% higher levels of inflammation in their bodies. High inflammation has been linked with serious health risks, such as heart attack and stroke. A lack of social support. This is especially true if the surviving spouse relied on their partner to maintain an active social calendar and stay connected to family and friends.
Changes in environment (e.g., leaving their longtime home to live with a family member). The lifestyle disruptions that often take place after a spouse’s death may be harmful to the surviving spouse’s mental and physical state. In some cases, the love shared by spouses is so strong that grief does indeed cause actual harm to the heart. This effect is called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy) and can lead to a weakening of the heart muscle. It tends to occur in cases of sudden, traumatic death and is more likely to impact women. How can you cope with the death of a spouse? Losing a beloved spouse can be heart-wrenching. When you’re moving through the stages of grief, it may be hard to imagine life without your partner. However, there are steps you can take to help you work through the grieving process and embrace the new chapter that awaits you: Talk to a qualified counselor. The complex, powerful emotions that come with losing a loved one can be difficult to sort through on your own. Meeting with a licensed mental health professional, whether face-to-face or online, can help you come to terms with your loss and adjust to life without your spouse. Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health counselor in your area. You can also check with local hospitals and nursing homes to find support groups that specialize in spousal bereavement. And you can read about the top online therapy platforms if you prefer to receive therapy from home. Focus on self-care. It’s common to lose interest in eating and cooking after losing a spouse. However, it’s important to make sure your body is getting the support it needs to carry on. Sleeping well, eating right, limiting alcoholic beverages, and exercising every day can help you feel your best and cope with the changes happening in your life. Stay busy. The loss of your life partner can shake up your normal routines, and you may suddenly find yourself with a lot of empty hours to fill. Finding new ways to occupy your time can help give you a renewed sense of purpose. Consider volunteering at a local 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
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school or food bank, pursuing a new hobby, or even getting a part-time job if you are able to. Renew that library membership and catch up on all those books you’ve been meaning to read.
deal with loss in different ways. Try not to give in to pressure— from yourself or others—to “move on” within a certain amount of time.
Get a pet. If your spouse has recently passed on, the silence of an empty house can feel overwhelming. If your lifestyle, health, and budget allow it, consider adopting a four-legged friend. A 2020 study found that grieving spouses without a pet experienced greater levels of loneliness and depression than those who owned a cat or dog. Pets, with all their unconditional love, can give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
One thing seems to hold universally true: time heals. Human beings are resilient creatures with the power to find joy and new meaning in life even after a painful loss. In one study on grief, clinical psychologist George A. Bonanno found that acute grief symptoms eased for 50% of participants by six months after a loss. Although thoughts of your spouse may be painful at first, focusing on good memories and positive emotions can help you find the peace you deserve.
Turn to others. Social support has been shown to be beneficial during the grieving process and can help counteract the widowhood effect. If you’re mourning the death of your spouse, make it a point to reach out to family and friends—even if it’s just a short phone call. When you’re feeling ready, find enjoyable ways to stay connected and busy, such as joining a book club, taking a fitness class, or participating in activities at your local community or senior center.
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.
Grief from the loss of a spouse usually eases with time If you’re wondering how to recover from losing your spouse, keep in mind that you should mourn at your own pace. We all
We do not move on after a loss−rather we move forward with our grief, into a new life chapter. As you take each new day at your own pace, consider joining us for one or more of these support groups. You will always have a seat at our table.
Living Beyond Loss
Care, Share & Connect
Every second and fourth Tuesday, 2‒3 p.m. A home for former caregivers to speak the names of those we’ve lost.
Every Monday, 12:45‒2 p.m. A group to explore loss in all forms, from the loss of an ability to sense of self to a connection to something.
Thinking Beyond the 5 Stages Various times throughout the year. In this six-week workshop, we seek out information that challenges the notion that grief, to be considered effective, must end with accepting one’s loss. Contact caregiver and grief support specialist, Brian Fox, at 740-203-2399 or bfox@MySourcePoint.org for more information and upcoming dates.
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Three Great Concerts in 2024 in Delaware! March Concert World’s greatest trumpeter Pacho Flores returns March 17, 2024 & Dvorak Symphony No. 7! 3:00 PM May Concert May 4, 2024 7:30 PM
Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3!
July 4th Concert July 4, 2024 7:30 PM
The greatest July 4th concert in Central Ohio and Fireworks!
Tickets at www.centralohiosymphony.org 740 362-1799
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Winter 2024
FROM THE SOURCE The latest news, programs, and resources available at SourcePoint.
Community Program Schedule
2024 Special Events
Winter Quarter: Jan. 2‒March 30 Registration opens Dec. 20. Close at 4 p.m. Jan. 12; Closed Jan. 1, Jan. 13, and 15.
We’re excited about the year ahead! 2024 special events at SourcePoint include:
Spring Quarter: April 1‒June 29 Registration opens March 18. Close at 4 p.m. May 24; Closed May 25 and 27. Summer Quarter: July 1‒Sept. 28 Registration opens June 17. Close at 4 p.m. July 3 and Aug. 30; Closed July 4, Aug. 31, Sept. 2. Fall Quarter: Sept. 30‒Dec. 28 Registration opens Sept. 16. Close at 4 p.m. Nov. 27, Dec. 31; Close at 2 p.m. Dec. 24; Closed Oct. 11, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 25, Jan. 1. Join us! 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.
• March: Meals on Wheels fundraising campaign. • Tuesday, May 7: Spring Fling Dance. • Wednesday, June 5: Health & Wellness Expo. • Thursday, June 27: Community Music Festival. • Wednesday, July 17: Community Music Festival. • Thursday, Aug. 29: Community Music Festival. • Tuesday, Sept. 17: Senior Day at the Delaware County Fair. • Thursday, Sept. 26: Fall Fundraiser. Off-site, location TBD. • Tuesday, Oct. 29: Halloween Dance. • Monday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Breakfast at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Dates are subject to change. As we approach each event, 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: • Broadway in Columbus: “Come From Away” on Friday, Feb. 2, 6:45‒10:45 p.m. $100 for ComPASS holders; $120 for others. • Columbus Symphony: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 on Friday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.‒4:15 p.m. $45 for ComPASS holders; $65 for others. SourcePoint also partners with travel agencies to plan trips near and far. Go to MySourcePoint.org/EC or contact Mary Ann Evans at 740-203-2406 to learn more and register. 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
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What’s New This Winter?
Feeling Creative?
AGING MASTERY PROGRAM Thursdays, Jan. 25 through Mar. 28, 11 a.m.–noon. The Aging Mastery Program® core curriculum combines evidence-informed knowledge sharing with goal-setting and feedback routines, daily practices, peer support, and small rewards. Classes are led by expert speakers who help participants gain the skills and tools they need to manage their health, remain economically secure, and contribute actively in society. The goal of the 10 core topics is to provide participants with an overview of the challenges encountered while navigating longer lives and offer support to master new skills. The course covers ten topics: Navigating Longer Lives, Exercise and You, Sleep, Healthy Eating and Hydration, Financial Fitness, Advance Planning, Healthy Relationships, Medication Management, Community Engagement, and Falls Prevention. Fee: $40 for the 10-week series.
CREATIVE WRITING: NEW TO CREATIVE WRITING Mondays, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, and March 11, 2:15‒4:15 p.m. Join Joan Pearse to experience creative writing exercises in class and sharing with other writers.
ACTIVITY PARTNER PROGRAM Enrich your social connections with our Activity Partner Program, designed to be mutually beneficial for caregivers, care receivers, and activity partner volunteers. Activity partners are matched with a fellow SourcePoint member whose interests and schedules align. Together, we plan time for the paired member and partner to spend with one another here in the building, participating in whichever activities appeal to them, while the family caregiver does their own thing at SourcePoint. If you are interested, contact Brian at bfox@MySourcePoint.org or 740-203-2399.
COLORED PENCIL WARM AND COOL HEARTS Thursday, Feb. 15 and 29, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Learn the basics of color theory and principles of design and apply these to your 11x14 colored pencil drawing of hearts. Led by instructor Carol Wallenfelsz. Fee: $20.
WATER PUMP Tuesday or Thursday with Dyan, 1:15‒2 p.m. Wednesday with Dyan, 9:15-10 a.m. and 10:15-11:00 a.m. Intermediate-advanced. Take your aquatics class to a whole new level using water weights to increase your strength and balance, and intervals to pump up your heart rate, improve fitness and increase metabolism. We add weights, noodles and other water accessories to keep it fun – all while being kind to your joints and ligaments. INTRO TO SONGWRITING Thursday, Feb. 29, 1‒4 p.m. Dick Plunk will present an overview of some of the key elements of songwriting with musical examples. Fee: $5. Learn more and register at MySourcePoint.org/EC.
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FELTED HEART BROOCHES Saturday, Jan. 27, 9:30–11 a.m. Create two lovely and unique needle-felted heart brooches; one for you and another for your favorite valentine with artist and instructor Robin Clay. Fee: $20 for two brooches. BEGINNING WOODCARVING Mondays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 9–11:30 a.m. Artist, teacher and carver Steve Herbert will teach you how to create a basic relief carving. Learn how to use a knife and gouges in this project. Bring your gloves. Use our new tools. Fee: $35 for four sessions.
STENCIL AND LAYERING ART Wednesdays, March 13 and 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m. In this class, we will experiment with layers using stencils, modeling paste, and paint to build a colorful, unique creation on a 16x20 canvas. Instructor Carol Wallenfelsz will guide you through this process. Fee: $35. WOODBURNING: BEGINNING AND CONTINUING Wednesdays, March 20 and 27, 1–4 p.m. If you are just beginning or want to enhance your woodburning skills, join instructor and artist Shelia Theisen as she guides you in making a sign to welcome spring. Adding flowers, birds, frogs, or fish will allow you to personalize your bark edge board. Or make a sign of your choosing, with your own design. Shelia will show you how to use SourcePoint’s woodburning unit on a 5”x12” bark edge board using woodburning techniques learned in class. Class size is very limited. Fee: $50. Learn more and register at MySourcePoint.org/EC.
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Winter 2024
CONSUMER SAFETY
Government Imposter Scams We take breaks, paid-time off, vacations, sabbaticals, rest. But for scammers looking to steal your money, there’s never a break. They call you. They text you. They email you. They message you on social media. They’re experts at disguise. And their tricks are so believable that you’ll want to give them your money. Some of their tricks are so good, they’ll even make you believe you’re talking to the government. And they’re remarkably effective. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), older adults reported having lost a total of $200 million to government imposter scams in 2023 alone. If you haven’t encountered one or more of these thieves already, you almost certainly will. In late 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed action against one illegal telemarketing operation that alone was responsible for making over a billion scam calls to older adults. Among other things, government imposters claimed to provide assistance with Social Security and Medicare benefits. “These kinds of scams have become a sad fact of life,” said Genevieve Waterman, Director, Corporate Partnerships & Engagement at NCOA. “And, while they can and do happen at any time, we definitely see some ebb and flow alongside certain predictable patterns.” In other words: scammers are shameless opportunists who will take advantage of current events to improve their chances of success. “Medicare Open Enrollment Period is a prime example,” Waterman
said. “Imposters know that calls and emails from ‘the government’ can seem especially legitimate around that time, so they step up their efforts.” That’s why it’s important for people of all ages to be aware of the types of government imposter scams, how to identify them, and what to do if you or someone you know have been scammed by one. What are the types of government imposter scams? You get a call from the IRS saying you owe taxes. Or your inbox dings with a message instructing you to fill out a form with your Medicare number. Both are tricks designed to separate you from your money, your personal information, or both. And the cons don’t stop there. “There likely are as many scams as there are government agencies,” Waterman said. “Imposters have even pretended to be the FTC inspector general himself! That said, some of these schemes are more common than others.” According to the FTC, the list of top offenders includes: IRS imposter scams You get a call or voicemail warning that the police or other authorities will show up at your door to arrest you or put you in jail if you don’t immediately pay money you didn’t know you owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Medicare imposter scams There are several variations of this hoax: • You get a call, email, text, or social media message “alerting” you that
your new Medicare benefits card is ready. • You get a call, email, text, or social media message from someone offering to help you sign up for or change your plan. • You get a call, email, text, or social media message claiming that you’re eligible for a medical device you didn’t realize you needed. In all cases, the person who contacted you explains that you simply need to provide your Medicare number, or pay a fee, in order to take advantage of the offer. Social Security Administration imposter scams You get a call, email, text, or social media message warning that your Social Security benefits are about to expire—or that they will be suspended because you owe money for a reason you previously weren’t aware of. And be wary of contact that appears to be from the Department of Health and Human Services, too. “We’ve recently learned that people are getting scam calls claiming to be from the Eldercare Locator,” Waterman said, “which is of particular concern to us and the older adults we serve.” How can you tell if it’s a government imposter scam? They charm you. They threaten you. They claim you’ll go to jail. How can you tell if someone is truly who they say they are, particularly someone who works for the government? No matter which agency they’re pretending to be from, government imposters share a common set of strategies. Knowing what those strategies are can help you identify the deceit. 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
Winter 2024 Scammers are master manipulators whose mind games are top-notch,” Waterman said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t outsmart them.” That starts with maintaining a healthy level of old-fashioned skepticism. “If someone you don’t know immediately starts pressuring you—on the phone, in a text, or another way—that’s a huge red flag,” she said. Stay aware of these other common tactics that also indicate a scam: • Establishing credibility. A caller may mention their “government ID number,” text you a photo of their “employee badge,” or use officialsounding terms like “bureau” or “agency” to prove that they’re legitimate. They’re not. • Building rapport. An imposter may contact you repeatedly over the course of days, slowly working to convince you who they are, where they work, and why you need to comply with their request. None of it is true. • Demanding payment. A scammer will say that you need to wire money, make a bank transfer, send gift cards, or provide your credit card number in order to avoid a scary consequence, such as going to jail. This is wrong. • Threatening you. Criminals use intimidation to get what they want. They claim that you’ll be arrested or will lose your Social Security or Medicare benefits if you don’t immediately provide your personal information or pay money. Neither is true. And Waterman warned of another important point: Scammers regularly use software to spoof the phone numbers of government agencies, and they know how to forge email addresses so the sender looks official. Both of these tricks increase
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17 the likelihood that you will pick up the phone or open a message. “Never trust the number on your caller ID, or the email address in your inbox,” she said. “It’s sad but true that criminals know exactly how to mimic these things using a combination of modern technology and psychology.” How do I avoid government imposter scams? There’s no surefire way to dodge that ball entirely. The sheer and rising number of complaints that consumers file with the FTC shows that scammers remain one step ahead of efforts to stop them. “Most of us will receive a fake phone call, email, or other communication from someone pretending to work for the government—and probably more than once,” said Waterman, who advises a straightforward defense strategy: • Hang up. Whether you recognize the number on the caller ID or not, immediately end any call from someone you don’t know. • Delete. Even if the sender’s address appears to be from a government agency, don’t open it. Instead, send it directly to your trash folder. • Ignore. If you receive a text or direct message on social media from the IRS, SSA, Medicare, FTC, or other government account, don’t reply. “Don’t worry about being rude,” Waterman said. “It’s never wrong to err on the side of abundant caution. You are looking after your own best interests.” If you’re concerned that a government agency is legitimately trying to reach you, be proactive. Look up the agency’s contact information yourself (go to their official website; don’t rely on your caller ID or an email you received) and get in touch that way. What should I do if I’ve been scammed by a government imposter? First, take a deep breath, Waterman said.
“It’s natural to feel embarrassed, but don’t beat yourself up,” she said. “Remember, these scams work for a very good reason: they are entirely believable.” So believable, in fact, that that 2.4 million people contacted the FTC to report fraud in 2022—and the majority of those reports involved imposter scams. If you’ve been scammed, you definitely are not alone. And the criminals’ behavior is not your fault. Report what happened. You may call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-831) or alert the FTC at ftc.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP (877382-4357). Finally, if criminals got their hands on your personal information, your money, or both, the FTC offers step-by-step advice on what to do. The bottom line on government imposter scams Government impersonator scams are remarkably common and on the rise. While no one is immune to these sophisticated schemes, there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself from fraud. The easiest, advised NCOA’s Waterman, is to maintain a healthy level of skepticism anytime an unknown person calls you, emails you, or texts you. “Even if they seem official, use official-sounding terms, or tell you that you’ll lose your benefits or go to jail, they almost certainly are not who they’re pretending to be. Hang up the phone, delete the email, ignore the text. If the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or other government agency needs you, they’ll send a letter.” Suspect an imposter scam? Report it to the FTC. Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.
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Winter 2024
LIFESTYLE
Understanding Personality Types If there are universal truths about being a human being, one of them is our absolute inability to pass up a personality test. We are constantly seeking to know ourselves and others more fully, to find healing and understanding through learning about what divides and connects us. We frequently look for different methods of categorizing and explaining why we are the way we are, for our lives and relationships to have less conflict and be more fulfilling. There are many ways that we have categorized ourselves through different personality type systems: Meyers-Briggs, the Keirsey Temperaments, the four DiSC types, and the 12 Zodiac signs, among others. One such system of distinguishing between different personalities that many find to be eerily accurate and has had a surge in popular appeal lately is the Enneagram. The Enneagram Personality Type is a tool for understanding our deep inner workings and the motivations that inspire our ways of being. An amalgam of philosophy, psychology, and spirituality, the Enneagram test shows us 9 diverse ways that we relate to the world, and the gifts and challenges of each of these 9 types. Enneagram Types Explained Enneagram One: Type Ones, often referred to as The Reformer or Perfectionist, are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. At their best they are often well-organized, orderly, wise and discerning, however, they can also slip into being critical and perfectionistic with themselves and others. Type Ones are often rule-followers, pay attention to detail, and strive to avoid making mistakes. Their deepest fear is of being “bad,” morally flawed, or seen as less than perfect, and through acceptance of their imperfections they can achieve a sense of peace and serenity. Enneagram Two: Type Twos, or The Helpers, are often empathetic, attuned to others needs, friendly, and warm-hearted. They are generous and self-sacrificing and are driven to be close to others. Type Twos can have difficulty with accessing their own needs, and often tend to other’s needs to gain their love and appreciation. Twos have a need to be needed, and often try to make themselves invaluable to others in their service to them. This can create resentment for all that they do for others without tending to themselves. At their best, their gifts are unconditional love and generosity, and when practicing self care, they can achieve this unconditional love for themselves, as well.
Enneagram Three: Type Three, The Achiever, is a charming, success-driven, and image-conscious type. They often have a sense of radiance about them, excel at whatever they put their energy into, and are seen as self assured, competent, and ambitious. They are hard-workers and can experience a workaholic and competitive nature when becoming imbalanced. Threes focus on how they are perceived, and often have a deep fear of unworthiness without their achievements and accolades. They can devolve into dishonesty, even with themselves, to maintain their image. At their best, however, Threes are role models who inspire and motivate others. Enneagram Four: Type Fours, The Individualists, are self-aware, sensitive, drawn to romanticism, and emotionally honest. They are often creative and visionary and can tend to withdraw from others due to feeling defective or misunderstood. The deep emotionality of the Type Four can also lean toward melancholy and self indulgence, and they have a sense of feeling separate or different than others. Their gifts are an ability to hold space for authenticity and depth, and they inspire creativity through their own unique expression. Enneagram Five: Type Fives, The Investigators or Observers, are cerebral, insightful, and curious. They are motivated by a need to know and understand the world, and they are lifelong researchers. Fives can come across as detached, as they often withdraw from others to avoid rejection and a feeling of incompetence. They tend to feel that the world demands too much, and are self-sufficient and non-demanding, conserving their energy for pursuits of the mind. Brilliant and inventive, they are the source of many innovations and creative ideas. Enneagram Six: Type Six, or The Loyalist, is security-oriented and committed, reliable, hard-working, and trustworthy. They can tend to be cautious, unsure, and look to others for advice. When present with themselves, they are their own best counsel, knowing the best course of action for themselves and often for others, as well. Sixes have a strong ability to troubleshoot and foresee problems occurring, although this is in part due to an abundance of time spent worrying and preparing for an imagined future. At their best, Sixes are stable and courageous champions for themselves and others. Enneagram Seven: Type Sevens, or The Enthusiasts, are optimistic, spontaneous, and playful. Usually high-spirited, they are often able to bring a lot of energy and fun to their 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
Winter 2024 environment. A fear of missing out can prompt them to overextend themselves, and they can become scattered and exhausted from being on the go. Sevens like to plan for exciting new experiences and can be impatient and impulsive when resisting feeling anxious, bored, or trapped. A healthy, balanced Seven is appreciative, joyful, and satisfied. Enneagram Eight: Type Eights, or The Challengers, are assertive, self-confident, and protective. They carry themselves with strength and resourcefulness, and prefer to avoid feeling controlled or dominated. Eights appreciate honesty and decisiveness, and are champions for the underdog. They do not shy away from conflict, and can be confrontational and domineering. Eights can have difficulty with vulnerability, and with their tempers. At their best, Eights inspire us to be bold, to speak up for ourselves, and improve our lives. Enneagram Nine: Type Nines, The Peacekeepers, are supportive, stable, and accepting. They can see all sides of an issue but can tend to go along with others to keep the peace. They prefer situations to go smoothly, and to avoid conflict at all costs. Nines are often creative and optimistic, with a steady grounded presence. Diplomatic communicators, Nines are gifted at bringing people together and healing conflicts. This skill of tending to the needs of others can allow them to slip into patterns of selfavoidance and self forgetting. At their best, Nines create harmony in their environment and accept themselves and others as-is. What Enneagram Type Am I? After reading these words, you might recognize yourself, a family member, or significant other in the descriptions. It is important to realize that we are not “a type,” and although we each experience one of these types more dominantly than the others, we have access to all of these energies and traits. Therefore, it can be helpful to look at the parts of ourselves that resonate with all 9 types, and work to create more balance in how we experience and express these parts. How Do Different Personality Types Work Together? As you learn more about the distinct types, you might start
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19 to notice some commonalities. Each type has unique gifts and struggles, yet a common thread across all of these types is the desire for love and connection. Each type also experiences fear in similar ways, and we often then try to push this fear away by unconsciously demonstrating the more “negative” aspects of our type structure. One common inquiry when learning about Enneagram Personality Types is whether certain types are better suited to our dominant type, and if some pairings are just naturally difficult. While there are not inherently healthy or unhealthy type pairings, our level of self-awareness inside of our type structure can create balance or imbalance relationally. For example, an unhealthy and unaware Enneagram Type One, with a critical and judgemental response to fear, can create a lot of friction with an average to unhealthy Type Seven, who chafes against any attempt to be restrained or limited. Someone dominant in Type Eight, who can come across as abrupt and confrontational when out of presence, might trigger a Type Two who needs connection and appreciation above all else. Seemingly opposite types do often gravitate toward each other, and it is common to see more assertive types in relationships with withdrawn or compliant types, as these energies are attractive and tend to balance when relating to each other. It is apparent that the differences between us, while initially attractive, often cause friction, however. Sometimes this friction is a result of us reacting to a part of ourselves that we see reflected by others, and this can be informative in helping us to enhance or temper these traits in ourselves. Developing recognition and compassion for this process in ourselves and in others can be incredibly healing, as learning what makes us tick is a key step to building connections to ourselves and others. The Enneagram test (truity.com/test/ enneagram-personality-test) can provide a great starting point for self and relational exploration, and if you would like to learn about it at a deeper level, a couple of useful resources are The Narrative Enneagram and The Enneagram Institute. Source: Aging.com.
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Winter 2024
DRIVING SAFETY
Be Proactive About Your Driving Safety Over 10,088 motor vehicle crashes occurred in Delaware County, Ohio, from 2020 to 2022. Mature drivers were involved in almost one-third of all of those. During that same time period, there were 45 fatal crashes—18 of which involved a mature driver. As a “senior,” your many years of driving experience has no doubt made you a safe driver. To maintain your mobility and independence, without putting your life or those of others at risk while driving, you need to become a proactive safe driver. It is imperative that you can evaluate your own driving ability and understand how the changes to your mind and body can affect your driving. Recognizing changes
in your own driving skills will allow you to improve your skills and seek out the tools necessary to drive safer for longer. An important first step in maintaining your safe driving skills is to take advantage of various virtual and in-person driver safety courses designed specifically for the older driver. Courses such as “AARP Smart Driver Online Course for Senior Drivers” or the “AAA Roadwise Mature Driver Course” are available to anyone, but discounts are available to members.
National Highway Traffic Administration at nhtsa.gov, the Ohio Department of Transportation at transportation.ohio. gov, the Ohio Department of Aging at aging.ohio.gov, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety at safety.ohio.gov. To find a local driver safety program or schedule a Car Fit appointment in Delaware County, contact the Delaware Public Health District’s Safe Communities Coordinator, Jackie Bain, at 740-203-2083 or jbain@delawarehealth.org.
Completion of these courses may even qualify you for an insurance discount. Additional information on older driver safety is available online at Car-Fit.org, the
SourcePoint runs cafes in Ashley and Delaware that serve delicious, nutritious lunches on a donation basis. Our community cafes are a place for people age 55 and better to eat lunch and have fun!
Reservations are requested for all cafes except Cafe 55 and can be made at 740-203-2432.
Enjoy a hot, nutritious meal with your friends and neighbors! 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
Winter 2024
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NUTRITION
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Portobella
Tuscan White Bean, Kale & Sundried Tomato Bake
This recipe is low carb, quick and easy to make, and super delicious! Feel free to add any protein—chicken, steak, pork loin. This makes four servings.
This is a healthy recipe that is easy to make. You can modify this by using or adding other vegetables, such as zucchini, peppers, or butternut squash. You can also add sausage or ground turkey if you want to add meat. This recipe makes four servings.
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium portobella mushrooms stems and gills removed 1 package frozen chopped spinach cooked and drained, 10 ounces 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 tablespoon butter ½ cup leeks, halved then sliced 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 tablespoons mayonnaise ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated 2 cloves garlic chopped Salt and pepper to taste 3 ounces mozzarella or parmesan cheese, shredded 1. Scrape out the mushroom gills and gently wash the mushrooms. 2. Brush mushrooms with olive oil, place on baking pan in center of oven and broil high, 5 minutes each side, or until tender. 3. Squeeze cooked spinach in clean dish towel if desired to remove excess water. 4. Slice then wash the leeks to remove any dirt. 5. Sautee leeks, over medium heat, in butter until tender. Let it cool. 6. Mix together the spinach, artichoke, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, sauteed leeks, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. 7. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly. 8. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach mix, distributing the filling evenly between the mushrooms. 9. Sprinkle tops with mozzarella cheese. 10. Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Turn broiler on high for a few minutes at end of baking to brown cheese, if needed/desired. MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - divided 8 ounces Cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 2/3 cup drained and chopped small oil-packed sun dried tomatoes 2 14.5-ounce cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes 2 14.5-ounce cans drained and rinsed Cannelini beans 1 14.5-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, rinsed Salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped oregano 1/2 teaspoon fresh, chopped thyme 1 teaspoon sugar Parsley for garnish 1. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. 2. Sautee onions, mushrooms, garlic, and sundried tomatoes in oil. 3. Once onions are transluscent, add the diced tomatoes, beans (do not drain), artichoke hearts, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and sugar to the pan. 4. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, until hot. 5. Taste and adjust accordingly. 6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with plenty of crusty bread.
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TRAVEL & LEISURE
Mrs. Independent: Trends Show Married Women are Leaving Husbands at Home to Travel Just because you may be joined together in holy matrimony doesn’t mean you must be joined together at the hip. The nearly 12,000 married women who travel solo with Road Scholar each year are living proof that maintaining your own individual identities can lead to long and healthy marriages. In a recent study Road Scholar, the nonprofit world leader in educational travel for older adults, found that at least 60% of their solo female travelers in 2022 were married women traveling without their spouses. The number one reason the women gave for why they travel without their partners? Their spouse simply isn’t interested in traveling. “As my husband ticks off his bucket list of sports car shows (boring!), I enjoy a trip, and neither of us is envious of the other or feeling abandoned,” said one married solo traveler from Berea, Ohio. Of the 80-100,000 travelers that go with Road Scholar each year, 70% are women. Compare that to the overall population breakdown in the U.S—54% of Americans 50 and older are women—and this suggests that women are generally more interested in traveling in their later years than men. What’s encouraging to see is that those senior women who are married are not letting their disinterested husbands hold them back from exploring the world independently, or going solo with group travel organizations like Road Scholar. “It would be an atrocity to not travel just because my spouse doesn’t like it,” says Road Scholar solo traveler Marcia Henderson, 66. “This is my passion, and he is supportive as I support his golfing.” Road Scholar has been seeing a steady increase in the number of solo travelers enrolling in programs with them over the past 10 years, and most are women—about 85%. Single women certainly contribute to this trend. Half of women over 65 in the U.S. are unpartnered: there are far more widowed women than widowed
men, and the divorce rate is highest among older Americans and on the rise. But the idea that so many solo female travelers are married tells a fascinating story about where we are in history. “I think this trend is really a mark of the population that we’re serving currently,” says Road Scholar representative Kelsey Knoedler Perri. “Two-thirds of our participants now are Boomers, and Boomer women are so much more independent than their mothers and grandmothers. It would have been far more unheard of for previous generations of women to be traveling the world without their spouses. Society has shifted to ‘allow’ older women the freedom to do it now.” As a response to this increasing demand in solo travel, Road Scholar is developing a collection of programs just for solo travelers, which they plan to debut in 2024, with departures starting in 2025. Source: Road Scholar. Read more at roadscholar.org.
Explore our World
WITH TRIPS
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. Register early! Trips often fill quickly; waitlists are available. Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/EC.
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Winter 2024
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FUN & GAMES
Sudoku EASY
See Sudoku Solutions on page 27. HARD
Jen’s
MOST TRUSTED Orthopedic Practice “While climbing a Via Ferrata course, Jen, a local school teacher, slipped and broke her arm. After a successful surgery and physical therapy with Orthopedic ONE, she is reaching new heights, conquering fears, and climbing again.” - Jen Ahlfors, Teacher, Amateur Climber and Orthopedic ONE Patient
Watch Jen’s story here or visit orthopedicONE.com
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Winter 2024
IN OUR COMMUNITY
SourcePoint Awards Community Grants SourcePoint’s board of directors approved $435,964 in grant funding for 21 programs in Delaware County. Each year, SourcePoint awards funding to local nonprofits and government organizations to broaden the support available to the community’s older adults. Funding existing programs is a cost-effective, efficient way to address the various needs of the older population. As Delaware County’s most comprehensive aging services provider, SourcePoint’s grants foster a collaborative system of care for local seniors and family caregivers.
symphony concerts on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus.
program that brings together older adults and high school students.
Common Ground Free Store $14,300 to support a portion of operating expenses for the agency providing food, clothing, and household items to lowincome county residents.
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 olderadult households.
Each year, a committee made up of SourcePoint board, staff, and community members reviews grant applications and selects organizations that fill service gaps in the community, providing needed services to older adults. Those awarded grants for 2024 include the following:
Delaware County District Library $7,200 for website updates in four areas to help ensure older adults can easily access information, materials, and programs.
The Alzheimer’s Association $47,000 to provide supportive services to individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Cancer Support Community $5,500 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 $2,375 for transportation for older adults with mobility issues to and from
Delaware County Guardianship Services Board $7,500 to provide exemplary guardianship services to individuals 55 and older who do not have appropriate guardian candidates in the community.
Lutheran Social Services $18,000 to support operations and food costs for older adults at the local food bank. National Alliance on Mental Illness Delaware and Morrow Counties $25,000 to support recovery and educational programming for individuals with mental illness and their families.
Delaware Speech and Hearing Center $84,000 to expand and enhance hearing and speech health services to older adults and their caregivers.
OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital $23,000 for the Driver Rehabilitation for Instruction and Vehicle Education (DRIVE) program intended to improve driver safety.
First Presbyterian Church $10,000 for the Laundry Love Program, which provides free laundry services to individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford such services.
Ohio Wesleyan University Lifelong Learning Institute $7,500 to improve access to the Lifelong Learning Institute’s adult educational programming.
Grace Clinic $35,000 to expand hours of operation to increase accessibility of low-cost health care and services to rural areas of the county.
Unity Community Center $6,000 to expand free older adult programming that supports physical fitness, balance, and social interaction, as well as recognition through the Senior Birthday Club.
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 $5,150 to expand Sages & Seekers, an evidence-based, intergenerational
VOICEcorps Reading Service $3,689 to increase access to and awareness of print news and information through an audio format called Echo Dots.
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SPEAK E RS B U R EAU SourcePoint, the comprehensive aging services provider in Delaware County, provides free presentations to community groups and employers. Our aging experts are available for in-person or virtual events and can customize presentations based on your needs. Learn more and reserve a speaker today at MySourcePoint.org/speakers.
AGING SERVICES
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Covering everything from a broad federal overview to what is available in the Delaware County community.
Providing support for and addressing the everyday challenges of caregivers.
• Accessing Aging Services for Patient Care Coordinators
• Grief Support
• Age-Friendly Delaware County • The Aging Network • All About SourcePoint: • What Does SourcePoint Offer? • Community Programs • In-Home Care • Meals on Wheels • Just for Paws & Pet Food Drives • Working with First Responders
FALLS PREVENTION & SAFETY
Practical suggestions to reduce the fear of falling and address other concerns. • Emergency Preparedness • Falls-Free Zone: Six Modules • Home Safety Checks • A Matter of Balance: A Six-Week Series on Falls Management • Seniors Against Scams
PHILANTHROPY & VOLUNTEERING
Our community gives back in a number of ways. Learn how you can contribute! • A Day in the Life of a Volunteer • Recruiting and Managing Volunteers • Ways to Give | Planned Giving
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• Caregiver Crash Course • Managing Stress • Powerful Tools for Caregivers: A SixWeek Series of Self-Care Workshops • SourcePoint’s Caregiver Support
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Focused on the health of older adults, including increasing activity levels, prevention, and chronic illnesses. • Active Aging • The Benefits of Travel • Brain Health • Health in Action: A Six-Week Series on Chronic Disease, Diabetes, or Chronic Pain Self-Management
MEDICARE EDUCATION
Unbiased information tailored for individuals nearing 65 or needing help understanding Medicare options. • New to Medicare • Option 1: Medicare Supplements and Part D • Option 2: Medicare Advantage
Questions? Contact Brian Doone at 740-203-2358 or bdoone@MySourcePoint.org.
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CREATIVE WRITING
Recipe for Disaster One. Make a decision quickly, especially if pressured to do so by someone else. Two. Assume that synchronicities or things easily working out, are signs to go ahead with a plan. Three. Ignore or make excuses for the “red flags” you notice, which may include the poor behavior of yourself and/or others. Four. Refuse to be honest with yourself. Five. Value someone else’s story more than your own. Mix all with sprinkles of excitement, delight, optimism, and if desired, lust. Disaster is certain. Nancy M. Ross is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint’s enrichment center.
Little Things It’s little things that get me. They capture my attention through some seemingly mystical process that eludes my understanding. My eyes always rush past the whole of an object in order to sit a spell with its little parts and pieces. I ring the doorbell of a mansion but take no notice of its grandiose stature. When my hostess opens the door I’m no longer there. I’ve gone hiking in the hills and valleys of the engraving above the door. Then I slide around the graceful curve of an arch like a skier on perfect snow. Finally, I come to rest in the invisible web of symmetry between opposing columns. Upon discovering an ancient barn I take no time to celebrate my find. Instead, I immediately lose myself in the play of light and shadow created by its peeling paint. I read volumes of history in its hinges, door latches, and beams. At last I wander the meandering path of a leafy vine as it climbs the ancient facade and disappears in the shadow of the eaves. Though I walk in my garden each day I never notice the profusion of color or the sheer number of plants. My eyes are always drawn to a single petal of a single bloom. They dart around a scalloped border and then float along its veins. I dive head first into the depth of its saturated color. Only reluctantly do I surface for air. I’ve never seen the cottonwood tree that lives downwind of me, but I behold its majesty in a tiny seed cradled in fluff. I gently lift the seed and place it upon my palm, as if my closer inspection will reveal the miracle it holds. A mere whisper of a breeze lifts and carries it away and I hunger for the tiny thing as it disappears from view. Yes, it’s little things that get me and I know they always will. Author Sara Parton spoke for me when she wrote, “There are no little things. Little things are the hinges of the universe.” Judy Titus is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint’s enrichment center.
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Not Caring What Others Think of Me My recipe for not caring what other people think of me is not really a recipe, like baking a cake, it’s more like making soup. It’s a state of mind. It also is different for each one of us. Things we do or don’t do can affect what others think of our actions or words and we can vary with the time and place of these actions. Think of standing up and giving a hearty football cheer during church services. While you may not care, any friends or family sitting with you might be embarrassed as they try to sneak away hoping no one sees them with you.
So, the third ingredient is caring about others.
So, if you really want to use the concept of a recipe the first ingredient has to be personal self-control.
You are in a crowded store waiting in the checkout line. Behind you is a young couple struggling to keep their four kids in control. Dad is holding one in diapers and trying to keep a two year old near. Mom is holding one kid’s hand and trying to keep the other from getting into the cart of someone in the next line. Do you join the chorus of “control your kids” or do you say something lightly humorous to them and tell them to go next, in front of you?
Now picture yourself in a community meeting. The point of the meeting turns out to be something other than what you thought and now you are not sure you want to be there. As the meeting continues, you find they are trying to get a group together for a community improvement project. That’s when you realize this is something you wish would happen and work towards, but knew you couldn’t do alone. A dream realized. So, the second ingredient is dreaming for things to do in the future. You come across a beggar on the walkway of a busy street; you pause and look at the beggar. A passerby tells you there are a lot of beggars on this street and he’s here every day looking for easy money. When you take a closer look at him you find he’s dirty, smelly, with bad yellow teeth. His looks tell you he’s been living on the street. Do you ignore him to fit in with the others or do you ignore what they may think of you and help, even if it’s just a little?
You are in a meeting, it really doesn’t matter what kind, and you are volunteered to lead a project. You really don’t want the job responsibility. You know many of the others assigned to your team and feel less qualified than they are. Do you do it or back out? So, the fourth ingredient is taking on a challenge and doing the best you can.
So, the final ingredient must be having a sense of humor in less than pleasant situations. This is my recipe for not caring what others think of me. On giving this more thought about where my state of mind developed this attitude, I remembered this sounds a lot like Dr. Kavanagh’s quote, “To succeed in life you need three things: a wish bone, a back bone, and a funny bone.” To which I add the caring bone and control bone into the soup. Respectively offered for a successful life, Chef Dave. Dave Richards is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint’s enrichment center.
Sudoku Solutions EASY
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HARD
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Winter 2024
Your source for How We Can Help
Home Safety Checks
Your home should be a safe haven, and SourcePoint can provide a free inspection of your home and suggestions on how to make it safer.
Falls Prevention Programs
SourcePoint offers free, proven classes to address falls, including A Matter of Balance, Falls-Free Zone, Health in Action, and Aging Mastery.
FALLS PREVENTION If you or an older adult in your life has fallen, you’re not alone. More than one in four people age 65 years or older fall each year. The risk of falling—and fall-related problems—rises with age. However, many falls can be prevented. For example, exercising, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your home safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall. In Delaware County, SourcePoint is your source for falls prevention.
Learn More Health & Wellness Programs
At SourcePoint’s enrichment center, adults ages 55 and better can participate in a variety of endurance, flexibility, strength, and balance activities.
MySourcePoint.org/falls 740-363-6677
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Winter 2024
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
What Exercises Can Help Prevent Falls? Anyone of any age or ability can get stronger and improve their balance. And staying strong and having good balance are especially important for older adults. Why? Because staying strong and practicing balance skills are critical to managing your fall risk. The stronger your legs, the better your balance, and the less chance you will experience a fall. If you do experience a fall, you are less likely to experience an injury. Research shows that certain exercises are better for older adults to improve strength and balance. These exercises you can do daily, as part of your routine. The best part is they can be done anywhere, anytime, any place. What are the exercises that older adults can do to help with strength and balance? First, make sure you are doing the exercises safely and correctly. You may want to work with a physical therapist to choose and teach the best exercises for you. For best results, the exercises should feel somewhat challenging. Below are exercise suggestions to help you strengthen your leg muscles and improve your balance. It is always a good idea to stand near something sturdy to hold on to, such as a kitchen counter, and have a chair nearby to sit and rest. Exercises good for leg strength: • Sit to stand from a chair • Standing heel raises • Lunges Exercises good for improving balance: • Standing on one leg • Side stepping • Backwards walking Start by doing each exercise five to 10 times. Take a short rest (one minute or less) in between exercises. Once you have
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completed the exercises you can be done or repeat the sequence. Work up to doing each exercise 10 times, twice a day. Some muscle soreness is normal; your body is telling you those muscles worked. This is a normal response to challenging exercise. But soreness should not limit your ability to do your daily activities. If it does, this means you may have done too much. Progressing the number of times you do each exercise slowly, and checking how you feel the next day will help you manage muscle soreness. When starting a new balance exercise, hold on with two hands. When you feel confident in your balance, try holding on lightly with a few fingertips on each hand. Then use only one hand. As your balance skills improve, and you feel steady, you may be able to progress to using no hands. Is walking a good exercise for strength and balance? Walking is a great form of exercise with many benefits, but it does not help your legs get stronger unless you are walking up and down hills or stairs. Older adults should combine a strength and balance program with a walking program for the greatest protection against a fall. You should plan on working up to a 30-minute walk, three times a week. When that gets easy, and you want a new challenge, you can walk faster for part of your walk. If you use a walker or cane, make sure to use it when you walk for exercise. A physical therapist can help you determine the best walker or cane for you if you are unsure which to use.
How do I start adding strength and balance exercise into my routine? A good plan is to alternate exercise days with walking days. On Monday you would do the exercises, Tuesday a walk (ideally 10-30 minutes), and so on. You will want to start small and build your habits gradually. Writing down a plan and goals for exercise can be helpful for some people. Exercise at a time of day and in a place you enjoy and are the most motivated to move. An exercise buddy or attending a community class is also helpful for some people. Just get started! When should I see a physical therapist? Sometimes working with a physical therapist is a good idea before starting an exercise program. A physical therapist can be especially helpful if you: • Feel unsteady. • Think you may need a walker or a cane. • Have an issue that limits your ability to exercise, such as arthritis or an old injury. • Have severe pain that makes it difficult to move normally. • Have fallen in the past and are worried you will fall again. Physical therapists are movement experts who are skilled at identifying areas older adults can decrease their fall risk, often this includes recommending a personalized strength and balance program. Their professional training and expertise can assist you to develop the best program for you that can be done when and where it works best for you. Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.
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WEATHER SAFETY
The Hazards of Hypothermia Winter brings many opportunities for cold-weather fun. But it can also bring dangerous temperatures. As you venture outdoors this season, take care to keep yourself safe from cold-weather hazards like hypothermia.
“For older people, even mild exposure to cold environments can result in hypothermia,” says Eldadah. “People can get hypothermic in the summertime because their air conditioners are set at a very low temperature.”
“Hypothermia is when the body’s core temperature decreases below 95 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Dr. Basil Eldadah, an NIH aging expert.
But everyone needs to be careful when the temperatures drop. You can get hypothermia in cool weather just because you’re wet from sweat or rain.
Hypothermia can happen when you’re exposed to very cold temperatures for too long. If your body temperature drops too low, it can affect your ability to think clearly, walk, or talk. So acting fast when you see signs of hypothermia is important.
“Be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of hypothermia,” Eldadah says. Low body temperature can become dangerous before you know what’s happening.
Signs of mild hypothermia include cold feet and hands, shivering, a puffy or swollen face, or pale skin. You may also get sleepy, start to become clumsy, or become angry or confused. “As hypothermia advances, there may be slurred speech, trouble walking, clumsiness, or stiff movements,” Eldadah explains. “Then, you may experience a slower heartbeat, a weak pulse, and slow or shallow breathing. It could even result in loss of consciousness in advanced stages.” Anyone can get hypothermia when exposed to cold temperatures. But certain factors increase your risk. These include older age, young age, certain medications, and some illnesses. All can impact your body’s ability to regulate your temperature. Certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypothyroidism can impair your blood circulation. These kinds of diseases become more common with age. “A well-functioning circulatory system keeps our body temperature at the right place,” explains Eldadah. Older adults may have difficulty controlling their body temperature for other reasons, too. With aging, our bodies have less ability to shiver and perform other internal actions that keep you warmer. Aging can also mean that you have less fat under your skin to insulate your body. Certain conditions that are more common with age can make the cold more dangerous, too. Parkinson’s disease and arthritis can make it more physically difficult to get out of the cold. People with conditions that cause difficulty with thinking and memory, like dementia, may not dress appropriately for the weather changes.
The best way to prevent hypothermia is to protect yourself from the cold—indoors and outdoors. Bundle up if you have to go outside in cold weather. And remember to stay warm indoors and keep your home at a safe temperature. See the box below for more tips to stay safe in cold weather. Source: National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Read more at newsinhealth.nih.gov.
Protect Against the Cold At home, wear socks, slippers, and a hat. Or stay covered up with a blanket. Keep your heat set to at least 68°F or higher during cold weather. If you need help paying your heating bills, see if you qualify for the HHS energy assistance program. Wear a windproof and waterproof jacket if you’re heading into cold, rainy, windy, or snowy conditions. Dress in layers. If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, act fast. Get them out of the cold and into a warm room. Remove any wet clothing. Warm them up gradually. Cover them with warm blankets. Offer them warm drinks, but not alcohol. Avoid hot baths or heating pads. And take their temperature. If it’s below 95°F, get medical help immediately.
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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. MySourcePoint.org | 740-363-6677
