Living Longer, Living Well - March 2021

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

A Resource Guide For 55+ March 2021

ROBERT H TAYLOR DDS 6 X 2.5

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Harrisonburg, Va.

Lessons from a Squirrel

Living Longer, Living Well A collaborative partnership of the Daily News-Record and the Aging Well Consortium

Editorial Committee Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair Community Relations Manager, VPAS

Beth Bland

By: Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair, Aging Well Consortium

Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg/Rockingham VPAS

Jeremy Douylliez Communications Specialist, Bridgewater Retirement Community

Lavenia “Lev” Norford Community Contributor

Susan Ribelin Coordinator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage

Charlotte Sibold Executive Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community

Rodney Wolfenbarger Director, JMU Lifelong Learning Institute MISSION: The Aging Well Consortium mission is to develop and promote education and public awareness programs to enhance the health and well-being of older persons, care providers and families.

Living Longer, Living Well is published quarterly and focuses on issues and topics pertinent to aging.

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t has been about a year since the pandemic gave the world a good shake and knocked us all off our feet. I’ve been up and down a lot since then, and have realized it is usually when I’m paying attention to cues from nature that I’m able to stay balanced. Here are some things I’ve learned from animals this year:

Be bold and persistent. Squirrels scamper up onto my deck every day looking for treasure. Often times they come right up to the sliding glass door and stare at me, attempting to hypnotize me into getting them food. It never works. “I’m not helping you,” I point at them and say. “You have to find your own food.” They keep coming anyway. Apparently, there are people who devote their entire careers to outsmarting squirrels. A quick “how to get squirrels off my deck” google search yielded more than 2.5 million results. My squirrels motivate me though, so I’m glad they’re around.

Be open to new opportuni es. Remember all of the pictures of animals taking

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over human spaces during lockdown? There were sheep at a McDonald’s in Wales, flamingos all over Mumbai, boars descending from the mountains into downtown Barcelona. Where could we go and what could we do if we left our comfort zones ON THE COVER: The White-breasted Nuthatch is a common feeder for something new? bird that likes sunflower seeds and suet. In the winter they will often come frequently to feeders and take sunflowers to nearby trees where Be yourself. What balances me might send someone else completely off the edge. they can wedge them in crevices to store for later.

Consider the white-breasted nuthatch that graces our cover. These birds often Photo credit: Dave Wendelken No statement or advertisement in this publication is to be construed as an endorsement of any person / business / organization or as a recommendation to buy advertised products / services.

The Aging Well Consortium welcomes the submission of articles to be considered for use in Living Longer, Living Well. The Living Longer, Living Well Editorial Committee reviews all submitted material and reserves the right to decide which selections will be included in the newsletter.

Please Note: This publication contains educational and illustrative materials, narratives, and ideas of an informative nature ONLY. Neither the author, the publisher, nor this organization is engaged in rendering medical, legal, or tax advisory services. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of physician, attorney, or other professional advisor should be acquired.

The Aging Well Consortium is very interested in any comments or suggestions you might have. Please email your ideas for stories or feature articles, suggestions, or “pet peeves” to the editor at leighanne@vpas.info, or mail them to Living Longer, Living Well, 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

perch upside down on tree trunks, which experts believe gives them a beneficial perspective for storing and accessing food. Who’s to say what’s normal? Our uniquenesses can be our greatest assets in both good times and bad.

There’s a lot of nature to explore in the pages that follow. You can also pick up some new travel tips, learn what others love about aging, and fill up your calendar with virtual and in-person events. I hope you’ll join us for a pint and a St. Patrick’s Day inspired meal by A Bowl of Good at Brothers Craft Brewing on March 19.

There will be fire pits and laughter and hope for the future.

Meanwhile, the Living Longer Living Well crew is wishing you squirrels to talk to, new paths to tread, and birds to captivate you.

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Making Space for Birds By: Robyn Puffenbarger, Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener

Saturday, March 13, 2021

keep your bird bath out all year and House Finch. I know friends who enjoy your birds at it in all seasons. have had Mourning Doves nest in the large ferns they had on the front Another step to take is adding porch! Do not water the nest; the plants. Natives are the very best birds will be gone before you know choice. You want to give the birds it. Putting out a bird box can make a range of heights: some low, some for many days of great fun watching middle, some high spots to land. the adult birds going in and out, then The birds want places to flit off to the awkward fledglings leaving! when a predator comes along. It is Many of our favorite songbirds inevitable if you have a great spot have juveniles that cannot fly. They for birds, that one of the predators, follow the adults around for a week a Cooper’s Hawk for example, will or so as they finish growing those come to find your birds. This is the way of things; a Cooper’s Hawk has flight feathers. Bird houses come in to have birds to eat to keep living many sizes and shapes, from dainty and raise its young. If you can have homes for House Wrens to extra deciduous and evergreen plants, all large boxes for American Kestrels the better. Those needles make for and Eastern Screech Owls. It does great hiding spaces and a place to take some research and planning to get the right box for the right put a nest for all sorts of species. spot. There are many sites on the A last thought is a bird house, roost internet, like the Bluebird Society box, or platform. If you live in an and Cornell Lab of Ornithology to urban area, a wreath on your door help you plan your new career as or hanging plant might become the bird landlord! nesting spot for a Carolina Wren or

Northern Cardinal, (photo credit Dave Wendelken)

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pring is a time when the garden calls you out with the rush of colors, especially all those shades of greens and yellows, the smell of flowers and the incandescent sounds of birds.

In spring, birds that stayed with us all winter, like the Northern Cardinal, Carolina Wren, and Carolina Chickadee, set up their territories for nesting. We also get the influx of all the neotropical migrants, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Gray Catbird, and Chimney Swifts: the birds that spend their winters far south and only return to Virginia as the warmer weather returns. These migrants are also setting up nesting areas to bring their next generation into our ecosystem.

small patio, add water. This does not mean investing more than a few dollars to get a large, shallow plastic basin. Fill with water; keep it fresh, and add rocks so little birds, like the finches and sparrows who rightly fear drowning, feel safe to land and drink. As the birds find the water is clean and shallow, they will take baths much to their delight and yours! If you change the water several times a week in summer, mosquito larvae will not get a chance to hatch and bite. In winter, you can either dump out the ice or add a water bath heater to keep it liquid. Do not worry about birds bathing in the cold weather! If the birds are well fed, they keep their internal temperature constant and baths, even in the cold of winter, help There are many ways to make your them keep their feathers in good outdoor space more welcoming to condition. Feathers are one of the birds. Even if your space is just a best natural insulations known! So,

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Saturday, March 13, 2021

Harrisonburg, Va.

Looking forward to a Safer way and Time to Travel By: Lev Norford, contributor

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e made it through the election, Christmas, New Year’s and the inauguration and now we are on our way to spring with the vaccines for seniors becoming a reality. More and more of us receive the vaccine every day, so what will that mean for spring?

Will all of us who have not seen their grandchildren in months be ready to hit the road, the airways, the trains?

Even after you have your vaccine, the CDC is still advising: wear masks, wash hands, and keep safe distances from those with whom you are visiting.

If you have had your vaccine and you are one of those who needs to travel, here are a few questions and points of caution: • Be aware of COVID-19 case numbers where you live and where you are going. How many people will you encounter or be in constant contact with over periods of time as you travel?

• Travel by car is safer because you can control who you are traveling with. As usual, oil, brakes and routine

maintenance should be done before traveling.

• Plan your refueling stops and reduce other stops as much as you can.

• How much food do you need to take with you? Do not count on restaurants to be open or safe.

• If you are traveling by plane or train, qualified personnel should be able to offer you safe seating.

Transfers may increase interactions with crowds.

Choose the time of day are you traveling and go at a less congested time.

• Have a “safety” strategy. Know the quarantine rules for each place you visit. Find out if you will be required to self-quarantine or test before, during or after traveling, and be prepared to remain extra days in the event of exposure.

Most of us will err on the side of caution because we want to stay well to see those we love. When you choose to travel, please travel safely.

Filling Time Creating Plants By: Lee Norford, Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener

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ontainer gardens can be as creative or as simple as you want them to be. Anything from an elaborate urn to a simple wooden box will work.

Container gardens are ideal for people who have a small yard, or for people who want to decorate their porches and patios with plants. Added advantage for seniors is that containers can be placed at convenient heights, making them easy to tend and water. Moving plants should not be necessary once placed in the proper sunlight, however, bases with wheels can be purchased that allow easy rotation without lifting.

During COVID restrictions, many have found gardening to be a great hobby, way to productively fill time and possibly improve diets. Late winter is a great time to begin to plant seeds for spring and summer gardens.

Drainage is a must, and if your containers do not have a drainage hole in the bottom, you can adapt them by putting some larger spacers in the bottom.

Old teapots with holes drilled in the bottom, small clay pots, large ceramic pots all work well. Metal does not work well because it gathers heat. One of my favorite containers was an old leather boot I filled with succulents and placed on an entry step.

Consider the size of the container and the plants that will fill it, and remember dirt weighs a lot. Filling the bottom with Styrofoam peanuts before you add dirt will aid drainage and save on weight. If you use paper cups for planting seeds, you can later transfer the cup and seedling to a larger pot by just cutting out the bottom of the cup so roots can spread.

Purchase a good potting soil mix at any hardware store or garden center.

After everything is assembled, plant your seeds according to the depth instructions on the seed package. Notice what kind of sunlight to shade is necessary. Shade plants and sun plants should be in different containers.

Put your plants in the place that receives sunlight as needed for good growth.

Water, but DON’T overwater; more plants are killed by overwatering than any other cause. Use the finger test; You have 5 gauges on each hand. If the soil feels moist right under the top, you don’t need to water.

Growing anything is a waiting game of faith. Seeds grow at their own pace. Practice patience, and wait some more, but be prepared for the surprises that are sure to come.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

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Annuals and Perennials - That time of year is here soon By: Jason Cooper, Horticulture Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension

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s we all begin to thaw out of the gloomy winter and begin to enjoy warmer temperatures and longer days, isn’t it great when we have some amazing color that will brighten our days? There are many options available to have the best color year-round in your landscapes. Some of the best options to look at are annuals, perennials, and bulbs.

Planting annuals is the best way to get the most color during the season. There are many different plant styles and colors from which to choose. Many annuals are low lying and stay close to the ground, but there are many annuals that are taller. Annuals are usually smaller plants, typically used along the border of a landscape bed. The major thing to remember about annuals is that most of them are tropical plants and shouldn’t be planted before May 15th due to the possibility of freezing. These plants will die off in the fall during the first hard frost and will not grow back again the following spring, so you will have to replant an annual each year.

Another great way of getting long-lasting color into your landscapes is to plant perennials. Perennials are plants that will come back each year. These plants will have their vegetative tops die off each year around the time of the first heavy frost, but their root systems stay alive during the winter. Foliage and flowers will grow back again the following spring. There are many different types of perennials. It is very important to get a perennial that will grow in the conditions that you have. Make sure to check the sun exposure and also the drainage.

These are very important factors.

Also, with both annuals and perennials, it’s not always the flower that has the best characteristics. For many of these annuals and perennials the leaf itself, whether its shape or color, can be very interesting. Now is the time to get excited about the abundant amount of color that is going to be with us soon, and look for those annuals and perennials that will give you the most color possible

Beneficial Insects: Good Bug, Bad Bug? By: Keala Timko, Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener

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very year I marvel at the beauty of butterflies flitting through the air, busy bees jetting from flower to flower, caterpillars munching on leaves and the various birds plucking them from plants to provide a feast for their young. Yes, I am a nature junkie.

As an Extension Master Gardener, I share my knowledge and fascination with insects through presentations designed to educate the public on various gardening topics. The most frequently asked question I receive is, “What is the difference between a beneficial insect and one that is not?” My response is always along the line, “…it depends on your definition. What are beneficial insects to you?”

Are insects pests or exterminators? Are they pollinators, butterfly beauties, decomposers of bio-matter, just ugly or…what? Since a person’s perception is their reality, my goal is to enforce the appreciation of perceived beneficial insects and to expand their definition of a beneficial insect.

Whether you garden for the beauty of flowers or to grow fruits and vegetables, everyone appreciates Lady Beetles (they are not really bugs, but that is another topic). They have a voracious appetite for aphids. The larvae of Lady Beetles may eat 400 or more aphids before pupating into an adult.

Yet when I show a picture of the larvae to my audiences, most do not know what it is. They say that they would squish it! What a tragedy!

and how to identify them as eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults. We’ll also learn what pests they eat and what to plant to ensure they stay all year long. Learn more at www.jmu.edu/lli.

Is a caterpillar a beneficial bug? Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies, but sometimes slugs, grubs, maggots, and nymphs are referred to as caterpillars, too. All are an essential source of soft, digestible protein required for baby birds to develop. To become a larval meal or create a chrysalis and emerge as a butterfly, caterpillars need to devour a large amount of plant greens to increase their body mass. The feeding rarely kills the host plant, but the damage is considered unsightly. Smash the caterpillar because it is eating holes in your plants and you have removed it from the food web or dashed your chance of enjoying its potential beauty as a butterfly. If you garden to attract butterflies or birds, caterpillars are essential.

Because of their vital role in the ecosystem, it is important to be able to identify insects at all of their life stages: egg, larvae, nymph and adult.

You must also know the infrastructure required to attract and keep them close to your garden.

If you’d like to learn more, join me for a free noontime presentation on March 30 hosted by the JMU Lifelong Learning Institute. I’ll highlight nine insects you will want to attract to your garden

Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillar consuming curly parsley

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Harrisonburg, Va.

Accessible Trails Anyone Can Enjoy By: Jeremy Douylliez, Communication Specialist, Bridgewater Retirement Community

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armer weather and the early signs of spring in the air make it a great time to enjoy the great outdoors. Spending time in nature is more than just a way to get some exercise. Fresh air can improve your mood, relieve stress and anxiety, and even offer other health benefits like lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.

We’re lucky to live in an area overflowing with natural beauty, but those with limited mobility might wonder where they can go to take in the sights.

Here are a few of our favorite nearby accessible trails, where everyone can get a good dose of Vitamin D:

Limberlost Trail, Shenandoah National Park Limberlost Trail is an accessible trail that passes through a beautiful section forest in Shenandoah National Park. The wide gravel path and flat terrain makes it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to access. Plus, the ride along Skyline Drive to the trailhead offers breathtaking views with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the vistas.

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Massanutten Storybook Trail, Luray Yearning for a stunning mountain vista? Look no further than the Massanutten Storybook Trail in Luray. This half-mile trek takes you to a beautiful overlook. Plus, you’ll learn how the mountains were formed thanks to interpretive signs throughout the trail.

No matter where you choose to spend time outdoors this Spring, be sure to prepare appropriately. Choose a trail that’s right for you, stay hydrated, and stay close to your group.

Enjoy this wonderful season of natural splendor!

Massanutten Storybook Trail (photo credit: Gillian Lees)

Hawksbill Greenway, Luray Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Hawksbill Creek in Luray, on this 2-mile non-motorized paved pathway. With plenty of benches and picnic tables along the way, you can take your time enjoying all the greenway has to offer—including animal watching (ducks, fish, and cows among others), painted murals, and easy access to downtown Luray.

Augusta Springs Wetlands Trail, Augusta County The Augusta Springs Wetland Trail, a short drive southwest of Harrisonburg, features a handicap-accessible boardwalk that meanders through wetland habitats featuring beautiful wildflowers and abundant wildlife. This trail is a great choice for a quick outing due to its length of less than a mile.

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Better with Age - Creativity, Discovery & Surprise: Q & A with Authors Robert Bersson and Jack Greer

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etter with Age Creativity, Discovery & Surprise

by Robert Bersson and Jack Greer is a collection of essays and poems written by authors with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. So often, aging is perceived as negative but these authors debunk that thought. No matter your age, you can find new joys, passions, friends and understanding if you open yourself up to the journey.

What inspired you to create Better with Age?

Bob: As I approached my seventies, I wanted to hear from others about how they faced the challenges of aging and what affirmed and inspired them, made them feel vital, gave them special satisfactions. So, off went an e-mail in May 2017 to friends and family members asking them for stories or sketches about activities or experiences that were fulfilling or growthful. Happily, people were more than ready to share and the book, ultimately a collection of 26 essays, 2 poems, and a song, got rolling.

Jack: Bob had the original idea to pursue this subject and to contact a network of contributors. I was delighted to be pulled in early on!

On your journey through the later years in life, what have you discovered about yourselves and aging?

Bob: Aging poses lots of challenges to body and mind. Physical and cognitive limitations naturally occur.

For me it was important to discover areas in which I could still grow and progress, to keep reaching greater potentials—literally getting better with age. The arts for me are such special areas. My visual artmaking and art exhibiting seems to be actually peaking in my 70s. On the writing and book-creation side, our Better with Age collection has brought Jack and myself, the 29 writers, and our readers a lot of stimulation and satisfaction.

Finally, wide-ranging music-making with two different groups, Trio Jazz and Countryside Garage Band, has

brought slow but satisfying progress for me as a guitarist and vocalist.

Jack: As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that every stage of life has its challenges and rewards. When one of my grandchildren loses a favorite toy, for example, it’s a major disaster.

For her or him, at that particular time in life, that toy is really important. In our later years we face different issues, but whether we are three or ninety-three the key is how we confront those issues and navigate through that particular phase of life. In the end, every phase is important, the last phase as much as Bob, Jack, and saxophonist Carter Lyons the first, and we need to live them all to the fullest and most vigorous extent Cancer,” by Martha Woodroof. Her simply too many in the collection for me possible. courage and spunk in the face of this to extol here. daunting disease is inspirational, and You can pick up signed copies of What did you hope to her lively writing style never fails to the book at the Oasis Gallery in accomplish by publishing entertain, despite the difficult topic. If Harrisonburg, from the Warehouse the book and how long did space allowed, I could describe other Gallery in Luray, or order directly from powerful voices as well, but there are Amazon.com. the process take?

Bob: The original subtitle of the book was “Stories of Affirmation and Inspiration.” That was the specific hope: that readers would be affirmed and inspired by the writers’ stories.

And, from all reports, they have. The book took a little over three years to create from start to finish.

Jack: This book presented a wonderful opportunity to have a group of interesting individuals share their voices across the boundaries of age, gender, career, and interests. We hoped for a collection of inspiring essays (and two poems and a song) that would shine light on the human spirit as we enter our later years. We both feel that the result has exceeded our expectations.

Which essays did you find most inspiring?

Bob: The essays are so individual, so wide-ranging, so honest and generous in their sharing that I can’t say which are most inspiring. I truly am moved by them all.

Jack: One of several essays that have stayed with me is “Dancing with

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What Has Gotten Better with Age? Insights from our Community “There is more compassion/empathy, selfawareness, knowing and appreciating what and who is most important in your life. There is also no peer pressure, more security and acceptance of things we cannot change.” – Lyn “It’s said that growing old is not for sissies. That’s true. There are so many possible diminishments: energy, health, mental acuity, passing friends, heartbreak. Much less talked about are the gains that come with growing older, if one simultaneously grows wiser. As a retired college professor, I am well aware of the existential Angst that plagues most, if not all, young adults.

The loneliness of youth transforms with age into something much more bearable: solitude, which can be a welcome balm in a frenzied world. Then too, another problem of youth is the ability to see the beauty and gifts of others without sufficient life experience to recognize the same in oneself.

By comparison, one always comes up short when young. With age and individuation, one learns to recognize one’s uniqueness and special niche in this universe of infinite variety. Similarly, in later life, one has nothing left to prove and can simply relax into “being” rather than incessantly “doing.” From the perspective to age, one’s life begins to coalesce into a coherent whole, like an impressionist’s painting, each splotch of color—failures, successes, heartbreaks, joys, weaknesses, strengths—contributing to the Gestalt of a lifetime. Finally, a great gift of age is the accumulation of a lifetime of friendships of differing places and of all ages: children, youth, mid-lifers, contemporaries, mentors, and elders.

A life well lived is a rich tapestry woven of many, many strands and colors.” - Dave “Getting to be with your spouse more, not feeling you have to go out and conquer or beat the world, and finding what makes you happy (family, travel, projects, etc.) There is travel and security. – Tom “More self awareness and the ability to speak up for myself. There is also less drama (or at least I choose not to engage in it!) I’m able to enjoy relationships with my adult children and have the pleasure of being a grandmother. At this stage, I have a fuller perspective on life. I have experienced great joys, profound grief, and no longer have the illusion that things “won’t happen to me.” Because of that, I have a deeper appreciation of here and now, and the richness of relationships.” – Kathy “You can see how your children turned out and interact with them as adults/friends.” - Barbara “We may feel nostalgic for youth, but there is a deep sense of accomplishment from good choices that influenced our present lives. Talents and interests that had to be sacrificed for work and family can take center stage. Life can be more multi-dimensional. Family ties grow as we

support and enjoy our children’s children. Finally, we have more time to volunteer and help people in our community.” – Kay “Leisure to read, write, travel, think, connect with family and friends, review the past, and plan the unplannable future.” – Tom “Assuming that one is still ambulatory, retired, and have a decent retirement income, getting older provides freedom. Stay home when the weather turns bad. Drive to wherever and whenever. Stay up at night and sleep until noon. Take long walks.

Act like a kid with the grand kids. Enjoy ice cream and chocolate chip cookies with no guilt. No job, no stress. The freedom to do almost anything or not to do almost anything.” – Joe “Time to enjoy travel, learning, and family.” Beverly “After a very rewarding professional life and watching my children launch into the world of adulthood, I now have time to explore the passions I did not have time to pursue…with my life partner.” - Diane “Having time to visit grandchildren and time to take extended vacations.” - James

“I was blessed to be able to keep two grandsons with weekday, school-year day care when I first retired for eight years, until they both got to kindergarten age. During my active career I also had the friendship and professional advice on financial matters so that it became possible when I retired to not only “babysit” but to also be able to, with dear friends, travel. Seeing other countries, cultures, people, lifestyles and the physical features of this magnificent world was so mind-expanding and stimulating. I feel greatly blessed with the life experiences since retirement.” - Beverly

“Over the years one develops wisdom and resilience which enables one to deal with the losses and difficulties of life more easily.

One develops gratitude for being alive and compassion for others, especially those less fortunate. One recognizes that peace and happiness come from your relationships with other people and not material possessions.

Being engaged in activities that challenge one’s mind and abilities—whether charitable work, painting, gardening, writing a novel, learning a new subject—gives you a purpose and keeps you active and living in the present.”.- Louise

“Friendships and more time for friendships.

Travel and more time for travel.” – Dave L.

“Babies, and relationships with adult nieces and nephews. Having time to share in the growth of their families.” - Susan M.

“I highly recommend getting older! You become comfortable with who you are, and you know what you want. You also realize you have a lot of life experience and knowledge, but appreciate and enjoy participating in more experiences and more learning – you’ve earned treating yourself!”

- Anonymous “Time to work on projects I never had time to work on when I worked.” - Lee

“The view back through life and seeing all the love and life that has been shared, and viewing the future with the heart and eyes that have learned to love in many ways, then taking whatever wisdom has been gleaned to live, and love, joyfully with love as the center and goal of all moments and decisions. Isn’t this why we are here? To truly learn all the facets and types of love that exist?” - Debra

“Getting to do the things I have always wanted to do, but never had the time to do. Finally not worrying about what other people think.” - Anne “So many things--the freedom from many of the concerns of youth, the ability to see one’s self without delusions. As Popeye said, “I am what I am and that’s all that I am.” Enjoying the pleasures and pain of the present along with the memories of the past.” – Becky “Having the time to read, learn new things, and spend time with my wife, children, and grandchildren.” - Ralph “Retirement, being able to read the paper over coffee in the morning instead of rushing off to work, travel, exploring options to do whatever you want, wisdom.” - Jayne “The peer pressure is not anywhere near what it used to be. (Not just because they are dying off, but they are no longer as judgmental.)

Competition is just another word in the dictionary.

Cost is no longer a factor when grocery shopping or considering a restaurant menu. Schedule is just another word in the dictionary. I can dress for comfort, not to impress. Responsibility is just another word in the dictionary.” – Bob P. “Self-acceptance. Just being comfortable in my own skin. No more striving to fit expectations of others, but wearing and doing the next right thing for me.” - Linda A.

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Smart Travel Tips for Your Next Trip By: Heather Ream, Director of Marketing and Communications, Shenandoah Valley Airport on all passengers, the risk of COVID exposure in-flight is virtually nonexistent.

Airlines and airports are doing everything possible to keep travelers safe as they return to the skies but there are some additional steps you can take to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

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fter a year spent predominately at home, many travelers are starting to navigate their first flights since the pandemic began. But how safe is air travel right now? A recent study by the U.S. Department of Defense and United Airlines revealed the cabin of an airplane is one of the safest indoor environments when it comes to virus transmission because airplanes are manufactured with maximum cabin airflow and ventilation in mind. Air blows down from ceiling to floor where it passes through HEPA filters, mixes with 50% outside air and is recirculated back into the cabin.

All cabin air is completely filtered every 2-3 minutes. When you add in masks

Check for Travel Restrictions

The CDC website (CDC.gov) is a great information source to check for any restrictions or quarantine requirements at your destination before you book.

New guidelines are issued frequently so it’s important to check back regularly leading up to your travel date. All travelers arriving to the United States on international flights, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery before boarding.

Download Airline Apps

Every airline has slightly different features within their app but you can

count on the ability to check in for your flight and display a mobile boarding pass, both decreasing contact by eliminating the need to go to the airline ticket counter. Apps will also keep you up to date on any flight or gate changes, provide airport navigation assistance, allow chat with customer service agents and even access entertainment options on-board.

Pack smart

A face mask will be required in the airport, on-board your flight, and likely wherever your adventures take you at your destination. Be sure you have enough disposable masks for your entire trip or have a plan to wash any cloth ones. Use labeled Ziploc bags to separate used masks from clean ones on the go.

Include a bottle of hand sanitizer (up to 12 oz allowed per person) and a small pack of disinfecting wipes in your carryon bag. Airlines have strict cleaning

standards between flights but it never hurts to wipe everything around your seat down after boarding. You can also clean hard-sided luggage after picking up from baggage claim. If you have any packing questions, TSA.gov is a great resource.

Temperature checks are a routine safety measure these days. It’s a good idea to pack your own thermometer in case you or a traveling companion begin to feel unwell.

Keep any critical medications with you (in clearly labeled containers) during travel, not in checked luggage. You will be glad to have it in case your checked luggage is lost or damaged.

When you are ready to take your next flight, Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) is ready to welcome you back! Feel free to give us a call at (540) 453-0036 if we can answer any additional travel questions.

SUNNYSIDE 6X5

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

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Community Calendar of Events Any reader interested in attending an event should call the contact person for that event to determine if registration and fees are applicable. Events may be canceled or modified due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. All readers and encouraged to call to confirm that the event is still taking place prior to the event date. To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please email Leigh-Anne Lees at leighanne@vpas.info.

19th Annual March for Meals Activities:

“Buy One Give One” at A Bowl of Good - March for Meals is a month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels and the older adults who rely on the vital service to remain independent at home. A Bowl of Good will be offering “Buy One Give One” meals throughout the month to support The VPAS Meals on Wheels program.

Contact: abowlofgood@gmail.com or call 540-437-9020.

Cask for a Cause to benefit the VPAS Meals on Wheels Program - A “cask” infusion available for onsite consumption or to go, framed event poster for silent auction, meal available from A Bowl of Good Brothers Craft Brewing Friday, March 19 - 1 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Learn more at vpas.info/news-and-upcoming-events

Confident Caregiver Circle

Sponsored by: VPAS No Cost Register at vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341.

• Mondays March 22 - April 26, 6:30 -7:30 pm.

• Tuesdays, April 20 - June 1, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Confident Caregiver March Mini Retreats: Sunshine and Flowers Sponsored by VPAS Thursdays, March 11, 18, 25 - 2:00-3:00 p.m.

No Cost Register at vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341.

Confident Caregiver Hub

Sponsored by: VPAS No Cost Register at vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341.

• Tuesday, March 16, 3:00- 4:00 p.m – Aging in Place: Grab Bars and Beyond Presenter: Charles Hendricks, Gaines group Architects • Tuesday, April 20 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Loss and Identity Presenter: Nancy Shomo, Sentara RMH Bereavement Coordinator

Design Your Own “Quarantine Museum Box”

Sponsored by: Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and VPAS March 16, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: How to Build Your Kit Workshop March 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Show and Tell No Cost Register at vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341

Zoomtime Knowledge e - A fre free public education series sponsored by the JMU Lifelong Learning Institute.

• March 30 - Spring Gardening with Keala Timko, Master Gardener • April 6 - For the Love of the Game with Bob Wease, President and General Manager of the Harrisonburg Turks • May 4 - Grey Haired Tech with Ron Doyle, Talk Show Host and Information Technology Administrator • May 18 - Getting Better with Age with authors Bob Bersson, Jack Greer, and special guests Register at www.jmu.edu/lli or call 540-568-2923.

Dealing with Dementia Workshop

Sponsored by VPAS No Cost Register at vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341 Participants must have a smart phone, tablet or computer with a microphone and camera to participate.

• Tuesday, April 13, from 10:00 a..m.- 2:30 p.m. with 30 minute break for lunch. - Please register by April 5 in order to receive your guidebook in time for the workshop.

• Saturday, May 15 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. - Please register by May 10 in order to receive you guidebook in time for the workshop.

Dementia Friends Workshop

Sponsored by: VPAS No Cost Register at vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341 • March 25, noon - 1:00 pm.

• May 13, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Five Wishes: A National Healthcare Decisions Day Workshop Sponsored by: VPAS Friday, April 16, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

No Cost Register at vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Saturday, March 13, 2021

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afordability

Bridgewater Retirement Community is more affordable than you may imagine. If you’re wondering if you can enjoy your dream retirement, the truth may surprise you. We offer a wide range of home types and entrance options. When you take into account the expenses of home upkeep, repairs, transportation —and possible future health needs—the advantages of living at a Life Plan Community become clear.

Plus you can forget about home maintenance chores and focus on what you most love to do!

If you’re looking for a retirement community that’s welcoming, supportive, and affordable, come visit ZX <J YMNSP ^TZѣQQ ‫ܪ‬SI '7( NX KTW ^TZ

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Support | Nursing Households 302 North Second St. | Bridgewater, VA 22812 | 800.419.9129 | brc-energy.org

Harrisonburg, Va.