LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL A Resource Guide For 55+ March 2022
A Taste of Heirlooms Page 3
Candy Dishes and Grandchildren Page 4
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them Page 5
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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Living Longer, Living Well
Harrisonburg, Va.
What a Click Can’t Do That a Dinner Table Can
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 Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg/Rockingham VPAS
By: Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair, Aging Well Consortium
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
Brenda Sipe Barb Clinical Chaplain, CDP, Bridgewater Retirement Community
Hannah Yates Gallogly Elder Justice Fellow, Blue Ridge Legal Services
BJ Bryson Professor, Social Work James Madison University 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.
G
rowing up, family dinners in my home were not always a time of pleasant conversation and perfect manners. We often engaged in heated debates about politics and current events that lasted long after the casserole cooled. But, mealtimes together were just as likely to be uproariously funny. Once when I was very young, my cousin shared the punchline of a joke just as I was taking a sip of milk. I laughed so hard the milk shot out of my nose and across the table. Thankfully, that escapade generated more laughter than judgment and the meal ended happily. Our family brought the full spectrum of moods and experiences to our dinner table each night. Like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates, you never knew what you were going to get. Here’s the thing: We knew each other. When one of us shared opinions that were controversial, the rest of us were able to understand where those opinions came from because we had spent years telling our stories, dreams, accomplishments, struggles and perspectives whenever we gathered together. There was context for every debate. In that sense, our dinner table was a natural safe space.
Living Longer, Living Well is published quarterly and focuses on issues and topics pertinent to aging.
Despite the many admirable ways social media draws us together, controversy can be harder to manage online than around a table. Connections are often shallow and fast. We can react to a Facebook post in seconds by clicking one of seven facial Aging Well Consortium – Living Longer, Living Well expressions, as if that one click can neatly summarize an entire dialogue. Comments 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 on posts sometimes lack valuable context and are misinterpreted. It’s not surprising ON THE COVER: Gail Fisher, Master Gardner and Sunnyside resident, that, after decades of virtual connection, things have become so divisive.
prepares for another bumper crop of goodness
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.
The good news is that you and I remember dinner tables. More of Romayne’s delicious Chicken Divan or Aunt Margie’s Floating Island Pudding might be exactly what we need. Some milk glass tableware handed down through generations. Recipes tweaked so we can invite our gluten-free friends. Schedules managed so that, as we eat and talk, there is time to linger over an idea rather than respond in a flash of emotion. Maybe at the table we can find civility again. I hope the food and fellowship stories that follow will inspire you to pull out a beloved old recipe to make with a teenager, share a cup of coffee with an isolated neighbor, or donate food so others can come to the table without worry. You’ll also find articles on outdoor adventures, avoiding scams, heirloom plants, and more. Don’t forget to flip to the back for upcoming events. Meanwhile, here’s to fewer clicks and more conversation. Happy Spring!
LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Harrisonburg, Va.
Saturday, March 12, 2022
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A Taste of Heirlooms By: Nancy Wayland, Marketing Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community
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hat better way to feel connected to history, health and our precious earth than through the garden? That’s what planting Heirlooms can do. Over centuries, our ancestors have planted seeds, saved the best from their own crops, and shared with others. Those Heirloom seeds have grown vegetables, flowers, fruit trees and herbs all over the world. Anyone can be a part of this legacy of seeds. If you talk to Gail Fisher, a master gardener and resident in the Village at Sunnyside, she can tell you the benefits! When Gail retired from teaching, she was thankful that she finally had the time to take Master Gardening classes. She now puts that knowledge to work, cultivating beauty in spaces around her. Three days after she moved to Sunnyside, Gail bought Heirloom seeds, took out the crispy dried vegetation in the garden outside, found a place to hook up the hose and got started. Her goals were simple but grand: To support the birds, bees and butterflies and to have beautiful flowers to cut. The whole neighborhood got to see those goals bloom into Mexican Sunflower, Nasturtium, Calendula, Cosmos and Zinnia. And sure enough, butterflies, native bees and different birds, even Blue Birds were lured by the nectar and tasty insects …A bio-diverse microclimate that both nature and people could enjoy!
“People are re-discovering Heirloom and Historic seeds, partly because of the pandemic” Gail explains. Restaurants were restricted, supply chains backed up, prices still increasing, so planting in the back yard became appealing - A page from the book
of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, who wanted to sustain the heritage seed. In fact, some of TJ’s favorite Heirloom veggies were Swiss Chard, Cherokee Purple tomato, Moon & Stars watermelon, Lacinato kale and Champion of England peas. Plants grown from Heirloom and Historic seeds are called “Open Pollinated”. They are naturally pollinated by birds, insects, wind or human hands and will produce seeds that are genetically true-totype, if you keep them isolated from cross-pollination. If cross breeding occurs within the species, a Hybrid results, which are less like the parent plant and cause old varieties to get lost. In the case of vegetables, Hybrids can have less flavor and less nutrition. Hybrid vegetables have early production, thicker skins, longer storage potential, and greater uniformity, so are popular for commercial use. Heirloom vegetables, on the other hand, have greater flavor, more nutrition, high adaptation, longer maturation times, variable sizes and short storage, so are best for home production. And the best part, as Gail pointed out, is “cultural stories come along with the heirloom seeds” since they are passed from generation to generation, family to family. So, Heirloom plants remind us that we can find a positive destiny in the dirt. From pandemic to planting, insect to butterfly, blue to Blue Birds. What are you waiting for? Go find a patch of earth to resurrect! Find more information at seedsavers. org and thegardeningdad.com
A little corner of Gail’s garden
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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Harrisonburg, Va.
Candy Dishes and Grandchildren By: Lev Norford, Community Contributor
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have a candy dish on my grandmother’s sewing table in my living room. It’s always full of candy, though never the pastel pink and green bon bons she kept. Friends ask me, “How do you stay out of that?” My reply is, “I don’t. My grandmother and mother taught me that candy is a treat, not a reward, so I am generally able to limit the temptation and keep the candy there for guests as intended.” Sometimes those guests are my grandchildren. So, the harder question is how do we teach the principles of healthful eating to our grandchildren and still enjoy the treats? Fortunately - or unfortunately - children’s food habits markedly resemble those of their parents and grandparents. Some of that is because we are the one’s providing the meals. Often, we cook what we like - expecting children to like it too. More and more experiments are proving not everyone tastes things the same way. Finding a balance between nutritional meals and children happily eating them is a real challenge. The Mayo clinic recommendation states: “Children need a balanced diet with food from all 3 food groups—vegetables/fruit, whole grain products, and protein foods. Children need 3 meals a day and 1 to 3 snacks (morning, afternoon and possibly before bed). Healthy snacks are just as important as the food you serve at meals.” The American Heart Association recommends toddlers 1-3 years have 900 to 1000 calories daily. Females aged 4 to 8 years old need 1200 calories daily, and ages 9-13 need approximately 1600 calories daily. Males ages 4-8 need 1400 kcal daily and 9-13 need 1800 kcal daily. Daily amounts of each type of food increase slightly until children are teens. It is helpful to understand what foods should make up those calories: Milk and dairy - 2-3 cups, beans/ lean meats - 3-5 ounces, fruits - 1.5-2 cups, and vegetables - 1.5 – 2.5 cups,
Even when you have permission, snatching candy makes it more fun. Vera enjoys snatching chocolate covered pretzels, a treat sent to her by her Grandmother.
whole grains - 4 to 6 ounces. Children that engage in sports or other active behaviors also need to have their intake adjusted. Remember, drinks contain calories too, so include those fruit juices, sports drinks, and occasional sodas in the count. The American Heart Association, Child Hunger organizations, The CDC, and the US Government have been working hard to improve child nutrition. Dietaryguidelines.gov is the official site for the “Make Every Bite Count” program for 2020-2025. There is a wealth of information for good nutrition for everyone on the websites of all these organizations. It is hard to be a fun treat grandparent and stick to the rules of good nutrition. But we can teach
children that healthy food is something they need and deserve every day to keep their bodies healthy. Help them discover and enjoy nutritional foods by allowing them to help prepare meals, plan picnics, and choose healthful daily snacks. Create a safe “help yourself” area for approved snacks so they have access to the right foods when they really are hungry. Fun grandparents can provide treats of all kinds. Trips, movies, visits, just doing thing together can be all be rewards of a building a healthy grandparent/grandchild relationship. And… sometimes you can even enjoy tasting all the candy in grandma’s candy jar. Enjoy!
Harrisonburg, Va.
LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them By: Hannah Yates, Gallogly Family Foundation Fellow, Blue Ridge Legal Services
Common Scams in Our Area: • Social Security Scam Calls — These are calls appearing to be from the Social Security Administration claiming that your Social Security number is suspended. • Account Takeover Scam Texts — Scammers send you a text messages stating that there is a problem with your bank account, internet account, a credit card, or an online shopping order. The scammer asks you to click on links and provide personal information. • Online Romance Scams— Scammers set up fake profiles on online dating apps and social media platforms. The scammer will lure you in with a fake story about themselves, build your trust and then ask for money. • Fake IRS Calls—Beware of calls appearing to be from the IRS claiming that you owe money and must pay to avoid arrest. • Grandparent Scam—A grandparent gets a call from a scammer pretending to be a grandchild. The scammer acts upset and tells the grandparent that they are in trouble—they may claim to have been in an accident, have been a robbed or be in legal trouble. The scammer then asks for money.
Outsmarting the Scammers • Never trust caller ID. Phone spoofing can make it look like the call is from your own bank, the police, government offices such as the Social Security Administration or the IRS, a random number from your area code and, your own family or friends. • Only scammers will require payment in gift cards, such as iTunes Gift Cards and Visa Prepaid. • It is ok to check out anything. Call supposed government entities to confirm story, look up the number yourself, and call your local police for help investigating. • Trust your instincts. If it seems fishy, it probably is!
Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorneys Is it time to review your estate plan? Every July 1st, the statutory law of Virginia changes. Moreover, courts review and interpret law every day. You should review your estate plan to take advantage of changes in the law. Whether you are planning for the distribution of assets at your death, naming someone to act for you during periods of incapacity, needing guidance through the murky waters of applying for Medicaid, or handling the estate of a lost loved one, we are here to help. Set your mind at ease by planning ahead for you and your loved ones at our convenient wheelchair-accessible downtown Harrisonburg location . KAREN L. ROWELL, ESQUIRE Email: krowell@clark-bradshaw.com
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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
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Harrisonburg, Va.
By: Robin Swecker, Partner Engagement Manager, Shenandoah Valley Area
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bout 1 in 12 neighbors in the Blue Ridge area is food insecure, with seniors being the fastest growing population of people who are food insecure. Because of compassionate and generous support, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is able to help nearly 119,000 individuals each month. The Food Bank operates across 25 counties and eight cities through distribution centers in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Winchester, and Verona. Together with our network of 207 community partners and 187 program sites, the Food Bank is serving record numbers of Virginians during a prolonged pandemic and its associated economic impacts. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Verona, Virginia, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is the largest organization alleviating hunger in western and central Virginia.
About Food Bank senior programs
and dairy, meats, and fresh produce (when available) to food-insecure households. Bags are available for pick-up at designated sites for those who can visit community sites. There is no minimum income requirement to receive food through Reach. Senior Food Boxes contain food obtained from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), the USDA’s only program that specifically targets low-income seniors. Food items are carefully chosen by the USDA and packaged by volunteers at the Food Bank to meet the nutritional needs of qualified participants. Nutrition education and recipes are often distributed with the food. Seniors aged 60 and over with incomes at or below 130% of the 2022 federal poverty guidelines can sign up to receive CSFP food boxes through our participating partners. You can designate a proxy to pick up for you if you are unable.
The Food Bank is serving 2,710 seniors monthly through two nutrition programs: Reach and Senior Food Boxes.
For additional information about CSFP, https://www.fns.usda.gov/ csfp/commodity-supplementalfood-program.
The Reach program provides nutrition to low-income seniors and individuals who are homebound, as well as those with special needs. For individuals who are homebound, volunteers deliver food bags filled with shelf-stable goods
To inquire about participation in the Reach program, email us at reach@ brafb.org. Visit www.brafb.org/find-help/ to find pantries near you and other resources.
LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Harrisonburg, Va.
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Good Food, Good Health, Good Company
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By: Danielle M Torisky, PhD, RDN Health Professions Dept, Dietetics Program, JMU
First let’s talk about eating alone. This can hit many of us hard emotionally. If you can eat with dear friends and loved ones, by all means, do. But what if you must eat alone? Consider setting your own table with some special touch – yes, the silverware, the napkin (cloth or paper – give it a nice fold), and either a centerpiece, flowers, tea-light or candle. Create an atmosphere for that someone special: You! Whether you eat in silence, with a book or audiobook, with music, or a favorite show on TV/radio or streaming – you are in good company.
What is eating healthy for older adults? While the specifics are different for everyone, it’s important to make healthy food choices while at the same time honoring our cultural traditions and including comfort foods where we can. For example, if you’re on a special diet for diabetes or blood pressure,
many recipes can be adjusted to lower sugar or salt. One of the best guides for healthy eating and recipes is Dietary Guidelines for Americans (dietaryguidelines.gov); Chapter 6 is dedicated to Older Adults and focuses on a lower calorie diet packed with vitamins and minerals to support an active lifestyle. What if you need more individually tailored dietary advice related to a medical condition? You will want to work with your Primary Care Physician and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Find one at eatright.org.
Noticed higher food prices? You’re not alone! Good news is that eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips from myplate.gov: •
Plan your menu for the week.
• Let that guide your food shopping. Make sure to include fruits/vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy. Be sparing on the fats and sugars. Look for sales and coupons. Remember that you can
use unit price (how much per pound or ounce) to compare brands and get the best bargain. • Is your kitchen ready for your wonderful creations? Do you need to de-clutter, re-organize, clean up? A clean, organized kitchen can save you time and prevent food safety problems. A foodborne illness is completely preventable if you know a few food safety basics.
Connect
swap!
over a recipe
Have you ever swapped recipes with a neighbor, friend, or family
member? Favorite family traditions can be shared to expand cultural horizons, welcome a new neighbor or resident, or plan a special occasion. This final point is that whether this conversation takes place on Zoom or a “family world table” potluck in the dining room, each recipe shared can tell a story that deepens connections to one another. The older we are the more food history we have to share! Dietitian’s reminder: Remember to follow CDC and Food Safety guidelines if that recipe swap turns into a potluck. Blessings.
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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Harrisonburg, Va.
Exploring the Great Outdoors in Comfort This Spring By: Jeremy Douylliez, Communications Specialist, Bridgewater Retirement Community After the harsh winter we all experienced, it sure is a joy to see sunlight creep back into the Valley. Our days are getting longer and warmer little by little. If you’re anything like me, that means the drive to spend as much time outdoors as possible is starting to take hold. But before venturing out, you’ll want to make sure you’re well equipped for a comfortable and enjoyable experience Read on for some tips and gear suggestions to make the most of this spring’s outdoor excursions!
Bird Watching
A pair of sturdy trekking poles will protect your knees and improve balance while hydration packs provide easy access to water. You’ll also want to invest in a decent pair of hiking shoes and a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun out of your eyes.
Fishing
According to the National Park Service, over 190 species of resident and transient birds are known to use Shenandoah National Park. Birding is a fun and engaging hobby, and a delightful way to spend a day out-of-doors.
There’s nothing quite like a quiet day on the docks angling for the perfect catch. The Valley is full of great fishing spots, and it makes for a great excursion as a couple or even with the grand kids! There are several products on the market that make it easier to cast, hold your rod, and reel in your catches — many of them specifically designed for those with limited mobility. We recommend exploring the adaptive fishing equipment options available on handiaccessories.com. For those planning to enjoy their excursion from the comfort of a wheelchair, a fishing rod holder that clamps to your wheelchair is a great investment to consider.
The Valley is extraordinarily scenic, with the Blue Ridge mountains to the east and the Alleghenies to the west. Accessible trails abound, including Limberlost Rail in Shenandoah National Park, the Augusta Springs Wetland Trail, and the Massanutten Storybook Trail.
Binoculars can get quite heavy, so a trusted lightweight pair is essential for an extended outing. Look for a pair that’s lighter than 10 oz. If you have shakier hands, binoculars with a magnification of 7.5x or less will be most comfortable. You might also consider grabbing a harness strap to distribute the weight of the binoculars through your shoulders.
Hiking
Cycling
Cycling is a low-impact exercise that benefits the body and the mind! Take a spin down the Hawksbill Greenway in Luray or the Bluestone Trail in Harrisonburg, Be sure to invest in a well-fitted helmet and padded biking shorts for the most comfortable ride. To extend your visibility, consider purchasing a clip-on mirror for your handlebar or helmet. And to help ensure you stay hydrated throughout the ride, pick up an inexpensive water bottle holder attachment that clips to your bike frame. Enjoy your time adventuring in comfort this season!
Harrisonburg, Va.
LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Saturday, March 12, 2022
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What is Your Favorite Comfort Food? It’s amazing how food can nourish not only the body but the soul as well. What do you think of when you hear “comfort food”? Is there a memory associated with each loving bite? Here’s what our readers have to share. As a kid it was spaghetti. Right now, peanut butter & banana sandwich on white bread. – Billy Macaroni and Cheese. - Lori
Apple pie. Warm apple pie. - Lee Ice Cream. Vanilla, Strawberry, Peach. Just plain please. Save the nuts and sauces for picnics. - Henny
Biscuits, hot from the oven with real butter. They remind me of My body is convinced carbs cure everything, and whether the problems are large or small, throw on some extra cheese and the my mom and grandma, especially in the summer when I can put a world is set right again. However, my secret desire is to be British big slice of ripe tomato in the middle. - Lev to my core so a cup of tea would resolve all of life’s worries and The bakery in our town made the most incredible cream filled setbacks. – Mary Sue oatmeal cookies. They were a treat our mother would buy for My most profound food memory occurred soon after my husband special times. Many years later my dad was in the hospital for and I moved into a retirement community. He and I were having an operation. I went to visit and found out the hospital café had lunch in the Cafe and the soup that particular day was potato and those cookies! It was a special moment to share one of those ham. With my first spoonful I began to weep. It tasted exactly like cookies with my sister, and listen to my father laugh at us as he my mother’s which I had not had in almost 40 years. The memory remembered us fighting over those cookies. – Mark was powerful, and I relished every mouthful and tear. - Mary Pastina in chicken broth, which my mom used to make for my Sunday dinner circa 1955-1969: Dad saying grace, my sister brothers and me when were sick, and fried tomato gravy. – L-A seated next to me, my baby brother pushing his food around like a toy truck. Mom would bring in the flank steak marinated to perfection with those baby potatoes from a can. Then Dad would Julie Farrar-Hersch, PhD always say, “Why would anyone want to eat in a restaurant!” Lauren Matsko, AuD, MPH Comfort food. – Jenny Beth Pennington, AuD Alex Hersch, BA, HAS
Thai coconut soup. – Kathy I especially liked when my mom & dad prepared Eastern Indian or Chinese dishes learned from their years as missionaries. – Phil E.
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When I don’t feel well, I yearn for cinnamon toast and hot tea like mom or dad fixed when I was growing up. - Elleann
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Does wine count? - Marta My go-to comfort food used to be Taste of Tai’s chicken noodle soup that my husband would go get. Raisinets were my sanity food when I had young children. - Andy Soup is my go-to comfort food. Good old Campbell’s Chicken Noodle soup. Then there were the waffles with chipped beef gravy my mother would make on Sunday nights. - Jean For me it’s a hearty soup or chili with warm cornbread. Cornbread can help anytime. - Jill
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Harrisonburg, Va.
The Value of Shared Meals By: Brenda Sipe Barb, Clinical Chaplain, Bridgewater Retirement Community Food is a universal necessity for every living creature, and it must be nutritious not only to survive but in order to thrive. While this is very important, the enjoyment that comes from eating a delicious meal is more than just about the satisfaction that comes from nourishing our bodies. Having a meal together with family and friends is essential to our well-being as it also feeds our souls through loving relationships and memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Family Tree of Recipes, History, Memories, Culture, and Traditions The continual passing down of recipes, shared memories, and family traditions from one generation to the next allows present and future generations to connect to their family history and teaches the younger generations about their own culture, family traditions and, in some cases, faith traditions. Shared meals also teach children table manners and conversational skills which they’ll someday pass along as well.
Spirituality Found in Fellowship Sharing a meal together is one of the most basic and socially intimate human experiences. Extending hospitality offers an opportunity to share with someone who is all alone or struggles to make ends meet. Or perhaps the guest is invited in hopes of mending a broken relationship by finding common ground or forgiveness in a disagreement. It’s a chance to demonstrate compassion and humility by showing that you care and that they matter to you whatever the circumstance. There is something about sharing a meal together than connects, unifies, and provides security in relationships. It seems to speak a language of love that reminds of the importance to slow down and to take time to reconnect with and appreciate one another. It also provides the opportunity to give thanks for the blessing of God’s love and for his daily provisions.
Risks of Eating Alone Unfortunately, so many older adults dine alone. They may have lost their spouse; and the family they built together may have moved away or has
little time to spend with them now due to their own busy lives. The older adult’s prior activities may be few to none because of health concerns or the loss of their former social circle for whatever the reason. Even leaving their home to run errands and shop for groceries may present a challenge. They may feel it’s not worth the effort to prepare a nutritious meal for just themselves and instead they consume convenient and processed food having little nutritional value. Sadly, poor nutrition and social isolation will most likely have a negative impact on their well-being. Research, however, suggests that they eat healthier meals when they share a meal with one or more companions. Sharing a meal improves their physical health, creates meaningful social connections, and improves their mental and emotional well-being. If you have a friend or family member who lives alone and is unable to get out and about, make it a priority to invite them to dinner several times a month or more. Maybe you could even carry in a meal and dine with them. Take them grocery shopping to ensure that they are making nutritious food choices. If you live out of town and are limited in your visits, contact Valley Program for
Aging Services (VPAS) and inquire about Meals on Wheels, volunteer transportation, and other opportunities to develop social connections. Another wonderful resource is the local senior center and community activities center. Also, encourage the older adult to contact their faith community for opportunities for community gatherings such as potlucks and other occasions where good food and fellowship go hand in hand.
Shared Meals Shared Hearts Simply put, food brings people together: weddings, birthdays, holidays, family reunions, and yes, even funerals. Food offers joy, comfort, and support in both times of celebration and in the heartbreak of bereavement. No matter the moment, people need each other in life and food unites us all. The fondest memories are made when people gather around a table to experience the sight and smell of delicious food lovingly prepared and set before them. They also experience the chatter of conversation and laughter around the table. Shared meals have long been a symbol of nurture, celebration, and love for one another. When you share a meal you share more than just food, you share your heart.
LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Harrisonburg, Va.
Saturday, March 12, 2022
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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. 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.
Confident Caregiver January Mini Retreats: Dreaming About Spring
Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Online Dates: Thursdays, March 10, 17 and 24, 2:00-3:00 p.m. No Cost Register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or call 540-615-5341.
Aging With Confidence: Medicare 101 – Turning 65 Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Online Date: March 15, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. No Cost Register at vpas.info/education or call 540-615-5341.
Cask for a Cause to benefit VPAS
Sponsored by: Brothers Craft Brewing Location: Brothers Craft Brewing Date: March 18, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Cost: Your purchase of a beer from the Cask supports Meals on Wheels. Help us celebrate March for Meals and the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program! The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program is the federal legislation that helps to fund community-based programs – like Meals on Wheels – and it is still the only federal program designed specifically to meet the nutritional and social needs of older adults. Call (540) 421-6599 for more information.
Dealing with Dementia
Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Generations Crossing • Dates: April 4 and 5, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • No Cost • Register at vpas.info/dementia-awareness or call 540-615-5341.
Aging with Confidence: Medicare 101 – Parts A and B and Medigap Plans Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Online Date: April 12, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. No Cost Register at vpas.info/education or call 540-615-5341.
Aging with Confidence: Five Wishes – Crafting a Living Will Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Online Date: April 19, 2022, 3:00-4:00 p.m. No Cost Register at vpas.info/education or call 540-615-5341
Aging with Confidence:: Medicare 101 – Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Online Date: May 10, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. No Cost Register at vpas.info/education or call 540-615-5341.
Aging with Confidence: The Power of Place
Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Bridgewater Retirement Community, Houff Education Center or virtually Date: May 12, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. No Cost Register at vpas.info/education or call 540-615-5341
Aging with Confidence: Antiquing Adventure
Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Factory Antique Mall, Verona Date: June 7, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. No Cost Register at vpas.info/education or call 540-615-5341
VPAS Cafes – ongoing
New friends, a delicious meal, light exercise and recreational programming for adults 60 years and older. Find a café near you by visiting vpas.info/ vpas-cafes or calling 540-615-5341.
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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
Saturday, March 12, 2022
W
IS FOR
Harrisonburg, Va.
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Wellness is a founding principle at Bridgewater Retirement Community. When we opened our doors in 1965, our goal was to help older Americans thrive. Today we offer a comprehensive program that supports wellness in all its dimensions. :KDW GRHV WKDW ORRN OLNH" $ PRGHUQ ͤWQHVV FHQWHU ZLWK WKH ODWHVW VWUHQJWK DQG FDUGLR HTXLSPHQW \RJD DQG WDL FKL FODVVHV and a crackerjack team whose expertise is supporting seniors. Chaplains who are delighted to support people of all faiths. Activities and volunteer opportunities to nurture social and emotional wellbeing. Level terrain for walking and biking, surrounded by parks, mountains, and rivers. If you’re looking for a retirement community that’s active, energetic, and focused on whole-person wellness, come visit us. :H WKLQN \RX̵OO ͤQG %5& LV IRU \RX
Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Support | Nursing Households 302 North Second St. | %ULGJHZDWHU 9$ | | brc-energy.org