This Issue RSVP
es m ly Ho ter ts 00 uar en 6,0 Q esid n 1 red R ha ve ty e t eli un or D o M PS ex C US Ess To
November 2014
READING BUDDIES
RSVP volunteers serve in the community PAGE 2 GRANDPARENTS
Bond between grandparents, grandchildren PAGE 3 PROTECTION
How senior donors can avoid scams PAGE 5
T
RSVP Reading Buddy Jane TerLou reads to the second grade class at Willsboro Elementary School.
RSVP Reading Buddies program receives grant
hanks to a grant from StewartÕ s Shops the RSVP Reading Buddy Program was able to provide books to all of the children in the classes that our volunteers served in. Each volunteer serves one hour per week reading one-on-one with the children. At each school an end of the event had each volunteer reading age appropriate books to the class and each child was presented with a book to take home. This program not only assists with reading during the school year but encourages children to read over the summer. RSVP thanks the following Reading Buddies: Jane TerLou and Kathy Schoolcraft who volunteer at Willsboro Elementary School, Linda Bhatia who volunteers at St. MaryÕ s School in Ticonderoga and Fred Hammann our Ticonderoga Elementary School volunteer. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Reading Buddy is encouraged to contact Barb at the RSVP office. Achievement Recognition: According to Volunteer Reporter records as of 12/3/13, RSVP would like to recognize and thank the following for their years of service: 14 years of service Ð Archie Rosenquist, Sue Ellen Gettens, Norma Goff, Winifred Passino and Catherine Teriele; 13 years Ð Ida Atkinson, Earl Barber, Lo-
retta Barber, David Comegys, Mary Consadine, Cecile House, Carlene Wendell and Francis Wendell; 12 years Ð Margaret Beuerlein, William Dolback, Mae Palumbo, Christine Provost, Joan Rotella, Janet Strack, and Francis Trudeau; 11 years Ð Ann Dolback, Beverly Manning, Ruth McDonough, Beverly Rice, Rose Sheffield, John Sheldrake, and Jackie Trombley; 10 years Ð Joyce Barry, Roy Bristol, Nancy Carr, Dennis Everleth, Anita Lahendro, Carol Laughin, Bernice Marcott, Bernie Mayer, and John Viestenz; 5 years Ð Patricia Beneshan, James Brophy, Cathy Caron, June Curtis, Mary Gilbo, Priscilla Gould, Rosemarie Hanson, Sylvia Hatch, Glayds Hayes, Sandra LaBar, Frank Lescinsky, Sandra Lovell, Nina Matteau, Pearl McCahill, Stephanie Posada, Diane Redman, Janis Rock, Renate Schachenmayr, Phyllis Smith, Cheryl Strack, Ruth Tarlton, Ed Tuthill, Sally Urban, John Watson, Joann Wood, Tom Wood and Ann Yetman. Volunteer opportunities include: Besides the Reading Buddy Program, RSVP is looking for volunteers to serve as Essex County Rural Transportation drivers, Literacy Volunteers to not only teach reading but basic math, High Peaks Hospice respite volunteers, Ombudsmen, and math/computer oriented volunteers interested in volunteering during the income tax season.
Free Growing Stronger exercise classes are held around the county; call for more information and a location near you. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, we are RSVP of Clinton & Essex Counties. You will find news, recipes, photos, etc. Contact information: Barb Brassard / Director 546-3565 or rsvp@logical.net.
Reading Buddy Fred Hammann with Mr. Cook’s Ticonderoga Elementary Kindergarten Class
2 - Senior Life
www.denpubs.com
Fall 2014
RSVP out and about Above: Lake Placid Meal site volunteers with Manager Deb Sears-Whitney
56634
Right: Keene Senior Club Summer Picnic
Fall 2014
www.denpubs.com
Senior Life - 3
Bond between grandparents and grandkids benefits both
W
hat used to be the Ò golden yearsÓ of life for seniors is now turning into any opportunity to spend even more time with their youngest family members. Nowadays, a growing number of grandparents are called on to provide child care for their grandkids, many of whom are growing up in two-income households. Others are helping to raise grandkids while providing financial assistance for adult children who may not be able to live on their own. This trend has been corroborated in a few recent studies. Information from the Pew Research Center showed 7.7 million children in the United States were living in the same household as one of their grandparents in 2011. A University of Chicago analysis of a decade of data based on interviews with 13,614 grandparents, ages 50 and older, found that 61 percent of grandparents provided at least 50 hours of care for their grandchildren during any given year between 1998 and 2008. And an April 2012 study for the MetLife Mature Market Institute and the nonprofit Generations United, an intergenerational policy group, found that 74 percent of respondents provided weekly child care or babysitting service for grandkids. Grandparents often cite helping their own children financially as well as staying in touch with grandchildren as motivating factors behind providing care. According to Generations United, staying in touch with grandkids can give seniors a feeling of self-worth and improve their overall health. When spending so much time together, grandparents may develop special relationships with their grandchildren, who may benefit from the knowledge and wisdom offered by their elders. The following are some lessons grandparents can share with youngsters. •Empathy: By sharing stories of how things were when they were younger, when opportunities may have been more scarce, grandparents can help teach grandchildren empathy. Grandchildren may learn to be grateful for the things they have and the people around them, rather than taking what they have for granted. •Family history: Grandparents can tell grandchildren about family members, including youngstersÕ own parents, and shed light on the generations that came before them. Looking through photos or watching old movies can provide the avenue by which to start conversations about family history and give children opportunities to ask questions. •Interests: Children may be excited about learn-
ing new skills or hobbies taught to them by their grandparents. Anything from gardening to woodworking can be shared. •Respect: Children who grow up respecting their grandparents may have an increased tendency to respect authority figures outside their homes,
which may help kids grow up to be more courteous and kind. Grandchildren also offer benefits to their grandparents. Companionship, new experiences and conversation can help keep grandparentsÕ minds sharp and bodies active well into their golden years.
www.denpubs.com
4 - Senior Life
Fall 2014
Gift ideas for the special seniors in your life
W
ith lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even insist that their family members save their money and not buy them anything for the holidays. But if the thought of Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas.
Activity assistance devices
The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults. Television amplifying headphones are one product that can be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty hearing their televisions. The headphones amplify the sound of the programming without disturbing others in the room, and many such headphones even allow users to mute
their televisions. This feature is perfect for someone who likes to watch TV while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room. Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or bookholders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.
Food
Food is always a handy gift because it doesnÕ t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipientÕ s leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by. A search of the Internet may uncover that special treat. You may be able to ship a specialty soft drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store. Otherwise, ask a store manager if a particular item thatÕ s not in stock in the store can be a special order.
Photos
What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computer-savvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photorelated gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote bags and pillows. Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then print out the images in a book that includes the family history.
Time
Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift.
Fall 2014
C
www.denpubs.com
Senior Life - 5
How senior donors can avoid scams
on artists masquerading as charities can victimize anyone, but seniors are especially vulnerable to such criminals. Men and women who perpetrate charitable fraud often target older men and women, feeling that seniors are more likely to have a significant amount of money in their bank accounts and less likely to report crimes for fear of embarrassment. But even if seniors are prime targets for charitable fraud, they still can take steps to safeguard themselves from scammers looking to exploit their generosity. •Never donate over the phone. No reputable charity will insist on a donation over the phone. When a person calls and says they represent a charity, they should be willing to send you information in the mail so you can further explore their organization before making your final decision. If a caller attempts to pressure you into donating over the phone, hang up. •Keep a list of organizations you have donated to in the past. Many people who perpetuate charitable fraud reference a past relationship or donation history between their victims and the charity the criminal is claiming to represent. Maintain a list of your donation history, including the organizations you have donated to and the amount of those donations. This can help you verify if the person calling, emailing or visiting you is telling the truth. •Do not feel obligated to give. Many charities send gifts to their donors as a token of appreciation for their support. Some criminals masquerading as charities will send gifts to potential victims in an attempt to fool them into writing a check. Whether a charity is legitimate or not, seniors should not feel obligated to donate simply because they received a gift. If you receive a gift and want to donate, confirm that the organization that sent you the gift is legitimate and not an imposter organization that is baiting you with a gift. If the gift was accompanied by a donation form, do not fill out that form, choosing instead to make a direct donation via the organization’s website, a site you should find independent of the mailer/gift you received, or mail a check directly to the organization after you independently confirm its address, be it through your own research or by contacting the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
Many seniors are targeted for charitable fraud via the Internet. •Insist that your personal information is not shared. Before making a charitable donation, donors are often notified that their contact information is likely to be sold to or traded with other charities. This can lead to an influx of charitable solicitations that elderly men and women may find overwhelming. So prior to making a donation, speak directly with the charity and insist that none of your information be shared with other charities or orga-
nizations. If this cannot be arranged, find an organization willing to make such a concession and contribute to that charity instead. •Ask for help. If you are confused when it comes time to make your annual donations, ask a son, daughter or trusted confidante for help so you can rest easy knowing your donation goes where you intend for it to go.
6 - Senior Life
www.denpubs.com
Fall 2014
Fall 2014
www.denpubs.com
Senior Life - 7
8 - Senior Life
www.denpubs.com
Fall 2014
Fall 2014
D
www.denpubs.com
Senior Life - 9
Caring for an elderly relative at home
ecisions about providing care for an aging loved one are seldom easy. Various options exist in terms of elder care, including assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Seniors who are self-sufficient may be able to stay in a retirement community or active living building. In other instances, the best course of action is to have an elderly relative move in with family members. According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, who recently took on the role of caregiver to her own senior parents, 44 million American adults are caring for an older friend or family member. MetLife estimates that nearly 10 million adult children over age 50 now care for an aging parent. Care is defined as helping with feeding, bathing, dressing, and other personal care needs, going beyond driving a parent to appointments or helping them with financial matters. Taking care of a senior requires a profound commitment and can completely disrupt a personÕ s life, both at home and at work. Men and women faced with caring for an aging parent at home may want to employ several strategies to make that transition go as smoothly as possible. •Talk to the senior about your options. Making decisions together will be best for everyone involved. It can be challenging to discuss mortality and whether or not elderly parents or relatives can properly care for themselves. Broach the subject well in advance of making any plans so you will have some understanding of how the senior feels about the situation and what would make him or her most comfortable. Your parents may already have a plan in place. •Establish a caregiving budget. Caring for the elderly is expensive. MetLife says working Americans lose an estimated $3 trillion in lifetime wages, with average losses of $324,044 for women and $283,716 for men, taking time to provide care. Before a senior can be welcomed into your home, you must first determine which financial changes must be made to accommodate this person. Will a parent be contributing to a portion of the expenses or paying rent? Is it feasible for you to reduce hours at work to care for this individual? Once you have the numbers in black and white, you can better assess your situation. •Make physical modifications. Your home may
not be equipped and safe for an elderly resident. You may need to add a private space for your parent or relative, and install night lights, secured railings, grab bars, ramps, a shower chair, and anti-slip surfaces. You may need to build an extension on the home or completely renovate what you have to make the space safe. •Aim for stability. Moving and changing routines can be especially stressful for seniors who are used to their own schedules and habits. Transfer furniture and mementos from their home into yours. Encourage seniors to maintain a social schedule and invite friends over. Try to help your loved one keep his or her doctors and, if possible, take them to shop where they have shopped in the past. These opportunities will make the transition to a new home easier.
•Discuss finances. It’s essential to understand your loved one’s financial situation. Make lists of his or her assets and any insurance policies in his or her name. Understand which health procedures are covered and discuss ways to finance any procedures or medications that are not covered by your loved oneÕ s policy. Ask if your loved one wants you to manage his or her finances or when he or she may feel this is necessary. Professional help, such as an attorney, financial planner or a geriatric care manager, can make it easier to understand the legalities and subtleties of these arrangements. •Make time for yourself. Caring for the elderly can seem like a full-time job, and itÕ s easy to forget yourself in the process. Make time for yourself so your own health is not sacrificed while you tend to your loved one.
10 - Senior Life
www.denpubs.com
Fall 2014
Exercise and the older woman
Schroon Lake Seniors news
T
The Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Club recently held their annual Garage Sale in Town Park. The Labor Day weekend fundraiser began in 1980 under the direction of Charlotte Rowe. A 50/50 drawing was also held and the winning ticket was won by Heinz E. Hautle of Schroon Lake. Pictured drawing the ticket are Patt Rommer, Board of Directors member, Pete Johnson, Club treasurer and Rachel Rowe, daughter-in-law of Charlotte Rowe, founder of the Labor Day sale. Photo provided
A group of Schroon Lake Senior Citizens recently went to the Depot Theater in Saratoga to see Greater Tuna. Following the theater, the group went to The Galley Restaurant for dinner. Photo provided
Kathi and Steve Ramant attend a Hague Senior Citizens meal recently.
he aging process has a way of making people risk-averse. Financial advisors typically recommend that men and women steer clear of risky investments as they age, and men and women over 50 often make lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of developing certain medical conditions. As women age, some may feel exercise is simply too risky. Hormonal changes brought on by aging decrease a womanÕ s bone density, and that fact makes many women over 50 hesitant to embrace exercise. But exercise plays a key role in helping women over 50 secure their long-term health and reduce their risk of injury. •Exercise promotes independence. Some women feel that exercising after 50 increases their risk of injury, which can make them overly dependent on their loved ones. But exercise, in particular strength training, slows bone deterioration, helping bones stay stronger longer and reducing a womanÕ s risk of suffering a potentially debilitating injury. Independence is especially important to seniors, many of whom spent years planning their retirements and awaiting the day when they would be free to travel at their leisure. Daily exercise can help women maintain that independence by reducing their risk of injury and other ailments that can be confining. •Exercise can improve sleep. Some women who are fighting fatigue may feel that routine exercise will only make them more tired. But exercise actually improves energy levels and makes it easier to get a better nightÕ s rest. Numerous studies have shown that routine exercise can improve sleep quality and even increase energy levels throughout the day, something that should raise an eyebrow among women who do not exercise but routinely find themselves fighting fatigue. A more quality nightÕ s rest improves vitality, making it easier for women to exercise and make it through the day without feeling fatigued. •Exercise benefits those with limited mobility. Women over 50 with limited mobility may feel that exercise serves no purpose because of their disability or physical condition. But even women confined to wheelchairs or those forced to walk with a cane or walker can benefit from cardiovascular exercise and even light strength training. Such exercises can improve a womanÕ s range of motion while reducing her risk of heart disease. •It’s never too late to start exercising. Many aging women feel their time to embrace exercise has long since passed. But itÕ s never too late to start exercising. Women should take a conservative approach when exercising after a long hiatus, beginning with a slow walk around the neighborhood or a local park. Walking is a great beginnerÕ s exercise, as it provides a good cardiovascular workout while working a variety of muscle groups. As your body readjusts to physical activity, gradually increase the intensity of your exercise sessions, adding some strength training, ideally under the supervision of a professional. Always stretch immediately after each exercise session, and give your body ample time to recover, especially when you begin your new regimen.
Maxine Sheehan and Marianne Murdock listen for the bingo caller at a recent senior barbecue held at the Ticonderoga Elks Lodge.
Fall 2014
www.denpubs.com
Senior Life - 11
12 - Senior Life
www.denpubs.com
Fall 2014