STAYING FIT IS ESSENTIAL FOR SENIORS | DOWNSIZING YOUR HOME
OUR ELDER LIVES
Ihad dinner with my brothers, sisters, and a cousin the other day and we got on to the topic of Medicare. Halfway through the conversation I thought to myself, “When did this happen?” It seems like it wasn’t very long ago that we were arguing over baseball cards and Monopoly games. Now, all of a sudden, we’re concerned about signing up for Medicare.
Where does the time go?
Of course, when all of us look back and enumerate the things we have accomplished, we then realize where the time went—careers, families, trips to Disney World. Hopefully, when you look back a smile traces your lips and your eyes light up.
But when we look ahead, to things like Medicare, there is more worry than glory. We wonder if we’ve saved enough money to enjoy our golden years, have we planned properly for our final years.
So far, as I enter my golden years, I’ve found the only two things about getting older that agree with me are grandkids and the freedom to travel. And now I’m able to combine the two, traveling with my grandkids. As we reach each new station in life, it’s not a starting and stopping point, it’s an evolution. We seem satisfied as life progresses.
But somehow this part of the evolution seems more crucial to me. There are many questions. And many of the questions don’t have an answer. We knew whether we had saved enough for kids’ educations, but have we saved enough to enjoy a (hopefully) lengthy retirement? Enough for care in our final years? Enough to leave something behind for our children?
I don’t think this Elder Life supplement to Hagerstown Magazine will definitively answer those questions, but I do think it will help you with some of the more enjoyable elements of your golden years and hopefully help you prepare for some of the inevitabilities.
– Jeff Thoreson
Navigating Your Life’s Next Chapter
A SUPPLEMENT TO
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Jeff Thoreson
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Stay Active; Stay Happy
FITNESS IS ESSENTIAL TO HEALTHY, HAPPY GOLDEN YEARS
By Laura Forrest Hopfauf
Staying physically active is an important part of aging in a healthy way, staying independent longer, and enriching senior citizens’ lives. And Washington County has just the place for that to happen. Washington County Senior Center is on Franklin Street in downtown Hagerstown.
activities and amenities is avail able to use for free for seniors who live in Washington County.
“I think many people have the misconception that a senior activity center is similar to an adult day program, when in fact the Washington County Senior
“Fitness classes are among the most popular at our center. I think people are looking for ways to stay active, especially after retirement.”
– Abby Housel
Center is for active, independent adults 55 years old and up,” says Abby Housel, program manager of Washington County Senior Activities Center. “Fitness classes are among the most popular at our center. I think people are looking for ways to stay active, especially after retirement.”
Staying active at the center provides opportunities to connect, whether taking part in group exercise classes or using the gym facilities on your own. The gym, known as Senior Fit, is an extremely clean environment with equipment and 24 machines to help seniors with everything from strength training to cardio fitness.
For those wanting to use Senior Fit, being familiar with exercise equipment isn’t a requirement. All members who want to use the Senior Fit gym are required to take a class held at the facility that gives an introduction about how to use of all the equipment along with important safety precautions and information about how to use the space.
Linda Caricofe, a member at the senior center who uses Senior Fit, encourages everyone who wants to try fitness classes or the fitness center to embrace the feeling of nervousness and do it anyway.
“All of us feel that way before taking the step to come in and see what is offered here,” she says. “The center is life changing—socially, mentally, and physically.”
Linda Frush, another member who fre quents Senior Fit, adds, “It’s a wonderful thing for seniors to stay very active.”
Beyond that Frush wants potential members to know fitness isn’t the only benefit to using the gym, “You will feel great and meet a lot of people our age.”
For those wanting to exercise in a group class, there are plenty of those every month. Dyanne Sharrar, a certified American Council on Exercise (ACE) instructor for almost 40 years, teaches classes at Washington County Senior Center and loves how group exercise allows seniors to take better care of themselves while building relationships.
“Connectivity is powerful,” Sharrar says. “Group exercise can be intimidating to someone who is new to it. One of
DYANNE SHARRAR, A CERTIFIED AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE (ACE) INSTRUCTOR FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS, HELPS SENIORS STAY FIT AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER.
the most wonderful things to witness in our class is the interaction of participants. They connect with each other, chat with each other, share information about experiences we are all going through in our daily lives. We are happier when we feel connected. Plus, we have fun while we exercise.”
Katherine Minutes, an active participant in group exercise classes echos Sharrar’s sentiment. “The senior center is my happy place. I would urge all who wish to meet new people and enjoy new things to come and share with us.”
In addition to offering a way to keep connected with others, fitness in one’s later years provides health benefits that extend beyond the time of a class.
“Staying physically active as a senior is especially important, as exercise can help improve
“Instead of watching reruns on TV, I am and always will be active… it’s the only way to enjoy a full senior life.”
– Linda Caricofe
your strength and balance, and therefore can help prevent falls and contribute to a senior being able to remain independent longer,” Housel says. “Lack of physical activity can lead to a variety of health complications.”
Caricofe adds, “Simply put, I feel great, thanks to taking that first step. Instead of watching reruns on TV, I am and always will be active…it’s the only way to enjoy a full senior life.”
Exercise doesn’t have to be a lonely and stressful endeavor for any of us, and Washington County Senior Center is making sure that its doors are open to all seniors who want to embrace a healthier lifestyle into their later years with open arms and a welcoming spirit. Just come in and as Sharrar says, “I’m sure you’ll find something that works just for you.”
One of the few advantages of getting older is you have time to do things you always wanted to do. For me, that means planes, trains, automobiles, and cruise ships.
By Charles Jeffries
Istumbled across a beach bar in Croatia last summer, and I’ll never forget it. Not because it was a great bar; it wasn’t. It was a concrete slab cut into the side of a cliff 40 feet or so above the Adriatic Sea just outside the incredible stone wall that once protected Old Town Dubrovnik from would-be conquerors. The bar has no walls, is covered by a bamboo roof, and has a stone counter from which you can order fine Croatian beers like Karlovačkoor and Ožujsko, but not much else.
The Buza Bar has no tables or bar stools because no one goes there to sit. If you are so inclined there are some plastic milk crates you can flip over and “relax” on. The Buza Bar’s only nod to luxury—or comfort of any kind—is some well-worn patio furniture cushions that you can put on the top of the crate before you sit down.
The cliffs below the bar jut out above the sea and afford sunbathers a place to spread out a towel and tend to their tans. At other points in the cliffs are flat spots from which you can jump from 20, 30, 40 feet and splash down into the warm Adri-
The author and his granddaughter on the island of Vis and some other places he’s been. Ho Chi Minh City, Istanbul, Paris, Geneva.
atic. This is why people come to the Buza Bar.
In my 30s and 40s I was able to travel a fair amount of the world by myself or with my family. As my kids graduated college and established their own careers with their own disposable incomes (meaning they could now afford to pay their own way), many more opportunities around world opened up for us from a financial perspective.
Now my grandkids are travel companions, as well, and that’s why a nondescript beach bar in Dubrovnik has become one of my favorite spots in the world. Me, my daughter, and my 3-year-old granddaughter climbed down the steep steps from the bar to sea level, jumped into the Adriatic Sea and there we were, three generations swimming in the thick saltwater 4,500 miles from our homes in different cities on the East Coast of the United States.
It was a very cool moment. On various trips these three generations have gazed at the Eifel Tower; cruised Lac Léman, stumbled across a small zoo in Lyon (to the delight of my granddaughter), dined along the Rhone River and enjoyed many priceless moments, including the many in Croatia this summer, along the way.
Just the fact that I was in Croatia was fascinating to me. When I was a young professional Croatia didn’t even exist. It was part of Yugoslavia. I couldn’t even think about traveling there, or to many other countries I’ve been to—the Czech Republic and Slovakia also didn’t exist but they are now awesome adventures. Hungary was behind the Iron Curtain, but I’ve now enjoyed the goulash and local cuisine and wine. Back then, I don’t think you could even book a commercial flight to Vietnam and China but now I’ve toured and played golf in both.
Much of the world was out of bounds for American travelers until recently. And even the countries that were open were expensive to get to. These were the days before discount airlines and air travel was for businessmen and the wealthy.
Now, as my kids are young professionals, I wonder what might change for them in 30 years. Will they be able to vacation in Baghdad, Kiev, or Pyongyang? Or will much of the world be shut off again? It could go either way.
For me, I plan to continue to check off new countries to visit as long as I am able. There are many more disagreeable things about getting older than there are agreeable things, but I’ve found the two most important are grandkids and the freedom to travel. The ability to combine the two creates indelible moments that I expect to last the rest of my life.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR SENIORS
BE PREPARED WITH MEDICATIONS: Keep all your medication in a bag in your carry-on. Make sure the bag can be easily removed and taken with you in case you get caught in a situation where you have to check your carry-on at the gate.
STAY HYDRATED: Flying is a dehydrating endeavor.
GET GLOBAL ENTRY: If you travel internationally this saves a lot of time at passport control when you return. It’s well worth the $100.
DON’T BOOK MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE: Make sure you know the topography of your destination. Croatia, for example, is hills, cliffs, and hundreds upon hundreds of steep steps you need to climb or descend throughout the day to get almost anywhere. Know that you can handle your trip physically.
USE A CREDIT CARD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE: Foreign transaction fees can add up, and you’ll want more miles or points for your next trip anyhow.
Eating healthy has no age limit. But as we get older our nutrition needs change. Chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer and other conditions that historically affect the older population, and natural aging processes like muscle loss and osteoporosis, can be mitigated by eating nutrient-dense foods and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Of course, eating healthy sounds great, but it’s not always easy for seniors who may be alone or struggling to make ends meet. In addition, older adults can sometimes be less active and often experience a change in metabolism, both of which require fewer calories. All this makes eating healthy a challenge and choosing the right foods a chore.
So, where to begin?
Let’s start with the good news. According to Health.gov, older adults have a Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score of 63 out of 100—the highest diet quality score compared to other age ranges. For reference, the HEI is a tool designed by the USDA to provide a data-driven understanding of diet quality.
And while this score is good, there is still room to improve. Of course, there are the simple changes we all hear about, like eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while cutting down on added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
Christine Van Bloem is a Certified Culinary Medicine Professional and creator of Empty Nest Kitchen and Menopause Meal Plans. With more than 20 years of experience as a cooking instructor, Van Bloem has taught thousands of people how to cook, and after surviving a heart attack in 2020, she
has made changes to take her cooking in a healthier direction.
“The key here is healthier,” says Van Bloem. “I’m not afraid of butter, but I’m using a touch instead of a stick. A tablespoon or two of cream or half-and-half, not a cup, and so on. And now that the kids are living lives on their own, I’m re-learning how to cook for two.”
Part of her revamp is to include several servings a week of whole grains like barley, farro, and brown rice to help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and even lower cholesterol. A more plant-based diet is another change Van Bloem talks about when educating people about healthy cooking.
“Think 80 percent plants and 20 percent other when planning your meals,” she says. “A plant-forward diet doesn’t mean no meat. It simply means that meat is part of the plan but not the star of the show. Think more along the lines of a fourounce steak with lots of roasted veggies, a big, hearty salad, or side of grains instead of a big 12-ounce steak.
highly processed food and explored how these symptoms related to their physical and mental health and feelings of social isolation.
Based on their responses, 44 percent of older adults indicated at least one symptom of addiction to highly processed food. The most common symptoms were intense cravings (24 percent at least once a week), inability to cut down intake despite a desire to do so (19 percent at least two to three times a week), and signs of withdrawal (17 percent at least once a week). About one in eight people in the study reported that their eating behavior caused them a lot of distress at least two to three times a week.
“Protein is your friend. You want to be sure to have enough throughout the day to help you power through. Think lean proteins such as lean chicken or fish, and don’t be afraid of beans.”
– Christine Van Bloem
is another key factor in a senior’s diet. However, the choice of protein is key.
While red meat, poultry, and eggs are easy to cook and access when eating out, it’s important to remember that seafood, dairy, and beans like peas and lentils are great sources of protein that provide additional nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and fiber. Protein also helps with energy levels.
“Protein is your friend,” says Van Bloem. “You want to be sure to have enough throughout the day to help you power through. Think lean proteins such as lean chicken or fish, and don’t be afraid of beans.”
Of course, some seniors are less inclined to cook for themselves, leaving them vulnerable to more convenient foods—aka, processed. A 2022 national poll on healthy aging conducted by the University of Michigan asked a national sample of adults age 50 to 80 about symptoms of addiction to
Highly processed foods have a host of not-sogood-for-you ingredients, many of which are difficult to even pronounce. But one that is common, and decipherable, is sodium.
“Ultra-processed foods are the biggest culprit when it comes to hidden sodium,” says Van Bloem. “The daily recommended allowance for an adult is just 2,300 mg, or one teaspoon, so steer clear of this type of food.”
Keep in mind that eating out is convenient for seniors, and sometimes economical if they take advantage of the senior discounts. Unfortunately, high sodium content comes along with dining out and the all-you-can-eat buffets, often a good deal for those on a budget. So, the trick is to choose foods wisely and limit proportions.
Van Bloem suggests taking advantage of discounts or buy-one-get-one specials, but to make use of the senior menu, which tends to have smaller portions. If those portions are still too big, a trick that has been around for years is to ask for a to-go box when you get your meal and place half of it in the box before you even start eating. This not only helps from overindulging, it also provides a serving for another meal at home.
Lastly, supporting older adults in healthy eating is something health professionals, family, and friends can all take part in. Whether you’re a senior asking for help or a family member offering it, with a little effort, a healthy dietary plan can fit within a budget, personal preferences, and even traditions.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest oils on earth. It’s rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage caused by an imbalance of free radicals in the body.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is high in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in the body.
FATTY FISH
Fatty fish is a highly nutritious food that can promote healthy skin. Salmon and other fatty fish are high in protein, necessary in collagen and elastin production.
DARK CHOCOLATE OR COCOA
Dark chocolate is a rich source of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants in the body. In particular, it contains flavanols, which are linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline.
VEGETABLES
Most vegetables are extremely nutrient-dense and low in calories. Beta carotene is especially important and can be found in carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.
FLAX SEEDS
Flax seeds contain lignans that may lower the risk of developing a chronic disease such as heart disease and breast cancer.
POMEGRANATES
They are high in fiber, potassium, and Vitamin K, which help support a healthy heart.
AVOCADOS
They are rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
TOMATOES
Contain lycopene that acts as an antioxidant.
COLLAGEN PEPTIDES
Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein. Proteinrich foods include chicken, tofu, fish, and eggs.
(Source: www.healthline.com)
When Carolyn Perrygo began noticing changes in her husband John Perrygo, she expressed her concerns to their primary care physician who referred them to a hospital with a memory care specialty. It was there that John was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and started medication along with dietary changes and additional exercise in the hopes of slowing his symptoms.
By Laura Forrest Hopfauf
After a few years, John participated in a clinical trial where he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia through an amyloid plaque PET scan that wasn’t yet available to the public at the time.
“We made a conscious decision to tell everyone,” Carolyn says. “We added family and friends in abundance to our support team. Many people know what late-state Alzheimer’s looks like, but we have found few who know the
early-stage signs and symptoms. From the beginning, we chose to be totally transparent about John’s diagnosis.”
Although life has changed for Perrygo, it hasn’t ended. “Life has gotten a little more complicated,” Carolyn says as John’s Alzheimer’s has progressed, but 14 years after his initial diagnosis, the Perrygos are still living a fulfilling life and determined to help others with a dementia diagnosis do the same. Part of that is through their work with Dementia Friendly Washington County (DFWC), a local off-shoot of Dementia Friendly America, a national network that works to build communities to support people living with dementia along with their caretakers across the United States.
Rebekah Blum, a member of the Steering Committee of DFWC, a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Trainer, and Dementia Friend Champion, describes DFWC as this, “We are focused on providing dementia-friendly education sessions along with establishing a Memory Café in Washington County to provide people who are living with early stage dementia and their care provider a safe, inviting space to participate in social activities that engage the mind and senses of participants living with dementia.”
John and Carolyn also champion the Memory Café, which is now back to being on a monthly schedule after a hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. Carolyn says, “being around people who really understand means so much.”
The Memory Café meets on the third Thursday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Otterbein United Methodist Church in Hagerstown and provides a light lunch and socialization for those with a dementia’s diagnosis and their caretakers.
Blum adds, “Memory Café is done in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and will also be a place that family caregivers for people living with dementia can get more information about the type of dementia their loved one has, as well as information for the caregiver to navigate all the changes and challenges they may be noticing in a loved one. Dementia of any kind is a disease that is felt by the person living with it but also the entire family, and we want to be a resource for these families.”
In addition to providing direct support for families, DFWC is partnering with local government businesses and agencies to provide dementia education and training to their staff.
“Washington County Board of Commissioners have declared Washington County as Dementia Friendly and required all county employees to take training on the subject. To date, about a third of all full-time county employees have had dementia-friendly training. Additionally, we are reaching out to businesses and groups and providing no-
John and Carolyn Perrygo, front center, and the Washington County commissioners proclaimed Dementia Friendly Washington County.
cost training to all who ask. CNB Bank has already trained its entire staff at a local branch and will be training all employees,” Carolyn adds.
Beyond all, DFWC seeks to provide hope for those who are dealing with a dementia diagnosis.
Carolyn says, “DFWC gives us hope for a future where the stigma about dementia is gone through ed -
ucation and understanding, where resources are readily available to support all those touched by these diseases, and where we can support each other through the stages of the diseases.”
Blum echos and supports this sentiment. “We are able to give members of our community who have been affected by dementia in one way or another hope in knowing that they are not alone, and the diagnosis of dementia does not mean your life is over,” she says. “It is a change in one’s journey, but a person living with dementia can live a full life. It is okay to talk about it. It is okay to need help. That is what Dementia Friendly Washington County is all about.”
For training and education request please email Rebekah Blum at rblum@bettyswish.org or dementiafriendlywashco@outlook.com
For more information and the Memory Café contact Steven Luber at Steven.luber@rahmd.net
To get involved with DFWC in any other way email dementiafriendlywashco@outlook.com or connect on Facebook
John and Carolyn Perrygo help Dementia Friendly Washington County improve life for local seniors with dementia.
ACCOMPLISHED
In 2021, actor William Shatner, known as Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, became the first 90-year-old to go into space. The entire flight lasted only 10 minutes, but Shatner says it changed his life.
Gladys Burrill made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest female to compete in a marathon. She was 92.
In 1932, Audrey Crabtree was injured, which caused her to drop out of high school one credit short of graduation. She took care of her sick grandmother, got married, had a large family, and started a flower business.
painted every day for 25 years and produced thousands of paintings.
Julia Child, chef and television personality, published her first cookbook at age 50, going on to have her own TV show for years and becoming the first woman inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s Hall of Fame.
Keiko Fukuda was still teaching judo and self-defense classes at age 98, despite having bad knees and Parkinson’s disease. In 2011, she became the first woman to ever attain a 10th-degree black belt, judo’s highest honor.
She still longed for a high school diploma, which she received at age 99.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House on the Prairie book series, was 64 when she published her first book, Little House in the Big Woods, in 1932.
Benjamin Franklin was 70 when he signed the Declaration of Independence. He did not retire from public service until he was 82.
At age 87, artist Pablo Picasso created 347 engravings in a year.
Harland Sanders, AKA Colonel Sanders, was in his 70s when he sold his interest in Kentucky Fried Chicken for $2 million. He franchised the company in 1952 at age 62.
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as “Grandma Moses,” didn’t start painting until she was 76 years old, after her arthritis made it too hard to hold an embroidery needle. Even though she had no formal training, she
At age 75, cancer survivor Barbara Hillary became one of the oldest people, and the first black wom an, to reach the North Pole.
In 1994, when he was almost 76, Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned with a life sentence during the era of apartheid, was elected president of South Africa.
Frank McCourt, Pulitzer Prize winning author for his memoir, Angela’s Ashes, was 65 years old when he decided to start writing.
Although she had been acting since the late 1950s, Judi Dench first rose to prominence with her role in the James Bond series at age 61.
(Sources: Taylor French, for Amada Senior Care; www. vantageaging.org and www.theladders.com)
a House is Challenging
by Jeff Thoreson
DOWN SIZING DONE
Iam homeless. I am not houseless, but I am homeless. There’s a difference. A couple of months ago I accidentally sold my home; just sort of stumbled into a deal.
I had finally come to the realization that it was time to downsize, 12 years after the last of three children left for college. I initiated some projects to get the place ready to sell at some as-yet-undefined point in the future and mentioned that to a Realtor who lives up the street. Mine is a desirable house on a desirable lot in a desirable neighborhood, but the place wasn’t ready to sell being that the main bath was in the midst of a total re-do.
A few days later, the Realtor texted and asked if he could bring a client by.
I figured there wouldn’t be any harm in that. They could envision what the finished product would be and maybe come back later if they were really interested. But they made an offer and said they would finish the bathroom themselves and wanted the place as is, without me ticking off the punch list of projects that, in my estimation, needed to be accomplished before selling.
In that light, their number looked quite good, so the next day I was clicking and docu-signing. There is time built into the contract for the new owners to sell their house and, therefore, plenty of time for me to excavate my accumulated detritus.
Content with the decision, I spent a couple of days thinking about what the next phase of life might be like and then set to the formidable task of assessing the contents of my house item-by-item as to what can be sold, given away, scraped for any cash value it might contain, or simply be junked all
But it Can Be
together, the latter forcing me to the realization that for some number of years I have found it necessary to keep something that I now determine that neither myself nor any other human could possibly use.
As one day of this project faded to the next, then one weekend to its successor, I found myself at once astonished, awed, and dismayed at the sheer volume of things collected over the years. And I am impressed by the staying power of junk— the once-pitched tent from that era when the kids thought camping might be a good idea; the orange life preservers from years ago when we owned a boat; parts to lawn mowers and garden tools I once thought I could salvage something from; long-hardened bags of asphalt patch leftover from a driveway project so far back that it again is in need of repair.
I found it hard to believe that my life once found necessity for this impressive pile of detritus, but apparently a home comes equipped with some sort of check valve or diaphragm that allows things to slide in quite easily but getting them back out requires surgical rerouting.
I attacked the 20 years of accumulated papers and records in my home office, and then the storage room clutter left behind by three kids who are off on their own lives and accumulating their own stuff that will one day be their very own flotsam. Then I would attack the workshop with tools I will never need again.
It seemed a simple and easy plan to attack it one room at a time. But then I delved into the papers and records in my downstairs office and realized the dreadful extent to which mere stuff
can grow. Things, possessions are like ivy—left untended they take over in such a subtle manner that the next thing you know your nice brick façade is dripping with greenness.
On the surface, my task should have been no problem. As I look around my 200-square-foot-home office, there are two short bookshelves and one full-length bookshelf. There is a two-drawer file cabinet and one of those L-shaped desks where I can work in front of me or to the side. It has a few drawers and cubbies that I now realize hold more than they would appear to hold.
So, the task at hand was simple—pack the books neatly in boxes, go through the shelves and drawers and discard what is no longer needed and pack only what really, truly needs to continue on with me.
But like every other project I have done in this house in the last two decades, this became much more complex than what I envisioned. There is material in all these places that date back to a previous century. Probably more than 90 percent of it can be chucked, but in going through the first drawer I found a newspaper from when my son made the all-county golf team, and then some high school graduation programs, and then college graduation programs, and then a coupon book given me by my kids for some long-past Father’s Day. The crayon-drawn coupons are good for things like one breakfast in bed, one car wash, or one golf club cleaning. (Hey guys, I don’t see any expiration date on these coupons.)
Now my quick-and-easy plan to shed and move was bogged down in a wave of sentimentality. Each thing I came across that was not easily discarded with a “why the heck did I ever need this” became a flood of memories—good memories. I wanted to sit there and dwell upon them and smile and chuckle to myself about all the things that happened in this house—this home where I have lived across two centuries.
Now an evening has gone by and I’ve been through only one drawer and part of a second.
I am not second-guessing my decision to sell. It is time. I understand that. This is a great family home, and a nice young family is taking over. I am—sort of—looking forward to a smaller place where I don’t have to clean bedrooms that are rarely slept in; where I don’t have to walk through a game room where not a single game of billiards or ping-pong has been played in a half a decade or so; where each memory becomes a short film in my head, like those old 8-mm snippets of kids growing up and doing the silly things kids do.
TIPS FOR DOWNSIZING YOUR HOME
START AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
You don’t accumulate a house full of stuff overnight, so you can’t expect to figure out how to downsize in a day either.
TAKE A FULL INVENTORY
It’s helpful to have a list or spreadsheet you can look at to help you decide what’s important.
DETERMINE YOUR ESSENTIALS
Even though you’ll be shedding a lot of items, you can’t let go of everything. You’ll need a core set of belongings that helps you live a comfortable life. So, before you get rid of everything, make a checklist of essential items that must go to your new home.
CONSIDER YOUR SENTIMENTAL ITEMS
You’ll probably want to keep some sentimental items, such as family photo albums or an heirloom from your late grandparent. While these keepsakes may not serve a functional role in your day-to-day life, they’re still important and valuable.
TAKE IT ONE ROOM AT A TIME
Just the thought of decluttering and downsizing your entire house will likely cause your stress levels to rise, but here’s an approach to reducing it: Don’t think of it as downsizing your entire house. Look at it one room at a time.
GET
RID OF DUPLICATES
Many of us probably have a few items in our homes that are duplicates or even triplicates. For example, do you have three slow cookers in your pantry? Have you ever used all three at the same time? You likely use one regularly, so it’s probably safe to get rid of the extras.
DIGITIZE WHEN POSSIBLE
If you’re like most people, you have stacks of photos and important documents stored in different places in your home. As you prepare to downsize, consider ditching the hard copies by digitizing them. Consider enlisting the help of a digitization service that can handle it for you.
MEASURE YOUR FURNITURE
Before hauling all your belongings to your new home, make sure they fit. It’s important to measure any furniture you plan to bring to see where and whether it would fit in your new home.
DONATE, SELL, OR GIVE AWAY ITEMS
Once you’ve decided which items won’t make the trip to your smaller home, it’s time to say goodbye. Rather than banish your belongings to a trash can, consider: Gifting to friends or family members; donating to charity; selling on an online marketplace; hosting a garage sale.
Maybe I’m just trying to convince myself that selling is the right thing to do by telling myself I’m looking forward to a new start. Or maybe I am anxious to walk through a new front door. But I’m not looking forward to walking out of this one for the last time because from that point on I may be living in a nice condo, but it won’t be my home. Source: Rocket Homes
CONSIDER STORAGE OPTIONS
Once your furniture and appliances have a place in your new home, think about storage for the rest of your belongings. Do you have adequate cabinetry and closet space? If you need more storage in your new home, don’t worry. There are lots of creative ways to stow away your stuff.
WHEN TO GIVE UP THE CAR KEYS
This may have been the person who sat in the passenger seat next to you, patiently teaching you how to drive when you were a teenager. Move ahead through the years and now you’re the one cringing and tramping down on an imaginary brake when your parent is holding the steer ing wheel. When is it time for them to give up driving?
Experts say that age isn’t the deciding factor; there are seniors in their 80s and 90s who are safe and competent drivers. Rather, other factors should be taken into consideration and the conversation should include empathy because for many, driv ing is about more than a way to get around, it’s also a part of their independence and freedom.
The Times-Herald-Record in Middletown, N.Y., reports that a study conducted by pharmaceutical company Pfizer, found that for many respondents “the hardest conversation to have with elderly parents is telling them to stop driving and hand over their car keys.”
According to Liz Craven, who writes an elder care guide that appears on the internet, the following are some common red flags that may inform a decision to “have the talk.”
• Vision changes, including the ability to read traffic signs and judge distance.
• Decreased mobility, is it a struggle turning the steering wheel, or reacting quickly to unexpected situations?
• Increased forgetfulness, is the person struggling with remembering familiar routes?
• Near misses or accidents, is the person having frequent fender-benders or close calls on the roadway?
• Traffic violations, are there instances of speeding, running red lights, or other infractions?
Craven suggests that you choose the right time and place to have an honest discussion, acknowledging that this might be a difficult change for them to make. Let them know you are supportive and offer alternatives such as ride-sharing services, public transportation, home care services, and volunteer transportation programs.
SENIOR RESOURCES
LONG TERM CARE SERVICES & RESOURCES
AGING IN PLACE:
A local grant-funded program that supports seniors and those with disabilities to improve their quality of life through support measures such as education, medical device assessment, etc.
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE:
Maryland Access Point department can assist seniors and those with disabilities in completing a variety of applications. Contact the MAP department for details.
BENEFITS CHECKUP:
A secure online site that helps you find benefit programs to assist with paying for medications, health care, food, utilities, and more. You can do it yourself from home in about 15 minutes or come into the office for assistance. www.benefitscheckup.org
COMMUNITY FIRST CHOICE PROGRAM/ SUPPORT PLANNING:
Provides a wide range of community services and support to enable older adults and people with disabilities who are financially and medically eligible to live in their own homes. Referrals made to partnering agencies.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COUNSELING:
This service is provided through the MAP department to inform eligible recipients of community options and resources available to support seniors to live in their own homes.
DEMENTIA CARE NAVIGATION:
The Dementia Care Navigation Program offers personalized support to individuals and families affected by dementia, guiding them through the complexities of care planning, resources, and services to enhance quality of life.
ECONOMIC CHECKUP:
Provides older adults experiencing economic distress with a comprehensive assessment of their situation, access to community referrals and follow-up. www.benefitscheckup.org
GRANDPARENT/RELATIVE CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP:
A support group for grandparents or relatives who are raising their grandchildren. The group meets monthly to receive information about community resources.
NEW TO MEDICARE WORKSHOP:
Are you about to turn 65 or are you new to Medicare? Then this workshop will be invaluable for you to learn more about Medicare. Workshops, which also cover sup-
plemental insurance, are held one day and one evening each month.
MARYLAND ACCESS POINT (MAP):
This program strives to be a single point of entry to assist with Medicaid, Medicare, prescription drug coverage, food assistance, home energy assistance, Supplemental Security Income, and much more. Personal assistance is provided to help people through the maze of forms and agencies.
MEDICARE PART D SUPPORT:
One-to-one support offered during open enrollment to educate recipients on their choices. SHIP provides continued support of Medicare Part D after open enrollment is closed.
MOBILE OUTREACH:
Our staff regularly travels to familiar locations throughout the county to reach seniors who, due to lack of mobility or resources, might not apply for benefits they need. Seniors can find out if they are eligible for assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Renters and Homeowners Tax Credit Assistance, the Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Program, and services to help pay for Medicare premiums. Home visits are also available to the homebound by appointment.
“MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON” OPTIONS COUNSELING FOR INSTITUTIONALIZED INDIVIDUALS:
In 2009, the Maryland Medicaid Agency began operations under the federal “Money Follows the Person” initiative to identify Medicaid eligible individuals in nursing homes who wanted to transition back into the community. The options counselor goes to the nursing home, meets with the individual to discuss options for community living, and assists with applications for home and community-based waiver programs.
SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING GROUP HOME
SUBSIDY PROGRAM:
Provides low and moderate-income seniors with access to assisted living in small group homes, which are licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for four through 16 residents.
SENIOR CARE PROGRAM:
Provides case management and funds for services for individuals 65 and above, who are financially and functionally eligible, that may be at risk of nursing home placement. Senior Care allows seniors to live with dignity and comfort in their own homes and at a lower cost than nursing homes. Assistance with housekeeping, meals, and personal care is available for qualified applicants. Referrals made to community partners.
SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL:
SMPs empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.
SENIOR MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM:
The Washington County Commission on Aging makes referrals to partnering agencies for mental health services.
STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM:
This program assists Medicare-eligible individuals and family members to understand all parts of Medicare. One-on-one assistance in navigating the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program, filing appeals and resolving delays on claims is offered. Long-Term Care Insurance information is also available, as well as personal help in filling out applications for state or local financial assistance.
THE HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED OPTIONS WAIVER:
Also known as Community Options Waiver, this program provides community services and supports to enable older adults and people with physical disabilities, to live in their own homes or in a licensed assisted living facility in lieu of a nursing facility. Individuals must meet a nursing facility level of care, as well as financial criteria to qualify. Referrals are made to partnering agencies.
SUPPORT SERVICES
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY:
We can provide referrals for devices that make life easier and may assist in retaining independence. Sample devices are available at the WCCOA offices. Referrals are made to MiHi (Many Individuals Helping Individuals), which offers Project Lifesavers, a program that provides a system to find people who have a tendency to wander or become lost.
FRIENDLY VISITATION:
Volunteers registered through the RSVP Program visit individuals who are ill, isolated, and confined to their homes, in an attempt to provide a caring contact.
GUARDIANSHIP OF PERSON PROGRAM:
The WCCOA serves as guardian for qualified individuals who are incapable of making their own decisions concerning healthcare, food, shelter, and clothing.
GROCERY SHOPPING PROGRAM:
Volunteers grocery shop for individuals who have no other way of obtaining provisions on a regular basis. Volunteers do not transport clients.
MEALS ON WHEELS:
A freshly prepared, noontime meal is delivered as scheduled on routes throughout the county to homebound individuals or couples who are 60 and older.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PROGRAM:
Medical equipment such as walkers, canes, tubseats, and other assistive devices, are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis to persons with disabilities.
NUTRITION SITES RECREATIONAL PROGRAM:
At seven sites throughout the county, seniors are welcome to participate in recreational programs each weekday to enrich social contacts within the community.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTING PROGRAM:
Volunteers meet with individuals, generally twice a month, to help sort through mail, pay bills, write checks, set up simple household budgets, and balance checkbooks. Volunteers do not transport clients, handle cash, or perform bank transactions.
SENIOR CLUBS:
Senior citizen clubs in Washington County meet monthly to discuss senior-related issues, service opportunities, and socialization possibilities.
SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL:
SMPs empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.
TELEPHONE REASSURANCE PROGRAM:
Volunteers phone individuals who are ill, isolated, or confined to their homes, in an attempt to provide a caring contact.
HEALTH & NUTRITION
HOME DELIVERED MEALS:
A freshly prepared noontime meal is delivered as scheduled throughout the county to medically homebound individuals or couples age 60 and older.
CONGREGATE NUTRITION SITES:
Freshly prepared, noontime meals are delivered to congregate nutrition sites throughout Washington County where seniors gather to eat. Also offered at each of the congregate sites are opportunities for socialization, physical fitness, and recreation, as well as health and dietary education.
RECREATIONAL PROGRAM:
At seven sites throughout the county, seniors are welcome to participate in recreational programs each weekday to enrich social contacts within the community.
EXERCISE:
Group fitness classes and exercise equipment are available at the Washington County Senior Center.
HEALTH AND NUTRITION EDUCATION CLASSES:
An ongoing series of classes is taught by a licensed nurse or professional trained volunteer and take place routinely at the senior congregate nutrition sites, the senior center, and several other locations. The classes cover topics such as brain health, stroke, oral health, sleep, blood pressure, immunization, heart health, falls and fractures, healthy eating after age 50, arthritis, foot care, and exercise.
EDUCATION
AARP MATURE DRIVING CLASSES:
These classes held in different locations consist of four hours of classroom instruction intended to refine existing driving skills and develop safe defensive driving techniques.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS COUNSELING:
This service is provided through the MAP department to inform the eligible recipient of community options and resources available to support seniors to live in their own homes.
FALL PREVENTION:
The WCCOA partners with the Washington County Health Department and Meritus Medical Center to offer fall prevention classes that help seniors improve balance and avoid accidents.
HEALTHY AGING PRESENTATIONS:
A variety of programs are held throughout the county to support adults in making educational decisions about health and well-being. Topics include, but are not limited to, brain health, heart disease, exercise, fraud protection, etc.
LIVING WELL PROGRAM:
A free, six-week workshop for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis, heart disease, depression, and COPD. Classes are offered in various locations throughout the county.
OMBUDSMAN & LEGAL
LEGAL SERVICES:
An attorney is available onsite, as scheduled by appointment, only to provide advice on general legal issues. Legal clinics are free and assistance with completion of advance medical directives (appointment of health care agent and living will) is available.
LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM:
This program assists residents of long-term care facilities and their families in maintenance of their legal rights and in retaining control over their lives and personal dignity. Longterm care facilities include nursing homes, group homes, and assisted living communities.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Grandparents these days are having fun with the names they use for themselves, whether it’s actor Martin Sheen answering to Peach or former President George W. Bush being called Jefe by his grandkids. In families where there are great-grandparents, different monikers are essential just to keep it all straight. Here are some of the replacements people are using for grandma and grandpa.
Gramps
