An Echo Press publication Inside Summer fun for active seniors New leader for Senior retirementStructureCenterafter SUMMER 2022 for a vibrant, ageless lifestyle
8 1tips Base your meals on higher fiber starchy carbohydrates for eating healthy & staying fit 4 Cut down on saturated fat and sugar Do not get thirsty 2 Eat lots of fruit and vegetables Do not breakfastskip8 320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED. OPEN 6 AM - 10 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK! Eat more fish, including a portion of oily fish3 Eat less salt: no more than 6g a day for adults5 Get active and be a healthy weight6 7
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Douglas County Senior Services provides advocacy, information, assistance, program development and coordination of services to the over-55 population of Douglas County. The program provides outreach on many topics including advance directives, scams/frauds, identity theft, resources and housing information, matters of balance classes, chronic disease self management classes and information on advance care planning.Theoffice also provides health insurance counseling on Medicare part A, B, C and D along with Medical Assistance information, and long-term care insurance assistance. It has an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group and a general caregiver support group, and works in conjunction with both the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Alexandria Police Department on TRIAD, a group dedicated to the education of seniors of Douglas County in regards to fraud, scams and other crimes against the seniors. The NAPS (Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors) is a upplemental food program for seniors that is free to all who qualify.Staff is available to come to your organization and offer presentations on a number of topics of interest to the senior population. FOR MORE INFORMATION Call (320) 762-3047 or information.health.aspxmn.us/dc/senior-housing-resourcesinformationsenior-resource-health.aspxwww.co.douglas.mn.us/dc/visitforonseniorhealthorwww.co.douglas.forseniorhousing WHERE WE ARE LOCATED 806 Fillmore St., Suite 1195 Alexandria, Located320-762-3047MNinthelower level of the Douglas County Service Center at the south end of the hallway by the Douglas County Library. Douglas County Senior Services provides services to the over-55 population SUMMER for a vibrant, ageless lifestyle 2022 GENERATIONS Resources AMinnesotansfornewleader for Alexandria Senior Center How aging adults can maintain a healthy weight Summer fun for active Qualitiesseniors to look for in a post-retirement job Travel perks and discounts for seniors How to create structure after retirement141316501112 4 | GENERATIONS Summer 2022
MINNESOTA
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES The
is
The Office of the Minnesota Ombudsman for Ombudsman 540 Cedar Street St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 431-2555 or (800) 657-3591 LinkAge Line the Minnesota Board on Aging’s LinkAge Line at (800) 333-2433 Centers the federal agency with the authority Minnesota Department of Commerce has authority 7th Place East, Suite 280 St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 539-1500 or (800) www.mn.gov/commerce657-3602
for Medicare and Medicaid Services is
SENIORwww.mnaging.netLINKAGELINE Senior
Long-Term Care has authority to investigate complaints concerning nursing home, home care services, hospitals and other long-term care facilities related to the health, safety, welfare, rights and government benefits of people. Office of
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the federal agency that has authority to take action against deceptive, fraudulent and unfair business practices in the Federalmarketplace.Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20580 (877) 382-4357 TTY: (866) www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov653-4261 OMBUDSMAN FOR LONG-TERM CARE
statewide information and assistance service. Senior
to run CentersMedicare.for Medicare and Medicaid Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244 OFMINNESOTAwww.cms.govDEPARTMENTCOMMERCE The
for Long-Term Care Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building
to regulate certain health insurance companies and third-party administrators, as well as financial advisors and securities, including companies that issue securities, securities brokers, and securities Minnesotaagents. Department of Commerce 85
Resources for Minnesotans Summer 2022 GENERATIONS | 5
509 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.6363 www.scandinaviangifts.comFeaturingImportsfromallScandinavianCountries Hinza Tote • Award Winning Hospice • Comprehensive Hospice Care and Services • Located in Alexandria, Servicing Douglas County and Surrounding Communities Providing Compassionate Care Since 1983 320-763-6018 • www.hospicedouglascounty.org 809 Elm Street, Suite 1200 • Alexandria, MN Hospice of Douglas County, A Division of Horizon Public Health MINNESOTA BOARD ON AGING The Minnesota Board on Aging is an organization with authority to assist older MinnesotaMinnesotans.Boardon Aging Department of Human Services P.O. Box 64976 St. Paul, MN 55164-0976 (651) 431-2500 or (800) 882-6262 Senior LinkAge Line: (800) OFMINNESOTAwww.mnaging.net333-2433DEPARTMENTHEALTH The Minnesota Department of Health is the state agency with the authority to license hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home health care agencies in Minnesota. Office of Health Facility Complaints P.O. Box 64970 St. Paul, MN 55164-0970 (651) 201-4201 or (800) www.health.state.mn.us369-7994 SOCIAL ADMINISTRATIONSECURITY The Social Security Administration is the federal agency that has the authority to administer Social Security benefits. Social Security Administration Office of Public Inquiries 1100 West High Rise 6401 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21235 (800) FEDERALwww.ssa.gov772-1213TRADE COMMISSION
introduction to upcoming stories in the paper and e-paper. ThalanZimmerman
6 | GENERATIONS Summer 2022
The “Echo Press Minute” will publish every Tuesday and Thursday and give listeners brief BY SAM STUVE Alexandria Echo Press forSeniorAlexandriaCenter
For the past several months, the Alexandria Senior Center has been under the leadership of the newly-appointed executive director, ShellieKae Foster, an Alexandria native. “I’m really excited to be the executive director here at the Alexandria Senior Center,” Foster said. “It’s where I’ve grown up (Alexandria) and have quite a history here. And so for me, to be able to work in my own community, serving my own community has been just a huge gift for me.”Foster said she found out about the position opening in multiple ways. Shelli-Kae Foster, executive director of the Alexandria Senior Center, stands in the dining room area of the center where seniors gather to play cards. Foster has been the executive director since Feb. 1. Lowell Anderson / Alexandria Echo Press
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Shellie-Kae Foster is executive director of the energetic facility
LEADER a new
a
Welcomes You! 414320-762-2087HawthorneSt You are invited to Use it, Support it, and Enjoy it! Check out the new website for current available activities • Check out our handmade gift items • Play cards, games & pool with friends • Enjoy music, exercise classes & more • Find rewarding volunteer opportunities • Discover your artistic flare at the Lorsung Art Studio www.alexsrctr.org9:00amMonday-Friday-3:30pminfo@alexsrctr.org Hours
Foster said. “But I have lived in the nonprofit industry now for over 20 years. I managed a statewide program in the last 10 years. That was as a nonprofit, as well. So I gained a lot of experience with grant writing, managing staff, volunteers and doing events.”
Foster has enjoyed her time in this new role. She’s been really impressed with the senior center’s atmosphere and the positive reception she’s had from the members so far. “I am impressed with the energy and expertise of the volunteers that make this place a great place to be,” Foster said. “The members and the board are very supportive. They helped with my training and just asked, ‘How can we help? Don’t be afraid to ask questions; you’re in charge of the house, but we want to help you.’ I’ve felt from the programs to the members, to the board, everybody’s been super supportive. I look forward to coming to work in the morning.”
“I heard about it on a job site, and also a board member did approach me and encouraged me to apply,” Foster said. “So I saw that as an opportunity to jump in and use my skills here in the nonprofit world. I’ve only been in the position for less than two and a half months. So I’ve had a really vertical learning curve. It’s been wonderful that everyone here has been very welcoming. It just really feels like everyone wants me to succeed, and they’re doing whatever they can to support me.”
Foster has spent plenty of years in the nonprofit world in the area and she has a passion in that realm. But growing up, being in the nonprofit world was not at the front of her mind. “I don’t even know what a nonprofit was growing up,”
8 Summer 2022 GENERATIONS | 7
Lowell Anderson / Alexandria Echo Press
“I impressedam with the energy and expertise of the volunteers that make this place a great place to be.” - Shellie-Kae Foster LEADER: Page
Nicole Warner, left, leads a yoga class at the Alexandria Senior Center on April 13.
Foster said that this experience with nonprofits has helped her transition into her current role at the senior center.One of the main goals that Foster and the senior center have is to gain more members going forward. “I’ve been going out and networking like going to Wake Up Alexandria or going to Communities in Action and trying to network with other nonprofits,” Foster said. “The community as a whole, 44 percent of the population in Alexandria, is considered a senior because anybody over 50 is considered a senior. So that’s a huge portion of our population. And so we have a big job to do to serve that population.” The senior center was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some events and activities had to be taken away because of it. But now, some of those programs appear to be coming back. “I’m really hoping to build back those programs that were lost and then to offer some new and innovative programs as well,” Foster said. “We’re looking at the future and what’s next for the senior center. And I think the programming we’re doing right now is really meeting the needs of a certain group of seniors. We have cards, different games and we host meetings for really important groups in the community.”Someofthe things that the senior center is looking to add are cooking classes in the fall, bus trips and things of that nature. Foster said the senior center is trying to efficiently use the space it has.“I think one thing is we’re kind of bursting at the seams here with the room that we’re at,” Foster said. “It’s a 9,000-square-foot building. But we haven’t had each of our rooms sectioned off into quarters. So we didn’t have bingo in one quadrant; we could have Bunco in another quadrant, Mexican train (dominoes) in another quadrant, and make a meeting going on. So yeah, we’re really using our space well, but I think we could use more expanded space and maybe a different space that could accommodate more exercise and cooking classes.”
“One thing that’s been really heartwarming for me is that people from the community have known my family (maiden name Sonstegard), and so many people have come up and shared stories about my dad, Buzz, or my mother, Terry, or where my brothers or my sister, or my kids are,” Foster said.
A group of guys play their daily game of pool at the Alexandria Senior Center on April 13.
Foster said they are looking at solutions for parking as well. Overall, Foster has enjoyed her time so far in her role and is looking forward to working with members of the senior center who love the fact that she is from the community.
Previously, Foster has worked in Kandiyohi County so hearing those stories helps her have a stronger connection with the senior center members.“Toshare those stories of each other’s families and that connection has been really warming, heartwarming and rejuvenating,” Foster said. Email reporter Sam Stuve at sstuve@echopress.com
Lowell Anderson / Alexandria Echo Press “I’m thatbackhopingreallytobuildthoseprogramswerelostandthentooffersomenewandinnovativeprogramsaswell.”
- Shellie-Kae Foster LEADER from page 7 8 | GENERATIONS Summer 2022
Each year theMedicareprogram loses approximately$60 billiondollars as aresultoferrors,fraud andabuse. TheselossesaffectallAmericans. It affects thosewho dependonMedicareand Medical Assistance by diminishingthe qual ityofthe treatment they receive.Itaffectscaregiversbydecreasingthe fundingavailable forimportant programs.And it affects ever yone whopaystaxes by wastingbillions of tax dollars. Youcanhelpbybecoming avolunteerto helpthepeopleinyourarea! CallHelenwiththeSeniorLinkAgeLine® at (800)333-2433tolearnmore. •Helping give presentationstoolderadultsin yourcommunity •Helping older Minnesotanscompleteapplicationsandforms •Providingoffice supportand data entr yhelpfor staff at DancingSky AAA www.dancingskyaaa.org Otherwaysyoucanvolunteer: the Medicare program approximately $60 billion dollars a result of er HelpProtectOlderAdults In YourCommunity Become ahealthcarefraudpreventionadvocate! DancingSky AAA is aProgram of theNorthwest RegionalDevelopmentCommissionNORTHWEST regiona ld evelopmentcommission Summer 2022 GENERATIONS | 9
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WEIGHT LOSS TIPS More than two-thirds of Americans, including adults age 65 and older, are overweight and obese, according to U.S. News & World Report. A combination of factors can contribute to weight gain in older adults, including a slower metabolism and a tendency to be more sedentary with age.Empty nesters also may be less likely to cook their own meals, relying on convenience foods – some of which may be high in fat and/orSustainedcalories.healthy weight at any age is linked to improved heart health, mental health benefits like increased self-confidence, healthy joints and much more.These tips can help aging individuals maintain healthy weights. ► Incorporate strength or resistance training into your weekly routine. Hormone production slows down as the body ages, and that may result in a loss of muscle mass. Lifting weights or engaging in resistance training with elastic bands or body weight can restore muscle tone and speed up metabolism. Adults should aim for strength training twice a week. ► Monitor sugar and starch intake. Many older adults have elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance. When cells become resistant to insulin, glucose doesn’t get used up and remains in the blood. Eventually this can lead to pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Many people with these conditions have a hard time losing weight. Avoiding added sugars and extra carbohydrates could help. ► Practice portion control. A 60-year-old can’t eat the same way he or she did at age 30 or 40. Nutritionists say that, with every decade that passes, people generally need about 100 fewer calories a day to maintain their weights. Cutting calories slowly and steadily helps people maintain healthy weights, especially when they couple this with exercise. AVOIDING MALNUTRITIONRELATED WEIGHT LOSS Malnutrition is a common component in unintentional weight loss in aging populations. Reduction in senses of smell and taste, smaller appetites and lack of desire to make meals can contribute to malnutrition and weight loss. Underlying health problems also may lead to unwanted and unhealthy weight loss.
How aging adults can maintain a healthy weight
10 | GENERATIONS Summer 2022
Calorie-counting and watching one’s weight is often seen as a young person’s game. But even aging men and women should recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Older adults may experience weight gain or unintentional weight loss. Understanding how to address each in healthy ways is important.
Tracking weight loss and getting sufficient nutrients is vital to aging adults’ overall health.Astudy published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that having a body mass index at the lower end of the recommended age for adults increased risk for mortality more so than being overweight. Individuals whose BMI is less than 23 could be putting themselves in Olderjeopardy.adults need to adjust their routines as they age in order to maintain healthy weights. Such adjustments can reduce seniors’ risk for disease and improve their quality of life.
► Tend to a garden. Gardening is a great form of light exercise that can produce rewarding results. If you don’t have a garden or enough space for one at home, many neighborhoods have community gardens in which you can secure a plot.
► Visit a fair or farmer’s market. The warm weather months are a peak time for outdoor activities, including various community fairs and farmer’s markets. Chances are you can find a farmer’s market nearby most days of the week, but especially on the weekend. A town market or state fair is a great way to get out and walk, play games of chance or enjoy some live entertainment. Check your community calendar for local events.Active seniors can embrace long, warm summer days to enjoy plenty of time away from home.
Summer 2022 GENERATIONS | 11
► Be a tourist. Many cities and towns have their own tourism boards and showcase interesting spots that have historical significance or appeal to other interests. Be a tourist for the day, even in an area with which you are familiar. Hop on a trolley or sightseeing bus to view the town as an outsider. ► Spend time swimming. Swimming is a low-impact activity that can work the body in many different ways. Devote time to doing a few laps in the pool. Or make a day of going to a lake or another body of water to wade out and enjoy some strokes in nature. Stick to swimming areas that are monitored by lifeguards for optimal safety.
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Summer fun for active seniors
► Catch a sporting event. Attending a sporting event can be an entertaining way to spend several hours, and that includes amateur and recreational sports. Catch a grandchild’s swim meet or a baseball game for an action-packed way to connect with loved ones and get out. ► Take a fishing charter. Casting a rod from a dock or pier is perfectly acceptable, but securing a spot on a fishing charter is a great way to spend hours out on the water enjoying the scenery and the sport of fishing. Plus, there’s the added benefit of home.onceforday’scookingyourtheenjoyingfruitsoflaborbythecatchdinneryouarrive
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Seniors may have more time for leisure and recreation than working adults, and the summer months provide ample opportunities to get active. After months of chilly temperatures, seniors in various parts of the country may be eager to get outdoors and enjoy some fun in the sun. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults age 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. There are plenty of ways for active seniors to meet this exercise goal and have some fun along the way. The following are some good starting points. Join or start a walking club. Walking is a great way to stay in shape and work the mind as well. View new sights along the way by changing the route each time you go. Walking with friends can pass the time and provide the motivation to keep going.
flexibilitytheyfamilieswithspendtothestillwillbutmoney,spendingearnorcommunitiestheirsimplyalittletheylikelywantfreedomtravelortimetheirwheneverchoose.Soissomething to look for in a post-retirement job. This is what makes consultant work so attractive to retirees. In-person hours may not be required of consultants, who can then offer their input while visiting their grandchildren or traveling the world.
Pressure-free: Regardless of what retirees did for a living prior to calling it a career, chances are they dealt with work-related stress. In fact, the American Stress Institute reports that 83 percent of workers in the United States suffer from work-related stress, while Statistics Canada reports that 62 percent of Canadian workers say work is their main source of stress. After a lifetime of confronting work-related stress, individuals who want to work in retirement should look for pressure-free opportunities. This is an important quality, as the ASI indicates that stress has been linked to increased rates of heart attack, hypertension and other disorders. The right post-retirement job may differ from what individuals looked for during their careers. Various qualities can combine to make for a post-retirement gig that benefits seniors in myriad ways. look
Flexibility: may be looking to contribute to
Socialization: Though the ability to work from home can make it easier for retirees to earn some extra money, some seniors aren’t concerned about their finances but want to work so they can get out of the house. In that case, look for a job that offers the opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Socializing as an older adult is a great way to fend off loneliness. In addition, one study published in 2007 in the journal of the
Engagement: A job seniors find engaging also is more likely to provide the types of benefits seniors are looking for in post-retirement work. For example, researchers at Boston College’s Sloan Center on Aging and Work found that seniors who find a job or volunteering opportunity truly engaging are more likely to benefit psychologically from those experiences than those whose post-retirement work is not engaging. If seniors find themselves simply going through the motions with their post-retirement work, they can look for opportunities that they can be more enthusiastic about.
decline.severitycouldretireesjobpost-retirementadults.PublicAmericanHealthAssociationfoundthatsocialsupportnetworkshaveapositiveeffectoncognitionamongolderSoathatenablestosocializedelayorreducetheofage-relatedcognitive
The notion of relaxing on a beach all day in one’s golden years is still a retirement dream for millions of adults across the globe. But many individuals also harbor a desire to keep working after retiring. Whether it’s a volunteering gig or a part-time job retirees are looking for, certain qualities can make an opportunity uniquely suited to a post-retirement job.
for in apost-retirement job 12 | GENERATIONS Summer 2022
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GROUND TRAVEL
Before booking a flight, it is worth investigating if a particular airline carrier offers senior discounts. The global pandemic has changed how some airlines do business, and many have faced significant adversity since early 2020. Airlines may offer more affordable flights to drum up business. In the past, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airlines, and United Airlines have offered various discounts for people ages 65 and older.
TOURS AND MORE Seniors also can speak with travel agents or booking services about discounts on sightseeing tours and other vacation excursions. One of the perks of getting older is the chance to save money on travel-related services.
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Travel perksand discountsfor seniors
ACCOMMODATIONS
Getting there is one thing, but seniors also can receive discounts on hotel stays or cruise cabins. AARP reports that many major hotel and motel chains offer senior discounts between 5 and 15 percent. Royal Caribbean has offered senior discounts on select sailings and stateroom categories. Smarter Travel notes that most chains require travelers to book directly rather than through an online booking agency/ deal site to be eligible for discounts.
Flying isn’t the only mode of travel available. AARP partners with various car rental companies to offer senior discounts. Seniors also may be entitled to discounts of 5 percent or more on tickets from Greyhound, Amtrak, and Trailways. Seniors who live in metropolitan areas also may get reduced fares on public buses and trains through providers like New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
AIRLINE TICKETS
Having made it to their golden years, seniors enjoy not only the privilege of earned wisdom, but also a few perks that come with aging. Many adults who have reached a certain age are entitled to an array of discounts, which take into consideration seniors’ fixed retirement incomes. Discounts are available on various services, including many travelSeniorsoptions.have a lot of time to devote to recreational pursuits. This list of available travel discounts can help seniors get the most bang for their vacation bucks.
structure after retirement
FIND SOMETHING TO TRULY ENGAGE IN. Professionals who truly enjoy their work tend to be fully engaged, so it’s no surprise if such individuals have a hard time adjusting to retirement. Some may suggest volunteering can help fill the void created by retirement, but researchers with the Sloan Center on Aging and Work have found that only those individuals who are truly engaged in their post-retirement volunteering enjoy the psychological benefits of such pursuits. So before retirees dive right into volunteering as a means to creating structure, they should first exercise due diligence and find an opportunity they’ll find genuinely engaging.
MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO BE MORE SOCIAL. Volunteering and working are not the only ways to create structure in retirement. A concerted effort to be more social can help retirees fill their days with interactions with like-minded individuals who may be experiencing the same feelings. Join a book club, a local nature group that goes on daily or semi-daily morning hikes or another local community organization. These are great ways to build structure and meet new people. Retirees can create social media accounts to find local community groups that cater to their interests. Even if it seems hard to believe, plenty of retirees are seeking to create structure in retirement life, and social media can make it easier to find such individuals in your community. Structure and retirement may seem like strange bedfellows. But many retirees seek structure after calling it a career, and there are many fun ways for seniors to create more organization in their lives.
How to create
Professionals typically look forward to retirement and the freedom that comes with it. The notion that commuting and deadlines will one day be a distant memory is enough to make anyone excited for retirement. But when the day to leave the daily grind behind arrives, many retirees admit to feeling a little anxiety about how they’re going to find structure. Retirement is a big transition, and Robert Delamontagne, PhD, author of the 2011 book “The Retiring Mind: How to Make the Psychological Transition to Retirement,” notes that some retirees experience anxiety, depression and even a sense of loss upon calling it a career. Some of those feelings can undoubtedly be traced to the perceived lack of purpose some individuals feel after retiring. Without a job to do each day, people can begin to feel useless. Overcoming such feelings can be difficult, but finding ways to build daily structure can make the transition to retirement go smoothly.
EMBRACE THE IDEA OF “BRIDGE EMPLOYMENT.” Bridge employment is the name given to the trend that has seen retired individuals take on part-time or temporary employment after they have retired from full-time working. COVID-19 has no doubt skewed post-retirement working statistics since the World Health Organization first declared a pandemic in March 2020, but a 2019 survey from the LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute found that 27 percent of pre-retirees with at least $100,000 in assets planned to work part-time in retirement. Even part-time work can provide enough daily structure to help retirees feel as though each day is not just a free-for-all.
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