2022 Spring
Senior Expo JOIN US AT THE SPONSORED BY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13TH 10AM TO 3PM
Pancake Breakfast for Seniors
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enior Pancake Breakfasts’ take place every-other month at the Greater Midland Community Center. This is such a fun and sociable time to get out and enjoy great food provided for you. Come join us for the next pancake breakfast on Monday, May 16th, 11am-12pm. The event costs $3 for a member and $5 for a guest. Please pay at the time of the breakfast; be sure to bring cash. There will be prize drawings, along with awesome food. This event is sponsored by Bayside Home Care of Midland. Please RSVP at least one week in advance if you plan to attend. Call Amanda Ewald to RSVP at 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.
Do you want to move out of a nursing home? Do you need a device to help with everyday tasks?
989-835-4041 www.dnmm.org
Do you wish you could save on your prescription drug plan? Our knowledgeable staff of independent living specialists have these answers and more!
Call today. We’re here for you! 2 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
Day Trips, A Great Way to See Beautiful Michigan
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reater Midland Travel picks up in May with monthly day trips. In May we travel to the Holland Tulip Festival. “Day trips are a fun way to get out and about with ease. An amazing community of new friends form on these trips. It’s a really great opportunity for all,” says Amanda Ewald, 50+ Coordinator of the Greater Midland Community Center. These trips are an easy way to see beautiful Michigan and discover things that you may have not had the chance to see otherwise. “These trips give me the opportunity to explore Michigan without the stress of driving and planning them,” says a senior, who regular-
ly attends trips. In October 2022, Greater Midland travel is headed to Nashville, TN and Lexington, KY. This trip is a 7-day, 6-night trip featuring 3 fantastic shows, Kentucky Horse Park, and so much more! Sign-up before it fills! All trips are fully escorted, taken on a Motorcoach bus, which leaves right from Midland. Trips through the summer have been posted on greatermidland.org website or within the 50+ Center. Stay tuned for more Fall trips! Contact Amanda Ewald to be placed on her email list or to inquire about future trips. She can be reached at (989) 832-7937 ext. 2270 or aewald@ greatermidland.org.
ourmidland • 2022 Spring Senior Expo
AFFORDABLE LIVING IN A COMMUNITY SETTING APARTMENTS FOR ADULTS 62+! CALL TODAY! RENT for BASED ON INCOME! Iindependence MMEDIATE OCCUPANCY and FOR AGES 62+! Our beautifully landscaped, smoke-free facility is designed resident privacy. Come enjoy group activities and stay fit on the exercise equipment in our community rooms. Pet and assist animal friendly – ask about our private dog run. Rent based on income!
RENT BASED ON INCOME! IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY FOR AGES 62+! Our beautifully Our beautifully landscaped, smoke-‐free facility is designed for resident independence and privacy. Come landscaped, smoke-‐free facility is designed for resident independence and privacy. Come our community rooms which host an array of Resident activities, or stay fit on our exercise enjoy our community rooms which host an array of Resident activities, or stay fit on our enjoy exercise equipment! Pet friendly accommodations with access to our private dog run! equipment! Pet friendly accommodations with access to our private dog run! For all of this, and more, call TODAY! For all of this, and more, call TODAY! Midland’s answer to low-‐income housing for seniors or persons with a disability. Midland’s answer to low-‐income housing for seniors or persons with a disability. 2200 Cleveland Avenue, Midland MI 48640 2200 Cleveland Avenue, Midland MI 48640 989-‐631-‐6480 989-‐631-‐6480
2200 Cleveland Ave., Midland • PH: (989) 631-6480 TTY: (800) 649-3777 • www.clevelandmanor.org
Saturday, April 9, 2022 • 3
Importance of Activities for People with Dementia
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A monthly article brought to you by Senior Services Memory Support Programs
hen someone has dementia, their cognitive function may be declining, but they still have abilities and a desire for engagement. In fact, continuing to do as much as they can at their current ability level keeps them active and may even help them to maintain skills longer. There are four main reasons why activities are so important. 1. Slow the decline: As the saying goes, “use it or lose it”. Continuing to do as many activities and daily tasks as independently as possible will provide benefit to the person living with dementia. Instead of automatically helping someone with a task, we should adapt activities as needed to allow them to do as much as they can for as long as possible. This can help them retain abilities and stay active longer. 2. Provide daily structure: People with dementia do best with a consistent daily routine. Having structure in the day gives needed predictability and stability when their mind is making them feel disoriented or confused. 3. Provides a feeling of productivity: As dementia progresses, those living with dementia may be capable of less and often feel like a burden. Helping them participate in everyday tasks and activities can boost mood and improve quality of life. 4. Reduce challenging behaviors: Activities can also reduce common behavioral expressions such as agitation, repetitive questions and anger. This can help to keep them engaged as well as giving them a way to use their energy in a positive way. People at different stages of dementia may need a different level of assistance with activities. Overall, the goal of the activity is the process, not the outcome. 1. Set-Up: Prepare the activity for your loved 4 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
one. For example, help them brush their teeth independently by putting toothpaste on their toothbrush and placing it next to the sink. 2. Supervision: When your loved one needs a little more help, set up the activity and then stay nearby, but encourage them to complete it on their own. 3. Prompting: You may need to assist with prompting so that your loved one won’t become frustrated. If they get stuck, point out the next step, give them an item that’s needed or ask what the next action is. 4. Direct Verbal Cues: If prompting is not enough, you may need to guide them with brief directions, allowing plenty of time to accomplish each step. For example: “Pick up the wash cloth… turn on the faucet…put cloth in the water…turn off the faucet…squeeze water out of the towel…wipe your face.” 5. Physical Assistance: When your loved one is still physically able to complete the task, but needs physical help to do it, you can gently guide their actions. For example: if they were washing dishes, you could put your hand over theirs and guide them to gently rub the dish with the sponge. When planning an activity for someone with dementia, take into account what they like to do now, what they used to enjoy doing in the past, what are they able to do, what they did for a career, what gives them purpose and what are they in the mood for? Below are some activities that you can try. Take a walk, plant flowers, water plants, feed the birds, sweep the porch, listen to music,
look at photo albums, play dominoes, complete a puzzle, provide a hand massage, give a manicure, bake cookies, set the table, wash and dry dishes, put silverware away, clip coupons, string beads, make greeting cards, fold towels, tap a balloon, stretching exercises, flower arranging, play cards and so much more. For more ideas, check out this resource: https://www.caregiverresource.net/tags/alzheimer-s-dementia. When you start to notice memory changes, seeking early detection is key. Senior Services offers an array of memory support programs including confidential memory screenings to obtain a cognitive baseline, early memory loss programs, and educational classes along with support from Seasons Adult Day Health Services. If you or someone you know is experiencing increasing changes with their memory and could benefit from additional services, please contact Amy Sheridan, Family Support and Activity Manager at 989-633-3764. 2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
Lunch & Learns are a great way for Seniors to continue learning!
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oin us for a Lunch and Learn Health series at the Greater Midland Community Center presented by Renue Physical Therapy! All sessions begin at 12:00pm in the 50+ Center. These events are FREE for seniors in our community and lunch will be provided for attendees.
A topic on Shoulder Pain & Injury will take place on Monday, April 18th at 12pm, lunch provided by Independence Village. A topic on Core Strength and Stability with lunch will take place on Wednesday, May 25th at 12pm. Please RSVP at least one week in advance if you plan to attend. Call Amanda Ewald to RSVP at 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.
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ourmidland • 2022 Spring Senior Expo
Linda Meyer
Doctor of Audiology/Au.D.
is what attracted her to the position. Having worn hearing aids since the age of 5, Linda knows firsthand what it’s like to be hearing impaired. She willingly shares her personal experiences to help others deal with their own, or a family member’s hearing loss.
www.bickfordseniorliving.com
Saturday, April 9, 2022 • 5
Authoring Your Life Story
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By Trena Winans and Marilyn Brooks ife is what happens when you are busy making plans.
Perhaps you’ve heard that saying. We have all had events in our lives that have been unexpected; things we didn’t anticipate; things that didn’t fit “the plan.” Death of a loved one. Divorce. Job loss. Illness. That doesn’t mean the plan is destroyed. It means that we have to take charge of our own story and determine how these events will impact the rest of our narrative. After all, we want to be the authors of our own life stories. According to social psychologist, Roy Baumeister, “What sets humans apart from animals is not the pursuit of happiness, which occurs all across the natural world, but the pursuit of meaning, which is unique to humans.” So how do we create meaning in our lives? Author Emily Esfahani Smith posits 4 pillars of meaning: belonging, purpose, transcendence and sto6 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
rytelling. A sense of belonging is essential to our well-being, but it can be hard to come by in the kaleidoscope of life experience. Today, 1/3 of Americans over the age of 45 say they feel lonely. Loneliness wreaks havoc on our psychological and physical health, so it is essential to treat it seriously. The first step is to create a positive internal dialog. Treat yourself like you would a dear friend- with compassion, love and support. Celebrate your strengths. Then get out of your head and your house, and begin building more and deeper connections. Many of us derive a sense of purpose from our careers, but where do we find it outside our workplace? A sense of purpose need not be grandiose to be meaningful; we cannot all be a Mother Teresa. It can be a series of small steps toward a goal such as being helpful to others, making a difference in the community, or raising
a happy family. Use your strengths and put them in service of others. Write yourself the story of how you can make your world a brighter, better place, and make it so. Another component of meaning is the experience of awe, mystery, or transcendence. We can find these moments in nature, prayer, meditation or even at a concert hall. These transient experiences are difficult to put into words, but the experience tends to be lasting. In a state of transcendence, worry and fear disappear and we feel deeply connected to something greater. Importantly, it helps us define ourselves in terms of something larger than ourselves, lending deeper meaning to our lives. Which brings us to storytelling. Our stories can allow us to find meaning and purpose even in loss. Revisiting our story gives us the power to make every goal we set easier to reach. That new exercise routine: is it a daily struggle
you hate, or is it an uplifting and energizing path to a healthier, more joyful you? Did that divorce destroy your life or did it create an opportunity to become a more open, loving, and thoughtful person? Take a look at your story. Does it need to be revised? Do so, and discover the meaning, purpose and success new stories can create. What’s your story? About the Authors Trena Winans and Marilyn Brooks are two of over 120 local residents who earned a certificate in the science of wellbeing. Trena is the Director of Education and Outreach at Senior Services - Midland County Council on Aging. Marilyn is a retired Educator. This year the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition continues to provide a series of monthly articles with practical ways to increase wellbeing. Visit midlandareawellbeing.org for more information.
2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
50+ Activities within the Greater Midland Community Center *Must have a 50+ Membership to participate ($75 annual fee) Blast From the Past Concerts Free admission. First Monday of the month October 2021 – May 2022. Dance: 6:00 – 8:00pm and optional potluck at 5:15pm Dates: May 2nd Sponsored by Bickford of Midland. Mah Jongg Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm.
Euchre Wednesdays 1:00pm. All levels welcome. No partner needed. Duplicate Bridge Mondays & Wednesdays at 12:30pm. This is sanctioned bridge. Line Dancing Tuesday & Thursday from 10:30am - 11:30am. Led by a volunteer.
Walking Club Tuesday & Thursday from 9-9:55am Gentle Aerobic Class Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:15-1pm. Led by a volunteer. Billiards/Pool Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm.
Veterans Recognition Center & Museum
1020 S. Saginaw Road, Midland, Michigan Hours: Tuesdays 10am to 4pm & by appointment
989.430.6321
Steven Berge Gregg Poulos
Honoring Our Veterans Tri-Cities FIRST all Military Museum
Museum is always looking for any military related items to use in future displays
Dump Your Drugs!
Turn in your unused/expired medication for safe disposal
Senior Expo Wednesday April 13 10am - 3pm
Midland Mall
A 24/7 drop box is also available at the Midland Law Enforcement Center, 2727 Rodd Street The Legacy Center 3200 James Savage Rd Midland MI 48642 989∙496∙1425 www.tlc4cs.org Facebook.com/tlc4cs
ourmidland • 2022 Spring Senior Expo
989-832-6634 413 N. Homer Rd, Midland Committed to Quality Care Assisted Living care with 24 hour Licensed Nursing supervision Private and Semi-Private Rooms All-Inclusive income & asset based pricing Saturday, April 9, 2022 • 7
SilverSneakers Building Connections
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reater Midland Walking Club started at the beginning of this year. It’s geared towards anyone who would like to participate. SilverSneakers members and 50+ Center members can join the Walking Club at no cost. Non-members can join at $70 a session. This is a fun, inviting and sociable group. It’s a group that is encouraged to walk at their own pace, with a goal to improve health. There are incentives, goals, and a walking map to track the destination as a group. Many of these seniors have walked half marathons or more since joining. This group takes place on Tuesday and Thursday’s at 9am. The Spring session will take place outside and begins Tuesday, April 19th and ends Thursday, May 26th. ®
The SilverSneakers program as a whole is recognized for creating a Community of people. Linda McCarty has been coming to SilverSneakers classes at the Greater Midland Community Center since 2018. “I felt like I had a missing link for many years. I found my miss®
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olunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A 2020 study 8 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
®
ing piece of the puzzle, with accountability, when I met Jody.” Jody Cooley began taking classes November 2021. “It’s choosing to make these choices to have a balanced life, said Cooley. Both McCarty and Cooley joined the new Greater Midland Walking Club in January. Their friendship has “clicked” since they became walking buddies. “We were shocked to find that we even have the same walking gait,” said McCarty, when talking about their friendship. It can sometimes be intimidating to go to a new group and class, but both McCarty and Cooley encourage others to step out of their comfort zone. They made that step to go alone to class and now they have a lasting friendship because of it. “We feel like there needs to be a warning for people who attend. You will make new friends, you will possibly loss weight, and you will make gains to be a healthier version of you, stated McCarty. Stop by the 50+ Center or call Amanda at 989-832-7937 ext. 2270 for more questions regarding our SilverSneakers® Program within Greater Midland.
Did you know? published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health.The study found that, when compared to
those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings. The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect
just how much volunteering affects mental health. Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.
2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
Understanding and Challenging Ageism By blinding us to the benefits of aging and heightening our fears, ageism makes growing older far harder than it should be. By Angela Mulka
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geism involves the assumptions we make about people because of their age. And it is the most socially acceptable prejudice on the planet, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Stereotypes and discrimination toward people based on their age, from jokes on television to work-
place discrimination where elders are seen as unable to keep up with technology, is more normalized than racism or sexism. “People believe that older people are mentally deficient, that they are less likely to be competent,” Karl Pillemer, professor of gerontology in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and member of the
WHO ageism project, told the Cornell Chronicle1. In 2019, to combat society’s deeply rooted ageist tendencies, the WHO recruited a Cornell-led team to study ageist attitudes worldwide. The agency used the results of the study to inform its global anti-ageism strategy. The global report, which was released in March,
raises awareness on the topic of ageism and provides an evidence-based framework to generate change. Findings suggest that relatively low-cost, feasible strategies involving education and intergenerational contact can serve as the basis of effective interventions to reduce ageism. Visit the World Health Organization’s webpage, Continued on page 10
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ourmidland • 2022 Spring Senior Expo
Saturday, April 9, 2022 • 9
Continued from page 9 www.who.int/, and search “Global report on ageism” for the full story. Like racism and sexism, ageism services a social and economic purpose: to legitimize and sustain inequalities between groups. It is not about how we look. It is about how people in power assign meaning to how we look, according to Ashton Applewhite, who is the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism2. It damages our sense of self, segregates us and shortens lives. “People are happiest at the beginnings and the ends of their lives. Only 2.5% of Americans over 65 live in nursing homes. Older people enjoy better mental health than the young or middle-aged. Dementia rates are falling, fast. So how come so many of us unthinkingly assume that depression, diapers and dementia lie ahead?” Applewhite asks.
Applewhite hopes to make discrimination based on age as unacceptable as any other kind of discrimination. According to them, we can dismantle ageism using these solutions: • Awareness: The critical starting point is to acknowledge our own prejudices about age and aging. Then we can start to see that “personal problems”—such as not being able to get a job or being patronized—are widely shared social problems that require collective action. • Integration: Connect with people of all ages. An equitable society for all ages requires intergenerational collaboration. • Activism: Watch for ageist behaviors and attitudes, challenge them and create institutions that support every stage of life. Changes suggested by various
EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP Putting The People In Our Community First Elections Education • Transparency
Dams Repair/Rebuild • Flood Reduction Funding
Community Education • Employment
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• Lifelong resident of Midland County
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• 32 years of public service • 12 years of Chief Deputy County Clerk • 13 years as your Midland County Clerk • 13 years as Midland County’s Chief Election Officer
SEND ME TO LANSING SO I MAY CONTINUE TO SERVE YOU electannmanary@gmail.com Phone: 989-859-1336
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10 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
public health agencies include things such as: bringing services such as nurseries, youth clubs and care homes under the same roof, positive ageing to be addressed within schools, employers and government to promote age diversity in workplaces, healthcare professionals being trained on the effects of ageism in clinical and care settings, an independent review of the representation of older people in the media, the Independent Press Standards Organization (IPSO) to include “age” in the Editors’ Code of Practice as a characteristic by which journalists must not discriminate, an end to the use of the term “anti-ageing” in the cosmetics and beauty industries and more.
them from certain treatments, for example. Moreover, older people who adopt these negative attitudes toward aging are more likely to experience psychological distress and physical illness. Whereas, thinking good thoughts about aging can add seven years onto your life, according to research by Yale psychologist Becca Levy, another member of the WHO ageism project.
In addition, ageist attitudes can have serious negative implications on the wellbeing of older people, according to Pillemer1. Physicians with ageist attitudes may misdiagnose their older patients or exclude
Old School, a webpage created in 2018 by Applewhite, aims to educate the public on age-based discrimination, whether it involves prejudice against children, teen-
Among global agencies like WHO, a growing number of organizations are beginning to address the challenges of ageism. One of the best resources available is called Old School, according to Harry Moody who is the retired VP of Academic Affairs for AARP.
Continued on page 11
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2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
Continued from page 10 agers, adults or especially senior citizens. It includes a cohort of carefully vetted resources to educate people about various aspects of ageism. “I worked for the man who invented the term ‘ageism’ (the late Robert Butler) and I know he would be proud of what the ‘Old School’ resource center will achieve. It will take a long time to dismantle ageism because the roots are deep in all of us. But the battle has already begun,” said Moody. We all miss out when elders are labeled as, “over the hill”. Old age, and the wisdom it brings, may be responsible for the survival of humanity.
Get more information about defining and dismantling ageism – including blogs, books, articles, videos and other tools, along with workshops and curricula that are accessible to the public – at oldschool.info. About the Author Angela Mulka graduated from Michigan State University in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, concentrated in Environmental Science & Health Reporting. Angela realizes the importance of representation for all people in storytelling. She values the field because of its commitment to uncovering the truth. Angela works as a freelance environmental reporter for the Great Lakes Echo while pursing other passions.
She was born and raised in Midland and had the opportunity to flex her Michigan passion and knowledge working as a public relations intern at the Michigan Economic Development Center in Lansing— the organization best known for creating the award-winning ‘Pure Michigan’ campaign. She hopes one day to become a voice for the natural world to protect our planet and its precious resources for current and future generations.
Sources: 1. Kelley, Susan. “Education, interaction with older people reverses ageism” Cornell Chronicle, June 20, 2019, https://news.cornell. edu/stories/2019/06/education-interaction-older-people-reverses-ageism. Accessed June 4, 2021. 2. Applewhite, Ashton. “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism,” https://thischairrocks.com/. Accessed June 4, 2021.
Midland Dial-A-Ride Call (989) 837-6940 to schedule your ride today!
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Visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/dart ourmidland • 2022 Spring Senior Expo
Saturday, April 9, 2022 • 11
Care Coordination: Here to Help You! by Julie Randolph, Care Coordinator at Senior Services of Midland County
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are Coordination of Senior Services connects Midland County residents who are 60 years of age or older with supportive services and resources that can enhance quality of life and promote independence. In addition, a Care Coordinator provides ongoing or as-needed contact, connection, and advocacy. This service is free of charge and continues as long as supports are needed. Healthcare workers, community agencies, friends, family, and the individuals who contact Senior Services for support receive a rapid response, assessment, and a Care Plan that addresses needs. The focus of Care Coordination is to actively address home safety and social isolation. We believe that this focus promotes independence and overall well-being. A Care Plan can include: • Requests to Team Handyman for delivery and installation of safety enhancements and assistive devices • Nutritional support through the Meals on Wheels program
• Referrals to Seasons Adult Day Health Services, counseling, and other community programs • Requests for a home care aide for personal care assistance and respite for family caregivers • Requests for a volunteer to serve as a Friendly Visitor or Shopper (essential groceries) • Access to donated items such as incontinent supplies and meal replacements, such as Ensure • Guidance and assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, and other financial and community assistance programs And the list goes on and on! It is not possible to list all the services and ways a Care Coordinator can advocate and assist. The in-home assessment is crafted to discover unique needs so equally unique solutions can be pursued. If you or someone you know could benefit from Care Coordination services provided by Senior Services, call 989-633-3700 or visit www. SeniorServicesMidland.org.
How to create structure after retirement
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rofessionals 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 ex-
cited 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. 12 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
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. • 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 Continued on page 13 2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
Continued from page 12 help fill the void created by retirement, but researchers with the Sloan Center on Aging and Work at Boston College 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 in to volunteering as a means to creating structure, they should first exercise due diligence and find an opportunity they’ll find genuinely engaging. • 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.
• 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
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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.
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Giving and Receiving W By Trena Winans, Senior Services Director of Education & Community Outreach
e’ve all heard the phrase, ‘as you give, you get’ or variations on that theme. What is interesting is that evidence is mounting that this maxim is backed up by fact. In particular, I am referring to the act of volunteering and its role and benefit in numerous areas of our lives.
So what are these benefits? In a recent study from Carnegie Mellon University, they researched people over the age of 50 and found that those who regularly volunteered were less likely to develop high blood pressure than those did not volunteer. Now you might think that the extra stress of being busy with volunteer efforts would create stress, but the evidence tells us just the opposite. Volunteering increasingly is shown 14 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
to reduce stress. Let’s look at why that may be.
continued meaning and purpose in your life.
• Many volunteer jobs add an element of physical activity into your day. Exercise is a proven stress-buster. • Volunteering helps you meet and connect with others and social connections are crucial to our sense of well-being. • Helping someone else can give you perspective when you see others with greater difficulties than you. It may also reinforce a sense of gratitude for what you have, and what you are able to do. • Focusing on helping others allows you to not worry about your own frustrations and struggles for a time. • Most importantly, making a difference in the life of another person gives a sense of
So how much is enough? The Carnegie Mellon study found that 200 hours a year- less than 4 hours a week, was ideal. Meanwhile, other studies have shown that as little as 100 hours a year has benefit.
In addition to the Carnegie Mellon study, other recent research expands on the benefits of doing good for others. The Longevity Study showed that people who volunteered regularly lived longer than those who did not. If that is not enough, the Doing Good is Good for You: 2013 Health and Volunteering Study published by UnitedHealth Group and the Optum Institute found that volunteers felt better physically, mentally and emotionally, were better able to manage and lower stress,
felt more deeply connected to others, and were more engaged in managing their own health than non-volunteering counterparts. There you have it. Volunteering helps you live longer, better and healthier! So what are we waiting for? Find ways to help someone, someplace, in some way. Opportunities abound, from driving for Senior Services, to reading to disadvantaged kids, to knitting hats for cancer patients. Tap into your talents, skills, or the simple gift of your presence and evidence shows you will richly receive as you give. Reach out to Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager, at 989633-3741 to inquire about all of the wonderful volunteer opportunities we have available at Senior Services!
2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
Did you know?
G
etting out and about is a vital component of many seniors’ daily lives, but it’s important that aging men and women recognize how much exercise is healthy for them. The Department of Health & Human Services notes that adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy. That mix should be a combination of moderate-intensity aerobic activities, which can include golfing, swimming and even gardening, and muscle strengthening activities like weightlifting that make the muscles work harder than usual. The DHHS recommends adults combine 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week with at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that these guidelines are safe for individuals who are 65 and older, generally fit and have no limiting health conditions. Individuals who do not fit that criteria should consult with their physicians before beginning a new exercise regimen, as it’s possible that they could be putting their health at considerable risk if they attempt to follow guidelines designed for people who are generally fit. It’s also important that healthy seniors avoid overdoing it in regard to exercise. Though the DHHS suggestions are the minimum recommendations, going too far beyond those guidelines without first consulting a physician could increase seniors’ risk for injury, illness or even death.
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Volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities. We are a non-profit, drop-off recycling center that accepts batteries, foam, plastic bags, shredded paper, electronics, ink jet cartridges, and other “hard-to-recycle” items!
Contact Esther at 989-631-1668 www.midlandrecyclers.org ourmidland • 2022 Spring Senior Expo
Saturday, April 9, 2022 • 15
Meals on Wheels Delivers!
I
f you are a senior and unable to leave your home, it can be very difficult to prepare a nutritious meal for yourself. Our Meals on Wheels service can help. Receive nutritious, well-balanced meals delivered to your home by a Meals on Wheels volunteer. You will find comfort in knowing that a good meal and a friendly face will come with every visit. Eligibility In order to receive Meals on Wheels, you must meet a few basic requirements: • Be at least 60 years old or have a spouse who is at least 60 • Generally unable to leave your home • You or someone living at your home is unable to obtain or prepare meals • You agree to be home when meals are delivered
Meals on Wheels is available on a short or long term basis for those in need. If you’ve had surgery, have a temporary health condition or your caregiver is on vacation, you can receive Meals on Wheels for a few weeks, months or as needed. Nutritious Meals Meals on Wheels provides meals that are healthy and are approved by a regional
dietitian and meet all state and federal guidelines. The high nutritional standards of the meals represent the health conditions, dietary concerns and food preferences of the seniors served. Meals are analyzed to ensure sodium and fat content is consistent with a healthy, well-balanced diet. Meals on Wheels also helps seniors maintain their individual nutrition goals by providing them with the nutritional content of each meal.
Volunteer Drivers Once the meals are prepared, they must get delivered and this is where the “wheels” come in! Meals on Wheels is only possible in Midland County due to the enormous amount of time that our volunteer drivers work. We have around 160 drivers putting 420 to 510 miles a day on their personal cars to deliver the meals. And the volunteers do more than just deliver a meal. They also deliver a smile and a friendly face to someone who may have little social contact. If you are interested in becoming a Meals on Wheels driver, call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager at 989-633-3741!
Cost of Service For older adults over 60 years of age, meals are offered on a suggested donation based on income. The minimum recommended donation is $3.00 per meal or give what you can. Getting Started If you would like to see if you are eligible to receive Meals on Wheels, call Senior Services at 633-3700 to get started. Qualifying for Meals on Wheels is not based on income, but on your need for the service.
Outdoor activities that are perfect for seniors
T
he great outdoors beckons people of all ages. Fresh air can be hard to resist and the benefits of spending time outdoors are so numerous that it behooves anyone, including seniors, to answer the call of nature. According to researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, human beings benefit both physically and psychologically from spending time in nature. Such experiences
16 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
can reduce stress and help lower heart rates, potentially decreasing individuals’ risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Forest Service notes that spending time outside in green spaces has been linked to a lower risk of depression. Seniors who are retired or even aging empty nesters who are still in the workforce can make great use of their free time by venturing into the Continued on page 17 2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
Continued from page 16 great outdoors. The following are a handful of senior-friendly outdoor activities that provide a great reason to get off the couch and take in all that Mother Nature has to offer. • Hiking: Hiking provides a great workout and an ideal opportunity to spend time in an idyllic setting. The U.S. National Park Service notes that hiking helps individuals build stronger muscles and bones, improves their sense of balance, has a positive effect on heart health, and can decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems. Hiking is an especially attractive outdoor activity for seniors, as many parks feature trails with varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring there’s a trail for seniors whether they’re seasoned or novice hikers. • Water aerobics: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water-based exercises can be especially helpful individuals with chronic diseases, a category many seniors fall into. The CDC notes that one study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology found that improves the use of joints affected by arthritis without worsen-
ing symptoms. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also notes that swimming can lead to improved health for people with diabetes and heart disease. Seniors can reap these benefits by going for a dip in their own backyard pools or a local body of water, such as a lake or ocean. Many swim clubs also offer discounted memberships to seniors, making these another great and affordable way to reap the benefits of swimming. • Fishing: Of course not all outdoor activities
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need to make seniors huff and puff. Fishing provides a great reason to get outdoors, and many individuals devoted to fishing report feeling less stressed after a day spent casting for their favorite fish. Individuals who consume what they catch also can benefit by improving their diets, as the American Heart Association notes that consuming certain types of fish has been linked to a lower risk for heart disease and obesity. • Volunteering: Local environmental groups often sponsor cleanups at parks and waterfront attractions like beaches and lakes. Volunteering with such organizations is a great way to get outside and give back, and working with like-minded individuals can be a great way for seniors to meet new people. In addition, a national study sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2019 found that 88 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who initially reported a lack of companionship reported a decrease in feelings of isolation after volunteering. The opportunities for seniors to enjoy the great outdoors are endless. Taking advantage of such chances can benefit seniors in myriad ways.
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New Love in Later Years
I
By Trena Winans, Senior Services Director of Education & Community Outreach
t is not uncommon to hear people at the Centers wishing they had a love interest in their lives. They are far from alone. With the burgeoning population of people above the age of 60, higher rates of divorce, and increased likelihood of widowhood, loneliness amongst this age group is widespread. Particularly women, who typically live longer than their male counterparts, may crave companionship. According to the Administration on Aging, 46% of American women over the age of 65 are living alone.
happy you stay healthier longer. It also means you are able to watch out for each other on a day to day basis and help each other with changes in health.
Alongside this trend comes a dramatic increase in dating sites aimed at the 50+ market. SeniorsMeet, SeniorMatch, SeniorSinglesMeet, SeniorPeopleMeet: the list goes on and on! So what are the pros, cons and precautions to finding new love?
A diagnosis of dementia for one partner in an Act 2 marriage brings some additional challenges. Since recent memories are typically the first to go, the new spouse can find themselves forgotten fairly early in the disease process. Additionally, research shows that adult stepchildren often are unwilling to help a stepparent and more likely to engage in conflict over issues like finances and inheritance.
Pros: Studies show that married seniors or older adults in close relationships experience better health and longer lives. According to Sami Hassanyeh, AARP's chief digital officer, "Your social circle and social interactions really are directly correlated to your level of happiness." When you're 18 • Saturday, April 9, 2022
Cons: There is just no delicate way to say it. With the rise in later life dating and the availability of ED medications, there has been a dramatic rise in the spread of STDs in this age group. This is particularly troubling given that this age group is rarely tested for these diseases, and thus may discover it late when infections are harder to treat.
Precautions: The downsides need not deter you from seeking a new relationship! Remarried and cohabiting couples report better
well-being and increased social support. Still, it is worth keeping some precautions in mind.
several common suggestions that emerge.
• If using online dating sites, protect your identity, and take it slow. Not everyone is fully honest in their profiles. Take time to get to know the person online before phone, by phone before meeting in person, and in a public place when you do finally meet. • If you decide it is time to make a new relationship intimate, remember that condoms are not just for birth control, but also for protecting yourself from disease. There is no age limit on STDs. • If you decide to get married, have open conversations first about sticky issues that may come up later such as inheritance, care costs, and relationships with other members of each family. Work to establish good, open and caring relationships with the family of your newfound love.
• Get out there! You are highly unlikely to meet someone in your kitchen! Some places you might meet someone could be church, a discussion group, a gym, a party or at one of our Centers. • Follow your interests and passions. Painting, writing, photography? Appearance is less important to most people than finding a person who is interesting, so do things you love or always wanted to try. • Online dating. Many people have had great luck. Just make sure to follow safety precautions. • Volunteer! You may find someone who shares the same values, and even if not, volunteering gives a great sense of fulfillment. • Travel. Single travel can be a lot of fun, or join a tour. You never know where you might meet that special someone!
So once you’ve decided you would be open to a new relationship, the obvious question is how to find someone? When you look at advice columns, there are
If a new relationship is not something you want, or is just not working out, try to meet and make new friends. Our centers are a great place to start!
2022 Spring Senior Expo • ourmidland.com
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Saturday, April 9, 2022 • 19