Encore Life, Vol1, Spring

The Four “No’s” - Part Two Life On One Level Simple Ways To Clear The Clutter A New Generation In The Workforce

Online Glimpses To See More Articles and Free Resources Go to our website at http://aginginplaceoptions.com

Quarterly & Annual Subscriptions for Encore Life Available!

Get Your Subscription Today! Click Here For Details! Š Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 2

Contents features

15 The Four “No’s” - Part Two 22 The Kent Fire Department Is More Than A Call to 911—It’s Also A Call Into Prevention

family

19 Adult Conversations That Parents And Siblings Must Have

home

26 Treasure Chest For Living 13 Simple Ways To Clear The Clutter

health

28 Start With Colors 17 A New Discovery That Extends Your Creative Years

money & business

27 A New Generation In The Workforce 24 Not Your Dad’s Reverse Mortgage

© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 3

Contents (Cont.) aging in place

20 Got Parents?

29 Assurance & Peace of Mind For Seniors Alone 30 Life On One Level

in every issue 5 6 2 8 7 2 9 31

Contributors Editor’s Letter—From Me, For You Online Glimpses Letters From Our Readers On Our Bookshelf Subscription Info Conversations In The Next Issue...

© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 4

Contributors

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From Me, For You Our New Name!

Even though our magazine has now published our second quarterly edition, we’ve already changed it’s name. Why you ask? Well, we asked our readers and found that people wanted to re-invent their lives at retirement, not be more mature. It was time to have fun and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Time to travel, start a new career, be free to do all the things they hadn’t had time to do before!

So in this spirit, we want to celebrate the “second stage” of life, your encore to what you’ve accomplished so far. We’ll be giving you great ideas on how to live every moment to the fullest. Articles on relationships, ways to become an entrepreneur, organize your life so you have time to do the things you love, and so much more!

As an interior designer, I believe that our home is an integral part of the lives that we lead. When we’re happy with our personal environment, it’s easier to face the world and see our place in it. We’ll be highlighting ways to make your home the dream home you always wanted and deserve!

We hope you enjoy this issue and future ones as we transition to our new format in helping you build the lifestyle that you dream of, full of purpose, quality and most of all fun!

Here’s to your Encore Life!

Joyce Joneschiet (Jonah-shite) Publisher & Editor in Chief © Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 6

On Our Bookshelf Click on the book images for more info!

From RSMeans

By Thomas D. Davies Jr., Carol Peredo Lopez

What must I do to install an elevator in my two-story home? Can I retrofit my master bathroom to include a spacious roll-in shower? How can my flower garden be made more accessible? The architecture staff of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has been solving these and other issues related to accessible design for decades.

Accessible home projects have always involved intricate planning and design, but their construction is often compromised because builders are unfamiliar with the specialized concepts and techniques. The need for expert information on this area of design is critical, and in response, PVA offers this revised and expanded second edition of Accessible Home Design.

Each chapter addresses accessibility related to specific building components.

Subjects include entrances, residential elevators and lifts, kitchen design, bath and toilet room plans, plumbing fixtures, grab bars, doors, windows and outdoor rooms, and garden paths.

With careful planning and Accessible Home Design as your guide, you can develop attractive and functional designs that not only improve accessibility, but also increase the comfort and enjoyment of your home.

By Drue Lawlor, Michael A. Thomas Reviews "Residential Design for Aging in Place by Drue Lawlor and Michael Thomas is a comprehensive book written by two seasoned interior designers to show that universal design is good design.

The book is well organized so readers can pinpoint a specific topic to learn about; however, I found myself so drawn into the information that I read the book cover to cover! The uniqueness of this book is the thorough research that Lawlor and Thomas conducted. They focus on designing homes that people can live in safely and independently throughout their lifetimes.

With extensive footnotes throughout the book, readers will be guided to other documents on the subject." (marvingblog.com, July 6, 2010) "...is a new, definitive guide to the design of residential interiors for clients that are aging in place. Interior designers, architects, and home builders will find this book a "go-to" reference guide." (chicagoarchitecturetoday.com,Januar y 2009)

If you re building or remodeling, it s a great time to incorporate Universal Design an approach that helps people of any age and physical ability more fully and safely enjoy their homes. Whether you re the parent of young children, an active baby-boomer, or a less mobile senior, universal design gives you more freedom by maximizing comfort and accessibility.

A beautiful home is a top priority of universal design, so you can put to rest any idea that accessibility is unsightly or institutional-looking. The book shows how features (such as pocket doors and chair-rail molding that doubles as handrail support) can be artfully blended into the most attractive homes. You ll learn about specialized products like adjustable counters and chair lifts, but also simple, inexpensive ways to enhance your home safety and comfort.

The book s color photos and expert guidance cover every area from kitchens, baths, bedrooms, family rooms, and garages to yards and patios. You ll get professional design ideas for room and furniture arrangement; lighting; materials; and comfort, safety and ease of use.

Our experts include certified kitchen and bath designers, aging-in-place specialists, and a licensed occupational therapist. Budget estimates give you an idea how much these projects will cost.

Š Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 7

From You, For Us Letters From Our Readers are always appreciated and welcomed. We hope to hear from you about this issue and want to get your feedback on what you would like to see in future issues. This helps us tailor this magazine to your needs so we can provide the content that you’re looking for.

If you’ve received a benefit from a particular article or video, tell us about it! We also want to hear if there is something missing and you’d like us to add it.

We will be using this page to mention your letters and emails and we are looking forward to hearing from you!

Please send all your letters to: Aging in Place Options LLC 1911 SW Campus Dr, Ste 487 Federal Way, WA 98023

Please send your emails to: Customerservice @aginginplaceoptions.com

Conversations

By Joyce Joneschiet, Editor in Chief

Recently I Had A Conversation with Rosemarie Rosetti, Ph.D., a truly remarkable woman who has made lemonade our of the lemons in her life. We found we had much in common because of our shared vision for all homes to be designed with universal design. She tells her story: "Thirteen years ago, my spinal cord injury left me paralyzed from the waist down. I came home from the hospital in a wheelchair and realized just how unaccommodating my twostory home was to me. My life change was sudden; for others life changes more gradually." Because of this injury, Rosemarie and her husband, Mark Leder are leading the way in their mission to build a home that is both green and incorporates universal design. Their current project (which will also become their home) is called the Universal Design Living Laboratory. This home is designed to be a showcase for builders, architects, & consumers in educating that universal and green design should and can be the norm in all residential construction.

They began designing their home in 2004 with architects & designers and then started building in September 2009.

They anticipate their home to be finally finished this spring and I’m awaiting news of the exact date so I can let you all know. I’m sure Rosemarie is so excited to be finally moving into her dream home which has been customdesigned for her height which is 4’2” when seated and her husband who stands at 6’4”. Not only will it be easy to maintain and be functional but the exterior is fully accessible for entertaining family and friends.

Rosemarie wanted you to know: Currently there are over 170 international, national and local corporations and organizations contributing products and services to assist in building this home. The home will be open to the public for tours upon completion. Ticket proceeds will benefit spinal cord injury research at The Ohio State University.

Here are just some of the universal design features that these experts agree should be incorporated into floor plans and product specifications:              

Step-free entrance (a gradual, level grade; no conspicuous ramps) All doors without thresholds that are wide enough for a wheelchair or walker (36”) Wider hallways (46 “) Click on these images to get Lever handles on doors and faucets Various heights of kitchen counters more information about Full extension drawers and shelves in kitchen base cabinets Rosemarie and her home!

Cooktop set into a counter with open knee space The home picture below will Side hinged microwave and oven doors at countertop height take you to a photo gallery.

Side by side refrigerator An elevator to the lower level, main floor and loft Lower rocker style light switches (36” above the floor) Higher electrical outlets (25” above the floor) Large bathtub with plenty of grab bars Front loading washer and dryer

© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 9

ADVERTISEMENT

My name is Carolyn Osborne and I am a local artist. Out of the death of my brother came a remarkable discovery for myself. I have created fused glass for years but knowing that I would receive ashes from my brother prompted me to look at what was being offered to people. I realized I needed to be a safe place for others at their time of loss. Many people are out there taking advantage and that truly bothers me. I am creating pendants with the ashes of beloved humans and pets. I call them Sacred Embers. I have personally watched people transform and heal when I hand them their Sacred Embers.

Sacred Embers are created by fusing dichroic glass with a tiny bit of ashes of your loved one. The ashes are sprinkled between the layers of glass and kiln fired. The ashes are safely kept, forever encased in a beautiful, unique pendant that is truly a one-of-a-kind piece of art. There is the option of having the ashes show or having them concealed between the layers of glass. I am also creating Sacred Embers with hair in the case of no cremation or for a person to keep someone close that is going on a journey far away. Sand from a special trip may also be used.

The pendants & amulets are my main focus but I am happy to create other custom i tems such as bracelets, rings, window ornaments, small bowls & key chains.

I believe in giving back and when a client comes to me I find out how they found out about me and I then donate $5 for every Sacred Embers they purchase back to the referring organization or facility.

Carolyn Osborne 253-566-0818

Find out how easy it is to change your life for the better!

Join Host Joyce Joneschiet (Jonah-shite) from Aging In Place Options LLC as she interviews Kristina Brown from Eating Skinny on our special three part series of recorded calls! You will receive the recordings of all three calls for one low price!

Joyce Joneschiet

Kristina Brown

Including three informative teleseminars:

First Call: Aging Well You will learn: How to age well and support our elders to have a healthy and happy life.

What are the three core areas that we need to focus on to be balanced and healthy as we age?

What foods support us as we age?

What are some of the unique challenges that the elderly have to being healthy and how can we overcome them?

Second Call: Beat the Sugar Blues Learn: How to stop sugar cravings and avoid the 3pm candy run.

What does sugar really do to us?

Where does all that sugar lurk? Become a savvy shopper!

Food and mood, is sugar the answer?

Proven tactics for dealing with that sugar siren call!

Third Call: Heart Healthy Living The Top Ten Tips for Heart Healthy Living What are the Super Foods that keep our hearts happy How to set your New Years Heart Healthy Goals with Kristina during the class using an interactive worksheet Plus over $125 of FREE BONUS GIFTS!

Click here to get more info about the teleseminar and FREE Bonus Gifts!

Š Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 11

Articles

on‌ Health Money & Business Nutrition Home Š Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 12

Simple Ways to Clear The Clutter

By Linda Meluski

So, you’ve decided to move out of the home you’ve lived in for 10, 15 or even 25 years! The kids are gone and the house and the yards require too much upkeep? This can be both exciting and overwhelming time.

Even if you haven’t made the definite decision to move or where to move to, it is not too early to start “cleaning out, like you are moving out”. How many times have you gone into the laundry room closet to find something and had to pull out 6 or 7 bottles before you found what you wanted? Right there, decide if you really need to put those things back in the closet. Can they be thrown away or possibly be combined with all those other “half filled” bottles?

There are probably many years of accumulating possessions, photos and furniture. The best way to begin is by taking “baby steps”. Don’t try to clean out the entire room where you’ve been storing things that “you’ll figure out what to do with later”! Start with one area, maybe the desk. Whether it is an item or piece of paper, do you still need it, would you want to pack it and will you use it once you’ve moved? Take everything out of the desk and I mean everything. This will also be good time to organize all those papers into appropriate folders so they can be located easily next time. You may want to put all appliance information and any information that pertains to your home into a folder that can easily be handed over to the buyer of your home. If you have some documents with private information, you may want to buy a small paper shredder. If you have a lot to shred (I found out how much I actually had!) you may want to hire a shredding company. If you need the name of a company I know one from my business organization and will be happy to give you that information if you call or e-mail me.

When you start to clean out, divide items into four categories; What you will give away put in laundry basket or container that can be passed around to each person who might want what you don’t.

© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 13

What you will throw away put in a sturdy garbage bag.

What you will sell, price and put into a box.

What you will take, pack in box, close it up and mark the contents and the room into where it will go.

Remember, if you don’t need it, why pay to move it.

VISUAL Check with family members to see if there is anything they would like as a keepsake or a piece of furniture they may need. Here is where a computerized floorplan will come in handy. If you decided you want to take the armoire, dresser, two night stands, hope chest and king size bed, and find that it all doesn’t fit when you get to your new home, you will have moved (and paid for) some furnishings unnecessarily.

If it is really old, out of date or something you have not used in years, throw it away.

If you decide you don’t want to move something, but feel it still has some value, you have several options.

Have a yard sale. But remember, people want a bargain so be prepared to almost give it away. It can be fun, but t is time consuming and sometimes not worth the effort.

If you have some antiques, jewelry or large furniture items you may want to contact an estate sale company. I have not personally used the following ones.

Donate to a charity and you may be able to claim a tax deduction.

Stay with the one area until it is completely cleaned out. Once you have finished, you will have a feeling of accomplishment which in turn will give you the energy to move on to the next area, whether it is that day or the next.

Linda Meluski is an Interior Designer and a Downsizing Coordinator for those moving out of family homes into Active Adult Communities and/or Independent Living Facilities .

As part of her service, she helps families decide which items should be kept and which should be given away to family, etc. and then coordinates their distribution. She stages the existing home for a quick sale. Then she draws a floor plan of the new space and arranges the setup of the new residence with existing furnishings and/or purchase of new furnishings, window treatments, bed ensembles and accessories. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (in Interior Design), Kean University, Union, New Jersey Click on the website image to be directed to her site.

© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 14

Special Series How To Say NO Without Guilt or Conflict: No #2 Simplify Sandwich

By Stephanie Owens

In the last issue we introduced the first of 4 No’s. The 4 No’s are tools you need to say no and successfully navigate any situation without guilt or drama. They are especially useful if you’re a Pleaseaholic. A Pleaseaholic has put cooperation on steroids, trying to please everyone at the expense of their own well-being, time and energy.

I designed the 4 No’s to give Pleaseaholics tools and strategies to choose in favor of their own best interests rather than other’s expectations of who and what they “should” be.

Saying “No” can be difficult because Pleaseaholics are concerned about hurting people’s feeling or damaging a relationship. The 4 no’s are Pleaseaholic tested and approved. They are carefully crafted to illicit minimum anxiety and freak out for even the most committed Pleaseaholic.

Having the right tool for the job makes it easier because The 4 No’s do all the work for you.

Each No tells you what situation it’s best designed for and gives you the exact words you need to execute it. At the same time, the 4 No’s are couched in kindness so you’re still taking other people’s feelings into account. All you have to do is pick the right “NO” and put it into action. (For more information visit www.LearnHowToSayNo.com.)

The Simplify Sandwich allows you to decline a request and still be authentic and kind.

In the last issue we talked about the first of the 4 No’s: Short and Sweet. This time we’re diving into the second No: Simplify Sandwich. Like all of the 4 No’s, Simplify Sandwich is specifically designed to manage certain situations and gives you the exact words you need to execute it flawlessly every time.

No # 2 - Simplify Sandwich Ideal for: Co-workers, acquaintances and anyone with whom you have an on-going friendly relationship. © Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 15

Script: “I’m sorry, I’m making an effort to simplify right now, but thanks for thinking of me.”

The Simplify Sandwich allows you to decline a request and still be authentic and kind. You won’t sound like you’re making up an excuse or putting someone off. Simplify Sandwich is also very innocuous and highly unlikely to offend. An effort to simplify is more credible than the excuse of being “busy.” It also implies an ongoing intention or lifestyle. Everyone can relate to a desire to simplify.

Further, the “simplify” is sandwiched between “I’m sorry” and “Thank You” – two of the least conflict evoking phrases in the English language. It’s difficult for someone to confront you about your answer when it starts and ends in such a mild and polite way.

It’s important to practice Simplify Sandwich ahead of time so it rolls off your tongue confidently when the moment strikes. That way it’ll roll easily out of your mouth when it’s time to use it in real life. Before you know it you’ll be saying no to unnecessary obligations and YES to what matters most to you!

To learn more, visit Stephanie Owens at Click on the website image to be directed to her site.

Stephanie Owens is a coach, speaker and trainer. She teaches her clients how to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be to create a life they fall in love with. She coaches purpose-driven, high -performance people to achieve not only success but deep personal satisfaction.

A small business owner for over a decade, Stephanie blends her experience in the business world with a Masters in Counseling.

Whether coaching privately with clients or speaking to groups, Stephanie teaches participants how to stop fear from sabotaging success and unlock their full potential.

Stephanie is a recurring guest host on the radio show Chat With Women. and author of a book entitled Be A No Pro: How to Say No, Set Better Boundaries and Reclaim Your Joy. Stephanie lives a peaceful happy life with her husband and two wonderful children.

© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 16

A New Discovery That Extends Your Creative Years

Click on the video to play. Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

By David Evans

Humans age as a direct result of free radical damage over time. A free radical is a molecule containing oxygen that also lacks an electron, making it chemically unstable. A healthy adult produces something on the order of three hundred sextillion free radicals daily just from eating and breathing. Stress, strenuous exercise and illness add to that total. These molecules, also known as reactive oxygen species, seek chemical stability by stealing an electron from a neighboring molecule. The resulting reaction is called oxidation, and it damages cells, especially cellular DNA. Not all oxidation is bad. We need it to metabolize food. Metabolism produces energy, which we need to live.

However, only a fraction of our daily free radical production serves this helpful function Healthy young people have natural defenses against the excess. Those natural defenses begin to decline at skeletal maturity. Over time, the widening gap between excess production and defense allows free radicals to significantly damage our DNA and other cellular structures. This accumulated damage is called oxidative stress.

It is now well known that oxidative stress is either the main cause of, or contributes to, over 200 degenerative diseases. You can verify this by searching the National Institutes’ of Health online repository of published science at www.pubmed.gov. Just type “oxidative stress and x” in the search bar, where x represents diabetes or any other malady with which you’re concerned. Despite decades of research and experimentation, traditional medicine has no effective answer for oxidative stress.

What can be done to reduce oxidative stress? It was long thought that we could consume antioxidants from external sources to help bolster the body’s lagging defenses against free radical damage. It has now been scientifi© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 17

cally proven that direct antioxidants, in whatever form, do not actually lower systemic oxidative stress. In fact, over-consumption of direct antioxidants can actually increase harmful oxidation.

Enter Nrf2, the “master regulator” of your gene code. When synergized, Nrf2 returns an adult body to youthful “factory specs.” In other words, Nrf2 “tunes” your gene code, up-regulating helpful genes, and downregulating harmful ones. When that happens, your body increases production of its own natural defenses against pernicious oxidative stress. Harmful fibrosis and inflammation are also reduced. Freed from the burden of oxidative stress, a body can devote its energies to healing, restoration and prevention.

And how is Nrf2 synergized? Nrf2 is activated by a number of nutrients, and it is synergized by the patented combination of natural ingredients in ProtandimTM. ProtandimTM has been clinically proven to reduce oxidative stress by 40-70% in all those who take it. (See, www.pubmed.gov. Type “Protandim” in the search bar and read the study extracts.)

As the body’s natural healing progresses, energy and productive capacity increase. In my case, Protandim’s effects have increased my ability to work and enhanced my creativity. I suffered for almost 30 years from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. That is how my DNA predisposed oxidative stress to manifest. A 2009 diagnosis led to naturopathic help, which stabilized my moods, but treatment didn’t actually restore mental health.

After 5 months on ProtandimTM , my mental illness symptoms had been erased.

I weaned myself off the naturopathic regime, saving us over $160 per month. Life is now much more pleasant, and my wife and I are enjoying productivity we haven’t seen in many years. Two of our children inherited the tendency to depression, and consuming ProtandimTM has similarly allowed their mental illness symptoms to disappear.

For more about ProtandimTM and how it can help you and your family, please contact me on Facebook or click on the email image to contact me.

David Evans, Federal Way, Washington

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions of this article are not necessarily those of the publisher. All content provided in this magazine is for informational purposes only. The publisher of this magazine makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this article or found by following any link from this article. The publisher will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The publisher will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 18

Adult Conversations That Parents And Siblings Must Have

By Carolyn A. Brent In 2011, the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) reported a record breaking number of Baby Boomers applying for SSA benefits. This means that we, the Baby Boomer generation, who back in the 1960's referred to ourselves as "the younger generation" are now taking the place of our parents as the "older generation."

But how much do we know about what is really important to think about as we age? Baby Boomers, have you ever thought having the "crucial conversations" with your adult children?

What do I mean by "crucial conversations"? I mean the kinds of conversations about end-of-life issues. The kinds of conversations no one wants to have, but absolutely must. As we age, it is important that we and our children clearly understand: If we get suddenly and unexpectedly ill, who is going to take us to the hospital?

What kind of care do we want?

Where are the finances for hospital, nursing care, long-term care going to come from?

And finally, what are our desires regarding our funeral? Who is going to pay for it?

If we as parents don't have these discussions with our adult children, all hell can break loose when we are too ill to intervene, with everyone expressing different desires, often putting stress upon everyone involved.

So, stop and think about it.

Now is the time to have that family meeting and discuss your wishes regarding end-of-life issues. When a parent—or anyone, for that matter—reaches the stage of life that is the end of life, there needs to be a way provided for that person to die with dignity and in relative peace. For children, this can be a difficult transition, and confusion and strife are not optimal. However, when your family is prepared in matters of finance, medical care, end-oflife choices, this allows siblings to be good partners for each other and strong advocates for the wishes of the parents.

This book gives you a comprehensive handbook for family caregivers, outlining a step -by-step process that can spare caregivers and their families the stress of conflict at a time of grieving and loss, and provide an opportunity to mend fences and renew the connection and communication they once enjoyed with each other. Click on the book for more info!

Carolyn A. Brent, M.B.A., is a former clinical educational manager in the pharmaceutical industry. During her role as a panelist on many clinical studies, she developed a passion to inform the public about the many side effects of drugs, especially those used in the care of the elderly. When her own father became ill with dementia in 1997, she began to experience firsthand the frustration of not only coping with the medical world, but also the legal, financial, and, of course, emotional aspects of caring for her aging father. Today, Carolyn is an avid activist and advocate working with the U.S. Congress for the purpose of creating change to protect seniors and veterans from financial and medical abuse. She has appeared on many local and national TV and radio shows, and is a sought-after keynote speaker. She resides in Northern California.

Š Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 19

Got Parents?

By Aaron Murphy

You remember the milk industry’s big push for attention: pictures of famous faces with obvious milk moustaches. Those stick with you - as good advertising should. What will be the next "Got milk?" campaign? Consider this: "Got parents?" Of course we do!

Most of us have thought about our folks and where they are heading in the years and decades to come. It is a valid topic to have on your mind. The issue will come up; it is not IF but rather WHEN. Retiring baby boomers make up the quickest growing group in our society. January 2011 represented a major tipping point on the timeline wherein 10,000 people now turn 65 years old EVERY DAY in the United States.

Worth noticing? I think so.

So what does this tipping point mean to us as a nation, to my own profession, and to me personally as I look ahead to the next 30 years? My folks, born in 1950, are true baby boomers, the group we're discussing here. Even as they age, baby boomers still set the trends because they constitute such a bulge in the population. Their wants and needs - and where they spend their money - tell us how to market, what products to develop, how to cater to what they feel is important to them. They are "driving the bus" from an economic perspective. This relates to every kind of consumer good: from housing selection to internet advertising, from health care to skin care.

What does this have to do with me; I am only 37, for gosh sakes! I will tell you what it has to do with me: everything - personally, professionally, financially, and any other-ly you can name. "Why?" you ask.

Š Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 20

Personally - because I am an only child. Decisions about my parents’ extended and end of life care after independent living will fall directly in my lap.

Professionally - because I am an architect. My business in residential architecture will be directly affected by what baby boomers decide over the next three decades about what they want their living conditions to look and feel like, care and provide for them, and cost them as well.

Financially - because I am a son. I love my parents very much and they have been there for me every step of the way - today, yesterday - and will be there for me tomorrow as well. I owe them more than I could ever repay, and I will put my whole mind, heart, and soul into returning the favor when that task comes knocking on my door.

I am Aaron Murphy, the owner and lead architect of ADM Architecture in Poulsbo, WA. I’ve been practicing architecture for more than 15 years in Western Washington, and I plan to stay in this wonderful part of the country for the rest of my professional career. I have two beautiful children, Noah, 6, and Paige, 3. Their Nana and Papa (turning 61 this year) are an amazing part of my children’s lives. I hope to help my parents stay independent and able in body, mind and spirit for as long as possible. Ninety percent of the aging population says they want to stay in their homes for the remainder of their lives if possible. They want to keep their freedom and independence.

They want to "not be a burden" on others with their needs, even as those needs increase. They want to keep their pets and see their grandchildren regularly. This is what drives me as an architect: to help my parents (and everyone’s parents) and give back to those in need as their needs change in the years ahead. That is why I pursued national certification as an expert in designing for the aging and elder populations. My Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation from the National Association of Home Builders shows I've taken the additional training and have the knowledge to help that large percentage of our population turning 65 at a rate of 10,000 per day.

Got parents? Chances are, you do... or if not, you are one. Pay attention. As one famous baby boomer sang: the times, they are a-changin’…

Aaron Murphy, CAPS is a licensed architect with over 15 years of experience and has worked on both commercial and residential projects. He is a part of many associations and civic groups in Kitsap County, WA. He speaks widely on the subjects of “Aging in Place” and “Empowering the Mature Market.”

You can contact Aaron at the following: (Click on the images to be linked to his sites)

© Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 21

The Kent Fire Department Is More Than A Call to 911—It’s Also A Call Into Prevention

By Joyce Joneschiet, Editor How many of us have called the fire department when we’ve had a life crisis? In a car accident, had a fire, or our kitty caught in a tree? Many of us know first hand how the fire fighters have saved our lives or a loved one. We count them as one of the most trusted resources in our communities and with good reason. They are dedicated men and women who put our lives and welfare above their own.

Recently, I had the privilege of talking with Mitch Snyder, Battalion Chief and the head of a new program within the Kent, WA Fire Department. This program is call FDCARES which stands for “Fire Department Community Assistance, Referrals & Education Services. He had some exciting news to share with me on their department’s new innovative approach to helping the community. Previously within the Kent Fire Department, two parallel programs were running out of two different divisions. There was a part time fall-prevention program and the recurrent customer assistance program. Using the 911 system was found to address an individuals immediate symptoms and need but there was usually an underlying cause of the response that wasn’t being corrected. While both of these were good programs, they needed to be combined and expanded to assist with both injury & illness prevention to bring the greatest benefit to all our citizens. Thus FDCARES was created.

Many times, the same people call 911 frequently throughout the year, sometimes for the same reason. In looking over their data, this fire department found that 22% of their resources were used by frequent users of the 911 system for non-emergency related issues and at times kept the fire fighters from answering more urgent calls. Another strain of the resources of the fire department is financial as 2 incidents can incur $6000 worth of cost.

They came up with a great solution that takes a preventative approach to health for these callers. He introduced me to Tami Kapule, a former occupational therapist and the Incident Prevention Coordinator who has the expertise to do home visits and assessments. She is the “face” of the fire department to those frequent users who have been determined to need some additional assistance. They currently have around 400 people in their program who on the average call between 6 and 7 times in a year. If they can transition these people out of the 911 system, get them the help they need, prevent further injury, then the cost savings are a bonus.

They pride themselves on capturing the best data they can and know exactly how many patients they have seen, what services they need, referrals that can be made to the social service system and injury prevention, making this program very comprehensive and life changing for our community. As they are often the first responders to a given situation, they want to make sure there is a continuation of the right care and like to work with other agencies for benefit of their patients. They currently work with home health agencies, the ADRC, police chaplains, the patient’s doctor, and other providers and services. Early recognition and intervention helps aid in preventing future emergency services, such ambulance transportation, emergency room visits and the diversion from one busy hospital to a less busy one but further away.

How is FDCARES funded? The staff are members of the Kent Fire Department but they have gotten support from local agencies, sponsorships from the business community and generous support from caring citizens. For further information on supporting this great program or finding out how your community can benefit as well, click on the images below.

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Please take a moment to watch this video It really shows the great heart of the Kent Fire Department and why FDCARES is so important for YOUR community!

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Not Your Dad’s Reverse Mortgage…

By Edwin Hoffmann, Licensed Reverse Mortgage Consultant NMLS #78674 / WA MLO-78674

In the autumn of 1988, to appeal to younger car buyers, a long-time American auto-maker aired television commercials proclaiming its new offerings were “not your father’s Oldsmobile.”Although Ransom Old’s company is gone, the now-iconic marketing catch-phrase is still being used to urge younger market audiences to look at established products and services from a new perspective…

Ironically, the Baby Boomers who were targeted for the “totally redesigned” Cutlass Supreme back in 1989 are also the driving force behind a new federally-guaranteed reverse mortgage loan, known as the HECM Saver. These forward-thinking seniors are being asked by their financial planners – in increasing numbers – to consider using this once-feared financial product as a way to extend their retirement funds.

In the United States, where nearly every reverse mortgage is insured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), senior homeowners have the opportunity to liquidate and use some of the equity from their homes without having to make a monthly payment, and without having to pay back more than the market value of the house.

Now, realize reverse mortgage loans are not new. The first reverse mortgage in this county was issued in 1961

by Nelson Hayes of Deering Savings and Loan, to Nellie Young. She was a widow from Portland, ME, who

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needed additional income for monthly living expenses. Her personalized loan worked so well that the concept soon caught the attention of HUD, who began a 20-year study of mortgages, insurance actuarial charts and seniors’ needs. The loan HUD created in the summer of 1989 was primarily for “needs-based” clients like Mrs. Young. It remained basically unchanged – a loan of last resort – for 20 years.

Then, almost three years ago, HUD added the HECM Saver Loan to the product mix. This reverse mortgage loan has substantially lower closing costs, and provides senior homeowners with a “stand alone” equity line of credit, with no debt-servicing costs.

It is, most definitely, not your father’s reverse mortgage.

In their recent financial industry “white paper” (http://www.fpanet.org/journal/ ReversingtheConventionalWisdom/), Barry and Stephen Sacks state “the probability of cash flow survival is substantially enhanced by reversing conventional wisdom. In particular, we show that cash flow drawn from home equity” in conjunction with an established retirement account, “yields cash flow substantially greater than the more passive approach of using home equity as a last resort.”

In fact, the Messrs. Sacks advocate many more financially-savvy senior homeowners should take a reverse mortgage loan at the onset of retirement, and use its built-in credit line feature to delay use of traditional retirement funds. By initially living off cheaper reverse mortgage funds, the Sacks said, the seniors’ retirement portfolio would have time to compound more aggressively, and thereby extend funds for a suitable retirement. While also allowing the senior to continue living in their own home…

Reverse mortgage loans come in several forms, each with its own set of features and parameters. And, I’ll be among the first to emphasize that a reverse mortgage loan is not the correct retirement move for each and every senior homeowner.

But I’ll also suggest everyone come down and look at this year’s models. You can sit in the driver’s seat, check out the new features, and even kick the tires. Without really looking them over, you’ll never know if the financial vehicle you inherited from your father or grandfather will take you where you need to go.

Although he’s experienced and licensed in all types of residential mortgage loans, Edwin is completely dedicated to helping senior homeowners. Their specific needs and concerns are the reason why reverse mortgage loans are the only loan product he works with. Ed’s knowledge of this misunderstood, but versatile, loan is second only to his passion and compassion.

In fact, Ed worked with state officials and industry professionals in 2009 to draft House Bill #1311, which became Washington’s Reverse Mortgage Act. He was even invited by the governor’s office to attend the bill signing ceremony.

Ed is also a co-founder of The Washington Aging In Place Council, a licensed nonprofit organization that advocates for senior homeowners who want to live long, healthy, happy and secure lives in their own homes. Ed speaks across the state on aging issues, with other senior-centric professionals, like elder law attorneys, in-home health care providers, architects and remodelers and local officials.

Click on the website or email image to contact Ed.

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Treasure Chest for Living

By Jennie Mitchell Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century wrote: “The home should be the treasure chest for living.” He also wrote: “A house is a machine for living in.”

While not referring to Universal Design, the two comments are quite apropos for the subject. Universally designed homes can easily be likened to a fine tuned machine or a treasure chest of features to remove barriers in our lives. They are well-planned spaces that allow people of various ages, and physical challenges to live more comfortably.

Many of us in the Boomer generation thought that retirement would bring travel, a new home, and other rewards. Undoubtedly, many did not factor in the consequences of this new economy, illness, or injury. Additionally, mutigenerational households are becoming more commonplace because our aging parents are finding it more difficult to live alone and our adult children are looking for jobs. There are also those who have experienced injuries that have led to disenchantment with stairs and multi-level, high maintenance “status homes.” Some are finding that the layout of their family vacation home is not very relaxing now.

As a designer, who also has experienced personal injuries, I have had first hand experience with the barriers found in homes. I am on a mission to help my clients remove barriers that may limit their full enjoyment of their space. There are numerous ways to make a living space more comfortable and accessible to everyone and make them adaptable to future mobility or health issues the occupants may face.

Your home should compliment your lifestyle, not hinder it. You can start the process by rethinking your existing space and how you use it. . Modify at least one entry point into your home. Consider enlarging door and window openings for better light and flow. Rework baths and kitchens to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, arthritic joints and visual impairments.

Consult a design professional about removing walls to create more open space and improve circulation. Don’t worry if the budget won’t allow construction projects. Even small changes can make a big difference. Rearrange furniture to create better flow. Change the door handles to the lever type and the kitchen cabinet and drawer pulls to the C or D-shaped variety. Install a single lever faucet or a higher toilet. Turn a room on the main floor into a potential bedroom. Install grab bars in the bathroom or handrails on each side of the stairs. Replace thick carpeting with a firmer variety or a hard surface flooring material. There are many beautiful products and ideas designed to make your home a safer and more comfortable space for “aging in place.” Consult a designer and discuss other ways that your home can become “a treasure chest for living.”

Jennie Mitchell is the owner and principle designer of J Mitchell Interiors LLC, which is located in Suwanee, GA. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Mercer University, Jennie spent several years in the airline and software training industries. Always having the desire to do something more creative, she made the decision to pursue her long time interests in Interior Design. In 2006, she graduated from the Vanguard School of Interior Design, which is located in Atlanta, GA. Jennie believes that regardless of budget, everyone can have a beautiful and functional living environment that reflects his or her personal lifestyle. She enjoys getting to know the needs and dreams of her clients and finding solutions that will turn those dreams into realities. Her projects include residential spaces and medical offices.

Click on the email image to write Jennie! © Spring 2012 | Encore Life | 26

Generations in the Workplace

By Mel West Over the next few years, small business owners will continue to see a dramatic transformation in how people consume and buy. Mostly, these changes will be brought about by the rampant changes in technology, look no further than all the deal-ofthe-day websites or engaging customers through social media. However, the imminent retirement of the “baby boomer” generation will and already is requiring business owners to sit up and take notice, but is it necessary?

For many years, business owners have been the beneficiaries of a workforce who was extremely job focused and loyal.

This boomer generation’s identity was built upon a commitment to quality, problem solving, and doing a good job even when the going was tough. Long hours at the office, including evenings and weekends was and still is their norm. In some respect, business owners may have had it too good, but as the boomer generation retires or decides to work fewer hours, business owners have to learn to get by with a completely different generation of employees entering the workforce. This is causing many business owners to shake their heads and be concerned about their own well-being.

You see this new generation is very tech savvy and accustomed to getting everything immediately. Social media is part of their DNA and they would prefer to communicate via texting or using instant messaging (IM). They prefer to effect change and make an impact by expressing themselves rather than defining themselves through their work. They don’t’ fear authority and want to be treated as equals from the first day on the job. Speaking of the job, they seek freedom and want challenging and meaningful work, but their work is a means to the end and they value a work-life balance and flexibility more than anything. You can see how this is creating havoc for many business owners, since many of them are boomers and don’t quite understand how to deal with this “new” work ethic.

Is it a problem and do business owners have a right to be concerned or not trust their employees as I hear many do, when we are discussing their business challenges? While many would argue the problem is their entitlement mentality, I would ask you to think back to when you were entering the workforce. Yes, it was allot harder back then, but the generations before you were saying the same thing about you and I am sure the generations before them were saying the same as well. Look how far we have come over the years! Small businesses are the backbone of this success, but it still makes me laugh when I hear about the employee who is still holding on to the thought that computers are just a passing phase and we will be back to pen and paper soon. How is this any different?

My point is that it’s more important now than ever to accommodate employee differences and implement a refined management style that builds on your employees strengths and what they bring your business without getting caught up in their generational shortfalls. What is the result you are driving for and how have you prepared your employees to fulfill your vision? If you have done a good job of hiring, your success as a business owner is becoming more dependent upon better communication of expectations, holding everyone accountable for these expectations, and maybe a few more workplace choices along the way. If you are doing this, get out of the way and trust them to do the job you hired them to do.

Mel West is President of West Business Concepts, Inc. Mel brings over 20 years of management experience with leadership roles in the financial services industry, manufacturing, and the military that includes operations, marketing, sales, finance, human resources, compliance, and quality management. Mel has a passion for helping people succeed both in their personal and professional lives thru coaching, change management, and process improvement.

Mel can be heard every Tuesday on KLAY 1180 from noon to 1:00 p.m. as he helps to co-host BIZTECH TALK, a radio show focused on discussing the latest in local, regional, and national business and technology trends.

Click on images to contact Mel!

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Start with Colors

By Linda Hunt The role of color in design for those who are going to age in place at home or downsize is very important. Good senior design addresses colors for the living environment. The human eye undergoes major changes with age. Vision and color perception diminish. A very important part of every senior design I do is to create a color scheme for elderly eyes that improves their quality of life. This has become one of my areas of specialization.

1. Use light color paint on the walls in a matte finish. Since walls are the biggest surfaces in a room, light colors help increase light reflectance without a glare.

2. Use a darker color on switch plates and outlets.

3. Use a contrast color on the baseboards and floors, to make it easier to identify the edges of a room.

4. Use low VOC paints (volatile organic compounds). They cut down on toxic paint fumes. That is good for seniors who will be spending a lot of time in their rooms NOT breathing paint fumes—no asthma triggers here!

5. Use contrast colors around a doorway to help define it.

6. Paint doorframes and baseboards a darker color or stain.

7. Use bright paint or stair treads on the top and bottom step of a set of stairs to separate that area from the rest the floor.

8. Use only washable and strippable wallpapers. Keep the patterns small.

9. Do not use two very intense colors close together when painting as they often become unstable and appear jumpy.

10. Use bright intense colors for grab bars, door levers. That will make them easier to find.

Linda is a WFCP Specialist Certified interior designer with 25 years of experience working on residential design and am an active member of International Furnishings and Design Association. She specializes in custom window treatments and downsizing design for over 20 years. She’s written several e-books on interior decorating topics and wrote a semi-monthly design column for the 360 View Newspaper. She holds a B.A. in history from the State University of New York.

Her designs have often been featured in Ava Living Spotlight and teaches adult education classes. Click on the email image to write to Linda!

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Assurance & Peace of Mind For Seniors Alone

By Joyce Joneschiet, Editor I had the privilege of interviewing Dan Stone, one of 3 founding partners of Assured Independence. They set out to provide for the home the technology that only previously existed in facilities and institutions. Because of the advancements of technology, they had the ability to empower caregivers with a tool that lowers the overall cost of care.

This technology offers a powerful system that aids caregivers, seniors and their adult children by helping seniors live at home without changing their daily routine. This solution lets family members and caregivers know when the senior is sleeping, moving around the house, preparing meals and if they’re taking their medicine. If anything happens that is out of the normal routine, family and caregivers are immediately notified by email and text. This affordable system is easily and quickly installed (only requiring to be plugged in) and gives everyone peace of mind that can’t be measured. The system has its own internet connection and reads wireless sensors that are placed throughout the home.

These sensors measure temperature, pressure, door activity and occupancy. All alerts are completely customized and easily adjusted. It also greatly increases response times to emergency personnel because they know exactly where the person is when a call goes out. Without this system the average time to find out when an individual has fallen at home is 15 hours. If they have a chronic condition and that condition isn’t addressed within that time, the consequences can be devastating.

It’s important to remember that this system can’t replace personal care-giving and isn’t intended to. What it does do is to empower family and caregivers to make decisions responsibly as the system shows any variation of blood pressure, glucose, etc. so that accidents and illness can be prevented. In certain cases, Medicaid will cover the cost of this system.

Here are some of the monitoring that their system will do:                  

Daily Activity Patterns Changes in Patterns Sleeping & Wake Up Patterns Kitchen Usage Medication Retrieval Medication & Event reminders Frequency of Bathroom Visits Movement Throughout the Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Glucose Level Monitoring Weight Monitoring Lung Capacity Monitoring Panic Button Emergency 2-Way Speakerphone Wandering Stove and Oven Sensing Simple Texting & Email Screen Digital Photo Sharing

The newest addition to their products is a mobile emergency button with online GPS location technologies. The 5 Star Responder features direct two way voice communication with a live call center, online GPS location technology and 24/7 health advice from registered nurses. If the device is activated, call center agents will know your location and immediately notify family or emergency services. Click on the images below to contact them:

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Life on One Level

By Sandra Lambert The trend of homes being able to accommodate Baby Boomers is realizing itself in a big way. Even though I have a young family myself , I am embracing the trend not out of need for accessibility but out of preference. As an interior designer I often work with homeowners on renovations to of their existing homes. I have been leading with recommendations that include every room that is used on a daily basis be on the same level.

Consider putting the Laundry Area where the laundry is created‌near the bedrooms, it makes things so convenient. Invest in good insulation for walls and solid core doors to aid in soundproofing theses rooms. The proper layout of the bedrooms as they relate to the common areas is key to maintaining privacy.

I recently worked on a home where the homeowner thought she should add a second floor to her existing ranch. She thought it was the most logical was to go to increase the value of the home. I had come up with a plan that gave her all of the amenities that she needed from luxury to function on the same level. She was thrilled.

There is future vision for expansion as we included a new stairwell that currently leads to a useable attic. This will be a great selling point for when she goes to sell the house one day.

Most buyers will love the accessible one level floor plan while children, grandchildren and guests can also have a place to call home in the future should they decide to finish the attic spaces. Changing the facade and adding dormer windows make these spaces inviting and interesting.

I find that even the most luxurious homes are now being designed with the option of a bedroom suite on the first level. Even if the homeowner still prefers to have their bedroom upstairs, they may want to plan for an elevator. The Private Guest Suite on the first floor is quite a bonus for visitors today and serves as a Master Suite for later years.

So, gone are the days that higher is better. More levels to maneuver and more stairs to climb are not really preferred when one is looking for flexibility for themselves or extended family that may need to move in. Those little old Ranches are getting some extra respect these days.

In my new home, I still have the office and guest room upstairs, so we have the best of both worlds. But for now, I am enjoying life on one level.

Sandra P. Lambert, ASID, CID is a licensed interior designer and owner of Realm Designs Inc. located Warren, NJ. specializing in residential and commercial interior design. For more information you may call (908) 753-3939 or visit their website by clicking on the logo below.

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Don’t Miss Our Next Issue—Summer 2012!

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10 Ways to Better Health How to Add Exercise to Your Busy Life

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Travel Destinations You’ll Love

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Part Three In The Special “No” Series

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