Living50 leader publications • JUNE 2015
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Growing
Community gardening helps people stay young
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Living 50 Plus • June 2015
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Living 50 Plus • June 2015 3
Spring is in the air
Community garden program up and running in Niles By CRAIG HAUPERT craig.haupert@leaderpub.com
F
or David Markel, there is nothing quite like watching a new plant spring forth from the earth. It’s a moment the Niles man gets to experience each year thanks to the Niles Community Gardens program, which allows people of all ages to plant and grow produce in shared garden spaces around the city. David and his wife, Jan, have been cultivating the community garden located outside the Westside Administration Building for the past five years. They said it is a good way to enjoy being outside in the fresh air while partaking in a shared interest with others. “We all share what we know and we also try to learn new gardening techniques,” David said. “Community gardening really is a social activity.” David said Niles Community Gardens is especially beneficial to people who want to garden, but don’t have a home situation that allows it. There are four gardens spread
around Niles: • Ballard Elementary garden, 1601 W. Chicago Rd. • Holy Trinity garden, 1819 Oak St. • Northside garden, 2020 N. 5th St. • Westside garden, 111 Spruce St. People can pay a small fee (if able) to use the communal garden area and an additional fee for an individual plot. Gardening tools are provided, although people can bring their own. Prices and plot sizes can be found on the website, nilescommunitygardens.org. People can also find information there about how to join a specific garden. Gardeners focus on using natural gardening techniques, so produce is of the healthiest variety. A portion of what is grown is donated to local food shelters, including the St. Mary’s Christian Service Center, Niles Salvation Army and more. Leader photos/CRAIG HAUPERT Right: Bill Schrader picks weeds at a plot in the Westside garden. Below: David Markel works on young tomato plants in late May at the Westside garden.
4
Living 50 Plus • June 2015
Membership growing COA introduces new gardening club
By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com
W
ith only a little more than half a dozen people showing up to their first meeting, Cass County COA Lifelong Learning Team Leader Nicole Romo wasn’t sure if the agency’s new garden club would show any signs of immediate growth. With the very next meeting more than tripling in attendance, the new monthly activity is beginning to blossom, and just in time for summer. “We’re going to outgrow our room if more people show up next month,” Romo said. Meeting every third Tuesday afternoon at the COA’s Lowe Center in Cassopolis, the garden club is designed to bring together locals with a passion or interest in planting and growing their own crops. Each session, the club brings in a different guest speaker who will present a topic of interest to area home gardeners, no matter their level of experience, Romo said. “People also bring in their plants to share with each other,” she said. The seeds for the new group were first planted last summer, following a meeting of the COA’s Great Decisions group, a self-led club that discusses world affairs. The group’s talk about the effect that commercial pesticides were having on the county’s population of pollinating insects prompted Romo and a group of COA volunteers to build a butterfly garden on the lawns of the Lowe Center. The new green space became a talking point for many COA volunteers and visitors, leading to Romo starting the garden club in April, she said. “It’s taken on a life of its own,” Romo said. “I don’t know how big it’s going to get.” During their meeting in May, the COA’s resident chef, Kevin Stantz, was invited to speak in front of the packed house, discussing how people can grow an assortment of herbs such as basil and oregano in their own gardens. The club will continue to focus on healthy food sources during its meeting in June, when they discuss organic fruits and vegetables, Romo said. “There are a lot of members interested in growing their own food,” Romo said. “I thought there would be a lot of ladies just interested in growing pretty flowers, but a lot of people want to know how to grow their own healthy, organic food.” For information about hours or membership, contact the COA at (269) 445-8110 or (800) 323-0390.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS COA Chef Kevin Stantz showed members of the agency’s recently formed garden club how to grow their own herbs at home during the group’s May meeting at Cassopolis’ Lowe Center.
Living 50 Plus • June 2015 5
Camp Safe Kids offers free safety training
C
ASSOPOLIS, Mich. — On Monday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Cass County COA Lowe Center will once again present “Camp Safe Kids.” The camp is free to any 9 to 11 year old in Cass County. Camp Safe Kids offers children a full day of safety activities presented in a fun and exciting format. The program is limited to 32 children and includes lunch and a free bicycle helmet for every child. Kids have fun learning basic first aid, internet safety, abduction prevention plus safety lessons on boating, water, bicycle, traffic and fire safety. “We have found that children learn life-long lessons on safety at this camp,” said Deputy MaKenzie Kreiner of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. “So many accidents and unsafe behavior can be prevented if kids learn safety in a fun and engaging environment. This program presented by the Cass County COA is a fantastic opportunity.” The day also includes a demonstration from the canine unit featuring dogs trained as official members of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. In addition the fire department will bring its Smokehouse to show how easily fires in the home can start and how to prevent them. Participants in the program include the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Dowagiac Public Safety and Penn Township Fire Department. This program fills quickly, so those interested should call the Cass County COA immediately. Reservations are required. Contact Sandi Hoger at 269-445-8110. The Lowe Center is located at 60525 Decatur Road and Hwy. 60 in Cassopolis.
6
Living 50 Plus • June 2015
Senior Strategies programming premieres in Michiana region Two-year initiative to bring quality educational programs focused on seniors
S
OUTH BEND, Ind. — Comfort Keepers, The Village at Arborwood and Enlivant’s Grand Emerald Place recently announced the formation of a collaborative alliance between the three entities to develop and host a series of educational programs focused on the life style and informational needs of seniors, those over the age of 65, in our community. The first in the series, Financial Safety, will be presented on Tuesday, June 16, at Grand Emerald Place, 4010 South Ironwood Drive, South Bend. The speaker, Marcel Lebbin, is an elder care attorney with May Oberfell Lorber based in Mishawaka, Indiana. “As we get older we are confronted with a number of personal, legal and financial dilemmas. New laws or changes in the existing laws have complicated the decision making process for seniors who are trying to plan for their futures. Many question whether they have planned early enough; have planned sufficiently; and have protected the assets they have worked a lifetime to accumulate,” said Marcel Lebbin, an Elder Law attorney from the Mishawaka firm of May Oberfell Lorber. “Fortunately, there are a variety of cost effective tools and services available for seniors to assist in navigating the complicated ar-
eas of Elder Law issues.” At the free Senior Strategies: Financial Safety program, Marcel will give advice on utilizing planning tools that protect your financial safety and guarantee personal wishes in the future. He will talk about the importance of finding a good financial advisor or developing an estate plan. “As we grow older, our bodies change, our social con-
nections change, and our level of good health may change,” said Jan Kostielney, director of marketing and community development for Comfort Keepers. “The world we live in has changed in ways we may not yet be aware of. Many of us also find that our perceptions of the world change as we mature. “Beyond those personal changes, the entire medical field has changed since we were young adults…new medications, new testing capabilities, new treatments. The Senior Strategies series of programs is designed to educate us about these changes so that we may enjoy a high quality of life in our older years.” Future programs will focus on a variety of topics including information older adults need regarding their personal, financial, and technological safety, their social and psychological health, as well as their physical health. Veterans’ care and benefits, end of life decisions and care and other topics will also be featured. Visit www.facebook.com/SeniorStrategiesMichiana for information on upcoming presentations. For more information on the Tuesday, June 16, Financial Safety Program or to register call (574) 291-2222 or email – grandemeraldplace@enlivant.com
Living 50 Plus • June 2015 7
How to eat after 50 (MCG) — As people age, their dietary needs begin to change. Foods that were once staples of their diet as a youth may be restricted once you hit a certain age, while other foods you may have always avoided may now be necessary to fuel and support a healthy body. Eating healthy foods and exercising may not be enough to sustain health, as hormonal changes and other health effects as a person reaches age 50 can have a profound impact on his or her nutritional requirements. The following are a few things men and women over 50 may want to consider as they look to eat a healthy diet for years to come.
they age, men and women need more protein in their diets to maintain their muscle mass. The amount of protein needed at a younger age no longer may be adequate. Look for lean sources of protein from fish and poultry. Beans are also a low-fat source of protein that can help fulfill daily protein requirements.
More fiber Eating more fiber can help with digestive and intestinal problems, such as constipation. Constipation can occur when fiber intake is not enough, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle. The best way to get fiber is through diet. Leave Vitamin D the skins on fruit and vegetables and choose whole fruits Both men and women age 50 and up have a reduced abil- over juices. Whole-grain breads and cereals also are good ity to produce vitamin D through exposure to the sun. Ex- sources of fiber. Dry beans and lentils can add a fiber boost. tra vitamin D will be needed from foods and supplements. Always increase fiber slowly to determine your tolerance. Everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 µg), according to Canada’s Fewer calories Food Guide. Without adequate vitamin D, bone strength The National Institute on Aging says women over the and health can deteriorate because vitamin D promotes cal- age of 50 need between 1,600 and 2,000 calories, decium absorption. Vitamin D also has other roles, including pending on how physically active they are. Men need helping neuromuscular and immune function and reducing between 2,000 and 2,400 calories per day. With each inflammation. passing year there is a decrease in the energy required to maintain body weight, so caloric intake should be adFriendly fats justed accordingly. People over age 50 should increase their intake of unsaturated fats and reduce consumption of saturated fats. More water Nutrient-rich unsaturated fats can guard against heart As a person ages, his or her body may not signal it is conditions, protect against stroke, keep skin supple, and thirsty as well as it once did, so it’s possible that you may even help men and women maintain good neurological not recognize when you are thirsty or dehydrated. The health. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in nuts, olives, Mayo Clinic recommends around nine to 10 cups of bevseeds, and fatty fishes. erages per day to remain hydrated. Increase protein Eating healthy and changing one’s diet is important as According to Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokes- a person ages, as dietary needs at age 50 may be quite person for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as different from what they were at age 30.
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Living 50 Plus • June 2015
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Living 50 Plus • June 2015 9
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Age doesn’t have to stop older men and women from enjoying their favorite sports. In fact, remaining active can improve physical and mental health. If a doctor has confirmed that it is okay to participate in sports, these activities can help men and women 50 and older enjoy friendly competition and physical activity. Fishing Fishing is more than just a leisurely day at the lake. Casting and reeling in your catch provides a good workout for the arms, legs and core muscles of the body. If you fish on the water, rowing out to your lucky spot provides additional cardiovascular exercise. Golf Golf is enjoyed by people of all ages. Requiring a combination of strategy and skill, golf also pays several physical dividends. Play at your own pace, taking your time walking from hole to hole so you can enjoy the sunshine and soak in the beauty of the course. Swimming A few laps around a pool works your whole body. Swimming is attractive to seniors because it works the muscles and provides a cardiovascular jolt without putting any strain on the joints. Cycling Many seniors are avid cyclists. You can ride a bicycle in competition or for pleasure. You can even vary your route depending on how physically intense you want the ride to be. Seniors need not abandon their love of sport just because Father Time is catching up with them. Many sports can be enjoyed by athletes of all ages.
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about many things with your loved ones: from day-to-day details to big events. Sharing stories with those who matter most isn’t just important today; it will be especially significant when about it’s time to things honorwith andyour commemorate your lives. details to many loved ones: from day-to-day big events. Sharingabout stories many with those whowith matter most isn’t ones: just important today; it will details be things your loved from day-to-day to Memorialization at the end of life is more than it used to be. It can reflect a person’s life especially significant when it’sthose time towho honor and commemorate yourimportant lives. big events. Sharing stories with matter most isn’t just today; it will be story and be transformative, healing and comforting. especially significant at when it’s of time tomore honor and commemorate your alives. Memorialization the end life is than it used to be. It can reflect person’s life Meaningful starts when loved ones talk about what matters most: memories story memorialization and be transformative, healing and comforting. Memorialization at the end of life is more than it used to be. It can reflect a person’s life made, Meaningful lessons learned and how they hope to be remembered. memorialization starts when loved ones talk about what matters most: memories story and be transformative, healing and comforting. made, lessons learned and how they hope to be remembered.
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Living 50 Plus • June 2015
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Living 50 Plus • June 2015 11
Eat your veggies!
Mom’s warnings carry into life after 50 By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com It is important for everyone to eat healthy, but it can be particularly important for people 65 and over. Only about 30 percent of people in that age group eats five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, which is the minimum amount recommended for good nutrition. Among the benefits of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables as one gets older is that the nutrients and fiber found in these foods can help reduce high blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. It can also stave off eye and digestive disorders. According to Stephanie Sobel, registered dietician at Borgess-Lee Memorial in Dowagiac, the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables are endless. “Fresh fruits and vegetables are important for everybody, it does not matter the age,” she said. “As adults we tend not to eat as much fruit and vegetables as we should. The importance of it, which they have done studies with the DASH diet, which is focused on more fruits and vegetables that it can help lower high blood pressure. And there are a lot of antioxidants that you get from the fruit and vegetables as well.” The DASH diet was first developed to lower blood pressure without medication and was sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Since losing weight in a healthy way is important, the new, easyto-follow DASH diet (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) was created. At the heart of DASH is an eating plan that is rich in fruits and vegetables, low-fat and nonfat dairy products, as well at nuts, beans and seeds. “I think that whatever is in season is a good place to start because they are less
expensive and they are more readily available,” Sobol said. “Focus on fresh versus canned because then there is not the sodium in them or the added sugar because a lot of times they add sugar to frozen fruits. If you go fresh, there is no added sodium. There is no added sugar. There is no added anything.” In southwest Michigan, late spring and early summer signal the start of a time when access to fresh fruits and vegetables is relatively easy. In fact, June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. Here is a list of some Many of these fruits and vegetaof the fresh fruits and vegetables you can bles can be picked up at any numget in Michigan: ber of farmer’s markets in the area • Apples — July including: through October • Lehman’s Orchard, 2280 Por• Asparagus tage Road, Niles — May through — April through June late fall, Thursday through Sunday. • Beets — May • Buchanan Farmer’s Market, through October 122 Days Ave. — Saturdays through • Broccoli — June the last Saturday of October. through October • Niles French Market, Lower lev• Cabbage — June el parking lot at Lakeland Hospital, through November Niles — Fridays through Oct. 30. • Carrots — May through November • Dowagiac Farm and Artisan • Cherries — June Market, Dowagiac Area History and July Museum lawn — May through mid• Cilantro — June October. through September • Corn — Mid-June through mid-August • Green beans — July through September • Lettuce — May through October • Melons — July through September • Peaches — July and August • Peas — June through August • Potatoes — July through November • Raspberries — June through August • Strawberries — June and July • Zucchini — July through October
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Living 50 Plus • June 2015
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Summer entertaining Ideas to keep your cool
(StatePoint) Hosting warm weather gatherings is a perfect way to spend time with friends and family in summer. Reduce stress by following these four simple tips for a great summer soiree that both you and your guests will enjoy.
Pick a theme Get started by choosing a theme for your summer celebration. A defined focus will allow you to quickly narrow down menu and décor selections. Easy ideas include seasonally inspired concepts, like Christmas in July; location-specific parties, such as a Hawaiian luau or Parisian café; and era themes, like the Roaring Twenties.
Streamline your menu Looking for recipes that require little prep work but are sure to please? Consider whipping up a large batch of seasonal appetizers, such as guacamole, a yogurt-based vegetable dip or a cold soup. Make a style statement by serving them in glass shooters with chips, veggies or pita bread for perfectly sized servings. Slow-cook a few chicken breasts ahead of time that can be shredded and quickly tossed with a delicious sauce for healthy sliders. When selecting desserts, use seasonal ingredients. A mixture of sliced fruits pairs well with pieces of shortcake on skewers that can be assembled ahead of time. Sorbets are also simple to make in a blender and only require a few ingredients -- fruit, ice and a sweetener. By choosing recipes that allow you to prep some elements ahead of time, you’ll find yourself with more time to mix and mingle.
Make beverages a breeze Ensure your guests have easy access to drinks and will avoid running for refills, by setting up a station with pre-mixed, thirst-quenching beverages housed in large glass or plastic dispensers. This station will help you create a central beverage zone and get imaginative with drink concoctions. Mixtures of lemonades or flavor-infused waters are the perfect combination for keeping everyone cool on a warm day. For a more unique approach, let guests personalize drinks with flavored simple syrups, frozen fruits and — for added flair — frozen herb ice cubes, which are a great way to add refreshing flavors. Complete the beverage station by labeling the drink options with small chalkboard signs and display a collection of seasonal cups and colorful straws. With just a bit of creative planning and pre-event prep work, you’ll be ready to host stress-free parties and enjoy more time with your guests this summer.
Living 50 Plus • June 2015 13
Exercise and aging
Addressing common concerns about exercise after 50
E
xercise is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. Including exercise in your daily routine can lower your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and exercise can even sharpen mental acuity, reduce anxiety and improve mood. But as beneficial as exercise can be, many men and women, particularly men and women over the age of 50 who have not laced up their sneakers in years, are hesitant to begin an exercise regimen for a variety of reasons, potentially putting their long-term health at risk. Regardless of a person’s age, beginning a new exercise regimen can be intimidating. But it’s especially so for men and women over the age of 50, who might not know where to begin or how to approach adopting a healthier lifestyle. According to the National Institute on Aging, the following are a few points men and women should know as they attempt to improve their physical fitness with a more active lifestyle. • Exercise is safe even if you have not been physically active in a long time. Many older men and women worry that suddenly embracing physical fitness after years of inactivity may be detrimental to their health. But that’s only true if men and women don’t exercise
caution at the outset of their routines. When beginning the routine, take things very slowly at first, choosing to walk or bike every day rather than hitting the treadmill and adjusting it to maximum resistance. When strength training, start off with very little weight so your muscles can grow acclimated to the motions and you can get the exercises down pat. As you grow more comfortable and your body starts to feel more up to the challenges of daily exercise, you can begin to gradually alter your cardiovascular and strength training workouts to make them more challenging. • Exercise can make existing medical conditions more manageable. Men and women over the age of 50 who have preexisting medical conditions are likely to find that exercise alleviates rather than exacerbates their physical problems. The NIA notes that studies have shown that regular exercise and physical activity can benefit people with arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease. But it’s still recommended that men and women with preexisting medical conditions consult with their physicians before making any lifestyle changes. Some conditions may affect a person’s ability to be active, and it’s best to get the
go-ahead from a physician before beginning an exercise regimen. Doctors may even suggest certain activities that have been known to alleviate particular conditions. • Exercise reduces fatigue, so sitting around to preserve strength is not effective. Exercise improves strength and energy levels, so sitting on the sideline to preserve your strength is counterproductive and could lead to serious medical problems. The “Report on Physical Activity and Health” from the U.S. Surgeon General’s office noted that men and women who are inactive are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who are more active. While getting adequate rest and giving your body ample time recover from physical activity is essential, your body won’t benefit by avoiding exercise to preserve your strength. However, even moderate physical activity performed on a regular basis can reduce fatigue. • No one is too old to exercise. It’s not uncommon for men and women in their golden years to think they are too old to exercise. Some may feel that their toned down workouts cannot possibly be making much of an impact thanks to the physical limitations old age has put on their bodies, while
others may think it’s unwise for someone in their 70s or 80s to be physically active. But no one is too old to exercise, as exercise helps the body stay strong and fit even when you can no lon-
ger max out on the bench press or squat hundreds of pounds. Scaling back your exercise routine will be necessary as you get older, but that does not mean you cannot still enjoy and benefit
from physical activity. Continuing to exercise as you age is a great way to improve your quality of life and stay as active as possible well into your golden years.
Tips to help you avoid surplus fat as you age (StatePoint) There are many ways you can stay fit and promote a long, healthy life. And you probably know about some of them, particularly those habits that are widely discussed in the media and by doctors. However, scientists have recently made new discoveries that can help you activate weight loss while gaining control over deadly aging processes. Beyond eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise, how can you facilitate a healthy body weight? Your Body’s Enzymes Can Help New research indicates that when certain enzymes in your body are functioning properly, certain aging processes, such as weight gain, can be slowed or even reversed. One enzyme, in particular, known as AMPK, is being highlighted by medical researchers, Adenosine monophosphateactivated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme found within every cell, serves as your body’s master regulating switch, determining body fat composition and how long you will live. When switched “on,” AMPK triggers the use of stored energy from fats, enhances removal of fats and sugar from the blood, increases production of mitochondria, and reduces inflammation and cellular “junk.” “When AMPK is more activated, it can help protect you against obesity and diabetes and many degenerative processes can be reversed,” says Dr. Michael A. Smith, senior health scientist for Life Extension and host of
excess calorie consumption impairs the enzymatic activity of AMPK. Unfortunately, most humans today suffer chronic nutritional overload, say experts.
“Healthy Talk” on RadioMD.com. Smith likens the processes that AMPK promotes as “cellular housekeeping,” warning that when these processes don’t work, dysfunctional cells can accumulate and create problems like weight gain and chronic inflammation. Setbacks As we grow older, cellular AMPK activation decreases, weight gain often follows, and we are more likely to succumb to the destructive factors of aging. Additionally,
Solutions Researchers have discovered four ways to boost the body’s AMPK activity: • Exercise: AMPK activity increases with regular vigorous exercise. • Restrict calories: By taking in fewer calories, you create increased AMPK activity as cells sense a requirement to function more efficiently. • Metformin: One of the drug metformin’s most beneficial mechanisms is to activate AMPK. This is one way it lowers elevated glucose. However, most physicians only prescribe metformin for Type II Diabetes, making access to this drug difficult for most people. • Botanical Extracts: Two natural agents, the Chinese herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum and trans-tiliroside derived from rose hips, have been shown to activate AMPK, reducing belly fat, cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels. You can supplement your diet with an AMPK activator to turn off many damaging effects of aging. Over the years, you don’t just have to quietly accept weight gain and the effects of aging. Take advantage of the new scientific findings that can help you promote a long, healthy and fit life.
14
Living 50 Plus • June 2015
Five exotic summer vacations that are a steal due to the strong dollar (BPT) — Exotic locations like Bali, Rome and Sydney might be at the top of your bucket list, but this year experts say they should also be at the top of your summer vacation list. Today’s unusually strong dollar is allowing you to get a lot more for your money when you travel abroad. Travel experts say this year is one of the best times in modern history for Americans to explore the world and visit distant dream destinations. “The U.S. has emerged from the financial crisis of 2008 with the dollar at near record highs relative to a number of international currencies,” said Travis Katz, CEO and co-founder of Gogobot, a travel site that helps you find places to stay, eat and play that are perfect for you. “For American travelers, this means international travel is cheaper this year than it has been in decades. On Gogobot, we are seeing hotel prices in the world’s most expensive destinations, like Sydney and Paris, running well below their domestic counterparts here in the States.” Here are five amazing vacation destinations that are attractively priced right now given the strong dollar: Bali: Bali is home to beautiful beaches and unique spots like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Seeing these amazing locations has never been more affordable. Island lovers can now save 50 to 60 percent over last year’s hotel prices in Bali. As an example, last year the Bali Wood Property at Aston Kuta Residence was going for $206 per night and now it’s practically a steal at just $82 per night in May.
Paris: One of the most expensive cities in the world isn’t as steep as it used to be. For example, the four star Hotel Astra Opera - Astotel, which went for $249 last year, is currently listed at $149. You can even book
luxury hotels in Paris for up to 65 percent less per night than last year. The famous L’Hotel Paris, which travelers last summer booked for $832 per night, can now be booked for just $298. With places like the Louvre Mu-
seum and the Jardin des Tuileries in its back pocket, it should come as no surprise that Paris ranks highly among art and design lovers. The current low hotel room rates in Paris mean you can afford to wine and
dine yourself at luxury restaurant hot spots like L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon during your stay. Rome: A popular destination for foodies and home to the Vatican, Rome’s appeal to tourists is universal.
Staying in the city is now more affordable than ever. Rome’s current hotel room rates are up to 66 percent lower than last year’s prices. These savings mean you can extend your vacation and get even more scoops of gelato in Rome’s stunning Centro Storico neighborhood. Spain: The dollar’s strength translates into great deals across Spain, the perfect destination for people who love to experience local culture. Take in all the sites, like La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, while saving on hotels in Barcelona. You can also travel south to the municipality of Marbella, home to some of the most serene beaches in the world. You can find amazing deals with some properties in Marbella going for as much as 41 percent less than they cost just one year ago. Sydney: Australia is a dream destination for adventurers. You can take three different climbs up to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views of the city and the Blue Mountains make for an amazing day trip. Normally Sydney’s sky-high costs make it a tough sell for most Americans, but today’s exchange rates mean this summer is a great time to head down under. Dozens of four star hotels, including The Menzies Sydney, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel and Mercure Sydney are now going for less than $120 per night. Even five star hotels, like the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, that were going for $300 per night last summer are now going for $185 per night which represents a 38 percent savings.
Living 50 Plus • June 2015 15
A New Chapter In Caring
• State of the Art Facility providing professional care with compassion and respect. • Located among woods and fields just outside of Cassopolis. • Outstanding therapy department provides physical, occupational, and speech services. • Generously staffed nursing department to meet your needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Independent Living • Assisted Living • Specialized Care Our communities are thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs and demands of today’s seniors. Our care programs are designed specifically for each individual, providing the highest level of service when it’s most needed. As your needs change, we change with you. It is our privilege and honor to share in life’s journey.
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To my dearest friends at the Timbers of Cass County: I will never be able to express my gratitude enough to you when my mom was at her lowest, so I hope this tells you how I feel. To just say “thank you” for all you have done for my mom and my family would not even come close to what I feel when I think of you guys/gals. From giving her a bath, combing her hair, clipping her nails, feeding her, and the countless other things that you have and/or continue to do to keep her comfortable, happy, clean, and dignified, I will forever be grateful. For over the last several months, you guys/gals have taken care of her and are kind and compassionate to her. I know that if I can’t make it in to see her, she will still get the best of care. Your patience and love to her and the rest of the residents are evident in everything you say and do. I have witnessed it all, and I am thankful. From the nurses to the kitchen personnel, to the staff who clean everything, the administrative, maintenance, and laundry workers, and the rest of the workers, I salute you all. You keep the Home a clean, safe, friendly, and healthy place to live, a true “home,” a place to call their own, a place to find refuge and friendship and warmth. I know your jobs aren’t easy, but you make it seem that way. Your sense of humor is tested daily. The ability to laugh at yourself and joke with others is one of the most endearing qualities. Without Timbers and all you guys/gals to take care of my mother, I truly believe that my mother would not have made it through this. I could go on and on, but this should give you an idea of how I feel. It’s all you and you’re all great, and you have one of the most important jobs in the world. You are all friends. This note is too short to express my true gratitude for you guys/gals for treating my mom like one of your own. Hugs to all of you.
We are a Medicare & Medicaid Provider
Call (269) 782-7828 for more information
The Timbers of Cass County 55432 Colby St. • Dowagiac, MI
Visit our website at www.atriumlivingcenters.com
16
Living 50 Plus • June 2015
SI L V E R B R O O K
REHABILITATION & NURSING CARE CENTER
Mr. Shoemaker and his wife Serena of 52 years have lived in Niles their entire married life. On January 10, 2015 he was admitted into Memorial Hospital South Bend and upon discharge he was unable to return home with his wife. He and his wife chose Silverbrook Nursing & Rehab for his therapy needs. In just about 3 weeks of working with the Therapy Department at Silverbrook, he was able to return home independently. Mr. Shoemaker stated that he received excellent care and therapy at Silverbrook and would not hesitate to recommend the facility to others.
911 S. 3rd Street • Niles 269-684-4320 • www.silverbrookniles.com
• Cataract & A
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FRONT ROW Andrew M. Wang, M.D., Sarah
From left to right: Duane A. Tolsma, O.D., John W. Marohn, O.D., Andrew M. Wang, M.D., Sarah M. Cho, O.D., Michael S. Seward, M.D., David L. Cooke, M.D., David N. Brown, M.D., Stanley W. Pletcher, M.D. and Ronald L. McKey, M.D.
M. Cho, O.D., David L. Cooke, M.D. BACK ROW - Duane A. Tolsma, 0.D., John W. Marohn, O.D., Michael S. Seward, M.D., David N. Brown, M.D., Stanley W. Pletcher, M.D., Ronald L. McKey, M.D.
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