GUIDE TO AGING WELL A Stanford University psychologist named Kelly McGonigal gave a memorable 2013 TED Talk about stress and how it’s been proven to be harmful to health—but only when the stress-sufferer believes that stress is harmful to health. She referenced a study of 30,000 adults who were asked to report their stress levels and to share if they believed stress to be harmful to their health. Those who experienced high levels of stress and believed that stress was bad for them had a 43 percent increased risk of dying. Those in the study who experienced a lot of stress but did not view it as bad for their health fared much better, health-wise— in fact they had the lowest risk of dying of anyone in the study! What this exposes about the power of our thoughts and attitudes relates not only to stress, but to any of the beliefs we form about ourselves and the world around us—including our beliefs about the aging process.
Almost all of the experts we interviewed asserted that continuing to stay engaged in life and involved in the activities that make us happy are some of the best ways to stay sharp and fulfilled as we get older. Of course, that’s not to say that eating right and exercising both our bodies and minds don’t influence the way in which we age— they absolutely do. “The 5 Best Ways to Stay Healthy As You Age” (page 96) offers tips to this end. Keep reading and here’s to aging well! What’s your take on aging? Do you agree that “age is a state of mind”? Please share your thoughts with us on Facebook (facebook.com/makeitbettter.net) or Twitter (twitter.com/makeitbetterns) using the hashtag #AgingWell.
PHOTO BY NATHANIEL PERRY
As one of the experts we interviewed for “Is Age Really a State of Mind?” (page 110) says: “I think a strong portion of our health is
dictated by the positive or negative messages we give ourselves.” If we tell ourselves that getting older means we’ll suffer cognitive declines, well, we just may be right.
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STAY HEALTHY AS YOU AGE BY BRITNI BERG
Aging is a natural process of life—and while we may not be able to control the fact that we age, we can definitely control how we do so. To discover the best ways to stay healthy as we age, we asked doctors and research professionals who study aging to share their secrets. 1. STAY ENGAGED IN THE ACTIVITIES YOU LOVE
Who ever insisted that as we age we must give up once beloved enjoyments? Linda Waite, the Lucy Flower Professor of Sociology at the University of Chicago and principle investigator in the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NS-
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HAP), suggests that as we age, we maintain involvement in activities that are important to us in order to enforce both mental and physical upkeep, as well as an improved quality of life. 2. CONNECT REGULARLY WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
While there’s not been a study about the effects of social media on aging, any component of connectivity is beneficial to the aging process. According to Dr. Aida Giachello, research professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, being a part of a social network has proven to reduce stress and increase the ability to enjoy life. Such connectivity can include spending time with children and grandchildren, or simply having lunch with an old friend—any activity that initiates communication with others. Not only does social contact make us feel good, it helps to combat loneliness and depression, which in older adults can lead to increased physical limitations. 3. GIVE BACK
Many retirees are eager to use their newfound free time as an opportunity to volunteer. When it comes to aging well, turns out these folks have the right idea! “The most gratification that a person could get is helping others [who] are more vulnerable,” Giachello says. “Any kind of activity in which you can talk to someone and smile is ultimately beneficial for your health.” Within their latest book, “The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHBROOK KNITTERS
THE 5 BEST WAYS TO
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“A lot of things that people like to do involve physical activity,” she says. “If you like to cook, you’re walking here, you’re chopping there, and that counts. It doesn’t have to be strenuous activity, you just want to avoid sitting for hours.” 5. DON’T WHITTLE AWAY THE HOURS… BUT DO TAKE NAPS!
Landmark Eight-Decade Study,” authors and professors of psychology Howard Friedman and Leslie Martin identify involvement with other individuals in worthwhile activities, such as helping others, as a core element in the healthy aging process. 4. DEVELOP A REGULAR EXERCISE ROUTINE
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHBROOK KNITTERS
It’s no surprise that exercise is essential for staying healthy throughout the aging process. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that healthy adults 65 and older perform 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week, paired with muscle strengthening activity two times a week. Waite clarifies that regular exercise does not necessarily need to be performed in a gym.
Friedman identifies a few common pastimes that are typically not helpful to the aging process. Such activities include sitting on the beach, watching television and doing crossword puzzles—anything that includes sitting idly for long periods of time. On the other hand, napping gets a thumbs up. Giachello says that napping is a simple way to increase both energy and alertness. As we age, nutrients fail to absorb as easily within the body, which can lessen energy. Naps, paired with vitamin supplements, can help keep our bodies healthy and regulated. While there are many choices we can make in order to age healthily and increase longevity, Martin points out that there is no specific recipe. The best advice? Get out there and tackle life in a way that’s meaningful to you.
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Evanston. “Three years ago, a rehab stay was double what it is today. Today, the average stay is 10 to 14 days, and some are as brief as five – depending on a person’s diagnosis and time required to heal.”
B Y S T U A R T G R E E N B L AT T THE NUMBER OF HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENTS performed in the United States yearly is currently more than one million and is expected to surpass four million by the year 2030. If you are suffering from severe arthritis or another debilitating joint condition then chances are you will be among them. You’re not alone. Joint replacements are more common than ever among a younger demographic because of sports injuries and resulting strain and deterioration.
RECOVERY TIMES SHORTER A primary concern for patients after surgery is the recovery period. Successful patient outcomes are directly related to rehab procedures following surgery. In fact, early recovery from hip and knee replacement has become dramatically easier from a patient’s standpoint. According to Lindsay McKenzie, administrator at Alden Estates of Skokie, surgical techniques are becoming more advanced, leading to less pain and faster recovery times. “Surgical technology is becoming more advanced every day,” says McKenzie. “Surgery is less invasive, hospital stays are shorter and people heal quicker.” The objective of post-surgery rehabilitation is to get you back on your feet and home as quickly as possible. “The goal of our short-term rehab program is to have people home as quickly and safely as possible,” says Emily Hanson, administrator, Alden Estates of
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BEING PROACTIVE IS SMART The decision you make about your post-surgery rehab can be just as critical as your selection of a surgeon. Here are some tips to follow about post-surgery rehabilitation: • Talk to your surgeon. Ask for opinions about their preferred rehab facilities and which ones have the best outcomes. • Ask around. Talk to family and friends about their rehab experiences and get recommendations. • Plan ahead. Many top rehab facilities can get busy so book ahead. • Visit the facility. You’ll be staying there for a week or more so find one that has good amenities like gourmet food, a place for family to visit and activities to keep you engaged.
“While getting you back on your feet and home is the objective, the trend is to make your stay like being in a five star hotel,” says McKenzie. “At Alden, we strive to set an industry standard others try to reach.”
U.S. News & World Report Best of 2015 Alden Estates of Evanston 2520 Gross Point Road l Evanston 847.328.6000 | AldenEstatesofEvanston.com Alden Estates of Skokie 4626 Old Orchard Road l Skokie 847.676.4800 | AldenEstatesofSkokie.com Alden North Shore 5050 West Touhy Avenue l Skokie 847.679.6100 | AldenNorthShore.com
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CONTINUING CARE FACILITIES
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Continuing care facilities are retirement homes that allow residents, if necessary, to shift into nursing-home care at the same site.
Additional Information
Provides 30 meals/month, an emergency system in all apartments, fitness center, pool with jacuzzi, steam and saunas, and social, educational, and cultural programs.
Covenant Village of Northbrook, Northbrook, 847-480-6380, covenantretirement.org
The Garlands of Barrington, 847-304-1996, thegarlands.com
amenities and convenient services.
Lake Forest Place, Lake Forest, 847-604-8800, lakeforestplace.org
The Lodge of Northbrook, Northbrook, 847-772-9100, lodgeofnorthbrook.com
Lutheran Home, a Lutheran Life Community, Arlington Heights 847-368-7400, lutheranhome.org
Guaranteed healthcare at accredited, not-forprofit, faith-based Life Care community nationally recognized for excellence. Offers a wide variety of living options and amenities.
An active, independent senior living community where
residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle.
Faith-based continuing care. Established more than 100 years ago. Neighbors enjoy a vibrant,
grace-filled lifestyle within a wide range of residential options.
Offers more than 90 social clubs and many wonderful
Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire, 847-876-2100, welcometosedgebrook.com
The Mather, Evanston, 847-440-7377 thematherevanston.com
The Moorings of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights, 847-956-4304, themooringsofarlingtonheights.org
Members enjoy a variety of housing options, gracious
amenities, including a fitness center with a pool, a creative art studio, and multiple dining options.
Located on the edge of downtown Evanston, The Mather is an all-inclusive community offering
investment protection, financial security, and access to long-term health care. Guaranteed healthcare at accredited, not-forprofit, faith-based Life Care community nationally recognized for excellence. Offers a wide variety of living options and amenities.
Three Crowns Park, Evanston, 847-3288700, threecrownspark.com
Community (CCRC) with 120 years of service in a
Vi at the Glen, Glenview, 888-697-7105, viliving.com/theglen
Shore of Chicago!
Westminster Place, Evanston, 847-570-3422, westminsterplace.org
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Not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement
quiet neighborhood of Northwest Evanston.
Vi at The Glen is Redefining Senior Living on the North
Guaranteed healthcare at accredited, not-for-profit, faith-based Life Care community nationally recognized for excellence. Offers a variety of living options including apartments, townhomes and cottages.
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RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
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Facilities listed as retirement communities are those in which a senior is expected to function independently.
Additional Information
The Seasons offers an ideal home in a quaint yet convenient neighborhood setting.
Brookdale Plaza, Northbrook, 847-803-7100, brookdaleliving.com
Brookdale Plaza, Vernon Hills, 847-793-0793, brookdale.com
services. Largest indoor Rainforest in the midwest.
Chestnut Square at The Glen, Glenview, 847-904-5100, chestnutsquare.info
able entrance fee, flexible dining and 24-hour security.
cise classes, eat-in kitchens, weekly scheduled shuttle.
Luther Village, Arlington Heights, 847-506-1919 luthervillage.com
apartment-style homes, all with 100 percent equity
Mather Place of Wilmette, 847-2569555, matherplaceofwilmette.com
The Merion, Evanston, 847-864-6400, merionevanston.com
Ten Twenty Grove, Evanston, 847-866-2111, presbyterianhomes.org/ten-twenty-grove
Crestwood Place, Northbrook, 847-272-0170
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Also offers Assisted Living and Home Care Nursing Elegant 1- & 2-BR apartments with 100 percent refundVillage-owned, reasonable rent, social activities, exerA wide variety of maintenance-free townhomes and ownership, on a lush 60-acre campus.
Mather Place of Wilmette offers a boutique living
experience through a strong sense of community, reputation, and wide array of support services.
The Merion is redefining retirement lifestyles by
offering apartments for lease for those with the most discerning tastes and expectations.
Educational and cultural programs, wellness nurse,
social services, and access to dining services, and fit-
ness center with heated pool. CCAC-CARF accredited.
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ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
Alden Courts of Des Plaines, 847-2940644 aldencourtsofdesplaines.com
Alden Gardens of Des Plaines, 847-2940644, aldengardensofdesplaines.com
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Assisted-living facilities offer additional care for adults who, for the most part, can function independently.
Additional Information
Alden Courts of Des Plaines offers dignified living in a safe and secure environment. Personalized care, specialized programming and a highly skilled staff offer the finest in memory care and assisted living. Alden Gardens of Des Plaines offers you the opportunity to remain independent while providing the right level of assistance to make your life as enjoyable and carefree as possible. Three meals/day, daily bed making and room upkeep, weekly housekeeping, specialized activities, comprehensive wellness program, and pastoral care.
Axelson Assisted Living at Covenant Village of Northbrook, 847-412-7350, covenantretirement.org
Belmont Village of Buffalo Grove, 847-537-5000, buffalogrove.belmontvillage.com
programs, and private and companion apartments.
Belmont Village of Glenview, 847-657-7100, glenview.belmontvillage.com
Licensed nurses on sight 24/7, enrichment and social Three meals/day, daily bed making and room upkeep,
weekly housekeeping, specialized activities, compre-
hensive wellness program, and pastoral care.
Only two blocks west of Hawthorn Center Mall
Hawthorn Lakes, Vernon Hills, 847-367-2516, brookdaleliving.com The Highlands at Westminster Place, 847-866-1615, presbyterianhomes.org/ westminster-place
and has access to a variety of restaurants and local
pool, computer lab, educational and cultural programs, well-
attractions.
On-site pharmacy and clinic, fitness center with classes and ness nurses, and social services. CCAC-CARF accredited.
The Highlands at King Home, Evanston, 847-866-2111, presbyterianhomes.org/ king-home
The Highlands at The Moorings of Arlington Heights, 847-956-4095, presbyterianhomes.org/the-moorings-ofarlington-heights
experienced nurses, computer lab, social services, and
North Shore Place, Northbrook, 224-5346640, seniorlifestyle.com
assisted living & memory care luxury apartments
Silverado Senior Living of Highland Park, 224-765-0094, silveradocare.com
specializes in Alzheimer’s and memory care.
industry-leading healthcare providers, Morton Grove
Silverado Senior Living of Orchard Park, Morton Grove, 847-825-1161, silveradocare.com
Educational and cultural programs within close-knit
community, wellness nurses, social services, access to
fitness center with heated pool. CCAC-CARF accredited. Educational and cultural programs, 24-hour care from secured memory care. CCAC-CARF accredited.
North Shore Place is the first of Senior Lifestyle’s Signature Collection properties offering upscale complete with first class amenities & support. A state-of-the-art retirement care community that With a vibrant downtown, community events, and
Summit of Uptown, Park Ridge, 847-825-1161, summitofuptown.com Sunrise of Wilmette, 847-256-1600, sunriseseniorliving.com
offers a relaxed lifestyle minutes from the big city.
Modern retirement living with completely renovated
large apartments, upgraded amenities and beautifully
appointed social spaces.
Special Intimate Memory Care Community for 34
residents. Serving the North Shore for eight years.
Terrace Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, Morton Grove, 847-470-4550,
living. Our approach is rooted in celebrating the indi-
The Willows, Vernon Hills, 847-367-2516, brookdaleliving.com
scenic views from its location on Big Bear and
assisted living, Alzheimer’s care, adult day services
Weinberg Community for Senior Living, Deerfield, 847-374-0500, cje.net
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At Terrace Gardens, we plant the seeds for purposeful viduality of each resident.
You’ll love its inviting walking paths and the Little Bear lakes.
A friendly, community-based environment featuring and respite care.
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NURSING HOME FACILITIES
Additional Information
The Abington of Glenview also features a 17-bed memory support unit and offers Vital Stimulation Therapy for swallowing disorders.
Alden Des Plaines, 847-768-1300, aldendesplaines.com
Alden Des Plaines specializes in short-term rehab, post-acute services and transitional care to get you back home—and back to doing the things that matter most—as quickly and safely as possible.
Alden Estates of Barrington, 847-3826664, aldenestatesofbarrington.com
Rated a 5-Star Facility by U.S. News & World Report. Do you need a few days of therapy or weeks of rehab? Receive intensive therapy with 5-star amenities.
Alden Estates of Evanston, 847-3286000, aldenestatesofevanston.com
Alden Estates of Skokie, 847-676-4800, aldenestatesofskokie.com
Alden Estates of Evanston offers an optimal transition from hospital to home. The rehabilitation center is newly renovated with a new focus on short-term rehab, transitional care & post-acute services.
Alden Estates of Skokie is the only short-term orthopedic recovery center on the North Shore… and is the most exclusive. Featuring all private suite accommodations.
Remodeled Rehab Unit and Extended Care Unit. Optimal Rehabilitation Program with individualized care plans.
When you rehabilitate at Alden North Shore, we help you restore functionality and gain confidence and independence. We work on a smooth, successful transition from hospital, through rehab, to home.
Balmoral Care Center, Lake Forest, 847-604-6704, lakeforestplace.org
Educational and cultural programs, registered nurses on-site 24 hours, and a memory care center with secured outdoor garden.
Brandel Health and Rehabilitation Center, Northbrook, 847-480-6350, covenantretirement.org
Brandel Care Center provides extended-stay nursing care to seniors with varying levels of disabilities.
Bella Terrace, Morton Grove, 847-9658100, bethanymethodist.org
A North Shore leader in health and rehabilitation services, with beautiful private suites available.
Alden Long Grove, 847-438-8275, aldenlonggrove.com Alden North Shore, Skokie, 847-6796100, aldennorthshore.com
Brentwood provides skilled nursing around the clock, including anything the residents may need and activities of daily living such as feeding, dressing, grooming, bathing, dining, activities, medicine, etc.
Glenview Terrace, Glenview, 847-7299090, glenviewterrace.com
Glenview Terrace accepts Medicare and most insurance programs, and is Joint Commission accredited.
Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre, Wheeling, 847-459-8700, greekamericancare.org
Grosse Pointe Manor, Niles, 847-647-9875, grossepointemanor.com
“Where Love Never Grows Old.” Come to Grosse Pointe Manor for short-term rehab or long-term care.
The Grove of Evanston, Evanston, 847-316-3320, thegroveofevanston.com
The Grove offers a level of clinical sophistication and personalized attention that is not possible in other settings.
The Grove of Northbrook, Northbrook, 847-564-0505, groveofnorthbrook.com
Brentwood North Healthcare and Rehab Center, Riverwoods, 847-947-9000, brentwoodnorthrehab.com
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Provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as long and short-term nursing, hospice, and memory loss care.
We improve the lives of the residents we serve, providing exceptional specialized healthcare by focusing on their comfort, strength, mobility and independence.
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The Abington of Glenview Skilled Rehabilitation and Long Term Care, 847-729-0000, theabington.com
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Nursing home facilities offer basic to skilled care for adults dependent on others for daily functions, with medical staff available 24 hours a day.
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NURSING HOME FACILITIES (CONT’D)
Highland Park Nursing and Rehab, Highwood, 847-432-9142, hpnrc.com Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation, 847-674-7210, cje.net/ skilled-nursing/lieberman-center-healthrehabilitation
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Nursing home facilities offer basic to skilled care for adults dependent on others for daily functions, with medical staff available 24 hours a day.
Additional Information
ManorCare Libertyville, 847-816-3200, hcr-manorcare.com
Nestled away in a quiet neighborhood, it’s an ideal place for short-term rehab or long-term care. Lieberman offers infusion therapies and wound care service, as well as hundreds of life enrichment opportunities (excursions, art classes, workshops) monthly.
Staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists, registered dietician, recreational therapist, and social services. Partnerships with specialists in wound care and physiatry. Staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists, registered dietician, recreational therapist, and social services. Partnerships with specialists in wound care and physiatry.
ManorCare Northbrook, 847-795-9700, hcr-manorcare.com
ManorCare Wilmette, 847-256-5000, hcr-manorcare.com
Maryhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Glenview, 847-729-1300, maryhaven.reshealth.org
McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion of Presbyterian Homes, Evanston, 847-570-3422, westminsterplace.org
Accredited by CCAC-CARF. Offering memory care (Foster Pavillion) with secured outdoor garden. Award-winning health care. Medicare-certified.
Radford Green at Sedgebrook Lincolnshire, 847-876-2401, radfordgreen.com
5 Star Ratings with Medicare.gov. All private suites, short-term rehabilitation, assisited living, memory care and long-term care.
Resurrection Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Park Ridge, 847-692-5600, resurrectionnursing.reshealth.org
Subacute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, pain management, wound care, IV therapy, spiritual services.
Staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists, registered dietician, recreational therapist, and social services. Partnerships with specialists in wound care, cardiology, and physiatry. Subacute rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, home-like and newly remodeled rooms, pain management.
Symphony of Evanston, 847-492-7700, symphonyofevanston.com
Warren Barr, Highland park, 847-266-9266, warrenbarrnorthshore.com
Warren Barr North Shore Has one of the largest rehab facilities in the northern suburbs.
Warren Barr, Lincolnshire, 847-883-9000, warrenbarr.com
Separate residential areas for different levels of care and cognitive function.
Westmoreland Nursing Center, Lake Forest, 847-535-6797, lfh.org
Outstanding care and tremendous longevity among staff.
Whitehall of Deerfield accepts Medicare and most insurance plans, and is Joint Commission accredited.
Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare Center, 847-945-4600, whitehallof deerfield.com
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A US News & World Report Best Nursing Home for 2015.
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IS AGE REALLY A
STATE OF MIND? BY MELISSA NOBLE
It seems like every year or so we read about that 80-year-old marathon runner who practices yoga daily. Or we’ll learn about a centenarian business owner who eats raw eggs and has the sass and vigor of Samantha Jones. NOT TO MENTION THE INDESTRUCTIBLE Keith Richards—a living testament to the fact you can contradict everything a doctor tells you and still live to see 70. Which raises the age-old philosophical and physiological question: How much control do we really have over feeling young? Is eternal youthfulness doled out to a few lucky souls who won a genetic lottery? Or can we all attain it? Helen Troncoso, the CEO and founder of Reinventing You, says feeling old can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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Many people have preconceived notions of aging, and unconsciously set themselves up for feeling decrepit once they think they should. “If, for example, they believe aging brings about a major decline physically and mentally, they may perceive any ‘normal’ change as negative,” she says. “This will cause them to change their behavior to match any decline they believe they’re experiencing.” Dr. Francine Lederer, a clinical psychologist and expert on aging, life balance, life transitions and mindfulness, agrees and has observed that true spryness can be boiled down to positive thinking. “I think a strong portion of our health is dictated by the positive or negative messages we give ourselves,” she says, adding that deep friendships do wonders for both the mind and body. “Connections, connections, connections,” she says. “I can’t speak enough about the importance of surrounding yourself with people you trust and truly feel comfortable with. Research shows that the people who live the longest come from the poorest countries like Vietnam or Columbia. It’s having a sense of community that prolongs our life.” While having a Scrabble partner in the nursing home is wonderful and all, it isn’t everything. Preserving one’s youth is a delicate mix of togetherness and alone time. Dr. Ralph Diner, a medical psychologist, stresses the importance of being “in the flow.” Even going so far as to hypothesize that “mindfulness” can halt aging. But what does that mean, exactly? How does one practice “being present”? “Staying present is about being in the here and now,” he says. To be in the flow, he says, one must be absorbed in an activity they love: art, writing, gardening, having sex, meditating, yoga—anything to get you in a trancelike state. “It’s to be in a timeless, eternal moment. Free of pain,” he says. “That results in the pumping of blissful chemistry, which is competitive to pain, depression and the process of aging.” So at its core, is the fountain of youth just distraction in disguise? Is the secret to staying young as simple as diverting attention from the inevitable passing of the years? In short, yes. “Staying in the present time can allow one the ability to focus on life right now as opposed to what’s to come,” says Lederer. “I think people who are ageless are those who tend to stay busy and focused on achieving goals. They tend to be driven by accomplishments and seeing things through.”
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HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE FACILITIES Phys ical T hera py Relig ious Serv ices Rest aura nt-S tyle Dinin Shor g t Ter mC are Spee ch & / Occ upat or iona l The rapy Tran spor tatio n Se rvice s
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Home health and hospice care ranges in services from monthly visits to round-the-clock care. Hospice specifically provides care for the terminally ill and focuses on alleviating pain and providing comfort.
Additional Information
A-Abiding Care has provided personalized private-
A-Abiding Care, Park Ridge, 847-6981400, aabidingcare.com
duty home care since 1983.
Home Instead, Northbrook, 847-673-1250, homeinstead.com
from Alzheimer’s care to senior home care and
LivHOME, Inc., Skokie, 847-470-1703, livhome.com/skokie
Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, Glenview, 847-467-7423, carecenter.org Rainbow Hospice, Park Ridge, 847-6928899, rainbowhospice.org Right At Home of North Suburban Chicago, Northbrook, 847-374-8400, rightathomensc.com
companionship.
We enhance the safety and quality of seniors’ lives who choose to stay in their own homes.
As one of the first 50 hospices in the U.S., Midwest CareCenter provides hospice and palliative care to patients and their families in 150 communities. Rainbow Hospice is among the oldest and largest nonprofit organizations serving Chicagoland. Right at Home is a leader in the in-home senior care industry. Trained caregivers provide quality in-home care for seniors and disabled adults who need some assistance to maintain independence.
keeping, meal prep, bathing assistance, medication
SASI provides in-home care for adults, i.e., light housereminders and transportation. They make living easier.
PHOTO <CREDIT>
Services for Adults Staying In Their Homes (SASI), Evanston, 847-864-7274, SASIathome.org
Provides personal care in everything it does,
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#AGING
ELDERLY GET A DOSE OF THE
VERY BEST MEDICINE
BY LISA STEIN
Teri McEvoy has just been told she is better than a furry Prozac, and she couldn’t be happier. The veteran Chicago actress stands in the middle of a circle of silver-haired improv students who are still laughing over a shared joke and telling her what they’ve learned in the last hour. BY “FURRY PROZAC,” CLASS MEMBER Cynthia Wilcox refers not to the latest antidepressant or trendy sensory therapy, but to the mood-raising effect of McEvoy’s interactive improv classes, which she says make her even happier than seeing a friendly, tail-wagging dog. “One thing I like about this class is that no one is judging anyone,” says Anne Schultz, who has attended McE-
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voy’s workshops at The Breakers retirement home in Chicago for years. “That comes from you as a teacher.” Many of McEvoy’s students share that feeling. “The laughing here is non-stop,” says Kenn Piotrowski, who lives at Friendship Village in Schaumburg. “Tonight I’ll be telling all my friends about what we did today. Teri removes our inhibitions so that we just have fun.” “You will hear laughter roaring from this room,” says Jeannette Magdaleno, a coordinator at Friendship Village. “There’s nothing else like this out there that I’ve heard about. People didn’t understand what the class was about at first, but then it spread word-of-mouth. Now if a class is canceled, I hear about it.” “Improve-isation,” as McEvoy calls her workshops, combines memory and word games, storytelling, and improvised scenarios that challenge people to think on their feet. “The seniors I work with are so creative and quick. They’re funny, and they like to have fun,” McEvoy says. A Second City-trained comedian and actor, McEvoy made her living for over 20 years in voiceover and commercial work, as well as in TV shows and films. She came up with the idea of senior improv after using word games to cheer up her own mother during an illness several years ago. McEvoy adapted some of her favorite improv exercises to a senior audience, and pitched the idea to senior communities near her home in Evanston. She now teaches at more than a dozen centers across the North Shore, Chicago and western suburbs. McEvoy begins each class with an exercise, such as a tongue twister (“epitome of femininity” and “Greek grapes” are some favorites) designed to loosen tongues and get creative juices flowing. She then moves onto longer scenarios, making sure everyone stays involved and talking, cracking jokes as she walks around the room. For example, she divided the class at Friendship Village into small groups and told them they would teach a class on a topic of their choosing. “I’m starting a school and it’s called Friendship University. But we won’t use the initials for this one.” The class was quiet for a second as the joke sank in, then they all burst out laughing. McEvoy went on. “So what I want you to do is have fun with this. I had someone this week say, ‘I don’t know anything about this subject.’ I know—that’s what makes it better. That’s when the improv comes into play. That’s when you’re using your creativity.”
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PHOTO BY MADELINE STEIN
Karl Rosengren, a developmental psychologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says that current research confirms the effectiveness of McEvoy’s approach. “[Teri] is doing a number of things that are really good. Her classes involve working in a social group, and one of the advantages of that is it keeps people engaged. Many interventions with older adults fail because of a lack of a social component.” In addition to social and emotional boosts, Rosengren says, McEvoy’s classes offer cognitive benefits. “You want to be doing things that require flexibility in your thinking and that make you do novel things. Improv taps into behaviors that seem to promote cognitive function in older adults. It gets them to use their minds in flexible ways. What you don’t want to do is the same old, same old. That’s why learning a second language or a new instrument is better than playing Sudoku over and over.” Regardless of the myriad benefits, McEvoy’s students simply enjoy the chance to let loose, share jokes, be listened to and appreciate the absurdity of the human condition, no matter what their age. “Nobody tries to be funny here,” Schultz says. “It’s funny just to be human.”
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#GIVE
BY MAUR A FL AHERT Y
GI V E SU PP ORT
GIVE STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED The Posse Foundation 312-566-9790 possefoundation.org Volunteer to help Posse identify urban high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by the traditional college selection process. The Posse Foundation places students in supportive, multicultural teams—“Posses”—of 10 students to attend college together and increase their chances of success. The organization identifies students through the Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP), a unique, threeround interview process for selecting Posse Scholars. The first round consists of a group interview in which up to 100 high school students participate in a series of interactive, engaging activities. Volunteers help observe students and assess their leadership, communication and teamwork. DAP volunteers are required to attend a onehour training to learn “How to Spot a Posse Scholar.” Once you have completed the DAP training, you can choose one or more evenings to participate.
PROVIDE A STUDENT WITH MUSIC EDUCATION The People’s Music School 773-784-7032 | peoplesmusicschool.org Make a donation online at peoplemusicschool.org and help People’s Music School deliver high-quality, tuition-free music education. With recent cuts to school arts programs, hundreds of children are being denied access to arts education. A donation can help the People’s Music School provide intensive instruction and performancetraining free of cost to a student. During the 2013-2014 school year, the People’s Music School served 375 students in the Metropolitan Chicago area with over 70,000 hours of instruction. The school helps students achieve excellence in music that transfers to other areas in life: students grow musically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, resilience and purpose.
GIVE THINGS
GIVE TIME
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SUPPORT THE SEARCH FOR A CURE FOR DIABETES Friends for the Cure 773-702-4802 | friendsforthecure.com Make a donation at friendsforthecure.com and click the “DONATE” tab at the top to fund diabetes research at the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center. To date, Friends for the Cure has helped raise more than $2.4 million for diabetes research. Margery Teller started the organization after her 18-month-old daughter was diagnosed with diabetes. Friends, colleagues and family of Teller offered their support and created the Friends for the Cure committee. The goal is to raise as many research dollars as possible to fund outstanding clinical research happening in our own backyard. All donations go directly toward the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center’s research efforts. FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY Purple Asparagus 312-906-7622 | purpleasparagus.com Did you know that in some low-income communities in Chicago the childhood obesity rate is as high as 70 percent? Make a donation online at purpleasparagus.com/donate and help Purple Asparagus fight the obesity epidemic by providing hands-on nutritional education via schools, community organizations and farmers’ markets across Chicago. A donation of $55 will provide one child with nine months of access to curriculum called “Delicious Nutritious Adventures,” which teaches children about food that is good for the body and good for the planet. Another great way to support the work of Purple Asparagus is to attend their annual event, Corks & Crayons. Go to corksandcrayons.com to learn more!
DONATE BASIC NECESSITIES TO THOSE IN NEED Lincoln Park Community Shelter 773-549-6111 | lpcsonline.org Donate items to Lincoln Park Community Shelter and help our homeless neighbors meet their basic needs. The Lincoln Park Community Shelter has been providing shelter and basic necessities to homeless men and women for over 28 years. LPCS provides interim housing and social services to over 300 people every year. If you are planning to drop off donations, please call ahead at 773-549-6111, ext. 216 to schedule an appointment. Items on the shelter’s current wish list include: toothpaste (travel sizes preferred), razors, shaving cream, deodorant, sunscreen (travel sizes preferred), mouthwash (alcohol free and travel sized), socks, floss, men’s white t-shirts, men’s shoes (gently used or new) and underwear (both men’s and women’s).
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THANK YOU READERS
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