The Milestone Columbia River Senior Living

Importance of Annual Wellness Checks

No matter your age or stage of life, annual wellness checks are essential to your ongoing health.

Visiting your primary care provider for regular preventive care is one of the best ways to identify and treat health issues before they get worse. These visits help you track your progress toward optimal health goals.

What is an annual wellness check?

Rather than a quick exam, chat and some blood work, these visits include conversations about

family history and lifestyle, as well as checking your vital signs, reviewing your medications, and making a schedule for preventive screenings and immunizations. It also is a time to review existing health problems; determine what health issues may become a concern in the future and how to prevent them.

“It’s invaluable we get to know you as a person - your hopes and goals, your habits and health choices, and your personal and family medical history,” said Erica Didier, M.D., Skyline Health Medical Clinic family physician. “Having a regular annual wellness appointment allows your provider to work with you to prevent future health problems.”

Know your history

Sometimes the subject matter can be hard to dig into, especially because some families don’t share much about their relatives’ health issues. If you have a grandparent who suffered from alcoholism, which can be a genetic trait, it’s something important for your provider to know.

“Sometimes there are health questions a person hesitates to bring up,” continued Dr. Didier. “Health behaviors and preferences such as how much we use alcohol or nicotine, how well we sleep, or specifics of our sexual health can be uncomfortable for most people to talk about, but are vital to our overall health. At Skyline Health Clinic, we

Didier, M.D, Family Medicine Physician at Skyline Health Medical Clinic

Erica

ask all patients about these, as well as about anxiety and low mood. This helps us determine the most effective plan for care, screenings and assistance.”

Be Your Own Advocate

Patients are encouraged to be much more active participants in their own health care, so Dr. Didier advises collecting family medical history, rounding up bottles of any prescriptions, over the counter or herbal medications you use and making a list of any issues you’d like to address before your

appointment. “The more you know about your health, the more likely you are to be your own advocate,” said Dr. Didier. “It’s important to schedule your annual wellness visit and have an honest open conversation with your provider. It’s essential for your ongoing health.”

To schedule your annual wellness check with a Skyline Health Medical Clinic provider, call 509-637-2810. The clinic accepts same day appointments and walk-ins are welcome.

Most private and state insurers, and Medicare cover the cost of an annual wellness check.

Your Next Financial Steps

Growing

and protecting your nest egg provides peace of mind.

Americans who are 65 and older are moving into a period where they’ll be on a fixed income. Make sure you’re ready. Retirement can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of life, as long as you have your health and the means to live comfortably. Should a medical issue arise, it will be all the more important that you’re prepared to withstand whatever financial implications are involved.

CREATING A STRATEGY

Outliving your carefully constructed nest egg or encountering some unexpected complication that drains your savings could have a catastrophic impact on your retirement years. Preparing for those situations, while also ensuring that you can live your retirement to the fullest, will involve creating a strategy. Consider moving some of

your investments into lower-risk bonds and mutual funds, since high-risk options could present a near-term danger to your financial situation. At the same time, however, don’t go overboard when investing in any one segment. The American Association of Retired Persons still recommends maintaining a diverse portfolio. Becoming too conservative can have a negative impact on those who live past average life expectancy. The idea is to only shift a bit toward safer investments. If you’re unsure how to make this delicate balance work, contact a reputable financial advisor to help devise an approach that works for you.

STAY ON THE JOB

In some cases, it may not be financially possible to retire as the traditional age of 65. For others, continuing to work may help ease worries about outliving your nest egg. In some cases, including Social Security and pension plans, there are specific financial incentives for continuing to work. Changes in your field, interest rates or inflation-related pricing may also be a factor in your decision. Just remember to continue to contribute to your retirement plan as you go.

REAP THE BENEFITS

Federal and state government agencies offer a range of benefits for older Americans, all of which can help build savings for the future. Look into property-tax relief and energy-assistance programs to save money in immediate billing cycles. They’ll have local representatives who can tell you more about your eligibility and options. Take advantage of every-day discounts that are made available to seniors, from your local grocer to national parks. Consider downsizing to save on rent and utilities.

Benefits of Sex for Seniors

Sex isn’t necessarily the same; older bodies are different than younger bodies.

There are challenges that seniors face that they didn’t when they were younger. However, many seniors report that sex is now more creative, involves more touching and, without the worry of getting pregnant, is associated with less stress.

ADVANTAGES

Dr. Lindsay Wilson is a geriatrician with the University of North Carolina Hospitals

Geriatric Specialty Clinic. In an article she wrote for UNC, she said that sex can lead to increased emotional health and self-esteem. It also helps people build connection and intimacy with their partner. Physically, sex encourages seniors to move their body and be active. For women, it can help strengthen their vaginal tissue and pelvic floor muscles, which aids in fighting incontinence and prolapse.

CHANGES AND CHALLENGES

All of which is not to say sex for older people doesn’t come with some difficulties. Men are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. Vaginas shorten and narrow and the vaginal walls stiffen and thin. It can take more time for the vagina to lubricate naturally and there is usually less lubrication. The National Institutes of Health lists the following issues that can compromise or complicate the enjoyment of sex among older people: too much alcohol, arthritis, chronic pain, dementia, depression, diabetes, heart disease, incontinence, medications, obesity, Peyronie’s disease, stroke and surgery.

SAFE SEX

Just because you can’t get pregnant doesn’t mean you can ignore safe sex practices. Sexually transmitted diseases are a real thing. According to HealthinAging.org, older adults are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases than younger people are. They recommend doing four things to enjoy safe sex. First, do a background and body check. Talk about each other’s sexual history and then explore your partner’s genitals for sores, abnormal discharge and odors. Next, get yourself tested for AIDS/ HIV and STIs as some of the symptoms for these diseases are also associated with aging. Third, use a condom and waterbased lubricant every time you have any sort of sex (oral, vaginal or anal) — even during foreplay. Keep this up until you know your partner’s history and are in a sexually exclusive relationship. Finally, talk to your health care provider about how to protect yourself and whether you have any conditions that will interfere with safe sex.

SEX TIPS

Recognizing that sex is different as an older person, the Mayo Clinic has provided some tips on how to maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life. These include:

• Talk with your partner about sex.

• See a sex therapist.

• Expand your definition of sex. It doesn’t just have to be intercourse.

• Adapt your routines by having sex when you have the most energy and when you have more time.

• Don’t give up on romance.

• Stay healthy by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting your use of alcohol and not smoking. Sex is not a past-time reserved for the youth. On the contrary, many seniors report they are having the best sex of their life.

Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a form of fitness and meditation that is a low-impact activity, one that helps improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength, aerobic fitness and mobility. It’s an easy-onthe joints activity.

It is why yoga is great for seniors, even if you’re a complete beginner and have never done it before. According to the most recent Yoga in America Study, conducted in 2016 by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, more than 14 million people over the age of 55 practice yoga.

BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR OLDER ADULTS

In an article for Medicare Advantage, Christian Worstell, a Medicare and health

expert, lists several important benefits for older adults who practice yoga. These include:

• Reduced risk of a fall because yoga improves balance and stability.

• Greater flexibility and joint health, which can help manage osteoarthritis in older women.

• Improved respiratory health and ability to tolerate physical exertion.

• Lowered blood pressure.

• Reduced anxiety, stress and improved mindfulness and relaxation.

• Pain management, especially pain in the back or arthritis-related pain.

• Improved posture.

• Better digestion as yoga acts as an internal massage and stimulates the muscles needed for an effective digestive system.

• Strengthened bones as 10 minutes of yoga per day can increase bone density in the spine and hips.

• Improved circulation.

THINGS TO AVOID

In 2022, Duke Health released an article about the many benefits of yoga for senior adults, but it also issued a few warnings for adults who are new to the practice. When done incorrectly, yoga can cause injuries, which is also why people are encouraged to have an instructor rather than just learn from a video. Duke Health’s warnings include:

• Avoid straight-legged forward bends.

• Avoid seated postures on the floor.

• Avoid head-below-the-heart inversions.

• Keep the breath flowing and comfortable.

• Keep twists in the mid-range with a fluid quality of motion.

• Avoid extremes of movement and breathing.

The organization Yoga for Seniors certifies yoga practitioners in the specific needs of older adults.

YOGA POSES FOR SENIORS

So what are some good poses for seniors? That’s where a yoga instructor certified in working with older adults comes in. Yogiapproved.com suggests five gentle poses to start with: mountain pose, cobra pose, tree pose, and corpse pose.

CHAIR YOGA

While many seniors are physically fit and have few restrictions to the type of yoga they practice, there are others who have mobility impairments, balance issues or simply lack the confidence to do regular yoga. It’s why chair yoga has been created. Healthline.com says that chair yoga has all the benefits of regular yoga, but it is also able to help with joint lubrication, balance and age-specific issues like menopause and arthritis. Chair yoga is practiced while sitting in a sturdy chair (one without wheels). Poses focus on warm-ups, strength- and flexibility-building and cool downs. Like any other form of yoga, you’ll want to listen to your body and if you find it hard to breathe, back out of the pose.

MILESTONE | TECH TRENDS

Tech for Seniors

Nowadays, even the refrigerators and toasters are going high-tech, with options that are controllable with your phone.

The active aging industry in the U.S., which includes smart living tech, is expected to swell to a $30 billion behemoth, tech for seniors representing at least $900 million. Here are a few of the gadgets and gizmos that might help make your life easier.

EMBODIED LABS

This company offers an immersive program using virtual reality headsets that offer simulations in which caregivers take on

the persona of an aging person facing a variety of illnesses, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This will help caregivers develop empathy for their patients and improve the way they deliver care, the company’s founder, Carrier Shaw, told CNBC.

INTUITION ROBOTICS

This 2016 startup helps older people avoid loneliness and social isolation, two problems that can contribute to poor health. The ElliQ robot initiates conversation to help people stay in touch with family and friends and

engage in healthy behaviors, including reminders to take medications. It can also check the weather, suggest activities, and show photos sent by loved ones. Intuition partnered with Comfort Keepers, the largest home care provider in the U.S., for distribution.

NEURO REHAB VR

Another company using virtual reality in health care is Neuro Rehab VR. It uses virtual reality to tailor exercises for older patients undergoing physical therapy. It records physiological and kinematic responses and makes the experience more like a game.

VITALTECH

This cloud-based, connected care platform launched in 2018. It’s an emergency and

fall-detection watch that can also track vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation, as well as physical activity and sleep quality. The water-resistant, sweat-proof watch can also remind people to take medication and charges while someone’s wearing it. An app lets others monitor vital signs, historical readings, manage fall alerts and view nutritional information.

AGELESS INNOVATION

Hasbro alum Ted Fischer developed a series of robotic pets under the name. These fluffy companions interact with people the same way a living pet would, offering companionship and promoting happiness. The company says the pets have been shown to be an effective intervention in addressing loneliness in older people.

Navigating

With rooms, wings or entire floors that older people no longer use, dumping the big family home for something smaller and easier to care for is a popular choice. Here are some tips for how to downsize without maximizing your stress.

MAKE A PLAN

You’ll need to start thinking about downsizing well before you start planning your actual move. Downsizing and decluttering may even help you sell your current home more quickly and for

more money by showing off its spaciousness. Start off by deciding where you’ll move. Closer to family? To a treasured vacation spot? Then pick what kind of space you want. Detached homes offer more privacy, but townhomes and apartments come with less responsibility. Evaluate your lifestyle — don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help — and decide what options are best for you. Finally, make a timeline with achievable, reasonable goals. Pick a moving date, then work backwards, setting goals for booking a moving company (rule of thumb: the farther you’re going, the more notice they’ll need), finding a new place, selling your current home, and more.

START SMALL

Decluttering and getting rid of decades of memories is going to be tough. Start with small steps, like gifting cherished items to friends and

family. Go room by room through your home, matching up your things to your new space. Tackle practical things, first, like kitchen and bath supplies, beds and other items that you have to have. Save emotional items for last; it may be easier to let things go if you’ve gotten into a decluttering rhythm. Sort things into piles: keep, toss and give away. Don’t, whatever you do, fall into the trap of the maybe pile. Make a decision and stick to it to avoid hours of agonizing. Let go of multiple items (How many cookie sheets do you really need?) and take the time to thoughtfully process each item, especially the ones you’re letting go. Keep an eye on what you’re gaining in this move, not what you’re losing.

Dealing with Grief

As we age, one thing we have to deal with is losing the people around us.

Friends and family tend to die more frequently, leading to feelings of grief and loneliness that can, at times, be overwhelming even for the strongest among us. Seniors may also be mourning other things, like the loss of mobility, of health or of a beloved family home. Research shows that grief and the

ensuing loneliness impact elderly people differently, Psychology Today says. Stress in older people can decrease the functioning of the immune system. Grief and loneliness are also connected to heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, fearfulness and a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the magazine reports. Furthermore, loss after loss, as frequently happens in older people’s lives,

can lead to bereavement overload, Dr. Patrick Arbore said at a conference sponsored by the American Society on Aging. It is critical that seniors move forward with their grief, rather than getting stuck in it and become depressed. “Grief is an emotional pain that needs to be acknowledged and experienced,” Arbore said. That can come through simply talking about it. Open a conversation with someone who is grieving and listen to their memories of friends and family members, or even of places, past. Help acknowledge their loss and let them experience their grief at their own pace. These conversations may bring up the sadness they feel, but it will also let them remember and hold onto some of the happiest memories they have. Don’t make it about you; instead, remember that you’re there as a friend to support them. Remember that just like grief requires good

communication, it also needs space for people to process. Try to be on the lookout for when people need time to themselves to work out their feelings.

Here are some things you can do to help people work through their grief:

• Help out with daily stressors, such as cleaning, making meals or running errands

• Make a scrapbook of photos of their lost loved ones.

• Check on people enough so that you’re sure that they’re safe, but don’t smother them with additional love and pity. That may make them feel worse.

Seniors and Dating

Dating might seem like a young person’s game, but with more seniors living more active lifestyles, it can be an older person’s game, too. Here’s some advice for getting back out there on the dating scene.

DEALING WITH BAGGAGE

Older people tend to be more experienced, and that’s generally a good thing. But sometimes that experience is traumatic, such as in the death of a spouse or a divorce. Both experiences can lead to significant selfconfidence issues so before you start looking

to find a loving partner again, work on loving yourself. Give yourself time to heal before casting your nets for another special someone.

BE SELECTIVE

Make sure that when you’re looking for someone, you’re looking for the right someone. Make a list of the things you want in a partner and don’t settle for anything less. Remember, you’re not too old to date. And you’re worth doing it right. Think of each date as a learning experience and refine your list as you go.

HOW TO MEET PEOPLE

Dating these days is ruled by apps, there are plenty of apps out there, including those exclusively for older people. But that’s not the only way to meet someone new. Consider taking a class, volunteer for a cause that you’re passionate about, join a church. All of these are great places to meet people with common interests. Wherever you go, be present in the moment and not glued to your phone. Be ready to engage in wherever you are.

STAYING SAFE

Dating is exciting, but it can also be a scary place. Here are some tips for staying safe:

• Use different photos for your dating profile than for your social media pages. This makes it more difficult for someone to find you.

• Avoid connecting with suspicious profiles, such as those that only have one picture or no bio.

• Run your potential date through a search engine or ask a tech-savvy friend to do it for you.

• Beware of anyone who asks for money, even if it’s for a sudden personal crisis of some kind.

• Don’t give out your phone number or talk outside the dating app or site.

• Report any offensive behavior to the dating site immediately. This includes requesting financial assistance, requesting photographs, sending harassing or offensive messages, or any attempts to threaten or harm you.

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THE MILESTONE SENIOR DIRECTORY

ADULT FOSTER CARE HOMES

A Home Sweet Home

Hood River, OR • 541-387-5335

Anita Allen Foster Care

The Dalles, OR • 541-352-3504

Carolyn’s Adult Care

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-2554

Cascade Senior Care

The Dalles, OR • 541-993-2910

Cherry Street Manor II White Salmon, WA • 509-493-1084

Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living

The Dalles, OR • 541-370-2810

Margie’s Lyle Adult Family Home Lyle, WA • 509-365-5500

New Hope Farms Goldendale, WA • 509-773-3939

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ALZHEIMER’S & MEMORY CARE

Ashley Manor

Hood River, OR • 541-387-4514

Flagstone Senior Living

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5656

Providence Brookside Manor Memory Care Hood River, OR • 541-387-6370

▌ASSISTED LIVING, NURSING & ▌RETIREMENT HOMES

Ashley Manor

Hood River, OR • 541-387-4514

Bobbi’s Way In-Home Health Care Hood River, OR • 541-436-4515

Canyon Rim Manor Maupin, OR • 541-395-2515

Cascade Senior Care

The Dalles, OR • 541-993-2910

Cherry Heights Retirement The Dalles, OR • 541-296-6880

Columbia Basin Care The Dalles, OR • 541-296-2156

Flagstone Senior Living

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5656

Hawks Ridge Assisted Living Hood River, OR • 541-387-4087

Hearts of Gold Caregivers Hood River, OR • 541-387-0207

Helping Hands Home Care

The Dalles, OR • 541-436-4430

Hood River Care Center Hood River, OR • 541-386-2688

New Hope Farms Goldendale, WA • 509-773-3939

Oregon Veterans’ Home

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7190

Parkhurst Place Assisted Living

Hood River, OR • 541-387-4600

Providence Brookside Manor Hood River, OR • 541-387-6370

Providence Dethman Manor Hood River, OR • 541-387-8278

Providence Down Manor Hood River, OR • 541-387-8290

Summit Springs Village Condon, OR • 541-384-2101

Rock Cove Assisted Living Stevenson, WA • 509-427-7272

The Dalles Health & Rehab

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5158

The Springs at Mill Creek

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-1303

DENTURISTS

The Denture Specialist

Hood River, OR • 541-386-2012

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3310

▌ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION ▌ASSISTANCE & ADVOCACY

Adult Protective Services

800-452-2333

Helping Hands Against Violence

Hood River, OR • 541-386-6603

Haven from Domestic & Sexual Violence

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-4789

Skamania County APS

877-734-6277 (TTY) 1-800-977-5456

Klickitat County APS 800-459-0421 (TTY) 509-568-3086

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FUNERAL HOMES

Anderson’s Tribute Center: Celilo Chapel

Hood River, OR • 541-386-1000

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-2600

Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel

Goldendale, WA • 509-773-4646

Gardner Funeral Home Inc

White Salmon, WA • 509-493-1323

Spencer

Libby & Powell Funeral Home

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3234

▌HEARING AIDS TESTS & ▌COUNSELORS

Cascade Hearing Aid Center

Hood River, OR • 541-386-1666

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3300

Columbia Gorge Hearing Care

Hood River, OR • 541-298-8676

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-8676

Hear’s The Answer Hearing Center

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5558

Hearing Aid Counselors

Hood River, OR • 541-387-3277

My Hearing Centers

Hood River, OR • 541-716-4086

▌HEALTH CLINICS

Columbia Gorge Family Medicine

Hood River, OR • 541-386-5070

KVH Family Medicine

Goldendale, WA • 509-773-4017

Mid-Columbia Family Health Center

Stevenson, WA • 509-427-4212

NorthShore Medical Group

White Salmon, WA • 509-493-2133

One Community Health

Hood River, OR • 541-386-6380

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-4610

White Salmon Family Practice

White Salmon, WA • 509-493-1470

MCMC Internal Medicine

The Dalles, OR • 541-506-6920

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HOME HEALTH SERVICES

Bobbi’s Way In-Home Health Care

Hood River, OR • 541-436-4515

Hearts of Gold Caregivers

Hood River, OR • 541-387-0207

Helping Hands Home Care

The Dalles, OR • 541-436-4430

MCMC Visiting Health Services

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7280

Providence Home Health Hood River, OR • 541-387-6339

▌HOSPICE CARE

Heart of Hospice

Hood River, OR • 541-386-1942

Klickitat Valley Health Hospice

Goldendale, WA • 509-773-0380

Providence Hospice of The Gorge

Hood River, OR • 541-387-6449

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3228

HOSPITALS

Klickitat Valley Health

Goldendale, WA • 509-773-4022

Mid-Columbia Medical Center

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-1111

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Hood River, OR • 541-386-3911

Skyline Hospital White Salmon, WA • 509-493-1101

▌MEALS & FOOD ASSISTANCE

▌PROGRAMS

FISH Food Bank

Hood River, OR • 541-386-3474

Goldendale Food Bank Goldendale, WA • 509-773-5220

Meals on Wheels

Hood River, OR • 541-386-2060

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-8333

Stevenson Food Bank Stevenson, WA • 509-427-4334

St. Vincent DePaul Meals

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-9566

WGAP Food Bank Bingen, WA • 509-493-2662 800-755-1192

▌MENTAL HEALTH AND SUPPORT

▌GROUPS

Mid-Columbia Center for Living

Hood River, OR • 541-386-2620 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-5452

Brookside Manor Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group

Hood River, OR • 541-387-6370

Flagstone Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5656

Grief Share

Hood River, OR • 541-386-1049

Parkinson’s Support Group

Hood River, OR • 541-340-0142

Cancer Support Groups

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7585

Cancer CARE Support Group

Hood River, OR • 541-387-6445

▌OPTOMETRISTS

Cascade Eye Center

Hood River, OR • 541-386-2402

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-1101

Hood River Vision Clinic

Hood River, OR • 541-386-2747

Indian Creek Family Eye Care Hood River, OR • 541-386-1700

Mid-Columbia Vision

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-2911

Preferred Optical

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-5878

The Eyeglass Store

Hood River, OR • 541-386-3937

White Salmon Eye Care

White Salmon, WA • 509-493-2020

▌SENIOR SERVICES & ASSISTANCE

Addus Healthcare

Vancouver, WA (serving Klickitat County) 360-699-1222

ADRC Aging and Disability Resource Connection 855-673-2372

Chesterfield Services, Inc. Stevenson, WA • 509-427-0068 877-509-6847

Department of Human Services

Hood River, OR • 541-386-3199 The Dalles, OR • 541-298-4114

Eldercare Locator 800-677-1116

Gorge Action Program

Main Office

Bingen, WA • 509-493-2662 (800) 755-1192

Gorge Action Program

Goldendale, WA • 509-773-6834 800- 755-1192 Ext 300

Gorge Action Program

Skamania County

Stevenson, WA • 509-427-8229

800-755-1192 Ext 311

Hood River Valley Adult Community Center

Hood River, OR • 541-386-2060

Klickitat County Senior Services

White Salmon, WA • 509-493-3068 Goldendale, WA • 509-773-3757

Mid-Columbia Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging

The Dalles, OR • 541-298-4101

Mid-Columbia Community Action

Hood River, OR • 541-386-4027 The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5131

Mid-Columbia Senior Center

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-4788

Oregon Senior Peer Outreach Program

Columbia River Gorge 833-736-4676

Programs for Peaceful Living

Goldendale, WA • 509-773-6100

800-755-1192 Ext 320 Bingen, WA • 509-493-1533 800-755-1192 Ext 334

Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid 1-800-772-1213

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance

541-645-5351 541-298-4101

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services 877-501-2233

Washington State Home & Community Services Referral Line 1-866-323-9409

▌SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL &

▌RECREATIONAL

Hood River Valley Adult Center

Hood River, OR • 541-386-2060

Mid-Columbia Senior Center

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-4788

Community Education Hood River, OR • 541-386-2055

Hood River Aquatic Center Hood River, OR • 541-386-1303

Wasco County Aquatic Center

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-9533

▌TRANSPORTATION & SERVICES

CAT Bus

Hood River, OR • 541-386-4202

Link Bus

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7595

Mt. Adams Transportation Service

White Salmon, WA • 509-493-4662 Goldendale, WA • 509-773-3060

▌VETERANS’ SERVICES

Veterans’ Services

Hood River County • 541-386-1080 Wasco County • 541-506-2502

Oregon Veterans’ Home

The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7190

American Legion

Hood River, OR • 541-308-0000 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-9633

For additional resources visit your counties senior services online at

Hood River County www.hoodrivercounty.org

Klickitat County www.klickitatcounty.org

Sherman County www.co.sherman.or.us

Skamania County www.skamaniacounty.org

Wasco County www.wascocounty.org

Meaningful Gifts for Seniors

Many seniors are at a point in their life where they are downsizing, making it difficult to know what to get them as gifts.

Check out these gift ideas that they are likely to treasure and appreciate.

EXPERIENCES

The Gorge offers several opportunities to gift a memory making experiences! Tickets to movies, musicals, music, dance performances or symphonies are great gift ideas. Better yet, buy a block of tickets and make it a group outing that will build memories. Consider buying them classes at a local pottery or painting shop. Buy two samplers of teas — one for you and one for them — and have tea parties over Zoom or in person. Gift tickets to a local sporting event. Have they always wanted to learn to golf? Buy them golfing lessons. Pickleball is popular among seniors; buy a set of lessons. You can also provide your favorite senior with a day of indulgence. Consider getting a gift certificate for a mani/pedi or a day at the spa. Buy them a gift certificate to their favorite salon.

CONSUMABLES

Food and beverage can make great gifts for seniors, though you’ll want to be aware of what they can and cannot eat and if they are on a restricted diet. These gifts can range

from a basket of specialty sauces and jams to a coupon for a home-cooked gourmet meal that you will come and prepare in their home. There are also many companies that will deliver monthly boxes filled with a variety of surprises from pasta to wine to chocolates to smoked meats.

HEALTH-RELATED ITEMS

Gift a session with an aging-in-place specialist who can do a safety inspection of the senior’s home and make suggestions that can help them stay in their home longer. Fitness trackers and step counters aren’t just for the young. Pick out a model that is compatible with the recipients phone and comes with an app that provides workout programs.

SAFETY AND LOCATION ITEMS

A practical gift idea is to invest in tracking or location technology for seniors. Personal location devices can help people find their keys or other essential items. If you are willing to make a monthly investment, medical alert systems are a great gift that can help a senior stay in their home safely for longer. Home modifications can also help to achieve that goal. You can gift a senior such things as the installation of grab bars and rails.

NOSTALGIA

Other oft-beloved gifts are those that tap into nostalgia, that bring back memories of beloved moments. There are several services that will arrange interviews, sometimes in the form of several questions a month for a year. They will then gather up the answers and photos and create an autobiographical book. Consider giving a photo related gift. Digitize the senior’s collection of photos. Gift them with a digital photo frame that you’ve loaded with shared moments. Order a blanket that has been printed with photos or create a calendar.

MILESTONE

Reading in Retirement

One of the joys of retirement is that you finally have a chance to catch up on all that reading you’ve been wanting to do. Now you just have to figure out what to read.

Some of the best places to get recommendations for books to read are your family and friends, a local librarian, book clubs or online websites like Goodreads that help you find new books that match your past reading preferences. While there are plenty of online bookstores, a great place to find

treasures and get good reading suggestions are your local, privately owned bookstores. Or, to get you started, try some of the books recommended below.

SOMETHING OLD

Do you enjoy nostalgia? Something slightly historic and written in the style of bygone days? While doing research for his historical fiction series on Nellie Bly, author David Blixt uncovered her previously unpublished novels.

The lost novels of Nellie Bly include:

“The Mystery of Central Park”

“Eva the Adventuress: A Romance of a Blighted Life”

“New York by Night: A Female Reporter Tracking a $500,000 Robbery”

“Alta Lynn, M.D.: The Romance of Two Girls Who Married for Fun”

“Wayne’s Faithful Sweetheart”

“Little Luckie”

“In Love with a Stranger”

“The Love of Three Girls”

“Little Penny, Child of the Streets”

“Pretty Merribelle” “Twins and Rivals”

SOMETHING POWERFUL

Perhaps you are one of those people who in 2020 committed to reading more books about social justice. If so, here are some that have come highly recommended:

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot

“She Came to Slay” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

“Black Fortunes” by Shomari Wills

“The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson

“Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent” by Isabel Wilkerson

“Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly “March Trilogy” by John Lewis

SOMETHING TRUE

Do you enjoy the exciting stories of things that actually happened, whether little-known events or the ones that have shaped our

world? Here are some readable books about history:

“Between Hope and Fear: A History of Vaccines and Human Immunity” by Michael S. Kinch

“The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present” by David Treuer

“The Guns of August” by Barbara Tuchman “Guns, Germs and Steel” by Jared Diamond “1776” by David McCullough

“Assassination Vacation” by Sarah Vowell

“A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson

SOMETHING IN THE MIRROR

Everyone likes to be able to see themselves in what they read. If you are looking for books with older protagonists, start with this list: “A Man Called Ove” by Frederick Backman

The Ivy Malone mystery series by Lorena McCourtney

“Prime of Life” by P.D. Bekendam

“The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules” by Catharina IngelmanSundberg

“Call It a Gift” by Valerie Hobbs

“The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen” by Hendrik Groen

“Mr. Loverman” by Bernadine Evaristo “Live a Little” by Howard Jacobson “These Foolish Things” by Deborah Moggach

“The Buried Giant” by Kazuo Ishiguro

“The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman

Plan for Furry Friends MILESTONE

Pets play an important role in helping people stay healthy. This becomes even more true as we age.

Studies abound showing that seniors with pets have healthier hearts, more structured lives and suffer less loneliness and depression. A National Poll on Healthy aging co-sponsored by the AARP and the University of Michigan found that 88% of pet-owning adults aged 50 to 80 said their pets helped them enjoy life and 86% said their pets made them feel loved. Of the surveyed seniors who lived alone and were not in great health, 72% said their pets helped them cope with the symptoms of their ill health. However, there is a danger that pets will outlive their owners or that their owners will have to move to a rehabilitation center or a long-term community or assisted living facility. Dogs live 10 to 12 years on average and cats live 10 to 14 years on average. So, it is important to make plans for one’s pets, especially the older one gets.

ESTATE PLANNING FOR PETS

When you are doing your estate planning, make sure that your pets are cared for. Cheryl Sanford Aston, a volunteer and board member with Westie Rescue of

Missouri, told APlaceForMom.com that needs can change unexpectedly, which is why it is a good idea to include a guardian for your pet in your estate planning or enough money to fund veterinary care, boarding and expenses related to finding an animal a new home. Talk to your lawyer or estate planner about the possibility of setting up a trust for your pet. This lets you legally designate money, assets or property to pay for the cost of caring for a pet. A trust can also let you express your wishes about the type and level of care you want your pet to have.

SUPPORT FOR PET CARE

With all the benefits of having a pet — and with the bond formed with a pet — you want to be able to keep the pet for as long as possible. It can be heart-breaking to have to separate from them. It’s why pet services can prolong the time you have with your pet, especially if you start to lose some of your mobility and flexibility. Look into local dog walking services and services that will come to your home to perform grooming or scoop up the poop in your yard. Use online delivery services to order pet food or cat litter.

FINDING A NEW HOME

If you have to find a new home for your pet, first turn to family members. These are the people who are most likely to bond with your pet and can arrange for you to visit them. Research a good match for your pet and make sure the home is one that your pet will be compatible with. Consider reaching out to professional rehoming services such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet or Rehome with Love. You might also be able to get help from a breed-specific rescue organization or a no-kill shelter

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