Grandparent Medical Trip
Concierge Service available for Older Adults and Veterans.
Meals on Wheels
Solano County
Announces Tablet Program.
Solutions to help grow your money.
Bryan-Braker Funeral Home
Chas seen a significant increase in the demand for cremation services. More religions and faiths are allowing and accepting cremation as a final resting choice, and cremations can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional burials. Other reasons families are choosing cremations include flexibility in planning services for a time all family members can attend.
Once you have made the decision that cremation is right for you, the next step is to gather some more information. Choosing the right cremation provider and planning your final arrangements in advance has many advantages. Having your final plans in place is not only a sound economic decision but a thoughtful decision for your family. With your wishes documented and funded, it relieves your family from the financial pressure and decision-making during this difficult time.
It is a common misconception that services cannot be held when cremation is chosen. Meaningful and beautiful memorial services, or “celebrations of life,” can still be
• 1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield 707-425-4697
• bryanbraker.com info@bryanbraker.com
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
arranged when choosing cremation. The memorial service or celebration of life is still an important part of the grieving process when losing a loved one. Another common misconception is the choices you have for a final resting place for your cremated remains. Almost all cemeteries offer in-ground or above-ground locations for cremated remains. Above-ground locations, called niches, are individual locations located in columbariums. A marker memorializing the loved one is placed on the front of the niche. Other options include arranging for your cremated remains to be scattered on land or at sea.
Cremation services are provided by cremation centers, cremation societies and funeral homes. Most providers offer free preplanning services for you to ask questions and gather more information. A well-established
provide step-by-step guidance throughout the process, both with you while pre-arranging your services and with your family at their time of need. The employees should be knowledgeable, professional and caring. You should feel comfortable asking questions and leave feeling like you have a good understanding of the process.
Some funeral homes own and operate their own crematory, keeping your loved one in their care throughout the entire process; while others have a partnership or connection with an offsite cremation center. Word of mouth or referrals from family and friends are always a good place to start when choosing your cremation provider.
Once you have decided on a funeral provider, it is important to let your family know about the arrangements. This way your family knows who to contact when your time comes. Having these plans in place is one of the more thoughtful gifts you can leave your loved ones, enabling them to grieve without the stress of choosing a provider and planning arrangements.
Investing is often portrayed as something people need not worry about after retirement. The theory that people should avoid risk as they approach and reach retirement age makes sense, as the unknown of investing can expose aging individuals to losses that compromise their ability to live comfortably on fixed incomes.
Though conventional wisdom regarding financial risk and aging still makes sense, the effects of inflation over the last year-plus have highlighted how important it can be for
seniors to keep growing their money even after they retire. Fortunately, various strategies can help seniors grow their money without exposing them to considerable risk.
• Look into high-yield savings accounts. Interest on savings accounts was once a great way for individuals to grow their money. But interest rates on standard, no-minimum-balance accounts are now so low that the growth in interest is negligible. However, individuals with sizable savings, such as seniors, can explore high-yield savings accounts. High-yield savings accounts offer much higher interest rates than
standard accounts. The rules governing eligibility to open such accounts differ between financial institutions, but many mandate that account holders have high minimum balances, typically in the neighborhood of $250,000. So long as account holders maintain that minimum balance, they can accrue penalty-free interest without exposing their money to the risks of the market.
• Consider other exclusive bank accounts. High-yield savings accounts are not the only way seniors’ banks may be able to help grow their
For Solano County veterans and seniors aged 60 years or older, the Medical Trip Concierge Services Program provides up to 20 reduced cost trips per month to medical and other essential appointments around Solano County, utilizing Uber, Lyft, and B811 Medical Transportation through GoGo Grandparent. For many older adults, standard rideshare services are unsuitable since they may not have a vehicle opti mized for their specific mobility needs, such as being able to easily get in or out of a vehicle or offering storage for walkers and wheelchairs. GoGo Grandparent is a ridesharing service dedicated to older adults and those with a disability.
This Solano older adults Medical Trip Concierge Program using GoGo Grandparent was developed in response to the high priority mobility need of older adults and persons with disabilities to be able to travel to medical appointments. This need was identified after extensive outreach by the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) during city and countywide transportation summits conducted during 2017-18 to update the STA’s Solano County Mobility Plan for older adults and people with disabilities. The program was implemented in April 2019 and provides 20 reduced-fare Lyft and Uber rides to medical appointments for Solano County residents aged 60 and older.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity to expand the program to include ambulatory Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) certified individuals who were unable to get to medical or other essential services using the Intercity Taxi Card program due to a
shortage of cab drivers. In April 2022, the program was expanded to include Solano County veterans to enable them to get to medical appointments at the Martinez Veterans Affairs Clinic, two other locations in Contra Costa, and onto Travis Air Force Base. There are no age restrictions for either veterans or ADA-certified individuals with this program. In its most recent expansion, the Medical Trip Concierge Services Program partnered with B811 Medical Transportation to provide patrons with wheelchair accessible vehicles.
To date, the Medical Trip Concierge Services Program with GoGo Grandparent has provided 27,435 rides to Solano County residents.
For more information about the GoGo Grandparent Medical Trip Concierge Service or other Solano Mobility programs, please visit solanomobility.org or call (800) 535-6883, Monday – Friday, 8am–5pm.
The benefits of spending time in the great outdoors are significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending time outdoors may improve mental health and help to reduce stress, and the vitamin D the body absorbs while outside can have a positive effect on blood cells and the immune system.
Seniors can benefit from the great outdoors as much as anyone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which strengthens bones. That’s especially beneficial for seniors, as the National Council on Aging notes that bone density often decreases after age
50, which can increase the risk of fractures. That’s especially so in women over the age of 50, as a 2021 report from Amgen, Inc., indicated women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density within five to seven years of menopause.
Spending time in the great outdoors also provides a social benefit, encouraging individuals from all walks of life, including seniors, to get out of their homes and spend time with other people.
With so much to gain from spending time outside, seniors can consider these three outdoor exercises as they seek to maintain or improve their overall health.
Walking is free and effective. In fact, WebMD notes that a brisk 30-minute walk can improve blood flow, contribute to a stronger heart, strengthen bones, and even help people sleep better at night. In addition, a 2022 study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that people between the ages of 40 and 79 who walked about 9,800 steps per day were 51 percent less likely to develop dementia than people who didn’t walk much at all.
Riding a bike is both fun and a great
SEE EXCERCISE, PAGE 33
Growing older doesn’t mean closing the book on adventures. At Rockville Terrace, we offer ample amenities to ensure your loved one’s needs are always met. Our amenities include a luxury dining experience, extensive library room, theater room, daily activities, full-service salon and spa, and much more.
Services:
Rockville Terrace Senior Living specializes in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. We offer various services, including daily living assistance, housekeeping and laundry services, chef-prepared meals and snacks, assistance with transportation, and much more.
A number of types of sources found within residential neighborhoods are capable of producing enough adult mosquitoes to bother not only the residents of one home but a number of homes in the area. These mosquitoes are also capable of transmitting West Nile virus! Water left standing for seven to ten days can produce mosquitoes during warmer weather. There are a number of simple precautions that can be taken to prevent this from happening...
Solano County Mosquito Abatement District
707.437.1116 • solanomosquito.com
Help us fight the bite this season by reporting dead birds to the West Nile Virus Call Center at 1-800-WNV-BIRD or go online to westnile.ca.gov to report electronically.
Dead birds are an important tool for early virus detection. Birds act as a reservoir for West Nile virus, infecting the mosquitoes that feed on them. Dead birds are often the first indicator that West Nile virus may be present in an area.
Aging is an inevitable component of life. Young children often cannot wait until they get older because of the freedoms that seemingly come with being more mature. On the flip side, adults often wish they were young again. Time waits for no person, and with aging comes many changes, many of which manifest physically.
The following are some components of healthy aging that go beyond graying hair and wrinkling skin.
According to the Mayo Clinic, with age bones may become thinner and more fragile. Joints will lose their flexibility, while muscles lose mass and strength, endurance and flexibility. These changes may be accompanied by a loss of stability that can result in balance issues or falls. It’s common for the body frame to shrink, and a person may lose a few inches from his or her height.
A doctor may suggest a bone-density test or supplementation with calcium
and vitamin D to keep bones as strong as possible. Physical activity that includes strength training can help keep muscles strong and flexible.
As muscle mass diminishes, body fat can increase. The Merck Manual indicates that, by age 75, the percentage of body fat typically doubles compared with what it was during young adulthood. The distribution of fat also changes, which can adjust the shape of the torso.
Organs in the body also age, and cells begin to die off, making those organs work less efficiently. The heart is one such organ that changes with age. It pumps more than 2.5 million beats during one’s lifetime. As a person gets older, blood vessels lose their elasticity, and the heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, reports Johnson Memorial Health. Exercise can help keep the heart as strong as possible.
The kidneys become smaller as a person ages, which means they may not be able to filter urine as effectively. Urinary incontinence may occur due to hormonal changes or because of an enlarged prostate. Furthermore, the bladder may become less elastic, leading to an urge to urinate more frequently.
Older adults experience changes to the brain as they age. Minor effects on memory or thinking skills are common and not usually cause for worry. Staying mentally active by reading, playing word games and engaging in hobbies can help. Following a routine and making lists (as multi-tasking may become challenging) are some additional ways to address memory issues.
These are just some of the changes that can come with aging. Generally speaking, exercising, using the brain and adhering to a balanced, healthy diet can help keep the body functioning well into one’s golden years.
MONTHLY MORTGAGE
If you are a 62+ homeowner, a reverse mortgage may be able to free up your monthly cash flow. Get access to your home equity and stay in the house you love or use those funds to purchase a new one.
Use proceeds to pay off existing forward mortgage
Make home renovations, pay off other debts, fund in home care, or travel the world
Get tax-free proceeds with no monthly mortgage payments required Rest easy knowing your heirs are never personally responsible for the loan
Come in Speak to a LOCAL Person about your Reverse Mortgage Options, do not trust your largest asset to a person on an 800 number who could be in another country.
You can also do a Reverse Purchase, if you can put 50-55% or more down, rather than paying 100% cash, you can keep 45% of your cash money in your savings account and not have a monthly mortgage.
We can recommend you to good local Reverse Mortgage Counselors who can help provide additional insight to the whole process if you have additional questions. Network Mortgage is your Local Reverse Mortgage Source
As seniors live longer, they may have opportunities to explore completely new career paths. After retirement, older adults may want to explore second careers that help them inspire a new generation of people. Teaching is one such career. A person is never too old to teach if he or she feels capable. In fact, more mature teachers may be coveted because they could bring life experience, social skills and flexibility to school districts. While there are certain protocols in place to become qualified to teach, thanks to teacher shortages brought on by the recent
global pandemic, many states now offer shorter routes to classrooms with alternative teacher certification programs that may not require master’s degrees.
There are various reasons seniors may want to consider becoming teachers, and there are many teaching positions and opportunities for their consideration.
These positions will require the most dedication and potentially certification in a specific area, such as grade level or coursework. General education teaching requires a term commitment commensurate to the school year. And
that commitment will be five days per week. There may be more flexibility if one were to teach a specific special concentration class, such as a foreign language or art. However, certain school districts require such educators to float from school to school in the district during the week.
Certain colleges and universities hire professionals to teach industry-specific college courses. For example, a certified public accountant may teach an introductory accounting class. Adjunct professors typically are those who are still employed in their fields, but it may be possible to do this as a second career as well. This
could be an option for someone who would like to devote more time to teaching at an advanced level.
Seniors can begin their pursuits as substitute teachers. This option may not require any certification, and substitutes may only need to undergo background checks for eligibility to work in schools. Substituting enables individuals to work only as much as they desire.
Seniors who aspire to shape the minds and skills of younger children could be drawn to preschool education. Education and other certifications to work in such settings may vary depending on the school. This type of position is ideal for compassionate individuals who have the patience for youngsters who may be nervous being away from home.
Teaching is a potential second
career for seniors looking for new challenges after retirement. Most alternative route certification
courses are now offered online, which can align with any applicant’s schedule.
We salute our staff for shepherding our community with no lives lost to COVID-19.
License #486801298
Vacaville Auto Body has been serving Solano County since 1994.
Owned and operated by Robert and Marlo Skinner, it truly is a family run business. With more than 40 years of combined experience, the team strives to repair your vehicle to its pre-existing condition while offering a lifetime warranty as long as you own your vehicle.
Vacaville Auto Body was voted No. 1 Auto Body Repair Shop in Solano County in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.
All of the technicians at Vacaville
Vacaville Auto Body
• In Vacaville: 938 E. Monte Vista Ave.
• Phone: 707-449-4200
• Website: vacavilleautobody.com
Auto Body are I-CAR gold certified, which requires yearly training for all the newest procedures in the industry.
Your car is one of your biggest investments and no one likes being in an accident. Rest assured the staff at Vacaville Auto Body strives to make the repair process as streamlined as possible.
The company offers a lifetime
guarantee and works with all insurance companies.
Robert and Marlo Skinner remind Solano County residents that they have the choice in California to choose where they have their vehicle repaired, “so be sure to choose the best in the industry.”
The Skinners, along with their staff, want to make an unfortunate situation as easy as possible.
Vacaville Auto Body offers senior discounts, military and first responder discounts, and businessto-business discounts while also supporting a community they love.
Giving to charity can be a rewarding endeavor that makes a difference in the lives of people in need. Many people donate throughout their lives, and some people may want to impart a more lasting legacy by continuing to support a charity even after they have passed away.
Incorporating a charity into an estate plan is a great way to continue giving after you pass away. Individuals may not know how to make charities beneficiaries in their wills. A financial planner, attorney or accountant can answer the more complex questions individuals have about naming charities as beneficiaries in a will. In the meantime, this general
guide can serve as a solid foundation for individuals who want to give back in their wills.
Most people think of beneficiaries as loved ones, but a beneficiary can be any person or entity one chooses to leave money to, including nonprofit organizations. It’s relatively the same process to name a charity as a beneficiary as it is an individual. According to the resource Trust & Will, first identify the charity that will be supported, including getting its Employer Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. Next, determine which type of gift to make, which may be a predetermined financial contribution, a gift of property, or other assets like stocks. For large donations like real estate or
cars, it may be best to contact the charity in advance to ensure they are able to accept such gifts. Finally, be sure to include your wishes in an estate plan. A qualified attorney can help clients draft a will that spells out their wishes in detail.
Keep in mind that charities also can be named as beneficiaries on life insurance policies or individual retirement accounts. They also can be listed on bank accounts. Again, people are urged to discuss all options with estate planners to ensure their plans fully reflect their wishes.
When naming a charity as a beneficiary, it can be wise to inform family members and other beneficiaries so no one is caught off guard upon your death. This way the charitable gift is not held up by delays in executing the will.
Once you have made the decision that cremation is right for you, the next step is choosing the right cremation provider.
Cremation is an alternative to full burial. Any type of service can occur before or after the cremation. It is a common misconception that services cannot be held in conjunction with cremation. One option that is becoming more popular is a “celebration of life,” allowing friends and family to gather with a more upbeat vibe compared to traditional services.
Once cremated, you have multiple choices for your final resting place. Almost all cemeteries offer in-ground or above-ground locations for cremated remains. Above-ground locations, called niches, are individual locations located in columbariums. A marker memorializing the loved one is placed on the front of the
niche. Other options include scatter ing at sea or on land.
A well-established cremation center or funeral home will provide step-by-step guidance throughout the process. The arrangement counselor should be knowledgeable, professional and caring. You should feel comfortable asking questions and leave feeling like you have a good understanding of the process and that everything is in good hands.
Some funeral homes own and operate their own crematory, keeping your loved one in their care throughout the entire process, while others have their cremations done by an
Fairmont Memorial Park
• 1901 Union Ave., Fairfield 707-425-0345
• www.fairmontmemorialpark.com fpm@fairmont.us.com
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
offsite cremation company. Word of mouth or referrals from family and friends are always a good place to start when choosing your cremation provider.
Once you have decided on a cremation provider, it is important to let your family know about the arrangements. This way your family knows who to contact when your time comes. Having these plans in place is one of the more thoughtful gifts you can leave your loved ones, enabling them to grieve without the stress of choosing a provider and planning your arrangements.
Abalanced diet and exercise, which includes a combination of aerobic activities and strength training, is necessary to maintain long-term health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do to protect their overall health. Exercise helps to delay or prevent many of the conditions that come with age. Adults ages 65 and older should aim for the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, and at least two days of activities that strengthen muscles.
When it comes to muscle strengthening, seniors can follow these safety guidelines as they embark on their strength-training journeys.
• Speak with a healthcare provider first. Get the green light to proceed with an exercise regimen before beginning by having a discussion with your general practitioner about your fitness goals. Your doctor can recommend strategies that are safe and point out any exercises that may compromise your overall health.
• Master basic exercises first. Anyone new to strength training, which is sometimes known as resistance training, can start out slowly, even using just body weight, to provide
resistance. Resistance exercises can include squats, crunches, modified pushups, planks, and lunges.
• Graduate to resistance bands. When you’re ready to move on to something else, consider resistance bands as an alternative to free weights. The bands can help you develop good form before introducing weight. Good form is key to avoiding injury.
• Work with a trainer. Working with a certified personal trainer can help you learn how to use free weights and strength-training machines correctly. A trainer also can create a routine that includes the right number of sets and repetitions to gradually build and
SEE STRENGTH, PAGE 22
FROM PAGE 20
maintain muscle mass. If you decide against hiring a trainer, gym staff members may guide you through equipment and demonstrate proper form.
• Exercise with a friend. Strength training with a friend or family member can provide motivation and keep you on target to meet your goals.
• Build up gradually. Your first strength session should only last 10 to 15 minutes, according to Tiffany Chag, C.S.C.S., a strength coach at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. This enables you to gauge soreness. Wait until soreness abates before beginning your next session if you are new to strength training.
Strength exercises are a vital part of maintaining health as a senior. Such exercises help maintain muscle mass and also improve balance and bone health.
Aging is associated with certain ailments, some of which concern seniors more than others. One of the conditions many older adults worry about is dementia, particularly in the form of Alzheimer’s disease. Though there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, recent research suggests reducing blood sugar may be associated with a lower risk.
Doctors and researchers have determined a link between high blood sugar levels and the formation of dementia, which includes a loss of memory and thinking skills that afflicts millions of older people. A 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, even when diabetes was not evident, there is a correlation between sugar and dementia. A blood sugar level above normal levels (depending on activity level and weight, among other factors) can contribute to an elevated risk of developing dementia. Furthermore, a longitudinal study publish+ed in 2018 in the journal Diabetologia, which followed 5,189 people over 10 years, found those with high blood sugar had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal blood sugar — whether or not those blood sugar levels classified the people as being diabetic.
The link could be due to an enzyme that breaks down insulin. Insulin-degrading enzyme, a product of insulin that breaks down both insulin and amyloid proteins in the brain, which are the same proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, is a factor in the connection to dementia. Melissa
Meals on Wheels of Solano County has dedicated over 45 years to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of seniors by providing services to help them live nourished lives with independence and dignity. As the needs of seniors grow and evolve, so do the services they provide — and that means delivering more than just a meal.
The Rosey Tablet Program by Meals on Wheels of Solano County is a new service designed to connect seniors to their friends, families, and communities through technology. Those on the program will receive a free tablet, Wi-Fi, training, and technical support, all provided by Meals on Wheels of Solano County.
Each tablet is configured
depending on the individual’s wants and needs. It is equipped with anything from games, videocalling, wellness checks, and even medication reminders — all safe, simple, and fun to use while keeping you connected to what matters most.
For many older adults, what matters most is staying connected to their friends, family, and communities we know and love.
One in three Meals on Wheels of Solano County clients lives alone. Oftentimes, clients don’t have the day-to-day human connection that helps us thrive. “Sometimes we are only people they see each day. Many have family that live out of state — and some even don’t have that,” says longtime volunteers Gerri and Dennis. “One day it could be us that needs essential programs like these.”
Meals on Wheels of Solano County believes in the importance of keeping older adults engaged, independent, and included. Technology is ever changing and limitless, but oftentimes leaves older generations behind without any help.
The Rosey Tablet Program allows learning and exploring technology with ease, especially with the comfort knowing that Meals on Wheels is there to help guide along the way. It breaks the stereotypes surrounding aging, and allows older adults to bring something to the table, too.
This program is open to any senior age 60 or older and permanently disabled adults. Unlike most of the programs and services they offer, you do not have to be a Meals on Wheels client in order to sign up!
If you or someone you know could benefit from the Rosey Tablet Program, visit www.mealsonwheelssolano.org/rosey and fill out an inquiry form, or contact our Program Coordinator, Cassundra Conners, at cconners@mowsc.org or 707-806-0164 today!
Cognitive health is not something to take for granted. Although a certain level of memory loss can be expected as people age, when the ability to clearly think, learn and remember is compromised, those changes can affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and should serve as a cause for concern.
Brain health should be a priority for everyone. The National Institute on Aging says brain health is an umbrella term that encompasses a host of factors, including:
• cognitive health, which is how well you think, learn and remember
• motor function, or how you make and control movements
• tactile function, which is how you feel sensations; and
• emotional function, or how emotions are interpreted and responded to.
Individuals can safeguard brain health – particularly cognitive health
— by taking these steps.Individuals can safeguard brain health — particularly cognitive health — by taking these steps.
Working with doctors, individuals can put their health first. This includes getting routine screenings, managing chronic health problems, limiting or avoiding alcohol and nicotine products, and getting the recommended amount of sleep each night.
All chronic conditions cause long-term repercussions, but the NIA indicates that observational studies show having high blood pressure in mid-life increases the risk of cognitive decline later in life. Lowering blood pressure lowers the risk for mild cognitive impairment and possibly dementia.
Harvard Medical School says nurturing social contacts, engaging in stimulating mental activities like reading and doing puzzles, seeing new
places, and learning new things can help keep the brain in top form.
Stress can take its toll on the body, and there is reason to believe that it may adversely affect cognitive health as well. Make every stride to reduce stress, whether that involves taking vacations, meditating, laughing with friends and family, or engaging in relaxing activities that relieve stress.
Certain hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, says Healthline. Researchers in Italy concluded that people with central hearing loss had a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment than those with no hearing loss or peripheral hearing loss. Individuals with central hearing loss are urged to speak to their physicians to determine if they can take preventive action to stave off further decline.
Cognitive health should be a priority. Adults can employ various strategies to reduce their risk of cognitive decline as they age.
Magnolia Court Senior Living is part of the Fields Senior Living legacy of care. As third-generation senior living operators, this family owned company is committed to upholding the family’s core values of integrity, excellence, attention to detail, stewardship and fun each and every day.
Fields Senior Living was excited to join the Vacaville community with the purchase of Magnolia Court in 2019. Affecting positive change on the culture through implementing the core values was priority No. 1. In addition, the community also underwent an extensive remodel to bring a new standard of assisted living and
memory care to the area.
In addition to the beautifully crafted common areas, residents also enjoy delicious chef-prepared meals, an active events calendar that includes social events, outings and entertainment, as well as the convenience of weekly housekeeping and scheduled transportation. In essence, they’ve thought of everything to ensure that seniors are living, with a capital “L.”
Magnolia Court is committed to keeping its residents active and engaged and has made the wellness of residents a priority. With licensed
Magnolia Court
• Address: 1111 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville
• Telephone: 707-305-1190
• Website: https://www. magnoliacourtca.com
nurses and an experienced care team ready to serve, residents receive the highest standard of health care. Whether they need personal assistance with bathing or grooming, or a personalized care strategy that meets seniors wherever they are on their journey, Magnolia Court takes pride in offering loving care from trained professionals.
For more information on the services offered, or to schedule a personal tour, contact Magnolia Court today.
money without necessarily taking on market-related risk. Products such as Chase Private Client CheckingSM offer exclusive perks, including a dedicated client advisor who can work with seniors as they navigate life changes, including retirement.
• Consider low-risk investments. Risk aversion is not the same thing as risk avoidance. It’s wise for seniors to be averse to risk, but they can still consider low-risk investments like short-term bonds as a means to growing their money in retirement. Low-risk investments can be vulnerable to inflation, not unlike money sitting in a savings account. However, certain short-term bonds, such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, are designed to mirror inflation, which makes them an option worthy of consideration for seniors who have been concerned by the ways inflation has affected their financial status in recent years. According to the Department of the Treasury, the principal of a TIPS can go up or down over its term. When the bond reaches maturity, if the principal is higher than the original amount, bond holders get the increased amount. If the principal is lower at maturity, bond holders still get the original amount.
Seniors looking to grow their money after retirement can consider a host of options that can make them less vulnerable to inflation.
Schilling, a professor at New York University, reviewed studies and found that people who have type 1 diabetes and don’t produce enough insulin can’t break down the amyloid proteins naturally. Furthermore, those who take insulin to treat diabetes can end up with a surplus of insulin in the body. The insulin-degrading enzyme gets used up trying to break the surplus down. This doesn’t leave enough enzyme to tackle amyloid brain clumping proteins. These same scenarios can occur in people if their blood sugar levels are elevated, even if they don’t have diabetes yet.
Data published by Harvard Health Publishing indicates “any incremental increase in blood sugar was associated with an increased risk of dementia.” Individuals who have elevated blood sugar levels, or roughly 100 mg/dL or higher after a fast, can tame sugar levels by exercising, losing weight and shifting away from highly refined grains. Individuals also may want to favor a Mediterranean style of eating, which focuses on fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and beans over a processed carbohydrate- and sugar-laden diet.
High blood sugar is another factor linked to the formation of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Making lifestyle changes can keep seniors healthy throughout their golden years.
Paramount House
Senior Living offers both assisting-living and memory care options for residents in a setting that offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.
People who live there remain active, eat, laugh and live while knowing someone is always nearby to lend a helping hand, 24 hours a day.
Staff members at Paramount House seek to create a comfortable environment that offers all the advantages of independent and assisted living coupled w ith the comfort that comes from knowing care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whenever it’s needed.
Paramount House Senior Living
In Vacaville: 2061 Peabody Road
Phone: 707-455-0300
Website: Paramount HouseSeniorLiving.com
Residents enjoy all the benefits of living in an active, involved community without the hassles and responsibilities of owning a home. Apartments are designed with residents’ needs in mind to provide a home-like atmosphere within a greater community of caring. But the apartments and indoor amenities are just part of the story. Paramount House is aptly named, surrounded by beautiful,
peaceful courtyards throughout and a park-like setting ideal for outdoor activities and other recreational and social events. The courtyard has comfortable benches that offer residents an opportunity to visit with friends and families or provide quiet spots for relaxation and reflection.
A free support gathering led by Hollie Kemp is designed for family and friends of individuals who are experiencing memory loss and/or need assistance. The session starts at 11:30 a.m. at Paramount House the second Tuesday of each month and may be watched at home via Zoom. Monthly topics vary.
Those who wish to attend must RSVP and sign up for the gathering in advance.
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form of outdoor exercise. Though many studies regarding the health effects of cycling have looked at the value of riding a bike to work, a scenario that does not apply to retirees, the results of such studies still offer insight into just how valuable it can be to ride a bike. For example, a 2020 study published in the journal The Lancet found that people who cycled to work were 24 percent less likely to die of heart disease and 11 percent less likely to develop cancer. Seniors, whether they are still working or retired, can incorporate cycling into their daily routines and enjoy all the fun and health benefits that riding a bike provides.
Hiking is a bit more strenuous than walking, particularly when
individuals choose to traverse steep and/or rocky terrain. WebMD notes that hiking after age 60 can help people reduce their risk of falls and fractures; lower their risk for a host of ailments, including coronary heart disease, colon cancer and diabetes; reduce blood pressure, even in adults who have already been diagnosed with hypertension; and maintain healthy bones and joints. Hiking is not a one-size-fits-all activity, so
seniors, especially those who would characterize themselves as novice hikers, are urged to speak with their physicians prior to hiking trails that are not flat.
Seniors can consider these three fun activities and others as they answer the call of the great outdoors. Walking, cycling and hiking offer a great reason to get out of the house and reap the health-related benefits of spending time outside.
Kenwood Hearing Centers in Fairfield has been helping people in the North Bay improve their lives through better hearing for more than 60 years.
Kenwood Hearing Centers
• In Fairfield: Blvd., Suite 140
• To schedule an appointment, call 707-766-0782.
Dispenser Deb Davis and Patient Care Coordinator Tanya Drummond.
Deb DavisThe company has six conveniently located offices with professionally trained audiologists and hearing specialists to provide customers with the very best care. Kenwood is family owned and operated and treats each patient as if they were family, too.
Kenwood Hearing Centers offers a
complete suite of hearing care services, including hearing testing, hearing aids, repair, custom earplugs and more. If you need a hearing aid, how can you know which one is right for you? With Kenwood’s Hearing Aid Test Drive, you are able to try out different hearing aids at home, work, or wherever you go to make sure
Let ’s play it by ear.
Davis has lived in Solano County for almost her entire life and loves the people and places of Northern California. She has a keen eye for design, a genuine love of people and a deep technical knowledge of the hearing aid fitting process.
With attention to detail and a desire to make a difference, people can be assured that they will feel comfortable with her expert advice.
• Courteous staff available twenty-four seven.
• Over half a century of service with thousands of satisfied customers.
• Three year interest-free before need planning for all budgets.
• Reception room for use at no additional cost.
We are the largest provider of quality services in Solano County. There must be a reason! Call our experienced staff for quotes. •
