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INDEX Insurance plans for retirement years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Progress made in health care transformation . . . . . . . . . . 3
Insurance plans for retirement years
2012 schedule for Benton Hospice adult grief education and support groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 With a little help from my friends (and family) . . . . . . . . . .4 Linn-Benton-Lincoln 211 now available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Book Review “The Lost Continent” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Fit at any stage - exercise classes improve flexiblity, mobility, balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tax Aide volunteer Paul Dickey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Financial planning: Strategies for success at any age . . . . .8 Help wanted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Healthy Aging Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Don’t wait to talk about the care you want . . . . . . . . . . .10 Fitness for aging adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Caring for yourself as you age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Cooking for one? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Legislature to review changes to property tax deferral program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Dining deals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
GENERATIONS
A quarterly publication of Cascades West Senior and Disabilty Services, local Senior Centers, and Retired & Senior Volunteer Programs
The Editorial Board Marilyn Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albany City Hall 541-917-7507 Beth Fox . . . . . . . . . . .Linn-Benton County RSVP 541-812-0849 Kathleen Nickerson . . .Linn-Benton County RSVP 541-812-0849 Scott Bond . . . . . . .Senior and Disability Services 541-812-6008 Sharon Bogdanovic . . . . . .Corvallis Senior Center 541-754-1709 Evonne Walls . . . . . . . .Samaritan Health Services 541-768-4241
For more information Cyndi Sprinkel-Hart . . . . . .541-812-6073 or email cyndi.sprinkel-hart@lee.net
1400 Queen Ave. SE, Suite 206 Albany, OR 97322
BY CHRIS NORDYKE, LTCP There's often a disconnect between insurance planning and retirement planning. During one's working life and child-rearing years, maintaining adequate amounts of life insurance, disability and health insurance is simply considered best practice. Often, though, as people start to make the transition to retirement, they become hyper-focused on catching up and padding their retirement funds and begin to neglect critical insurance planning. In doing so, they not only leave the family exposed financially, but miss an opportunity to think more strategically about their financial plan. What kind of attention have you given to the risks that you'll face during retirement? How could certain illnesses or accidents change your surviving family's standard of living? Three risks warrant careful examination as you prepare for retirement: serious illness or disability, premature death, and outliving your money. According to AARP in "A Report to the Nation on Independent Living and Disability" (2003), the lifetime probability of becoming disabled in at least two activities of daily living or of being cognitively impaired is 68 percent for people age 65 and older. The average American household retires with approximately $291,000, not including the value of their home or a pension (2009 Survey of Consumer Finances, Federal Reserve Board of Governors). When you consider that the average cost of long-term care in Oregon is $219 per day (Metlife Market Survey of Nursing Home and Assisted Living Costs, 2007), the magnitude of this risk becomes more apparent.
If both members of the household end up requiring long-term care, the family's entire nest egg can be exhausted. Another consideration is debt. In 2010, consumers age 46 to 64 were carrying over $1 trillion in mortgage debt, more than twice the amount from a decade earlier according to the 2009 Survey of Consumer Finances by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. In previous generations, retiring with the home mortgage paid off was commonplace; not so anymore. For most families, this means there's an ongoing need for life insurance, even after retirement. It's best to secure that coverage before pre-existing conditions make it difficult or costprohibitive to obtain. Finally, insurance can play an important role in ensuring a retiree doesn't outlive their money. With the recent market uncertainty, many have turned to annuities to supplement their retirement income. Annuities are a contract where the individual exchanges a lump sum of money for a guaranteed stream of income. One strategy that has become popular is to purchase an annuity that is sufficient to cover all monthly fixed costs, such as mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities. Remaining investments can be used to fuel lifestyle spending based on the performance of their investments. Every retirement is as unique as the career that precedes it, and no two plans are alike. Find a professional you are comfortable with and begin a conversation about your unique desires and circumstances. The sooner you begin discussing your goals, the more options you'll have to achieve them. Chris Nordyke is a Corvallis State Farm agent. He and his team can be reached at 541-452-5200 or
What would you like to see in Generations? 541-924-8421 or ajohnson@ocwcog.org
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Progress made in health care transformation The assignment from Governor Kitzhaber was clear: give the Oregon Health Plan a significant makeover including: improve the services for patients; spend less money starting July 2012; and integrate new ideas such as patient-centered medical homes for the 600,000 Oregonians on the plan.
The Oregon Health Plan is an important part of safety net services for young children, older adults, adults with physical disabilities, and individuals with developmental disabilities as well as those with mental illness. In our state, the program provides medical services for Medicaid-eligible people, and the costs are shared between the state and federal governments.
Over the last year, Oregon legislators, health care providers, local government officials, advocates and private citizens have worked to understand the changes that were started under House Bill 3650 that outlined the transformation of the Oregon Health Plan.
In our region, public meetings were organized to invite ideas and perspective from citizens, OHP participants and the medical community. All three meetings were well-attended and generated a large number of ideas and suggestions. More meetings are planned.
BY SCOTT BOND
Two significant realities have defined this effort from the beginning. The first is that the cost of providing medical care for an increasing number of Oregonians on the OHP is rising very quickly. The second is that the medical inflation for the care provided is rising as well as making the program more expensive.
The hope of this transformation effort is that, through integration of the current health services for OHP participants, services will be coordinated, and, through coordination, the services become less expensive overall. Coordination of services could change the current system of care by developing medical homes where a
2012 schedule for Benton Hospice adult grief education and support groups Grief is a natural and normal response when someone dies, but it is often not well understood. Benton Hospice Service offers grief education and support groups to anyone in the community who has experienced a loss. Grief education and support group sessions give participants the chance to meet others who are also mourning a death, talk about grief in a safe, non-judgmental environment, receive support, offer support to others by listening and learn about the
grieving process. Sessions last for six weeks and meet weekly. The group sessions for 2012 will be held on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. The first six-week Thursday session begins Jan. 12; the first Friday session, Jan. 13. The groups are open to the public and free of charge, but pre-registration is required. Call Joelle Osterhaus, Bereavement Coordinator, Benton Hospice Service, 541-757-9616.
health care team would be assigned to help you take care of your health. Coordination could mean that you would have a single medical record that has all of your health and treatment history in an effort to effectively manage all treatment. Coordination could mean that a member of your health team would check in with you to make sure that medications are doing what they should, follow-up visits are being made and new health concerns are being addressed before they become more complex or chronic. While all the coordination efforts are being done to improve patient care, behind the scenes there is a hope that less money will be spent over time by reducing the number of visits to the emergency room of a hospital, having unnecessary tests and receiving early intervention for health conditions that can be treated for less cost rather than waiting until the condition worsens. This transformation is meant to
cultivate a shift away from reacting to medical emergencies to caring for health conditions early and creating a partnership between the medical providers and their patients. The redesign of the OHP will be reviewed during the February session of the Oregon Legislature. The legislature will have the job of evaluating how well the planning meets the intent of HB 3650 from last year. There will be debate over the direction and the expectations of the work done in the interim. Additional issues may be raised and debated, but at the end of February, a revised legislative bill will point the way for the next 18 months. The Oregon Health Plan and the medical system serving 600,000 Oregonians will begin changing to provide better care for less cost. Oregon is again leading the way, creating a new direction for health care delivery for those on Medicaid. If successful, we may see a new direction for health care for the rest of us as well.
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With a little help from my friends (and family) BY SHIRLEY LOCKHART Word-of-mouth is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to spread a good idea. A friend tells a friend who tells a friend and good things happen. A little over a year ago, LinnBenton Community College sent several instructors to the Arthritis Foundation’s exercise instructor training and began offering “Gentle Exercise for Beginners,” the Foundation’s exercise classes, in Corvallis and Albany. Instructor Monica Whipple began spreading the word and soon, Molly Ward, a friend in Whipple’s film club, signed up. Ward in turn encouraged her friend Helen Blair to join the class. Ward and Blair belong to the Tea Sippers, a 22member group of British-born women transplanted to Oregon who meet monthly for lunch and tea. After Blair joined the exercise class, she recruited Tea Sipper Betty Stoddard and the class list continues to grow. Blair, 85, loves the class’s gentle emphasis and has found it very beneficial physically and socially. She highly recommends the class to those with arthritis or anyone who wants to begin an exercise routine. Blair “loves the camaraderie shared through jokes and ideas,” and wants more people to know about the class and how encouraging it has been to her and her friends. Friends will continue to tell their friends. Family members can also be great promoters or persuaders. Bonnie and Brad Coleman attend Benton Center ’s Strength & Tone class three days a week. A year and a half ago, their daughter Andrea encouraged her mom to take the class with her. Bonnie Coleman says now that, if it weren’t for Andrea, she doesn’t think she
Bonnie Coleman (above) convinced husband Brad to come with her to class. Helen Blair and Betty Stoddard (left) enjoy workouts together.
would have joined the class, which has become her favorite hard workout. This fall, Bonnie talked Brad into trying the class. Eight years ago, Brad sustained severe spinal injuries in a bicycle crash, leaving him diagnosed as an incomplete quadriplegic. Bonnie would come home from class and encourage Brad, telling him, “You could do this!”. He did, and now has increased mobility, strength and better reflexes. The couple enjoyed the time together, getting stronger and staying fit.
Do you know someone who has found an exercise program they enjoy? Why not join them in 2012?
LBCC offers courses from Sweet Home to Corvallis. Visit www.linnbenton.edu or call 541-917-4840.
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Linn-Benton-Lincoln 211 now available Solutions to life’s problems aren’t listed in an instruction manual. That’s why 211info, a nonprofit information and referral call center, provides information about community services to those who need help. The service began operations in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties this year. Every year, 211info makes more than 230,000 connections to vital services as diverse as foreclosure assistance and the most up-to-date information on flooding or a storm. By 2013, every Oregonian will have access to 211. Like 911, 211 is a phone number dedicated to its purpose by the Federal Communications Commission. Callers are connected with a trained, compas-
sionate call center specialist. The specialist will provide an understanding of resource offerings that fit a full spectrum of needs and help to identify available public and private resources. Each person who calls seeking service is given information about city, county, and statewide services available to them, starting with those that are closest to the individual in need, along with eligibility requirements and the days and hours that each referral agency operates. Through 211info.org, the public has access to the same comprehensive and up-to-date community resources that the call center staff uses. The searchable website database contains 4,500 programs across 1,200 areas of need. Service
Book Review “The Lost Continent” by Bill Bryson BY EVONNE WALLS Bill Bryson, originally from Iowa, has been living in England for more than a decade. Not too long after the death of his father, Bryson decides to follow the path of many of his childhood road trips reminiscing about his backseat adventures. Ultimately, his travels set him on a quest for the perfect small town. In “The Lost Continent,” Bryson starts out exploring the eastern, northeastern, and southern states, moving on to the western and southwestern states in the second half of the book. In all, he tours 38 states. This isn’t your typical travelogue as Bryson’s style isn’t so much about pointing out all of the great places to eat or stay and the must-see sites, but more or a less a humor-infused guide to what and whom to avoid. While Bryson’s style is humorous, it’s important to note that it often teeters on the line of political correctness. What I enjoyed most about this book were Bryon’s recollec-
tions about his childhood mischievousness and the dynamics between his parents, much of which was related to family road trips. His observations of what small towns pride themselves on and consider tourist attractions are often hilarious, making me think back on some of my own small-town experiences. What I would say may turn one away from this book, as I struggled with it, too, is that at times I think he comes across as mean in his observations and interactions with people during his quest. I think I can best sum up his personality in “The Lost Continent” as the friend who speaks without a filter and makes you want to look up to the sky and turn away hoping that nobody knows you are together. The book started out strong and was something I could relate to – road trips, familial dynamics, small town pride – but it lost steam and turned into a roast on every person and place Bryson interacted with.
providers are able to use the website to update their records online for better accuracy. Nationwide, 211 covers 80 percent of the population. It is available in 16 Oregon counties and two in southwest Washington, which helps the whole community service system operate more efficiently. By the end of 2011, 211info will have
doubled the counties served. In Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties, 211info is sponsored by United Way of Linn County, United Way of Benton and Lincoln counties, Samaritan Health Services, Central Willamette Community Credit Union and the Lincoln County Commission on Children and Families.
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Fit at any stage - exercise classes improve flexibility, mobility, balance BY MARILYN SMITH Advancing years too often mean a decline in physical agility and fitness, but it doesn't have to be that way. People who live with limited range of motion or agility caused by arthritis, injury, chronic pain, or other conditions can halt and sometimes reverse those limits through exercise designed for that very purpose. Several such courses are offered this winter at the Albany Senior Center, 489 Water Ave. NW, through Albany Parks & Recreation and LinnBenton Community College. Julia Yee teaches the Adaptive Pilates class. “Adaptive Pilates is a modified form of traditional mat Pilates and is suitable for individuals with physical limitations,” Yee said. Exercises are done sitting on a regular sturdy chair using modified Pilates methods and may incorporate hand weights and resistance bands for an effective and thorough workout. Individuals recovering from chronic pain and injuries, who have reduced physical mobility, or who have conditions such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, weak knees, and have problems getting down on the floor would benefit from Adaptive Pilates. "The benefits of this form of activity are substantial," Yee said, citing improved balance and coordination and increases in mobility and strength. Although Adaptive Pilates is considered very safe, participants should consult a physician before starting any exercise routine. Yee said she became interested in Pilates after a major surgery that drastically weakened her abdominal strength.
Julia Yee teaches Adaptive Pilates at Albany Senior Center. “I felt stiff, my energy level was low and I had constant back aches," she said. "Moving around was not easy. In my quest to rebuild strength and mobility, I chose Pilates because of its simplicity, discipline, and connection --- mentally, emotionally and physically." Yee is certified as an instructor by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and the Pacific Northwest Arthritis Association. She has been teaching Pilates for almost eight years, loving every moment of it, she said. "I continue to pursue training and certification in group fitness to keep my workouts current and fresh," Yee said. "I am espe-
cially motivated to research modified forms of Pilates to fit each person's needs. "Although we may be daunted by the thought of trying a new exercise, our success relies on our attitude towards maintaining a healthy relationship with physical activity," she said. "It is ultimately the responsibility of every participant to achieve his or her goals and my job as an instructor to guide you in this endeavor. With strong adherence to and control of your fitness level, along with challenge and the choice of a healthy lifestyle, Adaptive Pilates can change your quality of life and health.” Adaptive Pilates at the Albany
Senior Center begins January 10, at 9:15 a.m. The 50-minute class will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays for 11 weeks. Cost is $51 for Albany residents or $66 for participants who live outside the Albany city limits. Related fitness courses to be offered this winter include the Arthritis Foundation exercise program, also taught by Yee; early morning fitness; and increasing flexibility and improving balance and posture. For details, visit www.cityofalbany.net/parks Marilyn Smith is public information officer for the City of Albany; Marilyn.smith@cityofalbany.net.
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CREATORS SYNDICATE
puzzles puzzle solutions on page 15
GENERATIONS is published in part by
Senior & Disability Services A program of Cascades West Council of Governments
QUOTE CRYPTOGRAM Y D E M W X S X FY B J Y F K W Y X Q KW Q MA K D E M Y F KW BS EFSME, XFMB Y T M X K T K B CY X F B S P M M X For more information on: • Adult Foster Care • Outreach Services • Meals on Wheels • Information and Referral • Medicaid Longterm Care
• In-Home Care • OPI • Adult Protective Services • Community Resources
541-967-8630 or 1-800-638-0510 TDD/VOICE in Benton and Linn counties
541-336-2289 or 1-800-282-6194 TDD/VOICE in Lincoln County
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Tax Aide volunteer Paul Dickey tening to a wide variety of music.
As a teenager growing up in North Little Rock, Ark., Paul Dickey vividly remembers watching National Guard trucks arrive to protect Central High School students during the first Arkansas school integration of 1957.
Dickey was drawn to the AARP Tax-Aide program as payback to AARP volunteers who filed his mother’s taxes every year in Arkansas. As the Philomath Library tax site coordinator, he wears many hats. He meets with clients, files returns, manages volunteers and does the quality checks for all tax returns. The pleasure comes from helping people receive their tax credits and refunds.
He later received an appointment to attend the Air Force Academy and trained as a navigator. He flew on the air refueling, military version of the Boeing 707, serving for over five years including duty in Southeast Asia. He received his discharge in 1970 and settled in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He worked in various management capacities for Procter & Gamble (P&G). Dickey helped P&G start up a new plant in Belleville, Ont., then moved to Modesto, Calif., as part of the start-up team for a new plant in Japan. Dickey’s volunteer exposure began at work; P&G encouraged community volunteering. He worked with the United Way and was elected to the City Council in Newman, Calif. Dickey was single then, and his two sons conspired with the two daughters of his future wife to get them together. The Dickeys now have four grandchildren. Winding up his career, Dickey noted, “I don’t play golf or fish, didn’t want to retire to an armchair…don’t have a TV. I want to be a volunteer.” In 1999, Dickey and his wife moved to Philomath. A Philomath mural says “City of Volunteers” which piqued their
Volunteer Tax-Aide Paul Dickey of Philomath interest, and they purchased five acres of land for their new home. They love its proximity to Portland, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, the coast – and the Corvallis Book Bin. In 2000, an opportunity with the Philomath Community Services Board opened, and Dickey became the project manager for construction of the nonprofit’s new building. Dickey serves or has served on several boards, including the Benton County Library Foundation Board, Benton County Planning Commission, Board of Directors for OSU Federal Credit Union, and the North American and Oregon Heather Societies. He and his wife were two of the founding members of the Academy for Lifelong Learning, now a program of the OSU Alumni Association. He sings in the First Presbyterian Church choir, enjoys reading, working outside and lis-
He recounts one example when a single parent “gave him a chance to do her taxes,” and when asked what sort of refund she typically receives, she said, “not much.” When Dickey finished her form and asked, “How’s a refund of $2,500 sound?” She started crying. She had never known about the earned income tax credit. Frequently, Dickey sees people age 62 and older who are not aware of the special Oregon taxable income deduction for medical expenses, he said. When asked what draws him back to help every year, Dickey said, “The fact that I can ensure people are not paying more taxes than they are legally required to pay. I helped one family man whose income progressively improved and now I’m doing taxes for his kids.” Dickey has personally filed 575 tax returns for clients. For the volunteers, the tax season is like an extended family reunion: 90 percent of the volunteers come back every year. This year the tax program needs help getting the word about its services out to the public. Low to moderate income people of any age qualify for help at the eight locations scattered throughout Linn and Benton counties. To find the nearest AARP TaxAide tax site, go to www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_ taxaide.
Financial planning: Strategies for success at any age BY LINDA KJERULF What exactly is a “financial plan?” The term may mean different things to different people, but simply put, it is an individual’s personal goals for taking care of himself or herself financially. It takes a clear and honest assessment of the person’s current situation. Following these five steps will help create a strategy for individuals of any age. 1) Create a realistic budget. Review income and expenses over a three-to six-month period and take the average. Write everything down! This creates ownership. Effective budgeting requires knowing where every dollar is going. 2) Establish short- and longterm goals, for one, three, five, 10 and 20 years. These can be brief but need to be written down. Monitor the goals annually. 3) Write down the things that you love to do: hobbies, interests, activities, what makes life worth living! Family, music, fishing, travel - whatever those interests - write them down! This is a very important part of the plan. 4) Be sure to have an up-todate will and/or trust, with a responsible party named in case you are incapacitated. Keep personal documents in a safe or safe-deposit box. 5) Finally, take action and follow through! A house cannot be built without a solid foundation. Write things down, follow a budget, set goals and identify priorities. Remember, it’s your plan, no one else’s. Things change: economic conditions, taxes, jobs, goals, priorities, but keeping track of shortand long-term goals, at any age, makes a difference! Linda R. Kjerulf is a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed, Albany; lrkjerulf45057@wradvisors.com.
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Help Wanted Linn and Benton County The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for persons who live in longterm care facilities. Certified Ombudsman volunteers complete an intensive training course, then visit assigned local facilities to enhance the quality of life for residents. They ensure adequate care, protect rights and dignity, and receive complaints. Call Gretchen Jordan at 1-800-522-2602 or gretchen.jordan@ltco.state.or.us.
Jamey Suderman, volunteer coordinator, 541-757-9616 or jamey.suderman@bentonhospice.org .
CH2M Alumni Center. Visit www.bchscc.org.
The Transitions program at Benton Hospice Service serves people who are not quite ready or eligible for hospice care. Volunteers provide companionship, respite for caregivers, do light housekeeping or cooking, and other tasks. Training is provided. Call Jamey Suderman at 541-757-9616.
HandsOn Linn-Benton promotes volunteerism in both counties. Members are needed to help raise awareness of the HandsOn website, spread the word through social media, and assist local non-profits with volunteer recruitment. Email knickerson@communityservices.us .
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center seeks dedicated individuals for high-needs service areas: coffee cart, family assistance/information desk, flower delivery, Good Sam’s gift clerk, No One Dies Alone/Compassionate Companion, Sam’s Espresso Cabana baristas and as tour guides for first graders following puppet shows. Contact Volunteer Services, 541-768-5083 or GSRMCVolunteerServices@samhealth.org.
SHEM – Sweet Home Emergency Ministries seeks strong volunteers to assist with food shipments and stocking shelves, meeting with clients, daily cleaning, maintenance, computer support, clerical work and data entry. Four-hour shifts available Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, and every other Friday. The Board of Directors also seeks new members. Contact Peggy Blair or Cindy Rice, 541-367-6504.
Volunteers are needed to educate the public on identifying and reporting Medicare fraud, waste and abuse, which costs Americans billions every year. Call Beth Fox at 541-8120849 or email bfox@communityservices.us. Volunteers find immense satisfaction in helping the dying retain some control over their lives and live out the rest of their lives as a person, not just a patient. Each spring, Samaritan Evergreen Hospice offers a seven-week overview of the physical, psychological, familial and spiritual aspects of dying. Independent study is also available as a training option. Contact Karen McLain, 541-812-4677, or kmclain@samhealth.org. Benton Hospice Service needs volunteers to provide companionship, practical support and respite breaks for hospice patients and caregivers, and for administrative office tasks. Twoday training is scheduled Tuesday and Thursday, January 24 and 26, 8:30 to a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is required with a $25 materials fee. Contact
Benton County
The Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Waste Prevention Action Team is launching Recycling Block Captains. A few times a year, volunteers distribute information to neighbors about the importance of recycling. Handouts provided; volunteers pick delivery areas and how many to visit. Contact Andrea Norris, 541-737-5398; Andrea.Norris@oregonstate.edu; or visit sustainablecorvallis.org. Dial-A-Bus seeks volunteers to deliver clients to medical appointments, meal and social programs, and adult daycare. Most contribute one four-hour shift per week. Vehicles and insurance provided. CPR and first aid training, drug and alcohol screening and a good driving record are required. Call 541752-2615. Dozens of mock interviewers and speakers are needed for the Benton County Career Convention for more than 850 high school juniors on Feb. 29 at OSU LaSells Stewart Center and the
Linn County
Albany Call-A-Ride seeks dispatchers and drivers. Dispatchers must be detail oriented, able to multi-task, have some knowledge of computers and telephone skills. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Cars and insurance provided. Call Ted, 541-917-7638. Volunteer Caregivers of Albany needs help transporting seniors to medical appointments and building ramps. Drivers may request mileage reimbursement; builders work in teams with provided materials. Call 541-928-2173 or email
volcaregivers@aol.com. Albany Meals on Wheels needs two Friday volunteers: a greeter and kitchen volunteer. Greeters work a 90-minute shift; kitchen volunteer, 3.5 hours. Contact Maureen Bromley, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 541-967-7647. Albany Parks & Recreation works with individuals and groups to maintain parks, natural areas and urban wildlife habitat. People with backgrounds in the natural sciences and/or a love for the outdoors often take on or serve as consultants in monitoring, planning or management projects. Contact Rick Barnett, 541-917-7763, or rick.barnett@cityofalbany.net. RSVP’s Albany office seeks a volunteer with computer and organizational skills to help with episodic projects, three to four hours per week. Training provided. Call Beth Fox, 541812-0849 or email bfox@communityservices.us. Meals on Wheels volunteers needed in Lebanon, Brownsville, Sweet Home and Mill City. Call 1-888-251-8392.
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Healthy Aging Q&A Heartspring Wellness Center in Albany and Corvallis offers an integrative medical approach to promote wellness in mind, body and spirit. Some of Heartspring’s providers answer common questions about maintaining good health as we age: What can I do to promote healthy aging that doesn’t involve pharmaceutical drugs? Beth Laurenson, naturopathic doctor: Eat a plant and vegetable-based diet, keep your weight down, exercise and find joy in life. Shaun Wilcox, massage therapist: Focus on lifestyle – find the right amount and types of food and exercise. Also, spend time with people who make you laugh – a lot! Seishiro Hokazono, acupuncturist: Do at least 30 minutes of walking or exercise a day. How and what you eat are critical. Chew 30 times with every bite you eat and don’t stuff your mouth or stomach. It’s also important to avoid processed foods with sugar, fats and chemicals. I often feel tired and sluggish. How can I improve my energy level? Christy Rummel, family nurse practitioner: I find that poor sleep is a major cause of fatigue. So how are you sleeping? Think about good sleep hygiene: don’t watch TV or read in bed and make sure the bedroom is cool and very dark. Try to go to bed and get up about the same time each day. Are you getting enough vitamin D? Vitamin D can significantly help improve energy levels. Talk with your provider about checking your levels and find out how much daily vitamin D is right for you. Wilcox: Lots and lots of coffee. Just kidding. Ask yourself and really listen to the answer, “What is it in my life that is making me tired and sluggish?” Then take steps to remedy the situation. These could be major things in life like work, friends, or partner, or seemingly small things like the wrong types of food or not enough exercise. Laurenson: Get out and walk; even a little natural light is helpful. Have your vitamin D levels checked, and if they are deficient, take appropriate supplementation. It’s also helpful to eat brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, decrease grain products, and to drink four to six glasses of water each day. I’ve been feeling stressed and a bit down recently. What can I do to improve my emotional health? Lisa Battaglia, acupuncturist: Having acupuncture on a regular basis and eating a healthy, balanced diet will support healthy aging. You will increase your energy level and help decrease the effects of stress. Hokazono: Stress management is an essential skill in modern society. Taking a mindful meditation class, doing yoga and getting massage can help. I see my patients feeling less stressed and more emotionally stable after acupuncture treatment. Your mood is also affected by what you eat so consume less refined food and eat more wholesome options. It’s also important to be able to talk with someone you feel safe and secure with about stress and emotional disturbances. Rummel: Vitamin D plays a major role here as well. Other essentials for mental health are B vitamins and fish oil. Physical exercise again is significantly helpful, as well as a balanced diet that isn’t high in carbohydrates and sugars. If you’re really struggling with your emotional well-being, think about seeing a counselor. To find out more about Samaritan Heartspring Wellness Center, go to www.samhealth.org/heartspring; call the Albany clinic, 541-812-5656; or Corvallis, 541-768-6412.
Don’t wait to talk about the care you want Unfortunately, the following situation is one that’s far too common and happens every day all across the country: a family is gathered by the bedside of a loved one who has been seriously ill and now is likely near the end of life. Each family member has a different idea of what should be done and what their loved one would want. Throughout the course of the illness, the family never discussed what the care priorities should be in the final months and weeks of life. Even in the final days of life, these important decisions go unaddressed. This can leave a dark shadow over the death of a loved one that can linger long in the memories of family and dear friends. No one wants to think they might have done more after a person is already gone.
no longer possible, hospice provides the type of care most people say they want at the end of life: comfort and dignity. Considered the model for high-quality, compassionate care for people with a life-limiting illness, hospice includes expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support. Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals and trained volunteers. The wishes of the patient and family are always at the center of care. Most hospice care is provided in the home, where the majority of Americans have said they would want to be if facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice care is also provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice centers.
“These are challenging situations,” said Micky Shields, executive director at Benton Hospice Service. “It’s difficult to know that more could have been done.”
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that more than 1.5 million people receive care from hospice every year.
One recommendation offered by professionals who care for the dying is to learn more about hospice care long before you or your loved one might need it.
Hospice providers can help with information about care options and choices and ensure the client lives as fully as possible. They make sure loved ones receive support as well.
“Don’t wait until there is a healthcare crisis to talk about your wishes with your loved ones. One of the most frequent comments we hear from families is ‘we wish we would have had hospice sooner,’” Shields said.
Shields said, “It is important to talk to your family members to be sure they know what you want if there comes a time that you need others to make medical decisions for you.”
When a family is coping with a serious illness and a cure is
To learn more, contact Benton Hospice Service at 541-7579616 or visit www.bentonhospice.org.
What would you like to see in Generations? 541-924-8421 or email AJOHNSON@ocwcog.org
GENERATIONS
JANUARY ~ FEBRUARY ~ MARCH 2012
Fitness for aging adults BY JOSHUA GUSTAFSON As people grow older, flexibility and bone density decreases, stability and balance is affected by muscle loss, and cardiovascular and circulatory systems are not as efficient as they once were. As we search for the secret to feeling better and living longer, time continues to pass us by. The good news is, there is a fountain of youth – it’s called exercise. Regular physical activity can prevent diabetes and heart problems, increase life expectancy, and reduce arthritic pain, depression and anxiety. A regular exercise routine is the key to improving overall health and well-being. Incorporating cardiovascular exercise such as walking, jogging or biking will produce weight loss and improve heart and lung strength. Strengthening exercises such as resistance training will help rebuild muscle lost due to aging and improve
bone density. Flexibility and stability training will improve balance and increase range of motion in pesky stiff joints. The benefits from just 30 minutes of daily exercise can reduce weight, improve self-perception, and decrease the chance of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The trick is to start small, with two or three 10-minute increments of exercise on most days of the week. From there, increase the duration followed by increased intensity. Remember to always exercise within your limitations, maintaining balance and proper form. Following these basic steps will help you find that fountain of youth! Josh Gustafson is a physical activity in public health specialist and certified personal trainer. He oversees the operation of SamFit, a 24hour fitness center on the Samaritan Health Sciences campus in Lebanon.
Legislature to review changes to property tax deferral program BY REP. ANDY OLSON, ALBANY Many state legislators have heard from constituents these past few months regarding the Oregon Property Tax Deferral Program. House Bill 2543 made a few changes to help the Oregon budget, but in doing this, homeowners with reverse mortgages have been impacted on a very high level. One can see how complicated this situation is. Of the 10,358 Oregonians who once qualified for the Property Tax Deferral Program, only 4,606 remain qualified. Although this reform was much needed in order to help balance the Oregon budget, there are a few adjustments that may need to be made to HB 2543 in order to help Oregonians. For example, the participants who
once qualified for this program but who were recently disqualified due to having a reverse mortgage will hopefully get a little more leeway. The Revenue Committee will be investigating this issue during the February special Legislative Session in hope of discovering a more efficient solution which could help the 1,727 participants who were rejected from the deferral program because of reverse mortgages. It will be interesting to see what happens with HB 2543, and if an alternative solution can be created, given the recent economic forecast. It is extremely important for us to take care of our seniors and protect them in the best way possible.
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Caring for yourself as you age One thing you’ve learned by now is that life is full of change. As your body and life are changing, how do you take care of yourself? Eat, sleep, hydrate, exercise and connect. Eat. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This is still true – so to speak. Your body is a finely tuned machine and it still needs the right fuel to keep you going strong. Sleep. Not too much and not too little. Six to 10 hours is just right. Make sure to listen to your body, and relish those cat naps. Hydrate. Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Eight 8-ounce glasses a day is ideal. If this is a struggle, try mixing a
flavored drink powder with the water, with your doctor’s approval. Just don’t be tempted to replace water intake with coffee or soda. Exercise. Even if your body has some limitations, you can adapt exercises so that you’re still able to reap the many benefits. Water aerobics, for example, is easy on joints. Be sure to consult a doctor before beginning any new exercise routines. Connect. Physical health and mental health are intricately intertwined, so it is critical to take care of your spirit. Check out the local newspaper at a senior center or with friends to find free events to connect with other people with similar interests.
Cooking for one? Eating healthy balanced meals every day is important for good health at any age. Fixing those meals when you live alone or as part of a couple, however, can be a challenge.
class. Chef Bre Huffman will teach easy cooking techniques, how best to use leftovers, how to make an easy-to-follow grocery list, and show how cooking can be fun.
The Corvallis Senior Center, in cooperation with Benton Hospice, will offer Cooking for One at the Corvallis Chintimini Senior Center on four Wednesdays, Feb. 8 to 29, 2012. Classes are at 1:30 p.m.; fee is $9 per
Pre-registration is required. Stop by Corvallis Chintimini Senior Center at 2601 NW Tyler Ave.; go online at www.ci.corvallis.or.us/sc or call 541-766-6959.
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GENERATIONS
JANUARY ~ FEBRUARY ~ MARCH 2012
Dining deals BY SHARON BOGDANOVIC Beat the chill and warm up with a hot lunch or dinner while sticking to your budget. One of the newest restaurants in Corvallis was suggested by a reader as a dining deal. The Laughing Planet CafĂŠ, 127 NW Second St., is a quick-service restaurant that serves nutritious fare such as tasty burritos, bowls, soups, salads and smoothies. The staff is dedicated to making wholesome food affordable and socially responsible. All entrees have the option of added Draper Valley natural chicken, organic tofu or organic tempeh for $2.50. Burritos and bowls start at $4.50. A gluten-free menu is also available. The Laughing Planet CafĂŠ is open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Located near the Oregon State campus at the corner of 14th and Monroe, Roxy Dawgs offers food specials and more than 10 authentic sausages made from pork, beef and chicken, and a veggie dawg all nitrate free! Specials include $5 for a dawg, drink and chips; $6.45 for a dawg, fries or a deli salad, and a drink. Happy hour is 4 from 6 p.m. with $2 beer and wine. Roxy Dawgs is
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
committed to the natural world, using compostable food containers and materials with the goal of becoming a zerowaste establishment. Flat Tail Sports Pub and Brewery, 202 SW First St., has a new menu that features a $6 lunch special Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Monday, get a grilled ham and cheese with choice of soup, salad or fries. Wednesday, get the shrimp and sausage jambalaya or fish and chips on Friday. More dining deals are available during happy hours, 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. The happy-hour menu includes a choice of three flavors of macaroni and cheese for $4; chicken tamale smothered in guajillo chile sauce and cotija cheese for $3; chicken tenders and fries for $3; and pub salad for $2. Flat Tail is at the corner of First and Madison in downtown Corvallis, across from the river. Please share ideas for diningout deals with me or let me know if you try one of these suggestions: sharon.bogdanovic@ci.corvallis.or.us or at the Corvallis Chintimini Senior Center, attention Sharon.
Western author Zane GREY (43 Across) was a descendant of the founder of Zanesville, Ohio. Northern Spay and Johnathan APPLES (76 Across) both ripen in the fall. BATIK (15 Down) is created by using wax as a dye repellent; the word comes from the Japanese language. You may contact puzzle editor Stanley Newman at his Internet website: WWW.PUZZLESATRANDOM.COM. Or write him at P.O. Box 69, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Please enclose a selfaddressed stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
CRYPTOGRAM: I used to think I had it bad because I had no shoes, then I met a man with no feet