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A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA NE PERMIT NO. 389
April 2022 Vol. 47 No. 4
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New Horizons old • er 74 adul ts since 19
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M o nth Bob and Mary Lykke are among the more than 100 volunteers who deliver meals weekdays as part of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program. Each April, ENOA and the nation come together to celebrate National Volunteer Month. Learn more about ENOA’s volunteer programs and the individuals who provide their communities with more than 200,000 hours of service annually worth in excess of $5 million. See pages 6 and 11.
Gerontologist
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Christopher Kelly, PhD, is the chair of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Department of Gerontology. Nick Schinker profiles Dr. Kelly on pages 8 & 9.
What’s inside Can statins help prevent dementia?............ 2 Homestead exemption program ................. 3
AARP offering free tax preparation.............. 5 Nancy Hemesath’s ‘Conscious Aging’ ........ 7 IGO’s Pops & Pie concert on May 8 .......... 12 ENOA hosting listening session ................ 12 Working to reduce burnout in nurses ........ 14 Foods that promote cardiac health ........... 15 ENOA’s Volunteer Connect program ......... 15 Softball leagues for older players .............. 16
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UNMC research is trying to determine if statins usage can help prevent dementia
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he University of Nebraska Medical Center is one of 100 institutions nationwide involved in a study to determine if statins – a commonly used drug to prevent heart attack and stroke – can help prevent dementia. Statins protect blood vessels and reduce inflammation throughout the body. It’s estimated that one-third of individuals over age 75 take statins. The purpose of the five-year PREVENTABLE study – which stands for Pragmatic Evaluation of Events and Benefits of Lipid-lowering in Older Adults – is to learn if taking a statin can help prevent dementia and maintain health. Led by Alfred Fisher, MD, chief of the UNMC Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Medicine, the study is open to Nebraska Medicine’s primary care patients including patients at the Bellevue Health Center clinic. Additionally, the Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a site, and the study is open to VA Nebraska-Western Iowa patients. Dr. Fisher said the researchers are studying statins because the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia overlap with the risk factors for developing heart disease and stroke.
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Dr. Alfred Fisher, MD
“Dementia affects many older adults and their families in the United States,” said Dr. Fisher, the study’s principal investigator and the Neumann M. and Mildred E. Harris Professor of Geriatrics. “We are asking if the medication prevents heart disease and stroke, and also will it delay or prevent dementia? Currently we don’t have any cures for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and prevention would be important in the absence of treatment,” he said.
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torvastatin, also called Lipitor, is the study drug in PREVENTABLE. Researchers will be recruiting study participants through 2024. Those who may qualify for the study include adults ages 75 or older who aren’t taking a statin or have not taken statins for more than five years in their lifetime and don’t have heart disease or have had a heart attack, dementia, or a significant disability. Participants can join the study either in person or at home by phone and get the study drug by mail. Researchers would conduct visits about once a year by phone and by reviewing health records. Dr. Fisher said most patients are more frightened of developing dementia than anything else. “It threatens their identity and independence,” he said. “It’s exciting to bring these studies to older adults. A lot of time older adults are not included in clinical studies. It’s a unique way to engage them in research and have clinical trials that look more like real life clinical practice.” (UNMC provided this information.)
April 2022
Fremont Friendship Center You’re invited to visit the Fremont Friendship Center, 1730 W. 16th St. (Christensen Field). The facility is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A meal is served weekdays @ 11:30 a.m. Reservations, which are due by noon the business day prior to the meal the participant wishes to enjoy, can be made by calling 402727-2815. A $4 contribution is suggested for the meal. This month’s activities will include: • April 4: Meeting about ENOA’s Diner’s Choice program @ noon. • April 6: Music by John Worsham @ 10:30 a.m. • April 7: Nye Presentation @ 10 a.m. • April 13: Music by The Links @ 10 a.m. • April 14: Library Book Mobile @ 9:30 a.m. • April 20: Music by Pam Kragt @ 10:30 a.m. • April 26: Board meeting @ 1:30 p.m. • April 27: Julie Couch @10:30 a.m. Learn how to play Pitch Thursdays @ 9:30 a.m. You can make a donation to the Fremont Friendship Center on May 10 during the Fremont Area Big Give. A special thanks to all the volunteers who help out at the center in a variety of ways. For meal reservations and more information, please call Laurie at 402-727-2815.
Millard Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave., this month for the following: • April 1: Spring tornado drill. Also, bring treats to share. • April 4: Ask Tamara for more information on getting together to write a book. • April 11: To Help Each Other Socially (THEOS) meeting @12:30 p.m. Call 402-546-1270 to make reservations by April 8 to have lunch @ noon. • April 13: Board meeting at 9:30 a.m. • April 13: Making dresses from pillowcases for children in Haiti @ 10 a.m. • April 15: Celebrate Easter with Jackpot Bingo. • April 18: Bring three friends if you want to join Larry’s Bridge Group @ noon. • April 25: Book Club will discuss Last Flight by Julie Clark @ 1 p.m. • April 26: Carolyn will teach how to make wall hangings from plastic hangers @ 9:30 a.m. Play the Hand-N-Foot card game Wednesdays @ 8:30 a.m. For more information, please call 402-546-1270.
Intercultural Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Intercultural Senior Center (ISC), 5545 Center St. The facility – open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – offers programs and activities Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVD-19 to attend the ISC. Participants are asked to wear a mask and bring their vaccination cards with them when visiting the ISC.
The ISC offers a light breakfast, lunch, fitness classes, programs, and activities. Technology classes are available Tuesdays @ 10:20 a.m. Lunch reservations are due by 9 a.m. A voluntary contribution is suggested for the meal. Please call 402-444-6529 for reservations. Foot care clinics are now available. Please call 402-4446529 for an appointment. Monthly food pantries are available for men and women ages 50 or older. ISC’s SAVE bus can bring case management services to your doorstep. For more information, please call 402-444-6529.
Return homestead exemption applications by June 30
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pplicants whose names are on file in the assessor’s office in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties should have had a homestead exemption form mailed to them by early March. New applicants must contact their county assessor’s office to receive the application. The 2022 forms and a household income statement must be completed and returned to the county assessor’s office by June 30, 2022. A homestead exemption provides property tax relief by exempting all or part of the homestead’s valuation from taxation. The state of Nebraska reimburses the counties and other government subdivisions for the lost tax revenues. To qualify for a homestead exemption, a Nebraska homeowner must be age 65 by Jan. 1, 2022, the home’s owner/occupant through Aug. 15, 2022, and fall within the income guidelines shown below. Certain homeowners who have a disability, are developmentally disabled, are totally disabled war veterans, or the widow(er) of a totally disabled war veteran – including those who have remarried after age 57 – may also be eligible for this
annual tax break. When determining household income, applicants must include Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits plus any income for which they receive a Form 1099. The homestead exemption amount is based on the homeowner’s marital status and income level (see below). Maximum exemptions are based on the average assessed value for residential property in each Nebraska county. Here are the numbers for the local assessor’s offices: Douglas: 402-4447060, options #2; Sarpy: 402-593-2122; Dodge: 402-727-3911; Cass: 402-2969310; and Washington: 402-426-6800.
2022 Household Income Table Over age 65 married income
Over age 65 single income
Exemption %
0 - $36,100.99 $36,101 - $38,000.99 $38,001 - $40,000.99 $40,001 - $41,900.99 $41,901 - $43,900.99 $43,901 - $45,800.99 $45,801 - $47,800.99 $47,801 - $49,700.99 $49,701 - $51,700.99 $51,701 - $53,600.99 $53,601 and over
0 to $30,700.99 $30,701 - $32,300.99 $32,301 - $33,900.99 $33,901 - $35,500.99 $35,501 - $37,100.99 $37,101 - $38,700.99 $38,701 - $40,300.99 $40,301 - $41,900.99 $41,901 - $43,500.99 $43,501 - $45,100.99 $45,101 and over
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Join us for Living with Parkinson’s
Your Emotional and Social Wellness with PD
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CT
Check in and exhibits begin at 4 p.m.
New Horizons New Horizons is the official publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. The paper is distributed free to people over age 60 in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Washington, and Cass counties. Those living outside the five-county region may subscribe for $5 annually. Address all correspondence to: Jeff Reinhardt, Editor, 4780 S. 131st Street, Omaha, NE 68137-1822. Phone 402-444-6654. FAX 402-444-3076. E-mail: jeff.reinhardt@enoa.org Advertisements appearing in New Horizons do not imply endorsement of the advertiser by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. However, complaints about advertisers will be reviewed and, if warranted, their advertising discontinued. Display and insert advertising rates available on request. Open rates are commissionable, with discounts for extended runs. Circulation is 9,000 through direct mail .
A light boxed dinner will be provided. Speakers from Nebraska Medicine and Heartland Neurological Wellness and Therapy begin at 5 p.m.
Editor....................................................Jeff Reinhardt Ad Mgr................Mitch Laudenback, 402-444-4148 Contributing Writers.........Nick Schinker & Leo Biga
Attend in-person at Scott Conference Center at Aksarben in Omaha, or watch online via Zoom!
ENOA Board of Governors: Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County, chairperson; Angie Burmeister, Sarpy County, vice-chairperson; Lisa Kramer, Washington County, secretary; Pat Tawney, Dodge County, & Janet McCartney, Cass County .
This program is open to people with Parkinson’s, their family, friends, and the community. There is no charge to attend, but please register early!
The New Horizons and the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging provide services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, or age.
Parkinson.org/WellnessNE or call (830) 253-0011 April 2022
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New Horizons
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ENOA is recruiting Long-term Care Ombudsmen
he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is looking for men and women ages 21 and older to join its Long-term Care Ombudsman Program which is co-sponsored by the Nebraska State Ombudsman Program. ENOA’s Long-term Care Ombudsmen volunteer in local long-term care facilities and assisted living communities to protect the residents’ rights, well-being, and quality of life. Long-term Care Ombudsmen must complete 20 hours of initial classroom training and 12 hours of additional training every two years. During the training, the volunteers learn about the residents’ rights, aging issues, Medicare, Medicaid, communication skills, how to investigate the residents’ complaints, the importance of confidentiality, and about the federal and state rules, regulations, and laws regarding Nebraska’s long-term care facilities and assisted living communities. Before being assigned to a long-term care facility or an
assisted living community, new volunteers will make four visits to a site with an experienced Ombudsman Advocate to learn more about what the program entails. After a three-month probationary period, the new volunteers are certified as Ombudsman Advocates. Certified Ombudsman Advocates will be assigned to a long-term care facility or an assisted living community where they’ll visit for two hours a week to meet with administrators, residents, Be simply confident and the residents’ family members to on address the goconcerns. For more information about ENOA’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, please call Beth Nodes at 402-4446536.
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New Horizons
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en and women ages 55 and older who want to earn a taxfree stipend while making an impact in their community are encouraged to join the Senior Companion Program and the Foster Grandparent Program. Sponsored locally by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, the SCP and FGP are national programs of AmeriCorps Seniors. Senior Companions help other older adults maintain their independence by visiting them at home to discuss the news, read mail, play cards, run errands, etc. Foster Grandparents serve as positive role models for children who need special attention with education, healthcare, and social development in schools, Head Start programs, and child development centers. SCP and FGP volunteers must meet income guidelines and complete an enrollment process that includes references and background checks. In exchange for volunteering 10, 15, or more hours per week, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions receive a $3 an hour tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, an annual physical examination, supplemental accident insurance coverage, and other benefits including an annual recognition luncheon. The stipend does not interfere with rent, disability, Medicaid, or other benefits. For more information on the FGP and SCP, please call 402-444-6536.
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April 2022
he Metro Women’s Club is hosting a luncheon and a program featuring fashions by J Jill Fashions on Tuesday, April 12 at the Players Club, 12101 Deer Creek Dr. The menu will feature a choice of ribeye, cream chicken, or mahi mahi. Reservations – which are $30 and due by April 8 – can be made by calling Ginny at 402-319-1121. For more information about the luncheon/fashion show or joining the Metro Women’s Club, please call Ginny at 402-319-1121.
Published by Steerforth Press
Features seven Broadway shows
Dr. Tracey Gendron’s new book examines how to end society’s bias against aging
O-Pa annouces schedule of performances for 2022-23
teerforth Press has recently published a book described as “essential reading for everyone who aspires to purpose and meaning to the end and is willing to challenge the ageism that stands in our way.” Called Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It, the 192-page hardcover book is written by Dr. Tracey Gendron. Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It reveals the biases behind the false understanding of aging by sharing
maha Performing Arts (O-pa) is bringing seven Broadway performances to Omaha as part of its 2022-2023 season including several Tony Award winners. In addition, O-pa will host performances such as Ballet Hispanico, Madagascar the Musical, the National Geographic Live speaker series, and the return of the Holland Music Club. O-pa President Joan Squires made the announcement including Broadway, jazz, dance, comedy, concerts, and more during an online season reveal event recently. “We are thrilled to announce a spectacular season for 22-23,” Squires said. “The Broadway shows include audience favorites and current hits that we’re excited to bring to Omaha. And our performances of jazz musicians, dance companies, family shows, and more provide a season filled with outstanding talent to delight audiences.” Broadway season performances include Disney’s Frozen, Six the Musical, Annie, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, and Hairspray. Subscribers may also add Les Misérables to their package. Beloved actor Richard Thomas will star as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Other highlights include Air Supply, Vince Gill, Lyle Lovett & Chris Isaak, family favorite Dragons and Other Mythical Beasts, dance company Philadanco, jazz great Terence Blanchard, Beautiful – The Carol King Musical, and fan favorite Rise of the T-Rex from National Geographic Live. The Holland Music Club returns on the second Friday of the month from October through May for dinner, drinks, and high-energy performances in a unique space. Concerts include Sammy Figueroa, Bad Bad Hats, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, and more. Current Broadway subscribers may renew their season subscription at TicketOmaha.com by calling 402-345-0606 or in person at the Ticket Omaha Box Office located inside the Holland Center, 1200 Douglas St. New Broadway season subscriptions are also available starting at $242. More information is available at TicketOmaha.com. Performances in jazz, dance, family, and more are available in a flexible Create Your Own package. Patrons may select three or more of these performances to make their own packages. National Geographic Live subscription packages are also available. Subscription or Create Your Own benefits include price savings, same seat (subscriptions only), advance purchase opportunities, and more. For more information, visit TicketOmaha.com.
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powerful opportunities for personal growth and strategies to help create an anti-ageist society. Gendron’s book exposes the way cultural norms and prejudices have seeped into everyday lives and quietly shaped the treatment of others based on their age and misconceptions about aging. Some of the topics addressed in the book include letting go of the need to stay young, appreciating the challenges and opportunities aging offers, showing how ageism impacts younger and older people, resetting expectations for getting old, and anticipating older age as a time of renewed meaning and purpose. Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It, which sells for $19.95, is available through online booksellers.
AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program providing free tax counseling through April 18
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hrough April 18, The AARP Foundation – the nation’s largest volunteer-based free tax preparation service – is providing free tax assistance and preparation services for older adults through its Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified annually to ensure they understand the latest changes to the United States Tax Code. AARP’s Tax-Aide program has several options for providing taxpayer assistance. These options vary by location and are subject to change. Visit aarpfoundation. org/taxaide for details. • Drop-off: Taxpayers interact with fully COVID-vaccinated IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteers in a short, in-person meeting at one of the locations listed below. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Returns will normally be prepared the day of the appointment. Details for making appointments are available at aarp.org. • Contact-free: Taxpayers interact with Tax-Aide’s IRS-certified tax counselors online or by phone and will exchange documents electronically. For more information, go online to Abrahams Library 5111 N. 90th St. Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bellevue University Library 1000 Galvin Rd S. Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bellevue Volunteer Fire Hall 2108 Franklin St. Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Church of the Resurrection 3004 Belvedere Blvd. Monday & Tuesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
aarpfoundation.org/taxaide. Search for Nebraska Virtual Site. You can also begin this process by sending an email to omahaaarp@gmail.com. • Self-preparation: Tax-Aide provides taxpayers with free access to software so they can prepare their own taxes. Go to aarpfoundation.org/taxaide and select Self-Filing Software. You’ll input your own information and file your return electronically. Taxpayers using this software can request help from an IRS-certified counselor to coach them through the process by phone or through computer screen-sharing. The Tax-Aide locations listed below will adhere to CDC guidance for COVID-19 safety. Masks and social distancing will be required at all locations. For more information about the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, including what type of service is available where, and which documents you need to file your taxes, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). Locally, United Way’s 211 operators will assist in making the appointments. Here’s a list of the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program sites, days, and hours of operation: Papillion Landing 1046 W. Lincoln St. Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday 3 to 7 p.m. Ralston Baright Library 5555 S. 77th St. Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sons of Italy 1238 S. 10th St. Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.
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April 2022
April 27, 2022
Hosted by: Bud & Jane Thomsen
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New Horizons
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Join ENOA as it celebrates National Volunteer Month
ENOA’s Ombudsman Advocates visit area long-term care facilities and assisted living communities two hours each week to make sure the residents are living the best quality of life possible.
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elivering hot meals on a cold day, a special conversation between friends, helping a child learn how to read, shoveling snow from a driveway, making sure a long-term care facility resident is enjoying the best quality of life possible, and knitting caps for babies. These are just a few examples of the important work being done in the community by the men, women, and children in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties who volunteer in programs sponsored by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. Each year, ENOA’s volunteers provide over 200,000 hours of service worth more than $5 million. In April, National Volunteer Month is being celebrated by ENOA and millions of Americans as a way to thank the volunteers, recruit new men, women, and children into these vital programs, and encourage volunteerism throughout the United States. “Collectively and individually, our volunteers are making a tremendous difference for more than 1,000
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individuals in our region,” said Mary Parker, director of ENOA’s Volunteer Services division. “Each day, our volunteers step back from their busy lives, generously offering
their time to improve the quality of life for someone else. The value of their contributions is immeasurable, and we’re truly grateful for these exemplary role models of service.”
Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels to ENOA clients.
NOA’s Meals on Wheels program provides more than 200,000 hot meals to homebound older adults annually. Many of those midday meals are delivered by volunteers from the community and local businesses. Retired Millard Public Schools educators Bob and Mary Lykke, ages 86 and 81, respectively, have been a part of ENOA’s Meals on Wheels volunteer delivery force for more than 10 years. “Delivering meals allows us to do something that’s worthwhile,” said Mary. “It acquaints us with aging in America,” said Bob. “We believe in giving back. We’ve received plenty. If we can bring a smile to the folks we deliver to, we’ve had a great day.” “Our more than 100 volunteer drivers are kind and compassionate people who Monday through Friday help
New Horizons
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April 2022
SeniorHelp Program volunteer Kristen Deane helped deliver bags of produce to ENOA clients.
us deliver more than 600 meals,” said Katelyn York who coordinates Meals on Wheels for ENOA. “I can’t thank these men and women enough for the tremendous service they provide.” During the pandemic drivers have put the meals inside plastic bags and placed the bags on a doorknob or a nearby table. York said she hopes the drivers will soon be able to start handing the meals directly to the men and women on their routes. “For many of the meals’ recipients, the driver will be the only human contact they have all day,” she added. Additional volunteers are needed to deliver meals in various parts of the Omaha area. Drivers are contacted each Wednesday to see if they’re available to help the following week.
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NOA’s Ombudsman Advocates visit area long-term care facilities and assisted living communities two hours each week to make sure the residents are safe and being
cared for properly by the facility’s staff. “Ombudsman Advocate volunteers – who are a variety of ages and come from all kinds of professions – are men and women who enjoy solving problems and making life better for the residents,” said Beth Nodes, who coordinates the Ombudsman Advocate program for ENOA. “For some of the residents, the Ombudsman Advocate may be the only face they see other than the facility’s staff. Our volunteers are appreciated because they spend time getting to know the residents. They work hard to advocate for things like timely responses to call lights for help, medications being given on time, and making sure the residents and staff are on the same page when it comes to the care plan.”
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olunteers of all ages provide services designed to keep older adults living independently at home for as long --Please turn to page 11.
Letting go of our roles, possessions as we get older
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y father died in his sleep at age 98. He lived a full life as a farmer, spouse, father of five children, golfer, reader, banjo player, and card player among many other roles. By the time he died he’d lost his sight, was wheelchair bound and had a faded memory. I watched with great admiration as his vibrant life diminished through the years. Why the admiration? He let go of his roles and possessions with such grace. In his early 60s he turned over the home farm to my brother and soon moved into town, helping, but allowing my brother to be the boss. My father then spent more time golfing and taking bus trips with my mother. As his glaucoma progressed, he couldn’t see golf balls at a distance. He had to give up this beloved sport. He continued to play banjo and sing with a small polka band, catching rides with younger members who
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could drive after dark. I don’t remember him complaining about what he couldn’t do but instead he focused on the fun he was still able to enjoy. He loved
my dad was incapacitated but at peace. The lessons my dad taught me by example have deeply affected me. Letting go is part of life. Each time
had time to pursue in the past. Physical limitations are inevitable for those of us who are lucky enough to live many decades. Each limitation, however, offers the choice of resisting or adapting. If I can no longer hear the dialogue in a play, I can still enjoy the music of an orchestra. If I lose independence in my living situation, I can still enjoy those who care for me.
Conscious Aging By Nancy Hemesath
playing cards and visiting with family and friends. A big letting-go moment occurred when he and my mom could no longer maintain their home. They agreed to move to an apartment that was part of my brother’s house. My dad was set against moving into a care facility until my mother fell and had to go there for more care. He went along to be with her and, once he was there, decided he liked all the camaraderie and attention. He even described the care facility as a “little bit of heaven” as he continued to decline. By the time he died
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we lose the capacity for one part of life, we have a choice. Either we regret the losses and become bitter, or we focus on what we can do and enjoy it. For example, retirement is the occasion to close one chapter and start to write the new one. We open the opportunity for new interests we never
his letting-go transition is done more graciously when it’s accompanied by gratitude. Each time we give up one part of our lives, we can give thanks for the contribution it has made to our lives, and we open
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aring for a loved one is difficult, and the challenges are amplified during a pandemic. Join Flaherty Senior Consulting for a series of Solutions Group gatherings that will address the questions and challenges caregivers face. Solutions Groups provide opportunities for caregivers to learn how to deal with various issues, obtain skills and knowledge, engage in discussions, and interact with others in similar circumstances. Upcoming meeting dates and locations are:
Douglas County Prescription Discount Card
• April 7 & June 2 The Servite Center of Compassion 72nd St. and Ames Cr. • April 23 & June 25 Faith Westwood United Methodist Church 4814 Oaks Ln. • May 10 St. Vincent de Paul Church 14330 Eagle Run Dr. • May 18 St. Timothy Lutheran Church 93rd and Dodge streets The Solutions Groups are facilitated by Nancy Flaherty, MS, CDP, president of Flaherty Senior Consulting. She has extensive experience working with family caregivers and caregiver groups. Registration is required to attend each gathering. Masks are mandatory, and social distancing will be observed. Visit flahertyconsulting.net or call 402-312-9324 for more information. Flaherty also provides private consultations with family caregivers to help them develop individual plans for their loved ones. For information on private consultations, Solutions Group meeting times, and/or to register to attend a Solutions Group, email Nancy at flahertyconsulting.net or flahertyconsulting.net call/text her at 402-312-9324.
space for something new. We recommit to living our lives fully in a new way. Each letting-go moment can be described as small death. I believe this is a useful way to look at the trajectory of our lives. We’re given the chance as we age to graciously let go and adapt to new realities. This practice prepares us for the ultimate letting-go in a peaceful death; an opening of our hearts to whatever comes next without clinging to what has been. (Hemesath is the owner of Encore Coaching. She’s dedicated to supporting people in their Third Chapter of Life and is available for presentations. Contact her at nanhemesath@gmail. com.)
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April 2022
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New Horizons
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UNO preparing students, community for a diverse aging population
An Omaha Gross High School graduate, Kelly has a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame and a doctorate in gerontology from USC. By Nick Schinker
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Contributing Writer
reated 50 years ago as a program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), the Department of Gerontology is meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse aging population through innovative educational opportunities, outreach to the community, and in-depth study of the physical, physiological, and social aspects of aging, says Professor and Department Chair Christopher M. Kelly, Ph.D. “The direct care workforce and the study of aging are attracting an increasing number of entry and exitlevel workers, those 25 and younger and those 65 and older,” Dr. Kelly says. “It is also becoming increasingly diverse, not only in age, race, and ethnicity, but also in gender. Women still make up the majority, but we are seeing an increasing number of male care workers.” Dr. Kelly says this shift in the makeup of caregivers mirrors the demographics of our aging population. “They look and have experiences similar to the people they serve,” he says. The UNO Department of Geron-
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tology recognizes this demographic shift as it strives to prepare an increasing number of practitioners, along with individuals who have chosen to become educators in the field and study of aging, Dr. Kelly says. “This is an amazing time to be part of the Department of Gerontology,” he says. “We have incredible multidisciplinary faculty members who hold Ph.D.’s in a number of related fields such as public administration, psychology, sociology, biology, and neuroscience. The department has never had a broader academic reach in terms of expertise and the students we can teach.”
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r. Kelly is a lifelong Nebraskan. His father, Mike, taught American government and remedial reading at Bellevue West High School. His mother, Dianne, served as the manager of the microbiology and chemistry lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Health Sciences and as director of the Sarpy/Cass Counties Health Department. After graduating from Daniel J. Gross High School in 1990, Dr. Kelly went on to earn a bachelor’s
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degree in English at the University of Notre Dame, and a doctorate in gerontology at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. He also was a National Institute on Aging Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Dr. Kelly taught classes in gerontology at USC and served as a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina before joining the gerontology faculty at UNO in 2006. A unit of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS), the Department of Gerontology illustrates the college’s statewide mission with courses taught at the UNO and Lincoln campuses as well as online. Dr. Kelly has taught on both campuses. In 1972, the Gerontology Program was established at UNO as a part of CPACS and David Peterson, Ph.D., became the founding director. Dr. Peterson left UNO in 1978 to become director of the Leonard Davis School of the Andrus Gerontology Center at the University of Southern California. Dr. Kelly met Dr. Peterson as a student at USC. Dr. Kelly taught on the UNL campus until 2016. One year earlier,
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he moved to Omaha to serve as the Graduate Program Chair for the Department of Gerontology. In 2020, he succeeded Julie L. Masters, Ph.D., as chair of the department. “I came to the department with experience in the field of aging and the corporate world,” Dr. Masters recalls. “Chris brings with him a wealth of experience in academia. As the department expands its offerings at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels, he will be able to refine our programs from an academic perspective.” Dr. Masters, who served as department chair for 11 years, says Dr. Kelly has the support of “an amazing and talented team of faculty, advisors, and staff who will help him advance the goals of the department as we work to attract the best and brightest to face the issues of an aging population.”
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he study of aging is not so much about the past or the present as it is about the future – our future, for those of us fortunate enough to live to a “ripe old age” – and how as individuals and as a society we pre--Please turn to page 9.
Gerontology Department working to attract best, brightest --Continued from page 8. pare for it and respond to it. As the aging population’s demographics change, so does the student population, Dr. Kelly says. “The biggest change I’ve seen is the increasing responsibilities our students have,” he says. “More and more students are bringing their personal or work experiences to their studies. “The challenge for us is to help students see the field of aging not in the terms of short-term employment but as opportunities for careers,” he says. “To do that, we need to help them become better educated and better trained in all aspects of aging – biological, physiological, and social.” The UNO Department of Gerontology offers many options for undergraduate and graduate students, including Bachelor of Science in Gerontology, Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies with a Gerontology Concentration, Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology, Undergraduate Minor in Gerontology, Master of Arts in Gerontology, Ph.D. in Gerontology, Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, Graduate Minor in Gerontology, Graduate Certificate in Gerontology with a concentration in Interior Design, and Dual Programming in Gerontology & Law. In addition to Drs. Kelly and Masters, the Gerontology Department faculty includes Lyn M. Holley,
Ph.D.; Julie Blaskewicz Boron, Ph.D.; Janelle N. Beadle, Ph.D.; Lindsay R. Wilkinson, Ph.D.; Bede Bolin, M.S., M.A.; Amy Hanson, Ph.D.; Heather Ford, M.A., C.D.P.; and Mark Kazor, M.A., along with more than two dozen part-time instructors and graduate students.
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r. Masters says that as the aging population expands, gerontology becomes an increasingly attractive field of study. “The demographics speak to the need,” she says. “To satisfy this need requires people who understand the unique qualities of aging and are willing and eager to work with these qualities. The people who do the best job are those who understand older people. They get it.” Dr. Kelly’s personal experience includes serving as an AmeriCorps volunteer in an Alzheimer’s day program in Santa Rosa, Calif.; and as activities director at a nursing home. He says the effort to broaden educational opportunities will benefit from a growing collaboration with individuals, organizations, and agencies in both the public and private sectors.
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n addition to his duties as department chair, Dr. Kelly serves as a member of the Region 6 Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, chair of
the Advisory Council of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Senior Companion Program, board member of Dementia Friendly Nebraska, member of the Nebraska Mental Health & Aging Coalition, and as a member of the Nebraska Aging Legislative Coalition. “Bringing together the various public and private sector elements in aging services will help us come up with long-term solutions,” he says. “We need to ensure we have the support to help people age in place as long as possible in order to delay or even prevent institutionalization.” He says Omaha has been responsive to the changing demographics of the community by creating numerous public and private care options, a wide range of home care and home health services, and by nurturing the success of private corporations that provide home care here and worldwide. “By continuing to develop and encourage the area’s teaching facilities, medical schools, and providers that are headquartered here,” he says, “Omaha is poised to be on the leading edge of positively transforming health care and creating long-term care solutions for our aging population.”
Dr. Kelly joined UNO’s gerontology faculty in 2006.
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The Department of Gerontology is part of UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service.
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Ask your physician, pharmacist about cholesterol-lowering meds
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By Anna Kohll, Pharm.D. hile your primary care physician evaluates your medication list during each of your visits, it’s always valuable for you to be your own healthcare advocate. Pharmacists – the medication experts – are another resource for evaluating your medication list and health history to determine if certain medications like those that lower cholesterol levels would be appropriate for you. There are a few reasons you might need to add these medications to your regimen, and they may be worth asking your doctor about at your next visit. If you’ve had a stroke, a heart attack, or if you have diabetes, ask your doctor to evaluate your Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) levels. There are certain cut-offs where it would be appropriate for you to be on a cholesterol-lowering medication. If you have too much LDL, this builds up plaque in your arteries and can cause you to have a stroke or a heart attack. There are different appropriate threshold levels of LDL based on your specific condition. The first step when you begin taking a cholesterol lowering medication is within the statin class. These are inexpensive generic medications taken once daily. Not everyone can tolerate statins. A common side effect is muscle aches. If this occurs, the next medication your doctor could try is Zetia. If this doesn’t lower your cholesterol level to your specific goal, the last line of therapy may be a PCSK9
inhibitor. These medications – injections called Repatha and Praluent – have often been life changing for patients.
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nsurance companies may make it difficult for PCSK9 inhibitors to be covered by your policy. Many pharmacists are trained in knowing what information is needed to get them paid for and can also be helpful finding coupons or other assistance to get these medications covered. It’s always a good idea to ask questions at each of your doctor visits. At your next appointment, check with your doctor to see if cholesterol-lowering medications would be appropriate for increasing your longevity. (Kohll is with Kohll’s Rx in Omaha.)
Call 402-559-3158
UNMC is recruiting older adults to participate in research study on susceptibilty to fraud, scams
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ccording to recent reports, nearly one in three Americans have fallen victim to a scam. Over the past year, approximately 23% of Americans have been exposed to a scam and the U.S. population has collectively lost $29.3 billion as a result. During the past decade, there has been a significant increase in solicitations targeting older adults. Elder fraud and abuse not only impact overall life quality but also the length of life for older adults. Frauds and scams may come in the form of solicitations via phone calls, emails, letters, and computer pop-ups. The Nebraska Office of the Attorney General lists many common forms
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of scams including charity fraud, grandparent scam, home repair scam, internet scam, and sweepstakes/foreign lottery. These solicitations may ask for donations and assistance and advertise unnecessary services or products. The ultimate goal is to take advantage of vulnerable individuals. Older adults are often vulnerable to scams due to loneliness, a desire to help, or due to declines in judgment. The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Division of Neuropsychology in the Department of Neurological Sciences is conducting a federally-funded research project on how changes in practical judgment and problem-solving skills may impact older adults in terms of susceptibility to scams and fraud. The researchers are recruiting individuals ages 60 to 90, with or without cognitive impairment to examine the role of cognition, brain structures, and genetic factors on susceptibility to scam and fraud victimization. The study involves one or two visits and doesn’t require any follow up visits. Eligible participants, who may receive compensation for their time, will undergo a free brain imaging study (MRI), cognitive testing, and genetic testing. Ultimately, by identifying when and how changes in practical judgment occur, the researchers are hoping to help prevent victimization for this vulnerable population. For more information, contact Erica Aflagah, PhD at 402-559-3158 or wnl@unmc.edu.
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ENOA’s volunteers strive to make life better in Nebraska --Continued from page 6. as possible through ENOA’s SeniorHelp program. These services include snow shoveling, lawn care, Meals on Wheels delivery, shopping for and delivering groceries, delivering bags of fresh produce, and outdoor home improvement projects. Each December, SeniorHelp volunteers deliver hundreds of holiday gifts to ENOA clients as part of the agency’s Christmas program. “SeniorHelp volunteers – who range in age from pre-school to 99 – have wide-ranging educational, social, and occupational backgrounds that allow them to provide a variety of services,” said Karen Kelly, who coordinates SeniorHelp for ENOA. “SeniorHelp volunteers work, attend school, raise families, and are active military. Some of them are dynamic retirees. They’re go-getters, problem solvers, kind, generous, and compassionate.” In addition, Kelly said the SeniorHelp volunteers frequently donate to ENOA both monetarily and with requested items for special projects. “They greatly expand ENOA’s capacity to meet the diverse needs of older adults in our community.”
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unded by AmeriCorps Seniors, ENOA’s Senior Companion Program (SCP) features volunteers who provide support and friendship to frail, often isolated older adults in the clients’ homes. “The Senior Companions are kind and compassionate and they want to give back to the community,” said Beth Paleogos, who coordinates the SCP for ENOA. “They come from all sorts of backgrounds. What they have in common is a big heart and a willingness to serve. “Senior Companions bring a little sunshine into their clients’ homes. This also helps keep our volunteers active which can lead them to longer and healthier lives.” In January, the SCP collaborated with Hy-Vee Supermarkets to collect and donate nearly 2,900 pounds of non-perishable food items to the food pantry at the Juan Diego Center in south Omaha.
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lso funded by AmeriCorps Seniors, the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) places volunteers in schools, Head Start programs, and child development centers to help youngsters needing special attention.
A group of Elmwood Tower residents are knitting and crocheting hats for babies as part of ENOA’s Volunteer Connect program. Among the group – who call themselves ‘The Knit-Wits’ – are (from left): Barb Scarpello, Ellen Scott, and Dee Kendall. “Foster Grandparents love working with kids, and they enjoy giving back to their community,” said Abby Wayman who coordinates the FGP for ENOA. “The kids love the support they receive from an older adult and the parents and teachers appreciate the extra help the Foster Grandparents provide,” she added. Wayman said National Volunteer Month is a great time for Americans to thank the Foster Grandparents who are playing an important role in shaping the nation’s youth. In February, the FGP sponsored the Birthday in a Box program where Foster Grandparents, ENOA staff members, and area residents donated more than 70 boxes featuring cake mix, frosting, candles, balloons, bubbles, disposable cake pans, and Happy Birthday hats and pins to the Boys Town Residential Kids Program and the Immanuel Residential Treatment Center.
assisted living facilities, and translate training materials for ENOA. “Our volunteers know the value of any small act,” said Tia Schoenfeld, who coordinates Volunteer Connect for ENOA. Schoenfeld said National Volunteer Month is a great way for America to thank its volunteer force. “Saying thank you builds
value. When we contribute, we build and maintain relationships and stay connected.” Please join ENOA as it honors and recognizes these special men, women, and children during National Volunteer Month. For more information about becoming an ENOA volunteer, please call Parker at 402-444-6536.
E Senior Companion Lucille Frizzell (top) visits Alice Mueller in Mueller’s Omaha home.
NOA’s Volunteer Connect Program matches older volunteers with private and nonprofit agencies to provide volunteers that knit caps for babies, help out at Omaha Performing Arts venues, make phone calls to isolated older adults, create greeting cards of encouragement for residents of skilled care and
Aurora Bryant works with a student as part of ENOA’s Foster Grandparent Program.
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The value of sharing memories, gaining wisdom while visiting with older friends, loved ones
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By Benane Awejok-Akurkuch e all know wisdom comes with age. Older adults have such a vast history it’s too good not to share. Many older men and women share memories of their professions, families, and friends. Each memory builds great rapport and connection to other individuals. This wisdom – a human tradition – is priceless communication that affects us in all areas of our life, career, and overall philosophy. While working with older adults, we see their smiles, tender touches, and whispers as we hear stories about their fascinating lives. We learn about making due during the Great Depression, where many had nothing but hard work and dreams. We hear about wives whose husbands went off to war, of children grown and living their own lives, of homes families built, and about enjoying their retirement years. Older men and women were once masters of their craft, and many long to share stories and instill those skills into the next generations. As they share their stores, we hear about how their lives impacted the community in which we live and work. This resonates with how we, too, have a special place in other people’s lives, impacting families and the community. Working with older adults is more than a job, it’s a calling. It’s an honor and a privilege to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. (Awejok-Akurkuch is the director of human resources for Midwest Geriatrics, Inc. of Omaha.)
ENOA recognizes a half century of nutrition programs for older adults
IGO’s Pops & Pie concert is scheduled for May 8 at Christ Community Church
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reated by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging in 1985 and initially funded for two seasons by a grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation, the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha blends the talents of volunteer musicians ages 25 and younger with those ages 50 and older. The IGO performs primarily for groups of retired older adults and area nursing home residents. The 37th annual Pops & Pie concert – a fundraiser for the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha – is scheduled for Sunday, May 8 at Christ Community Church, 404 S. 108th Ave. The guest artist will be percussionist Joey Gulizia. Doors will open at 2 p.m. for the 3 p.m. performance.
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Percussionist Joey Gulizia will perform with the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha at the IGO’s 37th annual Pops & Pie concert on May 8.
A pie and ice cream reception is scheduled to be held following the concert. If COVID restrictions are in place, the pie will be packaged inside to-go containers for guests to take home. Tickets, which are $15 or free for persons under age 6, are available by calling Chris Gillette at 402-444-6536, ext. 221. Tickets may also be purchased at igo-omaha.org.
Parkinson’s program on Wednesday, April 13
he Parkinson’s Foundation invites persons with Parkinson’s, their family and friends, and persons in the community to a free educational program titled Living With Parkinson’s: Your Emotional and Social Wellness on Wednesday, April 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. Check-in and exhibits will begin at 4 p.m.
Guests are invited to attend in person at the Scott Conference Center at Aksarben in Omaha or watch the program online via Zoom. The event will feature speakers from Nebraska Medicine and Heartland Neurological Wellness and Therapy. A light box dinner will be provided. To register, call 830-253-0011 or go online to Parkinson.org/WellnessNE.
Sponsored by UNO’s Department of Gerontology Nebraskans ages 50 and older are invited to share their thoughts on state’s aging services at town hall meetings
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ebraskans ages 50 and older are invited to share their opinions to help shape the future of services and care for the state’s aging population. The Department of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is joining with the state’s eight Area Agencies on Aging to hold listening sessions across the state. Nebraskans ages 50 and older are invited to share their thoughts to help researchers gauge their awareness of and satisfaction with the federal services delivered by the state’s Area Agencies on Aging. These sessions will take place at various town hall meetings in cities across Nebraska. A schedule for the listening sessions in ENOA’s service area can be found below. People can attend whichever session is closest to them regardless of their hometown residency. The structure of questions will be open-ended to allow for attendees to openly voice their opinions on their various needs. The sessions’ data will be part of a report helping the state understand the current and future needs of Nebraskans ages 50 and older.
On March 22, this group of ENOA staff members wore t-shirts in honor of 50 years of nutrition programs for older Americans.
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ast month, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging helped celebrate a half century of nutrition programs for Americans ages 60 and older.
Each year, ENOA provides more than 270,000 meals to older Nebraskans through its Meals on Wheels program and a network of senior centers. “The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program is the only federally supported program designed to be an antidote for both hunger and isolation,” said Meals on Wheels President and CEO Ellie Hollander.
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The results will be factored into Nebraska’s next five-year plan that will be sent to the federal government later this year. Please see the Department of Gerontology/University of Nebraska Omaha (gerontology.unomaha.edu) website for the full schedule of town hall meeting times and locations in Nebraska. Questions about the sessions can be directed to Christopher Kelly, Ph.D., chair of gerontology at UNO at cmkelly@unomaha.edu. Here’s the schedule of the town hall meetings in ENOA’s service area: May 19 @ 10 a.m. Bellevue Senior Center 109 W. 22nd Ave. May 23 @ 9 a.m. Omaha ENOA office 4780 S. 131st St. May 24 @ 9 a.m. Fremont Friendship Center 1730 W. 16th St. (Christensen Field)
Get better results, save money, reduce plastic waste by starting your plants from seeds this year By Melinda Myers
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oost your success, save money, and reduce plastic waste when starting plants from seeds this year. The options are many, so you’re sure to find one that works for you. Reuse plastic containers for starting plants from seeds. Disinfect the pots, flats, and cell packs before planting to avoid problems with damping off and other diseases. Soak the containers in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for 10 minutes. Rinse with clear water. The pots are now clean and safe for starting seeds. Biodegradable pots are another option. They’ve been around for many years eliminating plastic and reducing transplant shock. Plant the container along with the seedling when moving plants into the garden. You’ll find degradable pots made from a variety of materials. Organic gardeners may want to use biodegradable pots made from sustainably grown wood fiber. These contain no glue or binders and are Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed. Cow pots aren’t OMRI listed but are made from odor-free composted cow manure and an alternative to plastic and peat. These are biodegradable and add nutrients and organic matter to the soil at planting. Replace plastic seed starting cell packs with Honeycomb Paper pots. This 50-cell interlocking paper seed starter expands to fill a flat for easy planting. Roots expand through the open bottom and the cells easily separate, making it easy to move transplants into the garden. Once in the garden, the paper liners decompose. Invest once and use the dishwasher-safe Sili-Seedlings Seeding Tray for years of seed starting. These durable and reusable seed trays are made of BPA-free food-grade silicone. The flexible cells allow you to easily pop seedlings out without pulling and tugging. After the transplants are removed, rinse off any remaining soil and place in the dishwasher so the trays are ready for future plantings. Employ self-watering systems like Pop-Out Pots (gardeners.com). Move tomatoes and other transplants from seedling trays into these larger containers. The PopOut system, made from recycled polypropylene, uses wicks to move water from the reservoir to the plants as needed. Transplants are easily removed, and both the pots and wicks can be reused after hand washing in hot water. Skip the pots and avoid transplant shock by using a soil blocker to create an endless supply of soil blocks for planting. Moisten the potting mix, preferably one with a high percent of organic matter, to help the blocks hold their shape. Press the soil block maker into the moistened potting mix and rock back and forth to fill. Then place the blocks on a clean seed tray. Once planted, water from the bottom to avoid disturbing the soil block. Look for ways to repurpose any remaining plastic containers. Use smaller containers to apply fertilizer, animal repellents, or other granular material. Scoop and shake to distribute the fertilizer over the garden bed. Cover plants with empty pots when applying mulch to garden beds. Spread the mulch then lift the pot when the job is finished. Use them for double potting. Grow your plant in an old nursery pot and set it inside a decorative pot that lacks drainage. Some nurseries are asking customers to return plastic containers and flats for their own use. Other plant retailers have an area set aside for customers to return plastic pots for other customers to use or for recycling. Sustainable gardening starts with products used for starting seeds. Continue the trend throughout the growing season by conserving water, repurposing leaves into mulch, and recycling plant trimmings into valuable compost. (Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books.)
Eclectic Book Review Club
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Please see the ad on page 3
New Horizons Club membership increases
he Eclectic Book Review Club, founded in 1949, has announced its spring 2022 schedule: • April 19: Creighton University professor emerita Dr. Eileen Wirth will share highlights from A History Lover’s Guide to Omaha. • May 17: Creighton University professor emerita Dr. Amy Haddad will speak about the use of prose and poetry in the health care profession with her book, The Geography of Kitchens. The monthly meetings, which include lunch and the author book review, are held at noon at The Field Club, 3615 Woolworth Ave. The cost for the luncheon and program is $16. Annual membership dues in the Eclectic Book Review Club, which don’t include the cost of the monthly meetings, are $20. To reserve a seat, call Jo Ann at 402- 571-5223. The reservation deadline is the Friday morning prior to the Tuesday meeting.
April 2022
$50 Jean Dellamano $20 Lawrence Sterba $15 John Lemen $10 Edith Buis $5 Kathleen Koons A.J. Braun Reflects donations received through March 25, 2022.
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UNMC receives grant to promote mental health for state’s nurses
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ealth care workers face many challenges and stressors due to high patient volumes, long work hours, and workplace demands. Those challenges have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing has received a three-year, $2.2 million grant to work with partners across Nebraska to develop and deploy resources that will promote resiliency and mental health in the state’s nursing workforce. The grant is aimed at nursing students, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses, as well as their employers, working in rural and medically underserved areas. The intent is to foster healthy workplace environments by helping to manage stressful situations and hardships, avoid burnout, and address suicide and substance use disorders. The grant will embed wellness interventions into UNMC nursing curriculum, create and evaluate train-the-trainer models, and provide free continuing education to practicing Nebraska nurses and their employers across the state. Alyson Hanish, PhD, assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing, said there’s a need for a broader focus on wellness, covering the whole nursing career continuum from trainees to practicing nurses, addressing burnout and mental health conditions. The grant team will adapt and deliver evidence-based wellness interventions and provide subsequent resources into rural and medically underserved areas in nursing including our Critical Access Hospitals across the state. The UNMC grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services. It’s part of an estimated $103 million in American Rescue Plan funding over a three-year period to reduce burnout and promote mental health among the nation’s healthcare workforce. Dr. Hanish will lead a multidisciplinary team in the UNMC College of Medicine and College of Public Health, and facilitate partnerships with the Nebraska Board of Nursing, the Nebraska Center for Nursing, and the Nebraska Hospital Association. Dr. Hanish is a pediatric nurse and sleep researcher. When she saw family members and colleagues struggling throughout the pandemic and with the high rates of worker
burnout, she saw the grant as a way to help. “We’re in a complicated environment right now. The pandemic has exacerbated the nursing shortage,” Dr. Hanish said. “We know burnout is increasing and about 25 to 30% of new nurses quit in their first year. When I saw a call for grant proposals, I had a gut reaction that I needed to do something. It’s an ongoing issue, and it’s going to take a large investment at a systems level. “The health of nurses has to be a priority. We will implement evidence-based wellness interventions to keep our workforce healthy so they can provide the best health care to their patients. By providing resources to address escalated burnout and mental health conditions, we aim to improve the recruitment and retention crisis of nurses.” Rebecca Wysoske, MD, along with colleagues from the UNMC Department of Psychiatry, has developed a stress management program called WHOLE (Wellness How One Lives Effectively). As part of the grant, the WHOLE program will be tailored to meet specific needs of nursing students and the workforce.
UNMC Assistant Professor Alyson Hanish, PhD.
Dr. Wysoske said the program is taught in one to twohour increments, usually once a week over eight sessions. It will include ways to manage acute stress, as well as self-care, meditation, and other proven strategies to reduce chronic stress. “The goal is to keep stress under control the best we can and to recognize when we may need to reach out for help,” said Dr. Wysoske, an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry. “When you’re headed for burnout, everything looks negative. It’s not useful to spend time or energy on the past or things we don’t have control over. “Energy spent on those things means there’s no energy left for working on the things you can change and things that may make your life easier to manage or more enjoyable. We emphasize identifying positive things to be grateful for,” she continued. “Burnout has a lot to do with systems — things we don’t have control over. We can’t individually change staff or equipment shortages, but we can recognize what is in our control and focus our energy there so we can make even a small difference that may have a big effect.”
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Nebraska Wind Symphony
We are Looking for Dedicated Home Care Agencies Who want to support family caregivers who are in need of Respite Services.
If you are interested in becoming a Provider, Please contact: Mike Osberg
ENOA Caregiver Support Program Coordinator
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Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging •
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Caregiver Support Program •
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If you are interested in becoming a Provide,
ou’re invited you to attend the Nebraska Wind Symphony’s final concert of the 2021-2022 season on Sunday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be held in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Jan & John Christensen Concert Hall/Janet A. & Willis S. Strauss Performing Arts Center. The program – titled Give Us This Day – includes two pieces arranged by guest conductor Dr. Jay Gilbert, Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Doane
University. Kendall Wooden, the NWS’ 2020 scholarship winner will perform on the marimba.
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he concert will also include the consortium premiere of Zoom by Scott Boerma and the epic Give Us This Day by renown composer David Maslanka. Tickets are $10 for older adults and $15 for adults. Children and students will be admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased online at nebraskawindsymphony.com or at the door.
Charles E. Dorwart Massih Law, LLC 40 years of legal experience • Wills • Living Trusts • Probate • Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney • Medicaid Planning • In-home consultations • Free Initial consultation 226 N. 114th Street • Omaha, NE 68154 Office: (402) 558-1404 or (402) 933-2111 chuck@massihlaw.com www.dorwartlaw.com
Heart healthy food items By Hari Pulapaka & Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka, DPM
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whole food, plant-based diet low in sodium and free of fats has been conclusively shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. But which foods are the stars and stewards of healthy hearts? The list below gives our “Top 10” heart healthy foods. Each item has valuable medical attributes that make them integral ingredients to include in any diet that promotes and maintains heart health. • Oatmeal: Oats are high in fiber and possess wellresearched and documented cholesterol-reducing properties. Additionally, studies have shown oats in collaboration with vitamin C prevent HDL (“good”) cholesterol oxidation, thus fighting the progression of heart disease. • Flaxseed: Increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Flaxseeds provide an invaluable and rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have also shown that daily consumption of flaxseeds may help maintain a lower blood pressure. Flaxseeds have wonderful binding qualities that make them a useful substitute for eggs and processed flours. • Berries: Berries contain high amounts of polyphenols. Studies have shown most berries are low in calories and high in moisture and fiber. They contain natural antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and micronutrients, all essential for heart health. • Dark leafy greens: Adding dark leafy greens (and black-eyed peas) to your diet will help set the vibe for more than general health and prosperity. A diet rich in dark leafy greens (collards, mustards, kale, spinach, etc.) provides valuable folate – A vitamin that promotes heart health. Additionally, dark leafy greens have low glycemic indices and low caloric profiles which makes them particularly beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight. • Pomegranate: Pomegranates have been shown to be a rich source of potent antioxidants which act against several types of free radicals. Additionally, pomegranates help protect against the oxidation of HDL (“good”) cholesterol and help reduce blood pressure. • Walnuts or almonds: Nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids and help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Specifically, walnuts and almonds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats. They are, however, also high in calories, so they must be consumed in moderate portions. • Beans: All legumes are rich in minerals and fiber. Because beans don’t contain saturated fats and are rich in protein, they provide our bodies with healthy nutrition and satiation. Beans are a deliciously versatile component to help maintain a heart-healthy diet. Beans are an essential ingredient in many cuisines. • Soy: Foods containing soy protein have been shown to reduce cholesterol even as the precise mechanisms are still being actively researched. Edamame and soy protein are good examples of ingredients that can be easily incorporated into a heart-healthy diet. • Plant sterols: These compounds naturally found in plant cell membranes are similar in chemical structure to the human body’s cholesterol. When our diet is plant-based, the plant sterols compete with cholesterol for absorption
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into our digestive system resulting in a blocking and hence, a reduction of the cholesterol’s absorption rate. • Beets & beet greens: Beets (juice, root, and leaves) are naturally concentrated in nitrates, which have been shown to reduce blood pressure and increase oxygen levels. A diet that includes all edible aspects of beets helps increase oxygen levels and improve overall cardiovascular function. (Hari Pulapaka is a professional chef and cofounder of Cress Restaurant. Jenneffer Pulapaka is a board-certified Physician Diplomate in Lifestyle Medicine.)
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o you have some spare time, a skill to share, and wish to contribute to your community? Private and non-profit agencies are looking for your help. Please contact Tia Schoenfeld with the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Volunteer Connect program at 402444-6536, ext. 1045 for more information on the following volunteer opportunities: • Men and women are needed to write greeting cards of encouragement to residents in skilled care and assisted living facilities. • Bilingual volunteers are wanted to help translate materials and flyers for the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. • Volunteer quilters are needed to create Busy Lap Blankets for long-term care facility residents.
CLASSIFIEDS Cartagena Painting Service
Commercial/Residential Interior/Exterior/Insured Free estimates 402-714-6063 cartagenapainting@yahoo.com
Lamplighter II
Some of the nicest, newer 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Elevator, w & d, heated parking garage. Small complex. By bus & shopping. No pets or smoking. 93rd & Maple • 402-397-6921
RICK’S
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Big jobs or small, I’ll do them all. (Bonded & insured)
402-658-1245
Please call 402-444-4148 or 402- 444-6654 to place your ad
A+ Heartland Concrete Const.
Driveways, garage floors, sidewalks, retaining walls. patio specialists since 1985. Insured/references.
28-year BBB member
402-731-2094 OLD STUFF WANTED (before 1975)
Military, political, toys, jewelry, fountain pens, pottery, kitchen ware, postcards, photos, books, and other old paper, old clothes, garden stuff, tools, old household, etc. Call anytime 402-397-0254 or 402-250-9389
TOP CASH PAID
Best & honest prices paid for: Vintage, Sterling, Turquoise, & Costume jewelry, old watches, old quilts, vintage toys, old postcards, advertising items, military items, pottery, and antique buttons. Also buying estates & partial estates. Call Bev at 402-339-2856
For Sale
Older, but like new TREADMILL
$50
I AM COLLECTING • War relics • Omaha Police Department badges • South Omaha Police Department badges
Rickfitzlerhomeimprovement.com
Call 402-551-9038
Buyer must pick up treadmill from seller.
Call 402-504-1364
GET RID OF IT!
Senior Citizens (62+) Accepting applications for HUD-subsidized apartments in Papillion & Bellevue.
1002 Bellewood Court Bellevue (402) 292-3300 Bellewood@KimballMgmt.com
Monarch Villas
is 402-827-5656 in Omaha and 1-800-527-7249 statewide. This service is available to Nebraskans age 60 and older regardless of income, race, or ethnicity. Its hours of operation are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday.
201 Cedar Dale Road Papillion (402) 331-6882 Monarch@KimballMgmt.com
Managed by Kimball Management, Inc. PO Box 460967 Papillion, NE 68046 www.kimballmgmt.com We do business in accordance with the Fair Housing Law.
April 2022
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Haul away, garage, basement, rental clean out…
Johansen Brothers
Bellewood Courts
Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Elder Access Line
egal Aid of Nebraska operates a free telephone access line for Nebraskans age 60 and older. Information is offered to help the state’s older men and women with questions on a variety of topics. The telephone number for the Elder Access Line
ENOA’s Volunteer Connect program offers a variety of opportunities
New Horizons
Call Frank
402-312-4000 deFreese Manor
Subsidized housing for those age 62 and over with incomes under $30,750 (1 person) or $35,150 (two persons) 2669 Dodge Omaha, NE 402-345-0622
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Games played at LaVista Sports Complex
Softball leagues for players ages 50 and older By Christine Shank
Friday morning league except there will be two drafts – one at the beginning of the season and a second in the middle of the season. This will give players the opportunity to play with two different teams in one season. Anyone interested in playing senior softball should contact:
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enior softball is alive and well in the Omaha area. Spring arrived recently, and that means the start of another local senior softball season. This year there are three senior leagues for older men and women to choose from in the Omaha area: • The NE/IA Friday Morning Senior League (FMSL) • The Nebraska Senior Softball League • The new Tuesday Morning Senior League All senior softball league games will be played at the LaVista Sports Complex, 7629 Josephine St. The FMSL – which has grown from two to eight teams – is for men and women over age 50 with no upper age limit. The FMSL – which features a few additional safety rules – has a registration period in early spring. A player draft begins shortly after the registration closes. Players will be drafted to a new team each year for the 20-week season. The Nebraska Senior Softball league, which plays on Monday and Wednesday nights, is for men and women over age 50. It also features additional safety rules, a registration period, and a player draft. Players on the Monday/ Wednesday night league will play on their drafted team for two years. The Monday/Wednesday night league has an American Division and National Division with seven teams in each division. This spring, a new league will play on Tuesday mornings. The Tuesday league will follow the same rules as the
FMSL: braton2001@yahoo.com • Monday/Wednesday Night League: r_djensen@yahoo.com • Tuesday Morning League: jtczuba@hotmail.com
Three local softball leagues for players ages 50 and older feature special safety rules, registration periods, divisions, and player drafts.
The New Horizons is brought to you each month by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.
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Omaha Fire Department
he Omaha Fire Department’s Public Education and Affairs Department will install free smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors inside the residences of area homeowners. To have a free smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector installed inside your home, send your name, address, and telephone number to: Omaha Fire Department Smoke/ Carbon Monoxide Requests 1516 Jackson St. Omaha, Neb. 68102 For more information, please call 402-444-3560.
37th Annual
Pops&Pie
CONCERT Sunday, May 8, 2022 • 3 p.m.
Doors open at 2 p.m. • Concert at 3 p.m. Pie will be served following the concert.
Christ Community Church 404 S. 108th Ave., Omaha, NE
Tickets: $20 through May 1st or $10 at the door with no pie | Under age 6 FREE For ticket information call Chris at 444-6536 ext. 1021
www.igoomaha.org
GUEST ARTIST: Percussionist:
Joey Gulizia
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New Horizons
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April 2022
