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A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
January 2019 VOL. 44 • NO.1
ENOA 4780 South 131st Street Omaha, NE 68137-1822
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA NE PERMIT NO. 389
en oa. org
ing Serv
New Horizons old • er 74 adul ts since 19
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Nebraska Female Veterans Honor Flight In September, Bill and Evonne Williams of Patriotic Productions, sent a group of 135 female veterans from Nebraska – ranging in age from 27 to 98 – on a Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The veterans served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Stops on the tour included Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Pentagon, the WWII Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. Nick Schinker takes a closer look at the Honor Flight beginning on page 10.
Life coach After retiring from a career as an executive with local non-profit agencies, Nancy Hemesath has dedicated her life to helping others adjust to retirement. See page 3.
New site for ISC
In mid-February, the Intercultural Senior Center will begin serving older adults from around the world in its new facility at 5545 Center St. See page 18.
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The University of Nebraska Medical Center is looking for volunteers in the Fremont area to participate in a research study on Interactive Assistance for Pain Management. The study will examine the practical use of a Google Home Mini Device to help with the self-management of musculoskeletal pain. Study participants must be age 55 and older who take scheduled pain medications for musculoskeletal pain, live independently, be responsible for self-managing their medications, able to use a smart phone, have wireless Internet in their home, able to read and speak English, and complete questionnaires. The volunteers will be asked to set three reminder prompts for their pain medications on the mini device for four weeks and be able to document their pain characteristics. They will also be asked to complete surveys before and after using the mini device. For more information, please contact Dr. Marcia Shade at 402-559-6641 or marcia.shade@unmc.edu.
Volunteers Assisting Seniors
The top 10 cities for retirement livability
Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS) is committed to helping older adults make good life decisions. Through a network of trained volunteers, VAS provides Medicare counseling and Homestead Exemption filing assistance. VAS is offering a Basic Estate Planning class developed and presented by volunteer attorneys on Jan. 24 and April 25. The workshop provides an opportunity to learn in a classroom environment using simple language. The goal is to develop a better understanding of estate planning, so you’ll have an easier time making the important personal decisions necessary to design plans that meet your needs. The workshop will cover financial and medical powers of attorney, living wills, wills, living or revocable trusts, alternatives and supplements to wills, taxes related to death, and mistakes to avoid. The free classes are scheduled for Jan. 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and April 25 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the VAS office, 1941 S. 42nd St. (Center Mall), Suite 312. To reserve a spot, please call VAS at 402-444-6617.
ivability.com has released its Best Places to Retire rankings for the sixth year in a row.
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January 2019
Research participants needed in Fremont
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Reaching retirement is the culmination of a lifetime of decisions, plans, and financial preparations. One of the most important choices to be made at this stage of life is where to live. Each of these 10 cities offers access to affordable and quality health care, an accessible cost of living, retiree-friendly businesses and services, as well as amenities to keep residents active and engaged. To determine this year’s best places to retire, Livability.com’s data scientists first analyzed all U.S. cities with a population between 20,000 and 300,000 and weeded out places with high healthcare costs. Using a wide variety of data sources, eligible cities were ranked on more than 20 data points, including: community engagement, safety (total crime index), hospital quality rating, affordability, number of residents over age 65, activities and recreation (including farmers’ markets, golf courses, and parks), primary care physician rate, air quality, natural disaster risk, climate, property tax rate, and nursing home accessibility and quality. “Choosing the perfect place to spend your retirement is a very personal decision, which is why this year’s list represents a wide variety of lifestyles, climates, and geographic locations,” says Winona DimeoEdiger, managing editor of Livability.com. “Whether you’re looking to spend your days relaxing on a gorgeous beach or enjoying the tight-knit community of a small midwestern city, there’s truly something for everyone.” The 10 best places to retire are: • Naples, Fla. • Little Rock, Ark. • Scottsdale, Ariz. • Chattanooga, Tenn. • Plano, Texas • Roseville, Calif. • Spokane, Wash. • Carmel, Ind. • Columbus, Ga. • Charleston, S.C.
Former Franciscan nun, non-profit executive helping older adults adjust to the third chapter
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ccording to AARP, each day 10,000 men and women turn age 65 in the United States. That’s seven Baby Boomers per minute who reach the traditional retirement age for American workers. For some of these men and women, retirement – that next step in life’s journey – can be wonderful. “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else,” said children’s television show host Fred Rogers. For others, leaving their careers behind can be difficult. “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender,” said National Football League coaching legend Vince Lombardi. In 2014, to help older adults successfully transition from the labor force to retirement, Nancy Hemesath started Encore Coaching in Omaha. “I want to support people and help them have full, meaningful post-retirement years,” she said during a recent interview.
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ancy, her two brothers, and two sisters were raised by their parents on a northeast Iowa farm. After graduating from St. Francis DeSales High School in 1964, Hemesath became a Franciscan nun before enrolling at Briar Cliff University. She graduated from the Sioux City college in 1969. During the next several years, Hemesath’s resume included stints teaching theology and English to high school students, running campus ministries at Northern Iowa University, Briar Cliff University, and Omaha’s College of St. Mary. In 1990, Hemesath left the Franciscan Sisters after 25 years of service. “They were great years,” she said proudly, “but it no longer fit me.” Nancy stayed on the College of St. Mary faculty through 1998. From there, she became the executive director of Habitat for Humanity Omaha. Habitat for Humanity is an international, nongovernmental, non-profit organization that’s devoted to building simple, decent, and affordable housing. During Hemesath’s seven-year tenure, Habitat’s
Hemesath started Encore Coaching in 2014. Omaha affiliate built more than 100 homes, added staff members, and raised its annual budget from $1 million to $2 million. In 2005, looking for new challenges, she became the first executive director for Omaha’s Ted E. Bear Hollow. Today known as Grief’s Journey, the organization works with young people who are grieving after a loved one’s death, serious injury, or illness. “It was the most satisfying job I ever had,” Hemesath said when reviewing her eight years with the grief support agency. “The healing that went on there was magical.” At age 66, Nancy retired in 2013. “I felt like it was time for me to let go and reduce my responsibility,” she said.
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s a way to supplement her Social Security income and still wanting to contribute to society, Nancy started Encore Coaching in 2014. In 2008, she had completed the Academy of Coaching Excellence’s training program to become a certified life coach. Hemesath defined life coaches as individuals who help other people focus on defining and finding what gives their lives meaning and purpose. “Coaching is a sequential process consisting of clarifying intentions, designing goals, and taking authentic action within a safe, supportive relationship,” she said. “Coaching is not psychotherapy, nor should it be used as a substitute for counseling, legal, financial, or medical services.” While Encore Coaching also offers classes for non-profit agency leaders and general life coaching, the organization specializes in retirement coaching for individuals, couples, and groups in person, by phone, or on SKYPE. Hemesath divides life into three chapters. The first chapter is childhood through young adulthood. The second chapter is young adulthood through the traditional retirement age. The third chapter is the post-retirement years. For some men and women, the third chapter is the most difficult because they have to let go of their previous life and acknowledge retirement isn’t just one long vacation, Hemesath said. She offered three simple ideas retirees should consider: • Find a sense of purpose in your new life. • Realize a smooth transition to retirement doesn’t happen overnight. • Embrace the fact the new journey is an inward journey as we discover our true selves beyond our jobs and our roles. “People who retire can live a meaningful life by contributing whatever they have to offer,” Nancy said. Hemesath said working with men and women who have recently left the work force has helped her own adjustment to the third chapter. She’s pleased to be making a significant contribution to society. “I always hoped my last days would be my best days,” she said smiling. To learn more about Encore Coaching, please call 402650-6576 or send an email to nhemesath@cox.net.
January 2019
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 5-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@nebraska.gov 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 20,000 through direct mail and freehand distribution.
Editor....................................................Jeff Reinhardt Ad Mgr................Mitch Laudenback, 402-444-4148 Contributing Writers.........Nick Schinker & Leo Biga ENOA Board of Governors: Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County, chairperson; Lisa Kramer, Washington County, vice-chairperson; Janet McCartney, Cass County, secretary; David Saalfeld, Dodge County, & Jim Warren, Sarpy County. 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.
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The health benefits of gardening
Dora Bingel Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Dora Bingel Senior Center, 923 N. 38th St., this month for the following: • Jan. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, & 30: Ceramics @ 9 a.m. • Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: Tai Chi @ 11 a.m. • Jan. 2: Holy Communion served @ 10 a.m. • Jan. 5: The Merrymakers present music by Billy Troy @ 11:30 a.m. Lunch is $3. • Jan. 7, 14, 21, & 28: Al-Anon meeting @ 7 p.m. • Jan. 14: Book Club @ 10 a.m. • Jan. 16: Foot care clinic from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10. • Jan. 25: Hard of Hearing Support Group @ 10:30 a.m. • Jan. 30: Birthday party luncheon @ noon. Eat free if you have a January birthday. The center will be closed on New Year’s Day. Lunch is served on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. A $1 donation is suggested for the meals, other than $3 for Merrymakers. Round-trip transportation is available for $3. Meal reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Other activities include: Tuesday: Joy Club Devotions @ 10 a.m., matinee @ 12:30 p.m., & quilting @ 1 p.m. Wednesday: Devotions @ 10:30 a.m.; bingo @ 12:30 p.m. and Bible study at 12:30 p.m. Friday: Bingo @ 12:30 p.m. For more information, please call 402-898-5854.
Fremont Friendship Center You’re invited to visit the Fremont Friendship Center, 1730 W. 16th St. (Christensen Field), for the following: • Jan. 2: Hints from Home Instead @ 10 a.m. followed by pianist Wally. • Jan. 4: National Trivia Day @ 10:15 a.m. • Jan. 9: Entertainment by Pam Kragt @ 10:30 a.m. followed by our monthly birthday party @ 11:30 a.m. • Jan. 16: Music by The Links @ 10 a.m. • Jan. 23: Board meeting @ 9:15 a.m. • Jan. 23: Christine Coulson’s Country Show @ 10:30 a.m. • Jan: 24: Beth Nodes from ENOA will discuss the Ombudsman Advocate Program @ 10 a.m. • Jan. 29: National Puzzle Day. • Jan. 30: Music by Tim Javorsky @ 10:30 a.m. The facility will be closed on New Year’s Day and on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Day, Walking in the main arena Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is encouraged. The Fremont Friendship Center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. A $4 contribution is suggested for lunch. Reservations must be made by noon the business day prior to the meal you wish to enjoy. For more information, call Laurie at 402-727-2815.
A Caring Community Called HOME! Independent & Assisted Living
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49th & Q Street • 402-731-2118 www.southviewheightsomaha.com
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By Melinda Myers
plant growth. Take advantage of your bathroom’s high ardeners know the benefits of humidity. Grow ferns, orchids, bromeliads, digging into the soil. It elevates a and other humidity-loving plants in this person’s mood, improves mental space. Consider these and other low light and physical well-being, and the outcome is plants like cast iron, pothos, and philodenalways good – added beauty or tasty nutridron if natural light is limited. tional food. Imagine stepping out of the shower into a But many of us are stuck indoors for mini tropical zone. What a nice way to ease the winter, have a lack of space to garden into your day. outdoors, or just can’t get enough of this Get a good night’s sleep with a bit of healthful activity. Adding greenery indoors homegrown aromatherapy in the bedroom. expands our gardening opportunities and Grow lavender, rosemary, chamomile, and provides the many benefits of living with other soothing herbs in your bedroom in and tending plants. front of a sunny window, on a shelf or other Let’s start with the kitchen. Boost the naturally or artificially lit, bright locaflavor and nutrition of winter meals by tion. Just be sure to give the plants a pet to growing leafy greens and herbs in a sunny release their fragrance into the air before window or under a cabinet with the help of crawling into bed for a long restful sleep. a Growbar LED light fixture. Bring the garden to your living room. Start plants from seeds or purchase trans- Create your own miniature tropical, moss, plants to grow indoors. Place your indoor or desert garden in a terrarium that serves as kitchen garden in a brightly lit location, a focal point in any living space or centerfree of cold drafts and with easy access piece on the dining room table. Use an open to harvest and use. Then enlist the whole terrarium for succulents and other plants family and even your guests into harvesting that need airflow, lower humidity, and space greens for their salad and herbs to season to grow. Enlist closed systems for moss and their meals. This is sure to turn family and tropical plants that benefit from the high friends gatherings into unique and memohumidity and condensation that provides rable experiences. continual watering. Include plants in your home or work Select systems like the Botanica Biodome office. Greenery helps reduce stress even that minimize maintenance and provide when working at your desk or tackling easy access for tending mini ecosystems. homework at the end of a long day. Set a Now’s a great time to consider rethinkfew plants on or near your desk or other ing your home décor to include greenery workspace. And don’t let a lack of light in every space. You and your family will stop you from growing a bit of green stress enjoy improved air quality, elevated moods, relief. Stylish energy efficient full spectrum a reduction in stress, and the many other plant lights, like the Felt Pendant Grow benefits plants provide. Light (modsprout.com), fit any décor, direct (Myers is the author of more than 20 light where it’s needed, and promote healthy gardening books.)
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Study indicates bone breaks create bone density loss throughout the body, not just near site of the fracture
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reaking a bone causes bone density loss throughout the body, not just close to the site of the fracture, and primarily around the time of the fracture, two new studies from the University of California-Davis showed. The studies are among the first to associate fractures with systemic bone loss. They also begin the path to finding treatments that preserve long-term skeletal health and reduce susceptibility to additional fractures and, potentially, osteoporosis, which is diagnosed when bone-density losses are severe. Both investigations were led by Blaine Christiansen, whose research focuses on identifying changes in musculoskeletal tissue due to injury, aging, or disease. “We know one fracture seems to lead to others, but we haven’t known why,” said Christiansen, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at UC-Davis. “Our work is the first step on the path to identifying the cel-
January 2019
lular mechanisms of systemic bone loss.” The first study, published in Osteoporosis International, was based on about 4,000 participants in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, an observational study of older women that included hip bone mineral density (BMD) measures and fracture history gathered regularly over 20 years. Outcomes showed hip BMD decreased over time for all women in the study but was greatest for those who had fractured a bone even if the fracture wasn’t near the hip. BMD reductions were greatest within the first two years of a break. Published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, the second study was conducted using mice with femur fractures and BMD tests in various bones. Once again, bone loss occurred throughout the body, most notably in the spine, and was greatest within the first two weeks of fracture. It was also accompanied by higher levels of inflammatory markers in the blood. Outcomes of the second study showed interesting agerelated recovery differences as well. Younger mice eventually recovered their pre-fracture BMD levels, while older mice did not. Christiansen next hopes to further characterize the postfracture inflammatory factors that may contribute to bone loss following fracture. “It’s possible these factors are key to initiating BMD loss once a bone is broken,” Christiansen said. “Ultimately, we hope to develop therapeutic strategies that interrupt those processes and prevent bone loss.”
Open art studio
Respite care
rtists – who work in any medium – are encouraged to join an open art studio that meets Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. at Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 S. 114th St. For more information, please call Claudine Myers at 402-496-4330.
Life can bring on stress for many of us. Finding ways to relieve stress are important to our health and well-being. Caregivers are not immune to this stress. Please contact Respite Across the Lifespan at 402559-5732 or edbennett@unmc.edu for more information.
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Widows The Widowed Persons Group of Omaha hosts a luncheon the third Monday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at Jericho’s Restaurant, 11732 W. Dodge Rd. For more information, please call 402-426-9690 or 402493-0452.
Alzheimer’s support groups The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter offers several caregiver support groups and specialty support groups in Cass, Douglas, Washington, Dodge, and Sarpy counties. These support groups offer valuable space and educational opportunities for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia to engage and learn. For more information about any of the groups listed below, please call 800-272-3900. DODGE COUNTY • FREMONT Second Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m. The Heritage at Shalimar Gardens 749 E. 29th St. DOUGLAS COUNTY • OMAHA Second Thursday @ 10 a.m. Second Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. Country House Residences 5030 S. 155th St. Call Christina @ 402-980-4995 for free adult day services. Every other Monday @ 7 p.m. Brighton Gardens 9220 Western Ave. First & third Monday @ 1:30 p.m. New Cassel’s Franciscan Centre 900 N. 90th St. Call Melanie @ 402-393-2113 for free adult day services. Third Tuesday @ 5 p.m. Immanuel Fontenelle First floor classroom 6809 N 68th Plz. Second Tuesday @ 6:45 p.m. For caregivers of individuals with an intellectual disabilty/dementia. Barbara Weitz Center 6001 Dodge St. (UNO campus)
First Thursday @ 6:45 p.m. King of Kings Lutheran Church CORE Conference Room 11615 I St. Call Karen @ 402-584-9088 to arrange for adult day services. Third Tuesday @ 6 p.m. Temple Israel 13111 Sterling Ridge Dr. SARPY COUNTY
UNMC study shows omega-3 fatty acids may suppress the spread of cancer cells in mice
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University of Nebraska Medical Center researcher has determined that omega-3 fatty acids such as those typically contained in fish oil, may suppress the growth and spread of breast cancer cells in mice. Saraswoti Khadge, a Ph.D. student in the laboratory of James Talmadge, Ph.D., professor, pathology and microbiology, and director of the UNMC Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, was the study’s lead author. Khadge noted fatty acids stopped further tumors from forming and blocked the cancerous cells from spreading to other organs in mice. She speculates this might be because of the way in which omega-3 fatty acids support the body’s immune and antiinflammatory system. “The studies by Khadge provided insight not only on the impact of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on tumor growth and metastasis but also on the sites of metastasis,” Dr. Talmadge said. “Thus, not only were common metastasis sites reduced but also secondary tumor growth in the ovaries, kidneys, and contralateral breasts.” Two groups of adult female mice were fed an almost identical liquid diet. The calorie count and percentage of fat each contained were the same. The notable difference was one diet contained olive oil rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, and the other diet contained fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The mice were then injected with 4T1 breast cancer cells that cause aggressive tumors to develop in breast glands. These cells are known to spontaneously spread to other parts of the body such as bones, the lungs, and liver, but less frequently to the heart, kidneys, and ovaries. The mice were
autopsied and studied 35 days after the breast cancer cells were injected.
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hadge and her colleagues found the chance the breast cancer cells would take hold in the breast glands of the adult female mice was significantly lower in those put on the omega 3-diet. Tumors took significantly longer to start developing in these mice, and therefore had an influence on their size. After 35 days, the tumors detected in their breast glands were 50 percent smaller than those that developed in the omega 6-group. The likelihood of the cancerous cells growing and spreading to other organs in the omega-3 group was also lower, and these mice survived longer than those on the omega-6 diet. More T-cells were found in the tissue of the mice in the omega-3 group than in the omega-6 group, Khadge said. This is important because T-cells are white blood cells that play a role in strengthening the immune system and curbing inflammation. Khadge said this could mean a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps suppress the type of inflammation that can trigger the rapid development and spread of tumors. “Our study emphasizes the potential therapeutic role of dietary long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in the control of tumor growth and metastasis,” said Khadge, who emphasizes this doesn’t mean an omega-3 diet could summarily prevent breast cancer tumors from forming altogether. This study is based on dietary consumption during adult life. Its findings are in line with previous cell studies that showed how eating fish oil-based diets during pregnancy and as a child markedly suppresses the development and spread of breast cancer.
• BELLEVUE Third Monday @ 7 p.m. Bellevue Senior Center 109 W. 22nd Ave. First Wednesday @ 1 p.m. Eastern Nebraska Vets Home (Vets and non-vets welcome) 12505 S. 40th St. • PAPILLION Fourth Thursday @ 6 p.m. Hillcrest Grand Lodge 6021 Grand Lodge Ave. WASHINGTON COUNTY • BLAIR Third Wednesday @ 6 p.m. Memorial Community Hospital Howard Conference Room 810 N. 22nd St.
Please support New Horizons advertisers Charles E. Dorwart Govier, Katskee, Suing, & Maxell, PC, LLO 37 years of legal experience • Wills • Living Trusts • Probate • Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney • Medicaid Planning • In-home consultations • Free Initial consultation 10404 Essex Court • Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 Office: (402) 558-1404 or (402) 391-1697 chuck@katskee.com
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U. of Phoenix study: Most older adults unwilling to change lifestyle to promote healthy aging
Notre Dame Housing Seven Oaks Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Notre Dame Housing/Seven Oaks Senior Center, 3439 State St. for the following: • Second, third, and fourth Friday: Community food pantry @ 11 a.m. • Second and fourth Tuesday: Get banking help as a representative from American National Bank visits @ 10 a.m. • Third Wednesday: Community food pantry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Jan. 7: January birthday party featuring music by Pam K. sponsored by the Merrymakers @ 1:30 p.m. The center will be closed on New Year’s Day and on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Notre Dame Housing/Seven Oaks Senior Center is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lunch is served at noon. A $4 contribution is suggested for the meal. Reservations are due by 11 a.m. the business day prior to the lunch you wish to enjoy. For meals reservations and more information, please call Brenda at 402451-4477, ext. 126.
Millard Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave., this month for the following: • Jan. 4: Treat Day. • Jan. 9: Board meeting @ 9:45 a.m. • Jan. 15: Blood pressure checks @ 9:30 a.m. • Jan. 15: Let’s Go to the Movies (weather permitting). Film and time to be announced. • Jan. 16: P.A.W.S. @ 10 a.m. • Jan. 25: Celebrate summer in January. Wear your beach hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. Enjoy a banana split @ 10:30 a.m. • Jan. 25: Crafts with Sheri. Call Tamara @ 402-5461270 for more information. The center is closed on Year’s Day and on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served @ 11:30 a.m. A $4 donation is suggested for the meal. Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the meal the participant wishes to enjoy. Other center activities include walking, card games, Tai Chi, dominoes, quilting, needlework, chair volleyball, and bingo. For reservations or more information, please call 402546-1270.
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Nebraska Wind Symphony
he Nebraska Wind Symphony will present a 3 p.m. concert titled Spotlight on Sunday, Feb.10 at the Benson High School auditorium, 5120 Maple St. Special guests on the program will be 20 AllStar middle school trumpet players from public and private schools in the Omaha area. These young trumpeters will join the Wind Symphony on Gonna Fly Now, the theme from the Rocky movies, and the classic Bugler’s Holiday by LeRoy Anderson. Celebrating its 42nd season, the Nebraska Wind Symphony is led by Music Director Larry MacTaggart and Associate Conductor Keith Michael Davis. The group performs four formal concerts and a free summer concert each year. They also provide a free public concert at Omaha’s Holland Center on Thanksgiving as part of the Making Spirits Bright celebration. Tickets to Spotlight – which are available at the door the day of the concert – are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Children under age 12 will be admitted at no charge. For more information visit www.nebraskawindsymphony.com or the Nebraska Wind Symphony’s Facebook page.
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By Dr. Kelly Price Noble
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ccording to the United States National Library of Medicine, the nation’s age 85 and older population is projected to more than double from 6.4 million in 2016 to 14.6 million in 2040 (a 129 percent increase). People are generally healthier and living longer than ever before, which requires forethought and planning to realize longterm quality of life. This could mean giving up bad habits such as smoking or creating a financial plan that will sustain one through their later years. A recent University of Phoenix survey may indicate many people aren’t seriously planning for and considering changes they can make now to live well as they age. The survey revealed 59 percent of U.S. adults say there are too many unknowns about old age to make life worth living to age 100. However, people indicated if certain variables were met, they would like to live to be 100. Those variables include guarantees to be of sound body and mind (85 percent), their spouse/partner and/or loved ones were still alive (79 percent), and they didn’t physically look to be 100 years old (71 percent). Despite saying they’d be willing to live to age 100, many people are unwilling to take steps toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle. People said they wouldn’t do the following now to prepare for living longer: • Quit smoking: 81 percent. • Go back to school/pursue more education to keep the mind active: 77 percent. • Start saving money for more later in life care: 45 percent • Stay in contact with family/friends to maintain strong relationships: 48 percent. • A healthy sleep schedule: 45 percent. • Exercise more often: 38 percent. • Eat healthier: 36 percent.
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hile some people say they’re not willing to make some of the lifestyle changes listed above, were they to live to be age 100, they’d be concerned about various quality of life aspects that correlate to positive lifestyle changes. Top concerns include: • Physical health: 86 percent strongly/ somewhat concerned. • Mental health: 82 percent strongly/ somewhat concerned. • Financial health: 82 percent strongly/ somewhat concerned. People are looking for guarantees but
may not be willing to make changes such as pursuing continued education to keep their mind sharp. Be proactive and take advantage of opportunities that exist to educate yourself, especially while you’re healthy. Here are my tips for living well at age 100: • Understand government healthcare programs. Take time to learn more about changes and what they mean for you. This will help you understand what programs you may benefit from and where there may be gaps. • Check the pulse on your financial health. Ensure you’ll have the financial resources you need for long-term care by becoming proactive today. A good rule of thumb is to pay yourself first. Forgoing a few luxuries now can mean financial security down the road. • Communicate your needs and wishes with family and loved ones. Regardless of your age, develop a care plan and share it. This could mean creating a healthcare Power of Attorney to ensure a loved one is able to make decisions for you if you’re not of sound body and mind. Make sure your family and friends understand your preferences well in advance of a healthcare crisis occurring. • Invest in your intellectual and emotional quality of life. Visualize your golden years and make time for the things that are important to you, including spending time with loved ones, pursuing education, or volunteering. Maintain curiosity about the world and be open to learning new things to keep your mind sharp. • Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout your life, not just as you get older. The choices you make today play a role in the quality of your life in the future. Taking care of your body also means taking care of your mental wellness, including activities that engage your mind in a positive way. Don’t wait; start building good habits today that will benefit you as you age. (Dr. Price Noble is the program chair for the College of Health Professions at the University of Phoenix.)
Flaherty Senior Consulting Flaherty Senior Consulting is offering a series of free Caregiver Solutions Groups designed to teach men and women caring for a loved one with dementia how to deal with issues, obtain skills and knowledge, and engage in discussions about caregiving options. The sessions are held monthly from 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information or to sign up to attend, please contact Nancy Flaherty at
January 2019
flahertyconsulting@cox.net or 402-312-9324. Here’s the schedule: • First Thursday of the month The Servite Center of Compassion 72nd Street & Ames Circle • Second Tuesday of the month St. Vincent de Paul Church 14330 Eagle Run Drive • Third Wednesday of the month St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church 93rd & Dodge streets • Fourth Saturday of the month Faith Westwood United Methodist Church 4814 Oaks Lane
Ball State research: A lifetime of exercise can help keep your body decades younger
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xercising on a regular basis over a lifetime may help keep the body decades younger, according to new research from Ball State Univer-
sity. Cardiovascular and Skeletal Muscle Health with Lifelong Exercise, an analysis of men and women ages 70 to 79 who have been exercising for decades, found these men and women have heart and lung capacities and muscle fitness like healthy people in their early 40s. The study provided a unique opportunity to assess the physiological benefit of lifelong exercise by comparing exercisers in their 70s with their younger counterparts and sedentary people their own age. The study was published recently in the Journal of Applied Physiology. “Exercise wins” is the take-home message, said Scott Trappe, director of Ball State’s Human Performance Laboratory and leader of the 11-person research team. “We saw people who exercise regularly have better overall health. These 75-yearold men and women have similar cardiovascular health of a 40 to 45-year-old.” With the average study participant characterized as a lifelong exerciser, working out is a hobby. On average, each exercised about five days a week for roughly seven hours in total. The cardiovascular health was gauged by having participants cycle on an indoor bike to determine their VO2 max, which measures the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during intense exercise and establishes an aerobic endurance level. Each participant also had a muscle biopsy to determine their aerobic enzyme activity rate and how their capillaries formed. VO2 max typically declines about 10 percent per decade after age 30. The agerelated reduction in VO2 max is directly associated with an increasing risk of multiple chronic diseases, mortality, and loss of independence. Researchers broke the male subjects into two groups: the performance group and the fitness group. The performance group’s training revolved around competition. The fitness group’s training centered around simply exercising. “For some of the variables, the performance group had metrics that were superior to the fitness people, and cardiovascular capacity was one of those,” Trappe said. “But things like muscle health and capillar-
ies to support blood flow were equivalent between the two groups. Higher intensity didn’t necessarily take them to a higher place.” Researchers have been studying athletes since the 1960s. For this latest project, Ball State researchers recruited people who have been regularly training for decades by running, biking, swimming, or whatever exercise they enjoyed. “What was really interesting about this study is these folks came out of the exercise-boom generation which started in the 1970s when running and tennis became popular to the masses,” Trappe said. “Previous research studied people who were older exercisers but were champion athletes. They had a pathway in life that was a little different.” Trappe said researchers believed there was a group of people age 70 and above that started exercising in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the exercise boom. “When we started this project, I didn’t know if we’d find enough of these lifelong exercisers. Once we got into it, I was signing up for local races and introducing myself,” he said. “We had a husband and wife team who rode a tandem bicycle together. They’ve ridden 4,000 to 5,000 miles together outdoors since the mid-1980s. There’s tons of people like this out there.” Trappe said women who’ve exercised since the 1970s were almost as plentiful as men, attributing that not only to the decade’s exercise boom but also to the passage of Title IX in 1972. This federal law opened the doors to competitive sports for millions of young women across the nation. While younger adults can handle more intense exercise, many 70 to 79-year-olds have managed to find new ways to stay in shape at a fairly high level, according to Trappe. He said the benefits of the study should be obvious for the average person: 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day may be the key to a healthy life. “If you want to put 30 to 45 minutes of walking in one day, the amount of health benefit you are going to get from that is going to be significant and substantial,” he said. “Will it equal the person training for competitive performances? No. But, it will outdo the couch potato. In basic terms, 30 to 45 minutes of any type of exercise a day is beneficial.” (Ball State provided this information.)
Ralston Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Ralston Senior, 7301 Q St., this month for the following: • Jan. 8: Bus trip to WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa. The bus leaves @ 7:30 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m. The cost is $5. Call Dorothy @ 402-553-4874 for reservations. • Jan. 9: Music by Cynthia Kiesman sponsored by the Merrymakers @ noon. • Jan. 9: Board meeting @ 10 a.m. • Jan. 10 & 24: Line dancing @ 10 a.m. Bingo from 1 to 3 p.m. • Jan. 30: The Dancing Grannies @ noon. Other activities include exercise on Tuesday and Friday @ 10 a.m. Lunch is catered on Wednesdays. A $4.50 contribution is requested. Reservations are due by noon the Tuesday before the meal you wish to enjoy. Call Diane @ 402-885-8895 for reservations. The center will be closed New Year’s Day and on any day the Ralston Public Schools are closed due to the weather. The center is available for weddings, parties, etc. on weekends. For more information, please call Diane West @ 402339-4926.
Corrigan Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Corrigan Senior Center, 3819 X St., this month for: • Jan. 2: Toenail clinic from 9:30 a.m. to noon. • Jan. 16: Classical music series on the big screen @ 10:30 a.m. • Jan. 17: The Dancing Grannies @ 11 a.m. • Jan. 28: Music by Tim Javorsky sponsored by the Merrymakers. The center will be closed on New Year’s Day and on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Other activities include bingo Monday and Thursday @ 1 p.m., ceramics classes Wednesdays @ 1 p.m., Happy Hands crochet group Tuesdays @ 10 a.m., and chair exercises Tuesday and Thursday @ 10 a.m. The Corrigan Senior Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is served at noon. A $4 contribution is normally suggested for the meal. Reservations are normally due by noon the business day prior to the meal you wish to enjoy. For meal reservations or more information, please call 402-731-7210.
The New Horizons is brought to you each month by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.
ENOA needs more Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents Men and women age 55 and older who want to earn a tax-free 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 the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Senior Service Corps. Senior Companions help other older adults maintain their independence by visit-
ing 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 15 hours or more per week, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions receive a $2.65 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.
January 2019
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Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s set for Jan. 25 & 26
UNMC’s ice skating rink open through Feb. 10 The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s outdoor ice-skating rink will remain open through Sunday, Feb. 10. The rink, which is open to the public, is located just east of 42nd Street, midway between Emile Street and Dewey Avenue on the north side of the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education. Admission is $7, which includes skates (cash or credit card only. No checks or debit cards will be accepted). William Lawlor – UNMC’s assistant vice chancellor for business and finance – said new skates, which can be rented, will be available this year at the rink. Hours of operation are Monday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The rink is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings for the UNMC students’ broomball and curling leagues. “The outdoor ice rink is only open for about 10 weeks, so we want to maximize its usage,” Lawlor said. “It’s the premier outdoor skating rink in our community. We want people to use it.” Anytime the weather is consistently above 50 degrees or there’s a wind-chill of zero degrees or below, the public is asked to first check to see if the rink is open by going to Facebook at facebook.com/theiceattheunmc or by calling 402-559-0697. Free parking is available in Lot 15 (surface lot on 40th Street between Dewey Avenue and Emile Street) located on the north and east sides of the UNMC Center for Healthy Living. This year, the 24-hour UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s will begin on Friday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. and end Saturday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. It will mark the ninth consecutive year UNMC has hosted the 24-hour event that raises money for Parkinson’s research at UNMC and assists families dealing with Parkinson’s. For more information about the UNMC Ice Rink, go to unmc.edu/cfhl/activities-events/skating.html or contact Candace Peteler at candace.peteler@unmc.edu or 402-5595192.
The Senior Citizens League One of the first tax cuts to expire under the recent tax law is likely to disproportionately affect older taxpayers and others with the highest healthcare costs starting in 2019, says The Senior Citizens League. “The medical expense deduction will become less generous in 2019, and that is likely to affect older taxpayers because they tend to have high medical expenses,” said Mary Johnson, a Social Security policy analyst for The Senior Citizens League. “A less generous healthcare cost deduction could mean higher taxable income next year,” she added. The 2017 tax law contained a provision for all taxpayers that temporarily increased the deduction for qualified medical expenses. Taxpayers are allowed to deduct qualified medical expenses in excess of 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income (AGI) for the 2017 and 2018 tax years. In 2019, the threshold will become less generous for all taxpayers, rising to the excess over 10 percent of AGI. “Many older taxpayers probably did not even know they were getting a medical expense tax break for 2017
or 2018,” Johnson said. The 7.5 percent of AGI threshold was unchanged from what taxpayers age 65 and older paid in 2016 and before. That threshold, however, was formerly scheduled to rise to 10 percent of AGI in 2017. “Meanwhile taxpayers younger than age 65 could only deduct medical expenses in excess of 10 percent under the former tax law, and so for that crowd it may have been noticed as a tax break,” Johnson said. According to a recent nationwide survey conducted by The Senior Citizens League, 30 percent of taxpayers said they itemize deductions for healthcare costs, and about 56 percent said a portion of their Social Security benefits are taxable. Although the new tax law almost doubles the standard deduction and increases the deduction for taxpayers over age 65, The Senior Citizens League still encouraged older taxpayers to compile and check medical and other deductible expenses before automatically taking the new standard deduction. (The Senior Citizens League provided this information.)
Camelot Friendship Center You’re invited to visit the Camelot Friendship Center inside the Camelot Community Center, 9270 Cady Ave., this month for the following: • Jan. 2: Music & Memories album @ 10:30 a.m. • Jan. 3: Puzzle time @ 10:30 a.m. • Jan. 7: Word puzzles @ 10:30 a.m. • Jan. 9: Swap stories at the 11:30 a.m. birthday party. • Jan. 10: Book club @ 10:15 a.m. Line dancing @ noon. • Jan. 11: Council meeting @ 12:15 p.m. • Jan. 14: Enjoy triple berry crisp and an indoor snowball toss @ 10:30 a.m. • Jan. 16 & 30: Westroads walk @ 10:15 a.m. • Jan. 16: Swap a story at lunch @ 11:30 a.m. • Jan. 17: Music by Tim Javorsky sponsored by the Merrymakers. • Jan. 23: Indoor snowball toss @ 11:30 a.m. • Jan. 25: Visit Do Space @ 12:30 p.m. The Camelot Friendship Center will be closed on New Year’s Day and on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. A $4 contribution is suggested for the meal. Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the meal you wish to enjoy. Regular center activities include chair volleyball, Tai Chi, bingo, art classes, and card games. For meals reservations, please call 402-444-3091.
The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging has been providing programs and services for older adults in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties since 1974. Page 8
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Dr. Israel Doron to provide the keynote address
Aging with Passion & Purpose conference set for March 19 at UNO By Cathy A. Pacholski
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emember when coffee shops just served coffee? Now a person can order a vanilla latte, with half the amount of espresso, extra hot. The coffee shop business is booming simply because someone recognized the benefits of meeting the needs of a diverse population. Wouldn’t it be great if we could apply that same concept to the aging population? Introducing the 2019 Aging with Passion & Purpose Conference. The theme is “No One Left Behind.” “Persons with disabilities, mental health issues, and even aging itself, can leave people isolated. This conference is about ensuring people of all backgrounds are engaged and involved in the conversation,” said Julie Masters, Ph.D., chair of the conference planning committee and the department of gerontology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The conference, which will be held at UNO on Tuesday, March 19, is organized and conducted by a team of planning partners including Immanuel, St. John Paul II Newman Center, Nebraska Methodist College Professional Development Division, UNO Center for Public Affairs Research, UNO Department of Gerontology, UNO Grace Abbott School of Social Work, and Vetter Health Services. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will begin with a presentation by keynote speaker Israel Doron, Ph.D. Dr. Doron is head of the Center for Research and the Study of Aging at the University of Haifa in Israel. He’ll address
Dr. Aviva Abosch to head UNMC’s new Department of Neurosurgery
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University of Colorado neurosurgeon – Aviva Abosch, M.D., Ph.D. – has been selected as chair of the newly established Department of Neurosurgery in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Medicine. A surgeon who specializes in treating people with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and people with epilepsy, pain, and peripheral nerve problems, Dr. Abosch plans to continue performing subspecialty neurosurgery at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine. “Dr. Abosch is an outstanding clinician-researcher and embodies what academic neurosurgery is all about,” said Dr. Bradley Britigan, dean of the UNMC’s College of Medicine. “We are delighted she accepted our offer to lead this newly established department. “With the population aging, the need for neurosurgeons continues to increase. She is excited to have the chance to build the department and further advance UNMC/Nebraska Medicine as a regional and eventually national destination center for neurosurgical care.” A native of New Haven, Conn., Dr. Abosch received her M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Pitts-
Dr. Aviva Abosch
burgh. She completed her neurosurgery residency at the University of California, San Francisco, which was followed by fellowships in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery at McGill and Toronto Western Hospital, respectively.
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or the past four years, Dr. Abosch has served as director of the Center for Neuromodulation and Neural Restoration (CNNR) and as director of the Fellowship Program in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado. “Academic medical centers take care of the neurosurgical patients with higher-level needs. We are committed to building a team with the breadth and depth to take care of these patients. I love the collaborative nature of academic medical centers and the advanced skills associated with them,” Dr. Abosch said.
ageism, legal issues with aging, and human rights. As an Israeli, Dr. Doron knew very little about Omaha. “It was a matter of luck that my son, Yoni, worked at Omaha’s Jewish Community Center, which made me visit the city, and meet the wonderful people at UNO, and its excellent department of gerontology,” he said. Other presenters include Mary Beth Maxwell, an advocate for the LGBTQ community, Janet Miller, the parent of a daughter who had Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, Carolina Padilla, executive director for the Intercultural Senior Center, and Dr. Steven Wengel, a geriatric psychiatrist with UNMC. “The theme of ‘No One Left Behind’ is very important to help our local professionals understand how we can better serve all aging adults regardless of their situation or available resources,” said Jim Janicki, vice president of marketing and communications at Hillcrest and one of the event sponsors. In the spirit of the theme, the conference planning committee is extending its reach into Kearney and online. “The committee was intentional about broadcasting to alternate sites this year,” said Cheri Mundt, a conference planning committee member and director of business development at Vetter Health Services. “The University of Nebraska at
Keynote speaker Dr. Israel Doron, Ph.D., is head of the Center for Research and the Study of Aging at the University of Haifa in Israel. Kearney was open and willing to work with us.” While all are welcome to attend, the conference is designed for healthcare providers, especially those seeking continuing education. “This conference will provide peer-reviewed, evidencebased continuing education for health care professionals,” said Kerri Gilson, conference planning committee member and continuing education manager at Methodist College. The registration fee is $99 on or before March 8. After that date, it will be $125. The fee includes the conference sessions materials for all sites; parking, lunch, and continuing education credits for participants at the Omaha and Kearney sites. For more information, go online to www.gerontology.unomaha.edu. (Pacholski is an APP Conference Planning Committee member.)
Hug-A-Bears need financial donations
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ug-A-Bears, a self-supporting Omaha organization whose members have created and donated more than 43,000 stuffed bears to local charities since 2000 is looking for some financial assistance. Through its Hooks and Needles project, the organization also makes thousands of lap robes, quilts, blankets, scarves, and pot holders for older adults in the Omaha area. The Hug-A-Bears meet Tuesday mornings at the Maple Ridge Retirement Community, 3525 N. 167th Cir. For more information, please call Stephen Dawkins at 402-740-2475.
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Trip to D.C. saluted 135 female veterans from Nebraska an easy thing to do, at her age or for any of us.”
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That initial success was followed by events at the museum with more veterans including five Marines from the famous flag-raising on Iwo Jima, a Bataan Death March veteran, several who fought in the Korean War, and five Medal of Honor recipients. About that time, Bill read an article about World War II Honor Flights in another state. After asking each other, “Why not Nebraska?” he and Evonne founded Patriotic Productions, and to date have raised more than $3 million for the Heartland Honor Flights dedicated to WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans, as well as those who have served in more recent conflicts. Honoring military service, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, they also founded Remembering Our Fallen, a traveling memorial of photographs of Nebraska servicemen and servicewomen who have died in “The War on Terror” since Sept. 11, 2001. The project has since grown to become a national effort, with the Williamses working diligently to secure funding for and create memorials in all 50 states. So far, they have completed 18 state exhibits. Each state’s memorial and tour schedule may be viewed online at rememberingourfallen.org And though they had previously announced their “final” flight, they decided to organize their twelfth, the Nebraska Female Veterans Honor Flight, as a special tribute to the women who have served. Evonne says that while the majority of the flight attendees were
younger women, the oldest was 98-year-old Edith Peterson, a nurse in World War II who received a thunderous ovation at the preflight dinner, with Swit leading the salute. The women spent their day in Washington visiting the Pentagon’s 9/11 Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery’s “Section 60,” where many of the service people from Iraq and Afghanistan have been laid to rest; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and other national monuments. One of the women on the flight was Alyssa Schuett, who was a member of the Army National Guard from 2004 to 2012 and a veteran of service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. “I had the pleasure of completing this flight with five other women that I had served with in combat,” Schuett says. “The most inspiring moment was standing beside a statue dedicated to the women who served in Vietnam. Eight yellowwood trees surround the statue, one for each woman, all of whom were nurses who died during the war.” Returning to Omaha that night, the veterans were met at Eppley Airfield by 2,000 cheering people. “Because we had so many younger women on this trip, there were more children than usual waiting at the airport,” Evonne says. “There were so many signs that said, ‘Mommy.’ That was fun to see.” In the days that followed, Evonne and Bill learned of the tremendous impact the trip had on many of the women. “I just cannot express my grati--Please turn to page 11.
roud parents of two U.S. Army soldiers and two U.S. Marines, the Williamses themselves did not serve in the military. Yet they have dedicated their time and their skills at Omahans Bill and Evonne logistics and fundraising to honor Williams of Patriotic the nation’s living veterans and Productions coordinated the remembering the fallen through Nebraska Female Veterans their Heartland Honor Flights and Honor Flight in September. Patriotic Productions non-profit enterprises. By Nick Schinker Bill attended Dakota State ColContributing Writer lege in Madison, S.D., where he fter organizing 11 Heart- earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1973. Evonne attended the land Honor Flights and Lincoln School of Commerce and accompanying nearly 3,400 Nebraska veterans later Bellevue University. Bill taught at Byron and at to Washington, D.C. to spend a day Chester-Hubbell High School visiting some of the nation’s most before moving to Omaha, where he powerfully moving memorials, became director of student services Evonne and Bill Williams have exat Nebraska College of Business. perienced more touching moments Evonne moved to Omaha and went than they can count. to work in the insurance business. But for Evonne, the 2018 NeThey were married in 1980. braska Female Veterans Honor Evonne went on to serve as Flight was uniquely profound and executive director of the Make-Apersonal. Wish Foundation of Nebraska for “The feeling of humility was overwhelming,” she says. “I felt like 16 years. In 2008, she joined the I was looking in the mirror and ask- staff of the Strategic Air and Space Museum, first as deputy director, ing, ‘Why didn’t you serve?’ They then as interim director. At the time, stepped up and volunteered, every one of them. There was no draft for the museum was in desperate need of funding. Bill assumed the role women. And yet, it never dawned of advisor and suggested a series of on me. “I have so much respect for these events, including a reunion dinner at the museum for six surviving women, especially the younger members of the World War II Easy women who knew they would be serving in dangerous places. We had Company soldiers whose experiences were popularized in the Band of gunners, medics. Their courage is Brothers book and television series. amazing.” On Sept. 24, 135 women ages 27 to 98 who served in the United States military from World War II through Afghanistan and Iraq boarded a charter flight from Omaha to Washington, D.C. and spent the day making memories together. The flight was all women: the pilots, flight attendants, volunteer assistants, and the news media. This time, even Bill Williams stood back and watched as the plane took off from Eppley Airfield. Evonne was on board. With her was one special guest who had volunteered to give up a night’s sleep and go along – actress Loretta Swit, whose role as Army nurse Maj. Margaret Houlihan in the television series M*A*S*H has impressed generations of veterans and civilians alike. Evonne says Swit welcomed the opportunity to come to Omaha and address more than 700 people at the preflight dinner on Sept. 23. “Bill had the idea, and he doesn’t let anything stop him,” Evonne says. “As it turned out, she and her people were very easy to work with. “What surprised us was that she very readily wanted to go on the flight. That meant getting up at 2 a.m. after traveling to Omaha and speaking at the event the night Alyssa Schuett served during Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the Army National Guard. before. She’s 80, you know. Getting up in the middle of the night is not Alyssa is seen here at the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
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Next Honor Flight scheduled for Memorial Day weekend
The Honor Flight participants from Nebraska stopped at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in our nation’s capital. from their service,” Evonne says. “We’ve seen the positive impact these trips have made, especially for our Vietnam veterans; the impact of getting that welcome home they never had.” For two people who never wore military uniforms, Bill and Evonne Williams continue to serve our nation and its veterans with their incredible dedication, and by living up to their own promise, to remember those who served us all.
The stop at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. was emotional for these two veterans from Nebraska. --Continued from page 10. tude for the opportunity to participate in the all-women’s Honor Flight,” reads one note of thanks. “It gave me time to reflect on my service and time overseas, as well as connect with others that have had similar experiences. I had the privilege to speak with WWII Veterans, nurses of different branches that made the military their lifelong
careers, and so on and so forth. “Also, the support that was shown in the communities of Omaha as well as in D.C. was overwhelming. I was truly humbled. I was an individual mobilization and did not have a homecoming with the unit I deployed with, and my husband was also deployed at the time, so he was not able to be present when I came home. The crowd in Omaha made up for the feelings of indifference when I returned home back then. “I am still tearing up as that day is now forever etched in my mind and on my heart. Thank you so very much for a treasured lifetime memory.” nd though the all-women’s flight was once again supposed to be their last, Bill and Evonne are organizing one more – a Purple Heart Flight to Washington, D.C. for veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gulf Wars, tentatively set for Memorial Day weekend in 2019. At the same time, the national Remembering Our Fallen memorial will be on display along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. “So many of our younger vets are dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other issues
A Loretta Swit, who played Maj. Margaret Houlihan on the TV show M*A*S*H, was a special guest on the Honor Flight.
The veterans received a warm welcome from family and friends upon their return to Omaha’s Eppley Airfield.
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Planning ahead could save your life
Douglas County Health Department has some tips to keep you warm this winter
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t’s winter time in eastern Nebraska and the Douglas County Health Department urges you to prepare for cold weather safety if you must be outdoors. “Please plan ahead to be safe outdoors in cold weather,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “Things can change quickly.” Cold weather safety recommendations include: • Limit outdoor time and move to a warm location whenever possible. • Dress in layered clothing for the best protection. • Loose fitting clothing is better than tight clothing that reduces blood circulation. • Make a special effort to protect your ears, face, hands, and feet in extreme cold. • A hat will help prevent you from losing heat. • Wear waterproof boots, insulated socks, or two pairs of socks to protect your feet.
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s temperatures fall, remember older adults and infants are the most at risk for suffering serious injury from the cold. The DCHD encourages everyone to check on their older neighbors. Remember, staying inside also can have its dangers. “Portable heating devices that use combustible fuel should not be used indoors. That includes lanterns and grills,” Dr. Pour said. “Fires should not be left in unattended fireplaces and never leave children alone with candles.” Cold weather also creates travel concerns. If the National Weather Service has issued a warning, consider delaying your trip. If you must travel, tell friends or relatives about your planned route and estimated time of arrival. Take a cell phone, be sure it’s charged, and make sure your car is ready for winter. Keep a full gas tank and have a safety kit that includes blankets, booster cables, a flashlight, and maps. If you’re stuck in the snow and have to stay in your car to keep warm, run the engine for no more than 10 minutes per hour, keep a downwind window slightly open, and be sure the tailpipe isn’t blocked. “Planning ahead could save your life,” Dr. Pour said. (The Douglas County Health Department provided this information.)
Ombudsman Advocates
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he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is looking for men and women age 21 and older to join its Long-term Care Ombudsman Program which is co-sponsored by the Nebraska State Ombudsman Program. ENOA’s Longterm 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, and the residents’ family members to address concerns. For more information about ENOA’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, please call Beth Nodes at 402-4446536.
WHITMORE LAW OFFICE Wills • Trusts • Probate
Ask A Lawyer: Q — What is “accidental disinheritance”? A — Accidental disinheritance occurs when an expected heir is cut out of an estate because of lack of planning, rather than intention. It can occur in a blended family, where “planning” consists of holding property in both names. For example, Husband and Wife each have children from a prior marriage. They hold all of their property jointly. Husband is the first to die, and Wife inherits everything. Later, Wife dies without proper planning. Result? Wife’s children receive all the family property. Husband’s children are “accidentally disinherited.” Have a question about estate planning? Give us a call! AARP Legal Service Network • No Charge For Initial Consultation
7602 Pacific Street, Ste 200 • (402) 391-2400 http://whitmorelaw.com
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Car-Go Transportation
he Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is recruiting volunteers age 55 and older to provide free transportation services for older adults in Fremont and Blair. “We’re especially interested in providing transportation services for military veterans,” said Pat Tanner, who coordinates the RSVP for the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. Sponsored locally by ENOA, RSVP is a national program of the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Senior Service Corps. RSVP staff members who serve in Dodge, Washington, Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties realize many older men and women live alone, are on fixed incomes, are no longer able to operate their own vehicle, and don’t have family members available to drive them to their various appointments. In response, RSVP’s Car-Go Project offers free transportation for men and women age 55 and older in Blair and Fremont through volunteers age 55 and older who use their own vehicles. Free rides can be given to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, beauty parlors, barbershops, banks, and other personal business locations. Rides for persons who use wheelchairs (must be able to transfer themselves) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Car-Go Project – which isn’t available to nursing home residents – operates in Fremont and Blair Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on becoming a volunteer driver or to make a reservation (24 hours notice is required) for a ride, call RSVP’s Fremont office at 402-721-7780.
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AARP Tax Aide Program olunteers are needed for AARP’s Tax-Aide program which provides free tax-preparation services for low to moderate income older adults in the Omaha
area. These volunteers – who don’t need to be AARP members – will receive materials from AARP and the IRS for reference and self-study, attend training sessions in January, and then prepare tax returns a few hours a week during the tax season alongside experienced volunteers. Men and women are also needed to serve as greeters and to provide administrative and technical support for AARP’s Tax-Aide program. More information is available at nebraskataxaide.org or by calling 402-398-9568. Callers will be asked for their name, telephone number, and email address. The information will be passed on to the local supervisor who will contact potential volunteers.
Please see the ad on page 3
NH Club adds new members $20 Kay Oehm Teresa Swanson $10 A. J Braun $5 Barbara Seerley Reflects donations through December 21, 2018.
Omaha Fire Department The 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.
REHAB, RENEW AND
Return Home
Florence Home Healthcare specializes in rehabilitation to help you recover from an illness or injury so you can safely transition back home.
Call 402-827-6000 for more information!
OMAHASENIORCARE.ORG
AARP Tax Aide Program
Financial planner advises older adults to be aware of investment scam artists
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t can take decades to save the amount of money needed for a happy and secure retirement. It takes a lot less time; maybe just minutes, for con artists to rob you of that security. “When you’ve reached retirement, your goal should be to protect what you’ve saved because it needs to last you the rest of your life,” said financial planner Charisse Mackenzie, president of Saturn Wealth. “Unfortunately, there are plenty of scams out there designed to separate people – sometimes specifically older people – from their money.” Older adults need to be aware of such schemes, Mackenzie said. She said there are plenty of things to be wary of, but a few to be on the lookout for include: • Beware of “can’t miss” investments. Perhaps you’ve heard radio commercials or online advertisements with tempting claims about “can’t miss” investments that will give you extraordinary returns. Be skeptical, very skeptical, Mackenzie said. “You need to keep in mind the old wisdom that if something sounds too good to be true,
it probably is.” Yet often, retirees let themselves be lured into these investments, Mackenzie said, and soon find the return in no way matches what was promised, or worse, it could be a Ponzi scheme of some sort and they lose everything. • Be sure your financial professional is licensed. It’s always a good idea to get help from a professional when you’re investing money. It’s equally important to make sure that person is properly licensed and registered to be doling out the advice they’re giving you, Mackenzie said. You can check a financial professional’s background through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s database at adviserinfo.sec.gov. • Beware of “pump and dump” schemes. Let’s say an email pops into your inbox touting a great stock opportunity, but insisting you need to move quickly, or you’ll miss out. You could be the target of a “pump and dump” scheme. According to the SEC, in a pump and dump, promoters try to boost the price of a stock with false or misleading statements about the company. Once the stock price has been pumped up, the fraudsters seek to profit by selling their own holdings of the stock, dumping shares into the market. They win, you lose. “A little healthy skepticism never hurts,” Mackenzie said. “If someone is pressuring you or insisting you must act quickly, or you’ll miss out on some great investment, alarms should go off. “You should always take time to weigh financial decisions, especially when they could affect your retirement. You want to protect that money in every way you can,” she added.
Curcumin being studied at UNMC
This spice may one day help save your life
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eart failure patients suffer from a reduced ability to participate in day-to-day activities and exercise, which contributes to poor quality of life. University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers recently published an article in the Journal of Applied Physiology that suggests curcumin improves exercise capacity in mouse models experiencing heart failure by improving skeletal muscle strength and endurance. Researchers hope the study can ultimately be translated into clinical practice to benefit patients with chronic heart failure. Curcumin is found in turmeric, a member of the ginger family. Ginger is widely used as a spice and in folk medicine. The project is part of a five-year grant awarded in 2015 to the lab of Irving Zucker, Ph.D., designed to determine the role of antioxidant enzyme expression in heart failure. Researchers hypothesized that increasing antioxidant capacity in muscle in the heart failure state would improve exercise endurance. “This study showed an important proof of principle,” said Lie Gao, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center assistant professor of cellular and integrative physiology and corresponding author of the paper. “Some foods and spices, such as broccoli and turmeric, contain a rich supply of antioxidant compounds.
January 2019
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“Consumption of these foods or spices may improve skeletal muscle health. For patients with stable heart failure that have limited ability to exercise, compounds like these may be beneficial.”
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eart failure causes weakening of the heart and affects the heart’s ability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It’s estimated nearly 6 million people in the U.S. live with heart failure. Though the disease is chronic, progressive, and incurable, medications and lifestyle changes can help people live longer, more active lives. Regular exercise helps patients tolerate more activity, while reducing fatigue and improving their mood. Previous scientific studies suggested that targeting skeletal muscle with antioxidants might be beneficial in heart failure. Studying heart failure as well as peripheral vascular and autonomic functions have been long-term research objectives in Dr. Zucker’s lab. Dr. Gao said though it’s not possible to use curcumin in humans due to the high doses of curcumin needed, other antioxidants such as dimethyl fumarate, which has similar effects as curcumin, could be used. The drug is currently being used to treat multiple sclerosis and will be tested in cardiovascular diseases.
New Horizons
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Pick up your free copy of New Horizons each month The New Horizons is available at locations throughout eastern Nebraska. Stop by and pick up a free copy each month at one of the following: Adams Park Senior Center 3230 John Creighton Blvd.
ENCAP 2406 Fowler Ave.
Livingston Plaza Apts. 303 S. 132nd St.
Rorick Apts. 604 S. 22nd St.
Aksarben Manor 7410 Mercy Rd.
Evans Tower 3600 N. 24th St.
Lutheran Home 530 S. 26th St.
The Ambassador 1540 N. 72nd St.
Florence Home 7915 N. 30th St.
Mangelsen’s 84th & Grover streets
Royal Oaks/ House of Hope 4801 N. 52nd St.
American Red Cross 3838 Dewey St.
Florence Senior Center 2920 Bondesson St.
Maple Crest Condos 2820 N. 66th Ave.
Arlington (Neb.) Senior Center 305 N. 3rd St.
Fremont (Neb.) Friendship Center 1730 W. 16th St.
Mercy Care Center 1870 S. 75th St.
Bank of Nebraska 7223 S. 84th St. Bellewood Court Apts. 1700 Lincoln Rd. Bellevue Bellevue Library 1003 Lincoln Rd. Bellevue Senior Center 109 W. 22nd Ave.
Friendship Program 7315 Maple St. Gold Coast Square 1213 Gold Coast Rd. Papillion Hallmark Care Center 5505 Grover St.
Bennington (Neb.) Senior Center 322 N. Molley St.
Heartland Family Service Senior Center 4318 Fort St.
Benson Tower 5900 NW Radial Hwy.
Hickory Villa 7315 Hickory St.
Bickford Cottage 11309 Blondo St.
Hillcrest Care Center 1702 Hillcrest Rd. Bellevue
Dora Bingel Senior Center 923 N. 38th St. Blumkin Home 333 S. 132nd St. Camelot 6 Apartments 9415 Cady Ave. Camelot Friendship Center 9270 Cady Ave.
Hooper (Neb.) Senior Center 208 N. Main St. Immanuel Courtyard 6757 Newport Ave. Immanuel Medical Center 6901 N. 72nd St.
Millard Manor 12825 Deauville Dr. Millard Montclair Senior Center 2304 S. 135th Ave. Mission Vue Apartments 406 E. Mission Ave. Bellevue Monarch Villa 201 E. Cedardale Dr. Papillion Montclair Nursing Home 2525 S. 135th St.
North Bend (Neb.) Senior Center Oak Grove Manor 4809 Redman Ave. Oak Valley Apts. 12425 Krug Ave.
Intercultural Community Senior Center 3010 R St.
OJ’s Mexican Restaurant 9201 N. 30th St.
Crown Pointe Retirement Center 2820 S. 80th St. Crown Tower 5904 Henninger Dr. deFreese Manor 2669 Dodge St. Dodge (Neb.) Senior Center 226 N. Elm St. Douglas County Housing 5449 N. 107th Plz. Durham Booth Manor 3612 Cuming St.
Kohll’s Pharmacy 50th & Dodge streets Kohll’s Pharmacy 2923 Leavenworth St. Kohll’s Pharmacy 12739 Q St. Kohll’s Pharmacy 617 N. 114th St. Kohll’s Pharmacy 1413 S. Washington St. Papillion Kubat Pharmacy 4924 Center St.
St. Vincent DePaul 5920 Maple St. Sarpy County Courthouse 1261 Golden Gate Dr.
Snyder (Neb.) Senior Center 2nd & Elm streets
Christie Heights Senior Center 3623 P St.
Croatian Cultural Society 8711 S. 36th St.
St. Margaret Mary’s Church 6116 Dodge St.
Nehawka (Neb.) Senior Center
OEA Manor 320 N. 22nd St.
Kay Jay Tower 25th & K streets
St. Mary’s Church 811 S. 23rd St. Bellevue
Skyline Manor 7300 Graceland Dr.
Immanuel Village 6803 N. 68th Plz.
Corrigan Senior Center 3819 X St.
St. Joseph Villa 2305 S. 10th St.
New Cassel 900 N. 90th St.
Central Park Tower 1511 Farnam St.
W. Dale Clark Library 215 S. 15th St.
St. Joseph Tower 2205 S. 10th St.
Seven Oaks at Notre Dame 3439 State St.
Carter Lake Senior Center 626 Locust St.
Jackson Tower 600 S. 27th St.
St. Bridget Church 4112 S. 26th St.
Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition 2240 Landon Ct.
Immanuel Trinity Village 522 N. Lincoln St. Papillion
Chubb Foods 2905 N. 16th St.
St. Bernard Church 3601 N 65th St.
OEA Apts. 122 S. 39th St.
Omaha Nursing Home 4835 S. 49th St. The Orchards at Wildwood 7454 Gertrude St. Papillion Senior Center 1001 Limerick Ave. Park East Tower 539 S. 26th Ave. Park Tower North 1501 Park Ave. Petrow’s Restaurant 5914 Center St. Phil’s Foodway 3030 Ames Ave.
Social Security Office 7100 W. Center Rd. Suite 200 Social Settlement 4868 Q St. South Omaha Eagles 6607 Sunshine Dr. Southview Heights 49th & Q streets Swanson Library 9101 W. Dodge Rd. Joe Tess Restaurant 5424 S. 24th St. Thrift Store 7328 Maple St. Trinity Cathedral 18th Street & Capitol Avenue Twin Tower Apts. 3000 Farnam St. Underwood Tower 4850 Underwood Ave. Veterans Hospital 4101 Woolworth St.
Phil’s Foodway 4232 Redman Ave.
Ville de Sante Terrace 6202 Ville de Sante Dr.
Pine Tower 1501 Pine St.
Village Inn 309 N. Fort Crook Rd. Bellevue
Plattsmouth (Neb.) Senior Center 308 S. 18th St.
Eagles Club 23rd & L streets
LaVista (Neb.) Senior Center 8116 Parkview Blvd.
Eagle (Neb.) Senior Center 509 4th St.
Leo’s Diner 6055 Maple St.
Elmwood (Neb) Senior Center 144 N. 4th St.
Leo Vaughn Manor 3325 Fontenelle Blvd.
Remington Heights 12606 W. Dodge Rd.
Elmwood Tower 801 S. 52nd St.
Life Care Center 6032 Ville de Sante Dr.
Ridgewood Apts. 6801 Spring St.
Ralston (Neb.) Senior Center 7301 Q St.
JC Wade Manor 3464 Ohio St. Walgreen’s Pharmacy 5038 Center St. Weeping Water (Neb.) Senior Center 101 E. Eldora St. The Wellington 501 E. Gold Coast Rd. Papillion
Study: Women who experience tooth loss at a greater risk for high blood pressure
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study recently published in the American Journal of Hypertension indicates postmenopausal women who have experienced tooth loss are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Multiple studies have suggested an association between periodontal disease and tooth loss with hypertension, but the relationship remains unclear.
One possible explanation is that as people lose teeth, they may change their diets to softer and more processed foods. The study participants were 36,692 postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative-Observational Study in the United States who were followed annually from initial periodontal assessment in 1998 through 2015 for newly diagnosed hypertension. The study observed a positive association between tooth loss and hypertension risk among postmenopausal
Drivers needed to take vets to VAMC The Disabled American Veterans need volunteers to drive veterans one day a week to and from the VA Medical Center, 4101 Woolworth Ave. in Omaha. While the volunteer drivers don’t need to be veterans, they do need a valid driver’s license, and be able to pass a drug screening and a Department of Transportation physical given at the VA Medical Center. Drivers will be given a lunch voucher on the day they volunteer for the DAV. For more information, please contact Command Sergeant Major (retired) Lance Fouquet at 402-505-1482 or sgmman1447@gmail.com.
Elder Access Line women. Specifically, these women had an approximately 20 percent higher risk of developing hypertension during follow-up compared to other women. The association was stronger among younger women and those with a lower Body Mass Index. There are several possible reasons for the observed association. One possible explanation is that as people lose teeth, they may change their diets to softer and more processed foods. These changes in dietary patterns could be associated with higher risk of hypertension. There was no association found between periodontal disease and hypertension. The study suggests older postmenopausal women who are losing their teeth may represent a group with higher risk for developing hypertension. As such, the researchers involved in the study believe improved dental hygiene among those at risk for tooth loss as well as preventive measures such as closer blood pressure monitoring, dietary modification, physical activity, and weight loss may reduce the risk of hypertension. The findings also suggest tooth loss may serve as a clinical warning sign for increased hypertension risk. “These findings suggest tooth loss may be an important factor in the development of hypertension,” said the paper’s senior author Jean Wactawski-Wende. “Further research may help us to determine the underlying mechanisms by which these two common diseases are associated,” she said. (The American Journal of Hypertension provided this information.)
Legal 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 topics like bankruptcy, homestead exemptions, collections, powers of attorney, Medicare, Medicaid, grand-
parent rights, and Section 8 housing. The telephone number for the Elder Access Line 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.
Fontenelle Tours
Omaha/Council Bluffs
712-366-9596
Quoted prices are per person, double occupancy. For more information about our tours, please call Ward or Kathy Kinney at Fontenelle Tours at the number listed above.
Motorcoach Black Hills “Ski for Light”. January 19 – 26, 2019. Our fifth annual trip to Deadwood, South Dakota. A very rewarding week-long event for blind and physically challenged persons to participate in skiing and/or other outdoor activities. If you know of someone who might want to participate, call us. Volunteers are also needed to provide various types of assistance at the event. Financial assistance also needed to make this event more affordable for participants. Motor coach will pick up at various points across Nebraska.
Laughlin Laughlin in January. January 21 - 25. $309. Five days – four nights. Includes non-stop, round-trip airfare to Laughlin, Nevada, four nights lodging at the Riverside Resort and Casino on the banks of the Colorado River, and shuttle transportation to and from the airport. Entertainment during this trip includes The Righteous Brothers at the Riverside Resort.
In Partnership with Collette Vacations We started working with Collette in 2009 when we were looking for a way to offer international trips to our travelers. We wanted to find a company that shared our core values of providing quality tours, well hosted at a reasonable price. We were not looking for a low-cost alternative. Our first personal experience was when we took about 24 people on the "Shades of Ireland" tour. It was an incredibly positive experience! Since then we have helped others to experience Collette Tours on: Historic Trains of California; New York City; Canada’s Atlantic Coast with Nova Scotia; Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes; Austrian Delight - Oberammergau (coming up again in 2020); Pasadena Rose Parade; Islands of New England; Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park; Islands of New England; Reflections of Italy; Canadian Rockies by Train; Tropical Costa Rica; Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise and others. Please call if you have one of Collette’s many destinations on your bucket list. We can help make it happen! Watch New Horizons and our website www.fontenelletours.com for our trip schedule. 2019 trip plans in process. 2708 Franklin Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
January 2019
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RSVP
Learn all you can about hospice care
RSVP is recruiting men and women age 55 and older for a variety of volunteer opportunities. For more information in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties, please call 402-4446536, ext. 1024. In Dodge and Washington counties, please call 402-721-7780. • The VA Medical Center needs volunteers. • Partnership 4 Kids is looking for volunteers to mentor Pre-K through high school students. • Food Bank for the Heartland needs volunteers to help with the SNAP program. • The Fremont Low-Income Ministry wants volunteers for its food pantry. • The Blair and Fremont Car-Go Program needs volunteers to drive older adults to their appointments. • Care Corps Family Services is looking for volunteers Thursdays from 1:30 to 5 p.m. • Fremont’s Habitat for Humanity wants volunteers. • Fremont Health needs volunteers. • Nye Legacy Health & Rehabilitation is looking for volunteers to help with its bingo games Tuesdays @ 2 p.m. • Premier Estates of Fremont wants volunteers to assist its activity director.
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NARFE meetings
he National Active and Retired Federal Employees’ Chapter 144 meets the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plz. For more information, please call 402-292-1156. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees’ Aksarben Chapter 1370 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plz. For more information, please call 402-342-4351.
By Lisa Dempsey The reality of hospice is that many people delay or avoid discussions about endof-life care because no one likes to think about losing a loved one. In some cases, the doctor may not bring up hospice early enough in the diagnosis to allow individuals to benefit from hospice care. It’s smart to learn about all that hospice care can offer. Doing so will give everyone time to understand the purpose of hospice and what the hospice care team is designed to do. Don’t shy away from hospice information. Now’s the time to read about it and understand all the benefits. • What can hospice do? Hospice is an amazing philosophy of care designed to bring comfort and peace to the patient and his or her family. Hospice is unique in its care because of the support delivered to the patient and family. Hospice isn’t a place rather it’s a philosophy of care brought to the patient wherever he or she
calls home. This could be their home or a nursing facility. When a patient begins hospice, they receive a team of support for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Hospice care teams often include a medical director, who oversees all care; a hospice nurse, who leads the care plan for the patient; a nurse aide who assists the hospice nurse with clinical and patient personal care needs; a social worker, who helps the family access additional resources and also assists with end-of-life planning and grief counseling; a chaplain, who provides spiritual support; and a hospice volunteer, who steps in to provide companionship visits to the patient and is also available to provide the family with respite so they can take a break. First and foremost, hospice care is about comfort. If the patient is experiencing pain, the hospice nurse and care team will work quickly to control the pain. If the patient is having trouble sleeping or experiencing other discomfort or mobility issues, the hospice team works with the patient’s primary physician to address the issues. Care plan meetings take place on a regular basis to ensure all care providers are aware of the patient’s circumstances. • When should hospice be brought in? Many families wait to inquire about hospice until the final weeks or days of their loved one’s life—not knowing they could have received all the benefits of additional specialized nursing care and medical equipment (like a hospital bed) and supplies related to the patient’s terminal illness. It’s important to know some physicians aren’t always comfortable talking about hospice because they’re trained to cure people. It may be up to the family or the patient to begin the conversation about hospice. To receive hospice care, a physician must diagnose the terminal illness as one with a prognosis of six months or less (if the illness follows its typical path) and then refer the patient to a hospice program. If the patient lives beyond the six-month timeframe, he or she may continue to receive hospice care as long as the physician recertifies eligibility. Hospice care is 100 percent covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies. This means the hospice care team, special equipment, and extra support are generally provided at no cost to the patient or his or her family. There are so many positives in regard to hospice. It’s care designed to bring peace and comfort during a person’s end-of-life journey. (Dempsey is the volunteer coordinator with Prime Home Care LLC and Compassionate Care Hospice in Omaha.)
Corrigan’s Happy Hands crocheters make, donate hats for Lydia House
The Happy Hands crochet group at the Corrigan Senior Center – 3819 X St. – have made several hats that will be donated this winter to the Lydia House at the Open Door Mission. Happy Hands members include (from left): Ivy Forrest, Janice Marstiler, and Joan Gradel. Not pictured are Happy Hands members Deloris Woodward and Margie Aruza.
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January 2019
Proposals designed to strengthen, modernize Medicare Parts C and D
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he Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently proposed policies for 2020 that would strengthen and modernize the Medicare Part C and D programs. The proposal would ensure that Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have more tools to negotiate lower drug prices. CMS is also considering a policy that would require pharmacy rebates to be passed on to older adults to lower their drug costs at the pharmacy counter. “President Trump is following through on his promise to bring tougher negotiation to Medicare and bring down drug costs for patients without restricting patient access or choice,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “By bringing the latest tools from the private sector to Medicare Part D, we can save money for taxpayers and seniors, improve access to expensive drugs many seniors need, and expand their choice of plans,” Azar continued. “The Part D proposals complement efforts to bring down costs in Medicare Advantage and in Medicare Part B through negotiation, all part of the President’s plan to put American patients first by bringing down prescription drug prices and out-ofpocket costs.” In the 12 years since the Medicare Part D program was launched, many of the tools outlined in the proposal have been developed in the commercial health insurance marketplace, and the result has been lower costs for patients. Older adults enrolled in Medicare deserve to benefit from these approaches to reducing costs, so CMS is proposing to modernize the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs and remove barriers that keep plans from leveraging these tools. “In designing this proposal, foremost in the agency’s mind was the impact on patients. The proposal is yet another action CMS has taken to deliver on President Trump and Secretary Azar’s commitment on drug prices,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “The changes will provide seniors with more plan options featuring lower costs for prescription drugs, and seniors will remain in the driver’s seat as they can choose the plan that works best for them. The result will be increasing access to the medicines that seniors depend on by lowering their out-of-pocket costs.” Private plan options for receiving Medicare benefits are increasing in popularity, with almost 37 percent of Medicare beneficiaries expected to enroll in Medicare Advantage in 2019, and Part D enrollment increasing each year as well. The programs are driven by market competition as plans compete for beneficiaries’ business, and each enrollee chooses the plan that best meets his or her needs. Consumer choice puts pressure on plans to improve quality and lower costs. Premiums in both Medicare Advantage and Part D are projected to decline next year. The proposed changes also include: • Providing Part D plans with greater flexibility to negotiate discounts for drugs in “protected” therapeutic classes, so beneficiaries who need these drugs will see lower costs.
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Safety Council offering driving course
Policies created by CMS
• Requiring Part D plans to increase transparency and provide enrollees and their doctors with a patient’s out-of-pocket cost obligations for prescription drugs when a prescription is written. • Implementing a statutory requirement, recently signed by President Trump, that prohibits pharmacy gag clauses in Part D. CMS is also considering a plan for as early as 2020, for a policy that would ensure enrollees pay the lowest cost for the prescription drugs they pick up at a pharmacy, after taking into account back-end payments from pharmacies to plans. Medicare Advantage and Part D will continue to protect patient access, as both programs are embedded with robust beneficiary protections. These include CMS’s review of Part D plan formularies, an expedited appeals process, and a requirement for plans to cover two drugs in every therapeutic class. (CMS provided this information.)
Kiplinger’s most, least tax-friendly states for retirees
he National Safety Council of Nebraska is offering a comprehensive three-hour driving assessment class for older adults by appointment. The Senior Driving Program, which costs $300, is designed to keep older adults driving safely on Nebraska’s roads for as long as possible. Participants will be able to assess and improve their driving skills to reduce risk to themselves, their passengers, and to other drivers. The classes, held at the National Safety Council of Nebraska’s office, 11620 M Cir., offer a driving skills selfassessment, behind the wheel driving with state-certified instructors, driving tips, an evaluation, and recommendations. To learn more or to register for the Senior Driving Program, please call 402-898-7371 or go online to safety@safenebraska.org.
211 telephone network The 211 telephone network has been established in parts of Nebraska to give consumers a single source for information about community and human services. By dialing 211, consumers can access information about resources like food
banks, shelters, rent and utility assistance; physical and mental health resources, support for persons with a disability, and volunteer opportunities. The 211 network is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We want to hear from
you!
Kiplinger.com has unveiled its annual list of the most and least tax-friendly states for retirees. Kiplinger’s 2018 Retiree Tax Map (Kiplinger.com/links/retireetaxmap) reveals tax breaks for older adults across all 50 states, and compares taxes on income (including Social Security benefits, pensions, and other forms of retirement income), property, everyday purchases, and estates.
• Do you have questions about the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, its programs or services? • Do you have a comment about the agency and how it serves older adults in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties? • Maybe you have a story idea for the New Horizons?
Send your questions,comments, story ideas, etc. to
DHHS.ENOA@nebraska.gov
“With Kiplinger’s Retiree Tax Map, retirees and near-retirees can determine which locations fit best based on their sources of income, spending habits, and value of their estate,” says Sandra Block, senior editor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “Location plays a major role in the quality of retirement years – we hope to make this decision easier for those in the midst of this exciting life stage.” The 10 most tax friendly states for retirees in order are: Alaska, Wyoming, South Dakota, Mississippi, Florida, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Hampshire, Kentucky, and Georgia. The 10 least tax-friendly sites for retirees in order: are Minnesota, Connecticut, Kansas, Vermont, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, Maryland, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The 2018 Kiplinger Retiree Tax Map features comprehensive tax profiles of each state, as well as additional roundups including states with no income tax, sales tax, or Social Security tax, states with estate and/or inheritance taxes, and more. The Retiree Tax Map is a sister project to Kiplinger’s annual Tax Map which outlines each state’s income taxes, sales taxes, gas taxes, “sin” taxes (for products such as alcohol and tobacco), and other tax rules and exemptions.
January 2019
We appreciate your interest in ENOA and the New Horizons.
Volunteers needed The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is looking for volunteer drivers for its Meals on Wheels Program. Flexible weekday schedule delivering midday meals to homebound older adults in the greater Omaha area. Call Arlis at 402-444-6766 for more information.
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New Horizons
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Studies: Eating seafood can improve brain, eye, heart, and prenatal health
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ating healthy isn’t always easy, and when you’re rushing around in the evenings it can seem like a daunting task to put a wellbalanced, nutritious meal on the table. However, when cooking at home, you can feel good about serving lean protein meals. Seafood is one way to serve up quick, good-foryou meals. In fact, onethird of the people recently surveyed reported they increased their fish consumption at home last year, according to Datassential. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed eating seafood two to three times per week can improve brain, eye, heart, and prenatal health. Seafood also provides unique health benefits as one of the best sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats essential to human health and development. Only one in 10 Americans meets the dietary guidelines recommendation of two servings of seafood per week. Now’s a great time to incorporate more seafood into your family’s meals. Check out these tips from the Seafood Nutrition Partnership: • Make a game plan or meal plan for the week to figure out when you can incorporate seafood into your
meals. • Stock up on canned and frozen seafood at the grocery store and keep an eye out for sales or coupons. • Make easy swaps like using white fish or shrimp in tacos instead of beef or a salmon patty instead of a burger patty. • Try doubling recipes so you only have to cook it once but can reap the benefits of eating seafood twice in one week. • Use kitchen gadgets like slow cookers and pressure cookers to prepare seafood-based meals in a pinch. For recipes, ideas, and inspiration for eating seafood at least two times per week, visit seafoodnutrition.org or follow #Seafood2xWk on social media. Try this recipe courtesy of Michael-Ann Rowe on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:
One Pan Fish Dish Preparation time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4
1/8 cup canola oil 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 medium onion, quartered 2 cups broccoli florets 1 lemon, half sliced, and half juiced, divided Kosher salt (to taste) Freshly ground pepper (to taste) 1 pound white fish (such as snapper, grouper, flounder, or barramundi) 4 tablespoons olive oil Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional) In pan over medium heat, heat canola oil about one minute. Add tomatoes, onions, and broccoli to pan; cook five minutes uncovered. Drizzle lemon juice over vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place fish on top of vegetables in center of pan and place two lemon slices on top of fish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cover pan and cook on medium heat 10 to 12 minutes depending on thickness of the fish. Drizzle olive oil over fish and top with rosemary, if desired, before serving.
Intercultural Senior Center moving to 5545 Center St. in mid-February
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he Intercultural Senior Center is growing. In fact, this ENOA-supported organization has grown so fast, renovations on a new, permanent home at 5545 Center St., are well underway. The ISC is scheduled to begin serving older adults in a new state-of-the-art 22,000 square-foot facility in mid-February. “We’re so excited to welcome our diverse seniors to this amazing space where they will continue to take classes, dance, make friends, make art, and flourish,” said ISC Executive Director Carolina Padilla. “We’re also looking forward to offering some new programming for those who have never attended the ISC before.” She said the ISC has outgrown its current rented site in south Omaha, but thanks to a $6.2 million Capital Campaign, the new facility will offer the perfect home for ISC’s many programs and services. The building – all on one level – will have space for drive-in access for boarding/ de-boarding older adults, adequate parking, and green areas on the property. Support for the Capital Campaign, led by Katie Weitz, PhD, includes major gifts from several private foundations and donors. In
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addition to the major donors, older men and women who regularly attend the center have also donated to the campaign. ISC is a nonprofit organization that serves older adults, many of whom are immigrants and refugees from 25 countries around the globe. The organization specializes in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where this often-isolated group can rediscover vibrant lives filled with dignity and purpose. The ICS is grateful to ENOA for its support in providing nutritious meals to its guests each weekday. Other ISC services include door-todoor transportation, classes in English as a Second Language, basic Spanish, basic literacy, citizenship, social services, health and wellness, and daily exercise. A monthly food pantry, as well as cultural music and art classes are also available. The ISC staff is excited about offering new classes, new programming, and new opportunities in a bright, new facility in 2019. For more about attending, volunteering, or supporting the ISC, please call 402-4446529 or visit interculturalseniorcenter.org.
New Horizons
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January 2019
Committee passes a bill to fight Alzheimer’s, preserve brain health
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he Senate Health Committee recently unanimously passed the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. This bipartisan bill would create a public health infrastructure to combat Alzheimer’s disease and preserve brain health. “Alzheimer’s disease is one of the greatest and most under-recognized public health threats of our time. Five and a half million Americans are living with the disease, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer,” said Sen. Susan Collins (R/Maine), a founder and Senate co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s disease. “After decades of increasing investments in biomedical research for Alzheimer’s, we are ready for the next step: to translate research into practice. The BOLD Act takes a multi-pronged public health approach that would create a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.” “The bipartisan BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act will fund and promote early diagnosis, effective intervention, better treatment options, and establish Centers of Excellence to educate the public and professionals on the illness,” said Sen. Cortez Masto (D/Nevada). “I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to support doctors, caregivers, and all those working to improve the quality of life and finally find a cure for people suffering the effects of Alzheimer’s and related cognitive disorders.” “Alzheimer’s is a very personal and important priority for me, as it is for millions of Americans and their families. This legislation will help tackle this devastating disease on all fronts, from those suffering from it to their caregiving,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R/West Virginia) said. “I’m so glad to see the HELP Committee approve our bill, bringing us one step closer to getting this bipartisan legislation across the finish line.” “Everybody in this place has an Alzheimer’s story that’s directly related to their family. I have a sister-in-law who was diagnosed at age 54. In just casual conversations with colleagues, we all have these stories and that’s not just the United States Senate, that’s the entire American population,” Sen. Tim Kaine (D/Virginia) said. “Over 150,000 Virginians have Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to grow by 35 percent in the next 10 years. It’s about three family caretakers for every person that has Alzheimer’s. I think those of us who have experience know how complex the caretaking arrangements are and how much our caretakers need support.”
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ore than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and the United States spends more than $277 billion per year to combat the disease, including $186 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid. Without further action, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to triple to as many as 14 million by 2050, costing the nation more than $1.1 trillion per year. This legislation would apply a public health approach to reduce risk, detect early symptoms, advance care, improve data, and ultimately change the trajectory of this devastating disease.
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THEOS
HEOS, a social organization for singles age 60 and older, meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at New Cassel, 900 N. 90th St. Older men and women
are encouraged to meet for a fun afternoon and to sign up for other activities throughout the month. For more information, please call Dorothy at 402399-0759 or Mary at 402393-3052.
OCUG moves meetings to to Swanson branch library
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ou’re invited to join the Omaha Computer Users Group, an organization dedicated to helping men and women age 50 and older learn about their computers regardless of their skill level. Beginning in January, OCUG meets the third Saturday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Swanson Branch Library, 9101 W. Dodge Rd. Participants will have access to a projector connected to a computer with Microsoft Windows 10 to show users how to solve their computer problems. For more information, please call Phill Sherbon at 402333-6529.
Information about immunizations By Jennifer Kerner, Pharm D, RD, CGP
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mmunizations are commonly associated with babies and school age children. Adults, however, can also benefit from immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine and a Td or Tdap vaccine for all adults. According to the CDC, every adult should get the Tdap vaccine once if they didn’t receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough), and then a Td shot (tetanus and diphtheria) every 10 years. For those over age 65, two more vaccines are also recommended by the CDC: the pneumonia vaccine and the shingles vaccine. A pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine protects against infections in the lungs and blood stream. It’s recommended for all adults over age 65 and for those younger than age 65 with certain chronic health conditions. The shingles vaccine (herpes zoster vaccine) is recommended for healthy adults age 50 and older. There are two pneumococcal vaccines available: PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) and PCV 13 (Prevnar 13). Even if you’ve already received the Pneumovax 23, the Prevnar 13 is still recommended. For those age 65 and older that haven’t been vaccinated or their vaccination history is unknown, it’s recommended they receive the Prevnar 13 first and then administer Pneumovax 23 one or more years later. Two herpes zoster (shingles) vaccines are also available. Zostavax, which is a live vaccine, is recommended for those age 60 and older. Shringrix, which isn’t a live vaccine, is recommended for those age 50 and older by the CDC. Shringrix is a two-dose series vaccine where the two doses are separated by two to six months. If the patient has already received the live vaccine (Zostavax), the CDC recommends revaccination with Shringrix allowing at least eight weeks between doses. Immunizations can prevent some serious diseases among adults. Please check with your physician or pharmacist to see if your vaccine record is up to date. The CDC also provides a schedule of recommended vaccines at www.cdc.gov. (Koerner is with Gerimed & Unimed Pharmacies.)
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Moments like these are precious. Don’t let them fade away. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people age 55+. Early detection is the key to saving your sight. Protect your vision from fading away. Call the Foundation Fighting Blindness for a free information packet about preventing and managing AMD.
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January 2019
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New Horizons
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Artists, seamstress donate stockings, hand-painted art for M o W recipients
Members of Omaha Artists, Inc. donated more than 400 hand-painted art pieces to ENOA for the agency’s Meals on Wheels program recipients. Thanks to the generosity and artistic skills of an Omaha arts organization, an area auction company, and a local seamstress, the Christmas season of 2018 was a lot more colorful for nearly 600 older adults who receive Meals on Wheels (M o W) from the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. In early December, the agency received 150 handmade Christmas stockings from an anonymous donor. Money donated to ENOA that was earmarked for Christmas was used to purchase items to fill the stockings. The list of stocking stuffers included sanitary hand wipes, hand cream, a flashlight, a pen, a pad of paper, Chapstick, and some tissues. The Meals on Wheels drivers delivered the stockings along with a hot, nutritious meal to 150 older adults in midDecember.
A few days later, ENOA received a donation of more than 400 beautifully handpainted art pieces from Omaha Artists, Inc. (OAI). An area auction company donated more than 300 easels for the project. Another group of more than 400 older adults received the colorful artwork along with their meal a few days before Christmas. Many also received one of the easels. Started in 2000, OAI
Three examples of the Christmas stockings presented to ENOA by an anonymous donor. donates art supplies to the Lied Transplant Center and holds community art workshops and luncheon meetings. Approximately 30 OAI members met in November at Omaha’s Church of the Master, 2617 S. 114th St., to create the artwork for ENOA, according to the organization’s president Katie Johnson. The art pieces were painted on foam boards, watercolor paper, canvas, and ceramic tiles using watercolor, acrylic, collage, and alcohol ink. OAI members Johnson, Jo Anne Nielsen, Linda Jones, Patti Kounkel, Cecilia Hiebner, Shirley Schmidt, Sharon Clawson, and Neva Cozine helped place the artwork and the easels into packages for delivery to ENOA. “I want to thank the anonymous donor for the stockings, the men and women who donated the money which allowed us to buy the stocking stuffers, the auction company, and Omaha Artists, Inc. for the incredible generosity,” said Arlis Smidt who coordinates ENOA’s Meals on Wheels program. “Special gestures like these are truly appreciated by the ENOA staff and the older adults we serve.”
Katie Johnson (middle) from Omaha Artists, Inc. with Arlis Smidt, who coordinates ENOA’s Meals on Wheels Program and ENOA Executive Director Dennis Loose.
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January 2019