Aging at Altitude Spring 2022 by Prairie Mountain Media

Aging

Altitude

SPRING 2022

Active Living

Smart Planning

Healthy Aging

JOIN US AT THE 2022 AGING AT ALTITUDE EXPO! SATURDAY, APRIL 23 // 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. // BOULDER JCC, 6007 OREG AVE., BOULDER W W W.DAILYCAMER A.COM/AGING

Home, Sweet Home.

atHome

REAL ESTATE

and More! Real Estate News, Open Home Listings, Homes for Sale, Rentals

Colorado Home & Real Estate | AtHomeColorado.com

At Home Colorado presents engaging content about homes, from buying and selling to improvement, landscaping and design. It also features homes for sale, open house listings and local real estate news.

There’s No Place Like This Home

Look for it Fridays in the Boulder Daily Camera and Saturdays in the Greeley Tribune, Longmont Times-Call and Loveland Reporter-Herald or visit AtHomeColorado.com.

Anthem’s newest neighborhood showcases the very best of Colorado.

Quick Guide and Featured Open Homes Looking for a home? View comprehensive listings of local open houses taking place this weekend from all across the area. Aug. 9-10, 2019

Photography Matters: List Your Home With a Pro

Making the investment in professional photography is a far wiser choice than throwing it together yourself. Photographer Tim Seibert of Flatirons Pro Media explains why.

Top Hiking Trails in Boulder County No matter if you’re hiking, biking, trail running or you prefer a certain level of difficulty, there is a trail for every preference. ATHOMECOLORADO.COM

For advertising information call Thais Hafer 303.473.1456, Toni McNeill 303.684.5929 or Mary Romano 303.473.1450.

Aging

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SPRING 2022

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SMART PLANNING .............................................. 6 .

HEALTHY AGING .................................................. 25 .

ACTIVE LIVING ..................................................... 40 Active Living

Smart Planning

Healthy Aging

JOIN US AT THE 2022 AGING AT ALTITUDE EXPO!

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 // 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. // BOULDER JCC, 6007 OREG AVE., BOULDER WWW.DAILYCAMER A.COM/AGING

Aging Altitude at

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Darian Armer, Brittany Anas, Linda Thorsen Bond, Emma Castleberry, Barbra Cohn, Adam Goldstein, Sarah Huber, Luanne Kadlub, Julie Kailus, Wendy McMillan, Elise Oberliesen, Andy Stonehouse, Darren Thornberry, John Teehan, Amy Harris Van Vranken, Shelley Widhalm

Julie Casper, Pete Christiansen, Jeanine Fritz, Ruth Garfield, Thais Hafer, Rich Hopkins, Kathy Johnson, Jim Koppel, Abbie Lance,Keith Kratochvil, Billy Magrini, Dale Sekuler

SPECIAL FEATURES COORDINATOR

VP / MARKETING & ADVERTISING

Greg Stone

Jill Stravolemos

AN END TO ISOLATION

Find Fellowship & Fitness At the Y

Isolation and loneliness are enduring issues that have been magnified by the pandemic. That’s why, at the Y, we work to unite neighborhoods and build meaningful relationships for seniors. The Y fosters connections and creates welcoming communities that curb isolation and nurture friends for all ages.

At the Y, Active Older Adults Enjoy:

• Clubs and events • Active older adults group exercise classes • SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit and Renew Active memberships • Programs developed for people with Parkinson’s, cancer, arthritis and balance challenges • Aquatics classes and programs • Virtual fitness classes • Pickleball • Volunteer opportunities • And much more!

YMCA OF NORTHERN COLORADO ymcanoco.org

SPRING 2022

AGING AT ALTITUDE

Aging Altitude at

THROUGH THE GENERATIONS EXPO FREE EVENT! JOIN US!

9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 23

Boulder JCC, 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder (corner of Arapahoe and Cherryvale)

EXHIBITORS INCLUDE: • AltaVita Senior Residences • Audio Information Network of Colorado • Balfour Senior Living • Boulder County Area Agency on Aging • Braverman Law Group • Brookdale Senior Living • Care Penguin

• Ensight Skills Center • Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado • Family Hearing • Frasier • Gabe Bodner • Golden West • Hearing Health Care Centers • Jackie Hahn, Approval Reverse

• • • • • • • •

Mortgage Juniper Village Kaiser Permanente Mary Hansen, Medicare Solutions Oasis Senior Advisors Renewal by Anderson Spine West Sunflower Bank Superior Medical Solutions

• • • • • •

The Avenues Crofton Park The Brain & Behavior Clinic The Germany Law Firm The Natural Funeral TRU Community Care University of Colorado Boulder Integrative Physiology • YMCA of Northern Colorado

FREE SEMINARS! LEVIN HALL

SENIOR LAW PANEL

Presented by: Randy Bulow, Oasis Senior Advisors

• Revocable! Irrevocable! How Do Trusts Fit in Your Estate Plan?

Senior Living Options: Finding the Right Fit for You

The Caregiver Initiative and Justice Coalition for ALL (Abuse in Later Life) Presented by: Rebekah Van Sweden and LIz Parker, Boulder County Area Agency on Aging

Motion is Lotion: How to Maintain a Seasoned Body on the Road of Life! Presented by: Cliff Gronseth, M.D., Spine West SENIOR LAW PANEL

• Critical Legal Documents: How to plan for incapacity or poor health and how best to enable adult children or trusted friends to act on your behalf Presented by: Susie Germany, The Germany Law Firm P.C.

Presented by: Diedre Braverman, Braverman Law Group

Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline Presented by: Ellyn Kuehne, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Health Care Centers

Brain Health & Psychological Wellbeing: A personalized and precision approach Presented by: Dr. Ilene Rusk, The Brain and Behavior Clinic

Real Talk with Real People: Making Decisions about Senior Living; Caregiver Burnout; What is Continuum of Care?

LOBBY, ROOM L130 REVERSE MORTGAGE PANEL

• Utilize Your Equity Strategically to Live a More Fruitful Life During Your Golden Years

Presented by Gabe Bodner, Reverse Mortgage Planner

• The Truth about Reverse Mortgages

Presented by Jackie Hahn, Approval Reverse Mortgage

Living Independently with Vision Impairment

Feed Your Mind: Nutrition and Brain Health

Presented by: Rachael Dritlein, MS, RD, Assistant Director of Dining, and Kyle Martinez, RD, Nutrition Care Manager, Frasier

Body Composting and Water Cremation: Giving Life to the Earth at Death

Presented by: Carol Grever, resident; Susan Gricus, resident family member; Zachary Strunk, Operations Director; Rebecka Moore, LPN, Clinical Services Director, Balfour

Presented by: Seth Viddal, Managing Partner, The Natural Funeral

Presented by: Lynda McCullough, Ensight Skills Center

Managing and Saving for Retirement Presented by: Bob Provencher, Private Banking/ Wealth Management, Sunflower Bank

// ADDITIONAL PARKING //

Overflow parking at Naropa University Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Ave. A free shuttle will take you to and from the Naropa parking lot to the Boulder JCC.

DAILYCAMERA.COM/AGING call 303.473.1420 or email jill@dailycamera.com

PRESENTED BY: 4

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ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES • • •

Moving for Better Balance with the YMCA of Northern Colorado Free Otoscopic Ear Exam by Hearing Health Care Centers Share Your Story with The Audio Information Network

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Age gracefully, in style!

6 reasons why you should choose an Applewood Pointe 62+ cooperative. Involvement – Cooperative housing means joint

Easy living – Leave the maintenance to the experts!

ownership and operation by those who live in it, giving members democratic control.

With lawn care, snow removal service and on-site maintenance staff, you’ll have more time for what matters most.

Community focus – Shared spaces and amenities are designed to encourage connection including a great room, club room, ﬁtness room, craft studio and woodworking shop, as well as outdoor spaces for gathering.

Location – We carefully select our future community

Luxury Finishes – Why not move into a home you’ll

Trustworthy Developer – With more than 100 years of

be proud to show off? In a newly built Applewood Pointe cooperative, luxury ﬁnishes come standard.

experience, United Properties is a developer you can trust. We are the proud developer of more than 30 exceptional communities designed for today’s seniors.

sites with dining, entertainment, shopping, nature, and recreation all within a convenient distance from your cooperative home.

Call 720.499.1083 or email colorado@applewoodpointe.com to reserve a spot at one of our informational meetings!

SPRING 2022

AGING AT ALTITUDE

SMART PLANNING

A New Day in Senior Living Celebrating a post-pandemic chapter

in Broomfield. “There is no question it was a challenging time for residents – really for all of us – but seniors have seen a lot and they are resilient. They understood some of the restrictions that were put in place by health officials were for their own good, and now they are relieved and enjoying a more relaxed environment.” Here, an update on senior living as we emerge from a challenging two years. RESILIENCE DURING THE PANDEMIC

By Brittany Anas for Aging at Altitude

n idea born out of the pandemic, Golden West Senior Living in Boulder debuted a “Reel People” mini-video series, interviewing residents over Zoom. In the series, residents shared their talents like singing acapella-style, and they swapped ideas for thriving during the pandemic, like

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one resident who had a tradition of getting on Zoom with her family members so that each remote household could cook the same dinner recipe. The video series is one shining example of how senior living communities throughout the Boulder County region creatively pivoted amid COVID-19, finding new ways to keep residents connected and engaged while adhering

to social distancing protocols. Now as life begins to regain normalcy, senior living communities and their residents are cautiously optimistic – embracing the technology that became so prevalent during the pandemic, but also resuming in-person social activities. “Our residents are relieved,” says Len McBroom, manager of The Avenues Crofton Park

In March 2020, the world went virtual. Now, while there’s the option to resume gatherings, many senior living communities are striking a balance with a hybrid approach. At Frasier, staff members are videotaping and placing activities on an internal television channel. “We are live-streaming activities as well,” says Julie Soltis, director of communications. “We found that while many of our residents like to participate in person, some like to participate from the comfort and convenience of their homes.” BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

CREATING POSSIBILITY IN BOULDER Whether you know us as Sunﬂower Bank or Guardian Mortgage, our philosophy is simple: we offer a full range of ﬁnancial products that create possibility in the lives we touch and the communities we serve. • Checking & Savings Solutions

• Commercial & Specialty Finance

• Mortgage Services

• Treasury Management

• Private Banking

• Wealth Management

COME VISIT OUR BOOTH AT THE AGING AT ALTITUDE SPRING 2022 GUIDE & EXPO TO LEARN MORE. Boulder Jewish Community Center April 23, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sunflower Bank 1738 Pearl St. | Suite 150 Boulder, CO 80302 720.931.5969 | SunflowerBank.com Guardian Mortgage, a division of Sunflower Bank, N.A. | NMLS# 709491 SPRING 2022

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having the extra space. “In the last couple of years, we have noticed an interest in our community from seniors who live outside the state,” McBroom says. “Many have expressed a desire to leave busy metropolitan cities on the east coast, especially when they were in lockdown, and many want to live closer to their children who live and work in Colorado.” EMERGING FROM COVID

The importance of technology created an urgent need for Balfour residents who wanted to stay connected with each other and their friends and family members, says Louise Garrels, director of marketing and communications at Balfour Senior Living. AltaVita Senior Residences (Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Care) 1001 AltaVita Court, Longmont, 888.745.8268, altavitaliving.com Balfour Senior Living (Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Respite Care), 1331 Hecla Drive, Louisville, 844.354.8877, balfourcare.com Brookdale Senior Living (Independent, Assisted Living), 3350 30th St., Boulder, 303.444.0200; 3375 34th St., Boulder, 303.473.0333; 801 Gillaspie Drive, Boulder, 303.494.3900; 8

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“We have more residents calling, texting, emailing, Facetiming, and Zooming than ever before,” she says. Training staff to help and teach residents with the latest technologies has become a priority at Balfour. Balfour will also 2240 Pratt St., Longmont, 303.682.1066, brookdale.com Frasier (Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Respite Care) 350 Ponca Place, Boulder, 303.499.4888, frasiermeadows.com Golden West Senior Living (Independent, Assisted) 1055 Adams Circle, Boulder, 303.444.3967, gwboulder.org The Avenues Crofton Park (55+ Community ) 12431 King Court, Broomfield, 720.799.0915, livetheavenues.com.

continue an event that sprang up during COVID: A Father’s Day Car Parade, which the community first hosted in 2020. The event is a fun way to let classic, vintage and muscle car owners show off their rides and parade through the community. In Louisville, Mark Johnson (the voice of CU Athletics) emceed a Facebook Live streaming of the parade from the Balfour at Lavender Farms port cochere. The parade ran a course through four of Balfour’s communities. “Smiles were abundant and many residents were talking about the experience weeks after the event,” Garrels says. For many, the pandemic caused some to rethink their living situations. During the pandemic there was a big demand for cottages and larger apartments, McBroom says, as residents enjoyed

This spring feels extra special at many senior living communities as it symbolizes new beginnings. At The Avenues Crofton Park, for instance, residents can enjoy newby trails like Metzger Farms Open Space. The community has raised garden beds and residents are organizing their planting efforts. At Frasier, registered dietitians are leading an eight-week nutrition education series. In May, the community will host “Celebrando Nuestra Cultura: Past, Present, and Future,” a weeklong series for Fraisier’s residents to learn about various Latinx cultures around Boulder. And at Golden West, seniors are enjoying a multi-million dollar renovation. Started in the spring of 2019, renovations to The Towers, which hosts Golden West’s independent living BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

apartments, are complete. In addition to basic upgrades like new finishes, common area layouts and furnishings, as well as apartment features like new windows, cabinets and doors, there have also been less obvious changes, including new infrastructure, elevator upgrades, improved heating and cooling, and energyefficient weatherization improvements. At Balfour, getting back to a variety of activities that residents can do with each other and with their families is at the top of the list. That includes multigenerational gatherings in the dining rooms, theater

and music performances by residents and outside artists in the Chautauqua Room, excursions to the Boulder Symphony, and brewing beer. “We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the gratitude shared by our residents,” Garrels says. “Grateful is the best way to describe their sentiment. Coupled with coming out of COVID restrictions with the safe evacuation of over 400 residents during the Marshall Fire, our residents are more than ready for enjoying life to the fullest and we will be doing everything we can to support that enjoyment.

AltaVita Senior Residences is the place to age with grace. MEMORY CARE

ASSISTED LIVING

AltaVita is the premiere local, family-owned, family-focused senior living community. Our goal is to be respectful of the aging process. Led by Medical Director Haleh Nekoorad-Long, MD, AltaVita sets the standard for senior living and memory care.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

KEEP IT SIMPLE

MEDICARE 10 01 Online Crash Course www.AginngAtAltitudee.com

C CLARITY AT FIRST A CLICK

An easy to follow, no cost guide for a no-fail Medicare Insurance experience At: Attend An New WestLocated Physicians Office In-Person 11552 Sheridan Blvd. 80020 101 Class Wed. May 4, 2022 @ 5:30pm

Schedule a tour now! (888) 745-8268

www.AltaVitaLiving.com

390 Interlocken Blvd. Broomfield CO 80020

1001 AltaVita Court, Longmont, CO 80503 SPRING 2022

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SMART PLANNING

Choosing the Right Senior Housing Option By Adam Goldstein for Aging at Altitude

E Every individual has unique needs when it comes to finding health, happiness and comfort.

The Natural Funeral transforms first Coloradoans into compost soil. On March 20th, 2022, The Natural Funeral returned the first transformed human remains to the Colorado earth at a historic ceremony at The Colorado Burial Preserve in Florence, CO. (Above, TNF’s Seth and Chris with Chrysalis composting vessels.) Call or email Karen, or chat with any of our staff about Body Composting or our other green and holistic services: Water cremation (eco cremation) Green burial and Reverent Body Care® (an honoring of the physical body using pure essential oils) Flame cremation is also available. (720) 515-2344 or info@thenaturalfuneral.com • TheNaturalFuneral.com LIVE and DIE Your Values

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very individual has unique needs when it comes to finding health, happiness and comfort. This is true for anyone, but it’s especially pertinent for seniors and their loved ones looking to select the ideal housing option. There’s no onesize-fits-all situation for seniors searching for the perfect living situation, one that will properly accommodate their medical, emotional and personal needs. With all of the options available for seniors in Boulder County and beyond, it can be daunting to find the perfect living situation, one that serve one’s needs with compassion, expertise and flexibility. That’s why we reached out the North Metro Denver division of Oasis Senior Advisors to garner insights on the process of finding the best living situation for seniors. Whether an individual is tackling the potentially stressful question of relocating alone, or whether a group of family and friends is seeking a

new living situation for their loved one, it’s critical to reach out to experts, and the folks at Oasis certainly qualify. The qualified team at Oasis Senior Advisors help navigate through the hundreds of living options for seniors, all while incorporating individuals’ specific needs. Whether a new resident is fairly independent or needs around-the-clock memory and health care, Oasis is prepared to tackle questions and find the ideal living option for those they consult. That advice isn’t an added onus for those looking to navigate an already stressful situation; Oasis’ consultation services are free, and their communitybased approach is rooted in creating a one-on-one resource. “We take into account things like independence level, medical needs, lifestyle, personal preferences, location and more when helping select the right senior housing option,” Oasis officials explain on their website. “We understand that this transition can be difficult – at any stage of life – which is why we strive to BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

provide the caring support you and your family need.” That support comes in the form of personal expertise – the advisors at Oasis boast long years in the healthcare and senior support industry. It also comes in the form of the latest technology. The service’s proprietary OasisIQ software incorporates lifestyle, finances and other options in helping advisors work with individuals and families to find a perfect housing fit. Combined with other services designed to reduce clients’ monthly costs (exploring options like Veterans’ aid programs, reverse mortgages and other funding options), Oasis seeks to make the living transition as approachable as possible. Oasis can connect clients with housing options that cater to specific needs, living situations that include assisted living, memory care, residential care homes, respite services, independent living, retirement communities and hospice care. Oasis is also committed to connecting individuals and families with opportunities to tour possible facilities, to further ensure that a living situation is a perfect fit. Oasis staff like Randy Bulow, a senior living advisor, integrate their SPRING 2022

own personal experience while offering free services to seniors and families. Bulow knows about the importance of individual needs and catered care, thanks to experience with his own family, specifically finding the perfect living situation for his mother. “I wanted to give back to my mom and assess how her dementia of nearly ten years was affecting her. My siblings and I had hired quality in-home care for her five years earlier, but I wanted to re-connect and spend quality time,” Bulow said. “We came to understand the challenges of aging and dementia in particular, very personally. We also came to understand her need for more medical oversight and social interaction.” That experience was part of what brought Bulow to Oasis, first as a client, and ultimately as one of the advisors who work hard to help individuals of all backgrounds and needs find the perfect living situation. “My mother is now in the perfect place, and I’m delighted to offer that same personal, reassuring guidance for families in the North Metro Denver area,” Bulow said. Oasis Senior Advisors North Metro Denver 720.649.4810 oasissenioradvisors.com/ north-metro-denver

Stylish

Modern

Affordable

Your Old Friend has a New Look A makeover hasn’t changed who we are affordable senior housing in Boulder offering only the gold standard in lifestyle. It means more amenities and comfortable living spaces for the carefree lifestyle you deserve. Like our residents, we’re not just aging well, we’re aging with style!

See for yourself. Schedule a tour at gwbolder.com or call 303-344-3967 1055 Adams Circle, Boulder, CO 80303 AGING AT ALTITUDE

SMART PLANNING

Applewood Pointe Expands Senior Cooperative Living in Colorado By Shelley Widhalm for Aging at Altitude

eniors want a place to call home, but they may not want the hassle of yard work or home maintenance. If they are 62-plus, they might consider Applewood Pointe of Westminster, a member-owned senior cooperative scheduled to open in 2023. The cooperative will be Applewood Pointe’s first venture into Colorado out of its home base of Minneapolis, Minn. “We carefully select our communities, and wherever we develop our buildings, it will be close to dining, entertainment, shopping, recreation and nature,” said Molly Goenner, vice-president of sales, leasing and

(Photo courtesy: Applewood Pointe).

marketing for Applewood Pointe Cooperatives. Cooperative living is a way for seniors to build equity in their homes and to get tax benefits by sharing costs

with other cooperative members. They become members by purchasing a share (similar to a down payment) in the cooperative’s master mortgage. Share costs

start at 20% with higher percentage options securing a lower monthly fee – the fee includes the mortgage payment, all utilities (except for electric), lawn care and

Applewood Pointe of Westminster. (Rendering courtesy: Applewood Pointe). 12

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other maintenance, insurance, property tax payments and reserves, as well as amenities like cable TV and Wi-Fi. “Many people like it because it’s a predictable investment,” Goenner said. “They are living in a well-respected building that’s financially predictable.” Senior cooperative living is different from other independent living options, such as purchases or rentals of homes for 55-plus or 62-plus that include common areas and amenities but without the shared mortgage. Assisted living and memory care provide higher levels of care with on-site nursing, food and laundry services, and other assistance services. The homes at Applewood Pointe of Westminster are one level with shared common area spaces, including a great room, club room, library, fitness area, art studio, woodworking shop and outdoor gathering areas. Residents also have access to a climate-controlled storage room and can reserve a guest suite for their visitors. “When they open their door, there are many things they can do,” Goenner said. “They can choose to be social or just enjoy time in their own home.” Applewood Pointe SPRING 2022

Cooperatives is a product of United Properties, a developer with more than 100 years of experience. It is part of the Amira family of brands, including Amira 55-plus rental communities and Amira Choice senior living communities that offer a higher level of care. Currently there are 16 Applewood Point Cooperatives in the Minneapolis area with two more in the presales phase in addition to Applewood Pointe of Westminster located near Standley Lake. The Westminster property consists of 85 homes in a multifamily setting with two- and three-bedroom floor plans that range from 1,150 to 1,890 square feet. Some of the homes include a sunroom or den, and all homes have a deck or patio. “It’s a great product for older adults,” Goenner said. “We know the positive effects of community and connection as we age, and Applewood Pointe is just the place to do that.”

Need Help? Call the AAA Resource Line: 303-441-1617 Visit our Website: bouldercountyaging.org Visit our Resource Page: bouldercountyhelp.org

¿Necesita Ayuda? Lláme a nuestra linea general de servicios: 303-441-1617 Visite nuestra página Web: bouldercountyaging.org Visite nuestra página de recursos: bouldercountyhelp.org

We provide services at no cost to people over 60 years of age and/or their caregivers, as well as Veterans of any age. Proveemos servicios sin costo alguno a personas mayores de 60 años y/o a sus cuidadores, y a Veteranos de cualquier edad.

Applewood Pointe of Westminster 108th Avenue and Wadsworth Parkway, Westminster, 720.370.5338, applewoodpointe.com/ senior-living/co/westminster/ applewood-pointe-ofwestminster

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A Senior’s Guide to Home Loans and Reverse Mortgages

Gabe Bodner

By Emma Castleberry for Aging at Altitude

an an individual ever be too old to buy a home? The answer is an emphatic no – if you have the money, or can qualify for a loan, there is no age limit for buying a new home. We reached out to several local experts to give tips to seniors who are interested in buying a new home. Here’s what you need to know to make the process easy and successful. REVERSE MORTGAGES HELP WITH THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES FACED BY SENIOR HOMEBUYERS

One of the primary challenges faced by those looking to buy a home later in life is qualifying for a loan on a fixed income like social security or pension. One way to approach this problem is 14

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Jackie Hahn

Barry Durhman

Dale Pearson

with a reverse mortgage, which has different income qualifications than a traditional mortgage. Also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), this mortgage is specially designed for seniors who are age 62 and older. It provides full home ownership and also allows the owner to pass their home onto heirs if they choose, but it does not require the homeowner to make monthly mortgage payments. “They are still required to pay property taxes, home insurance and HOA dues if applicable,” says retirement mortgage planner Gabe Bodner with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. “Additionally, senior homeowners can also convert some of the equity in their home to cash which can be used for anything they want and

the proceeds of the reverse mortgage are not taxed as income. Therefore, seniors can not only improve their monthly cash flow by eliminating one of their largest expenses, but we can also give them additional cash to help cover items like living expenses, lifestyle expenses, medical expenses, home improvement, expenses to care for a spouse, gifting, or anything else you can think of.” Even if you don’t choose to purchase a new home, you can refinance your existing home with a reverse mortgage once you turn 62. Jackie Hahn with Approval Reverse Mortgage says that refinancing is the course chosen by most of her clients, but, one way or another, everyone should plan on using this financial tool later in life. “A reverse mortgage is an

opportunity to access the equity in your home and it should be considered as part of your financial plan in retirement no matter who you are,” says Jackie Hahn with Approval Reverse Mortgage. “This is kind of an additional income that we’re handed. Figure out a way to make those funds liquid.” SENIOR HOME BUYERS NEED TO MAKE CAREFUL PRICING ASSESSMENTS

The cost of your home will be especially important for a senior homebuyer. “It is crucial to carefully look at your budget to make sure to keep your mortgage payment under 40 percent of your monthly income,” says Barry Durhman, mortgage loan originator with Guardian Mortgage. “It also is very imperative to be prepared for emergencies by having an BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

*This advertisement does not constitute tax or financial advice. Please consult a tax and/or financial advisor regarding your specific situation.

Gabe Bodner Retirement Mortgage Planner NMLS #235374 Direct: (720)600-4870 Gabe@BodnerTeam.com www.ReverseBoulder.com

SPRING 2022

Looking for more information on Retirement Mortgages? Pick up your free guide by visting our booth at Aging at Altitude!

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estimated six months in reserves in savings.” This can be complex when you’re on a fixed income. “When working with seniors, I always look at their additional assets like checking/ savings accounts and retirement accounts,” says Bodner. “The reason for this is to not only ensure the clients can afford the monthly housing expenses but also be able to handle unplanned expenses that will come up in the future. Not only are there typically home improvement expenses that come up but medical expenses as well that we must plan for in retirement.”

A SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST CAN HELP YOU SEARCH THE LIMITED INVENTORY

As a senior, you will likely have much more specific needs as far as the layout and design of your home in order to ensure your mobility and comfort. “One feature I often see when seniors are shopping for a new home is main level living,” says Dale Pearson, a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) with RE/MAX of Boulder. “Often, mobility is a consideration and seniors tend to favor ranch style homes with everything on one level or even elevatorequipped condo living.” These needs are harder to meet in a market that

Audio Information NETWORK

of Colorado Bringing print to life

If you can no longer enjoy your favorite print materials, don’t give up start listening instead! We offer FREE audio editions of local newspapers and magazines, 24/7 streams, and podcasts to individuals who struggle to read print.

already has low inventory. “The lack of specific inventory for seniors can be a significant challenge,” says Durhman. “The overall lack of affordable housing and rising rates can amplify this challenge for seniors.” This is where an SRES becomes especially useful, because they are already immersed in the real estate world as it relates specifically to older buyers. “An SRES has been through extensive training to better understand the unique concerns and challenges of working with older clients,” says Bodner. “Senior clients have different needs and concerns than younger buyers like first-time home buyers and it is very important to work with a realtor who understands these needs and concerns.” Bodner adds that SRES often have specific training in the value of securing and utilizing a reverse mortgage. GET THE RIGHT KIND OF HELP FOR YOUR UNIQUE HOME BUYING EXPERIENCE

Above all, it’s important that seniors surround themselves with specific

and high-quality support that will ensure the home buying process is seamless. “It is critical that one speak with a qualified retirement mortgage planner like myself to evaluate and compare all of your options before you purchase a new home,” says Bodner. “Getting a solid understanding of your options prior to buying a home allows you to make a more educated decision and will put you in a better position to achieve your retirement goals.” Gabe Bodner The Rueth Team / Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation 720.600.4870, bodnerteam.com Jackie Hahn Approval Reverse Mortgage 720.434.6887, approvalinc.com Barry Durhman Guardian Mortgage 303.881.1192, guardianmortgageonline.com Dale Pearson RE/MAX of Boulder 303.818.5640, mainlevelliving.net

• 100% Free to You • English & Spanish • Available 24/7 Start listening today visit www.aincolorado.org or call 303.786.7777 16

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We Simplify Digital Marketing. Call 303.473.1400. BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

Physiatry & Sports Physicians

Don’t miss Dr. Gronseth’s talk, “Motion is Lotion: How to maintain a ‘seasoned’ body on the road of life” at the Spring Expo, Saturday, April 23rd.

More Than...

Back Pain • Neck Pain Shoulder Pain • Hip Pain Knee Pain • Sciatica Arthritis • Numbness

In-office ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, treatments and procedures in our hyperclean, safe office.

Trust • Care • Excellence

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST MEDICAL FACILITY 5 YEARS IN A ROW! Boulder

5387 Manhattan Circle, Suite 200 Boulder, CO 80303 SPRING 2022

303-494-7773 www.SpineWest.com

Wheat Ridge

3555 N Lutheran Parkway, Suite 210 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 AGING AT ALTITUDE

SMART PLANNING

Estate Planning Checklist By Darian Armer for Aging at Altitude

hile it’s never fun to think about, preparing for the inevitable is always smart, and you’re never too young, or old, to start. Whether old age, illness or accident, there are situations where a person may find themselves unable to advocate or make decisions for themselves. That’s where some savvy legal planning can come in handy. Susie Germany of The Germany Law Firm,

says the most critical documents they work to have a client get in place are a medical durable power of attorney, financial durable power of attorney and an advanced or living will. “Clients need to sign a health insurance portability waiver because of HIPPA, so that friends or family can get access to their medical history or talk to doctors,” says Germany. “The medical durable power of attorney appoints someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re unable

to do so for yourself. It’s important to have a primary medical agent and a back-up agent.” An advanced directive, also known as a living will, states the wishes of a person if they are in a terminal condition, expected not to live six months, or in a persistent vegetative state. It lays out directives like if a person wants anything artificial to keep them alive, and if so, for how long. It covers things like feeding tubes and hydration. Without these documents in place,

Germany says decisions will likely be determined by Colorado’s proxy law, which allows a proxy to make one-time decisions about end of life decisions. If a person is hospitalized for a long time, or will likely need long-term care or rehab and requires someone to make longterm health decisions, it goes beyond what the proxy can do and then a guardian may need to be appointed, which goes through probate. “One of the biggest problems is people might appoint a family member

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without thinking through the qualifications of the job. You have to think carefully about it,” says Germany. “It’s best to have it in place and the key is to have the correct people named as the medical or financial person.” While you can often find power of attorney forms online, Germany says it’s best if they have an attorney prepare the documents and walk them through it. “Sometimes people can get these forms online or form different service organizations that have blank forms that can be filled in,” says Germany. “The thing is you don’t know what you don’t know. You could be granting power of attorney to somebody you don’t mean to. The counseling and education side is just as important as the actual document side. I recommend going to an attorney to get educated and understand what they’re signing.” Another thing Germany recommends to do is trust planning. She says it offers a little more privacy and protection. Rather than go through probate, where everything can be viewed by scammers, a trust is another way to manage assets if a person is incapacitated or dies. Diedre Braverman, of Braverman Law Group, says there are many different kinds of trusts, SPRING 2022

but the one talked about most is the revocable living trust. Its primary benefit is that it avoids probate. “You want to avoid probate for four reasons. One, probate is expensive compared to trust administration. Two, it takes longer for beneficiaries to receive their inheritance. Three, probate is more work for the person being asked to administer the estate. Four, probate is public. The beneficiaries’ information and inheritance will be available to everyone from car dealerships to scammers,” says Braverman. If someone doesn’t have any pre-planning or just a will, then the process will go through probate. “A lot of people think a will avoids probate, but it doesn’t. It just states what that person wants to happen,” says Braverman. “We recommend always going with a professional. Not just an attorney but an estate planning attorney who doesn’t practice any other areas of law.”

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SMART PLANNING

Medicaid Planning: Pros & Cons, Costs and Strategies By John Teehan for Aging at Altitude Nearly everyone can agree that navigating Medicaid – particularly for the first time – can be confusing, frustrating and often overwhelming. It’s a big reason why many people put off planning for Medicaid to the last minute. Unfortunately, not planning in advance can often cause more problems. Medicaid eligibility is a complicated process. Regulations vary from state to state and are constantly changing. The application and review process both take a long time to complete. Should Medicaid be denied, for whatever reason, it can have a profound effect on the applicant’s sense of security, well-being, and health. Having a Medicaid planner assist in the process can be a real boon. Medicaid planners assist individuals in organizing their finances and preparing documentation in order to maximize their chances of being accepted into the 20

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Medicaid program. They may also be able to shield a family’s house or other assets and advise on how to best handle the finances of a healthy spouse so they aren’t negatively impacted. Is it necessary to hire a Medicaid planner? Not entirely. When the need arises, many people can take advantage of free assistance via public services such as those listed on 211colorado.org. Even if an individual doesn’t qualify for free assistance, hiring a Medicaid planner is not absolutely necessary, but it is still recommended. The final decision should be based on the individual’s

specific circumstances. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING Everyone’s situation is different in one way or another. That said, there are a few scenarios many people have in common. One spouse requires care The cost of caring for one spouse can swiftly outstrip a couple’s overall assets. The couple’s primary residence is exempt from Medicaid’s asset limit because one of the spouses lives there. In addition, there are spousal impoverishment laws in place for couples

in which one spouse is applying for nursing home Medicaid or a home and community-based services Medicaid waiver. For regular Medicaid, the spousal impoverishment requirements do not apply. In this case, it is necessary to have a plan that can protect the nonapplicant spouse’s assets. Both spouses require care Long-term care costs for two people can swiftly bankrupt many families. Should Medicaid be denied to one or both spouses, financial and caregiving obligations often fall to any adult children. Should those BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

adult children have offspring of their own, the total financial burdens can be a nightmare. This is a case where having professional assistance in applying for Medicaid can make all the difference, particularly if no healthy spouse is available to help with the planning and application. Healthy spouses planning for the future Families without an imminent need for care are more likely to be able to plan without professional assistance. However, an error in planning can affect eligibility and delay acceptance for up to

five years. If there is doubt concerning their family’s ability to navigate complex legal and financial techniques, having a planner could come in handy. Single person with no assets or income Individuals with significant, pre-existing financial difficulties should be able to obtain Medicaid assistance without much difficulty or need for professional help. When preparing Medicaid paperwork, a social services organization can often be the best option.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST? Many professionals will point out that the fees for professional planning services are typically less than the cost of a month of nursing home care. Visit the American Council on Aging website (see sidebar) for a thorough breakdown of the various types of Medicaid planners and their fees. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE No one likes the idea of planning for a future in which Medicaid is necessary. And the process can be both long and complicated.

That’s why it’s prudent to think long-term and learn what you can about the Medicaid application process, how long it takes, how much it costs, and what its regulations involve. Fortunately, there are experts available to help. You won’t have to go it alone. American Council On Aging Medicaid Eligibility By Type medicaidplanning assistance.org/medicaideligibility-colorado Information On Medicaid Planners and Their Fees medicaidplanning assistance.org/types-ofmedicaid-planners

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SMART PLANNING

Medicare Insurance Solutions for Seniors By Adam Goldstein for Aging at Altitude

urning 65 can be overwhelming for many, and not for the reasons one may suspect. It’s not necessarily a question of health or wellness that makes this particular birthday stressful for so many, but rather the sudden and staggering question of insurance, specifically Medicare. According to licensed Medicare advisor Mary Hansen, many aren’t prepared for the onslaught of advertisements and mailers that suddenly appear with Medicare eligibility. “When people are first turning 65 and becoming 22

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Medicare eligible, their mailbox just floods with advertisements. It overwhelms them. It makes them feel like they have 1,000 decisions to make,” said Hansen, a Brindlewood Insurance agent with Aging at Altitude Medicare Solutions in Broomfield. “My job is to simplify that, so that they end up with what’s right for them.” For years, Hansen has worked to make the Medicare process less daunting and more effective for those she consults. Hansen is on a mission to make Medicare approachable. Through her free consulting services, she hopes to help people realize that they can tailor their Medicare

coverage to meet their specific needs. “There’s no such thing as one plan fits all; coverage should be based on lifestyle, travel, medications, doctors, medical needs – it depends,” Hansen said. “It’s about taking all those factors and boiling it down for what is right for the individual. What might be right for one person might not be right for their neighbors.” With that in mind, Hansen said, Medicare can serve as a step-up for many, even if they’re already covered through their work or through other insurance providers. What’s more, those turning 65 are required by law to sign up for the service; it’s simply

an option that may or may not fit one’s current situation. “People always dread the experience. They think Medicare is horrible insurance. Actually, by the end of our conversation, people are counting down the days. For many, it is way better than any of their prior insurances,” Hansen said. “Another misconception is that if someone is turning 65 and they’re still working, they have to go on Medicare or else they’ll be penalized. That’s a big myth. It’s not true.” Hansen said that approaching Medicare with the right attitude and, most importantly, the right facts can make the entire process simple and straightforward. There’s no need for all of the stress and anxiety that many people associate with the service; thanks to the free consulting and education services she provides, Hansen knows that the insurance program can be much more of a benefit than a source of stress. “You don’t have to go about it alone. There are people out there to help you, and you don’t have to pay any extra for their guidance,” she said. Mary Hansen, Brindlewood Insurance / Aging at Altitude Medicare Solutions, 303.548.2841, agingataltitude.com BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

New Natural Options Have Made Colorado a Pioneer in Green Funerals

The Natural Funeral team with a new Chrysalis vessel at March 20th Laying Out of Remains event in Florence, Colorado at The Colorado Burial Preserve. (Photo: Karen van Vuuren, The Natural Funeral).

By Andy Stonehouse for Aging at Altitude

s more people chose to embrace environmentallyfriendly policies and products in their everyday lives, there’s also been a movement to employ those same considerations in our end-of-life rituals. And for anyone who’s dealt with the sometimes off-putting and costly world of funeral arrangements – or folks who quite literally want to be returned to the earth when they pass – there’s been plenty of interest in the notions of greener funerals. Karen van Vuuren, coowner of Boulder County’s The Natural Funeral, a holistic funeral home, said families now have a wider SPRING 2022

variety of non-traditional burial and cremation options. “People are yearning for something meaningful in life, and there’s been a heightened awareness of environmental concerns,” she said. “And there’s also more concerns around our final choices, and how those will impact future generations. The people who come to us like natural options, not the conventional options, even in funeral arrangements. They want something more humane and more meaningful.” And thanks to lobbying work she and her associates successfully conducted with Gov. Jared Polis this year, families are now legally allowed to pursue options such as natural

body composting, in addition to other alternative arrangements such as water cremation or green burials. “Our work has made us a national pioneer in green and holistic death care, and there’s been lots of international interest in what we’re able to do,” she explained. Legislation passed on Sept. 7 by the Colorado state government meant that The Natural Funeral could begin working with families who desired to have their loved ones’ remains literally turned into fertilizer – about the greenest route possible. “The composting option uses a natural reduction process in a temporary, above-ground wooden vessel, which is filled with straw, wood chips and other

compost, and then uses a managed biological process and oxygenation to compost remains over six months to a year,” she said. Other options include so-called water cremation, which uses water and alkaline solutions to naturally dissolve remains in just a few hours. The resulting liquid is sterile and can literally be used as fertilizer; bone material can then be traditionally cremated. van Vuuren said it’s a more environmentally beneficial process and has been well-received by families and individuals who appreciate the methodology. Alternately, families can also opt for an equally literal green burial, with a body simply wrapped in a shroud for a lower-impact burial. The Natural Funeral also provides funeral facilities for families looking for a less traditional place to host a memorial service. “We can help with the experience that families have, who are going through a loss that’s hard to process, and help it feel more meaningful. There are also some benefits given to the earth in the process,” she said. The Natural Funeral 102 W. Chester St., Lafayette, 720.515.2344, thenaturalfuneral.com AGING AT ALTITUDE

HEALTHY AGING

Bon Appétit

Frasier is shifting the paradigm of dining for senior living By Wendy McMillan for Aging at Altitude

or starters, you’ll love the Crab Cake with Brussels Sprouts Slaw, Smoked Aioli and Mustard Seed

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Caviar. Next, enjoy the fresh zing of Sweet Cherry Tomato Salad with Citrus Herb Vinaigrette, Pickled Celery, and Blue Cheese. A main course of Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Roasted Garlic

Jus, Polenta Croutons, Cauliflower Puree with Brown Butter and Poblano-Chili Roasted Beets is the pièce de resistance but save room for dessert. And the finale of Red Velvet Tartare with

Cream Cheese Ice Cream is divine. Elegant and innovative, this delicious fare sounds like it’s been pulled from the menu of a Michelin star caliber restaurant, don’t they? In all honesty, it probably could be, but the team behind these dishes and infinite others isn’t focused on chasing accolades from food critics. They’re too busy pleasing the palates and nourishing the lives of their beloved diners, the residents of Frasier. Founded in 1960 to serve and enrich the lives of Boulder’s seniors, Frasier is a Life Plan Community offering a continuum of care that allows residents to live their lives fully with the care they need, when they need it. Located on a sprawling 20-acre campus in residential Boulder, the beautiful campus consists of three central neighborhoods, each with a unique focus-independent living, ‘The Meadows’ assisted living and memory support, and ‘The Summit’ skilled nursing/long-term care. Across these three levels

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of care, opportunities abound to connect, and strong threads of continuity and comfort are interwoven, not least through dining experiences. SUPERIOR TEAM, TOP QUALITY FOOD

Frasier’s Director of Dining Services Jonah Cox brings to the table a resonant blend of personal and professional experiences that is indeed one-in-a-million. Coming from the culinary world, he has a degree in social work and experience across a broad range of dining operations. What’s more, his passion draws from genuine familial roots. “Cooking and food were always a big part of my life,” Cox explains. “My family was always cooking meals together, and it grew into a culinary career. My very first job was in a retirement community. My grandfather lived there.” Joining Cox is a team of roughly 100 employees, including professionally trained chefs and registered dieticians. “We’re shifting thoughts away from that vision of senior living meaning institutionalized, bland food,” Cox says. “In our team, even our front-line cooks come with a wealth of experience. We’re all focused on producing great food.” Contrary to outdated impressions, senior living SPRING 2022

allows for chefs to really stretch their abilities and creativity, Cox says. “Our menu changes all the time, as our residents deserve and expect. We’re not preparing the same food over and over. We have constantly changing, varied options.” Included among those options is a nightly chef’s special, to which the response has been resoundingly positive, Cox says. Frasier also regularly offers unique events, such as a tantalizing menu for National Chocolate Day, and special catered events. DELICIOUS NUTRITION, FOR ALL

As much as the food at Frasier delights (and it really, really does), it also nurtures. Cox and his team take painstaking efforts to ensure that residents are offered the best in nutrition, for everyone, for seniors specifically, and as determined by individual needs. This

past March, Cox made use of National Nutrition Month as a springboard for launching bolstered nutrition education for residents. Nutrition Care Manager and Registered Dietitian Kyle Martinez coordinated drop-in nutrition consultations for residents. These were so successful, beginning this month, Frasier is hosting an 8-week series on related topics, including snacks to promote brain health, and the role nutrition plays in managing stress, keeping active, and more. Spearheading this educational series is Frasier’s other Registered Dietitian, Rachael Dritlein, Assistant Director of Dining at Frasier. In addition to focusing on nutrient-rich offerings and education, Frasier makes sure to meet all residents’ needs. “People have unique dietary requirements,” Cox says. “Besides preferences

there are food allergies, restrictions, and physical limitations. Some people may need a pureed diet, or a range of other modifications. We’re very clear on menus about the top nine allergens, and we work closely on an individual basis with residents, coordinating with our clinical team and dietician, to make our foods available to them, safely.” “Of course I’m biased,” Cox says, “but in a lot of ways our program is up there with top restaurants in Boulder. I’ve been on the other end of the table in these situations, starting with those meals with my grandfather. I know how important good food and all that comes with it is for this experience. It’s an honor to bring that for folks.” Frasier 350 Ponca Place, Boulder, 303.499.4888, frasiermeadows.org

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HEALTHY AGING

Age-Related Eye Diseases Are More Treatable Than Ever clouded lens may be removed via surgery. Trost noted that cataract surgery is “one of the most common, safest and patient-friendly surgeries one can have.”

By Sarah Huber for Aging at Altitude

hile age-related eye diseases can significantly affect quality of life, the good news is that, thanks to new technological testing devices and advancements in medicine, eye specialists can now diagnose various eye diseases at a much earlier stage. This often results in simpler, less expensive and more effective treatments than in the past. The four most common and major conditions in seniors are cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. For insight on the symptoms and treatments of these diseases, we turned to the professionals at the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado.

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AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)

CATARACTS

“Cataracts are the result of natural protein buildup in the eyes causing clouding of the normally clear-eye lens, as well as increased glare from headlights at night,” explained Priscilla Trost,

practice liaison and marketing coordinator at the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado. When sight cannot be corrected, at least enough to maintain safe driving with the aid of glasses or corrective lenses, the

Macular degeneration occurs in the back of the eye, the retina, and “affects one’s central vision so one will notice blurriness, distortion or absence of vision in the central part of their vision field,” Trost said. Most prevalent in those over 55, AMD typically affects both eyes at different rates and impacts a person’s ability to read, drive, recognize faces or colors and view objects in fine detail. Treatment may include medication, laser therapy or injections.

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DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy, as with macular degeneration, occurs in the back of the eye. This disease, characterized by a leaking of blood vessels within the retina, can cause serious complications and vision loss if left untreated, Trost said. Treatment options may include laser therapy and injections. GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve (which connects the eye to the brain) and leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss in the periphery of one’s visual field. Early detection is especially key to stop or slow down the progression of this disease with prescription eye drops, laser procedures or surgery. Since treatment is often less complex and less costly if diagnosed early, it is crucial for seniors to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams, Trost said. She continued, “This is one area of health where self-diagnosis can be dangerous. Your

eye doctor is far better equipped with experience and testing devices to determine when there are issues and how they can best be addressed.” General health habits, including eating well and especially not smoking, can foster eye health in seniors. Wearing sunglasses, avoiding rubbing the eyes and using lubricating eye drops once or twice a day to relieve dryness and discomfort also promotes eye health. “Don’t simply assume a loss of vision is normal as one ages,” Trost said. “Yes, it is normal that this does indeed occur. But there are many things available to us now to truly improve vision, the health of our eyes and even how they feel. All this adds up to greater quality and enjoyment of life through keeping our eyes functioning as well as possible.”

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HEALTHY AGING

Hope for Those with Visual Impairment Practical help, emotional support for the newly diagnosed By Sarah Huber for Aging at Altitude

hose recently diagnosed with an age-related eye disease “need to know there are practical ways to adapt and to live a fulfilling life,” said Melody Bettenhausen, chief operations officer at Ensight Skills Center, a nonprofit based in Fort

Collins. Bettenhausen and her colleagues help those with a visual impairment to process their diagnosis and to adjust through both adaptive device technologies and behavioral changes. Adaptive devices can be as common as using tablets and smartphones to dictate text and as novel as talking blood pressure monitors. As for changes

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in behavior, patients can partner with Ensight’s occupational therapists to develop creative solutions to achieve daily tasks; for example, Bettenhausen noted, if patients are struggling to line up toothpaste on their toothbrush, they can apply the paste from their finger to their mouth and follow up with a toothbrush. “Most of the time people are using chunks or sections of vision,” she said. “We use eccentric vision training to teach people how to change after looking at the world one way for

70 years.” Above all, “magnification is the greatest adaptation we recommended,” Bettenhausen said. She explained that while “some people are waiting for the right prescription, the truth is that the answer is teaching them how to use their remaining vision.” Handheld and stand magnifiers can be employed alongside eyeglasses and sufficient lighting to enhance vision. Video magnifiers may help those with vision impairment to read, write and watch TV. BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

New patients meet for 90 minutes with a team of doctors and therapists when they first visit Ensight. “There can be fear, anger, a lot of disbelief when people are first diagnosed,” Bettenhausen said. “We recommend someone else come with them to hear that mom is not crazy, that she’s really not seeing these things.” She added, “We do a lot of family education and find that as people realize there’s something out there that can help, there’s a whole attitude shift.” Ensight accepts insurance, yet since

“we recognize that a lot of people are on fixed incomes,” Bettenhausen said, “we find a way to provide service regardless of ability to pay.” Funding is available through the Boulder Care Area Agency on Aging for those over age 60, and Ensight connects patients in need with resources. Ensight Skills Center Located at the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado – 300 Exempla Circle, #120, Lafayette; 1400 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont, 303.757.4500, ensightskills.org

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HEALTHY AGING

Common Signs of Hearing Loss in Seniors conditions like heart disease or diabetes. “Just like everything else on our body as we get older some systems get weak,” explains Dr. Ellyn Kuehne, the audiologist at Hearing Health Care Centers’ Boulder clinic. “It’s simply the natural degradation of hearing loss as we get older.” EARLY SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

As an inevitable sign of aging, hearing loss is indicated by some common early signs. Lifestyle changes associated with diminished hearing capabilities include:

By Julie Kailus for Aging at Altitude

ne in three adults over 65 has hearing loss. When related to aging the condition, known as presbycusis, is twice as common as diabetes or cancer. “Age is the strongest predictor of hearing loss, which means that the grayer our hair gets, the more 30

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likely that our hearing will need a boost,” says Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist Chelsea Walters, who owns Family Hearing. Changes to sensory receptors in the inner ear are the most common cause of hearing loss. These shifts are a consequence of the natural aging process, genetics, noise exposure, and various health

• Listening becomes unclear with background noise or in large groups • Easier time distinguishing men’s voices when compared to women or children • Feeling like others are mumbling during a conversation • Having to turn up the TV volume much louder than in the past

• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears “Hearing loss can be tricky to detect and often loved ones tell an individual that they cannot hear, rather than the person perceiving it,” Kuehne says. “This is because hearing loss is a slow process. As hearing starts to deteriorate the person gets used to it and it becomes their new normal.” Walters sees this regularly among couples and families. As a gradual process, hearing loss symptoms creep up and can be easy to dismiss. “At Family Hearing, we sometimes encounter people who say, ‘I hear normally for my age,’ and disregard circumstances where they ask people to repeat themselves or where they might fake understanding when they missed the message.” This avoidance can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as isolation. “Often people with untreated hearing loss give up on communicating because they feel like a burden when asking ‘what’ or BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

‘can you repeat that’ all the time,” Kuehne says. “When people feel that they are annoying while trying to talk to others they ultimately stop trying. This isolation can lead to an increase in cognitive decline as well as depression.” Research indicates that untreated hearing loss also correlates with higher incidences of dementia, a decline in cognitive ability, and even reduced earning power, among other negative effects. “Those with untreated hearing loss have a 500% increased rate of cognitive decline in 7 years compared to those who treated their hearing loss,”

Kuehne says. GETTING HELP FOR HEARING LOSS

Luckily, treatment for hearing loss has come a long way, and it’s never been easier to find solutions before coping mechanisms take a toll on mental health. Walters says the best hearing loss outcomes happen when a skilled professional leverages advanced technology to personalize a solution, taking into account an individual’s condition and the listener’s needs and wants. “Artificial intelligence is giving our providers more tools to tailor how hearing devices

react to the situations most important to them like meetings, background noise or family gatherings,” Walters explains. “Some of our clients benefit from enabling fall detection, hands-free calling, or tinnitus masking.” Masterful modern hearing devices sound natural, not like a stereo, and recalibrate on the fly. “Our hearing devices make 55 million personalized environmental adjustments every 5 minutes,” Kuehne says. If you know of someone experiencing hearing loss, don’t wait until isolation and depression set in.

Get answers, resources and solutions from a professional audiologist. Restoring hearing may be nothing short of lifechanging. Family Hearing 3059 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.872.9757; 300 Nickel St., Suite 15, Broomfield, 303.857.5838; 2770 Arapahoe Road, Suite 126, Lafayette, 303.872.6467, familyhearingco.com Hearing HealthCare Centers 4800 Baseline Road, Suite E-108, Boulder, 303.963.9473; 320 E. 1st Ave., Suite 102, Broomfield, 303.731.4540; hearinghealthcarecenters.com

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Lifestyle/pharmacological-focused clinical trials aimed at helping us all age gracefully. Drink Juice for Science!

We’re looking for volunteers to participate in a study about the effects of beetroot juice on cardiovascular & brain functions.

Volunteers Needed! The Integrative Physiology of Aging Lab at the CU Boulder campus is seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical research study. We are looking for women and men with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (ages 30-80) who are willing to consume 1 dose (~1/3rd of a cup) of beetroot juice every day for ~3 months. Benefits for volunteers include: cardiovascular health assessment, VO2max test, body composition, and blood chemistries.

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDIES INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL HEALTHY BENEFITS OF A NEW BREATHING EXERCISE INTERVENTION ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Participants Will Receive: PHYSICAL EXAM BY PHYSICIAN

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

COMPLETE BLOOD PANEL: BLOOD SUGAR & CHOLESTEROL

PHYSICAL FITNESS EVALUATION (HEART HEALTH)

BODY COMPOSITION (PERCENT BODY FAT)

BONE MINERAL DENSITY (OSTEOPOROSIS RISK)

LOOKING FOR: Men & women (women must be post-menopausal) Ages 50+ years Higher blood pressure

All testing is performed at the University of Colorado Boulder main campus. There is monetary compensation for your time.

For more information, contact the Integrative Physiology of Aging Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder at (303) 735-6410 or email beetrootstudy@colorado.edu

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Research Study!

Willing to excercise up to 25 minutes per day, 6 days a week, for 3 months

You will also receive compensation for your time.

Integrative Physiology of Aging Lab at University of Colorado Boulder Main Campus Please email IMSTstudy@colorado.edu or call (303) 492-2485 for more information.

The Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory at CU Boulder is looking for volunteers for a cardiovascular study on the effects of heat therapy (hot water immersion) on blood pressure and vascular functions.

Volunteers 50 years and over needed for a physiology study of the effects of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3. Must be willing to undergo 3 months of NR or placebo supplementation. Total duration of the study will require 16 hours over 4 months. All testing is performed on the University of Colorado Boulder main campus locations. There will be monetary compensation for your time.

Integrative Physiology of Aging Lab University of Colorado Boulder IPA Lab, 354 UCB Boulder, CO 80309

Must be 50+ years of age and willing to undergo water immersion sessions about 3 times a week for a 3-month period. Total duration of study will require about 83 hours over about 7 months. Receive compensation and valuable health information.

For more information, please email NRstudy@colorado.edu or call (303) 492-2485

To sign up, call or email us at the info listed on each flyer. For general info, visit: https://www.colorado.edu/iphy/research 32

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HEALTHY AGING

Regain Confidence in the Bedroom — Finally Put Erectile Dysfunction to Bed By Elise Oberliesen Aging at Altitude

teamy romance has everything to do with good timing and a healthy libido. That is, unless erectile dysfunction (ED) ices out passionate foreplay and attempted love connections. Sound familiar? Maybe it’s time to consider an ED treatment option that has plenty of couples racing back to the bedroom. ED affects up to 30

million American men. And the cause ranges from psychological or neurological factors, to hormonal, arterial or vein functionality, according to the American Urologist Association ED could also indicate signs of cardiovascular disease. If you’re tired of dealing with ED and would rather have more romance and rendezvous, talk to a medical professional at Superior Medical Solutions. For over 20

Affirming life at every step of your journey with illness and loss.

Serving Our Community: Hospice Care Palliative Care PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) Grief Services Inpatient Care Center The Conversation Project TRU Tele-Care

(303) 449-7740 TRUcare.org SPRING 2022

years, staff at the clinic have helped thousands of men from the 40-year-olds to over 70 bunch reclaim a spicy sex life, according to Office Manager Kolleen Hulyk. After one visit with the neurologist, Aubrey Copeland, MD the patient leaves with three test samples and a homework assignment to determine optimal dosage. If the dosage needs an adjustment, Hulyk said they will customize the medication to help patients get the best result. “We do not do any unnecessary testing. The initial office visit costs $95. We mostly offer Trimex, a drug that has been used for decades, with no side effects,” she said. Since Trimex is a vasodilator, it increases blood flow. Each person’s blood flow varies significantly and the dosage may vary from person to person, Hulyk said. Some patients may need the dosage tweaked. If that’s the case, Hulyk encourages patients to schedule a return visit and request a custom blend to adjust the dosage. If patients prefer oral medication instead of Trimex, Hulyk said the

doctor can order that perspiration. Not all clinics work with the patient after that initial consultations, but Superior Medical Solutions works a little differently than other clinics. Staff want to ensure patients are satisfied and getting good results with the medication, Hulyk said. Keep in mind. When ED affects a man’s performance in the bedroom, it has a direct effect on the shared intimacy between couples who enjoy lovemaking. Because let’s face it – for some couples, having an active sex life is a nonnegotiable. Start enjoying the sex life you’ve been dreaming about. No need to feel reluctant. Visit Superior Medical Solutions online or give them a call at 303.424.8988 to schedule an appointment today. After that initial visit, you just may wonder what took you so long to seek treatment. Superior Medical Solutions 5730 Ward Road, #201, Arvada, 303.424.8988 smscolorado.com

AGING AT ALTITUDE

HEALTHY AGING

Motion is Lotion

How physiatry helps maintain a ‘seasoned’ body on the road of life

By Darren Thornberry for Aging at Altitude

s we age, we often seem to be on a world tour of healthcare visits. Muscles ache and joints break down. Bones seem to creak, fatigue sets in, and the body doesn’t rebound like it did in younger years. These are all reasons to make sure your next appointment is with a healthcare provider who can holistically address what ails you or preventively help ensure your body is in top form. Yes, it might just be time to see a physiatrist. Not familiar with the

AGING AT ALTITUDE

term? “Physiatry focuses on maintaining and maximizing function and performance by looking at all aspects of a person’s physical (and mental) health,” says Dr. Cliff Gronseth of Spine West in Boulder. “We are experts in diagnosing and treating orthopaedic and neurological conditions that affect how you move. We focus on defining exact diagnoses and emphasize nonsurgical treatment options if possible.” If you experience persistent joint problems or pain and weakness in your back, legs

and neck, physiatry is for you! Physiatrists diagnose and treat these ailments and various joint problems, and they’ve got specialized training in nerve and muscle function, physical exam techniques, biomechanics, gait analysis, bracing and prosthetics, and pain management. “Our patients receive a whole body assessment of their conditions,” Dr. Gronseth says. “This may involve correcting a biomechanical issue, compensating if something cannot be ‘fixed,’ and advising on how to avoid problems in the future. We have

specialized training in understanding how the body works as a functional whole, rather than a collection of body parts. Due to our comprehensive, multidisciplinary, orthopaedic-neurologicalmedical training, some consider us to be experts in ‘External Medicine’ – focused on function and holistic, nonsurgical, performance maximizers. Quite a mouthful!” According to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), some of the common diagnoses and populations seen BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

“Physiatry focuses on maintaining and maximizing function and performance by looking at all aspects of a person’s physical (and mental) health.

”

by inpatient physiatrists include spinal cord injury, brain injury (traumatic and non-traumatic), stroke, multiple sclerosis, polio, burn care, and musculoskeletal and pediatric rehabilitation. Inpatient physiatrists are often trained using collaborative team skills and work with social workers and other allied health therapists (e.g., physical, occupational and speech) to manage these issues. Physiatry was established as a medical specialty in the mid 1940s. It’s not new. But the practice of restoring movement and function without surgery is known mainly by those who have received care from a physiatrist (also known as a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation specialist). “Our unique medical specialty is not commonly known because we don’t ‘specialize’ in one organ system (dermatology, cardiology, urology, gynecology, etc),” Dr. Gronseth explains. “Despite our lack of specialty recognition, we are often greatly valued by those who know about us.” SPRING 2022

Patients suffering from a wide range of conditions from carpal tunnel syndrome to sciatica, from sports injuries to numbness and tingling, find relief and healing in physiatry. These Boardcertified physicians are experts in muscles, nerves, and joints and are committed to helping you maximize your body’s performance, regardless of age, without surgery. According to the AAPM&R, outpatient physiatrists manage nonsurgical conditions including orthopaedic injuries, spine-related pain and dysfunction, occupational injuries and overuse syndromes, neurogenic bowel/ bladder, pressure sore management, spasticity management, and chronic pain. If you’d like to find out firsthand how physiatry can be a tool for maintaining good health and healing, get in touch with Dr. Cliff Gronseth and his colleagues at spinewest.com. Spine West 5387 Manhattan Circle, Boulder, 303.494.7773, spinewest.com

Office Locations in Erie and Denver

AGING AT ALTITUDE

HEALTHY AGING

CU Boulder’s Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory Seeks Research Study Participants Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory and contact the researchers for the study through the information provided there. Here are just a few of the current studies that are seeking participants:

By Amy Harris Van Vranken for Aging at Altitude

n the 16th century, Ponce de Leon searched for a fabled fountain of youth. In the 21st century, socalled “medical clinics” have tried to rope older adults into scams like “anti-aging” procedures, supplements, or drugs. But now there’s real science that shows that there are things we can do not only to extend a person’s life span, but also their “health span”--how much of their life is spent in a healthy, well-functioning state. At the University of Colorado Boulder’s Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory, research is ongoing that can help us understand how to age well. One area of focus at the Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory is the prevention of adverse vascular aging and agerelated cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have also studied the decreases in motor and cognitive function that come with aging and explored potential healthspanextending interventions that might push back those losses. Interested in helping to advance the science in 36

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A CU Boulder nurse demonstrates the IMST (inspiratory muscle strength training) POWERbreathe device for one of the laboratory’s studies. (Photo: University of Colorado Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory).

this area? The Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory is currently looking for volunteers to participate in paid research studies. Qualified participants receive free medical screening and diagnostic testing (bone scans, exercise stress tests, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.) completed by professional medical personnel. Volunteers are compensated for their participation. Studies take place on the CU Boulder main campus and visits are usually scheduled for weekdays between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. The laboratory is able to schedule testing appointments around summer vacation plans. Anyone interested in participating should review the Volunteers Needed page for the

• Beetroot juice supplementation in individuals with CKD/ kidney dysfunction. This study will determine the effectiveness of beetroot juice for improving body functions, including blood vessel, physical, and brain function in adults (ages 30-80) with Chronic Kidney Disease/ kidney dysfunction. • The role of cellular senescence in cardiovascular aging. Researchers are looking for adults ages 18 to 79 to participate in a clinical study to learn how aging and exercise affects the function of blood vessels. • Passive heat therapy for lowering systolic blood pressure and improving vascular function in mid-life and older adults. Researchers are looking for women and men ages 50+ who are willing to participate in water immersion sessions around 3 times

per week for 12 weeks. • Inspiratory muscle strength training in individuals with above average systolic blood pressure. This study examines the effects of inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) on body functions in adults 50 years or older with above-normal blood pressure. Subjects will either perform a breathing exercise for 5 minutes per day, 6 days per week for 3 months or 25 minutes of brisk walking per day, 6 days per week for 3 months. • Mitochondriatargeted antioxidant supplementation for older adults. The purpose of this study is to study the effects of mitoquinol (MitoQ), an antioxidant that is attracted to the mitochondria of cells, on cardiovascular and brain function in adults 60 years or older. It involves consuming a MitoQ or placebo pill once a day for three months. University of Colorado Integrated Physiology of Aging Laboratory Ramaley W106, 303.735.6410, colorado.edu/iphy/research/ integrative-physiologyaging-laboratory BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

SPRING 2022

AGING AT ALTITUDE

HEALTHY AGING

Aging and Memory Loss What’s normal, what’s not, and how to seek help By Barbra Cohn for Aging at Altitude

ost of us have had “senior moments” where we’ve run into a friend and momentarily forget their name. Or we search the house for eyeglasses that are perched on our head. Or we walk in circles trying to locate our car in the mall parking lot. Those forgetful moments are fairly typical of being a member of the 21st century with a headful of thoughts and responsibilities. Putting the car keys in the refrigerator might be something you do if you’re distracted, but storing a dozen cans of pineapple in the dishwasher, or forgetting how to drive home are not normal memory slips. These types of forgetfulness could be a sign of cognitive impairment or dementia. But the latest research is showing that if you treat early signs of mental decline, you can slow down and possibly reverse cognitive decline. Ilene Naomi Rusk, PhD is a neuropsychologist, functional brain health coach, and director 38

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Dr. Ilene Rusk consulting with a patient

of The Healthy Brain Program at the Brain and Behavior Clinic. Dr. Rusk acts like a detective to fully understand the root causes of a person’s psychological and brain health issues. Then she works with the patient and a functional medicine team with personalized diagnostics, and treatment or interventions, from brain training to nutrition guidance. “It’s good for everyone to have baseline neuropsychological testing in mid-life even if you have no memory issues,” says Rusk. Most

people think cognition is memory, but it’s much more than that. It’s memory, learning, attention and focus, visual and spatial skills, and how we absorb information, retain it and then share it. Cognition is also how we process things visually, auditorily, and spatially.” There are different categories of cognitive health versus cognitive impairment that can clue me into whether or not someone is headed towards dementia, says Rusk. “Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI) is when

you notice a change in your cognition and think ‘I’m a little different than I used to be’, but other people can’t tell and it wouldn’t show up on a memory test. “The next category is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This is when you notice changes in your thinking and people around you may or may not notice changes. With MCI you might also have some challenges on neuropsychological tests that show empirical changes. This is a staging system,” says Rusk. “With MCI there’s a great opportunity to intervene, and we want to intervene as early as possible because once you have Mild Cognitive Impairment it’s easier to slip into dementia,” she adds. The best thing is to tell your doctor if you have concerns and then go to see someone to get properly assessed. “I recommend that people go directly to a neuropsychologist or neurologist after they’ve spoken to their family physician to look for root causes. There are so many prevention strategies and a new functional medicine methodology to approach BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

cognitive decline. Functional Medicine practitioners look at blood sugar control, blood pressure, gut health, latent, mold, infections, inflammatory markers, stress, sleep patterns, chronic loneliness, and trauma. These are all important things when looking at modifiable root causes of cognitive impairment,” says Rusk. “We no longer think that Alzheimer’s is only a

disease of the brain. That’s definitely an end point,” she says. “Everything from dental health to herpes is being looked at, and the amyloid theory of Alzheimer’s is even being questioned by some people. I see trauma healing and stress reduction as important interventions. Chronic stress affects so much in our physiology and unhealed trauma leaves physiologic imprints.

It’s also important to know,” she adds, “that 70% of dementias are of the Alzheimer’s type and 30% of dementias fall into other categories such as Frontal Temporal Dementia, Parkinson’s, Lewy Bodies, getting properly diagnosed is very important. The brain pathology of Alzheimer’s often starts 20 years before there are clinical signs. “A person goes from no dementia,

to SCI, MCI, early stages of dementia, mild, moderate, and severe stages,” says Rusk. “My goal is prevention, and my favorite thing to do is talk to young people about brain health. If we can intervene early, the decline can be delayed and even sometimes prevented.” The Brain and Behavior Clinic, 2523 Broadway #200, Boulder, CO, 303-938-9244, healthybrain.clinic

When is it time to move a loved one to a memory care home?

(Photo courtesy: Juniper Village)

By Barbra Cohn for Aging at Altitude

usan Farber got a serious diagnosis while caring for her husband. Lillian Smith’s husband got lost on a bike ride, and William Wong’s wife threatened him with a kitchen knife. Their names have been changed, but these are real-life situations SPRING 2022

in which the caregivers’ spouses had Alzheimer’s disease. Stress eventually affected the caregiver’s health and made it difficult to ensure the safety of their loved ones. Marcia McMahon, the director of sales and marketing at Juniper Village Louisville says, “In my 20 years of experience, when dementia progresses to the point where there are safety issues, that is a time to consider memory care. Some examples of safety concerns are: if someone were to leave their home, get lost and not be able to find their way back; when someone loses the ability to care for themselves or their home, or are unable to manage their medications. It’s tricky to pinpoint when that might occur and it can

happen quickly,” she says. “I’m always particularly concerned about wandering. I also worry about families caring for their loved one at home if they don’t have a significant understanding of the disease process. It can become a challenge especially when family members are trying to juggle their own family, work and are caring for their loved one. The combination can cause burn out and feelings of guilt and anxiety. One of the benefits we often hear from families after a move into our community is that they are able to again have a more normal parent/ child relationship. “Dementia affects people differently. Everyone’s journey is unique, and not every case of dementia

is the same. It involves a lot of different behaviors, so it can be tough to pinpoint when it’s time to move someone into long-term memory care. But generally, if you are thinking it might be time, it probably is,” says McMahon. Making the decision to move into long-term care may be very difficult, but it’s not always possible to continue providing the level of care needed at home. It’s important to do research to find the appropriate memory care community that will be the right fit for your loved one. Juniper Village at Louisville 1078 S. 88th Street, Louisville, 720.588.4821, junipercommunities.com/ community/juniper-villagelouisville-memory-care.

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ACTIVE LIVING

Active Seniors Have a Place at the Y By Luanne Kadlub for Aging at Altitude

f you’re ready to get back into the swing of things post pandemic, the YMCA of Northern Colorado is the perfect place to take a class or two to stretch both your body and your mind. “We do a variety of wellness and fitness classes for active older adults at all of our Ys,” said Andra Coberly Webster, executive director of communications for YMCA of Northern Colorado, which includes locations in Lafayette,

Pedaling for Parkinson’s at the Arapahoe YMCA in Lafayette. (Photo: YMCA of Northern Colorado)

Boulder, Longmont, Johnstown and Cheyenne. Virtual classes are now available as well. What the Y does best

is meet seniors where they’re at and give them something fun to do without restrictions on age, which means you can attend any class regardless of age. But if you think you might not feel comfortable in all-age classes, there are always SilverSneakers. SilverSneakers classes include: Chair stretching – A complete series of seated and standing stretches. Classic and circuit – Both classes combine standing circuit workouts with low-impact aerobics. Yoga – Yogis move

through a series of seated and standing poses designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Splash – Participants enjoy shallow-water movement to improve agility and flexibility while addressing cardiovascular, strength and endurance. Stability – Movements focus on increasing balance, flexibility, proprioception (your body’s ability to sense movement, action and location), posture, leg strength and reaction time. Keep in mind, however, that these are not the only

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classes you can take. “All of our classes have at least one senior,” Coberly Webster said. The list of all classes is extensive, ranging from TRX to strength and stretching, yoga to Zumba, cycling to aqua splash, ice fitness to cardio kickboxing. Not all classes are offered at all locations. Pickleball is a recent addition to the YMCA class line-up and the program has literally exploded in popularity among all ages. “When it started, I didn’t even know what pickleball was,” Coberly Webster said. “People are really passionate about it and have a great time. It’s huge. It’s so huge we take over the entire gym.” If you really want to get out and about, though, you might want to join other active adults who go on a variety of hikes ranging from easy nature walks to challenging trails, Coberly Webster said. If you like to dance, participants in the linedancing class at the Boulder Y often put their moves into action with regular Y-sponsored trips to the Grizzly Rose in Denver Concerned about your range of motion or other issues? YMCA staff is trained to work with you at all fitness levels and regularly check in to see what modifications you might need. SPRING 2022

The Y also offers programs designed for prevention and healing: Pedaling for Parkinson’s is an indoor stationary bicycle class that focuses on forced exercise designed specifically for people age 30 and above with Parkinson’s Disease. LIVESTRONG is a research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health. Boosting Brain Health is designed for those worried about dementia or Parkinson’s, who have a brain injury, or who aren’t feeling as sharp as they once did. Better Balance enhances balance and stability in people of all ages. Not into physical activity? No problem. Many Y members meet for morning coffee, to play games or to visit while working on individual needlework projects. Membership options for active adults include SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit and UnitedHealthCare RenewActive, all of which are covered under some insurance plans. Senior rates for singles and couples are available to those whose insurance doesn’t cover fitness programs. To learn more about the YMCA of Northern Colorado and how you can become involved (remember, it’s easy), check out its website at ymcaofnoco.org.

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ACTIVE LIVING

Aging in Place

Programs, resources and technology available to seniors living at home By Linda Thorsen Bond for Aging at Altitude

ome people see an obstacle and stop in their tracks. Others think an obstacle just means “proceed to a new solution!” One of the biggest roadblocks kicked up by the pandemic has been isolation. Two years of COVID-19 has surrounded people who need care with loneliness. It has cut off pathways to health and happiness for those need them the most.

Yet many elderly people are determined to stay in their own homes. What are the programs, resources and technology that help seniors live

at home in Boulder County? Who are the innovators who have found new solutions? Who exemplifies the Coloradocan-do spirit?

THE INNOVATOR

A VOICE IN THE DARK

and can even make phone calls for you, accessing your contacts. We’ll help set up the device for you—you need WIFI but we can help get it as low as $10 a month for people who qualify.” Visually impaired herself, Penn does the podcast, “Aftersight.” From the day it started six months ago it has broken all numbers. Penn interviews people who are blind, visually impaired or work in the field and they tell her their stories. “I love meeting incredible people,” she says. “Not the superheroes everybody knows, but the people who may have to fight and scratch for the resources and services to live their best lives.”

Marlo Vernon graduated from CU Boulder in 2020 then invented Care Penguin. Her father, Todd Vernon, who she calls “a serial entrepreneur,” had designed a sensor to monitor his parents’ house. Marlo just took it a step further. “The Penguin clips onto a hot water heater,” Marlo said. “Then it’s connected to the home’s WIFI with no special tools required. When someone turns on their faucet, the temperature spikes, so we know they’re using water as usual. A lot of people think older people don’t use a lot of water, but on average they turn on the water at least seven times a day. That’s basically seven times of them saying, ‘I’m active in my house.’ If there’s not the usual water activity, the device will send an alert to the phone of their loved one who is monitoring it.” Marlo’s invention is now available nationwide through her website, carepenguin.com. 42

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The Audio Information Network of Colorado, AINC, has been providing news and information in audio format for the blind, low vision and print disabled community of Colorado for over 30 years. The last two years have been tough. “What really stood out with COVID is that people with disabilities became even more isolated,” said Penn Street, development and outreach director. “With low vision the world seems to get a lot smaller. But learning new skills and tools can make the world bigger again.” Seniors are the largest population for the network. “They felt cut off from the world, so we do monthly check-in calls to every single listener,” Penn said. “We provide Smart Speakers to keep people connected to the world with 100 Colorado newspapers and access to weather and current updates like where to get testing and vaccinations. It’s voice-activated

STAYING HOME

One of the hardest things about aging is the struggle to live independently. PACE stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, and it helps clear some of the roadblocks. Chad Hartman, director of Access and Palliative Care for TRU Community Care, said

PACE starts with preventative care. He explained, “The interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurse practitioners, physical and occupational therapists and social workers meet every morning and go over what’s going on with all participants. They coordinate medical needs and arrange help with meals, light housekeeping, and certified nursing assistants to help with bathing and other basic needs. They arrange transportation to our clinic where participants see their primary doctors. Then we can set up appointments and transportation to specialists if needed. We even have dentistry at the clinic. There’s a day center where participants come as often as they like to do activities, like bingo, artwork, you name it.” Technology helps. “We give the participants GrandPad tablets with built-in wireless data connectivity if they want. That way they can have virtual visits to their doctors and the clinic right in their home. They can communicate with their families and schedule check-in calls or add photos that will show right on the GrandPad.” He added, “PACE is a great program that can help people on Medicare-Medicaid CMS live independently in their community and supports them in every aspect. We provide the options for participants that let them live independently.” Audio Information Network of Colorado 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder, 303.786.7777, aincolorado.org CarePenguin Boulder, carepenguin.com TRU Community Care / TRU PACE 2593 Park Lane, Lafayette, 303.665.0115, pace.trucare.org BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

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