Good Living Summer 2010

Good Living

Summer 2010

The Retirement Years

HEALTH FOCUS • You and your health care • Hospitals get ready for baby boomers • Benefits of Vitamin D

Cliff Flanary, 89, works out during a cardiac therapy session at Skagit Valley Hospital.

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American

Summer 2010

Good Living

The Retirement Years

COVER STORIES

Your Health Care................4 Hospitals...........................6 For Your Health..................8 Benefits of Vitamin D........10 Our Health: Q&A...............11 Senior Events...................12 Busy Seniors....................14 Editor: Colette Weeks, cweeks@skagitpublishing.com Display Advertising Manager: Deb Bundy, dbundy@skagitpublishing.com Advertising Operations Supervisor: Sarah Hickman, shickman@skagitpublishing.com Design: Ashley Crerar Production: Ashley Crerar, Jody Hendrix, Christina Poisal, Patricia Stowell

6 Advertising Representatives: Stephanie Fussell, sfussell@skagitpublishing.com Leah Hines, lhines@skagitpublishing.com Marc McCoy, mmccoy@skagitpublishing.com Kathy Schulrz, kschultz@skagitpublishing.com Kim Streit, kstreit@skagitpublishing.com Paul Tinnon, ptinnon@skagitpublishing.com Photographer: Scott Terrell

12 EDITORIAL P: 360.416-2160 F: 360.428.0400 ADVERTISING P: 360.424.3251 F: 360.424.5300 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

SENIOR RESOURCES NUMBERS: ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

CALLING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Community Action Agency Mount Vernon 360-416-7585

Health Watch 360-336-9693 or 800-624-2714 Lifeline 360-293-7563 or 800-543-3546 Response Link 360-303-2292

Community Health Resource Center Anacortes 360-299-1397 Mount Vernon 360-428-2371 Department of Social and Health Services Mount Vernon 360-416-7444 or 800-487-0416 Physicians Referral Line Skagit County 360-848-5555

City utility discounts for low-income seniors: Anacortes 360-293-1900

Senior Information and Assistance Burlington 360-428-1301

Burlington (refuse pick-up only) 360-755-0531

Whatcom-Island Counties Medical Society Burlington 360-676-7630

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SERVICES

Mount Vernon 360-336-6218 Sedro-Woolley (refuse pick-up only) 360-855-0929

July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

Skagit Publishing

HOME HEALTH CARE Island Hospital Home Health Services Anacortes 360-299-1301 OptionCare Mount Vernon 360-854-9604 or 800-755-0484 Visiting Nurse Personal Services Mount Vernon 360-336-9693 or 800-624-2714

SENIOR CENTERS Anacortes Senior Center 360-293-7473 Burlington Senior Center 360-755-0102 Concrete Senior Center 360-853-8400 Marblemount Community Center 360-873-4432 Mount Vernon Senior Center 360-336-5757 Sedro-Woolley Senior Center 360-855-1531

www.goskagit.com

SKAGIT COUNTY’S HOSPITALS PREPARE FOR A BOOMING POPULATION See full story on page 6

In this photo: Jim O’Bryan of Sedro-Woolley sits in the “body box,” which is used to help test lung function, at United General Hospital. Working with him is Janette Taylor, who is the director of Pulmonary and Sleep Services.

CAUTION: CREATORS OF THE BABY BOOM ON THE LOOSE. Obviously, the creators of the Baby Boom knew how to have fun. And, of course, they still do. That’s why so many people choose Creekside Retirement Community. Fun. You’re free to enjoy life because we provide the necessities.Things like housekeeping, shuttle services, planned group activities, and tasty restaurant-style meals are all included in the monthly rent. And assisted living services are available if needed. So feel free to stop by and take a look around. We love visitors. But please watch out, people are having fun everywhere.

To Learn More About Creekside Retirement Community Call (360) 755-5550 Today 400 Gilkey Road • Burlington, WA 98233 • (360) 755-5550 www.creeksideretirement.com

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Skagit Publishing

July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

YOUR Health CARE

By AARON BURKHALTER

Getting health care is more complicated than simply picking a doctor for many senior citizens in Skagit County.

Seniors have to figure out some complicated details about insurance, long-term health plans and Medicare even before they’re able to make a medical appointment. And health officials acknowledge that there aren’t as many doctors specializing in senior care as this community needs.

However, area hospitals, safety nets and medical clinics offer plenty of programs and tips to help seniors navigate the system and prepare for specialized health care.

People can do a lot to help themselves, said Aubrey Adams, regional coordinator at Island Hospital’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program.

Preparation is key, and it’s never too soon to start, Adams said.

SHIBA is a statewide program that

helps people work through Medicaid, Medicare and other insurance programs.

Adams said she gets a lot of calls from seniors who say “I have just one question.” She sighs a little bit when she hears that.

“There is no one question with this stuff. It just doesn’t work that way,” Adams said. “I wish it did.”

Insurance and Medicare is just too complicated, she said. The sooner people start figuring out what benefits they have — whether from insurance, Social Security or Medicare — the better.

Adams recommends that people as young as 50 call SHIBA as soon as possible to start working out the details of long-term, senior care.

She said everyone should document what their health preferences are ahead of time. Gather all the information you’ll need in the event of a medical emergency or situation.

July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

In this photo: SHIBA volunteer Claudia Shoemaker talks to Joleen Sloniker at United General Hospital.

Staff Writer

That includes date of birth, treatment preferences, contact information for everyone from doctors to accountants and even a will.

Family and friends need to know where to look for things like your checkbook and vital documents in case you become seriously ill, Adams said.

“Plan ahead while you have a say,” she said.

She encourages people to meet with her volunteers as early as possible, even before age 60, to work out a plan to keep medical care consistent and available.

Other programs can connect seniors with various services available in the county.

Senior Information and Assistance

Skagit Publishing

www.goskagit.com

Numbers to Know • Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)

1-800-562-6900

• Senior Information and Assistance

360-428-1301

• Skagit County Community Action Agency

360-416-7585

— call 360-428-1301 — can also offer some help for seniors, even things as simple as finding a ride to the doctor.

Jill Eelkema, who runs the program, said the organization is tuned into what services are available and who is eligible for them, from Meals on Wheels to Dial-A-Ride.

“One of the challenges in our area is transportation,” Eelkema said.

Even that simple help makes a difference. Allie Jensen, 73, of Concrete, called the Senior Information and Assistance because she didn’t know

Readiness Tips • Start making plans for medical care now, before an emergency.

• Collect important information and documents in one place so a family member or care provider can find it. Include your health care preferences and contact information for people like your doctors and accountants.

• Make a will now.

• Find a family member or friend to be your power of attorney to make decisions for you if you can’t.

• Find out who can drive you to and from appointments. Even healthy patients need a driver after certain procedures.

how to get home from her clinic after cataract surgery.

“I know I’m not the only one who runs into a situation like that,” Jensen said.

Jensen called senior centers to find help, but finally got it through Senior Information and Assistance.

Figuring out insurance, rides and health plans ahead of time makes a big difference because doctors simply can’t fill all those needs. With a rising population of seniors, doctors are strapped. Some can’t even take new

Medicare patients.

North Cascade Family Physicians Administrator Pam Putney said doctors do the best they can with the resources they have, but many are taking losses to provide care for a growing population of seniors.

“We’re going to deliver the same good medical care to everybody and hope it shakes out in the end,” Putney said.

• Aaron Burkhalter can be reached at 360-416-2141 or aburkhalter@ skagitpublishing.com.

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Visit our website at www.VisitingAngelsWA.com July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

BOOM TIME FOR

Hospitals The baby boomers are coming, and three local hospitals are shifting focus.

By AARON BURKHALTER Staff Writer

Hospitals have already started to feel the high demand for geriatric medicine in Skagit County, especially as the large generation of baby boomers — which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classify as people born after World War II through the mid-1960s — reach an age when health maintenance takes a lot more physician attention.

CEO Greg Reed of United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley said that the booming boomer age group has prompted hospitals to reconsider how they deliver care.

According to the state Department of Health, the population of people ages 55 and up in Skagit County grew by 8.2 percent from 2006 to 2008, compared with 7.6 percent growth statewide.

More of those seniors were admitted and discharged from hospitals here, we well. The discharge number grew by 8.7 percent from 2006 to 2008, compared with 4.2 percent statewide.

“We know there’s going to be more and more of us who are going to be over 65,” Reed said.

He said the focus switches in maintaining health instead of addressing illness and injury “as it occurs.” He said younger people typically come in

In this Photo: Ensue Pung Puaa limbers up during cardio-physical therapy at Skagit Valley Hospital. to the doctor when there’s a problem and may not need any attention unless there is.

United General shifted its focus in the last couple years to keeping people healthy to prevent health problems from forming down the road. The hospital’s fitness program offers classes to seniors to keep them active.

United General offers classes for a small fee and also promotes community events that encourage healthy eating, such as the Cement City Street Fair.

The street fair in Concrete offered health screenings and invited vendors to serve healthy snacks instead of the

July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

standard french fries and elephant ears.

At Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, nurses receive ongoing training to assist geriatric patients.

Spokeswoman Kari Ranten said the hospital is constantly considering seniors as they develop their services and treatment programs. She said there aren’t many programs specifically tailored to seniors, but older patients are a major consideration now when evaluating services.

“We try to keep their needs in mind with all our programs,” Ranten said.

She said that the hospital’s wellness programs frequently are helpful to

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FOCUS ON SENIORS Island Hospital Anacortes

Skagit Valley Hospital Mount Vernon

United General Hospital Sedro-Woolley

Seniors can sign up for programs that connect them electronically to the hospital.

The programs offer wrist bands that alert the hospital when there’s a problem or phonedialing direct to the hospital.

Seniors can participate in a number of wellness programs that focus on specific health topics like diabetes or cancer.

The programs include classes and screenings for certain diseases.

Seniors can participate in the hospital’s fitness program, which includes guided exercising at a low cost.

All of the hospital’s services and programs are influenced by that. The hospital has had its Senior Advisory Board since the early 1990s. The board helps look at the hospitals services and advise how the services could be modified to help the senior population.

“We try to keep their needs in mind with all our programs.”

Kari Ranten, SVH

seniors. The wellness programs offer classes and screenings for particular diseases and conditions, such as diabetes.

Dennis Richards, spokesman for Island Hospital in Anacortes, said senior care is a primary focus there because of the community’s demographics.

“Island Hospital lives in that world because we have such a high number of retirees,” Richards said.

• Aaron Burkhalter can be reached at 360-416-2141 or aburkhalter@skagitpublishing.com.

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July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

FOR YOUR HEALTH

In this Photo: Ensue Pung Puaa, 71, talks with Skagit Valley Hospital cardiac therapist Jeff Rhodes as Lois Flanary, 86, works out on an exercise machine.

STREET FAIR:

DRIVER SAFETY:

BLOOD SCREENINGS:

Sponsored by United General Hospital and the Concrete Chamber of Commerce, the third annual Cement City Street Fair and Motorcycle Show, will be held Saturday, July 24, on Main Street in downtown Concrete.

Organizers say the fair will promote good health and fitness — screenings, resource information and the Cinder Shins 5k Fun Run — while entertaining visitors with arts and crafts, a poetry and music festival, and the motorcycle show. For information, visit www.unitedgeneral.org or www.concrete-wa.com.

AARP is offering the two-day driver safety program at the following locations: Camano Senior and Community Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6. $12 AARP members, $14 nonmembers.

8 a.m. to noon every Friday at United General Hospital, 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley.

Cholesterol and diabetes, $15, fasting required; Vitamin D, $35. No appointments needed; check in at main lobby.

360-856-7245.

STROKE, ANEURYSM:

ACUPUNCTURE/STRESS REDUCTION:

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates, 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon. Combined carotid and aorta screening by ultrasound, $59. Appointment required: 360-428-8208.

PODIATRY CLINIC ADDED: ARTERIAL DISEASE: Safe Harbor Free Clinic will offer a specialty podiatry clinic for diagnosis & treatment of foot ailments from 6 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of each month, at the Stanwood/Camano Medical Center, 9631 269th St. N.W., Stanwood.

425-870-7384 or www.safeharborfreeclinic.org.

Tuesday mornings. Cardiovascular and peripheral arterial disease and stroke risk assessment. $29 for 40-minute test and review of ways to reduce risk. Appointments required: 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. www.skagitheart.org for discount.

July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at Middle Way Acupuncture Institute, 321 W. Washington St. Suite 334, Mount Vernon. No appointment required for this free community/veterans acupuncture clinic. Free mindful silent sitting is offered from 6:15 to 7 p.m. every Monday. 360-610-7706.

MALL WALK: 7 to 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, at Cascade Mall, 201 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington.

United General Hospital offers the Inside Track Mall Walk for people of all

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ages. Registered walkers receive a free T-shirt and can earn prizes for miles walked. Free blood pressure checks are offered Monday mornings at the east entrance. 360-856-7245.

Breast cancer Advocates: Survivors with the Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation will attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

877-417-3484, angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org or www.angelcarefoundation.org.

QUIT SMOKING ASSISTANCE: Tobacco cessation support services are available to the public through the Washington State Department of Health: • By phone: The Washington State Tobacco Quit Line, 800-QUIT NOW (784-8669) in English or 877-266-3863 in Spanish, provides referral to a “quit coach,” who helps callers develop a quit plan and mails them stage-appropriate cessation materials.

Free nicotine replacement therapies are available for those who are uninsured or covered by Medicaid.

• Online: www.quitline.com offers information, tips and encouragement from others to stop using tobacco.

PHYSICIAN REFERRALS:

HOSPITAL WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Diabetes Education: 360-814-2699.

Lebed Method — Moving Toward Better Health: 3 to 4:30 p.m. the first

ISLAND HOSPITAL

and third Thursdays each month.

360-814-8255.

1211 24th Street, Anacortes www.islandhospital.org

Look Good, Feel Better: 1 to 3 p.m.

Living Wills & Durable Power of Attorney Healthcare: Free. To

the fourth Monday each month.

Register: 800-ACS-2345.

register, call 360-299-4204. 10 to 11 a.m., July 27.

Joint Replacement Preparation:

Balance and Mobility Screening:

Pregnancy and Childbirth:

Wednesday afternoons. 360-814-2424.

Free. By appointment. 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 10. At 715 Seafarers Way. 360-299-1367.

Look Good, Feel Better: Free. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 16 and Sept. 20. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

360-299-4200.

Essential Remedies: Migraines,

360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481.

Individual Weight Loss and Nutrition Counseling: 360-814-2424.

United General Hospital 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley www.unitedgeneral.org

Diabetes Education: 360-856-7268.

Sinus and Sleep: $15. 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sept. 13. 360-299-4204.

Medicare and health insurance counseling: 9 a.m. to noon Mondays

Bone Density Screening: $5.

Women only. 9 to 11 a.m., Sept. 14.

360-299-1367

and Wednesdays. 360-856-7298.

Urinary Leakage:

Healthy Steps — Moving Toward Health with the Lebed Method:

$10. 9:30 to 11 a.m., Aug. 17.

3 p.m. Tuesdays. 360-856-7524.

Memory Awareness Screening:

Look Good, Feel Better: Call

Free. 9 to 11 a.m., Sept. 21.

360-299-1367

425-322-1100 for dates and to register.

Skagit Valley Hospital

Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

A free physician referral line for Fitness Program: By appointment Stanwood and Camano Island is avail- Blood Pressure Checks: Free. 9 a.m. from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through able from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays by to noon each Wednesday. 360-299-1309. Fridays. 360-856-7245. calling 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850.

1415 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

360-856-7211.

Heart Healthy Fitness Program: 360-814-8368.

Health Coaching: By appointment. $45 per session. 360-856-7245.

Worksite Wellness Services and Health Fairs: 360-856-7524 or worksitewellness@unitedgeneral.org.

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Skagit Publishing

July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D

By SHARI ROAN

Los Angeles TImes (MCT)

LOS ANGELES — Older adults need up to twice the amount of vitamin D than is typically recommended, according to guidelines released recently by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

Concluding a meeting in Switzerland, the group urged

adults, defined by this group as 65 and older, to aim for a 25-OHD blood level — the primary marker for vita min D in the blood — of 75 nanomoles per liter.

To reach that level, one would need an intake of 20 to 25 micrograms per day (or 800 to 1,000 international units) of vitamin D.

That is significantly greater than the

U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of 10

micrograms (400 IU) for people ages 51 to

70 and 15 micrograms (600 IU) for people 71

and older. Moreover, the international group

cautioned that intakes of up to 50 micrograms

or 2,000 IU may be necessary for people who are obese, have osteoporosis, have limited sun OLDER ADULTS ADVISED TO GET MORE VITAMIN D exposure or who have problems absorbing vitamin D.

The guidelines also recommended vitamin D blood tests for people

who may be deficient. The lead

author of the statement, Dr. Bess

Dawson-Hughes of Tufts

University, noted that many

people worldwide do not get

enough vitamin D.

“This high prevalence of

suboptimal levels raises the All Your Options In One Location possibility that many falls and frac tures can be prevented with vitamin

D supplementation,” she said in the

statement. “This is a relatively easy

public health measure that could

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July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

The body uses Vitamin D to help absorption of calcium and keep normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. That helps keep bones strong, and research indicates Vitamin D may also help protect against high blood pressure, cancer and some autoimmune diseases.

Skagit Publishing

Source: The Mayo Clinic

www.goskagit.com

Our Health: Plan for long-term care needs

By JANE GLENN HAAS

Here’s the dark cloud for the future: From 1997 to 2007, more people age 50 to 65 said they needed help with daily living because of back or neck problems, diabetes or emotional problems.

Since then, the most common causes for needing help were these ailments as well as arthritis or rheumatism.

“There’s a definite increase in the limitations on physical functions,” says Linda Martin, a senior fellow at RAND Corp. and author of a study on mobility problems and aging.

While the increased numbers in people who need help are not horrific, about 2 percent, the study also found 40 percent of people ages 50 to 64 reported that because of health problems they had difficulty shopping, standing for two hours, walking a quarter mile or climbing 10 steps

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without resting.

If people need help in middle age, it could mean huge future expenses in caring for the elderly. Martin talked about the issues: Q. Why is this happening to the younger boomers? Did they overdo exercise?

A. Maybe.

Q. Does this reflect changing job activity — more sitting and less physical labor?

A. Maybe. We are not sure why it’s happening. The concern is, if you are going to need help with activities of daily living, as you age that is going to cost somebody. Whether it’s family members, outside help, institutionalization.

The question is, what happens when these people get older?

Q. Sounds like you see a potential trend, but it’s too early to tell?

A. More studies are needed to de-

termine if these mobility issues reflect deterioration of health, improved diagnosis and treatment, of improved medical care that is extending the lives of those who might not have survived beyond age 50 in earlier decades.

These survey results are an early warning for society and also for individuals who may face limitations later on.

They have an opportunity to start early, to prevent or work in a way to reverse these mobility problems.

Q. Despite concerns about obesity in the United States, those needing help did not cite weight as an important cause of their limitations.

A. No. Instead, the analysis shows a prominent and growing form of diabetes as a cause of mid-life disability, suggesting the need to reduce the prevalence and disabling effects of the disease.

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Skagit Publishing

July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

11

EVENTS

SENIOR CENTERS OF SKAGIT COUNTY ANACORTES SENIOR CENTER 360-293-7473

Health offerings include:

• Exercise opportunities include Silver Foxes exercise, Wii Sports and Wii Fit, Tai Chi, yoga, table tennis, indoor walking, beginning line dancing, and mind and body wellness.

• “Wellness Day” speakers and screenings offered from 10 a.m. to noon the last Tuesday of each month; blood pressure checks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the last Tuesday; hearing aid checks from 10 a.m. to noon the last Monday; and chair

Penny Jacobsen of Camano Island line dances at the Mount Vernon Senior Center recently.

massage by appointment from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.

• The Hearing Loss Association meets at 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Anacortes Senior Center.

Classes include: • Drop-in computer clinic 9 a.m. each Thursday and Friday.

• Driver safety, wood carving,

basket weaving, oil painting, watercolors, bead weaving, ukelele and art appreciation.

Also available: • Games include pinochle, bridge, cribbage, Mahjong, billiards, Mexican train dominoes and Scrabble. Call for times.

• A book discussion group and field trips are also available.

BURLINGTON SENIOR CENTER 360-755-0102

Health offerings include: • Tai Chi on Wednesdays ($3) • Free blood pressure clinics on the third Wednesday • Foot and fingernail care clinics on Tuesdays (foot care $17, fingernails $5) • Weight loss group on Mondays • The Low Vision Support Group on the first Tuesday.

Classes include: • Spanish ($10 per session) • Recreational music-making.

Contact Sally Kirk at 360-856-4938.

Also available: • Games include Mexican train dominoes, Rummikub, Skip Bo, Trominos, cribbage, pinochle, bridge and hand-and-foot card games.

• The Old Time Fiddlers perform at 11 a.m. the third Monday of each month.

12

July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

Skagit Publishing

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CONCRETE SENIOR CENTER 360-853-8400

Control Club the second Wednesfor YMCA members. day of the month, the Dahlia • Tai Chi exercise classes offered Society the fourth Wednesdays, the Wednesdays.

Health offerings include: • TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensi• Foot care is offered by Visiting Retired Foresters the fourth Thursdays, the Skagit Writers League the bly) meets Mondays and Fridays.

Nurses Aug. 12, Sept. 23, Nov. 4 and fourth Thursday, the Mount Vernon Classes include: Dec. 16. Foot care is $17, fingerPlant Society at 6:30 p.m. the first • Recreational music-making nails $5. Appointment required.

Tuesday, faceting the third Saturclasses.

Call Sally Kirk at 360-856Bring a towel. day, ballroom dancing 6:30-8 p.m.

4938.

Also available: • Painting classes for all skill • The Gray Ladies Sewing Circle first and third Fridays.

• The Retired Senior Vocational levels on Mondays. meets Monday mornings.

Council meets the fourth Also available: • Games include SkipBo and Wednesday.

• Daytime activities include dominoes.

• The Skagit Council on Aging quilting, ceramics, Bible study, meets the third Tuesday. crafts and pinochle.

MOUNT VERNON • The Mature Women’s • The Old Time Fiddlers perSENIOR CENTER Discussion group Crone meets the form at 12:30 p.m. the first Thurs360-336-5757 second and fourth Tuesday. day of the month.

Health offerings include: • Free low-impact exercise SEDRO-WOOLLEY classes are held Mondays, WednesSENIOR CENTER Call the senior centers for days and Fridays.

360-855-1531 more information on times • Tai Chi exercise classes are ofHealth offerings include: fered Mondays and Fridays. and reservations.

• Fit for Life exercise classes • TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensioffered Tuesdays and Fridays. Free bly) meets Wednesdays.

Classes include: • Computer classes.

• Arts and crafts classes, such as ceramics, knitting, crocheting, watercolor painting.

• Recreational music-making.

Call Sally Kirk at 360-856-4938.

• Spanish Also available: • Games include duplicate bridge, party bridge, and pinochle.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be physically and • The Old Time Fiddlers peremotionally challenging. That’s why Birchview Memory Care form at 7 p.m. the second and offers ongoing residential care, as well as respite stays. fourth Fridays of the month.

• Line-dance on Tuesdays. New students welcome the first Tuesday Birchview’s compassionate staff specializes in supporting of each month. Call Kathy at residents with memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease and 360-540-2378. other related dementias.

• Evening gatherings include: Sweet Adelines at 7 p.m. Mondays, Skagit Squares at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Highland Dancers at 3 p.m. to learn more or to schedule a Wednesdays, Round Dancing at 7 tour at Birchview Memory p.m. Thursdays, hula dance lessons Thursdays, the Old Time Fiddlers Care Community. at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month, Skagit Remote 925 Dunlop Ave Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 www.birchviewmc.com

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Call (360) 856-1911

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July 2010 GOOD LIVING: The Retirement Years

13

BUSY SENIORS For necessity or love of work, many older workers plan for non-retirement

By ANITA CREAMER

The Sacramento Bee (MCT)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Every weekday morning, Billie Marion walks a few blocks to the bus stop from the South Natomas, Calif., home she shares with her daughter.

She commutes downtown, where she spends her days wrapping gifts in a tiny office at Grebitus & Sons jewelers across from the Capitol.

She’s 88, the daughter of a Meth-

odist minister, a small, energetic woman whose one vanity seems to be fingernails manicured a bright shade of orange. Quite simply, she loves to work.

“I love my job,” said Marion. “I’ve always loved it. I like working with my hands.

“I know I could retire. But I like being around people. I love the peoIf Lassie had been the Coldwell Banker mascot, Timmy wouldn’t need to be rescued…

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ple I work with. They make it so nice to come to work in the morning.”

Her daughter credits Marion’s work ethic with keeping her youthful and involved.

“Work is what keeps her going,” said Tricia Marion, 54. “Seeing some of her friends after they retire, it seems like they got older. Mom just keeps on ticking.”

Retirement isn’t for everyone, and that’s likely just as well: Over the past decades, the promise of pensions has largely vanished from the American economic landscape, and in tough times, retirement savings accounts have fizzled.

Research shows that large numbers of baby boomers — the oldest of whom reach the traditional retirement age of 65 next year — don’t intend to follow earlier generations’ footsteps into a long retirement.

Some can’t afford to; many others don’t want to.

Besides, said AARP California’s Christina Clem: “No one should tell you what your later years should be.

That’s up to you. Invent your own retirement.”

Or un-retirement.

Marion, a professional gift wrapper for 18 years who in her spare time takes computer classes and sings in her church choir, could be a role model for younger workers — a prime example of someone thriving well past retirement age.

So could Nancy Sadler, 81, who has owned Mad Hatters costume shop in Auburn, Calif., for 27 years.

“A woman came in one day and said, ’When I’m your age, I want to be just like you,”’ said Sadler, looking pleased at the idea.

She works six days a week, despite a handful of health issues that would slow down a less energetic person, and she likes to say she rarely even stops to sit. Instead, she weaves her way expertly through rooms packed with tuxedos and ball gowns and costumes whose themes range from an-

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cient Rome to the Easter bunny.

“If I sold the shop, I suppose I could retire,” she said, but it’s clear from her tone she’s not interested in that option.

AARP studies show that the work force population age 65 and older has steadily increased since 1985 to more than 17 percent of that age group, up from not quite 11 percent.

And the trend is only expected to continue.

“One big reason is the money,” said Clem. “It’s nice to get a paycheck. Another reason is that some people are fortunate enough to really love their jobs. Work is part of their identity.

“Having a reason to get up and a place to go where you can make a difference really contributes to your quality of life,” Clem said.

The aging of the work force represents a significant social shift. Within the decade, according to the San Francisco think tank Civic Ventures, the double-whammy of people

“Having a reason to get up and a place to go where you can make a difference really contributes to your quality of life.”

Christina Clem, AARP

leaving work at normal retirement age plus much smaller generations of younger workers could mean that employees who want to continue working into their 70s and beyond will be especially valued.

It’s a nice thought, at least.

“Older workers are there every day because they want to be,” said Kathleen Davis, a career counselor who runs KzDavis Recruiting in Fiddletown. “Even if they have to work,

their values are a little different. They show up for work every day, and they don’t gripe about it.

“They have that old-fashioned value system that’s going by the wayside.”

Billie Marion joined the Women’s Army Corps after she graduated from junior college. After the war, she worked briefly for the state. Then she got married and had three children.

Working wasn’t generally an option for women of her generation.

But when her kids reached age 9 or 10, she decided it was time.

“I think I wanted a little more,” she said. “I hadn’t done much. I kind of missed working.”

So when she was in her 40s, she found a job at a department store, soon landing in the gift-wrapping department. And she’s worked ever since, even though she could retire and relax.

“I know,” she said. “But like I say, I really love my job.”

‘‘To Be Seventy Years Young Is Sometimes Far More Enjoyable And Hopeful Than To Be Forty Years Old.’’ – Oliver Wendell HOlmes, Jr.

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