Gen 50 + Winter 2017

Generation 50+ Winter 2017

A 69-Year-Old BMX Racer Overcomes Her Joint Pain Page 7

Diabetes Awarenes!

Page 3

QUARTERLY SPECIAL: A PUBLICATION OF THE QUEEN ANNE & MAGNOLIA NEWS, CITY LIVING SEATTLE, CAPITOL HILL TIMES AND MADISON PARK TIMES

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GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2017

How Bluetooth hearing aids are transforming the way we live Homecare For Your Loved Ones

(BPT) - Bluetooth technology is steadily expanding the role of modern hearing aids from tiny marvels that make use of artificial intelligence to process sound into true, state-of-the-art multimedia hubs now capable of two-way communication.

The primary goal of hearing aids has always been to improve speech understanding. While this hasn’t changed, manufacturers are now building Bluetooth technology directly into the most advanced hearing aid microchips. This lets consumers directly connect to virtually any wireless electronic device, eliminating the need to wear a body-worn accessory.

Let’s take a brief look at how the latest Bluetooth hearing aids are transforming the way we live.

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Dear Sheila: Legs to Wheels to Bed covered by Medicare. The Dear Sheila, therapist will evaluate My dad has Parkinyour father’s current son’s disease. He lives abilities and make a with us and can still get treatment plan, and he around with a walker, may be eligible for a bath but he’s definitely gotten aide. shakier and the tremors There are several have gotten worse. agencies that provide We’ve enjoyed having services, support and him here but I’m dreadinformation to people ing the time when he with Parkinson’s. can no longer walk and The NW Parkinson’s will need more of my help. My mom died four Sheila McKannay Foundation and the Booth Gardner years ago, and frankly, Parkinson’s Care Center are a great place to I think I’m more prepared for my dad’s start. death then I am for when he goes from Try hiring a home care agency. An able-bodied to disabled; from walker to agency caregiver can relieve you a few wheelchair to being bedridden. How long will all this take? I want to be prepared not hours a day, a few times a week. The caregiver could help with the morning or just practically but also emotionally. Do evening routine, exercises, breakfast and you have any words of wisdom?

— Dreading the Future companionship, giving you and your dad a much needed break.

Worrying will not help what you Dear Dreading, cannot control. Keep your chin up and It sounds like you could use some enjoy your father while you can. help. As you know, Parkinson’s disease is — Sheila progressive, debilitating and unpredictable, Sheila McKannay, MA, CMC, is Vice never the same for two people.

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According to Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, director of business development and veterans affairs at Phonak, previous generations of hearing aids could only directly connect to an iPhone, which greatly limited people’s options.

“Pew Research Center found only 33 percent of American smartphone owners used an iPhone while a whopping 66 percent used the Android operating system,” said Thompson. “Furthermore, another study showed 38 percent of all Americans over age 65 still use a classic flip phone.

Until now, there has never been a Bluetooth hearing aid that was truly made for all devices and allowed universal connectivity - including the ability to directly connect to an iPhone, an Android device (e.g., Samsung, LG), or even a classic flip phone that is Bluetooth-ready.”

BLUETOOTH HEARING AIDS ENABLE TRULY HANDS-FREE CALLS The latest Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to answer a phone call with a simple press of a button on the hearing aid. Built-in microphones on the hearing aids themselves feature automatic voice pickup, allowing people to have two-way conversations through their hearing aids. Thompson stated this is the first time this has ever been done with hearing aids.

“This is indeed the first time a hearing aid wearer can have a true hands-free conversation without having to touch the phone at all,” she said. “This is especially convenient in the car, where your phone may be in a pocket or purse, or if you need to have a conversation while leaving your phone on the table or countertop, for example if you’re cooking.”

THEY STREAM WIRELESS STEREO SOUND DIRECTLY FROM YOUR TV According to research firm Statista, Americans spend an average of 4.5 hours per day watching TV. And if you are or live with someone who has hearing loss, you probably know that sometimes the volume of the TV can become an issue.

“With a card-sized TV Connector, hearing aid wearers simply plug the device into the back of the TV,” added Thompson. “The ‘plug and play’ TV Connector instantly pairs with Bluetooth hearing aids, allowing viewers to stream high-fidelity TV sound in-stereo at their preferred volume level, independent of other viewers. Wearers have reported a markedly better experience in understanding dialogue, especially when the person on TV is talking fast.”

BLUETOOTH HEARING AIDS ARE AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW While all of these new advances may sound like the future, hearing aids with built-in Bluetooth technology are available today. For more information, visit tryphonak.com or find a licensed hearing care professional who has been specially trained in fitting the latest hearing aid technology.

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GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2017

Diabetes Awarenes!

4 Tips essential for anyone who is at riskor wants to prevent or manage Diabetes.

Do you know if you have Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes?

Do you know how to find out or why you should care?

TIP 1: L EARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES AND WHO SHOULD GET TESTED AND HOW TO TEST

What are the different types of Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes: Your Body Does Not Make Insulin: You need to take insulin every day to live Type 2 Diabetes: Your body does not make or use insulin well. You may need to take pills or insulin.

Prediabetes: Early Stage Type 2: Can usually be reversed. This is the best opportunity to get education and training and to take action and prevent prediabetes from progressing to full blown Type 2 Diabetes.

Gestational: Women may get this during pregnancy. Most of the time it goes away but those women and their children have a greater chance of getting diabetes later in life.

Who should get tested?

Age 45 and older if overweight Age 45 or younger if overweight, sedentary or have a family history of Diabetes How do you test?

Ask your doctor to be tested and if results are high retest every 3 months. (These tests can also be done at home if you purchase blood glucose monitors and strips and A1C home testing kits, FBS: Check the amount of glucose or sugar in your blood with a finger prick, blood glucose monitor and strips after not eating at least 8 hours (typically done first thing in the morning) A1C: Check the three month average of the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood with a finger prick at the doctor’s office or with a home testing kit. ➧ DIABETES, Page 5

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Generation 50+

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GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2017

Making Memories and Creating New Traditions The holidays are here and with them come family gatherings.

It’s a perfect time to consider holiday activities that are intergenerational, as they offer some of the best opportunities for memorable, meaningful engagement. Older adults and children working together can open up conversations to family history and history in general, as well as exploration of talents, and the precious gift of time together. Adult children may find opportunities to finally ask the questions they never got a chance to ask of their parents, but for which they now have the time and intention.

Below you will find some activities that can easily be adjusted for age and ability of participants, ensuring lasting memories and fun times together.

These are also great ways to start or pass along lasting family traditions.

CAPTURE PERSONAL HISTORIES One of my favorite organizations is StoryCorps (storycorps.org). At their heart is the belief that “every story matters.” Their mission is to “preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.” What better time to capture the stories of a loved one than at the holidays—usually a time of tradition, warm remembrance, and sharing?

StoryCorps has a free app that provides instructions and allows you to record your interview from a smartphone or computer, preserve it, and share it. They also offer resources such as Great Questions. Use these instructions in thoughtful preparation for interviews, whether you use the app or not.

Sometimes, simply asking questions, and writing down or typing the answers on your computer, is just as effective. The key here is to carve out time to talk, and ask those questions to which you’d like answers. Kids are often curious about what it was like when their parents and grandparents were their age. And the adults can turn the interview

10 Conversation Tips for Your StoryCorps App Interview Using the StoryCorps app to record a conversation is a great way to learn more about someone in your life. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience.

1. PLAN YOUR QUESTIONS

Before recording anything, use the app’s question generator to plan your questions (or write your own). If you can, share them with your partner in advance. This simple preparation will help you get the most out of your time together.

2. ASK WARM-UP QUESTIONS

Don’t hesitate to tell a story about your partner, and try to bring up your favorite shared memories. This can be a time to tell your partner how much he or she means to you or discuss something you’ve always wanted to talk about.

7.

Click the record button and begin by introducing yourself and your partner. Then ask a few warm-up questions like “Where were you born?” or “Can you describe the first time we met?” The app contains several warm-up questions to help you get into the flow of your conversation.

3. ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

Notice that the question generator generally provides open-ended questions that don’t assume the answers. This lets the storyteller steer you toward what is most important to him or her. Use language like “Tell me about...” or “What was it like when...”

4.

6. TELL A STORY

ASK FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

While the app will prompt you with new questions, be prepared to ask follow-ups or divert from your planned question list if you’re curious about something. A memory about work can be followed up with “What are you most proud of in your career?

5. THINK OF IT AS

A CONVERSATION

Speak normally and address the person you are interviewing. There is no right or wrong thing to talk about, as long as it’s meaningful to you.

SET UP CONTEXT

Keep in mind that future listeners may not be familiar with specific people and places you mention.

Set up context where needed with questions like “Who was Uncle Steve?” and “Why was he such an influence on you?”

8. ENCOURAGE VIVID DETAILS

Questions that encourage vivid details can make the story special.

Some examples are: “What did your kitchen smell like when you were growing up?” or “What images stand out when you think about Granddad?”

9. PLAN SOME REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS

Keep an eye on the app’s timer so that you are aware of when there are 10 and 5 minutes left.

Plan some reflective questions as the interview wraps up, such as “Looking back, what were the happiest times?” or “What advice would you give me about being a parent?”

10. RELAX AND HAVE FUN

Most of all, relax and have fun. Enjoy the opportunity to share the stories, thoughts, and emotional closeness that come with this experience.

stories and events through images.

Some families choose a more traditional approach, creating photo albums or memory books with supplies from a craft store.

Younger kids especially love working with colored paper, stickers, and glue. Craft and book stores are filled with supplies and options for tools and ideas. Baby pictures are always a fun first step and can lead to lively conversations as the project is developed.

Others build a family Facebook page, which can be private and open only to friends and family. A private family Facebook page can bring family members together from remote locations. I have a friend whose family members live on five continents. The pictures, stories and adventures they share are energizing. And family feel closer emotionally even though they live miles apart geographically.

Visit AARP’s website (www. aarp.org) and type in the search window: “create a family Facebook page” to learn how.

Gather photos and other mementos. Consider how you would like to capture, display, and share these family treasures. Some families make a family tree. Others create collages using large pieces of poster board, stickers and markers.

Some companies, like Shutterfly (shutterfly.com), have platforms for creating photo books and calendars for a reasonable price and nice quality. Others, like Famlu (famlu. com), allow you to create a family website and share events, write a blog, and create a family history.

COLLECT FAMILY RECIPES The StoryCorps app and StoryCorps.me are in public beta

around and ask kids about their dreams, school experiences, and friends. The key?

Quality time spent together, getting to know one another on a more personal level. This experience is adaptable to any age or ability.

For those who feel comfortable with video, take it a step further. Many smartphones offer great video-capture and editing capabilities. And if you aren’t comfortable with the technology, I think

I know who is: your grandkids! Ask them for a tutorial. Make learning how to use the technology part of the project.

FAMILY PHOTO PROJECTS The possibilities here are only limited by your imagination. With the ubiquity of cameras on phones, scanners, and platforms such as Facebook, there’s an endless opportunity for pulling together family

My grandmother made the most incredible sponge cake for our birthdays. The cake was held together by a delicious chocolate frosting in the center and a fluffy vanilla icing on the outside. I have many fond memories of making this cake with my grandmother, and licking spoons in the process. After my grandma died, my mom made copies of this recipe for all of us kids. While I’ve never mastered making the cake on my own, I’ve had fun in the process.

It brings back wonderful memories of time ➧ TRADITIONS, Page 5

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GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2017 ➧ TRADITIONS, from Page 4 spent in my grandma’s kitchen, which was always filled with the aromas of yummy baked goods and scrumptious dinners. To me, that cake translates into lots of love.

Family recipes can be the conduit to all sorts of great activities, from making a grocery list and shopping for the ingredients, to working on creations together in the kitchen, to collecting family favorites into a cookbook. Perhaps you can share a longloved family recipe and use it as the starting point for a personal history or family heritage project. Here in the Pacific Northwest, families surely have salmon, Dungeness crab, blackberry and apple recipes to share and fond stories to tell.

HELPING OTHERS Helping others in need isn’t limited to the holidays, of course, but the holidays are a wonderful time to share with others.

From adopting a family through your faith community or a charitable organization, or shopping for food and donating it to a local food bank, families can find deeper purpose through charitable projects and giving.

In my old neighborhood back in the Midwest, a family of wonderful knitters always creates scarves and matching hats for the homeless, donating their creations to a local shelter. Another family I know has a band that performs at senior centers and community events on the weekends.

Does your family have a special talent that can benefit others? Share that special talent generously.

LET YOUR IMAGINATION GUIDE YOU With a little imagination and minor modifications for age and ability, families can find new ways to bring the generations together for engaging projects. Don’t be limited to what’s on this list! Let this article serve as a springboard for ideas. Give one or all of them a try. Adapt activities to common interests. For some that might include sports, travel, pets, or outdoor adventures. The key is bringing all generations together around a project or activity that everyone enjoys.

Contributor Keri Pollock directs marketing and communications for Aging Wisdom, an Aging Life Care™ practice (geriatric care management) serving King and south Snohomish Counties.

Generation 50+

➧ DIABETES, from Page 3

TIP 2: K NOW YOUR DIABETES

TIP 4: TAKE IT SERIOUSLY AND

A: A1C (Monitor every three months if you have Prediabetes or Diabetes) B: Blood Pressure (Know your current Blood Pressure and desired target level and monitor regularly) C: Cholesterol (Know the current level and desired target level of your HDL, LDL, Cholesterol, Triglycerides and monitor every year)

Many people have struggled a lifetime with their weight or other health issues and have become discouraged and even hopeless at times about their ability to make a difference. New research and techniques in Diabetes Prevention and Self-Management have helped many people prevent Diabetes and reverse their symptoms in cases of Type 2 and manage better their symptoms in Type 1. Perhaps most important of all is the ability to prevent further complications (which having prediabetes and diabetes put you at a greater risk for) such as heart disease, strokes, pain and loss of toes and feet, kidney and eye disease.

The good news is these things CAN be PREVENTED and reversed in many cases!

So don’t give up hope.

Educate yourself or find an educator and/ or support and take action today!

ABCS

TIP 3: LEARN HOW TO

PREVENT OR MANAGE TYPE 2 DIABETES

Evidence based Diabetes Prevention Programs for those at risk for Type 2 or who have been diagnosed with Borderline or Prediabetes.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training for those diagnosed with Diabetes.

NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Diane Hurley, R.N., M.A., Certified Health Coach and Diabetes Educator Level 1

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GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2017

Tips for helping reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s caregiving (BPT) - Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is exceptionally demanding, and especially challenging. The caregiving needs of people living with Alzheimer’s are not only often more extensive, but are often needed over many years - even decades.

A recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates many caregivers are not getting the help and support they need - a whopping 84 percent of caregivers say they would like more support in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, especially from family members.

“Too many people are shouldering the caregiving burden alone,” says Ruth Drew, director of information and support services at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Many people want or would welcome help, but they are reluctant or just too overwhelmed to ask.”

TIPS FOR SUPPORTING A CAREGIVER Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even

little acts can make a big difference, Drew says. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these suggestions:

helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver some relief.

Learn:

Check in:

Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease - its symptoms, its progression and the common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.

Build a team:

Organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association Care Team Calendar is a free, personalized online tool that allows helpers to sign up for specific tasks, such as preparing meals, providing rides or running errands.

Give a break:

Spend time with the person with dementia, allowing the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment or engage in an activity that

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Many caregivers report feeling isolated or alone; make a phone call to check in, send a note or stop by for a visit.

Tackle the to-do list:

Ask for a list of errands that need to be done. Pick up groceries or dry cleaning, or even offer to shuttle kids to and from activities.

Be specific and be flexible:

Open-ended offers of support (“Call me if you need anything,” or “Let me know if I can help.”) may be well-intended, but are often dismissed. Be specific in your offer (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?”).

Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help.

Help for the holidays:

Help caregivers around the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer your home instead.

Join the fight:

Honor a person living with the disease and their caregiver by supporting the Alzheimer’s cause. Volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s Association office or participate in fundraising events.

“It’s a mistake to assume caregivers have everything under control,” Drew says. “Most caregivers can use and would appreciate help.

No one can do everything, but each of us can do something.”

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and people living with the disease, visit www. alz.org, the website of the Alzheimer’s Association.

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GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2017

Stopping at Nothing (BPT) - Ever since her 20s, Kittie WestonKnauer had experienced osteoarthritis (OA) pain in her hips and knees, but it never stopped her from staying active. In her 40s, she even picked up a new, exciting hobby: BMX, or bicycle motocross racing. Gradually though, despite her active lifestyle, the joint pain increased to the point where, in her 60s, even every day activities, like getting out of bed became nearly impossible.

As Kittie’s physical pain grew, it was compounded by emotional pain as she hit a breaking point: realizing she was living her life “on pause” and that joint pain was keeping her from doing the things she loved.

“Pain messes with the mind,” says the now 69-year-old Kittie. “I’ve always been an extreme athlete, and I didn’t want the pain to slow me down. I had been racing BMX for the last 27 years so I wasn’t about to allow the pain to keep me from having fun. I knew I could no longer continue living my life that way.”

As people age, the body changes in ways

A 69-Year-Old BMX Racer Overcomes Her Joint Pain

that many don’t anticipate. These changes, including the “aging” of joints, can cause individuals to feel “young at heart but old of joint.” This feeling may be a result of OA, the most common form of arthritis that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affects nearly 27 million U.S. adults. The CDC estimates that 1 in 2 people will be affected by some form of OA in their lifetime.

Despite OA being one of the most common reasons for severe hip or knee pain that can lead to joint replacement surgery, many experience joint pain that is so debilitating it negatively impacts their quality of life, making hobbies or everyday activities more time consuming, strenuous and overwhelming.

A recent online survey, commissioned by DePuy Synthes, of 500 U.S. women aged 4565 who had hip or knee replacement surgery or plan to have surgery soon, found that most women live with significant hip or knee pain almost every day often for five years or

more before opting for surgery. And nearly all women surveyed who received a hip or knee replacement within the last five years felt their life was “on pause” prior to surgery.

For Kittie, she knew what she had to do next. She spoke with a team of healthcare professionals about her options, and together they decided to replace both of her hips and knees within the year. Now that Kittie has undergone joint replacement surgery, she has “hit play” on the activities she loves.

“It’s a whole new world out there,” Kittie says. “There isn’t anything that I can’t do in terms of movement: squatting, exercising and BMX racing. The surgery made a difference.

I can now do what I like to do.”

Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. William Barrett, Medical Director for the Joint Center at Valley Medical Center in Renton, WA, notes that if you are a woman who’s suffering from joint pain, be sure to take steps to manage your discomfort. “Speak to a doctor who can help you identify the best treatment for your hip or knee pain. Treatment for osteoarthritis will vary based on one’s level of pain and immobility but may include physical therapy, pain medications, or joint replacement surgery,” says Dr. Barrett.

THESE TIPS MAY HELP: • Simple at-home exercises may potentially

help in relieving the pain. For example, stand upright with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart.

Slowly bend your knees, sliding your back down the wall. Hold the position for five seconds, then slowly slide back up the wall. Repeat 10 times. Make it a habit to incorporate simple exercises like these into your daily routine.

• It’s easy for joints to get stiff when you’re sedentary, so make it a point to stay active when possible. You can incorporate extra activity into your day by getting up for a lap around the office every hour or parking your car farther away from your final destination.

It’s important to remember that the performance of hip or knee replacements depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have these surgeries. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine if hip or knee replacement is necessary based on an individual patient’s condition.

To learn more about potential treatment options for hip and knee pain as well as helpful resources, visit www.timetohitplay.com.

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GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2017