2019 Fall Reflections by Sunrise

REFLECTIONS

A special supplement of the Arenac County Independent, Ogemaw County Herald and Oscoda County Herald

Fall 2019

Page 2 • Reﬂections - Fall 2019

Reﬂections Fall 2019

A supplement of the Arenac County Independent, the Ogemaw County Herald and the Oscoda County Herald

3 - Working out life’s challenges

9 - Dave Welke creates tractor art

4 - Smart way to embrace retirement

12 - Taking the path life dishes out

8 - Artist Claudia Jo Blanchard can’t hide

13 - Is it still safe to drive?

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Reﬂections - Fall 2019 • Page 3

Working out life’s challenges By Amy Hensel

amyhensel@ogemawherald.com

If you didn’t know Larry Ross suffered from vision and hearing loss, you might not figure it out right away. In fact, suffer doesn’t seem to be the appropriate word. Ross has Usher Syndrome, a condition characterized by hearing loss and vision loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa. He doesn’t let it get in the way of leading a very full and active life. LR Farm is the first thing you see that keeps him busy. He and his wife Rochelle own 35 acres of neatly fenced land, much of it pasture for their horses and Dexter cattle. One of his chores is to maintain the electric fence to prevent small issues from becoming big problems. He has an efficient system for this. With 20 miles of fence to walk, he doesn’t need unnecessary steps. Ross, bundled up for winter chores, is lean and strong. Those winter layers cover a formidable physique. He is a competitive bodybuilder and has a well-equipped gym is in the basement. When he is not working hard outside, he may be working out hard inside. Ross was born in Mio, lived in suburban Detroit area through high school, then moved back to Mio. He worked for a company in Mio, then on an oil crew out west. “I liked that job. I got flown into the mountains. It was like a vacation. But it’s contract work.” He moved back to Mio and resumed his job at the Mio company where he ended up as a supervisor.

Larry Ross demonstrated his bench press technique. Amy Hensel/Ogemaw County Herald In 1985, he noticed he was having trouble seeing at night and if he went out hunting he couldn’t see in the woods. The ﬁrst doctor he visited diagnosed nothing wrong. The second doctor sent him to a specialist and he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. He had experienced hearing problems in his left ear and the Usher Syndrome diagnosis followed. His

eyesight didn’t get real bad at ﬁrst, but his doctor warned him that it would. He kept working and driving for awhile, but eventually surrendered his drivers license in 1989. “I didn’t want to wait for something to happen.” Ross started lifting weights in his mid-thirties. “I wanted to do something different. It was Mio. Nobody I knew really exercised. I’m did it to take

care of myself.” He competed in a bodybuilding show for the ﬁrst time in 1998. Ross never stopped lifting. Sometimes he will take a break from competition for a project like fencing in his property. His most recent show was August, 2019, and is he looking forward to a competition in April, 2020. Ross also has a black belt in tae kwon do and a brown belt in judo.

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Page 4 • Reﬂections - Fall 2019

Smart ways to embrace retirement

File Photo Retirement is on the horizon for a significant number of people. Around 10,000 people retire each day in the United States, according to a study by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, a consultancy studying the cultural and economic impacts of aging. But many soon-to-be retirees are not fully prepared for life after their work life ends. Knowing when to retirement is more than being tired of going to work and feeling old. How does a person know if their nest egg is adequate for their vision of retirement? “Talk to a financial planner that understands life insurance, health insurance, inflation, and investments,” advises

Christi Neubecker, owner of the Rose City State Farm Insurance Agency. Neubecker is more than an insurance agent, she is a retirement income certiﬁed professional (RICP). She specializes in retirement income planning. “Every situation is different. I sit down with my clients and we realistically look at savings and investments, expected social security income, and inﬂation. We discuss retirement budget, wants, needs, and dreams. We make sure they have immediate funds available for funeral expenses so their children aren’t scrambling and left to pay tax penalties.” Shedding new light on this next chapter can make retirement something

to look forward to even more. How retired are you? Retirement may no longer mean what it once did. Some retirees remove themselves entirely from the active employment market, while others prefer to keep at least one toe in the professional water. Some retirees change fields and do part-time work. Others may volunteer their time without getting paid. Still, some choose to use retirement as an opportunity to spearhead a new business venture that may not have been possible beforehand. Retirees should reflect on their goals, as well as their finances, and make plans accordingly. “Find someone you can trust and are comfortable having an honest money conversation,” says Neubecker. “The average person isn’t confident in knowledge of social security, Medicare, taxes and average return on investment. Talk to a professional that can advise you and understands the advantages and disadvantages of different financial options.” Don’t neglect health care Retiring may involve finding health insurance and preparing for other types of health care later in life. Neubecker stated, “because Medicare eligibility begins at age 65, many people wait until then to retire versus at a younger age when they are eligible to retire through their employer. Retiring at age 62 means paying for health insurance for three years until Medicare and that can be quite expensive.” The U.S. Census Bureau says that

employment-based insurance covered 55.4 percent of the population in 2015 (the most recent year for figures), followed by Medicaid (19.5 percent) and Medicare (16 percent). Residents of other countries may be covered by government standardized health programs. It pays to know the rules of each plan to avoid unnecessary expenses that can eat into retirement dollars. For those Americans who will be relying solely on Medicare, find a counselor who can spell out the intricacies of the plan, or use the free tool on Medicare.gov. See retirement as a beginning, not an end Quite often soon-to-be retirees focus on the end of a career or the end of a stage in life without putting enough focus on the possibilities ahead. This is a prime time to find a new social network, travel, join a ministry, and much more. Choose your living space Retirement can be an opportunity to shed an old skin and try on a new one — especially as it pertains to housing. There are options to downsize for empty-nesters or even to secure resources to “age in place.” According to United Income, a money management service, retirees should try out particular scenarios and locations prior to jumping in. Rent in a particular neighborhood, or house sit and try things on for size. Airbnb and other types of services can make this trial easy. A new outlook on retirement can open up a world of opportunities.

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Reﬂections - Fall 2019 • Page 5

Live comfortably on less

Many people look toward retirement with mixed feelings. There is the anticipation and excitement of no longer having to stick to a set schedule. However, there may be some trepidation about living without a steady income. “(Retirees) think they will outlive their money,” said Smith & Associates CPA accountant, Kristine Hanes of Standish. Bloomberg ﬁnancial experts found the number of Americans aged 65 and older without a disability that weren’t in the labor force rose to 800,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016. This has become a long-standing trend of Baby Boomers leaving the workforce and entering retirement. Yet, a Statistics Canada study of people between the ages 60 and 64 who had left long-term employment found 43 percent of them were working again, most within a year of leaving their job. Although boredom may have compelled many of those people to reenter the workforce, some may have started working again to make ends meet. Researchers found the higher the earnings in one’s late 40s, the more likely a retiree is to go back to work. While retirees may need to alter their spending habits, it is possible to live happily on less. Here are some ways to do just that. • Accurately assess home expenses. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling says the cost of home-related expenses accounts for roughly 45 percent of spending for retirees. Individuals can add up exactly how much their homes are costing them and then decide if downsizing is a practical solution. Downsizing has a host of beneﬁts, not the least of which is reducing housing-related expenses.

Another big expense, according to Hanes, going out to eat. “Be vigilant about eating out and monitor how much you are spending,” said Hanes. Making sure any subscription plans you have, such as phone, TV, and internet is being used is important to check as well. If you are not fully taking advantage of any of those subscriptions, it may be worth getting rid of. • Invest in health care. Unexpected health care costs can quickly deplete individuals’ ﬁnances. That’s why it is essential to have a solid insurance plan in place. Health care planning also may include thinking ahead to long-term care, such as assisted living and nursing homes. One may have to make concessions elsewhere, but investing in health care can assuage concerns men and women might have about the cost of living in their golden years. Hanes said to take a look at your insurance plans to make sure you are getting the most out of them. If there is a better plan for you that is out there, it could be beneﬁcial to switch to make sure you are utilizing all that is available. • Use alternative transportation. Cars can be expensive. A budget-friendly alternative to driving is to use public transportation or transportation services provided to seniors free or for nominal fees. • Take advantage of senior discounts. Many restaurants, stores and service centers offer discounts to seniors. The starting age for discounts may vary from store to store, so always ask before cashing out. Hanes mentions the American Association of Retired Persons sends out

File Photo discounts to members for expenses like hotels and restaurants that could end up saving you money in the long run if that is something you would take advantage of. • Shop for food differently. Bulk buys may have been appropriate for men and women when there were kids running around, but empty-nesters can cut back on food expenses. Shopping sales and making

more meals at home can help seniors save money. The market research ﬁrm NPD Group found that in-home meals cost roughly one-third of what it costs to eat the same food at a restaurant. Save dining out for special occasions. Retirees can make changes to save money without negatively affecting their quality of life.

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Page 6 • Reﬂections - Fall 2019

How empty-nesters can transform their homes

After bringing home a bubbly baby boy or girl, it can be hard for parents to imagine that a day will come when their kids are off to college and then onto their own apartment or house. After spending decades nurturing and caring for children, parents are then left with a suddenly quiet house and probably much more time to spare. If saying goodbye to the kids also means extra house, there’s the option to downsize or make that extra space more useful. “The trend that I see most often in retirement age customers is downsizing. They don’t need all the extra space after the kids leave the house. They don’t want the extra upkeep that is necessary to maintain it,” said Lon Thompson owner of Lon Thompson Builders in West Branch. Homeowners who choose to stay put can renovate vacant rooms into spaces that meet their newfound needs. • Hobby haven: If you’ve always meant to set up a crafting room, home-brewing station or an artist’s studio, now is an ideal time to do just that. Figure out which supplies you will need and begin reworking that former bedroom into a new sanctuary for leisure interests. • Guest suite: If you’ve never had a spare bedroom to entertain guests, a child’s former bedroom can fit the bill. It may not be that difficult to transform such spaces into relaxing and inviting rooms for overnight guests. Be sure there is at least a queen-sized bed and a dresser or chest

of drawers to stash belongings. “A common project is updating the bathroom. This project could range from a $10,000 renovation up to $45,000. Local area customers tend to go with practical updates and efficiency. Although walls can be removed, layouts can be changed, larger doors can be installed, and the room can look nothing like the original space,” said Thompson. Select paint colors and linens in neutral tones so the room will be inviting to guests. • Living room redo: When there’s an entire soccer team coming over to hang out, that large sectional sofa or modular seating may be ideal. Now that the kids are out of the house and their friends are no longer coming over for movie night, living rooms can be made more intimate with small-scale seating. A small sofa and two comfortable chairs may be a more fitting option. • At-home gym: Save on gym membership fees by building a mini studio right at home. Choose one of the larger bedrooms and then fill it with some fitness equipment, such as an elliptical trainer, a bench press bench and some free weights. Store rolled-up mats in the closet for yoga or Pilates sessions. • Expanded bathroom: If space has always been at a premium in the bathroom, borrow area from an empty bedroom and turn it into a spa. Install a soaking tub separate from the shower, and fill the room with other amenities, such as a warming lamp or

File Photo even a small sauna. • Home office: Working from home a few days a week may be more plausible when nearing retirement, as it will be a smoother transition from heading to the office each day to spending more time at home. Turn

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Reﬂections - Fall 2019 • Page 7

Statewide leaders issue warning on health department phone scams

File Photo LANSING — After a recent uptick in phone scams targeting residents, Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon and Michigan Association for Local Public Health Executive Director Meghan Swain are warning Michiganders about

scammers posing as public health ofﬁcials to steal personal information. Several local health departments — including Bay, Jackson, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw counties — have received reports from residents about calls from individuals seeking personal information that could be used to steal

someone’s identity. “Scammers use every tool they have to take advantage of anyone they can,” Nessel said. “It is important residents remember they should never give personal and conﬁdential information to unsolicited callers. Simply hang up and report the call to our ofﬁce.”

The callers claim to be from a local health department and appear to be calling from health department phone numbers, a practice that is commonly known as spoofing. Anyone who receives one of those calls should hang up immediately. No one should give out personal information to an unsolicited caller. “Local public health and Medicaid officials will never call you to request account information, Social Security numbers or passwords,” Gordon said. “Remain diligent about protecting your personal information and end the call immediately if you get this kind of inquiry over the phone.” “We are concerned that spoofers are using a trusted community entity like the local health department to obtain personal information on residents for possible illegal activity,” Swain said. “Local health departments are aware of the issue and want to ensure the public that we would not ask for personal information over the phone. If there is a concern by an individual who has been spoofed, we encourage them to contact the local health department immediately to notify them of spoofing and to confirm if the department is attempting to contact them.” Those who wish to make a report about these calls can do so by contacting the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. A complaint can be filed online at mi.gov/agcomplaints or by calling 877-765-8388.

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Page 8 • Reﬂections - Fall 2019

Artist Claudia Jo Blanchard Can’t Hide

By Gail Whelan Special Contributor

“

Color is to the Eye What Music is to the Ear”

Louis Comfort Tiffany —

You’ll ﬁnd her in her bright and expansive studio in Omer on the Riﬂe River, where she and her husband established their family getaway from Detroit in 1994. Since moving north permanently two years ago, she’s been creating stained glass masterpieces, sensational photography or brilliant glass jewelry. Some of Blanchard’s jewelry is on display at the 4th Street Gallery in West Branch where she is a member. Membership with the Gladwin Area Art Guild (GAAG) has lent the opportunity to show and sell her photography in their Fall Art Show. If she isn’t in her studio, she is somewhere around the world. She says, “I love to travel. Since retiring, I make two foreign trips and two domestic trips a year. This year it was Belize and a Mediterranean cruise, with stops in Rome, Naples, Majorca, Cannes, and Barcelona.” She also made a trip to Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, and New York’s Finger Lakes. Blanchard’s photography covers

everything from the Swiss Alps, to zebra in Africa, and the polar bears of Manitoba. She also has an abundance of unforgettable photography of Michigan. When she was seven years old, it was a challenge for Blanchard’s mother to keep her crayon work off the walls and furniture. Always doodling, paint-bynumber art was provided to her and in the fourth grade, she was taking art classes after school. At 14, she became the cook for their family of seven when her mother went to work. Always imaginative, she would surprise them with fancy culinary creations. Her father built a dark room for her photography when she was 16. She has high praise for her parents. “They allowed us freedom to explore and do as we liked, as long as we earned the money and obtained our own transportation, didn’t wind up bruised and crippled, and didn’t need bail money!” After high school, she earned an Associates Degree in Graphics and Commercial Art from Macomb Community College, and immediately was hired by Ford Motor Company as a Technical Illustrator, she says, “as artistic as you can get with auto parts!” Joining a local camera club, Claudia was awarded the Greater Detroit Council’s 2010 ﬁrst-place color print. Blanchard had always admired stained glass in churches, and Tiffany stained glass. Tiffany lamps were very popular. “Louis Tiffany became my guru. He started several glass companies, becoming one of the ﬁrst equal opportunity employers, that is, he hired

caring service over 100 years of

Claudia Jo Blanchard displays her handcrafted glass jewelry at the 2019 Holiday Art Walk and Wine Tasting in downtown West Branch. Matt Keeton/Ogemaw County Herald females.” Over half a lifetime ago, at 30 years old, she embarked on the exploration into the fascinating world of glass. The current glass sculptor of global renown, Chihuly, says, “Glass is the most magic of all materials. It transmits light in a special way.” She travels to Lansing to buy the glass, either opalescent or transparent, depending on the project – whether staining or fusing. If she is fusing, she lays glass on top of glass at 1350 degrees. She prefers making large

pieces, but with her leftover glass, she makes breathtaking jewelry, done with dichroic glass which is chemically plated on one side. When it is ﬁred, it shows all the colors. Depending on the larger designs, she uses either foiling or lead to solder pieces together. It’s a truly fascinating process. Always ready to learn something new, and being a right-brained leftie, Blanchard is now exploring watercolor painting and is taking a semester at the Midland Center for the Arts.

About the writer

Gail Whelan with her husband of 12 years, Harry. Courtesy Photo Gail Whelan has worn many hats in her life. She has been a secretary for American Motors/Chrysler, newsletter editor for a 100-bed assisted living facility, art studio

model, flower shop clerk, switchboard operator, book store clerk, owner of a business writing resumes and publicity material, freelance writer and painter of on-the-spot watercolor portraits at art bazaars. In addition to meeting new people and telling their stories, Gail enjoys creative cooking, watching live music, going for walks and taking in beautiful landscapes, playing threechord campfire tunes on the banjo that belonged to her father and is an avid cat watcher. Gail lives in the Forest Lake area in the home designed and built by her husband Harry, a lifelong craftsman who recently passed away. She and Harry were married for 12 years and knew each other for 38 years. Harry asked her to marry her on his 76th birthday, and she says it was a blessing to have been married to such a dear friend who shared her natural curiosity and perspective on life. Gail has four children, two stepchildren and “umpteen grandchildren.” She has a perpetually curious and analytical nature which continues to fuel her lifelong love of learning.

Dave Welke Creates Tractor Art By Gail Whelan Special Contributor

Reﬂections - Fall 2019 • Page 9

Welke, loved tractors as a kid and couldn’t wait to ride with his father on their small farm on Grout Rd. They had moved north to mid-Michigan from Walled Lake when Dave was 12 years old. He happily entertained his son and now entertains his grandson with these same movies.

“

Dave Welke of Gladwin has an afﬁnity for an unconventional form of lawn art. Gail Whelan/Courtesy Photo Little do you realize as you do a double-take, slow down and stop while driving south on Bard Road toward Gladwin, that while you are gawking at upended tractors in the middle and corners of the expansive cleared ﬁeld, inside his home Dave Welke’s grandson, Matthew, is commenting, “Papa, you got another gawker!” “It’s our entertainment,” Welke says. A huge, impressive metal weathervane, that is, 49 ft. long and 32 ft. high sits prominently closer to his beautiful barns. A 1926 Farmall Model F12 with steel wheels is perched on top. And, if you drive closer to the newly built beautiful hay barn, you will notice, if you are farm-equipment savvy, a horse-drawn sickle mower on display in an inset near the apex of the roof at the end of the barn. “What’s going on here?” you ask yourself, because now you see a big tree in the front yard of a lovely home, being adorned by two tractors propped against each side of it and another tractor ensconced in the lower tree branches. “Gotta meet this guy,” you say to yourself. Welke, who has owned Midstate Rental on M-61 in Gladwin for the last 39 years, is largely inspired by the movie “Cars” and its three sequels where tractor tipping is featured.

My tractor lawn art is catching on. Many folks are displaying their own farm equipment now. Craig’s List has many tractors for sale.” — Dave Welke

These lawn ornaments are nothing new to him. When he lived on Wagarville Rd., he featured a manure spreader on his front lawn. He says, “My tractor lawn art is catching on. Many folks are displaying their own farm equipment now. Craig’s List has many tractors for sale.” He has a tractor garden in front of his home. “Actually,” he says, “it’s all horsedrawn equipment in there right now.” He explains, “They are attachments that go behind tractors, like hay rakes, potato diggers, plows and planters. Yes, some shrubs are planted in the garden.” Asked about his reasoning behind all this tractor art, he says, “It’s my therapy, that, and digging holes!” What kind of holes? “ Well, ponds.” Next year Dave plans to plant hay in the big ﬁeld where his tractors roost. He has been leasing the ﬁeld, so it will be interesting to see tractors rearing up out of the hay as you drive by in the future. There’s a possibility of concession stands and ticket taking also. Stay tuned. Incidentally, Welke uses his same creative spirit in his business. You will see 150 different kinds of equipment in his yard on M-61. You cannot miss his snorkels with long arms reaching for the sky. They hang Jeeps from these mini steam shovels during their annual Jeep Creep event.

A tree in Welke’s yard, adorned with three antique tractors. Gail Whelan/Courtesy Photo

One of Welke’s many repurposed tractors sits propped up on its back tires in his ﬁeld. Gail Whelan/Courtesy Photo

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Exercise and aging: How to work out safely after 50 In an ideal world, people young and old exercise each day. But as men and women age, ﬁnding time to work out is not so easy. Commitments to work and family often take precedence over daily exercise. As a result, many people 50 and over might not have exercised regularly or at all in many years. But as children grow up or even move out, people facing down their golden years are often compelled to get back in the gym. That’s a wise decision that can increase a person’s chances of being healthy and happy in retirement.

“The simplest form of movement promotes health, so regardless of your age or condition, getting out and going to the gym will provide not only activity of several sorts, but it also provides a stimulating social environment.” -Ty McGregor, McGregor Athletic Complex But before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury. • Speak with your physician. The National Institute on Aging notes that even people

with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can be physically active. However, anyone with such a condition and even those who don’t fall into those categories should consult with their physicians and receive a full physical before exercising. Such a consultation and checkup can shed light on any unknown issues, and physicians can offer advice on how to safely manage any problems that may arise. “Begin exercising moderately and increase as tolerated. Don’t endure too much discomfort. You might be hurting yourself. A person with a heart condition may need to restrict intensity. A person with thinning bones needs to be cautious about impact or may have restrictions on weight lifting. A person with arthritis may need to ﬁnd a work around to be comfortable with certain exercises.” -Cheryl Henry, nurse practitioner, Fairview • Begin with low-intensity exercises. Even if you feel great and have maintained a healthy weight, don’t push yourself too hard at the start. Your body needs time to adjust to physical activity, so choose low-intensity exercises like walking and light strength training so your muscles,

File Photo tendons and ligaments can adjust. Initially, exercise every other day so your body has ample time to recover between workouts. “We suggest a wellness class for people of any age or ﬁtness level. Improve quality of life by developing functional movement, balance and neuromuscular connection and focus on human interaction and camaraderie.” Ty McGregor, McGregor Athletic Complex • Choose the right places to

exercise outdoors. Exercising outside provides the best of both worlds for many people, providing a chance to get healthy all while enjoying the great outdoors. When exercising outdoors, choose areas that are not remote and where others can see you and offer help if you suffer an injury or have an accident. Boardwalks, public parks and outdoor gyms are safer places to work out than wooded areas or other places well off the beaten path. • Stay hydrated. The NIA

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notes that many people lose their sense of thirst as they age. But just because you aren’t thirsty does not mean you don’t need water, especially while exercising. Water regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints, thereby decreasing your risk of injury during exercise. Exercising after 50 can help people live healthy well into retirement. But caution must be exercised when aging men and women return to exercise after a long break.

Reﬂections - Fall 2019 • Page 11

“What keeps you young?”

“I don’t do nothing! Well, I go to the casino, I like to gamble! That keeps me going.” - Dave Izworski

e y busy. I lik m “I try to sta o fr y a w a y d I sta hunting, an e 90 in March.” i booze. I’ll b tokoszynsk - Richard S

“I like Euchre and I love going to church. I love to sing the old hymns. Also, having meals and spending time with my family, and reading. I love to read.” - Marlene Wallace

ing to the “I don’t stay young, but I love com lovely.” are ple peo The Commission on Aging. - Doris Mains

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Page 12 • Reﬂections - Fall 2019

Taking the path life dishes out

Director Merianne Tappan looks up from her work at OCCOA. Amy Hensel/Ogemaw County Herald By Amy Hensel amyhensel@ogemawherald.com

Merianne Tappan didn’t plan to be the director of a non-profit. She started her career at the Oscoda County Council on Aging as a dishwasher. She moved to Comins from Lake Orion in 2001. She was familiar with the area from visits with a friend who lived in Oscoda County, and originally planned to move north in 1999. Plans changed and she dodged the tornado that struck Comins in 1999. She moved up the next year with an

additional incentive. She’d met her husband, Russ Tappan. The Council had two locations at that time, one in Comins and one in Mio. “My landlady worked at the Comins site and she said “Hey, we need a dishwasher,” and Tappan started as a part-time employee. Later, after her sons Devon and Peyton were born, center director Mark Grantner found things that the new mom could do. When the director’s administrative assistant retired he offered Tappan the job. The current senior center building

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was purchased in 2007 and Grantner combined the two centers there. Grantner retired in 2016 and Tappan became director. She took over in late December just before Christmas. The staff painted and renovated while the center was closed for the holiday break and had a pizza fundraiser to replace the long banquet tables with round tables. The welcoming feeling of the center is a result of that re-do. Oscoda County Council on Aging is a valuable resource to the community. Tappan helps clients navigate Medicaid and Medicare issues in addition to overseeing staff and operations at the center. The council employs 17 people to help assist seniors. Sarah Smith helps people get in-home care and other services to help seniors stay in their homes. “People are at home where they want to be and it saves the state the cost of a nursing home.” The kitchen staff starts at 3 or 4 a.m. to prepare home delivered meals as well as soup and salad lunches that are served at the center on weekdays. Food boxes are available monthly for people over 60 and quarterly for residents of the county who need help stretching their food budget. “I’m very proud of my staff. They are very compassionate. They take good care of our seniors and work hard to help these people stay in their homes.” Merianne Tappan is the Director and Medicare Counselor of the Oscoda County Council on Aging, 429 N. Mt. Tom Rd (M-33) Mio. The phone number is 989-826-3025.

Want to give back?

Following are some easy ways to volunteer in your community. • Serve meals at a local shelter, community kitchen, or senior center. • Sign up to work as a tutor or mentor with a local after school program. • Help adults ﬁnd the right professional opportunities by hosting a résumé writing/ review workshop and conducting practice interview sessions. • Work in conjunction with a local food pantry to organize a food donation drive. • Volunteer to help the environment by working with local, state, or national park services to beautify parks and/or a local community garden. • Work with a local emergency response organization to produce and distribute disaster-preparedness kits. • Help fellow community members save money by collecting and sharing information about free tax-preparation services. • Read to students or seniorscontact a local community or senior center. • Volunteer at an animal shelter.

Do you have an interesting story idea you’d like to share or see in an upcoming issue of Reflections? Contact us at 989-345-0044 or info@ogemawherald.com

Is it still safe to drive? By Andrea Dantzer andread@ogemawherald.com

“

More mature drivers have a tendency to be judged as being mature drivers or too old to be behind the wheel”

— Betty Stanchina

Men and women know that adjustments must be made as they get older. Athletes nearing their golden years may not be able to push themselves as hard at the gym as they once did. Professionals nearing retirement age might not be able to pull long hours at the ofﬁce like they used to. But aging affects more than just work and play. As men and women age, their ability to perform everyday tasks, including driving, may diminish as well. “More mature drivers have a tendency to be judged as being mature drivers or too old to be behind the wheel,” said

Betty Stanchina, local insurance agent of 18 years. “When, in fact, they are sometimes safer than the younger ones because they are so cautious.“ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that, as people age, certain changes they experience can affect their ability to safely operate an automobile. Changes in eyesight, physical fitness and reflexes may require aging drivers to reassess their skills behind the wheel. The NHTSA notes that drivers can ask themselves the following questions as they try to assess their driving abilities. How is my eyesight? The American Optometric Association notes that vision changes naturally occur as a person ages. Such changes do not necessarily mean drivers have to give up the keys to their vehicles. In fact, they may just require more routine eye examinations. The NHTSA says having trouble reading signs easily, recognizing someone from across the street, seeing streets signs and pedestrians, and handling headlight glare are common signs of age-related eye problems. "My recommendation is to make sure you are having your annual wellness check with your doctor," said Charlie Elliott, insurance agent for Diebold Insurance in West Branch. "And, an annual eye exam as well. Completing your routine check-ups will allow the doctor to assess your health and any conditions that may be of concern." Can I control my vehicle? Age-related loss of strength,

coordination and flexibility can make it hard for aging men and women to control their vehicles. Some signs that drivers might be having trouble controlling their vehicles include trouble looking over shoulders to change lanes, difficulty moving foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal and difficulty turning the steering wheel. Pain in the knees, legs or ankles also can make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. “Always carry an emergency kit in your car," Elliott added. "It should contain blankets, hats, mittens and hand warmers." Does driving make me nervous, scared or overwhelmed? Drivers who feel confused by traffic signs and traffic (including pedestrian traffic) should stop driving until they can discuss the issue with their physicians. Medication can sometimes make drivers feel sleepy or confused, and some aging drivers even find themselves overwhelmed in otherwise normal driving situations. “Following up with your doctor is important as older people have a tendency to not want to take their medications,” said Stanchina. “They may also not take precautions their doctors are prescribing. That is something they need to do in order to stay safe behind the wheel as well and to make sure they are not over or under medicated and becoming at-risk.” Are my loved ones concerned about my driving? Aging drivers may feel offended when

Reﬂections - Fall 2019 • Page 13

family members question their ability to drive. However, the NHTSA notes that sometimes other people notice things about a person’s driving that the person does not. The concern expressed by loved ones should not be taken lightly. “I think it’s important for couples to be really open with each other and if they see something one of them is doing that isn’t safe, then have an open discussion with each other,” added Stanchina. “Children of those older drivers should do the same. Open discussions about those driving skills and older drivers should be aware that people are not judging them, they just want to keep them safe.” Do I drive with passengers? Drivers who routinely drive with passengers, especially young children, carry extra responsibility. As a result, such drivers owe it to themselves and their passengers to honestly assess their driving abilities. Various remedies can address age-related driving issues, and drivers should discuss them with their doctors the moment they feel as though their skills behind the wheel are starting to diminish. “Be very aware of road conditions and travel destinations,” Stanchina explained. “Be sure you know where you are going; even young drivers get distracted trying to ﬁnd a location. Older drivers need to be just as aware of that. And, especially with the increase in speed limits over the last few years. Be aware of your surroundings and are familiar with where you are going.”

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How to travel even if you have limited mobility Many people dream of traveling the world in retirement. Such dreams come true every day. But many more retirees or people nearing retirement fear that their dreams of seeing the world won’t be possible due to mobility issues beyond their control. Thankfully, such fears are largely unwarranted. Travel agent, Denise Schutte of Miles Away Travel in Au Gres has several helpful tips for those travelling with limited mobility or with medications. “When travelling with medications they need to make sure they put them in their carry on,” said Schutte. “If they have a transfer, their luggage gets lost, or there is a delay, they will have it on them. The medication should always be in prescription bottles as well.” Various conditions can affect men and women’s mobility. Many such issues tend to arise after age 50, prompting many people to believe their post-retirement travel plans will never come to fruition. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD; and heart disease may make it hard for people to travel. But that difﬁculty doesn’t mean aging men and women should resign themselves to a sedentary lifestyle. Though they might require a little extra effort before boarding a plane for parts unknown, the

following are a handful of ways that aging men and women with limited mobility can reap the rewards of traveling. • Contact airlines or other transportation companies if you require special accommodations. The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that passengers are generally not required to provide advanced notice for disability-related accommodations. However, it makes sense to provide such notice anyway. By doing so, men and women with limited mobility can ensure they will have adequate assistance during their trips. “The most important thing you can do is request assistance when you make a ﬂight reservation,” said Schutte. “If they have the wheelchair assistance already in their reservation the airline representative will take them through security and right to the gate.” Another helpful tip Schutte gave was if a person with limited mobility is travelling alone but has someone taking them to the airport, that person can be issued a boarding pass to get through security and help them get to their gate. When made aware of passengers’ mobility issues, airlines or other travel companies may arrange for wheelchairs to be available at the gates or train platforms so passengers can

File Photo easily make connecting ﬂights and trains. In addition, advance notice gives companies a chance to provide seating accommodations that can make for a more enjoyable trip. • Contact security agencies. Security is part of modern travel, so travelers, especially those traveling by air, should expect to go through security checkpoints during their trips. Travelers with limited mobility should contact the security agencies in their home country as well as those in any country they plan to visit

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to get an idea of what they can expect. Knowing these guidelines in advance can help people with limited mobility determine if they should arrive extra early so they can make it through security checkpoints in time to make their ﬂights or trains. When booking a hotel, it is important to request a handicap room ahead of time, said Schutte. Handicap rooms will make travelling easier and give peace of mind knowing it will be accessible throughout the trip.

• Contact hotels directly. Each country has its own laws regarding how to accommodate people with physical disabilities or mobility issues, so don’t leave things to chance. Before booking a hotel room abroad, travelers with limited mobility should contact the hotel directly to conﬁrm that it can accommodate their needs. Men and women with limited mobility can still enjoy the wonders of travel, even if it requires some extra effort before embarking on their trips.

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Tips for caring for grandchildren In the not-so-distant past, it was quite common for various generations of a single family to live under one roof and for many different members of the family to play a role in raising the children. But that dynamic slowly changed as families spread out geographically. However, when the economy faltered and parents of young children realized they needed help, many returned to the old way of doing things. Grandparents stepped up to look after their grandkids, and adults moved back home with their aging parents. Some seniors needed to move in with their children to make ends meet. A study of data from the Rand Corporation found that, of the four million children living with their grandparents in the United States, 2.5 million live in three-generation households. Nearly 1.5 million live in split-generation households or ones in which grandparents are raising their grandchildren. The proportion of all grandchildren living in three-generation households, 3.6 percent, has been steady in recent years.

Research suggests that split-generation households are usually formed when parents are no longer able to take care of their children because of physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or economic problems. Three-generation households, on the other hand, are generally formed because of problems parents encounter living independently, such as through separation or divorce or due to unemployment or economic need. Caring for their grandchildren can elicit many feelings in grandparents, from nervousness to excitement about a fresh face around the house. Raising grandkids can be overwhelming for elderly men and women, but the following are a few tips that can make the process easier. • Explore your feelings. When you acknowledge your feelings, you are on the right path to making things work and recognizing possible obstacles. • Expect mixed feelings from others. Grandchildren and your own children also may be apprehensive about this new living situation.

Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and come to a consensus on how things will be done. Expect it to take some time to establish a schedule, and don’t be discouraged by any initial behavioral problems. • Take care of yourself. Grandchildren, particularly young ones, can have a lot of energy and may require constant attention. Caring for such lively youngsters can be taxing on grandparents, who must make their own health and nutrition a priority. Give yourself some time for recreation and rest. Have grandchildren help out where they can. Don’t feel you have to spend every moment entertaining them. • Ask for help when needed. Reach out to friends or community members if you are feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of resources available to you, and many organizations, including AARP, have their own tips for assisting three-generation households. Multi-generational households are common once again. Families who work together can make the most of such living arrangements.

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