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Over 60? Extend your body’s warranty STATEPOINT

Many experts have shared their conclusions about how cable television and the Internet have kept countless Americans on their behinds for longer periods of time.

Ironically, while all this has been going on, scientists have been discovering the most about health and exercise -and how staying active can ward off a range of illnesses as we age.

What it comes down to is this: there are fewer and fewer excuses for letting your body run its course without exercise. For seniors, in particular, exercise has been linked to reduced risk for such ailments as prostate cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and stroke, among others.

There has been much new research on the topic, with

all signs pointing seniors to the exercise mat and away from the couch.

Indeed, with one out of six men confronting prostate cancer at some point in life, the Prostate Cancer Foundation recently released a new “Nutrition, Exercise, and Prostate Cancer” guide, a series of new strategies that help stem the development and progression of prostate cancer. Visit www.pcf.org to order or download a free copy of the guide. The key is combining exercise with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed sugars and refined carbohydrates.

A new study from Dr. Stephen Freedland at Duke and the Durham Veterans Affairs Hospital also underscores the impact regular exercise has in protecting men from prostate cancer, while also mak-

ing the disease less aggressive.

More than anything else, the combination of diet and exercise looks to be a strong pre-emptive step against many ailments.

With breast cancer a similarly daunting disease among women, healthy options unsurprisingly have been linked to lifestyle, particularly exercise and nutrition.

With as little as four hours of exercise a week and a low-fat diet, the risk of breast cancer can be lessened. Abstaining from drinking alcohol has also been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer.

And there are plenty of ailments that plague both older men and women that can be helped by exercise. Among them is osteoporosis, which affects the bone density of people as they age. By focus-

ing on exercises that have a direct impact on the skeleton, like basketball or jumping jacks, the symptoms of osteoporosis can be avoided.

New research also shows it’s never too late for seniors to become active. Even those afflicted with Type 2 diabetes can help turn things around with an exercise regimen.

And it’s well-known that exercise can help strengthen arteries and potentially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Of course, before starting any diet or exercise program, seniors should consult their doctors. But when it comes to health, a small series of simple lifestyle changes can help extend your body’s warranty, making a world of difference in your golden years.

STATE POINT

Exercising can ward off many illnesses.

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Email: olddominiontours@gmail.com • Website: www.olddominiontours.com T2

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Bargains for travelers over 50 FAMILY FEATURES

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mpty nesters, retirees and busy baby boomers can all take advantage of travel deals to plan a great getaway. If you’re over age 50, there’s a bargain for you.

National Parks. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Senior Pass. For $10, U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over can get a lifetime pass to any federal recreation site, which admits the pass holder and all car passengers in for free.

It also provides a 50 percent discount on some fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming and boating. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. Visit www.nps.gov for more details.

Educational Tours.

Don’t let the name fool you - Elderhostel offers nearly 8000 educational tours in all 50 states and in 90 countries around the world. Their Web site, www.elderhostel.org, showcases many tours under $600 including: • A three-night Napa Valley winery trip • A five-night service trip in Maryland to help build a Heifer Global Village • A one-night Dine Like a Critic experience in Cambridge, MA • A three-day digital photography class in Raquette Lake, New York Cruises. There are cruise deals aplenty these

FAMILY FEATURES

days. Talking with a travel agent and searching online can turn up some significant savings. If you are interested in a specialty cruise for seniors only, visit www.cruisecompete.com, a cost comparison site. Searching under the seniors category will list offerings from various cruise lines and lets you compare features and pricing. Cruises for the end of 2009 and well into 2010 are listed.

Active Vacations. If sitting around the pool is too tame for you, look into the many active vacations available. The travel site www.away.com lists the Top 10 Active Baby Boomer Vacations. Affordable options include biking in Vermont, birding in Alaska,trekking the Appalachian Trail in Maine, horseback riding in Wyoming, hiking in Colorado.

There is also Passport in Time, a volunteer archaeology and historic preservation program of the USDA Forest Service.

Work with professional archaeologists and historians on archaeological survey and excavation, rock art restoration, archival

research, historic structure restoration, oral history gathering, and analysis and curation of artifacts. You must submit an application, be chosen, and be ready to pitch a tent or pay for accommodations nearby. Find out more at www.passportintime.com.

General MoneySaving Tips

How the Internet is making seniors’ lives easier STATEPOINT

When you think of the Internet, seniors aren’t the first age group that comes to mind.

But these days, older Americans increasingly are taking to the Web -- thanks to new free Web sites that are helping them stay in touch with loved ones and even keeping their daily lives organized.

Many of the skeptical seniors that were initially slow to engage the World Wide Web head-on are now discovering what they’ve been missing. In fact, helpful sites are taking tasks that generally give seniors headaches and making them considerably more manageable -- and even fun.

Here are just some of the more popular activities and free Web sites that seniors are relying on to make life easier: • Stay in Touch: Connecting with others has been proven to keep seniors’ minds sharp.

One site that can help is LivingSocial, an online community where 80 million people from all over the world can connect with others around the things they care about, including books, movies, television, music, restaurants, and even beer. LivingSocial also offers a way to save money with daily group coupons for 50 percent off or more at restaurants, salons, and other goods and services in cities across the country. The service is available through LivingSocial.com and through Face-

book and the iPhone.

• Share Photos and Videos with Family: What better way to stay connected with the kids and grandkids than sharing recent photos and videos clips? To help, Animoto.com is offering a fast and easy way to turn your photos and video clips into professional-quality video montages, automatically synchronized to the song you select. You can even incorporate text and iconic images from LIFE.com to make your videos more personalized and sentimental. Animoto videos are a great way to keep in touch and can easily be shared on a personal Web site or via email.

• Stick to a Budget: It’s the one-word monster we dare not speak, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes who often need it most. But keeping track of one’s finances is crucial. One innovative site, Mint.com from Quicken, makes budgeting less stressful by offering a free tool that is easy to use and helps you find more money. It keeps you up to date using email and phone alerts and notifies you when bills are due, credit limits have been reached or if your bank makes changes regarding fees. It’s a simple way for seniors to track spending, enhance their savings and reduce debt.

These are just a few examples of how seniors looking to explore the Web can use it to keep their offline world in balance.

• Joining AARP nets discounts on hotels, rental cars, vacation packages and more. At www.aarp. org, they also have a Trend Tracker that lets you evaluate the least expensive hotel and flight prices for the time of year you want to travel.

• Combining air fare, hotel and rental car costs under a package deal can often save quite a bit of money. Do some homework, however, and compare the package price with the total cost of booking each element separately to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

• Sign up for promotional emails from several hotel, airline and travel sites. You’ll receive alerts on special promotions and fare reductions.

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Determination buoys woman’s recovery

BY HARRY JACKSON JR. ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

ST. LOUIS — Eleven years ago, a ruptured brain aneurysm nearly killed Jacquie Crawford. A pulmonary embolism, a lung disorder, shortly after brain surgery added to her health issues.

Years later, she survived a heart blockage, atrial fibrilation, that forced her into more months of rehab.

Then both of her knees had to be replaced.

In the midst of all of that, she managed to take a trip with a dogsled team across the frozen Bering Sea in northern Alaska, become an on-call chaplain with St. Louis University and St. Alexius hospitals, train dogs and become a tap dancer.

“I believe there is a seed of equivalent benefit in every adversity,” Crawford

said. “I will not stop looking for this benefit for myself and for others.

“This gives me a positive outlook on everything that happens, keeps me positive and gives me hope.”

Crawford’s saga began in January 1999, with a headache that became so bad she had to pull off of the highway and call an ambulance.

She was barely able to speak or move by the time it arrived.

At Barnes-Jewish Hospital, her tests showed blood had spilled onto her brain from a ruptured weak spot in a vessel.

Her priest prayed, friends visited to pray, cry and hope.

From around her she heard the whispers from medical people about her bleak outlook, maybe a 1 percent chance of survival, that she

shouldn’t even be alive.

When she could speak, she told children and relatives that she was at peace with whatever happened. “I will be waiting for you all in heaven.”

Then came the visit from a close friend she will only identify as Michael.

“There was the sound of all the pumps in the room and he walked in, and all the sound was gone. The room was just white,” she said.

“And Michael looked at me and didn’t crack a smile.”

After some words about her spirit and divine power, he told her that she was not going to die.

“He said it three times.

And I blinked my eyes to say that I understood. And he was gone,” she said. “I knew I was going to live.”

Medical science has made

strides in preventing death and disability from ruptured aneurysms, said Dr. Ralph Dacey, chief of neurosurgery at Barnes Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine and Crawford’s neurosurgeon.

“People can make surprisingly good recoveries from ruptured intracranial aneurysms,” he said.

Still, Crawford helped her own plight.

“The patient’s positive attitude has a lot to do with recovering from any type of major neurological illness,” Dacey said.

While hospitalized, she developed a lung disorder, likely brought on by the therapy used to quell the Jacquie Crawford and her dog Mini Pearl, pictured Feb. 10, in their home in St. Peters, Mo. After a near fatal effects of the aneurysm.

Please see RECOVERY, page 11

cerebral hemorrhage and brain surgery in 1999, Crawford mushed sled dogs in Alaska in 2004.

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6701 Ironbridge Parkway / Chester, VA 23831 T4

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Making friends after retirement W

METRO CREATIVE PHOTO

Making friends could involve tapping into hobbies that you enjoy.

hen you’re younger, it seems you can’t wait until retirement. After all, who wants to deal with going to work every day and coping with coworkers and a boss?

However, many people overlook the opportunities for socialization that working provides. You get out of the house and see people -apart from your family -with whom you can converse. Many retirees find that life can be a bit boring after the job ends, primarily because they don’t have access to the same level of socialization as they once did.

Making friends can keep

you active and healthy. If you’re a bit rusty in the friend-making department, it’s pretty much how it was when you were younger.

You simply must find individuals who have similar interests and goals.

• Volunteer in your community and you’re bound to find potential friends who are like-minded.

• Take classes at a college or university. Many offer free or discounted rates for seniors. This is a great way to meet people of all ages and walks of life.

• Attend clubs at senior centers or houses of worship. It’s likely that there are plenty of other people

looking for relationships.

• Think about your interests. If you like fishing, sewing or boating, join a club that caters to those interests. Others who share your hobbies will be there.

• If you’re new to an area, host an open-house party and invite neighbors in for introductions and some socialization.

• Join a social networking site online. You can connect with people, potentially individuals who live close by.

• Ask existing friends if they have other friends to whom they can introduce you.

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Eating healthier as you get older T

METRO SERVICES

hough even the President of the United States’ wife is publicly taking America’s obesity epidemic to task, more and more people in America and across the globe are trying to tackle their weight problems and eat healthier. Because kids are naturally more physically active than their adult counterparts, it can be easier for the younger crowd to get healthier.

For seniors, who no longer have rapid metabolisms, losing weight or keeping pounds off is far more difficult. Because even the most active senior is limited in what he or she can handle with respect to physical activity, a greater emphasis must be placed on eating healthy the older a person gets. Fortunately, there are many ways for seniors to eat healthier without making drastic changes to their lifestyles.

Don’t Forget Fluids

Be it seniors, young adults or even kids, water is an essential part of a healthy diet. For years, the medical profession has said eight cups per day is what the average adult needs to keep his or her body working properly. Eight

cups per day should help avoid dehydration, the side effects of which include dry skin, elevated heart rate, lack of energy, and weakness.

One area seniors should be extra careful regards their caffeine intake. Caffeine can make the body lose water, so seniors who still enjoy caffeinated coffee or the occasional soda should be aware that it might be costing them in other areas.

Change Your Shopping Habits

How a person shops for food can have a big impact on how healthy that person eats. For instance, don’t shop when you are hungry.

Doing so often leads to buying more food than you need and even buying certain foods you otherwise would not eat.

Seniors typically must live on a budget.

While this can make it difficult to eat healthy, it’s not impossible. Comparison shopping is one way to save money and eat healthy at the same time. Check labels for generic store brands to see if there’s any difference in nutritional value. Oftentimes there is no difference,

Have some

Please see DIET, page 13

METRO SERVICES

Seniors hoping to eat healthier can alter their dietary habits in a number of ways.

free time in your day?

Volunteering your time could be just what you are looking for and a very rewarding way to give of your time and talent. At Southside Regional Medical Center we have fl flexible exible opportunities for both men and women to help our patients, families and visitors. Whether it is answering the phone, greeting people at our Welcome Center, delivering mail or running errands within the hospital, we invite you to consider volunteering with us.Call us.

804.765.5786 to learn more.

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volunteer

When the empty nest becomes full again METRO SERVICES

Soaring unemployment numbers, rising prices on necessities and stricter rules regarding qualifying for a home mortgage have become the norm. As a side-effect, many adult children are finding difficulty making ends meet. The solution for many is to ask Mom or Dad if they can move back home.

Young adults and even established families are finding that the economic crunch is taking its toll on their ability to make it on their own.

The scarcity of jobs and high foreclosure rates is leading a number of adult-age children to solicit their parents for a place to stay. While the situation is often billed to be temporary, the economic downturn might linger longer than expected.

Recent census figures indi-

Joseph Concodora, MD

Michael Franks, MD

cate that more than 80 million parents who generally would be empty nesters actually have at least one grown child living at home. Whether this is a result of the economic downturn, adult children caring for aging parents or another financial situation, the rates are growing. What’s happening is that individuals who grew accustomed to their independent lifestyles are forced once again to make compromises living under the same roof. The results can be tenuous. However, there are steps to take to help the situation work.

• There has to be a legitimate need for children to move back home. It can’t simply be a whim or lack of ambition.

• Parents should see a real need to help their child or children.

• The situation should be presented as a temporary one, with a firm deadline. Children are expected to find new living arrangements as soon as possible.

• The children contribute to the household in a tangible method. This can involve financial contributions, housework, caring for parents or a combination of factors.

• It is important for the child to have a good relationship with Mom. Studies indicate that a happier household is indicative of mother and child cohabitating well. The relationship with the father isn’t as important, behavior experts say.

• The parents’ relationship should be strong and established. Newlyweds welcoming an adult child (who will be a stepchild to one parent) could face tension.

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• Set ground rules for the house. Remember, the child is living under his or her parents’ roof. Parents’ rules apply.

• Give each other the space needed. Three or more adults living in a space can eat away at nerves, especially if everyone has their idea of how things should be done. Respect others’ privacy and spend time alone when possible.

• Parents should not feel obligated to care for their adult children’s kids if they are moving in as well. Don’t take over responsibility or diminish your child’s authority over his or her own progeny.

• Do not sacrifice your own financial future to help your METRO SERVICES children. Decide how much you want and can afford to Many empty nesters are finding their adult children need to move back home for one reason or another. help.

Eugene Kramolowsky, MD

Mark Monahan, MD

Colonial Heights 436 Clairmont Court, Suite 108 (804) 524-8959

Appointments may be requested online at www.uro.com or by calling 804-288-0339

Kent Rollins, MD

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Medical travel tips for senior citizens

METRO SERVICES past conditions and medications can help sk anyone what they envision doing the physician who will be treating you better most in their retirement, and chances understand you and your medical history. are travel will be at the top of their Be sure to inform any traveling companions list. For those who have already retired, trav- about this list, and keep it on you at all times eling is a luxury many no doubt look for- when traveling.

• Figure out time zones and a medication ward to.

Seniors about to take to the road, however, schedule ahead of time. When traveling to different time zones, it can be difshould consider the folficult to adhere to a medication lowing tips before schedule. Before leaving, work heading off to parts out a new schedule that takes unknown. into account the different time • Pack medications zones you will be visiting during in your carry-on. Preyour travels. scription medications • Be sure your vaccinations are should be packed in up to date. Certain countries your carry-on whenevmandate your vaccinations are er traveling to prevent up to date before you can enter losing vital medicathe country, and some require t i o n s s h o u l d yo u r vaccinations be administered as checked bags be lost early as 6 weeks before your during your travels. visit. Be sure all vaccinations • Consult with your are updated in adherence to the physician and create a guidelines of any country you list of past and current conditions and Seniors readying themselves for will be visiting.

• Remain hydrated. Planes any medications. In vacation should take steps to the unfortunate event ensure their prescriptions and often have dry air, which can you lose any of your additional medical services are cause dehydration and muscle medication or fall ill available wherever it is they are aches. So be sure to drink plenty of water to guard against during your travels, a going. dehydration. list of all current and

A

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BRIEFLY ‘Take a Cruise’ dance for older adults CHESTERFIELD — Adults aged 55 and older are invited to attend the “Take a Cruise” semiformal dance, Friday, April 23, from 7-10 p.m., at Thomas Dale High School, 3626 W. Hundred Road, Chester. Music will be provided by The Lyrics.

This dance is being sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation, Chesterfield County Public Schools, and the Office of the Senior Advocate. The dance is free, and prere gistration is required. For more information, or to register, call 804751-4135. Registration deadline is April 16.

Alzheimer’s Association upcoming programs COLONIAL HEIGHTS – The Alzheimer’s Association will offer the following programs to the general public in April. Advance registration is required. Call 804-526-2359 or email judy.tyree@alz.org.

• Lunch & Learn Series – “Dementia: What is it?” will be presented from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 8 at Dunlop House Assisted Living and Specialized Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, 235 Dunlop Farms Blvd. This program is free and lunch is provided.

• “Putting the Puzzle Together (Part 2) — Care Issues” will be presented from 2-5 p.m. April 20 at Colonial Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, 831 Ellerslie Ave. Light refreshments will be available. The cost is $20 per person for the series.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the first and largest voluntary health organiza-

tion dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s. For more than 25 years, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter has served those in the community who face the day-to-day struggles of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The chapter provides five core services: information and referral, support groups, educational programs, care consultation, and the National Safe Return Program.

Alzheimer’s Association support groups The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors the following support groups in the TriCities area: • April 6, 3 p.m., River View on the Appomattox Nursing Home (conference room), 201 Eppes St., Hopewell.

• April 22, 11:30 a.m., Greenfield Reflections of Petersburg, 550 Flank Road, Petersburg. Lunch will be provided if you call 526-2359 to RSVP. • April 28, 6 p.m., Dunlop House Assisted Living and Specialized Alzheimer’s Care, 235 Dunlop Farms Blvd., Colonial Heights.

Home safety seminar CHESTERFIELD — Chesterfield TRIAD will offer a free safety seminar on Monday, April 12, from 10:30 a.m.12:15 p.m., at Chesterfield Heights Retirement Living, 901 Madrona St., Midlothian.

The purpose of the seminar will be to educate older adults about safety in their homes and will include tips on safe cooking, candle and fireplace burning, and the prevention of falls. The seminar is open to the community.

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BRIEFLY Continued from Page 10

County’s EMS Passport program — a subscription service that may help some people defray out-ofpocket expenses associated with ambulance transportation — and other programs of interest to older adults. Chesterfield Heights will provide free lunch at 12:30 p.m.

Registration is required by April 8. Call 804-768-7878 to sign up.

For more information about Chesterfield TRIAD, call Sgt. Lawrence Taylor with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office at 717-6266.

TRIAD is a statewide network of public-safety and older-adult organizations that works to enhance the quality of life for and reduce crime against senior citizens.

Country dances

Boydton Plank Road. Music is always provided by The Antiques.

This is an alcohol- and smokefree event. Concessions are available.

Grandparent Connection CHESTERFIELD — The Grandparent Connection group, a support group for grandparents raising their grandchildren, meets from 4:15-5:45 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in the Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Building, 7000 Lucy Corr Blvd.

Free childcare is provided on site during the meeting and refreshments are served. For more information or to reserve a place, call (804) 768-7878.

Arthritis Foundation exercise classes

DINWIDDIE — The Dinwiddie Diamonds sponsor a monthly counPETERSBURG — The Appomattry dance from 8 to 11 p.m. the tox Area Health & Wellness Center, fourth Friday of each month at the 321-C Poplar Drive, hosts Arthritis Eastside Enhancement Center, 7301 Foundation exercise classes from

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10:30 to 11:30 every Tuesday and Thursday. The classes are led by an Arthritis Foundation exercise instructor. This program is free and is held at the Appomattox Area Health & Wellness Center, located between the Children’s Hospital Treatment Center and Poplar Springs Hospital. Programs are open to citizens in the Tri-City and surrounding areas.

Pre-registration is not required.

For more information, call (804) 279-9516.

Recreation programs CHESTERFIELD — The Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of recreation opportunities for adults age 50 and older at Huguenot Road Baptist Church, 10525 W. Huguenot Road.

Activities include g ames, healthy-aging programs, fitness classes, entertainment and more.

Programs run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday.

Tabletop and card games include pinochle, canasta, bridge and dominoes.

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Sunshine meetings CHESTER — The Chester Village Sunshine Club meets at 9:30 a.m. every Thursday at Chester Village Clubhouse, 11701 Chester Village Drive. This club is for seniors 62 and older. Coffee and refreshments are provided.

Need help with taxes?

Community organizations partner with the IRS. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs assist individuals 60 and over with their 2009 income tax return preparation and electronic filing. Many of these sites have Saturday hours Tips for living with while others offer assistance at various times during the week. To osteoarthritis locate the partner sites in your Today, more than 10 million area, call 1-800-906-9887.

Americans suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, making it the most Benefits of common form of arthritis in the volunteering U.S. What are frequent causes of this type of arthritis, and what can CHESTERFIELD — On April 20, you do to protect your knees, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Chesterreduce the symptoms, and support field County’s Senior Advocate will your doctor’s treatment? talk about the joys and benefits of With advice from some of the volunteering and let you know world’s leading knee specialists, many of the volunteer opportunithe American Arthritis Society has ties available in the county. compiled useful and practical tips Refreshments will be served and for self-care. registration is not required. This These and many more sugges- program is recommended for tions regarding osteoarthritis can adults aged 55 and older.

For more information, please be viewed online at: www.americacall (804) 717-6381. narthritis.org.

Making your home senior-friendly STATEPOINT

With more older Americans remaining in their homes as they age, it’s important for their houses to be equipped to deal with their changing needs.

The number of Americans age 65 and over will reach more than 70 million within the next 20 years, with almost all Baby Boomers (90 percent) hoping to live in their current home for as long as possible, according to statistics from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and AARP. “With Boomers leading this trend of ‘aging in place,’ they are realizing home modifications are essential to maintain independence

as they age,” says Eric McRoberts, incoming chair of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Committee on Design for Aging.

The AIA recommends Boomers make their homes and communities safe and navigable -- despite age or physical ability -- by following four steps:

Clear Your Paths

Remove clutter that can obstruct your home’s pathways, such as plants, magazine racks and small home accessories. If one of the home’s residents uses a walker or wheelchair, allow at least 36 inches between objects. Make sure to have lots of light to ease strain on older eyes and install wall switches at all room entry

points.

Adopt Universal Design Small adjustments and basic retrofits can transform first or ground floors into everything a person needs -- namely, a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Universally designed rooms feature elements such as dropped countertops, grab bars, level door handles, step-less entryways, wide hallways and curbless showers for safety and accessibility.

In multi-level homes, upstairs rooms are often converted into guest bedrooms or hobby areas that are seldom used. Using this rightsizing concept, McRoberts says, “An architect can help homeowners craft their physical environment so it’s

increasingly friendly to them as they age.”

Get Eco-Friendly

Seniors also are encouraged to make eco-friendly adjustments to help lower energy costs.

“Boomers are an especially astute group when it comes to green building design and sustainability,” says McRoberts. “Many make environmentally friendly purchases not just to save money, but because they see it as the right thing to do.”

Some small changes with big impact include substituting traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, replacing old appliances with Energy-Star certified appliances and mak-

Recovery: With help from family, friends and faith

Continued from page 4 The conditions led to weeks of rehabilitation; she lived for a time with a daughter.

Jump to her returning home. With the new life, she stepped up her activities: working as a chaplain; increasing support and visits to single mothers in Guatemala and Mexico. She also went to Mississippi to help people there deal with poverty and abandonment.

She continued training and fostering long-haired Chihuahuas.

In 2003, she was watching a movie, “Sled Dogs,” with Cuba Gooding Jr. The film reawakened a dream from her childhood in Minnesota. She booked a six-day dogsled trip across norther n Alaska known for its minus-60-degree wind chills, and desolation.

She still finds it amazing, even prophetic, that on Jan. 9, 2004, five years to the day of her stroke, she was on a fro-

zen Bering Sea approaching the end of her trip _ on St. Michael’s Island.

In 2006 she had another challenge; her heart began to fail. Doctors used a new form of surgery to fix it. After more weeks of rehabilitation she accelerated back to full speed _ until her knees began to fail, the result of a 30-year-old injury.

Two surgeries months apart replaced both her knees in time for her to tap dance in the St. Louis Senior Olympics.

“God is going to see me through no matter what else happens,” she said. “Just the fact that I’m going to continue trying until I can’t do it anymore.

“I don’t do it alone. I get by with a little help from my family and friends and a lot of help from my God who either clears the way for me or gives me the strength to trudge through it.”

ing sure renovations involve environmentally friendly materials, such as bamboo flooring or VOC-free paint.

Good landscaping can create natural shading for the home, while tightly insulating doors and windows can significantly cut energy waste. A simple consultation with a professional can uncover additional ways to turn short-term investments into long-term savings.

to their houses as well as their communities. The concept of livable communities -- areas containing cultural, civic and sporting activities connected by public transportation -- is expected to gain momentum.

Boomers who lobby local leaders today for community friendly public bus systems, accessible parks and pedestrian friendly walkways will help themselves and others in the future. “If Baby Boomers make seniorfocused programs and initiatives a priority now, it will be a win-win, not just for their golden years, but for the entire community,” says McRoberts.

Prepare Your Community

The record number of Americans expected to retire in the coming years, combined with their desire to stay in their homes, will result in sweeping changes

“Women of God: Walking In Faith” TBC Women’s Day Conference

son & Sons d o D L J. Rev. Jeffery L. Dodson, Sr. J.L. Dodson & Sons Funeral Establishment

219 N. County Drive, Waverly, VA 23890 • In home funeral arrangements • Pre-need funeral funding.

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www.jldodsonandsons.com Serving the Tri-Cities, Sussex, Waverly, Wakefield, Surry, Ivor, Smithfield, Prince George, Hopewell, Charles City

Come and Celebrate Women’s Day 2010 Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2 at

Tabernacle Baptist Church Beginning at 8:00 a.m. ($60 Registration fee due by April 15th) Prayer Breakfast Speaker: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin, Pastor, Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church, Petersburg, VA Workshop Leaders: Rev. Jennell Whitfield Riddick, First Lady, First Baptist Church, Franklin, VA Rev. Dr. Antrynette Walker-Hall, Interim First Lady, Union Baptist Church, Hopewell, VA Rev. Angel E. White, Associate Minister, Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA Luncheon: Bettie P. Lanier Banquet Room Sunday Morning Worship: Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Presiding Prelate Thirteenth District African Methodist Episcopal Church For more information or registration forms, call the church office at (804) 733-6541 or log on to www.tbcptg.org

Tabernacle Baptist Church 418 Halifax Street Petersburg, VA 23803

Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor

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Golden years are turning into green years METRO SERVICES

The adage, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is apparently a misconception.

When you consider how many people of the senior demographic are continually trying new things, such as making green changes to their lifestyle, it would seem that change is possible no matter a person’s age.

The green movement in the media tends to be skewed toward the younger demographic.

However, plenty of older indiMETRO SERVICES viduals are makA growing number of seniors ing are interested in ways to go strides to green. adopt earthfriendly changes and spread the word about helping the environment. Seniors comprise a considerable chunk of the population. For instance, nearly 13 percent of the United States. is over the age of 65. Also, with high numbers of seniors retired or working minimal hours, they are a demographic that has a lot of time to devote to going green.

Seniors are not new to the issues of going green. Many grew up during the Great Depression, when recycling and reusing were par for the course. However, doing so back then was a necessity rather than a widespread social movement. Seniors are also less reticent to go without modern conveniences that may do more to hurt the planet than protect it. They are used to walking or bicycling to get around. And the concept of hopping on a train or bus instead of driving individual cars is something many embrace.

Retailers, housing developers and other business-minded individuals are finding that it pays to target the senior market in T12

terms of going green. This demographic that grew up on being frugal finds many benefits to incorporating green concepts into their lifestyle.

A popular housing builder and Harris Interactive polled Baby Boomers ages 45 to 62 in 2008 about their interest in the environment. Some findings include: • 94 percent of Boomers had taken steps in the last 6 months to go green.

• 79 percent wanted to do more to reduce their carbon footprint.

• 81 percent were concerned about what type of world they’re leaving for their grandchildren.

• 25 percent said that a green house is one of the smartest investments a person can make.

With that in mind, here are some ways seniors can make environmentally friendly changes around the house in an effort to both save money and help the planet.

• Look for a retirement community or assisted living facility that boasts green practices. It has become commonplace for these communities to use solar panels to harness energy and green building materials to compromise the majority of the structure.

• Beef up insulation and weather-stripping. Replace drafty windows and doors to save considerably on heating and cooling costs.

• Consider using low VOC paints and carpets made of organic materials. Fewer chemicals in the air make for a safer living environment and world.

• A high-efficiency dishwasher may use less water than washing dishes by hand.

Wait until the dishwasher is full before running a load.

• Now is the time to upgrade to energyefficient appliances to use less energy and save money in the long run.

• Go yard sale shopping. Furnish the home with items that may be someone else’s trash but your treasure. You will limit the number of things that end up in landfills.

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Job opportunities abound for seniors Diet: Eating smaller amounts A METRO SERIVCES

t one point in the 2008 Oscar-nominated film “Frost/Nixon,” former President Richard Nixon, played by Frank Langella, says, “Retired people are the most bored people in the world.” While some retirees might scoff at that remark, others no doubt agree there’s an element of truth to it.

Perhaps boredom is one reason many seniors continue to work past retirement age. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), 47 percent of male seniors and 34 percent of female seniors were employed in 2007. That those figures were from 2007 is significant, as it indicates this was before the economic downturn of 2008-09, a consequence of which was more seniors returning to the workforce.

For many seniors, though, working isn’t simply a means to earn money. In fact, seniors who continued working past the age of 70 earned an average of just $20,000 in 2007. Seniors also tend to work to have something to do. For seniors looking to do just that, there are a host of employment or even volunteer opportunities that can help seniors stay busy and possibly put a little extra money in their pockets.

• Local park service.

Many local park services hire seniors to help keep the parks clean. These are often seasonal opportunities, making them ideal for seniors who live in different cities depending on the seasons.

• Golf course. Golf courses are other seasonal businesses, at least in much of the country, that also boast lots of part-time opportunities for seniors. For exam-

ple, golf courses need rangers, who ensure all golfers play by the rules and respect the course, and even maintenance staff, who do everything from cut the grass to maintaining gardens. These can also pull double duty, providing seniors with daily exercise to help them stay healthy.

• Volunteer. Many programs that help indigent citizens get by every day welcome seniors as volunteers. Meal delivery services and other programs that cater to the sick are often in need of a helping hand.

• School systems. Local school districts also have volunteer opportunities that can be ideal for seniors.

Positions such as crossing guard or even helping out with the local athletic teams don’t require much of a commitment and can be METRO SERVICES rewarding and fun for seniors.

Seniors looking to work or volunteer should consider • C o n s u l t a n t wo rk . working at the local library.

Seniors who miss the thrill of business don’t have to give it up completely simply because they’re retired.

Many seniors earn a handsome amount of money by working as consultants, using their vast experience to help the next generation.

What’s more, consultants often work on their own schedule, an ideal situation for seniors with a passion for business but an equal passion for the positives of retirement.

• Library. Libraries might not be as popular as they once were, but many are still going strong, and some even use volunteers and part-time employees to keep their operations running smoothly. Many libraries prefer hiring seniors thanks to their reliability and good attitude.

Continued from page 6

and the generic brands are significantly cheaper.

When buying fr uit, buy fruit at various stages of ripeness. That way, yo u c a n e at o n e r i p e piece of fruit today and one that will be ripe tomorrow.

Don’t Forget Dairy

While many seniors struggle to digest dairy as they get older, there

are ways to still get the health benefits of dairy, including stronger bones, and not struggle with digestion. When eating dairy, eat smaller amounts more times per day. Also, eat dairy products with a meal and not alone. This can help ease digestion.

For cheese afficionados, eat aged cheeses like Swiss or cheddar instead of mild cheeses, which are more difficult to digest.

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Common discounts available to senior citizens METRO SERVICES

T

oday’s seniors might cringe at the escalating costs of necessities such as prescription medication and even higher utility bills, and understandably so.

However, savvy seniors can save by taking advantage of a host of discounts exclusive to the those over the age of 65.

• Travel perks. Many seniors love to travel, and can even do so at heavily discounted prices. Larger hotel chains often offer seniors discounts as high as 10 percent.

Unfortunately, many U.S. domestic airlines, facing higher fuel prices and dwindling business due the global economic downturn, ceased offering senior discounts in 2009. However, certain airlines, including Southwest Airlines, still offer discounted rates to seniors. These discounts can be as much as 10 percent. It’s also common for car rental agencies to offer senior discounts.

• Transportation. Many communities provide heavily discounted, if not free, rates to seniors for public transportation. Consult with your

METRO SERVICES

Restaurants are also known to offer senior discounts, and often these discounts extend beyond “early bird special” discounts of yesteryear. While early bird specials still exist, many chain restaurants offer discounted prices to seniors regardless of time of day.

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local government to determine if you qualify for senior discounts.

• Food. Grocery stores commonly offer discounts to older customers, and many times you don’t even need to be a senior citizen to qualify. In general, chains offer senior discounts, including special days for seniors to shop, to anyone over the age of 55.

Restaurants are also known to offer senior discounts, and often these discounts extend beyond “early bird special” discounts of yesteryear.

While early bird specials still exist, many chain restaurants offer discounted prices to seniors regardless of time of day. In many cases, these discounts aren’t listed on the menu, but it never hurts, and typically saves, to ask.

• Arts and culture. Seniors looking to spend a day or night on the town and take in some culture can typically do so at a discounted rate. Museums and National Parks typically offer discounted admission to seniors, as do movie theaters and even some concert halls.

Did you know?

The senior population is one of the fastest-growing demographics, thus making it a very influential one.

There are currently about 500 million people age 65 or older around the world. And many seniors are living longer than ever before. Statistics project that there will be 580,605 centenarians in the United States in 2040. Also, by 2050, seniors will make up 21 percent of the population.

While there is no singular reason for seniors living longer, advancements in medicine no doubt have played a

major role in the average life expectancy increasing over the last several years. According to a study from the American Cancer Society released in 2010, age-standardized cancer death rates have been decreasing since the early 1990s, a welcome development the study’s author feels is a direct result of reduct i o n s i n t o b a c c o u s e, increased cancer screening that help detect cancer earlier and improvements in treatment for specific cancers.

METRO SERVICES

Don’t succumb to stress after retirement by on less income can be stressful, as can health issues that might arise as we age. In fact, a person’s ability to relax after a stressful event actually becomes more difficult the older we get. Such a reality only underlines the importance of stress prevention for retirees, who can decrease their risk of stress or stress-related illness with some common preventive measures.

• Diet and exercise

While seniors might not be able to do all that they used to when it comes to exercise and athletics, daily exercise combined with a healthy diet can go a long way to preventing stress. When exercising, be careful not to over-exert yourself but be sure to include exercise as part of your daily routine. Exercise can include a daily walk out in the fresh air, or a trip to the gym for some light weightlifting and cardiovascular work.

Seniors should always consult a physician before beginning an exercise regimen.

With respect to diet, avoid sugar, fried foods and overconsumption of alcohol, as each of things can aggravate an existing condition, increasing the health-related stress many seniors feel as their immune system weakens and they become more susceptible to disease or additional ailments.

• Be sure to socialize

Stress doesn’t just come from work or a physical ailment, it can also be the result of a mental ailment, such as depression resulting from loneliness. Just like everyone else, seniors need to share their problems and concerns as well as their good times with others. Just because you’re retired from work does not mean you’re retired from life. Stay actively involved in your community, and be sure to maintain regular contact with friends and family members. Socialization comes in many different forms, and seniors should take advantage of community-based programs to connect with other seniors or even share their experience with younger generations whenever possible.

• Develop a daily routine

Part of the joy of retirement is having the freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want to do it. However, many retirees find that a daily routine helps them instill a sense of order in their lives and avoid stress. The daily routine can include a morning round of golf, a weekly lunch or dinner with the kids, or anything else that promotes a sense of purpose.

METRO SERVICES

METRO SERVICES

Perhaps no medical issue flys under the radar more than stress. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that one-third of Americans are living with extreme stress, while close to half of all survey respondents felt their stress levels are on the rise.

While stress is a problem many feel

stems from work, stress is not solely a byproduct of work, and those without work-related stress can still be overwhelmed by feelings of stress. Simply put, stress can affect everyone, even the nation’s retirees. While retirement is often seen as a chance to relax and enjoy the fruits of a life’s worth of labors, retirement can also be a stressful time for many people. Getting The Progress-Index, Petersburg, VA Sunday, March 28, 2010

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