Senior Lifestyle

SENIOR

February 2019

A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • www.valcomnews.com

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Different generations can learn and benefit from one another In the not-so-distant past, extended families frequently lived in close proximity to one another. Such families shared meals and experiences and essentially grew up together. Nowadays, families separate for various reasons, such as job opportunities and cost of living concerns.

While there are advantages to spreading out, there are also some disadvantages, namely that grandparents and grandchildren may not see one another frequently enough. Even though people of different age groups may not entirely have the same interests, the interactions between generations can benefit both young people and their aging relatives.

Practicing interpersonal skills

Finding renewed vigor

Younger generations can impart knowledge of technological devices to older adults.

People with skills are usually happy to share their knowledge. Even if seniors aren’t ready to purchase tablets or smartphones, they may be excited to have their grandchildren teach them about the latest gadgets.

Senior living and active lifestyle communities provide invaluable care and amenities for seniors. While being around like-minded individuals can be handy, it’s also limiting. Seniors who continue to age in place in mixed-age communities can extract joy from watching youthful children and young adults growing up, playing and socializing.

Being around multiple generations also can spark interesting conversation, and all parties involved can learn something from one another.

Planning for the future

Younger generations may not understand the concept of “hard times” or “doing without” like a person who has lived through various ups and downs. Passing along advice about economic cycles, saving for the future and maintaining stability is one area of expertise at which many seniors excel.

All the technological savviness in the world cannot compensate for the power of strong interpersonal skills. Being able to address a group of people or speak one-on-one is essential in the workplace and in life. When younger generations speak to older adults, they may become stronger at verbal discourse and have greater perspective of different points of conversation.

Learning new technology

Providing sense of purpose

Both seniors and younger generations can realize a greater sense of purpose when interacting with one another. That person may be the reason the other one greets the day with a smile. Visits from grandchildren can reduce the liklihood of isolation and depression in older adults. And younger generations can discover the benefits of personal social interaction rather than communicating exclusively through social media apps.

Fostering intergenerational connections is a great way to broaden social circles, improve communication and learn new things.

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Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Ergonomic gardening techniques can make gardening less taxing Gardening is a popular activity that seems to be gaining even more supporters. Statistica reports that the number of people who gardened within the last 12 months in the United States rose from around 105 million in 2008 to 118 million in 2017.

Gardening can be relaxing yet physically demanding work. Gardeners who find themselves battling aches and pains after spending time in the garden may need to make a greater effort to reduce injuries and improve comfort when tilling, weeding or installing new landscape features.

Ergonomic gardening techniques and tools can help gardeners reduce their risk of injury and make gardening more comfortable.

Warm up

Just as novice athletes wouldn’t dive right into a strenuous workout at the gym, nor

should novice gardeners immediately pick up a shovel and jump into digging a hole for their new tree. Gardening requires bending, stooping, lifting, twisting, and other movements that work the entire body. Spending 10 or more minutes stretching, walking and doing a few back and arm rotations can limber the body up for the physical activity to come.

Use proper form

Think about the mechanics of lifting weights during a workout, as home and garden tasks may mimic movements made when exercising. The occupational therapists at Bend Spinal Care say that strain on the lower back can be reduced by positioning objects close to the body and its center of gravity when lifting them. Furthermore, people can contract their abdominal (core) muscles when lifting and bending to support the back. When lifting

heavy objects, power should be derived from the legs and buttocks rather than the back.

prevent shoulder strains; otherwise, perform tasks for no more than five minutes at a time.

Keeping work closer to the body will reduce the need for stooping, leaning or reaching, which should cut down on pulled muscles.

Long-handled tools can help minimize reaching. Use step ladders to reach high areas or get down on padded cushions to work closer to the ground. This alleviates strain to the neck from having to look up or down for extended periods of time. Raised garden beds can bring plants to a person’s level. The therapists at ProCare Physical Therapy say that working below shoulder level whenever possible can

Cushioned grips and grip handles can prevent wrist fatigue, as can hand tools that keep wrists straight to improve strength and reduce repetitive motion injuries. Long-handled tools and push mowers should be as tall as the person using them. Seek out tools that keep the body in natural positions to maximize efficiency.

Even though gardening is viewed as a relaxing pastime, the work involved can be taxing on the body. Ergonomic tools and proper form can keep injuries at bay.

Keep items close

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Ensures Quality of Life at the End of Life Many people shy away from the words hospice or “end of life care” and do not broach the topic. This subject is often only considered at the last minute when a decision is much needed, within a day, or at times, within a few hours. We at Absolute Compassion believe there is a better way.

Knowledge and education can give us peace of mind in moments when medical decisions have to be made for loved ones, friends and neighbors. Being familiar with what hospice and palliative services are, as well as understanding ones’ rights and options, can be of tremendous comfort to all involved in these stressful moments of decision making.

Patients with incurable medical conditions and less than six months of life expectancy can benefit from hospice and palliative care services provided by a compassionate team of health care professionals who support all areas of wellbeing: the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s care. Hospice and palliative care services focus on quality of life during that moment, managing pain and symptom relief rather than curative treatments.

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Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Memory care a component of assisted living Aging brings about many changes, including some that may compromise seniors’ ability to remain independent. In such instances, many families consider assisted living facilities for their aging relatives.

More than 835,000 Americans currently reside in assisted living communities, according to the National Center for Assisted Living.

While communities and homes provide various services, one service in particular may be needed for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias or memory problems. Memory care units are separate facilities that cater to people with dementia or other memory issues.

According to the senior residence referral and resource guide A Place for Mom, memory care is a distinct form of long-term skilled nursing. Also called special care units, memory care facilities provide 24-hour supervised care for individuals. This care is often carried out in a separate wing or floor of a residential facility or community.

Memory care facilities aim to provide a safe and secure environment for residents.

This means limiting entry or egress to other areas of the facility for those who may have trouble navigating and remembering where they started out. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that six in 10 people with dementia will wander and become disoriented. This

is dangerous for the individual and others.

Memory care units often have alarms and “wander guard” precautions in place to make sure residents cannot roam unsupervised and risk injury.

Another goal of memory care is to provide a stress-free, structured lifestyle that has set schedules and routines, states Brookdale Senior Living. This can help keep distress minimal and make for more comfortable and happy residents.

In addition, memory care units offer programs that help slow the progression of dementias and cultivate cognitive skills. Fitness exercises, games, specialty food programs, activities, and much more may be offered to make residents more comfortable. Memory care facilities include common spaces for socialization, meals and activities.

“Alzheimer’s patients must maintain their activity, walking, interacting with music, and art,” says Lory Bright-Long, MD, CMD, of the American Medical Directors Association. “We have to awaken the senses so that the memory can have a hook. This is accomplished in the memory care setting.”

It is important for those considering assisted living and nursing home facilities to inquire about specific memory care units if a loved one requires this environment. Start the search at APlaceForMom.com.

Adopting a dog or cat later in life Companion animals bring great joy to their owners. The unconditional love cats and dogs provide appeals to people of all ages. While many people associate pets with kids who can’t wait to welcome the first cat or dog into their homes, pets can benefit aging men and women as well.

It’s not uncommon for seniors to feel lonely or depressed when they retire, their children move away or they lose a spouse or close friend or friends. The American Humane Society states that studies show pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company and entertainment. Pets also provide much-needed mental stimulation, and many pet owners find their pets help them become more physically active as well.

Seniors who adopt pets may also feel a sense of purpose when helping animals who may not have anywhere to live. This is particularly true of older companion animals, which many young families are understandably hesitant to adopt. Mature pets might be an ideal fit for seniors. When seniors are looking to adopt a pet, there are various reasons why older pets

or particular animals might be the perfect fit for them.

• Adult pets may already be house trained, saving seniors the trouble and effort of training them.

• Seniors may find cats fit their lifestyles more than dogs, as cats are less active and do not need to be walked or played with as much as dogs. Cats also are small and easily maneuverable, meaning even seniors who have arthritis or other physical limitations can easily care for cats. Many cats are also content to spend long periods of time sleeping on their owners’ laps.

• Small dogs that can be active within the house might be a good idea as well, especially for seniors with mobility issues. They’re also easily transported to and from vet appointments.

It’s important that seniors carefully weigh the benefits of adopting a pet against any limitations they may have. Having a backup plan for care is advantageous as well. Seniors should not adopt a pet if they anticipate frequent travel or medical care that requires they be away from home for long periods of time.

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • February 2019 • Senior

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How seniors can simplify everyday tasks The ability to perform everyday tasks is something many people take for granted.

But as men and women approach or exceed retirement age, many may start to struggle with chores and tasks they have performed for decades.

Physical limitations are a common side effect of aging. But such limitations do not have to prove too big a hurdle for seniors to clear. In fact, there are many ways for seniors to simplify everyday tasks while maintaining their independence.

• Embrace technology. Even the proudest Luddites cannot deny technology’s potential to make seniors’ lives easier. Seemingly simple tasks like shopping for groceries and vacuuming a home can be difficult for seniors with dwindling or limited mobility. But seniors with Internet access in their homes can order their groceries online and then pick them up in-store or have them delivered, saving them the trouble of walking around the store. With regard to vacuuming, autonomous vacuum cleaners have removed the need to use traditional vacuum cleaners. Certain autonomous vacuums employ sensors to detect dirty spots on the floor, and these vacuums can even be programmed to clean the home while residents are out of the house.

• Upgrade bathrooms. Tasks associated with personal hygiene also tend to be taken for granted until they become difficult.

But a few simple bathroom alterations can

Aging men and women may find that technology helps them simplify their everyday lives.

help seniors safely navigate the bathrooms in their homes so they can maintain their personal hygiene without fear of injury.

Grab bars can be installed on shower walls so seniors can safely get in and out of their showers and bathtubs. Such bars are both effective and inexpensive, and some do not even require any drilling to install. Spe-

cialty grab bars, tub grips and tub transfer benches are just a few additional products that can make bathing easier for seniors who have lost or are starting to lose some of their physical strength.

• Get “smart” on the road. Seniors who are experiencing mild difficulty driving can make getting about town that much

easier by plugging their smartphones into their vehicles or making use of the various apps that have become standard in modern vehicles. For example, the maps app on a smartphone can be connected to a car and direct seniors to their destinations, saving them the trouble of remembering all the ins and outs of how to get a particular destination. Seniors also can employ apps to help them find their vehicles should they forget exactly where they parked in crowded parking lots. Such apps can increase seniors’ comfort levels on the road while helping them maintain their independence.

• Downsize. Whether downsizing to a smaller home or simply downsizing a lifestyle, seniors may find that living smaller is akin to living simpler. Empty nesters may find they no longer need several bedrooms in their homes, and moving into smaller homes can reduce their daily workloads while also clearing out clutter that can make performing everyday chores more difficult. Men and women accustomed to hustle and bustle may also find that cutting back on professional and/or personal commitments gives them more energy for everyday activities while enriching the commitments they continue to maintain.

Aging men and women can employ various strategies to simplify their lives and maintain their independence well into their golden years.

College advice from the ‘experts’ who’ve been there (MS) — Only 60 percent of college freshmen will graduate within 6 years according to the latest report from the National Center for Educational Statistics.

That’s pretty scary stuff for college-bound students and their tuition-paying parents — especially if loans are part of the financial formula.

Even for those students who make it to graduation, there may be some question as to whether they made the most of their time on campus.

As this Northern Michigan University senior reflects, “ There I was, about to graduate with some random degree and feeling like I’d wasted my parents money.”

And from a University of Florida senior: “ The problem with college is that you figure it out about the time you’re ready to graduate.”

Helping college students “figure it out” sooner rather than later is what the lat-

6

est edition of the awarding-winning “Been There, Should’ve Done That — 995+ Tips for Making the Most of College,” (Front Porch Press) continues to do. The 4th edition again draws from interviews with seasoned collegians across the U.S. According to author, Suzette Tyler, a former academic adviser at Michigan State University, “their ‘expert’ advice is refreshingly insightful and often more encompassing than might be found in an adviser’s office.”

“I could talk until I was blue in the face about things like time-management and self-discipline,” Tyler explains, “but when a fellow student says, ‘I got great grades and I never missed a party and here’s how to do it,’ it has far more impact.

Here are some tips from ‘the experts’: • “ The first few weeks are great. You’re meeting people, partying ... no tests, no papers. Then ...WHAM! Everything’s due

in the same week! If you weren’t hitting the books right along, you’ll spend the rest of the term digging yourself out!” - Senior, University of California, Santa Cruz • “Gather all the syllabi during the first week of classes and write down the due date for every single paper, project, test or whatever. You’ll see instantly which weeks are potential killers.” - Junior, Wake Forest • “Sitting in a classroom is the easiest part of college and it cuts study time in half. Why make it hard on yourself? GO!” - Senior, University of Iowa • “What separated me from the masses was ‘connecting’ with a faculty member.

I didn’t even know what the possibilities were until he laid out a ‘roadmap’ and showed me a few shortcuts to get there.

When my confidence was shaky, he reminded me that I could do it.” - Graduate, University of Michigan.

• “Pick the professor, not the time of day.”

- Junior, Duke University • “Get a job in the office of your major.

You’ll get to know everyone from the secretaries to the dean, all of whom can be very helpful. If any great opportunities come along, you’ll be the first to know.” Senior, Indiana University • “ There’s no reason to fail! There are people here to help and it’s free. Actually, you’ve paid for it so you might as well use it.” - Senior, Michigan State University “ The students who make the most of their college experience aren’t necessarily the smartest ones. It’s often the average kids who know how to utilize the system, connect with the professors, take advantage of extracurricular activities, and manage their time well who reap the rewards,” Tyler says. “Been There, Should’ve Done That” can help students get all they can out of the next four years.

Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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At Revere Court Memory Care we understand that dementia affects whole families.

Each person with memory loss, and his or her family, experience different challenges and needs, which vary at different times during their journey. Revere Court Memory Care is a state-of-the-art community providing quality of life to persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and to their family who care for them. We also understand the importance of education and support for those who have a loved one with memory loss, this is why we offer a full spectrum of workshops, seminars & support groups on a weekly and monthly basis. Please RSVP.

“Preparing For The Future: Your Records & Roles”

Thursday, February 28th from 5:30-7pm Luz Johnson, a Financial Planner with LPL Financial This workshop is designed to help you understand the need to centralize the important information you need for your family and or loved one.

Dinner Served-RSVP Required.

“Real Self Care for Caregivers”

6 month Workshop Series Beginning Tuesday, March 19th from 2-4pm Julie Interrante, MA-Engaging the Wisdom of your Soul Caring for someone you love is an opportunity for profound personal growth, self-care and compassion. It is a physical, emotional, energetic/spiritual and relational experience. Making decisions, learning the ropes and maintaining optimum health in the midst of ever-changing circumstances is challenging to everyone. You are not alone. Whether your family member is living with you, in skilled care or across the country, the caregiving experience is real. Real Life Caregiving is designed to meet once a month for five consecutive months to explore all facets of self-care while caring for someone you love. Each month we will explore a different topic that pertains to the ‘care and feeding’ of a caregiver.

Several topics will be covered each month with time to practice at home before returning the following month. Appetizers will be served, RSVP Required.

“The Many Faces of Dementia” Tuesday, March 5th from 2-3pm

Dr. Brittany Dugger, PhD, Assistant Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis Understanding aging and the neuropathy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies & frontotemporal dementia. Appetizers will be served, RSVP Required.

“Legacy Works:

The Ultimate in personal Organization” 6 month Workshop Series Beginning Thursday, March 28th from 5:30-6:30 Lisa Brys, professional organizer and owner of Time Works Professional Organizing If the average person were to become incapacitated or die tomorrow, would most family and friends know how to help carry on with the details of an interrupted life until recovery? Or, if necessary, would these same family and friends know how to implement any final wishes?

If these two questions make individuals even a little bit nervous about their own situation, then a Legacy Works is needed ... today. Appetizers will be served, RSVP Required.

Revere Court Memory Care offers a Day Club, Respite & Residential Care for those with a memory impairment, also offering Support Groups and Monthly Seminars for Caregivers and Loved ones.

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www.RevereCourt.com | 916-392-3510 7707 Rush River Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831

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Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

The health benefits of grandparent-grandchild relationships In the not-so-distant past, extended families were the norm, with multiple generations residing on the same street if not in the same house.

Today the family unit is largely an amalgam of different situations. The rise of two-income families has pressured parents into finding childcare situations. Quite often grandparents once again step in to offer guidance and support for youngsters. This can be a good thing for both the grandparents and the grandchildren.

Although a bevy of psychological research focuses on parent-child relationships, new evidence points to the benefits of the grandchildgrandparent relationship as well. Close relationships between these different demographics is often a sign of strong familial ties.

A study from researchers at Boston College discovered that emotionally close ties between grandparents and adult grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms in both groups.

Research at the University of Oxford among English children between the ages 11 and 16 found that close grandparent-grandchild relationships were associated with benefits including fewer emotional and behavioral problems and fewer difficulties with peers.

Adult and grandchildren alike benefit from relationships with their elders. Grandparents can provide a connection and exposure to different ideas while providing a link to family history and knowledge regarding traditions and customs not readily available elsewhere.

Nurturing grandparent-grandchild experiences may be easy for families where grandparents live in the same house or close by. For others, it may take some effort. The following are some ways to facilitate time spent together.

• Schedule regular family reunions or gettogethers. Host or plan multi-generation events that bring the family together and expose children to various members of their family.

• Promote one-on-one time. Have grandchildren spend time with grandparents in intimate settings. Alone time can be good for both and offers each undivided attention.

A meal at a restaurant or time spent doing a puzzle or craft can be interesting to both generations involved.

• Video chat when possible. If distance makes frequent visits challenging, use technology to bridge that gap. Send photos, letters and electronic communications. Tech-savvy grandparents can use Skype or Facetime to stay in touch and speak one-on-one with their grandchildren.

• Share skills with each other. Either generation can play teacher to the other. Grandparents may have certain skills, such as baking, sewing or wood crafts, they can impart that may not be readily taught today. Children can help grandparents navigate computers, video games or sports activities.

Grandchildren can help grandparents feel younger, and grandchildren can learn new experiences from their grandparents.

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The Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center (The Center) houses a wide range of educational, vocational, human service, and health programs—but the only one to truly include everyone from age 5 to age 90 is the AARP Experience Corps (EC).

The EC program is an intergenerational literacy support program that matches volunteers 50 and older with local K-3 students in small group tutoring sessions.

This program brings the community into the classroom to tackle a nationwide literacy epidemic.

Recent studies show that students who do not read at grade level by third grade are at a dramatic risk of school failure and unhealthy behavior in comparison to their peers who do read. The 2015 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores show that only 35% of students in the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) met or exceeded the English Language Art/Literacy Standard—and only 26% of SCUSD’s third graders met or exceeded that standard.

These numbers show the extent of this national crisis right here at home in Sacramento. The Center began the Experience Program in 2015 in SCUSD to bridge this very gap. Now in its third year, the Sacramento EC program has grown to include 60 volunteers regularly supporting 579 students at 12 schools in SCUSD. Over the past three years, the program has reached 1,463 students during both regular school day and afterschool programming.

Beyond simply providing schools and children with additional resources, however, the program also gives 50-plus adults the opportunity to contribute to

their community’s ability to thrive.

These volunteers not only support and mentor students to improve literacy skills with students—they also share their love of learning and their lifetime of experiences. Because the social-emotional learning (SEL) component is just as important as the literacy component of the EC program, the EC program welcomes volunteers from all walks of life.

EC Sacramento volunteers have expertise as teachers, counselors, scientists, nurses, surgeons, windsurfers, skiiers, HR experts, quilters, state workers, horseback riders, hikers—you name it, they’ve done it. EC Volunteers bring all this along with them as they serve not only as tutors but mentors to students in the program.

After just one year of the EC Program, 94% of teachers reported improved participation, motivation, concentration, or self-confidence in participating students. This reflects what studies show

about SEL in students: in addition to making healthier decisions about school participation and substance use, students who participate in academic programs with SEL components experience an 11% GPA increase and an 11% gain on standardized tests.

Currently, EC City of Sacramento has partnered with 12 schools in SCUSD: Bowling Green Chacon Language & Science Academy, Bowling Green McCoy Academy, Camellia Basic Elementary, Earl Warren Elementary, John Bidwell Elementary, Nicholas Elementary, William Land Elementary, Pacific Elementary, Golden Empire Elementary, Pony Express Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. K-8, and Tahoe Elementary.

“The kids we work with don’t always have as much of a chance,” says Eileen Marqueling-Feasel, now in her second year as an EC volunteer. “Helping them get that “click” is what makes all the

difference”. In South Sacramento, where she volunteers at Bowling Green McCoy Academy, 36.8% of families with children are living in poverty. Eileen not only tutors four groups of kindergarteners, but stays for two more hours each day to help out in the classroom.

By dedicating time to work with children and building a trusting relationship to help boost their confidence, volunteers help students improve their reading skills and social emotional learning competencies. Not only do students benefit from this relationship—volunteers do too. Research shows that volunteering provides people with physical and social activity and gives them a sense of purpose. 97% of EC tutors reported that the program increased their sense of purpose in life while 100% reported that participating in the EC program helped them stay physically and mentally active.

Those are some big numbers for just a few hours with a few students each week.

Beyond all the data, though, perhaps the EC program’s greatest strength is that it uses lifelong learners to inspire the love of learning in those just starting out.

Each new cohort of volunteers undergoes a cohesive, intensive training, and all volunteers have opportunities for ongoing professional development throughout the year.

Judy Wolcott, a veteran volunteer who has served at both Woodbine and Pony Express elementary, says her favorite part of volunteering is “knowing that there’s structure and support behind us.”

EC volunteers receive not only the daily reward of connecting with students, but also the ongoing support of other lifelong learners who are mobilizing to invest in these schools and students.

Learn more about the Experience Corps program by going to our webpage www.sccsc.org/experiencecorps If you want to become a volunteer in the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, email volunteers@sccsc.org or call (916) 442 4228 ext 121

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Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Seniors becoming more tech-savvy

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FREE Custom Panel or Chimney Sweep Technology is the future, and digital communication has opened many doors for people around the world. Although younger generations have grown up with technology at their fingers, Baby Boomers and older adults did not. But in spite of that, studies show that growing numbers of seniors are open to the idea of technology and even seeking ways to further their use and knowledge.

According to a 2014 study by Pew Research Center, 59 percent of seniors regularly use the internet — a 6 percent increase from the previous study conducted in 2012. Today, 67 percent of adults age 65 and older say they go online.

Pew also says that, although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, four in 10 seniors now own smartphones, which is more than double the amount that did in 2013. Seniors in Australia are especially tech savvy, as Deloitte’s mobile consumer survey found 78 percent of Australian seniors aged 65 to 75 own a smartphone, up from 69 percent in 2016.

While stereotypes have long painted seniors as technologically inept, seniors are actually more socially and digitally engaged than ever before. Seniors use technology in many different ways. Some use mobile apps to manage medications and doctor’s appointments and monitor their fitness regimens.

Some families employ 24/7 alert systems or smarthome technology to keep seniors comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible. Noninvasive, “smart” technology can analyze factors such as whether or not doors are left open, if there has been movement in a home, or whether appliances/lights are on or off. This represents a great way for families to stay informed and provide assistance even if they are not nearby.

SilverSurfers, a senior-based information website, says other tech that seniors are embracing includes online dating; audio and digital books; online shopping, which is especially valuable to seniors who have mobility issues; and social media, which can keep seniors connected to others and feeling less lonely.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco found 18 percent of American seniors live alone, and 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness can increase death risk. Social media and internet connectivity can be an important tool in helping seniors feel like active members of society.

Technology is no longer just for teenagers or active workers. Seniors are increasingly embracing technology and becoming a fastgrowing demographic for tech usage.

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County of Sacramento Department of Child, Family and Adult Services

Foster Grandparents When you share your love, time and experience, you have the power to help a child who needs you. Foster Grandparent volunteers serve in schools, day care centers and other youth facilities. Volunteers may assist children in several capacities: • Reading • Language • Math • Phonics • Mentoring • Nurturing • Social/Developmental skills • Being a role model Foster Grandparents give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future.

Foster Grandparents must be age 55 or older, serve a minimum of 15 hours per week and receive several benefits, such as: • Earn a non-taxable hourly stipend • Transportation or reimbursement • Free physical exam • Supplemental accident and liability coverage • Monthly training

Foster Grandparents 916-875-3569 www.fgpsacramento.org

RSVP

Senior Companions

You’ve gained a lifetime of experience. Now is the time to put your skills and talents to good use by volunteering through RSVP - Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

With your free membership to RSVP, you become a part of the largest volunteer network in America. RSVP membership totals nearly 500,000 volunteers, age 55 and over, who provide solutions to community issues.

With RSVP, you decide when and where you want to serve.

You determine the amount of time you want to give. You also choose whether you want to draw on your skills or develop new ones. In short, you find the opportunity that’s right for you. RSVP offers a full range of volunteer opportunities with thousands of local and national organizations.

For example, you may:

You know how much you value independence in your life.

Now you can help others stay independent, too.

Families in every community struggle to care for their loved ones. By becoming a companion to a frail person, you help that person stay in their own home.

You’ll join thousands of others to help control the rising costs of health care. Whether you’re giving families or other care givers much-needed time off, running errands or simply being a friend, you’ll make a difference that strengthens and helps preserve an individual’s independence. Activities with client may include:

• Assist veterans’ projects • Mentor or tutor children • Help seniors remain independent • Be a long-term care ombudsman • Deliver Meals on Wheels • Assist with law enforcement • Serve in thrift stores or food banks • And much, much more!

In addition, you’ll receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization that you serve, supplemental accident and liability insurance and assistance with transportation, if necessary.

RSVP 916-875-3631 | www.rsvpsacramento.org svs-rsvp@saccounty.net

• Escorting to appointments • Light housekeeping/gardening • Meal preparation • Grocery shopping/errands • Companionship • Peer counseling Senior Companions must be age 55 or older, serve a minimum of 15 hours per week and receive several benefits, such as: • Earn a non-taxable hourly stipend • Transportation reimbursement • Free physical exam • Supplemental accident and liability coverage • Monthly training

Senior Companions 916-875-3622 www.scpsacramento.org

Sacramento County- Department of Child, Family and Adult Services/Senior Volunteer Services P.O. Box 269131 Sacramento, California 95826 | www.cns.gov/programs

When is clumsiness a cause for concern?

Who hasn’t tripped over his own feet or knocked over a water glass on a table? No one is immune to the occasional clumsiness, but some people may grow concerned that their bouts of clumsiness are becoming more frequent.

For healthy people, bumping into a wall when misjudging a corner or dropping silverware on the floor is often a minor, isolated incident. Lack of concentration or multitasking often may be to blame. In 2007, Professor Charles Swanik and a research team at the University of Delaware studied athletes to discover why some seem to be more injury prone than others. Researchers found that clumsy athletes’ brains seemed to have “slowed processing speed,” which referred to how their brains understand new information and respond to it.

But clumsiness also can be a sign of a bigger issue at play, namely motor problems within the brain. According to Taylor Harrison, MD, clinical instructor in the neuromuscular division of Emory University, coordination of the body is complicated and tied to both motor and senory systems. That means the eyes,

brain, nerves, cerebellum, which specializes in coordination and balance, muscles, and bones must work together.

Clumsiness can result from stroke, seizure disorders, brain trauma or the presence of tumors, and other conditions. Healthline also says that clumsiness may be an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s. Parkinson’s affects the central nervous system and can impair motor skills.

Alzheimer’s slowly damages and kills brain cells and may cause issues with coordination. This may be the case with other dementias as well.

Clumsiness may sometimes result from a lack of sleep or overconsumption of alcohol. Arthritis also can lead to clumsiness when joint pain and restrictive movements make it challenging to get around.

Psychologists may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy or propose performing tasks with more mindfulness to reduce clumsiness. If that doesn’t work, men and women should visit their physicians, who can conduct tests to rule out certain things and provide peace of mind.

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Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

How puzzles promote health and wellness Puzzles are fun and entertaining, but their benefits go beyond simple recreation. In fact, playing and solving puzzles on a regular basis can benefit adults and children in various ways.

Puzzles often stimulate problem-solving centers in the brain and can improve brain health.

Researchers have found that, by completing crossword puzzles, playing challenging games or doing other puzzle-related activities, individuals may be less likely to develop brain plaques that have been tied to Alzheimer’s disease.

Data published in the Archives of Neurology found a distinct connection between people who exercised their minds with stimulating activities in their early and middle years and brain health. This group had less Beta-amyloid protein uptake in their brains, which is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s, than those who didn’t engage in puzzles during the same time frame.

Beyond their health benefits, puzzles offer some additional perks.

• Puzzles boost vocabulary. Puzzles such as crosswords or codewords/cryptograms introduce people to new words. This helps people expand their vocabulary and can help them improve their spelling.

• Puzzles teach patience. Puzzles can be challenging, and such challenges can promote patience in regard to approaching and realizing goals.

• Puzzles can reinforce lessons. Teaching through puzzle play is an effective way to tap into memory retention while making lessons fun.

• Puzzles may improve intelligence. Engaging in puzzles can force players to think and reason using general knowledge, memory, spatial imagery, and logic. These skills help to sharpen intellect over time. Researchers at the University of Michigan even found that adults could boost their IQs by four points after spending 25 minutes a day doing puzzles.

• Puzzles reinforce concentration. Concentration is required to find words hidden in a word search puzzle or to solve a brainteaser.

According to data on SelfGrowth.com, puzzles naturally induce a state of creative, focused meditation.

• Puzzles improve visual-spatial reasoning. When solving a jigsaw puzzle or working one’s way through a maze, players have to look at different shapes and figure out where they fit within the larger picture.

Better visual-spacial skills can help with packing, driving and using a map and can be valuable career tools in fields such as architecture.

Puzzles are a fun recreational activity that also can boost brain health.

Crossword and Sudoku solutions on page 16

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • February 2019 • Senior

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Volunteering as an older adult: How to find the right fit for your new lifestyle Many parents feel involving their children in volunteering at an early age can have a profound, long-lasting impact on their kids. But youngsters are not the only ones who can reap great rewards from volunteering, as studies show that men and women at, beyond or approaching retirement age also benefit greatly from volunteer work.

Research from the Corporation for National and Community Service found that more than 20 million older adults contributed in excess of three billion hours of community service time each year from 2011 to 2013. The reasons why older adults volunteer are varied, but in its 2014 survey the AARP’s Experience Corps found that 97 percent of its volunteers indicated that their volunteer work with the organization gave them a sense of purpose.

Older adults who want to volunteer but have little or no history with volunteering might not

know where to begin with regard to finding the right opportunity. The right fit can make all the difference for volunteers and the people they help, and the following tips might help older adults as they look for an opportunity that best utilizes their skills and experience.

• Know your schedule. Older adults who are still working but want to volunteer may have a firm grasp on their schedules, but even retirees should not overestimate how much time they have to volunteer. Before you begin to look for an opportunity, write down your commitments and daily schedule, using this list to determine how much free time you have to volunteer.

Some opportunities require greater time commitments than others, so make sure you know just how much time you can devote to an opportunity before signing up.

• Give due consideration to your experience.

Older adults who have retired or are on the

cusp of retirement have a lifetime of experience they can use to help others. Imparting wisdom learned in your professional life can provide a sense of purpose and even make you feel as though you are still actively involved in the industry where you built your professional reputation. But life experience can also prove invaluable in volunteering opportunities. Mentoring programs give volunteers the chance to help young people, and such opportunities can involve more than just offering professional advice.

• Don’t downplay the significance of certain opportunities. Volunteering opportunities come in many variations, and each is significant in its own right. Coaching a grandchild’s soccer team can have as significant an impact on the people you help as other volunteering opportunities. Volunteers offer their time because they have a pas-

sion to help others, and that help can be given in a myriad of ways.

• Leave time for the rest of your life. Volunteering is a selfless act, and volunteers are the backbone of many successful charitable organizations. But older men and women should leave time for the rest of their lives as well. Retirement should be fulfilling but also include time for recreation, so don’t downplay how important hobbies are to you in an attempt to find more time to volunteer. No retiree wants to grow resentful of his or her volunteer work because it leaves little time for other pursuits, so do your best to balance your charitable endeavors with the other things in life that matter to you.

Finding the right volunteer opportunity can make all the difference for older men and women who want to give back to their communities.

Seniors’ senses of smell and taste change with age Aging comes with several sensory changes, many of which people expect. Loss of hearing or diminishing vision are widely associated with aging. But one’s senses of smell and taste may diminish with aging as well.

The senses of taste and smell work in concert. The sense of smell is vital to personal health, not only because inhaling pleasant aromas can provide comfort and stress relief through aromatherapy and

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help trigger important memories, but also because smell enables a person to detect the dangers of smoke, gas, spoiled food, and more. The National Institute on Aging says that, as a person gets older, his or her sense of smell may fade, and that will also affect taste. The Mayo Clinic says some loss of taste and smell is natural and can begin as early as age 60.

Adults have about 9,000 taste buds sensing sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami

flavors, or those corresponding to the flavor of glutamates. Many tastes are linked to odors that begin at the nerve endings in the lining of the nose. Medline says the number of taste buds decreases as one ages, and that remaining taste buds may begin to shrink. Sensitivity to the five tastes also begins to decline. This can make it more difficult to distinguish between flavors.

Similarly, especially after age 70, smell can diminish due to a loss of nerve endings

and less mucus in the nose. With the combination of the reduction of these important sensory nerves in the nose and on the tongue, loss of smell and taste can greatly affect daily life.

Changes in these senses can contribute to feelings of depression, diminish one’s enjoyment of food and cause harmful conditions, such as extreme weight loss from disinterest in food to problems associated with overusing salt or sugar.

Although aging is often to blame, loss of smell and taste also may be tied to early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Cancer treatments, medications, lack of saliva, colds, flu, and other factors may contribute to sensory loss. Changing medications or treatments may help.

It’s important to bring up diminished flavors or smells with a doctor to rule out something more serious and to determine what might help restore pleasure from smells and flavors. An otolaryngologist, or a doctor who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose and throat, may be able to help fix the problem, though some people may be referred to a neurologist or another specialist.

Continuing to use one’s sense of smell and taste by cooking, gardening, trying new flavors, and experimenting with different aromas may help slow down the decline these senses. Although age-related loss of taste and smell cannot be reversed, some such cases may be treatable.

Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Dessert becomes heart-healthy During the month of February, when Americans and Canadians celebrate their respective National Heart Months, an emphasis is placed on being hearthealthy. But February is also the month to celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is known for its decadent desserts and indulgent meals, among other treats.

What is a person who wants to stay healthy but enjoy something special on Valentine’s Day to do?

Health-conscious people don’t need to sacrifice sweets this February. With a few substitute ingredients, even something as rich as chocolate pudding can be made healthier. Try this recipe for “Chocolate

Avocado-Chia Pudding” from the American Heart Association, which gets a healthy boost from creamy avocado and chia seeds.

Chocolate Avocado-Chia Pudding Makes 6 1⁄2-cup servings 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled & pitted 1⁄2 cup unsweetened almond milk 1⁄4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder 1⁄4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt 3 Medjool dates, pitted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons chia seeds 1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted chopped almonds or walnuts (optional) In a food processor or blender, process all the ingredients except the almonds until smooth.

Transfer the pudding to serving dishes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the chia seeds to thicken.

Just before serving, sprinkle with the almonds, if desired.

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Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

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Senior Lifestyle • February 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901