Simply Seniors Spring 2024

S imply

Is it time to downsize?

OH MY!

How much can a farmer get in his glove box?

Allergies & Aging:

What Seniors Need To Know

HISTORY

The 1940's!

The History of Aprons PLUS:

Marlanea McGraw Owner/Publisher

Welcome back to the spring issue of Simply Seniors.

By the time you read this, winter will be a memory and frigid temperatures will be a thing of the past.

This issue will bring you some more delicious recipes, fun puzzles and lots of great articles and stories for your enjoyment.

As always, we ask that you help to support the local advertisers that you see throughout our magazine. When you shop at local businesses, you help your neighbors to succeed.

Sit back, put your feet up and take a little break from your day and enjoy this spring issue of Simply Seniors!

SENIORSS imply

Lori

Laura

Willie

Shar

Deb

Allergies & Aging

7 Tech Gadgets & Tools for Seniors

The Importance of Physical Wellness

The History of 'APRONS'

Lenawee Senior Centers

Meal Prepping for Older Adults

Recipes

Turmeric Chicken Soup Chickpea Salad

Strawberry Mousse

Puzzle Fun!

Sudoku - Extreme Sudoku - Hard Spring Word Search

In the 1940s...

Find this issues hidden object...

AAA Insurance - 12

Belson Asphalt - 15

Brown & Sons Roofing - 48

Cambrian Senior Living & Memory Care - 24

Cavonis - 24

Coldwell Banker Groves Real Estate James & Marlanea - 7

Copeland Furniture - 11

Drews Place - 43

Eagle Funeral Homes - 47

Edward Jones - 15

El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant - 25

Fackler Monument - 13

Farm Bureau McGraw Agency - 23

Green Energy LP - 24

Griffiths Mechanical - 22

Hillsdale Hospital - 2

Hospice of Hillsdale - 21

Hospice of Lenawee - 12

Karim HealthCare - 5

Lenawee Dept on Aging - 33

Lenawee Medical Care Facility - 21

Lorrie Miller, Attorney at Law - 11

Martin’s Home Center -24

Perennial Park - 15

Professional Hearing - 17

Ryan & Bradshaw - 17

State Farm - 17

Suburban Chevrolet - 24

Tecumseh Place - 11

The Sauk - 22

Veteran's Services - 12

Is it time to downsize?

By Melissa McCance

Marlanea McGraw and James Campbell have been local entrepreneurs for a number of years. Marlanea is the owner of McGraw Publishing which began producing locally-focused magazines at the end of 2010 and currently puts out six different publications. James boosted the local fitness scene when he opened PRIME Fitness Studio in October 2013. PRIME is a fully-equipped gym in the heart of Hillsdale that draws a wide variety of clientele and offers individual and small group training along with open gym memberships.

Partners in life for over a decade, James and Marlanea recently became partners in business when they entered the real estate world. After obtaining their real estate agent licenses, Marlanea and James joined the active team at Coldwell Banker Groves Real Estate in Hillsdale. Besides the usual services and information you expect from real estate agents, the pair wants to share some important information about a process that is in the minds of many seniors—downsizing.

Although many people may prefer to “age in place”

and stay in the home they’ve loved for years, others come to realize that their home no longer fits their needs. Some of the issues that make this evident are:

• Long driveways and walks (“I don’t care if we can’t leave the house, I am NOT shoveling all that again!”)

• Cabinets or storage areas that are difficult to access (“I wonder if the dog can tell me if those decorations are at the back of that closet.”)

• No longer wanting to deal with stairs (“OK, I forgot my shoes. Getting them means climbing the stairs. Again. Heck, maybe no one will notice I’m wearing slippers.”)

• Maintaining the yard has become too big a chore (“We’re trying the natural look—sort of a combination of prairie and rain forest.”)

• Bathtubs are hard to get in and out of (“What we need in this bathroom is a hoist!”)

For convenience, comfort, and safety, many seniors decide they want a one-level home with hallways wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, walk-

in showers with a bench, zero-step entries, and located not too far from medical facilities and family. Expense is also a consideration, as larger homes have higher utility and maintenance costs.

There’s also the social aspect. While there’s a lot to be said for spending time with people of many generations, there’s also a level of comfort and ease in being able to socialize with those who share your frame of reference, who loved the same music in high school and college, who lived through the same historic events, and remember the same old movies and television shows.

“If a neighborhood demographic is becoming younger and younger, remaining seniors may feel isolated and out of touch,” said Marlanea.

For those seeking social connections to peers, relocating to a senior living community can be the perfect answer. Not only do these facilities provide housing, but they also offer transportation, support, security, and activities. Many also have assisted-living apartments and skilled nursing units that are available to those who need to transition out of fully independent living.

When you’re no longer using all the rooms or features of your home, you could decide you’re no longer really wanting to heat, cool, and clean them, not to mention the higher property taxes and insurance you’re paying for a larger house. If you’re both retired, do you truly need a home office? Are you using that swimming pool enough to merit the work of maintaining it? What about that unused bay in your garage?

“What you no longer need can be great selling points if you list your home and downsize,” explains James. “The features and amenities that once made your home perfect for you can make it perfect for someone else.”

Grandchildren can be a powerful motivation to relocate, and that relocation almost always means downsizing as well. Even if seniors don’t actually move closer to adult children and grandchildren, they may downsize to a condo or senior living community to free themselves from home maintenance responsibilities. This allows greater freedom for traveling to see family or to explore the world, and proceeds from selling their previous, larger home can provide additional discretionary funds to enjoy their retirement.

Whatever your reason might be to downsize, work with a professional to make that change. The right time to do it is when it’s right for you. Don’t base this decision on what the housing market is doing, because if you sell before you’re emotionally ready to let go of your old home, you could end up regretting it.

James and Marlanea would love to help you make this transition by handling the sale of your current home and finding your new perfect place to live. You can reach them by phone or via email. Call or text Marlanea at 517-320-9235 or James at 517-817-6475. Their email address is dynamicduo@coldwellbanker.com and their website is dynamicduo.realestate.

The duo also hosts housewarming parties for their new homeowners so they can celebrate their new home with family and friends.

A Few Updates to Avoiding Probate In Michigan

Lorrie A.S. Miller Attorney at Law

Lorrie Miller Law, PLC 517.278.2505

lmiller@HillsdaleLaw.com

If you’ve met with your estate planning attorney in the past twenty-five years, you’ve likely learned that when you pass away, Michigan has provided a simple means to pass your vehicles on to your heirs without probate, in some cases. Well, finally, in 2024, this method has been updated.

In the 1990’s, Michigan enacted a simple procedure to pass, upon death, one’s vehicles to his heirs without going through probate, as long as there were no other assets requiring the opening of a probate estate (probate is needed only if there are enough assets in the name of the deceased alone which will require processing through the court to put a new owner’s name on them). With the frequent use of revocable and other trusts in those days, people frequently passed away with only their vehicles left in their name. Thus, all other assets passed through the trust or another means without probate. To make the transfer simple, if the deceased had $60,000 or less in total vehicles in his name alone, his heirs could complete paperwork at the Secretary of State, petitioning to transfer title of the vehicles to the decedent’s heirs. The heirs would be those stated in Michigan law if a person died without a will—the spouse,

children, grandchildren, etc.

This procedure has remained useful throughout the 21st century as many people have trusts to avoid probate or they use tools such as transfer on death accounts and ladybird deeds to convey the majority of their assets to another person without having to utilize probate. However, as inflation has occurred over the past 25 years, the amount of $60,000 has become smaller and smaller in comparison to the value of vehicles. While in the 1990’s, unless one had a collector’s car of some sort, most people owned well under $60,000 in total value of vehicles—even with several vehicles in the family. Today, however, one vehicle—even used—can exceed this value!

Recently, the legislature increased the amount of vehicle total value that can be passed to the heirs of the deceased outside of probate through the Secretary of State procedure. For 2024 and 2025, the total value must be $100,000 or less. This amount will change, beginning in 2026, increasing with the cost of living each year.

In the 2000’s, a similar bill was introduced and enacted regarding watercraft of a deceased person. The law was very

similar, providing, however, up to $100,000 in value of watercraft. This amount was, likewise, updated this month to permit the passing of watercraft up to $300,000 in value to heirs via the Secretary of State procedure if no estate is opened with the Court. This, too, will increase with the cost of living each year beginning in 2026.

These changes are good news for many of us in Michigan as we are able to avoid probate with the remainder of the estate, and these changes let

Attorney Lorrie Miller

the deceased pass all of his assets out of probate. Probate can be a costly, time-consuming and stressful procedure. Many clients come to me with a goal of avoiding probate if possible, and I find it a worthy estate-planning goal.

If you have not considered how you might avoid probate with your own estate plan, I’d encourage you to contact an estate planning attorney to help you make a plan to do so.

LOCAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS

LOCAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS

Call the Office of Veterans Affairs (517) 437-3630 to speak with someone concerning the services that are available to you as a veteran. We can assist veterans in filing for all Federal, State and County Veterans benefits. Each VA benefit has its own eligibility requirements.

Call the Office of Veterans Affairs (517) 437-3630 to speak with someone concerning the services that are available to you as a veteran. We can assist veterans in filing for all Federal, State and County Veterans benefits. Each VA benefit has its own eligibility requirements.

Transportation— Hillsdale County offers transportation to Ann Arbor Monday through Thursday by appointment only and for VA Clinic or hospital only. Call (517) 437-3630 for availability.

Transportation— Hillsdale County offers transportation to Ann Arbor Monday through Thursday by appointment only and for VA Clinic or hospital only. Call (517) 437-3630 for availability.

OTHER VETERANS SERVICES MAY INCLUDE:

Disability Compensation — You may be compensated if you are at least 10% disabled as a result of your military service.

OTHER VETERANS SERVICES MAY INCLUDE:

Disability Pension — You may be paid a pension if you are a wartime veteran with limited income and are no longer able to work or are age 65 or older.

Disability Compensation — You may be compensated if you are at least 10% disabled as a result of your military service.

Educational & Training Benefits — The VA pays benefits to eligible veterans, dependents, reservists and service members while they are in approved training programs.

Disability Pension — You may be paid a pension if you are a wartime veteran with limited income and are no longer able to work or are age 65 or older.

VETERANS TREATMENT COURT:

Educational & Training Benefits — The VA pays benefits to eligible veterans, dependents, reservists and service members while they are in approved training programs.

VETERANS TREATMENT COURT:

Home Loans — The VA offers a number of home loan services to eligible veterans, some military personnel and certain spouses. We can assist you in obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility. Burial Benefits — The VA offers certain benefits and services to honor our Nation’s deceased veterans.

Home Loans — The VA offers a number of home loan services to eligible veterans, some military personnel and certain spouses. We can assist you in obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility.

Burial Benefits — The VA offers certain benefits and services to honor our Nation’s deceased veterans.

Dependents’ & Survivors’ Benefits — Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is payable to survivors of services members who died on active duty, veterans who died from service-related disabilities, and certain veterans who were being paid 100% VA disability compensation at the time of death.

Health Care — VA Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPAVA) shares the cost of medical services for eligible dependents and survivors of certain veterans.

Dependents’ & Survivors’ Benefits — Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is payable to survivors of services members who died on active duty, veterans who died from service-related disabilities, and certain veterans who were being paid 100% VA disability compensation at the time of death.

Health Care — VA Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPAVA) shares the cost of medical services for eligible dependents and survivors of certain veterans.

COUNTY OF HILLSDALE VETERANS SERVICES

COUNTY OF HILLSDALE VETERANS SERVICES

Hillsdale County offers transportation to Ann Arbor Monday through Thursday by appointment only and for

e can assist veteran

Hillsdale County offers transportation to Ann Arbor Monday through Thursday by appointment only and for

Sierra

Remember Outhouses?

By: Deb Petticrew

I was thinking back the other day to when I was in about second grade and would be lucky enough to stay the night with my cousin Liz. Oh, the fun we had! No worries back then about getting hurt or taken. We'd walk down to the store in Weston and fill our bags with penny candy. Black Jacks, Pixie sticks, candy cigarettes....oh, so many choices!!

But my favorite memories of staying with Liz was the fact that they had an outhouse. We'd had one before we had moved, but I was pretty young at that time so I had no memories of it. Her family was in the process of building a new house at the time and they still used an outhouse.

I still remember how freezing cold those seats were in the winter. Traipsing through the snow wasn't anything we looked forward to and we'd put it off as long as we possibly could. My biggest fear was imagining what might be waiting for me in that dark, closed-in space. Snakes? Spiders? Mice? The list was endless!!

At night they had a chamber pot in the house that we could use. It wasn't very big and was pretty awkward to use, but came to good use in an emergency. And at least it was toasty warm in the house, so that was an added bonus.

I'd go home after church on Sunday and ask my mom and dad why we couldn't have a cool outhouse? Mom would shake her head (and probably roll her eyes) and say, "Because we have an indoor bathroom and they will soon, too. You don't have to worry about going outside because you have the convenience of being in the safety of your home, silly girl!"

And she was right, of course. Mom was always right. And now, there are just a few that are still standing, mostly for decoration now. But oh, when I catch a glimpse of one, I can't help but think of how I Iooked forward to visiting Liz and the joys of using their outhouse!

Branch Out

By Laura Loveberry Elementary School Assembly

Author/Speaker, Inspirational Speaker Women’s Retreats/ Conferences, Caricature Artist

Has someone pruned you? I got clopped.

It cut hard and deep, like chopping off an appendage. Grimace. Our regular readers know I am near the end of the writing process for several books. My novel took four years. Bringing my books to the finish line—a grateful, yet grueling task. Facing deadlines, setbacks, escalating anxiety, I jumped obstacles galore. I loved and hated moments. I smiled, twirling cartwheels, and sobbed uncontrollably. It’s a whirlwind.

Authoring compares to a tree whipping in a windstorm.

It’s thrilling and terrifying. Yeah, writing a book requires grit not to quit. I wrote, edited, rewrote, reworked, added illustrations, and proofed again . . .for countless days plopped in front of a computer screen. Finally, puffing our cheeks, my techy crew and I sent 7 books to the printers. Whoosh!

I threw both arms in the air, celebrating the journey . . . when an email jolted my premature rejoicing. What??? My eyes popped open in disbelief, reading the unexpected news. I needed to find a new printer for my women’s novel and two nonfiction books. We worked together

for months, but they had printer issues and dropped my books.

My patience toppled. I stumbled out for a nature stroll to reset. I gazed up into the blue sky. The sun shone brightly, but my shoulders drooped. My eyes spotted the rough edge of a massive branch that a chainsaw buzzed off at the trunk. But sprouting out from it—many new branches rising to the sky with green leaves.

I saw HOPE.

Those branches did not give in to despair. Nope. Fresh growth budded. My novel and nonfictions will encourage readers to laugh a little, love the sisterhood, and lift our lives. We all need more laughter, love, and lifting, right? Yeah, my tree object lesson inspired me to stay the course. I got chopped off but budded with new courage. Whew!

Perseverance led me to land a new printer with Our Daily Bread. The delay tested my resolve, but did not ruin it. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial,” (James 1:12a NIV).

Hopefully, my books will branch out into the hands of readers, after all.

how much can a farmer get in his glove box?

Oh My

WBy Shar Ann Packard

ell, it is that time of year, where “after taxes” we know where we stand on the farm. It is time to start replacing some worn out things here. First was a front-wheel assist tractor, well taken care of, and had been serviced regularly. I found one several miles away on a Marketplace site. He was thrilled when we went to look at it, did some wheeling and dealing, and bought it. We got it home, and it has been gone over again with a fine-tooth comb and is ready for planting season. We also replaced semi tires and trailer tires. He is happy…if the farmer is happy…we are all happy!

On the list was to get a used truck. After a long search, he found one that wasn’t a rust bucket, not a ton of miles, was 4-wheel-drive, a Ford… my request, and a four door. You have no idea how many we have gone to look at that stated, “In great condition…no rust and goes down the road as it should'', when we arrived the truck looked like it had been in a demo derby or hauled cattle inside the truck. Wasn’t running, BUT with a little tinkering here and there it would. One had a nice selection of pictures, even one that showed it running. It was not the truck we went to look at…but was told “OH YES it was…it was 5 years ago when they bought it.” I am telling you we have seen and heard it all on the search for a used farm pickup truck.

We are going to buy the truck this morning and the cleanup of the old truck started yesterday. We decided to trade it in, and not have to go through the process of selling the old gal ourselves. I am just not in the right frame of mind lately to deal with all the people (like us) who go looking for a used truck. Last time he was selling his old diesel, I had a guy argue with me for several minutes that this truck was not a diesel…he said it couldn't be. Had the wrong mufflers, didn't sound like one and didn’t “blow smoke”. I set him straight telling him we have had this truck for 6 years and never once put gas in it ....it is a diesel. We also had a family stop and ask if they could “borrow” the truck for the weekend to move their in-laws and “IF” they liked it after the weekend they would indeed buy it. They couldn’t understand why John said “NO” and then why he turned down the $50 they offered to “rent” it for the weekend. My craziest one was a man whose friend brought him to look at the truck…he told me neither he nor his friend had a license, but wanted to take the truck for a spin, he was told John would take him around the block in it…refused that but did say he wanted the truck ($10,000) and he could put $1,000 down, we sign it over to him…he drives it and he will make weekly $50.00 payments until it is paid off. UMMMM, that was a no also. So as you can tell my selling vehicle days are behind me. Not my thing!

Well, back to the cleaning out of the truck. John’s truck is clean, but he is a hoarder of sorts. He has more napkins and straws in this truck than I have ever seen in one place unless you are in a restaurant. If one spills a full size pop, he has enough napkins to clean that up and wet wipes to finish the job. If Mickey D’s forgets to give you an extra straw, no need to panic, as he has 30 extra ones “just in case”. The other thing is if you need a piece of paper or a pen…well you are in luck if you are with him, he has at least 20 pens, and little notebooks galore to accommodate your request. Everywhere he goes they hand out pens or those little notebooks with the businesses name on them. We have several rolls of paper towels as well; you just never know when 1 is not enough! I know there are at least 12 tarp straps, 3 different hitches, and tools for every job you can think of that you might need on the road…unless I am with him in the field, and I have to go back four times to the farm for a different size ratchet or socket. He has at least 3 years of proof of insurance and registration papers in the glove box, and again more pens (all the others were in the center console). He had the paper written with the grandkids name on it to put in the window when picking up the kids at school…we have not used them in years. Oh, the things you keep…and the things you don’t need. I have given up trying to convince him that NO ONE needs a 5-inch stack of napkins and 30 extra straws in their truck. I told him all he needs is maybe 10 napkins (I have around 5 in my car). No need to save them all. He was amazed after throwing several handfuls of them away that he had extra room in this new truck. I am sure after a few months of driving it, I will open up the center console to more napkins, pens and such than a person needs. I will smile, close the top, and just know if the dog or the grandkids get sick, he has us covered. No need for me to panic….we can supply the whole travel baseball team with napkins when the snack lady forgets hers. Oh, and 10 spoons…where does he get those? Maybe where he stops and gets ice cream? Who knows, but by golly we will never be in need…if we run out inside the house, I can always raid the glove box of the farm truck! OH MY John…OH MY!

Senior Moments

By Willie Smith

Senior Moments - we all have them, some of us more than others. Being a senior has some advantages, like wisdom and life experiences, but those extra discounts are the best! They can really add up. You know what I don’t like about being a senior? It’s the extra hair that comes with age. Not extra hair on me, mind you, it’s the extra hair on my husband. Oh! My!! Goodness!!! The eyebrows, the ears, the nose. It is so disgusting.

Why is extra hair growth part of aging I ask? What has that got to do with getting old? It’s said that as seniors age they become like children, but most children aren’t hairy. Most are lucky to have hair on their head and they certainly don’t have wild hairs growing every-which-a-way on their eyebrows, their ears and especially not in their nose.

My husband recently started having me cut his hair. He had a barber he really

liked, but when Roy retired my husband decided he’d buy a haircut kit and I could do it for him. It’s not that I mind so much, but he doesn’t pay me and I’m gonna tell you right up front, he is a lousy tipper! Anyhow, at first he wanted me to shave his head, but he got over that quickly enough; mainly because he did not look good with a shaved head, at all, in no way, shape or form. Nope, not good. I hope that point has been clarified. I then started cutting his hair close enough to his head so that he isn’t bald, but yet he doesn’t have to comb it either. I can actually look at him now without having to turn my head away to a) puke or b) laugh.

After the first couple of times I cut his hair I decided to take the eyebrows and ear hair under control too. The first time I tried to cut his eyebrows I got a little too close and he had uneven eyebrows (one shaved half off and one still bushyOops!) for quite some time. Thankfully he has glasses and can’t see a thing

without them so he couldn’t see that fiasco without his glasses and when he was wearing his glasses, they covered his eyebrows enough that he didn’t notice. Whew!! Disaster averted.

I soon got better at the eyebrows and ears, although I do get complaints that I’m hurting him while trimming the hairs inside his ears. Can I help it that his ear canals are tight quarters? And can you believe the man has hair growing on the earlobes as well? All I can say is if you’re a single senior male and you want to get back into the dating game, please see your barber for a full “cut” before you go on your date!

Now naturally a barber doesn’t do nose hair, at least not that I know of, but if you think for one moment that I’m going to dig in my husband’s nose, you are sadly mistaken as was he. I had boys and saw enough of that behavior to last me a lifetime. I don’t care if the man is on his deathbed, there is no way I’m gonna dig into that nose for any reason whatsoever, but I would pay somebody else to do it if I could find such a person.

So what’s the “moral” here? There isn’t one. I just thought I’d share my thoughts with you as I do periodically. Hope you don’t mind. As I always say, ya gotta love these senior moments!

Ya gotta love some of these Senior Moments.

Allergies And Aging:

WHAT SENIORS NEED TO KNOW

Allergies are a common ailment among the American population, and that's true for people of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the past 12 months alone, 19.2 million people have been diagnosed with hay fever. And the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that around 13% of adults in the United States suffer from sinusitis.

But if you've never had allergies before, can you develop them in later years? Find out more about allergies for those age 65 and older below.

Are You More at Risk for Allergies as You Age?

As with any medical topic, the answer is more complex than yes or no. Aging immune systems may struggle more to stave off mild allergic reactions to stimuli like pollen, and that can make older adults more susceptible to the symptoms of allergies. And constant exposure to certain

environmental factors through the years can lead to a growing intolerance that generates allergy symptoms.

But since your immune system is always evolving, the opposite can be true. As you age, you may find that allergies that plagued you when you were younger are no longer an issue.

Symptoms of Allergies for Seniors

The symptoms you might experience as an older adult with allergies are the same as people of any age might experience. Common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing

• A runny or stuffy nose that is not caused by another ailment

• Congestion in the sinus passages or ears

• Itching in the throat, sinus passages or ears not caused by other conditions

• Drainage in the sinuses or throat

• Eyes that water or itch

One of the biggest issues is that allergy symptoms can mimic the symptoms of other conditions — and vice versa. One physician notes that this can even be a risk factor for older adults, because physicians may misdiagnose allergies as something more severe or treat them as part of an existing condition, such as COPD.

Older adults or their caregivers can help reduce the risks of these types of issues by remaining aware of symptoms and issues. You know your body better than anyone else, and providing your doctor with as much information as possible can help them determine whether you might be dealing with a case of adult-onset allergies or something else.

If you have a chronic health condition, it may be helpful to keep a journal of symptoms. Simply record a few sentences about how you feel each day and list any symptoms you're feeling. Include any changes in your lifestyle for that day. For example, if you ate different food than normal, spent time decluttering a dusty attic or visited the local botanical gardens, you should record those events. That way, you and your doctor can see over time if symptoms are related to specific activities that might point to allergies.

A great benefit of making a home in an assisted living community is that you get access to staff that can help you track and monitor symptoms while managing chronic conditions. At Collinwood, our residents can also take advantage of housekeeping and other services that keep all areas clean, reducing exposure to allergens.

Common Treatments for Allergies to Consider

One of the first lines of defense against allergies is mitigating the presence of triggers. Keeping a clean home, using an air purifier and washing your hands regularly are all easy ways to do that. You can also eat well, get

ensure your body and immune system are as prepared as possible to fight off allergic reactions.

For many, though, it's impossible to 100% eradicate triggers. In those cases, you may want to explore common treatments for allergies with your physician. Antihistamines are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for allergies, but they aren't always the right option for older adults.

There are multiple classifications of antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines are the go-to for treating allergies because they tend to be the most powerful in minimizing symptoms. But they've also been shown to create anxiety, reduced mental alertness, confusion, blurred vision, constipation or urinary retention in older adults. Because of this, seniors may want to avoid these medications.

Second- and third-generation antihistamines tend to have lower risks for these types of side effects. If you're considering taking medication for allergies, talk to your doctor about what options might be right for you. You might also ask about options such as nasal sprays, and symptoms can often be reduced with over-the-counter nonmedication treatments such as neti pots.

Allergies are often seasonal, and you might experience more symptoms in certain seasons. Spring and fall are common allergy seasons, but depending on your triggers, you could have issues during summer or winter. If you think allergies are cropping up for you in later life, reach out to your health care professional to see what can be done to mitigate symptoms and make you more comfortable.

Smartphones, wearable activity trackers, doorbell cameras and virtual computing assistants like Siri and Alexa are ubiquitous these days, and for good reason. From barely noticeable voice-controlled consoles that can turn off the lights, to video doorbells that alert residents to activity on the front porch, our homes have a level of safety and convenience that previous generations would have never imagined.

Technology is particularly beneficial to the growing number of seniors opting to age in place. Generally defined as older adults remaining in their homes or a dwelling of their choice and living as independently as possible, aging in place puts a spotlight on gadgets and technologies that simplify daily activities, including things you might not have thought of. Consider these seven tech gadgets for your home, or as a gift to your aging parents or loved ones.

Automatic Jar and Can Openers

Regardless of your age or strength, jar and can tops are pesky. Over time, opening jars and using manual can openers becomes harder as we lose grip strength. Arthritis can also exacerbate these functions. Add an automatic can opener and jar opener tool to your kitchen accessories.

Robotic Vacuums

Whether vacuuming zaps your energy, or you just don’t want to do it (we wouldn’t blame you), you can check this cumbersome chore off your list with a robotic vacuum cleaner. Newer models are more advanced than ever, seamlessly moving from one surface to another, docking themselves and emptying the debris without human interference. Ranging from $100 to $1,000 and up, there are many options.

Toilet Lights

Yes, you read that correctly. Keeping your bathroom well-lit can reduce the risk of falls. While night lights and easily accessible lamps and light switches are the first solutions that come to mind, consider the extra step of installing lighting on your toilet.

Key Finders

Skip the frantic search next time you misplace your keys. There’s a better way. Small tiles can be placed on key rings to make locating items easy using Bluetooth technology. Products like the  app on your smartphone by showing the item’s location and/or playing a sound to make it easier to locate. The key finders are easy to set up and come with simple instructions.

If you prefer, there are finders like this one made SIMJAR that are controlled by remote controls instead of apps.

They’re not just for keys. You can attach these handy tiles to just about anything – bags, purses, remotes, headphone cases and more!

Automatic Pill Dispensers

Pill organizers make it easy to keep track of multiple medications, but they fall short in one key area – reminding you to take them. Enter the automatic pill dispenser. These gadgets can be filled up and programmed by you or a loved one by placing each day’s medications into compartments and setting timers to release the pills at certain times. When it’s time to take the medication, the device will set off an auditory alarm (in some cases a visual one, too) to indicate that it’s time to take the pill. The dispenser’s door-like compartment will open and dispense the pill. You no longer have to keep track of multiple bottles and dosages.

Features vary by model. Some can be paired using a smartphone app while others are programmed directly on the device. There’s also size, weight, type of screen display and other factors to consider.

Countertop Herb Gardens

For those who love to add flavor to their foods with fresh herbs, you can cut down on the more strenuous outdoor gardening. Countertop herb gardens make it easy to grow your favorite herbs within easy reach (and without all the kneeling and bending over). Products like the  & Grow Herb Garden energy efficient LED lights to help plants thrive. The product line offers more than 70 types of herbs, flowers, leafy greens and more.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are the simplest budgetfriendly way to automate nearly any plugin device or appliance. Just plug it in, pair with your smartphone and then plug in the device you want to control. Once the device is set up, it can be turned on and off remotely from your phone. Even better, smart plugs can be controlled through voice command using a smartphone or smart speaker, making it easy for older adults with limited mobility and poor vision to control commonly used devices throughout their home.

encompasshealth.com

The importance of physical wellness for seniors is something that cannot be overstated. Regular exercise is key to staying healthy and feeling happy. Senior living communities like McLean understand how vital physical wellness is to all aspects of healthy aging. Not only will it help build or maintain muscle and bone strength, but it can help keep your mind sharp too.

What is Physical Wellness?

To put it simply, physical wellness means taking care of your body and properly managing your physical health. If you want to truly enjoy your senior years participating in fun activities or chasing passions you may have been dreaming of and planning for most of your adult life, then you should do all you can to ensure you feel well.

There’s no denying it: Physical wellness changes as you age. There are, however, actions you can take today to help maintain or improve physical wellness for seniors, as well as prevent or slow down the onset of certain conditions and diseases. Studies have shown that exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, colon cancer and breast cancer. It also decreases the risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

Achieving physical wellness doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be as fun and easy as you’d like. Incorporating physical wellness into your everyday life can help you feel like a new person, bring back or retain your youthfulness and joy for life, and avoid many physical problems. Getting started is simple.

Start with these suggestions:

Exercise every day

The importance of physical wellness becomes clear when attempting to exercise every day. Maintaining the stamina needed to stay active on a regular basis becomes harder

with each passing year. That’s why even the little things can make a big difference. Light exercises that focus on aerobic activity, balance, flexibility, and muscle strength can provide countless benefits. You can start by following recommended exercise guidelines for seniors or listening to your body and try exercises that suit your own fitness level.

Rest and repeat

Getting enough sleep and rest is just as important to physical wellness for seniors as a healthy diet. In the same way your body needs to be active, it also needs to rest and recharge for the next day. A good night’s sleep goes a long way to help improve your energy levels and ensure you’re more physically active during your waking hours. A regular routine of seven to nine hours of sleep each night will also help prevent certain diseases and illnesses.

Eat healthy

Food is fuel, so make sure you’re feeding your body well. This also means drinking plenty of water every single day. With a well-balanced, nutritious diet, you’ll have more energy, you’ll feel better, and you may also prevent illness or disease.

Manage your medical conditions

It’s important to ensure that any medical ailments, conditions, or diseases you have are properly managed before starting a new physical wellness routine. Certain daily activities can help with a variety of conditions. Some physical wellness examples include particular exercises that help reduce both blood sugar and the need for insulin injections. Small dietary changes can also improve your metabolic rate, making weight loss more attainable and sustainable. Shedding some extra pounds is also a surefire way to alleviate stress on your bones and joints, especially for seniors who are experiencing back or knee pain.

In addition to these suggestions, it’s also important to regularly visit a trusted medical professional to ensure your physical wellness is maintained as you age. Similar to a visit to get your blood pressure and heart rate checked, it’s important to check your level of wellness. For these reasons and more, it’s vital to ask yourself as you age, “What is physical wellness, and am I achieving it?” A quick way to complete this important self-assessment is by answering questions like these:

Do I enjoy exercising with others?

Do I have a network of close friends and/or family who can do these activities with me?

Do I make time for exercise and activity?

Am I taking proper care of my physical well-being?

Do I eat healthy, nutritious food?

Am I open to trying new exercises like yoga or barre?

Do I exercise often enough?

Am I as healthy as other people my age?

If you answered “no” to any of the questions above, it may mean that’s an area where you could improve the state of your physical wellness.

If you do decide to embark on a new wellness journey, you’ll be excited to see some of the many benefits of regular exercise for seniors, including:

Muscle strength

Muscle fibers decrease with age, particularly those of the “fast twitch” (phasic) variety, which govern strength and speedy contraction. These changes may be related to the more sedentary lifestyle that many seniors fall into with age. Regular exercise, however, can reverse this and increase muscle mass, and it can do so in a relatively short period of time.

Bone density

Bone density begins to decline after age 40 and often accelerates once we hit 50. This means seniors are more prone to bone fractures. Exercise can reduce the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise, in particular, helps keep bones healthy and strong.

Heart and lung performance

Cardiorespiratory fitness takes longer to achieve in seniors than in young people, but the physical benefits are undeniable. Regardless of age, people are able to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness through regular exercise.

Joint relief

The joints of the body require regular movement to remain healthy. In particular, people with arthritis can benefit from aerobic and strengthening exercise programs.

Lower body fat levels

Carrying too much body fat can bring on a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Regular exercise burns fat, increases muscle mass and speeds up the metabolism. Together, these changes can help seniors maintain an appropriate weight for their height and build.

mcleancare.org

I don't think most kids today know what an apron is. The principle use of Mom's or Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons used less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids..

And when the weather was cold, she wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, she walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Mom's and Grandma's used to set hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron - but love.

We look at how to create a meal plan that is simple, nutritious and delicious for older adults, as well as other family members.

As we age, our dietary needs and preferences change, and this should be reflected in a balanced and nutritious diet. However, older adults may face challenges in meal preparation due to decreased mobility, cognitive impairment or lack of motivation to cook for one.

Prepping meals in advance can overcome these barriers and ensure that the elderly consume a wellbalanced, nutrient-dense diet.

What are the benefits of meal prepping for seniors?

Time and energy savings

Meal prepping involves preparing multiple portions of meals and snacks for seniors in advance. This trick reduces the time and effort required for daily cooking. It can be particularly beneficial for elderly people who may experience fatigue or have limited energy reserves.

Portion control and reduced food waste

By planning and portioning meals in advance, seniors can better control their portion sizes. Meal planning also reduces the risk of overeating or undereating. This method helps to minimize food waste, as ingredients are used more efficiently, and leftovers can be stored for later consumption.

Variety and balanced nutrition

Older adults can incorporate a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods into their diet. Meal preparation ensures they get adequate amounts of  beneficial compounds needed at their age. Well-planned meal prep can help seniors meet their daily nutritional requirements and maintain their overall health.

Convenience and independence

Pre-prepared meals and snacks provide seniors with easy access to various healthy food options, even when cooking from scratch may be challenging. Meal prepping promotes independence by enabling the elderly to maintain control over their dietary choices. This way, seniors may not need a helping hand with meal preparation.

How to start prepping senior-friendly meals

1. Assess dietary needs and preferences

Before starting a meal prep routine, consider the elderly’s specific dietary requirements and preferences. Take into account any medical conditions that may influence seniors' nutritional needs. Consult with a reliable healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to get professional help in developing an appropriate meal plan.

2. Plan a weekly menu

To efficiently organize a senior-friendly meal prep, make up a weekly menu that incorporates a variety of nutrientdense foods. Consider including lean proteins, whole grains, a variety of fruits and veggies, and healthy fats in the menu planning process.

3. Follow grocery shopping tips

Make an extensive grocery list based on the weekly menu to ensure all necessary ingredients are available. Choose fresh, seasonal produce and consider purchasing precut or frozen vegetables and fruits to simplify meal prep. Always check expiration dates. Opt for portion-sized packages when possible to reduce waste.

4. Consider basic meal prep equipment and supplies

Having the right tools at hand can make prepping meals for seniors more efficient and enjoyable. Essential equipment may include airtight storage containers, a slow cooker, baking sheets, and basic cooking utensils. Labeling pre-prepared meals with the contents and putting dates can also be extremely helpful for the organization.

Simple and nutritious meal prep ideas for elderly people

Batch cooking and freezing main dishes

Prepare larger quantities of hearty stews, casseroles, or broth and portion them into individual servings that can be frozen for later use. This provides seniors with a variety of ready-to-heat meals that can be easily accessed.

Prepping ingredients for easy assembly

Cut and wash vegetables, cook grains in bulk, and prepare proteins like grilled chicken or baked fish in advance. This way, older people can quickly assemble meals by combining pre-prepped ingredients, which reduces the time and effort required for daily meal preparation.

Pre-prepared breakfasts

Prepare nutrient-dense breakfast options like overnight oats, egg bites, or breakfast burritos. Such options can be easily reheated or grabbed on the go. This ensures seniors start their day with a balanced meal that promotes sustained energy throughout the day.

Healthy snacks and mini-meals

In addition to main meals, prepare portion-controlled snacks like hummus with vegetable sticks, yogurt desserts, or whole-grain crackers with cheese. These options can help elderly people meet their nutritional needs. Mini snacks between main meals avoid long periods without eating, which can be detrimental to overall senior health.

Summary

Meal prepping is an invaluable tool for older adults to maintain a healthy, balanced diet while overcoming challenges associated with meal preparation. By planning meals in advance, elderly people can enjoy a variety of nutrient-rich foods, control portion sizes, and reduce food waste. Start small, gradually incorporate meal prepping into your routine, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals if needed. These tips will help you develop a seniorfriendly plan that meets their specific dietary needs.

taking.care

Sudoku EXTREME

Sudoku HARD

The 1940s...

In 1940 Hitler invades Norway, Denmark (April 9), the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg (May 10), and France (May 12). Churchill becomes Britain’s prime minister. U.S. trades 50 destroyers for leases on British bases in Western Hemisphere. Selective Service Act signed. The first official network television broadcast is put out by NBC.

On 1st jan1942, Declaration of United Nations signed in Washington. Nazi leaders attend Wannsee Conference to coordinate the “final solution to the Jewish question,” the systematic genocide of Jews known as the Holocaust. Women’s military services established. Enrico Fermi achieves nuclear chain reaction. More than 120,000 Japanese and persons of Japanese ancestry living in western U.S. moved to “relocation centers,” some for the duration of the war.

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 4, 1941, killing more than 2,300 Americans, U.S. isolationism came to an abrupt halt. A day later, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) guided the country into World War II. Unemployment virtually vanished as men were drafted and sent off to fight, and for the first time, women were thrust into the workforce.

The Nazis surrendered on May 8, 1945, ending the war in the West. Also in 1945, the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, forcing its surrender and ending the war in Asia. On Aug. 14, 1945, the U.S. celebrated “V-J Day,” or “Victory over Japan Day.” The end of the decade saw the formation of the United Nations and the “Baby Boom.” In non-war related events, FDR died (1945), the “Big Bang” Theory was formulated (1948) and the North Atlantic Trade Association (NATO) was established (1949).

The 1940 census indicated a United States population of 132,164,569. This represented an increase of 7.3% since 1930, the lowest rate of increase in the 20th century. The center of the United States population was geographically placed two miles southeast by east of Carlisle, Indiana.

December 2, 1942 – The first nuclear chain reaction is produced at the University of Chicago in the Manhattan Project, creating fission of the Uranium U-235, under the direction of physicists Arthur Compton and Enrico Fermi.

In 1941, land-lease passed, with the war going badly for the British, it was clear that Great Britain would require assistance from the United States. The British were running out of money to pay for the arms they were buying. President Roosevelt, therefore, went before the country in a “Fireside chat”, in which he called for America to become an “arsenal of democracy”

Roosevelt then introduced a bill to Congress on January 8, 1941, providing the President with the power to lend military equipment to countries that the President believed were in need. By the end of the war the United States had provided the following aid: the amount totaled: $48,601,365,000.

theamericanhistory.org