Marlanea McGraw Owner/Publisher
Here we are again for our summer issue in the middle of beautiful, long summer days. I hope you are enjoying all things summer including some of my favorites, farmers markets and fairs!
In this issue you will find out about Sandra Hepker of Professional Hearing Services, our cover, as well as legal advice on “staying home” from Lorrie Miller. We have some fun historical facts and simple & healthy breakfast, lunch & dinner recipes.
Thank you for continuing to read the magazine and for the feedback you give. You're why we do this! I know I say a lot about reading the ads and patronizing our advertisers, but that's because we quite literally couldn't continue to publish without their financial support.
Our small communities only thrive when everyone pulls together and utilizing local resources is a big part of that.
I'd like to invite you to share any story ideas that you think our readers would find helpful, informative or just plain fun to read. You can submit them to debbipetticrew@hotmail.com.
We hope you enjoy this issue and have a blessed summer!
Simply Seniors is published by and is the property of MCGRAW
For information on how to submit story ideas, concerns, or information on how to advertise, please contact Marlanea McGraw
517-320-9235 • sales@simplyhers.net www.simplyhers.net
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Dakota Harding
PHOTOGRAPHY
Synergy In Motion Studios
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Elyse Apel
Lori Miller
Laura Loveberry
Willie Smith
Shar Ann Smith
Deb Petticrew
Cover Feature
Sandra Hepker - Professional Hearing Services
Legal News Stay Home!
Summer Exercise Tips for Seniors
Fashion
Family Reunion By
Lenawee Senior Centers
Debbi PetticrewI Get To By
Laura LoveberryOh My! What the Heck Just Happened Here?
6 Cooking Tips & Tricks
Recipes
Breakfast Smoothie Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls Fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad
Puzzle Fun!
SmithSenior Moments By Willie
Best Vacation Destinations
Sudoku Crossword Word Search
In the 1960s... Find this
Without their continued commitment & support, this publication would not be possible.
AAA Insurance - 12
Belson Asphalt - 29
Brown & Sons Roofing - 48
Cambrian Senior Living & Memory Care - 28
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Estate James & Marlanea - 7
Copeland Furniture - 13
Drews Place - 43
Eagle Funeral Homes - 44
Edward Jones - 29
El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant - 29
Fackler Monument - 13
Farm Bureau McGraw Agency - 23
Green Energy LP - 28
Griffiths Mechanical - 22
Hillsdale Hospital - 2
Hospice of Hillsdale - 21
Hospice of Lenawee - 12
Karim HealthCare - 5
Knights in Shining Aprons - 13
Lenawee Dept on Aging - 33
Lenawee Medical Care Facility - 21
Lifeways - 44
Lorrie Miller, Attorney at Law - 11
Martin’s Home Center -28
Perennial Park - 44
Platinum Senior Solutions - 44
Ryan & Bradshaw - 17
Scotty's Body Shop - 28
Shoemaker Heating & Plumbing - 45
State Farm - 17
Suburban Chevrolet - 28
Tecumseh Place - 45
The Sauk - 22
Sandra Hepker has dedicated the last 36 years to improving the lives of those residing in the Hillsdale area by ensuring they have the best hearing possible.Sandra, owner and audiologist at Professional Hearing Services, said that hearing problems can affect people of any age. Thankfully, her office is able to assist patients with diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of issues.
“I have patients that I have helped their loved ones hear, so now their children and their grandchildren come in to see me,” she says. “I have patients who are over 100 years old, and then I have patients that may be three or six months old. So, there is a really wide range of ages that we test.”
Hearing loss can quickly lead to a deterioration in the quality of life, which Sandra explains is why it is so important to make sure you have the most up-to-date hearing solutions.
“Just in the last few years, our technology has gotten so much better. There’s the ability to have much clearer sounds and patients are able to more easily adjust to the hearing aids over time,” Sanda says. “They are more
comfortable, have Bluetooth technology and are battery rechargeable. There are just so many more features that make everyone’s lifestyle so much easier.”
Inspired by her father’s hearing issues, Sandra has been working as an audiologist for almost 42 years. After graduating from North Adams High School, Sandra received her B.A. and M.S. degrees from the University of Michigan. She first opened Professional Hearing Services after moving from Pennsylvania in 1988, where she lived for a brief time with her husband.
Sandra said one of the important values for her in her practice is ensuring that each patient is treated with dignity and that they feel confident in her care.
“I believe in the philosophy that people may not remember what you tell them, but they will remember how you made them feel. So, I’m really big on making a connection with my patients,” she says.
The pandemic led to a lot of challenges for her patients, Sandra explains.
“COVID was hard because people could not read lips because of masks, so I had a whole lot of people come
in thinking that they had communication problems because they couldn’t see people’s lips moving,” she says. “So many people don’t know how much visual cues help with communication.”
She adds that the role of hearing in overall health can not be underestimated.
“We are learning more about how hearing has a direct effect on the overall health and well-being of patients. Our statistics say that adults with hearing loss experience a 30 to 40% faster decline in cognitive abilities than peers with normal hearing,” Sandra says. “So, I try not to scare patients, but I tell them that it would not only really improve your life, but treatment would make them feel more connected to their loved ones. Hearing loss tends to isolate a person and they start to withdraw because they can’t communicate or they can’t be part of the conversation, which leads to depression and overall cognitive decline.”
According to Sandra, modern technology is helping to solve these problems and is getting more advanced every day.
“Hearing aids have become so much better than they used to be, even just a few years ago. Our new hearing aid technology processes 80 million personalized hearing adjustments every hour,” she says. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I used to
apologize to my patients a lot, saying that this is the best I can do. Now, I can do more.”
Sandra adds that she loves having new patients come in and being able to assist them with their hearing issues, especially at her new building which her husband helped renovate and the practice moved into in 2014.
“I’ve been here for a while, but people probably don’t even realize I’ve been here this long,” she says. Sandra is grateful for all her patients sharing about their positive experiences with other community members.
“I get a lot of doctor referrals, and that has taken time to establish, but word of mouth is the best advertisement.”
Sandra says she goes to work every day because she loves being able to assist her patients.
“I don’t feel like this is a job. I like meeting people. I like helping people hear better and improve their lifestyle and enjoy life with their family and loved ones,” she explains. “It is all very rewarding. So, why stop?”
When visiting Professional Hearing Services for the first time, a patient will complete a simple process which includes history forms and a physical exam and a complete evaluation of the ears to look for certain medical conditions.
Professional Hearing Services is located east of the fairgrounds at 1231 Hudson Rd, Hillsdale. For more information or to set up an appointment, call (517) 439-1610.
Lorrie A.S. Miller
Attorney at Law
Lorrie Miller Law, PLC
517.278.2505
lmiller@HillsdaleLaw.com
As we age, many seniors get to a point of needing additional help beyond what the family can offer. Generally, the goal of clients who come to see me for estate planning and elder law information is to remain in their homes and remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Long term care nursing homes are no longer the only option--Michigan has some alternatives to consider!
For some, a service such as PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) can be a great solution. Providing services to its participants while they are living at home, Michigan’s PACE program is a state benefit. It often allows a person to live at home for a longer period of time, thus improving quality of life, rather than an immediate move to a nursing home when the family can no longer care for their loved one. The program provides caregivers who can come to the patient’s home, assesses needs and works with the patient and family to make a plan to provide those medical, social and physical needs. Services may be provided in home, in an adult day-health center, or other locations, depending on the need. PACE can help with obtaining medication,
administering medication, providing transportation, home chore services, meal preparation, and more. These services not only provide a higher quality of life for the patient, but peace of mind for the family who loves them. Caregiver education and respite care are part of the PACE program for the family’s support. PACE can be used with Medicare and Medicaid, in many instances (please consult with an elder law attorney before applying for Medicaid). There are certain criteria that must be met in order to use PACE and it is wise to consult with a PACE agent and your elder law attorney to learn more.
Family caregivers are another great option for some in our community. If a family member is able to provide care, Michigan has some options, under certain circumstances, in which family members can be “hired” by the elderly patient and paid by Medicaid to care for the patient. This helps keep the patient in the community for as long as possible and generally increases the quality of life. Please contact a professional to learn more about how this might be a good fit for your family.
Similar to PACE, but entirely separate from PACE, is the MI CHOICE waiver program in Michigan. Eligible people can receive care through the program in their own homes or another residential setting, rather than through a nursing home. Like PACE, MI CHOICE can provide medical/nursing services, transportation, medical equipment, counseling, chore services, and more. The criteria for this program are different than for PACE and not everyone will qualify. The area agency on aging or senior center in your community are often good resources for more information on this program, along with your elder law attorney.
For Veterans of our Armed Services and their families, there may be additional, exclusive services. Some attorneys are able to guide you in these options and the Veteran’s Affairs Office in your county may offer additional insight.
These are just a few of many options available for seniors in our communities in Michigan. Your local senior center likely has many services in place to provide support while living at home. The center will also, likely, have many referrals to make for additional needs. Loved ones and seniors may consider contacting their local church for information and support. The Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency may be helpful resources, too, for the senior and their families. And an elder law, estate
planning attorney can usually help a person prepare ahead of time for these circumstances as a Durable Power of Attorney may be necessary for the family to arrange PACE or other services and to prepare for Medicaid use.
It is encouraging to see that our options for ourselves and our aging loved ones have increased and
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.
e can assist veteran
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
Director of Veteran
By: Deb Petticrew
Every summer my family looked forward to our family reunion. They started in 1899 in Albion and it continues to this day. As a young girl, I remember driving what seemed like forever. There weren’t any four-lane highways at the time and the speed limit was 55, so it did take a little longer to get there. It was the one time during the year that I’d get to see my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents on my mom’s side.
Prizes are always given to the oldest, youngest, married longest, newest married, most family members present and who came the farthest. We’ve played Bingo, auctioned off family heirlooms and played dozens of fun games. There was always lots of great food to look forward to and games to play. We could win prizes and candy and did a lot of catching up. I remember one reunion in particular. I was around 10 years old and was excited to get to hang out with my cousin, Liz. We wanted her to come
home with me and stay the night, so we plotted and planned the best way to ask our moms. I would ask my mom first, we decided, and off we went to do some begging.
“Can Liz stay the night tonight, Mom? Please?” I asked. “Haven’t you spent enough time together today?” she answered. What? How could we possibly have spent enough time together in one short afternoon? Now is when the begging began. “Mom, please! I won’t ask you for anything else! Ever!” We were pretty optimistic when Mom said, “If it’s okay with Liz’s mom, it’s okay with me!” We were halfway there!
We decided to wait just a bit to ask her mom, my Aunt Jane. She and my mom were sitting at the picnic table, deep in converstion. We had to make sure that our timing was perfect. Finally, we approached them and Liz asked her mom, “Is it okay if I go home with Deb and stay the night?” “Yes, of course!”
she replied. Well, that’s all it took. Liz and I were jumping up and down, laughing and excited that she was staying the night!
Unfortunately, the celebration was a little too soon. Mom and Aunt Jane looked over at us and asked what we were so happy about. Liz said, “Because you said I can stay with Deb! I asked and you said yes!!” “Oh,” Aunt Jane answered, “I wasn’t talking to you when I said yes. I was answering your Aunt Doris about something. No, you can’t stay the night. It’s been a long day and we have a lot to do when we get home.”
Talk about instant disappoinment! We went from excited to bummed in a matter of seconds. But hey, we gave it a try and we knew eventually the answer would be yes, so it was all good.
Many years have gone by since that day and we still gather every year. Through births, deaths, even wars, we’ve continued to meet and stay connected with family members. This year will be our 125th reunion and plans are already underway to make it our biggest and best! Here’s to 125 more!!
AS WE GATHER HERE TOGETHER ON THIS GRAND REUNION DAY, WE TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO HELPED US ON OUR WAY.
THEY STARTED IN THE TOWN OF SPRINGPORT IN EIGHTEEN NINETY-NINE.
AT THE HOME OF THOMAS ALLEN AN ANCESTOR OF YOURS AND MINE.
WE DESCENDED FROM A PROUD FAMILY EACH ONE AN INTERESTING LINK.
IF THEY COULD SEE US HERE TODAY.
I WONDER WHAT THEY'D THINK.
THOUGH MANY NAMES ARE DIFFERENT NOW, WE STILL REMAIN THE SAME. WE'RE ALL RELATED THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE ALLEN FAMILY NAME.
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR HERITAGE AND OUR STRONG FAMILY TIES.
WE HOPE OUR CHILDREN CARRY ON AND DON'T LET THE REUNION DIE.
-DEB PETTICREW
By Laura Loveberry Elementary School Assembly
Author/Speaker,
Inspirational Speaker
Women’s Retreats/ Conferences, Caricature Artist
Everything my mom owns could fit inside the trunk of a compact car. She doesn’t own a vehicle. She gave it away. Most of her possessions got donated. We sold her home out of necessity. Mom agreed without stomping feet or shedding tears. My tears flowed in the shower.
Mom deals with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
She knows all of us, but the gaps grow. She calls it “holes in the brain.” Yet, she keeps her family smiling with positivity. Who does this? Mom. She rocks a remarkable ability to stay upbeat in the face of memory adversity.
I crunch my brows, trying to figure out her resolute joy. I smile at her mindset shift, based on pleasing others. Mom realizes she cannot do life without help. The matriarch of our family raised five children, doing the bulk of the parenting. Yeah. Mom puffed out her cheeks, gulped a deep breath, and chose a
sunny outlook, facing a cloudy mind.
Shaking our heads, we breathe out in gratitude. Whew!
Instead of saying, “I HAVE to move in with my sister,” Mom flipped the script
with Valta.” Now she calls her living situation, “staying at Hotel Valta.” Mom chooses to love and appreciate the kindness of her caretaker, my Aunt Valta. (If one could earn sainthood, my aunt qualifies.)
It may not always be like this.
The disease will progress, possibly impacting her reasoning and gratitude. We will deal with this by reminding each other, it is the Alzheimer’s talking . . . and NOT my mom. Tears will burst. But, let’s not, “. . . worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own,” (Matt. 6:34b NIV).
My mom reminds us all to shift our mindset when the circumstances don’t change. Yesterday, my hubster said, “We have to take a dirt road. Ugh.” I reminded him of Mom’s ability to appreciate in adversity, saying, “We GET to drive down a beautiful country road and admire the quaint farm houses on our journey. Glorious!”
Let’s flip-flop our “I HAVE to” to “I GET to.”
As I type facing a deadline, I transformed my “I HAVE to write my article,” to “I GET to inspire Simply Senior readers today!”
By Shar Ann Packard
Have you ever just sat there and thought…”What the heck just happened here?” Well, that is me just about every day on the farm with John.
John came home from getting a few things he needed in town, walked into the house, and asked me where the receipt was for some parts he bought yesterday. I rummaged about and found it in a stack of things I needed to enter into the computer. He then asked if Charlie and I wanted to ride with him to take them back, I decided “Heck yeah.” I started to get around, got Charlie hooked up to the leash, and John said ‘not yet… I need to get the barrel of oil out of the back of the truck I bought on my way home.” Ok…no problem, and out the door we went to get the old 4020, and get the oil into the bucket and out to clean up where the oil will sit. I out of the way, swept the floor, and the shop, everything back in place and I went locked, Charlie in tow we are heading to the truck as John yells “Hang on a few minutes, I see something out in the field by the corner.” He jumped on the gator and was out of the yard in seconds. Now, that gator is old and doesn’t go fast so he has to have the pedal to the metal, dust was flying and he was out in the field.
I didn’t pay much attention as Charlie and I headed out to the chicken coop to see the ladies and have a visit and a talk about laying more eggs. I may have mentioned chicken soup to them as we discussed the price of chicken feed versus the amount of eggs we have been getting. On a side note, they know we would never eat them as each chicken in the coop will die of old age and live a long, lovely, happy life!
Now, John has been gone for a bit and I looked out and saw he was bending over picking up a rock! This is a daily thing here…you never go for a ride without stopping and picking up a few rocks. I was thinking “Why now?” We were just on our way to take parts back, but whatever. A few minutes later he is back, gator put away and he is out by the pump washing his hands. He yells he is ready and told me what he saw was a woodchuck…he chased it out in the field and was happy he had rocks in the back from the last trip around the block. Does this remind you of my “OH MY” story of 50+ years ago when we were dating and he was thrilled there was one less woodchuck on this earth? Yep, me
was trying to roll up the window and find the child lock for the windows (this truck is different from our old one). I was trying to get Charlie from trying to hang too far out as we were both yelling because of the suction of air and noise from the window being down. He managed to get the window up just as I pulled Charlie away from the door. He then finds the child lock and all is well. We laughed about that for a bit and wondered why we protect this dog so much. Remembering we would let our kids ride in the bed of the truck going 45 miles an hour down the dirt roads and not give it a thought, other than they had to stay seated at all times! Boy, times have changed, or has time changed us?
We made it to the dealer with a few minutes to spare. I went looking at the new John Deere Gators as he was returning his part. I have decided we need a bigger one or at least one with a full front seat for Charlie to sit with us. He is too big to sit on the floor now…and we all know he will jump out of the back and get hurt. He is not a “farm dog” per se. He is kinda a sissy boy, spoiled dog. I am not so sure the money they cost is worth taking the dog around the block with us and will have to think on that for a while....maybe I can find a good used one somewhere ... .hmmm decisions, decisions!
After we got in the truck I asked, "Can we stop in Morenci if the ice cream shop is open?” He replies “No we better not, we are running late…the parts store closes in an hour and it takes 45 minutes to get there. We will stop on the way back.” So off we go again, pedal
On the way, Charlie (who is in the back seat) steps on the window button and his window goes down…he is on a seat belt tether and can’t jump out, but he can hang out quite far. John
We did get our ice cream cone on the way home, as he stopped at a little place a few towns over. It was a lovely drive, beautiful weather, and now we know where the window locks are so Charlie is safe and sound in the back seat!
All this because he asked if we wanted to go for a ride to take parts back! OH MY!
By Willie Smith
Senior moments - we all have them, some of us more than others. As you’re aging do you feel like you might be losing your mind? I know I do much more often than I’d like to admit. Take shaving as an example. We women shave our legs most of our lives, but it seems the older we get the less hair we have to shave so really why bother? While I totally agree, there may be times when shaving is definitely the right thing to do.
Take, for instance, my appointment to have a “cut and scrape” on my leg at the dermatologist. Unlike when I was younger and trying to impress some guy, I no longer shave my legs everyday. In fact, I rarely shave them at all anymore. It’s not that I don’t care about my appearance, but even though I live in Florida I don’t often wear shorts. I never did have great legs, but now with the aging process and all the cutting away of unhealthy skin, my legs are even less
attractive so capris are what I wear most of the time. There is very little leg that shows with capris, thus there’s little need to shave more than the bottom part of your leg if even that!
So back to that appointment with my dermatologist, I thought I'd go ahead and shave my legs to spare the poor woman. I mean it’s bad enough to look at my ugly legs, but to have to work around all that hair could have traumatized the poor woman. She always tells me she doesn’t shave her legs for me so I shouldn’t feel like I have to shave my legs for her, but I still took great pains to shave all the way up to and including my thighs. It took quite a while ‘cause there’s a lotta leg there, not so much in the length, but in the girth of said leg. I had to reshave a couple of places that still felt a little hairy, but once I was done I felt pretty good about things and was ready to go see Tara.
I did wear shorts that day so I wouldn’t have to remove any clothing and she still had easy access to the area she needed to work on. As I hopped up on the table, I told Tara that I had shaved my legs just for her so she wouldn’t have to work in a forest of a hairy leg. She looked at my legs, then looked at me as if I might be a bit touched, but she said nothing and started the procedure. As soon as I got home and put my leg up as instructed, I looked at the area around the bandage and what did I see? Hair! Lots of hair! Now how did that happen I asked myself? I knew I’d shaved my legs just a couple of hours ago. I may be losing it, but I was hoping I hadn’t totally lost it yet. I decided to check the razor for remnants of hair. Oh yeah, there was hair all over, all over the cap that is. I’d forgotten to remove the cap!
Oh. My. Word. I felt like an idiot. Who would do that? I mean, besides me obviously? All that work for nothin’. No wonder Tara looked at me like I’d lost it. It’s embarrassing, but thank goodness I don’t see her for another six months. Maybe she’ll
Whether you're looking for a relaxing retreat or an active getaway, these resorts offer something for everyone.
After retirement, it's time to treat yourself to a well-deserved vacation. Without time constraints, you can enjoy longer stays or slower travel as you visit multiple regions, a variety of landscapes, or national parks you've been meaning to visit. You might also appreciate the convenience of a destination resort where you can enjoy dining and most activities on site.
There are plenty of resorts designed with mature adults in mind, but if you're planning to meet up with family, choose one with facilities geared toward multigenerational groups. For many retirees, a good vacation provides a balance of outdoor pursuits, health and wellness, and pampering, so we've selected places based on these criteria. Here are nine of the best vacations for seniors in the U.S., whether you prefer a verdant mountain retreat, a nostalgic coastal escape, or a glamorous desert oasis.
Resort, Cle Elum, Washington
Nestled among the Cascade Mountains on the edge of Washington's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this picturesque resort offers tranquil scenery, crisp mountain air, and a variety of outdoor activities. Choose The Lodge for panoramic river and mountain views or The Inn, a plush hotel with golf course views.
At Suncadia Resort, guests can choose from a plethora of activities. Play golf, go for a hike, or try archery or axe
throwing. Bikes, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent as well. If you'd prefer something less strenuous, find your inner artist with an acrylic pouring class. Begin the day with guided meditation or a fitness class followed by a spa treatment. Should the grandkids arrive for a visit, there's a pool with two slides to keep them entertained. Even the family dog can tag along to this pet-friendly property.
This wilderness resort in Missouri's Ozark Mountains is set in 4,600 acres of natural beauty. Big Cedar Lodge consists of three styles of accommodation: rooms within the private log cabins, luxurious cottages, or glamping and cabins at Camp Long Creek.
Five golf courses and practice facilities include 19-hole Payne's Valley, nine-hole Top of the Rock, 13-hole Mountain Top, and two 18-hole courses, Buffalo Ridge and Ozarks National. Go bowling, visit the arcade, or try a high-ropes course at Fun Mountain. Fitness classes, exercise equipment, four pools, and a personal trainer are available. With a lazy river and discovery center on-site, the grandkids will love visiting too.
of 25 historic log cabins, ranging from one to six bedrooms. The named cottages have stunning forest views and are outfitted with wood stoves, rustic furnishings, and full baths.
In true ranch style, there's horseback riding, with backcountry trails and experienced wranglers to ensure a memorable experience for riders of all ages. Hike with naturalist guides, go mountain biking, or enjoy fly fishing, no matter your skill level. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are provided if you want to explore nearby lakes. You can have an experienced guide curate an excursion to Yellowstone National Park or save on admission with a national park pass for seniors. Outdoor yoga, archery, and axe throwing are also options.
At waterfront Mission Point, guests can stay in the Main Lodge or the Straits Lodge, which has dogfriendly options. Accommodations range from cozy rooms suitable for singles to the 1,500-square-foot Bois Blanc Suite, with ample living space, a full kitchen, and laundry facilities — ideal for longer stays.
A National Historic Landmark, Mackinac Island has a slow pace and an old-fashioned feel, partly thanks to its ban on motor vehicles. The small island can be covered on foot or in an electric wheelchair within a few hours. Relax on the resort's expansive lawn in an Adirondack chair, go on a bike ride, play tennis, or just soak in a hot tub. Guests can also book experiences like craft and culinary workshops or spa treatments at the Lakeside Spa and Salon. When you're ready to explore, stroll downtown to sample the famous local fudge, or book a horse-drawn carriage tour to be transported to another era.
in the Montana Rockies. Stay in one
Montage Palmetto Bluff is a two-village, 20,000-acre community by the May River that encompasses a marina, a nature preserve and much more. Accommodation options include rooms, suites, cottages, and residences with views of moss-draped oaks and picturesque marshlands. Some guests might even choose to buy a home here.
Explore the surrounding waterways by kayak or canoe or take a boat tour and spot dolphins cruising along with you. Visit the 120-acre shooting range for practice both indoors and outdoors. Tennis, bocce, and pickleball courts are open for play, and you can book lessons to improve your skills. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along tree-lined paths. Planning a trip with family? There's special programming for young guests with games, crafts, movies, scavenger hunts, and nature walks.
A converted military post, Cavallo Point is across the Golden Gate from San Francisco in Marin County. The resort is set in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and offers stunning scenery, world-class dining, and a variety of activities. Guests can choose from rooms and suites in the early-20th-century officers' quarters or contemporary buildings overlooking the former fort — some with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can even rent an entire historic home with a private glassed-in porch.
During the day, take a guided hike, yoga class, or sunset cruise, and spend the evening around an outdoor fire pit. Splurge on a seaplane or helicopter tour to view the bay and San Francisco skyline from the sky. The resort's Healing Arts Center & Spa provides a variety of wellness treatments, while offerings at the on-site cooking school range from globe-spanning culinary classes to oyster and wine pairings.
If classic luxury is the vacation style you're after, the Arizona Biltmore should be high on your list. Opened in 1929, the 39-acre estate at the base of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve evokes old Hollywood glamour with 705 rooms (including 100 suites, 41 cottages, 56 villas) and Frank Lloyd Wrightinfluenced design.
The resort features restaurants, a day spa, and seven pools including one with a 65-foot waterslide. Play golf, tennis, or pickleball, or take advantage of concierge arrangements for hot-air balloon rides, stargazing, biking, hiking, and more. At Tierra Luna Spa, select from a range of curated therapies or join a yoga or aqua aerobics class. Be sure to order a Tequila Sunrise at the Wright Bar, where the cocktail was invented.
While Florida is one of the best states to retire in, that doesn't mean you can't take a vacation close to home. The Bungalows Key Largo is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort
where you can take part in a variety of activities or just relax in a poolside cabana. Stay in a waterfront room or one set among the lush gardens with a soaking tub and outdoor shower. Regardless of which view you choose, enjoy this tropical oasis.
Kayak, paddleboard, and swim in the protected bay, where you might see manatees and dolphins glide by. Don your snorkel gear to float among colorful native fish. Join a beachfront yoga class or work out at the fullservice Fitness Tiki Hut. If you simply want to unwind, head to the Zen Garden Spa's steam room, sauna, or outdoor treatment cabana for a soothing massage. For the perfect end to an active or relaxing day, watch the sun go down on a catamaran cruise with a frozen cocktail in hand.
At Rancho Bernardo Inn, guest rooms, suites, and specially designed accessible rooms are set among lush gardens for a secluded feel. Private patios and balconies offer garden, spa, or golf course views. The resort's 265 acres and San Diego's perfect weather provide opportunities for alfresco dining and outdoor activities.
Play golf at the pristine 18-hole course, relax by the pool, or have fun with lawn games like cornhole, croquet, or oversized chess. Tour the Chef's Garden to see the source of the restaurants' fresh ingredients or get some ideas for your home garden. Spend some time at the spa, take a sunset yoga class, or arrange a private session. You can interact with a trained bird of prey with a private falconry encounter. If young ones visit, they'll love the “dive-in movies” at the family pool, the well-equipped game room, and San Diego's nearby attractions.
travelandleisure.com
Summertime is here and with it comes the desire to get outdoors and be active. From golf to gardening, there is no lack of excuses to get outside and soak up some sun.
The right kind of exercise helps older adults feel stronger and more confident. It’s a great way to make friends and be engaged in your community. And of course, there are a myriad of health benefits to exercising at any age.
At the same time there are precautions that you should take when exercising in the summer to make sure the risks don’t outweigh the benefits. Older adults can be more sensitive to high temperatures and at a greater risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and other dangerous conditions.
Adults over age 65 are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, known as hyperthermia. This can include heat stroke, swelling in your feet and ankles, sudden dizziness after exercise, cramps, and heat exhaustion.
According to the National Institute on Aging, the following conditions can increase an older adult’s risk of hyperthermia:
• Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands
• Heart, lung, and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever
• High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet, such as salt-restricted diets
• Reduced sweating, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and certain heart and blood pressure drugs
• Taking multiple medications
• Being substantially overweight or underweight
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Being dehydrated
Other things that can increase the risk of experiencing heat-related illness include being in overcrowded conditions, lack of access to airconditioned spaces, and overdressing.
However, there are so many benefits to remaining active as you get older that you should take the time to create a plan for how you can get some exercise even when heat and humidity are high.
Here are ten tips for beginning or maintaining an exercise program during the summer:
1. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program, even if it’s billed as an easy exercise for seniors.
2. Know your limits. Don’t push yourself. There are plenty of days ahead and time to build strength and stamina.
3. Stay hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water when working up a sweat. Carry a water bottle with you when you leave the house, especially if you are gone for most of the day, and drink from it regularly.
4. Avoid exercising between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when the sun is at its strongest. Walk on a trail or in a park where you can stay in the shade.
5. Break exercise into shorter chunks, like three 10-minute walks instead of one 30-minute walk. Research shows that short bursts of exercise spread throughout the day are just as effective as longer sessions.
6. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15— higher is even better—applying it liberally and often, and after swimming (even with waterproof sunblock).
7. Exercise with a buddy – don’t go it alone. Not only can you motivate each other, but there is someone with you should you need help.
8. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, especially if you require a prescription.
9. When it’s really hot out, try slower paced but equally effective types of exercise like yoga and Tai Chi. Or get in the water – go for a swim or to a water aerobics class. Just make sure a lifeguard is on duty.
10. Apply insect repellent to protect yourself from insect bites that spread illnesses.
Heat stroke is a severe form of hyperthermia that can be dangerous, even deadly. It occurs when the body is overwhelmed and can’t regulate its temperature. Watch out for these symptoms and call 911 if you notice them in yourself or another person:
• Body temperature of over 104°F
• Fainting
• A change in behavior, like confusion, combativeness, staggering, possible delirium or coma
• Dry, flushed skin and a strong, rapid pulse
• Lack of sweating
In addition to calling 911, if you notice these symptoms you can move to a cool, shaded place; have some water or fruit juice; and place a cold wet cloth on the wrists, neck, armpits, and groin.
hebrewseniorlife.org
1960s fashion was bi-polar in just about every way. The early sixties were more reminiscent of the 1950s — conservative and restrained, certainly more classic in style and design.
The late 1960s were the exact opposite. Bright, swirling colors. Psychedelic, tie-dye shirts and long hair and beards were commonplace. Woman wore unbelievably short skirts and men wore tunics and capes. The foray into fantasy would not have been believed by people just a decade earlier.
It’s almost like the 1950s bottled everyone up so much that the late 1960s exploded like an old pressure cooker. Women were showing more skin than ever before.
For the first time in the 19th Century, London, not Paris, was the center of the fashion world. The British Invasion didn’t stop with The Beatles. It swept into all parts of life, especially clothing.
But actually, lost in the two extremes is the mid-60s, which I think actually had the coolest style, albeit more subtle. I love the long, slender shapes, the bright colors and the young, London look. I have always wished the Mod style stuck around a little longer.
retrowaste.com
Addison Senior Center 517-547-5777
117 N. Steer St., Addison, MI 49220 addison@lenaweeseniors.org
Director: Inesa Gillin
Cook: Sharon Smith
Adrian Senior Center 517-263-3885
327 Erie St., Adrian, MI 49221
Director: Dillon Donaghy ddonaghy@lenaweeseniors.org
Asst. Director: Jamar Bonney jbonney@lenaweeseniors.org
Kitchen 517-263-4529
Head Cook: Toni Reinke treinke@lenaweeseniors.org
Home Delivered Meals Coord.: Kira Dickerson routecoord@lenaweeseniors.org
Bliss-Liewert Senior Center
517-486-2397
206 S. Lane St., Blissfield, MI 49228 blissfield@lenaweeseniors.org
Director: Sandy Buhrer Cook: Eric Wilkins
Hudson Senior Center 517-448-4605
323 W. Main St., Hudson, MI 49247 hudson@lenaweeseniors.org
Director: Turi Meining
Head Cook: Tammy Hodos thodos@lenaweeseniors.org
Morenci Senior Center 517-260-4912
800 W. Chestnut St. morenci@lenaweeseniors.org
Morenci, MI 49256
Director: Jimmie Garland Cook: Cecil Schoonover
Onsted Senior Center 517-467-6917
333 Conner St., Onsted, MI 49265 onsted@lenaweeseniors.org
Mailing Address: MI 49265
Director: Julie Kulka Cook: Shirley Metternick
Tecumseh Senior Center 517-423-5939
703 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, MI 49228
Tecumseh@lenaweeseniors.org
Mailing Address: Adrian, MI
Director: N/A Cook: Kathy Chicowsky
Cooking can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but if you are a senior with arthritis or hand-related mobility issues, it can be a daunting task.
Having the right equipment can make a world of difference. Although many people think that sharp knives are less safe than dull knives, this is actually a misconception. Investing in a sharp set of knives can reduce the risk of injury since it requires less effort to cut, and the sharper blade is less likely to slip.
If you're not comfortable using knives, there are other adaptive tools available to make food prep easier. Consider investing in a slow cooker–it requires little to no effort and will make preparing meals
Whenever possible, opt for pre-cut vegetables and fruit. Although pre-cut ingredients are generally more expensive, the convenience and timesaving are worth it, especially for people with decreased hand mobility. This will make cooking much easier and can save you time and energy.
Using a slow cooker or pressure cooker is a great option for senior cooks. Both are low maintenance, require minimal effort, and the results are delicious. After cooking in the pressure cooker, all the veggies and meat come out tender and easy to cut. Search for "slow-cooker recipes" online to find nearly endless possibilities.
Look for recipes that don't require a lot of chopping, slicing, and dicing. Short, easy-tofollow recipes are also a great option.
To set yourself up for success, take the time to set up your kitchen in an easy-to-use way. Place frequently used items within easy reach and ensure everything is labeled properly so you can easily find the item you need. An organized, accessible kitchen will reduce unnecessary time and energy.
If you're looking for additional assistance in the kitchen, hiring an in-home caregiver can be a great option. A caregiver can assist with meal preparation, clean up, grocery shopping, and more. A caregiver can cook you nutritious and delicious homemade meals without you having to do any work.
seniorhelpers.com
A smoothie with strawberries, blueberries and banana is delicately sweet, even with a boost of protein from hemp seeds. Freeze the fruits ahead of time for an extra frosty texture once blended.
½ cup frozen strawberries
½ cup frozen blueberries
1 small ripe banana (frozen, if desired)
¾ cup chilled unsweetened cashew milk, plus more if needed
1 tablespoon cashew butter
1 tablespoon hulled hemp seeds
1.
Combine strawberries, blueberries, banana, cashew milk, cashew butter and hemp seeds in a blender. Process until smooth, adding more cashew milk, if needed, for desired consistency. Serve immediately.
eatingwell.com
Cilantro lime quinoa with simmered black beans, lettuce & your toppings. Lunch, dinner, easy, healthy, gluten free, vegan or
1 cup quinoa (On a budget? Swap out quinoa for an equa amount of rice and cook according to package instructio
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup onion minced
1 clove garlic minced
30 ounces cooked black beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
1/4 teaspoon chili powder mild
Pinch cayenne pepper spicy
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup shredded lettuce
Salt
OPTIONAL TOPPING INGREDIENTS
Grated cheddar or jack cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Pico de gallo or salsa
Diced seeded tomatoes
Hot sauce or sriracha
Sliced avocado
Guacamole
Corn
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a mesh strainer or sieve, 1. Pour quinoa into a saucepan along with 2 cups of water. heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot. Let the quinoa si tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Keep a 2. While quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of oil in anothe into the saucepan and sauté for a few minutes till it garlic to the pot and let it sauté for 1-2 minutes long
3. Add the black beans to the pot of onions along with powder and cayenne pepper. Bring the beans to a boil, the simmer for 15 minutes till the liquid is mostly eva salt to taste. 4. When the quinoa is fully cooked, remove from heat and chopped cilantro and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Season 5.
Assemble your burrito bowls. Divide the cilantro lime 6.
Top each portion of quinoa with 1/4 cup of shredded l 7. Top each portion of lettuce with simmered black beans .8 .
Top the black beans with your choice of Optional Top 9.
toriavey.com
This EASY quinoa salad is packed with fresh Italian flavors. You can mix and match the ingredients to use up any fresh produce you have on hand! Great for summer potlucks, barbecues, and meal prep!
2 cups cooked quinoa (start with 1 cup uncooked quinoa, 2 cups water, and cook according to package directions)
1 cup cherry tomatoes
8 ounces mini fresh mozzarella cheese balls
15 basil leaves torn (or to taste)
3 to 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
1 pinch sugar optional and to taste
1. Add all remaining ingredients and toss very well to combine. Taste and see if salad needs more vinegar, salt, etc. and season or tweak accordingly. I found it needed a fairly generous amount of salt and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors for my taste preferences.
3.
Cook quinoa according to package directions and place cooked quinoa in a large bowl.
2. Salad can be served immediately or transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate, and allow flavors to marry for up to 24 hours before serving.
averiecooks.com
The 1960s started off as the dawn of a golden age to most Americans. On January 20, 1961, the handsome and charismatic John F. Kennedy became president of the United States. His confidence that, as one historian put it, “the government possessed big answers to big problems” seemed to set the tone for the rest of the decade. However, that golden age never materialized. On the contrary, by the end of the 1960s, it seemed that the nation was falling apart. Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” splintered as the Democratic Party split and America became increasingly enmeshed in the Vietnam War.
During his presidential campaign in 1960, John F. Kennedy had promised the most ambitious domestic agenda since the New Deal: the “New Frontier,” a package of laws and reforms that sought to eliminate injustice and inequality in the United States. But the New Frontier ran into problems right away: The Democrats’ Congressional majority depended on a group of Southerners who loathed the plan’s interventionist liberalism and did all they could to block it. The Cuban Missile Crisis and failed Bay of Pigs invasion was another disaster for Kennedy.
It was not until 1964, after Kennedy was shot, that President Lyndon B. Johnson could muster the political capital to enact his own expansive program of reforms. That year, Johnson declared that he would make the United States into a “Great Society” in which poverty and racial injustice had no place. He developed a set of programs that would give poor people “a hand up, not a handout.” These included Medicare and Medicaid, which helped elderly and lowincome people pay for health care; Head Start, which prepared young children for school and a Job Corps that trained unskilled workers for jobs in the deindustrializing economy. Meanwhile, Johnson’s Office of Economic Opportunity encouraged disadvantaged people to participate in the design and implementation of the
government’s programs on their behalf, while his Model Cities program offered federal subsidies for urban redevelopment and community projects.
The optimistic ‘60s went sour in 1968. That year, the brutal North Vietnamese Tet Offensive convinced many people that the Vietnam War would be impossible to win. The Democratic Party split, and at the end of March, Johnson went on television to announce that he was ending his reelection campaign. (Richard Nixon, chief spokesman for the silent majority, won the election that fall.) Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, the two most visible leftists in American politics, were assassinated. Police used tear gas and billy clubs to break up protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Furious antiwar protestors took over Columbia University in New York as well as the Sorbonne in Paris and the Free University in Berlin. And the urban riots that had erupted across the country every summer since 1964 continued and intensified.
Shreds of the hopeful ‘60s remained. In the summer of 1969, more than 400,000 young people trooped to the Woodstock music festival in upstate New York, a harmonious three days that seemed to represent the best of the peace-andlove generation.
history.com
