June/July 2014 Vol 40. No 5 Published by
Senior Services of Snohomish County
Minor Home Repair and The Home Depot Foundation …
Partnership ramps up to help local veteran By Teri Baker
Willie Dickerson…
He was grateful to be a teacher
Page 4
Senior entrepreneurs… the number is rising
Page 8
Protect your money and make it last
Page 10
Savvy Senior
Determining the value of antiques
Page 17
Columns… BookNook....................................... 22 Elder Info........................................... 6 GetAways (Sr. Travel)..................... 12 Mr. Modem...................................... 24 Meal Times (Nutrition News)....... 18 Perspective on the Past................ 14 Pet Tails............................................ 23 Senior Spotlight............................... 4 Volunteer Connections................. 21 Where Are They Now?................... 22
Lyle Zimmerman isn’t the kind of fellow who asks for help for himself. An Air Force veteran, he suffers the effects of Agent Orange, the herbicide and defoliant used during the Vietnam War. He also has diabetes and congestive heart failure. Even so, he was more concerned about a friend who was battling cancer and needed a place to stay. Zimmerman invited the man and his family to live with him. Declining health and limited mobility made it difficult for his friend to leave the house. Zimmerman didn’t have the money to build a wheelchair ramp, so he asked Senior Services Minor Home Repair (MHR) to help. MHR determined he qualified for the program, assessed his Arlington home and discovered it not only needed a ramp, but that both the front and back doors were seriously dilapidated and the front steps were clearly unsafe. “It was obvious that Mr. Zimmerman was a giver,” says MHR Director Dale Miller. “No matter what shape his home was in, he
Having a good time at the Alzheimer’s Cafe By Teri Baker
Visit…
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Thursday, June 5
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wanted to help people.” Unfortunately, Zimmerman’s friend soon lost the battle with cancer. But the need for repairs was still there. “I fell down some stairs a couple of years ago and almost hurt myself,” muses Zimmerman, who is now a bit unsteady on his feet. “I need to avoid stairs because Minor Home Repair’s Mark Beckmeyer (left) spearheaded of my health efforts to have a ramp built for Lyle Zimmerman. Here they condition.” show off the completed ramp “Our program photo by Christine Beckmeyer didn’t have the funds to do what was needed,” to The Home Depot in Snohomish Miller says, “so we looked at other about the situation. “Mark was a top contractor beresources.” That’s where The Home Depot fore he went to Senior Services,” Foundation and Team Depot, an says JoAnn Northey, captain of employee-led team of employee the store’s Team Depot. “He was volunteers, entered the picture. one of our biggest customers. I MHR’s Mark Beckmeyer talked CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Customers smile at the group of seniors talking and laughing together. The seniors smile at the customers’ babies and toddlers and coax them to smile back. It looks like any day at a local restaurant, but it’s the fourth Monday of the month and the seniors are at Pagliacci Pizza in Edmonds enjoying the Alzheimer’s Café. Two hours to just eat and visit with others in the same situation brings welcome respite from the challenges of caregiving that comes with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or other form of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Café allows caregivers and their loved ones in the earlier stages of the disease a chance to enjoy a bit of normal life. “You don’t know who’s the caregiver and who isn’t,” says Molly Klein, who is there with her husband, Kary. She looks around at the light, airy restaurant decorated in an Italian art deco style and continues, “It’s nice here, enjoyable. He can talk and meet others and be sociable with no pressure.” That’s exactly the point of an
Alzheimer’s Café. This one is hosted by Pagliacci Pizza with sponsorship and support from the Alzheimer’s Association, Senior Services of Snohomish County and its new program The Center for Healthy Living, and Full Life Care, an adult day health care program. The only cost is the price of your café order. Ruth Egger, the Center for
Healthy Living site coordinator, is delighted to see the café flourishing. “I had attended a cafe in Seattle, and when I started working for Senior Service, I reached out to other organizations that might be interested in starting one in Snohomish County,” she says. “Full Life Care, which runs other cafes in the Seattle area, CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Be brave… have the discussion Summer is a great time for family – weekend gatherings under the sunny skies just feel good, and vacations give us a chance to visit and reconnect with children and grandchildren. This can be a good time to have some of those conversations that somehow just seem awkward on the phone. “It’s a good time to share updates on our health, talk about how important our loved ones are to us, and to take the next step and talk about our wishes for the future – including how we are cared for when our health begins to fail and we can’t make decisions for ourselves,” says Jim Steinruck,
CEO of Senior Services. Having these discussions early when friends and family are at their best makes sense; waiting until the inevitable crisis does not. Please take a few minutes to read “Don’t remain silent about end of life care” (page 2) by Rev. Eileen Hanson and Steinruck. Make it a starting point for talking with those closest to you. Says Steinruck, “Be brave – if you are an older adult, talk to your spouse or children; if you are a grown son or daughter, talk to your mom and dad. This is important stuff.”
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June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
May 2014 - April
2015
NON PROFIT E U.S. POSTAG PAID Permit #1 Seattle, WA
Resource Guide now available The 2014-15 Senior Source Resource Guide was mailed at the end of May to households and businesses that receive the Senior Focus in the mail. A second mailing is planned for June 19. If you did not receive a Resource Guide and would like one, contact the Senior Focus office at 425-290-1277 or email srfocus@ sssc.org by June 13.
Resource Guides will be delivered to senior centers, libraries, retirement communities, etc. the week of June 2. The Guides will also be available at Elder Fair on June 5 (Holiday Inn, 3105 Pine St., Everett). Stop by Senior Services’ exhibit.
EldEr law attornEy
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Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation SUPERLAWYER since 2007 – Washington Law & Politics Magazine Accredited by the Veterans Administration
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www.elderlaw-nw.com 360-647-8846
The State Supreme Court of Washington does not recognize certification of specialists in the practice of law and that the certificate, award or recognition is not a requirement to practice law in the state of Washington
Don’t remain silent about end of life care By Rev. Eileen Hanson and Jim Steinruck What gives meaning to my life? From our childhood through our retirement, we live our lives as a response to this question. Our decisions about education, careers, finances, home, and relationships are all demonstrations of our personal priorities and values. Too often, however, our values and priorities may not be reflected in health care we receive – particularly at the end of life. When confronted with a lifethreatening diagnosis, too often we are emotionally, cognitively and spiritually unprepared. Without conversations and an advancecare plan, our healthcare team and even our families may not know our preferences, especially if we are unable to communicate. And too often, the default path of medical care does not reflect our individual values. In Snohomish County, some 4,500 people turn 65 each year, and a similar number die. If we’re like other Americans, 90 percent of us have heard about a living will, and 71 percent have thought about our medical care preferences at end of life. But only 29 percent have translated their desires
ell as niors and w s a e omes ups for s h 0 0 r 8,0 ocacy gro e v o s andw), v d s e , d e r t i a n o s r i i a eighb I’ve v nters, and de fa ed into l epeal , i N s v r r o a a r De to p 09, sign law), r d wo ye senior ce n t o t i s t a a e l omes, ies. isl s (HB 23 108, now 1168), an ues at g h t e l r e h t d Ov ement isabili rte rty taxe alists (2 hoices ( erty val our o p p d i retir le with t, I su of prope aid spec lth care cputs prop taxes on u p p n t i a r g peo your e paymen r hearin more he 478) that for highe o t l s k fo w h (1 s entia s s e Than bility in t licensing 099), allo making t the bill e oritiz rable, for i flexi lify the te tax (1 on rule to defea r p nd tothe vulne simp tate esta ratoriumly fought . a s n mea ring for t rates. the s ide a mo ccessful sinesses r u o e to n nd ca emen u i n h i t t prov I also su small bu i n live wc safety, a reimburs ill co o w t risk. and our I s i e d s, an eagu ion, publ Medicaid l e l fuel s o i c m t y r pro ed m ike educaing to cut u g o r l u l I ices l fulfi efus o t s r serv ple by r senio r u exam o ! to rely, e we it rotect you c o n i e S W t to p h g fi
into a living will. An Advance Care Planning initiative is underway in our county to change that. It’s part of a larger set of initiatives sponsored by the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition – leaders in education, health care, business, nonprofits, public health, human services and the faith community – aiming together to improve the health and prosperity of our community through better health and health-care value. A campaign to inspire, educate and empower the public, as well as medical providers, about the importance of planning in advance for the medical care you want, and do not want, when faced with life-threatening illness is underway. Leaders in our medical community are among the first to say that advance care planning is important. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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Courage We Can Trust “My Granddad, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Accounting PhD who received in-home care in his 90’s, often coached me, ‘If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly.’ I enjoy facing these challenges head on in Olympia, and I’ll continue fighting to protect our seniors.” --Elizabeth Scott, State Representative, 39th LD pos. 2
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
END OF LIFE CARE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
At The Everett Clinic, Dr. Elizabeth Marshall and her team have been promoting end-of-life conversations for three years through education of providers, staff and patients. The classes have changed staff comfort levels with talking about this difficult topic – ensuring that patients’ values and wishes are addressed. Cathe Clapp, a nursing director at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds, says they began offering free assistance for the public after seeing firsthand the anguish experienced by patients and families who arrive in the ER without having documented their preferences in advance. At Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, which is running advance-directive classes for staff and doctors so they can have more introspective conversations with patients and families, Chief Medical Officer Joanne Roberts, MD, envisions a day when every patient’s treatment plan is built on a simple question: “How do you want to live the rest of your life?” This is too important to be left to the health-care system alone. Now a growing community coalition – local senior centers, the faith community, service organizations, the YMCA of Snohomish County and others – is working together to ensure Snohomish County residents are equipped to get the care in line with our personal values when facing lifethreatening illness or events. You are the only person who can decide what is right for you. Now is the time to start the
thoughtful decision-making process. Everyone is invited to participate regardless of generation or health to ensure that living well is something we are intentional about throughout our years. We invite you to engage with us and take action. Jim Steinruck and Rev. Eileen Hanson are steering committee members of the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition, and co-sponsors of the coalition’s palliative care/ advance care planning initiative. Steinruck is CEO of Senior Services of Snohomish County. Hanson is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. For more information, see snocohealth. org.
reprinted with permission from The Everett Herald, April 13, 2014
Advance directive packet What kind of medical care would you want if you were too ill or hurt to express your wishes? Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on. Senior Services’ Information and Assistance program has an advance directive packet that includes the forms for a health care directive (living will), durable powers of attorney for health care, and Physicians Orders for LifeSustaining Treatment. Also included is an explanation for each form. To receive a packet, call Senior Information and Assistance, 425513-1900 or email seniorinfo@ sssc.org.
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Feds increase funding for Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s has often been referred to as the sixth leading cause of death, but new research has bumped it up to number three following heart disease and cancer. Its position has been revised based on new estimates. As the researchers at the American Academy of Neurology noted, “a larger number of deaths are attributable to AD dementia in the U. S. each year than the number reported on death certificates.” Taking figures for 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 84,000 deaths due to Alzheimer’s, while this new report calculated over 500,000 deaths. Despite the rate of death, this devastating illness has usually
come up short in the budget department. This year’s federal budget, however, includes “an unprecedented $122 million increase for Alzheimer’s research, education, outreach, and caregiver support,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This represents a huge step forward in the challenge to tackle this illness. Estimates indicate five million people suffer from it. “Yet for every $27,000 Medicare and Medicaid spend on caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s, the National Institutes of Health spends only $100 on Alzheimer’s research,” noted the Association in a press release. For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at alz. org. – Cheryl Keyser
Medicare…
exchange for better Medicare coverage, add surcharges to retiree health plans, or raise premiums based on income. The main consideration in looking at any change to the Medicare program, however, is not only the increasing cost of health care, but also the limited income on which most beneficiaries live. Half of all beneficiaries have an annual income of less than $23,500, a good portion of which comes from Social Security. It is estimated that beneficiaries spend on average 15 percent of their income on health care. For additional information, visit the Medicare Rights Center at medicarerights.org. – Cheryl Keyser
Are changes on the way? Under a new plan, the Medicare program would be significantly changed. If enacted, beneficiaries would receive a specified amount of money to buy health care coverage from either a private insurer or traditional Medicare. This is known as “a premium support program.” Behind this new model is Rep. Paul Ryan ( R- Wis.) and his is just one of a number of plans which are being looked at to rein in health care costs. A grab bag of others proposals would raise the age for Medicare eligibility, eliminate secondary insurance in
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Published by Senior Services of Snohomish County 11627 Airport Rd., Suite B Everett WA 98204-8714 Editor Sharon Ostant 425.290.1277 Advertising Account Manager Dale Bohm 425.263.1868 Published bi-monthly with a readership of 38,000+, the Senior Focus educates and entertains readers (seniors, family caregivers, service providers and other interested persons) with news and
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information that reflects the diverse interests and needs of the senior community. Signed articles are the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of Senior Services or the Senior Focus. Distribution: 20,000 papers are mailed to households and senior-friendly businesses in Snohomish, North King and Island and counties; 3,500 papers are distributed at drop-off locations including senior centers, retirement communities, hospitals, medical clinics, etc. Advertising: The existence of advertising in this publication is not meant as an endorsement of the product, service or individual by anyone except the advertiser. Associate member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
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June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
Willie Dickerson…
He was grateful to be a teacher Senior Spotlight Someone We’d Like You to Meet…
By Teri Baker Willie Dickerson doesn’t say, “I was a teacher.” Instead, the Snohomish man always says in grateful wonder, “I got to be a teacher.” He taught for 30 years before he retired, and at 65, still finds opportunities to teach. Earlier this year he spent four months in Kiev, Ukraine, where one of his daughters lives. He smiles and reports happily, “There is an international school there, and I got to teach kindergarten!” Throughout his career, Willie has taught preschool through 12th grade in various settings. He once taught English as a second language to Cambodian and Vietnamese immigrants in a residential refugee program in California. “We were in an old hospital turned Buddhist monastery,” he says. “I taught job skills, drove the bus and learned some Cambodian.” Interaction with people of different nationalities has always been part of Willie’s life. Born in Walla Walla, where his father ran Army National Guard outfits
throughout the area, Willie thoroughly enjoyed the subsequent moves his military family had to make, especially the one to Puerto Rico. “We actually drove across a moat to reach the castle,” he recalls fondly. “The sea was on the other side. We lived in one of the 10 houses on the castle grounds. I was there for second and third grades. It was a lot of fun, an idyllic life. We could walk to town. My Cub Scout den built a hut out of palm branches.” Willie’s enthusiasm and creativity again came to the fore when the family was stationed in Monterey, Calif., where he and his brother and sister wrote stories for a newspaper they created. “We didn’t have much of a circulation,” Willie laughs, “but we had a great time.” Eventually, the family came to the Tacoma area and Willie went on to graduate from Lakeside High School in 1967. He pondered following his brother into the service, but says, “It was a hard choice, but I had a high enough draft number, so I decided to go to Washington State University.” He attended WSU for awhile, and then, carrying nothing but a backpack and a sleeping bag, went to Europe on a student char-
ter. “I met all kinds of people, even people from Woodstock,” he says. “It was wonderful. There was so much art and history to explore. I went to places like the British Museum. It was amazing to see centuries-old, handwritten letters and documents.” Well and truly bitten by the travel bug, Willie didn’t want to spend more money on college just yet. “It was great to see Europe, but hadn’t seen my own country,” he explains. “So, I got a van Willie Dickerson at Paphos Castle located on the and spent four months edge of Paphos harbour in Cyprus. He visited Cyprus traveling 19,000 miles while in Kiev, Ukraine where he spent four months and visiting 39 states.” teaching at an international school. Along the way he atchildren at Rainier School. tended peace rallies, made numerous friends and had a great Willie liked being a teacher’s time. assistant, and when the school said it would hire him if he got a But what about formal educadegree, he enrolled at the Univertion? Willie wasn’t quite ready to sity of Washington and earned a spend more money on college. He teaching certificate, along with a explored other avenues, including bachelor’s degree in history and photography and farm life, beeducation. fore settling in Buckley, where he “The school in Buckley kept its volunteered for four months in a class for developmentally disabled CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
WILLIE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
word and hired me,” he says. “I got to teach five to 16-year-olds, then 16 to 20-year-olds. I loved all of it.” His career took him to Eastern Washington and Idaho, then he taught in a private school and ran an after-school program in public schools in California for six years. He returned to Puget Sound and taught in the Highline and Tacoma school districts. He says one of the greatest joys of his life was being able to follow some of his students through preschool, then on to elementary, then middle, then high school. “I spent 16 years with some of these kids,” he says. “I especially remember one troubled boy who told me at graduation, ‘Thanks for believing in me.’ As a teacher, that brought me so much satisfaction.” In 2004 Willie was still teaching school in Tacoma, but also taught a personal growth class in Seattle. He had married in 1977 and reared three children, but the marriage ended after 24 years. It was three years later in this personal growth class that he found himself drawn to a charming woman named Barb. “I was a volunteer so there was
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no fraternization,” he says. “When the class was over we got to know each other and discovered we had a mutual interest in hiking, among other things.” They married in 2006. After he met Barb, Willie got a job teaching middle school in Marysville until he retired in 2009. “I did some gardening and some grandfathering,” he says. “Barb and I traveled and just had a great time.” Willie also became more active in RESULTS, a grassroots, nonprofit that advocates for legislation and policies to end the worst aspects of hunger and poverty at home and abroad. He went to the local chapter’s first event in 1992 and was impressed with its emphasis on health, education for everyone everywhere and economic opportunity. “There are diseases such as AIDs, tuberculosis and malaria that are preventable,” he says. “We encourage legislators to invest in the kinds of things that deal with that, as well as a global sustainable education plan and microcredit loans so people can meet basic needs and build businesses as a way out of poverty.” Warming to his subject, he adds, “Ordinary citizens can make a difference. We write letters and visit our elected officials. We write to newspaper editors and to President Obama. We are specific about language so the money goes to the poor. Our efforts have helped keep
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Head Start funded and cut deaths of children under age five from over 40,000 a day in 1990 to about 18,000 today. We need to keep working until no child dies of preventable causes.” Willie counters the stress caused by his deep concern for others nearby and across the world by doing something he used to use when teaching seventh grade physical education classes. He laughs. Yes, laughs. He’s considering renewing his teaching certification by World Laughter Tour, an organization whose motto is “Live Globally, Laugh Locally.” He’s thinking about forming a laughter club and teaching the mind-body program of gentle laughter exercises, breathing and stretching to seniors. “It’s scientifically proven that laughter is great medicine,” he says. “It’s so healing. We don’t need to laugh at jokes; we just need to laugh.” Can you really just start laughing? Willie demonstrates with “ho-ho-ho, he-he-he, ha-ha-ha,” then says, “It’s contagious in a group setting. Soon one person starts to laugh legitimately, and before long, everybody is really laughing.” If he doesn’t teach laughter classes, he thinks he might teach tai chi. Willie says he enjoyed all of his teaching experiences, so why stop now? “I loved it,” he says. “I’m spoiled. I got to be a teacher.”
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Activities and attractions
Snohomish County… a fun place to explore Looking for summer activities and attractions to explore in “your own backyard?” Visit the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau’s website, snohomish.org, and click on the Explore tab at the top of the homepage. You can search by area or interest. Click on Gold Bar and you’ll find information about Alpine Adventures (whitewater river rafting); the Gold Bar Museum and Historical Society; and Wallace Falls State Park. You can also search by area (north, south, etc). Search by interest and you’ll find information under these topics: arts, culture & history; aviation attractions; family & child activities; hiking, camping & nature; outdoor activities; casinos; dining; plus more. You can also check the Events Calendar to learn what’s happening in museums, art galleries, performing arts, farmers’ markets, nature walks, special events and festivals around Snohomish County. A handy reference to all the activities can be downloaded at snohomish.org or you can request a Visitors’ Guide brochure by emailing visitor@snohomish.org or phoning 425-348-5802.
June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
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Programs can help with safety, RAMP PROJECT health, weatherization concerns love his stories of what Minor
er says. “It gave us the opportunity to get more done that we normally can. We wouldn’t be able to do this monetarily if The Home Depot hadn’t chipped in, and we really wanted to do it. We need to remember our veterans. Some of them are now suffering the effects of what happened decades ago.” As Miller says, the project is a win-win situation. The Home Depot Foundation’s $3,200 grant helped Minor Home Repair help one of the many seniors it serves. MHR and The Home Depot Foundation have established a great working relationship that has led to consideration of additional joint projects. Lyle Zimmerman now has a well-built, 56-foot wheelchair ramp, two solid entry doors and brand new front steps. And it all started with a selfless veteran who wanted help for someone else. Lyle Zimmerman is not a forgotten vet. He has discovered that the people at The Home Depot Foundation and at Senior Services not only can and do help, but truly care about him and his former fellow comrades in arms. A man of few words, Zimmerman’s reaction to all this is a grateful: “I think it’s great. It’s really great!”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Elder Info Have a Question? We Have an Answer!
By Cynthia Nowowiejski Senior Services of Snohomish County
Q
I own my home and have a difficult time making home repairs. I have arthritis in my hands and joints. I also have a limited income. I now have problems with leaky faucets and the lock on my front door is not working well. My neighbor also mentioned a program which might help me weatherize my home. I could benefit from additional insulation. I’m sure that could help lower my utility bills. Are you aware of any service that might help me? Maintaining a healthy and safe home can be a challenging task, especially on a fixed income. Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program assists low and moderate income seniors and disabled homeowners with health- and safety-related repairs. There is no charge for labor; materials are free or at cost. Individuals must be registered with the program before a repair can
Home Repair does, and I really like what Senior Services is doing. “I’ve been here six years, and one of the things I love about working here is the team giving back. The Home Depot is really committed to doing what they can for veterans. I told Mark to bring in the information and we’d see if we could get a ramp.” Northey contacted Sherry Caraway, manager of The Home Depot Foundation Western Division, who agreed the project was well worth doing in light of the foundation’s mission “to give back to those who have already given so much for this country by ensuring every veteran has a safe place to call home.” Northey says Caraway was really excited about helping Zimmerman. The Foundation provided all the materials and delivered them free of charge to the site. With Beckmeyer spearheading the project for MHR and Northey leading her Team Depot, the project took only four days. “It’s pretty exciting,” Beckmey-
be provided. Minor Home Repair offers the following services: carpentry, door and window repair, plumbing and sewer repair, grab bar and handrail installation, ramp repairs, security devices and locks, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, limited roof and gutter repair, minor electrical work, and minimal furnace/heating system repair. The program does not offers assistance with remodeling, painting, sewer and water connections, appliance repair, cleaning/chore work, yard work or trash hauling. To be eligible you must meet program and income guidelines. You will need to complete an application and provide verifications. For more information or to apply for services, call 425-265-2222. Snohomish County offers the Weatherization Program which provides home energy conservation assistance to eligible households all year long. Homeowners and renters can be served. The Weatherization Program offers the following, depending on the home: standard weatherization measures such as installation of insulation and air sealing; energy conservation education; safety checks on heating systems;
WEATHERIZATION, CONTINUED
and checks on home ventilation. To be eligible for this program, you must meet program and income guidelines and provide required verifications. A landlord agreement form is required for a person who lives in a rental home. For more information or to apply for services, call 425-388-7205.
Re-Elect Mike Sells...
It’s About Leadership
Our Mission: To enrich, empower and embrace seniors, families and the community. Center Cafe offers:
Nutritious lunch: weekdays, 12 noon, $3 if over 60; all others $6. Dinner: Mon., Weds. & Fri., 5 p.m., $4. Programs and Services:
Senior Information and Assistance is the gateway to access services for older adults in Snohomish County. To speak with an I&A Specialist who will listen to your concerns, answer questions and explore options, phone 425-513-1900 or 800-422-2024.
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
Centenarians reveal their secrets to a long, happy life (BPT) – One hundred years ago, the average American’s life expectancy was between 50 and 60 years, and so the estimated 53,000 centenarians in the United States today have lived much longer than most of their contemporaries. Perhaps that is why a new survey shows that these 100-year-olds feel “blessed” (36 percent), “happy” (31 percent) and “surprised” (12 percent) to have lived so long. Not one reports feeling sad or burdened; only three percent say they feel lonely. For the past nine years, UnitedHealthcare has conducted a survey of 100 100-year-olds to
Lewy Body Dementia When 82-year-old former Los Angeles radio disc jockey Casey Kasem went missing, it was revealed that he has a form of dementia known as Lewy Body. It is estimated that some 1.3 million Americans suffer from the same illness. According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, this illness resembles other forms of dementia. It shares some of the same symptoms, but also has unique characteristics of its own. It may start out as a memory disorder, as in Alzheimer’s, but include unpredictable levels of cognitive disorder, changes in walking or movement (similar to Parkinson’s), visual hallucinations, sleep disorder, sensitivity to some medication, and behavioral problems. But, maintains the Association, if caught early, the quality of life can be improved or extended. For information, visit lbda.org.
gain insight into their lives. For its most recent 100@100 survey, the company also polled 65-yearold baby boomers to examine how the attitudes and lifestyles of people entering their retirement years compare to those who hit that same age 35 years ago. According to the study, both groups agreed that they feel younger than their years. On average, the centenarians surveyed said they feel just 83 years old, while 65-yearold baby boomers said they feel 55 years old. “It’s encouraging that older Americans feel more youthful than the number of candles on their birthday cake might suggest,” said Rhonda Randall, D.O., chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions. “By looking at how they are living their daily lives, we can glean important insights about the keys to staying healthy and feeling vibrant as we age.” The following are some of the secrets to healthy aging, as revealed by the 100@100 survey.
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equals a pound of cure” to heart by keeping up with preventive health care services to stay well. Nearly nine in 10 get an annual exam (87 percent of centenarians and 89 percent of baby boomers) with their primary care physician, and the majority also report getting eye exams regularly (71 percent of centenarians and 76 percent of baby boomers).
titude are equally important to successful aging (66 percent and 81 percent, respectively). In fact, 82 percent of centenarians say laughing/having a sense of humor is important to healthy aging. Perhaps the most important lesson revealed in the 100@100 survey findings is that living a long, healthy life is about more than just genetics. Daily habits and lifestyle choices can make a difference not only in how long people live but also in how they feel as they age.
Secret 3: maintain a positive attitude Both centenarians and baby boomers say maintaining their physical health and a positive at-
For more information on how to stay healthy beyond 65, visit nihsenior health.gov. For complete 100@100 survey results, visit the news room at UHC.com.
Secret 1: keep up with exercise Despite their age, centenarians stay active: more than half walk or hike and nearly a third do strength-training exercises. A few even run outdoors or play team sports every week (four percent). Exercise is an important part of boomers’ lifestyle as well. Nearly three in four walk or hike each week, 37 percent do strengthtraining exercises and 13 percent run outdoors or play team sports. Secret 2: get preventive care to stay healthy Older Americans are taking the saying “an ounce of prevention
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June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
Seniors entrepreneurs… the number is rising by Cheryl M. Keyser So you want to own you own business and be your own boss? This great American dream is being lived out by many older adults who want something more out of retirement than playing golf or traveling. “Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 comprise the fastestgrowing group of entrepreneurs in the country,” said Tameka Montgomery of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Furthermore, “research shows that one in four Americans between the ages of 44 and 70 are interested in starting their own businesses...in the next five to 10 years.” Kenneth Yancey, CEO of SCORE, an organization affiliated with the SBA to provide counseling to new businesses, notes that 31 percent of its clients are over the age of 55. What is driving this interest of older adults to return to working for themselves? “Most seniors don’t want to
spend their retirement just on leisure and many need to earn extra money to make ends meet,” said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. “Many seniors may not know that running their own business is a realistic option.” Others enter a field in which they are familiar after years of working, because “they are finally able to pursue their passions,” said Yancey, and, in turn, give back to the community. Numerous examples were offered at a recent Senate hearing combining the Special Committee on Aging and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. There are many fields open to older adults from traditional farming to cutting edge technology, often relying on skills developed when they were employees. For instance, there is Joe James who helped rural farmers sell their produce at a farmer’s market. Then he discovered that the left-over produce could be used
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for bio-fuel. Now he has a group of farmers who plant products specifically to use for creating this form of energy. James now has a multi-million dollar agri-tech business. And there is Conchy Bretos, owner of Mia Senior Living Solutions, who moved from a government position as the Secretary of Aging in Florida to start an assisted living services for public housing residents who wanted to age in place. When it came time to find the funding, she was able to draw on contacts she had made in her job, an advantage many older adults have when they seek to start a business based on their pre-retirement career. She was able to secure funding in the form of Medicaid waivers from the State legislature and a contract from the county commissioners. Six months later she had “a good waiting list.” Even a hobby can turn into a full-time business as in the case of Bruce Bohrmann of Maine. As a hobby, he made specialized knives which he turned into a business with help from the SBA’s SCORE program. He now sell his knives worldwide. And under the heading of older adults who can’t learn new technology, there is Elizabeth Isele, co-founder and CEO of the senior entrepreneurshipworks.org, an online education and training program for older adults which she started 16 years ago at the age of 56. She did not have a lot of money, but felt it was so important that she managed to find local fi-
nancing and later moved on to national foundations. “There are no programs for the millions of seniors who, while totally intimidated by the word, entrepreneur, are eager to explore the opportunity,” Isele noted. In terms of the overall economy, adults 65 and older who started businesses paid some $120 billion in taxes. They are one of the largest sources of private sector employment and, not to be forgotten, the individuals live healthier and longer lives. All it not without its problems. Starting a business is work and being one’s own boss can bring headaches, as well as new “bosses,” in the form of clients. Furthermore, there is no denying age discrimination can hold one back. As Bretos said, this has been “a major factor” in her case. “America is a young country; our models do no include old people.” But, that being said, she also goes on to note that “it has been proven that a 55-year-old and even a 65-yearold have significantly more innovation potential than a 25-yearold.” Isele stated it quite clearly. “We, as a society, need to recognize seniors are one of our greatest natural resources. They are not a ‘silver tsunami,’ they are a silver lining, yielding golden dividends.” For additional information, visit aging.senate.gov. Senior Information and Assistance Answers Questions – Explores Options
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
ALZHEIMER’S CAFE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
contacted me. The cafe offers a ‘normal’ environment for people with dementia and their caregivers to come, eat, laugh, talk, share stories, sing and be in the community. “It is different than a support group or a day center in that it is in a location that the couple or family might have frequented when the person with dementia was well,” says Egger. “It offers a safe place for them to eat out without worrying about looks, stares, embarrassment, etc.” “The cafes fill a real need for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, and their care partners,” reiterates Doug Harkness, Full Life Care’s director of marketing and communications. “They can engage with each other in a social, community environment where the focus is not on diagnosis, therapy or formal support,” says Harkness. “It’s just people coming together in a public venue where others are supportive and non-judgmental. It’s a chance to enjoy a meal and the richness of the moment.” Enjoy it they do. Molly Chachulski keeps a lively conversation going and tells the others about the Alzheimer’s Café in Greenwood in case they might want to go there, too. Bob Brown smiles as everyone greets his wife, Ann, with great affection. Don and Ellin Snow and Peter Evans Jr. and his wife, Anna, engage in good natured conversation. Ellin cheerfully leads the group in a sing-along. A young intern with Full Life Care smiles broadly as he watches the seniors, some who have been a little quiet, sing out everything from “On Top of Old Smokey,” followed of course by “On Top of Spaghetti,”
to “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else but Me” to “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.” Don and Edwina Goldsmith are having a great time. Don nods to the intern and says happily, “I met a new friend.” He repeats this every few minutes, but everyone understands and nobody minds. “He doesn’t have Alzheimer’s,” Edwina explains. “He has Frontotemporal Dementia. Its old name was dementia. He’s noticeably had it for four years. I’m glad we have a place like this to come to.” “This is our second time here, and we’ll be coming back again,” Virginia Kurlinski remarks as she sits with her husband, Wayne. “It’s a wonderful place to just hang out with other people.” Michelle DuPont, who came to check things out for her mother, is excited about the event. “It’s just great!” she says. “It’s during the day and is really focused on her. I want her to come and make friends and connections. And, it connects me with services in my area so that as things progress I can find out options available to us.” While she was there, Michelle has a chance to talk with Kristin Ott, north regional manager of Full Life Care, and Carol Teichgrab, family caregiver specialist at Senior Services about some of those options. “They helped me so much,” DuPont says. “I’m so glad I came. Even the Pagliacci Pizza manager has a good time. “I love having the café here,” she says. “They’re dreamy to work with, super easy. We’ve been fully supportive of this from the beginning.” The Alzheimer’s Café is from 2-4 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month in Edmonds at Pagliacci Pizza, 10200 Edmonds Way. To find out more about Alzheimer’s Cafes and their locations, call 206-224-3757 or visit fulllifecare. org and click on Events under the News and Events tab.
Not only do participants at the Alzheimer’s Cafe in Edmonds enjoy good food and interesting conversations, they also make new friends.
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10 June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
Potpourri…
Protect your money and make it last By Teresa Ambord You win! Or… did you?
The U.S. post office is reminding all of us that sweepstakes are yet another way thieves try to weasel their way into our wallets. After all, who doesn’t like to win? Postal inspectors say legitimate sweepstakes must disclose that no purchase is necessary to win, and that making a purchase does not increase your odds of winning. In other words, you don’t have to buy magazines to win the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. If a contest does not make those statements, think carefully before entering. A bogus contest may mention a fee but not call it an entry fee. It may be called a processing fee or an insurance fee, or there may be a subtle message that making a purchase will enhance your chances of winning. You can verify the reputation
of a sweepstakes or promotion by contacting the Better Business Bureau, 206-431-2222 or the Attorney General’s office, 800-5514636. If you suspect you have been victimized, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection service at 877876-2455 or visit postalinspectors. uspis.gov. Other resources include: The Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov, 877-382-4357 National Fraud Information Center at fraud.org, 800-876-7060 Information about contest legitimacy is available at delivering trust.com, a U.S. Postal Service web-site.
Senior spending has changed, not for the better
What are seniors spending their money on these days? As you might expect, things have changed over the last couple of decades. In a perfect world, by retirement they’d be debt-free. But
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these days, millions of seniors are digging themselves in deeper and deeper. Take a look at how things have changed in recent decades. In 1989, folks from ages 6574 carried an average credit card balance of $2,100. By 2010 that had jumped to $6,000 according to the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA). In the same time frame, for those age 75 and up, the average balance went from barely measurable to $4,600. 21 percent of those 65-74 carried a mortgage or a home equity loan in 1989. By 2010, this was at 37 percent. For those 75 and older during the same period, the figures went from six percent to 21 percent said Pamela Villarreal author of How Are Seniors Spending Their Money. The rise in housing costs and mortgage interest means overall, seniors under age 74 are spending 32.8 percent on total housing costs, which include mortgage interest, maintenance, and property taxes and home insurance. For those 75 and older, this figure rises to 36.7 percent. Also, a bigger share is being spent on health care. For those 65-74, health care ranks as the fourth largest category of expenses, totaling 11.4 percent of their budgets. For those 75 and up, health care is the second largest category of expense, making up 14.7 percent of expenditures.
of those who use Direct Express are satisfied with the program. Almost all felt making payments with the Direct Express debit card was safer than paying bills with paper checks, and almost as many say it is far more convenient. Direct Express users need to know, like anything else, this financial benefit is subject to scam artists looking to pick your pocket. No Direct Express personnel will ever contact you by phone, email or texts to ask for your card number, PIN or security code. If you get such a call, hang up. Then look at the back of your Direct Express card and call the customer service number there to report the call. –Senior Wire©
Notify Social Security of death immediately As distasteful as it may be to have to focus on financial matters when a dear one dies, it will save you a lot of grief if you attend to at least one matter immediately. If your just-deceased spouse was receiving Social Security benefits, the agency must be notified right away and the amount of that month’s check must be refunded even if the death occurred on the last day of the month. For example, if the death occurs in January, the check that arrives in February, which is the payment for January, must be returned. If the benefit is paid by direct deposit, notify the bank where it’s deposited and the account will be debited the February amount.
Debit card an option for receiving Social Security
Would it be easier for you to receive your Social Security in the form of a debit card? The federal government offers a program – called Direct Express – where you can register to do just that. All you need is your Social Security number or claim number and your 12 digit federal benefit check number, and the amount of your most recent federal benefit check. Then log onto to GoDirect. org or call toll-free, 800-333-1795. According to a U.S. Treasury Department survey, 95 percent
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
Medical conditions associated with hearing loss (BPT) – Think you might have hearing loss? It turns out procrastinating about that hearing test appointment may put more than just your hearing at risk. Primary care doctors now know hearing loss may be a symptom of another, more serious medical condition. Over the past decade, studies have linked hearing loss to three concerning co-morbidities: Cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Poor cardiovascular health causes inadequate blood flow throughout the body. “One of the first signs of a problem is blood vessel trauma to your inner ear resulting in damage to fragile hearing nerves,” says Dr. Patricia Ramirez, an audiologist and trainer at Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. “The outcome is hearing loss, particularly in the lower frequencies.” A recent study showed a “significant association” between lowfrequency hearing loss and the dangerous effects of cardiovascular disease, including strokes, coronary artery disease and heart attacks. Because of this, you should immediately report it to your primary care doctor if you have a hearing test that indicates hearing loss – especially in the low. He or she may recommend a complete cardiovascular work-up.
Online prescriptions Cyberspace has made the universe smaller in many ways, like making it possible to order and refill prescription medications for delivery without having to leave home. You can do it by computer. For your own safety, both medi-
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Dementia Despite the results of multiple studies linking hearing loss to the onset of dementia, many people are unaware that untreated hearing loss poses a threat to cognitive health. But studies have shown the more profound the hearing loss, the greater the possibility of cognitive decline. Why is hearing loss a likely factor in the development of dementia in some patients? Theories include: The same, as-yet-to-be discovered cause of dementia may also cause or contribute to hearing loss. Straining to hear and understand exhausts your mind and inhibits its ability to function at peak performance. People who cannot hear well, or have difficulty hearing in crowds, often avoid socializing. Isolation is an established contributor to mental decline. Additional studies have associated hearing loss with more rapid brain shrinkage, particularly affecting areas of the brain responsible for processing speech, sound, memory and sensory integration. Early diagnosis and medical intervention can help slow the progression of dementia in some patients. Treatment with hearing aids not only helps improve your hearing – it might stave off or even slow down the development of dementia. cal and legal, there are some things to watch for. You can order any of those cheaper over-the-counter meds and medical appliances touted in those solicitations claiming to be from Canada – or from anywhere else, for that matter. The problem in this case is that you can’t be sure of who makes the medicine and what ingredients it contains. To order prescriptions legally, the pharmacy must be situated in the United Sates. Its web-site should include a street address and telephone number you can call to consult with a qualified licensed pharmacist. –MLF
CONNECT WITH OTHERS STAY ACTIVE ENJOY LIFE The YMCA of Snohomish County offers a variety of programs and activities specifically for older adults. From aerobics to yoga, water exercise or special trips, you are sure to find many enjoyable opportunities to connect with others. There’s a Y near you: Everett Marysville Mill Creek Monroe Mukilteo
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Diabetes People with diabetes are two times more likely to suffer hearing loss than those without the condition. Diabetes actually encompasses a group of diseases associated with high blood glucose levels caused by an inability to produce or use insulin properly. Nearly 26 million Americans have a form of diabetes. Research measuring the ability to hear at the low, mid and highfrequencies in both ears, found a link between diabetes and hearing loss at all frequencies, with a somewhat stronger association in the high-frequency range, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. It appears the damage is more common in patients with Type 2 diabetes, which represents approximately 95 percent of cases in the U.S. Another significant study tested 5,000-plus individuals and found more than 30 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes also experienced hearing loss, according to the NIDCD. What should you do if you think you have hearing loss? No one wants to be told “you have hearing loss,” but ignoring an obvious problem will not make it go away. In fact, delaying treat-
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ment could make the problem worse and potentially endanger your overall health. Finding out you have hearing loss allows a hearing care professional to fit you with appropriate hearing aid amplification to help improve your hearing and provide you with test results that could alert your primary physician if you have serious health concerns.
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Stillaguamish Senior Center Serving seniors and the community through educational classes, social and health programs Keeping seniors active with Wii bowling tournaments trips movies bingo live entertainment on Friday mornings social groups nutritious lunches book club classes volunteering Health and wellness programs include foot clinic massage acupuncture dental and hearing aid services important issues workshops exercise classes walking group Caregiver Support Program for unpaid caregivers. Providing tools needed to take care of yourself while supporting your loved one. Also Thrift Store and ask about Hall Rental
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12 June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
So much to dig into in the Outer Banks Get Aways Adventures in Travel
By Victor Block North Carolina – I stood frozen with fear as the terrifying image drew closer, his curved sword swinging wildly. Just as he seemed about to separate my head and body, I snapped back to reality, left behind my all-too-real daydream about Blackbeard the pirate and moved to the next exhibit in the museum. The dramatic if somewhat grisly story of Blackbeard is but one display that transforms the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, North Carolina, into a memorable experience. That eclectic collection is among attractions which make the Outer Banks – the chain of narrow barrier islands that parallels the state’s Atlantic coastline – into much more than just another sunand-sand vacation destination. The Outer Banks first became a magnet for vacationers in the Senior Information and Assistance Answers Questions – Explores Options
425.513.1900
1830s, when wealthy North Carolina planters found refuge there from the summer heat. They were followed by sportsmen drawn by outstanding fishing and hunting that Native Americans had discovered centuries earlier. Today, beaches along the 130-mile-long Outer Banks remain the major appeal for many visitors. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which covers much of the Banks, encompasses some of the largest undeveloped beaches in the country. Nestled between those stretches of sand is a string of villages, each with its own distinctive characteristics, that provide added impetus to visit the area. Many visitors rank Corolla (pronounced coh-RAH-luh) and Duck, the northernmost towns, as the two prettiest. In addition to a smattering of interesting shops, Duck sports a wooden boardwalk along the shoreline of a bay on the west side of town. Here and there it skirts pockets of woods where bird calls are the only sound. Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head form the commercial hub of the Outer Banks, complete with a strip-mall atmosphere – along with two attractions worth a stop. It was at Kitty Hawk where, on
The Elizabeth II, a sailing ship representative of seven British vessels that arrived during the 16th century. Costumed interpreters entertain visitors with dramatic tales of the perilous voyage.
December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first controlled power flights, and history. People often are surprised to learn that the longest journey lasted only 59 seconds and covered just 852 feet. A museum houses a fullscale replica of their rickety aircraft and other memorabilia that tell the story. Nearby Jockey’s Ridge State Park makes its claim to fame as the site of the tallest sand dune on
the east coast. In this mini-desert setting, winds constantly reshape the ridge, causing the dune for which the park is named to vary in height from 80 to 100 feet. South of this commercial section, a slight detour leads to Roanoke Island which, in 1587, became the site of the first English colony in the New World, 22 years before settlement of Jamestown, Virginia. A good place to begin CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
OUTER BANKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
an exploration is Festival Park, where the life of Native Americans who originally inhabited the area is recreated. Longhouses, a dance circle, and planting and harvesting areas set the mood, and interactive exhibits appeal to generations of family visitors. To relive another chapter of the story, clamber aboard the Elizabeth II, a sailing ship representative of seven British vessels that arrived during the 16th century. Costumed interpreters describe the small craft, and entertain landlubbers with dramatic tales of the perilous voyage, speaking in a thick brogue that echoes the dialect of that time. The most famous attraction on Roanoke Island is the Lost Colony, a something-for-everyone drama that entertains with special effects, daring action, comedy, music and dance. It relates the true story of the disappearance – no one knows where or why – of the 116 men, women and children who settled in the New World in 1587. Further south in Hatteras Village, the aptly named Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum has exhibits which chronicle the tragic tale of more than 2,000 ships that met their fate on the treacherous offshore shoals. Many were sailing vessels that went down during
the 18th and 19th centuries. Parts of several shipwrecks are visible today along beaches or in shallow water at low tide. Among other vivid exhibits at the museum are displays about the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor, ship bombing demonstrations by General Billy Mitchell off the Cape Hatteras coast in 1921, and lifesaving and rescue operations. And of course there’s a section devoted to the notorious Blackbeard who, after his life of marauding, was killed in the area. Lighthouse buffs will think they’ve gone to heaven, with three towers that mark this stretch of the Outer Banks, all of which were first lit in the 1870s. The Cape Hatteras light, the tallest brick beacon in the country, and the Currituck Beach lighthouse are open for climbing from spring to fall. If mounting the 257 steps of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse isn’t your idea of enjoyable exercise, there’s a list of other pursuits that may be to your liking. They range from hiking to hang-gliding, kayaking to kite boarding, sailing to surf boarding, along with fishing and crabbing. Oh yes, and my favorite beach pastime: relaxing on some of the finest sand anywhere with a good book. If you go. For more information about the Outer Banks, call 877-629-4386 or visit outerbanks.org. –Senior Wire©
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14 June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
USS Nautilus stops in Everett on its way to ‘secret mission’ Perspective on the Past By Bob Mayer In June 1958 the world’s first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus SSN-571 visited Everett. While the cruise was described as a promotional tour of West Coast cities, it was actually the beginning of a secret mission named “Operation Sunshine.” The goal was to perform the first submerged passage beneath the North Pole and the first cruise from the Pacific to the Atlantic via the Arctic Ocean. President Eisenhower had ordered that the mission be kept secret until he announced it after completion. The USS Nautilus, under command of William R. Anderson, arrived in Everett the afternoon of Monday, June 2, and provided guided tours to the public throughout the evening. During the stopover in Everett, Cdr. Anderson tried an unusual solution to remedy a persistent leak in the seawater cooling system of the submarine’s reactor
system. The water leak had been discovered on the trip from New London, Connecticut, through the Panama Canal and up the U.S. West Coast. The leak was not considered critical but worrisome for such a challenging and important voyage. Attempts to find and fix it were made at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California without success. As a last resort, Cdr. Anderson remembered hearing about an additive made to be poured into car radiators to stop coolant leaks. He decided to see if it would fix the problem and had crew members in civilian clothes go into Everett and buy up cases of “Bar’s Leaks” to add to the sub’s cooling system. The solution worked and the cooling system never leaked again. Early accounts of the voyage stated that the Bar’s Leaks incident took place in Seattle but in Cdr. Anderson’s last book, The Ice Diaries published in 2008, he told the story in detail and stated that it happened in Everett. The Bar’s Leaks company has used the story in its advertising ever since and even pictured the USS Nautilus on the lids of its product jars. The submarine left Everett for
USS Nautilus Docked at Pier 1 in Everett on June 2, 1958
Seattle on June 3 carrying dignitaries and press. While the Nautilus and crew were entertaining the public in Seattle for the rest of the week, Cdr. Anderson, in civilian clothes and under an assumed name, flew to Alaska with civilian Arctic scientist, Dr Waldo Lyon, for a secret aerial survey of the ice conditions on their intended path in the Arctic Ocean. Just after midnight on June 9, the Nautilus left Seattle for the trip north to the Arctic. When the submarine reached open Puget Sound waters, under the cover of darkness, crew members went on deck and blanked out the submarine’s name and identification
Bob Mayer photo
numbers with black paint. Since the official story was that the Nautilus was heading south to the Panama Canal, it was important to not be identified heading in the opposite direction. Eight days later, when the Nautilus passed the Arctic Circle and reached the polar ice pack, the crew found that the ice was too thick to allow passage of the submarine between the ice above and the sea floor below. They turned the sub around and headed south for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to wait for further summer ice melt before attempting the mission again. The USS Nautilus finally left CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
USS NAUTILUS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
Pearl Harbor on July 23. The Nautilus reached 90 degrees north and passed beneath the North Pole at 11:15 p.m. EDT on August 3, 1958. This achievement received world-wide acclaim, front page headlines and a ticker tape parade down Broadway in New York City. This was a major technical, scientific, and political success during the Sputnik days of the Cold War when the U.S. space program had fallen behind that of the Russians. The 1958 visit was not the first to Everett for the USS Nautilus. Nearly one year earlier on June 15, 1957 the submarine made a brief two hour stop in Everett harbor before sailing to Pier 91 in Seattle for a change-of-command ceremony. According to a June 17, 1957 story in the Everett Daily Herald, Everett residents by the hundreds lined the shores at every available viewpoint of the harbor for a glimpse of the submarine. Dignitaries and newsmen were shuttled from Pier 1 out to the submarine on the minesweeper USS Redhead. Many of them joined Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson who had boarded the Nautilus in Port Angeles for the short trip to Seattle. In Seattle at Pier 91 on June 17, a Change of Command ceremony passed command from Eugene (Dennis) Wilkinson, the first skipper of the Nautilus, to William R. Anderson who would be the Nautilus skipper for the 1958 Arctic voyage. It was fitting that the Nautilus stop in Everett on its way to the Arctic Ocean since Sen. Jackson, an Everett native, was an avid supporter of the nuclear Navy and the Arctic mission. After a flight over the Arctic with the U.S. Air Force in 1955, Sen. Jackson wrote a pointed letter to Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Arleigh Burke asking about the feasibility of operating a nuclear powered submarine under Arctic ice, since, unlike it’s predecessors, the Nautilus did not need to surface periodically for fresh air or to run engines for charging batteries. Sen. Jackson’s letter was the catalyst for a serious study of the idea and initiated planning of the voyage that brought the USS Nautilus to Everett and eventually to the North Pole in 1958. Sen. Jackson’s interest in nuclear submarines and polar exploration
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continued throughout his career as shown by his support of later polar submarine missions and his support of Admiral Hyman Rickover. I was 11 years old in 1958 when my Dad brought me down to Pier 1 in Everett to see the USS Nautilus. He made sure that whenever something interesting – like a visiting U.S. Navy ship, an air show, or a factory tour was happening in Everett – we went to see it. Those memories have always stayed with me. In my engineering career at Western Gear in Everett, I was fortunate to work on several projects related to submarines and oceanography. With the advent of the internet and instant access to information, I was finally able to learn the rest of the story about the USS Nautilus visit to Everett. The legacy of the atomic submarine USS Nautilus lives on in Everett. Today Everett is proud to be the Homeport of the USS Nimitz, CVN 68, nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Sen. Henry Jackson had a hand in that too. The USS Nautilus was decommissioned in 1979, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982, and in 1986 opened to the public at the Submarine Force Museum and Library in Groton CT. Today it attracts some 250,000 visitors annually. For further reading: The Ice Diaries by Commander William R Anderson and Don Keith 2008.
15
Free audio publications …
Listen and learn about Social Security By Kirk Larson Perhaps you’ve been planning to read that booklet on Social Security benefits for some time now, but you never seem to find the time to sit down with it. If only you could listen to an audio version, just as you might listen to the latest novel by your favorite author on audio book. Now you can. Social Security offers more than a hundred publications in audio format, in both English and Spanish. You can find them at socialsecurity.gov, click on the Publications tab or call 800-772-1213 for assistance. At Social Security, we want to make sure you can get the information you need. That is why we offer our publications in print, online in both internet and PDF versions, and some in audio format. You also can get publications in Braille, in enlarged print and even cassette or CD. If you are blind or visually impaired and are having trouble reading a booklet, you can ask a Social Security representative to read it and explain it to you. You can contact us as many times as you want to get an explanation. Social Security is committed to using technology to improve the customer service experience. Learning about any aspect of Social Security’s programs is eas-
ier than ever, in the format that works best for you. These days, you can even get a personalized estimate of your future benefits and apply for those benefits online. From the comfort of your home, you can access information about Social Security. Take it a step further and use the audio publications in combination with the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section to get answers to over 700 questions. If you were planning to plug in the ear buds and listen to a little music tonight, why not play the Social Security publication you’ve been putting off? It’s never been easier to learn about Social Security. Visit socialsecurity.gov and select the Forms and Publications link on the left side of the homepage. Welcome to our online library. Whatever your preferred format, we’re here for you. Kirk Larson is the Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security Western Washington.
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16 June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
What you see is – what??? brain does the seeing. And while it focuses on a subject or scene, we can be missing its meaning. In one segment of the TV program Brain Games, which deals with how your brain plays games on you, a dozen dancers – half wearing predominantly white costumes and the other half basically in black – pranced on stage. The audience in the studio and at home was asked to count the number of times a dancer in white jumped into one of two large white circles painted on the stage. And the music began.
By Cecil Scaglione My high school French teacher used to drill the class: “Don’t believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see.” A recent television program suggests he might have been optimistic in relying on half of what we see. Our perception of the world around us is based on what the brain translates from what we gather through our eyes (sight), nose (smell), tongue (taste), hearing (ears) and skin (touch). Our eyes do the looking but our
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recycle these units and save money on their energy bills. If you purchase your new refrigerator or freezer at Sears, you can schedule a free pick-up of your old unit to occur the same day as delivery. Ask a Sears sales associate for details. To have a refrigerator or freezer picked up and recycled, it needs to be in working condition and 10 to 32 cubic feet in size. The program is for Snohomish County PUD customers only. You must own the unit(s) being recycled, with a pickup limit of two units per account. To schedule a pickup, and take advantage of the summer cooler promotion, call JACO Environmental, 877-577-0510 (weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Or schedule your pickup online at jacoinc.net. Under Solutions for Consumers select the Recycle Now tab. To process your request, have your PUD account number available.
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witnesses report a crime. Court annals are crammed with cases of people convicted by eye-witness reports that have since been proved unreliable. In another Brain Games segment, the audience was asked to count the number of times an identically-dressed couple of participants skipped a rope as they and other skippers jumped in and out of the turning ropes. After the host asked how many times they were counted, the savvy audience was ready to let him know they all saw the character in the chicken costume walk across the stage during the segment. But then the host asked, “What color was the background of the stage when they were skipping? And did you notice we changed the two people turning the rope?” There was another screenful of silence and mouths agape. And probably in many homes, too. –Mature Life Features©
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After a couple of minutes, it stopped and the host asked, “How many of you counted about 18 or 20?” A couple of hands went up in the studio audience. A few more hands when up when he asked, “How many counted about 15 to 18?” Then he asked, “How many of you saw the penguin?” There was silence and a screenful of dropped jaws. A rerun of the segment in slow motion showed clearly that a person in a penguin costume strolled across the stage in full view of everyone, including those watching at home. A rerun in regular motion revealed how simple and easy it was to see that costumed character when you knew what was coming. This harks back to a television program several years ago during which several people ran across the stage during the show and committed various acts. The audience was then asked to report what they saw, including details such as how many people (male and female), what they wore, and what they did. The results were totally disparate recollections of that happened. The same thing occurs when
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
Determining value of antiques Dear …
Savvy Senior By Jim Miller
Q
What resources can you recommend for finding the value of old items? I inherited a large number of antiques and unique art from my great-aunt, and I would like to find out what some of these items are worth. Seeking Answers Dear Seeking,
There are actually a number of resources and online tools available that can help you find out the value of almost any item. Here are some tips to help you proceed. Get an appraisal While many people use antique shops or collectable dealers to find out the value of old and/or unique items, it’s usually best to use a certified appraiser who’s accredited and meets professional and ethical standards. Certified appraisers are more likely to give you a fair judgment because there’s no conflict of interest. It’s actually a violation of professional ethics for an appraiser to offer to buy an item he or she has appraised. A professional appraiser will provide a written report that includes a full description of your item and the procedure used to estimate its current value. For his/ her service, you can expect to pay either a flat fee or an hourly rate from $200 to $400 depending on his/her expertise and location. Avoid an appraiser who asks for a fee based on a percentage of the item’s value. If an appraiser thinks an object isn’t worth a written appraisal, he or she might recommend other resources to arrive at a value. To locate an appraiser either by location or specialty, search online at one of the three professional appraising organizations: The American Society of Appraisers (appraisers.org, 800-272-8258) which has around 5,000 members; Appraisers Association of America (appraisersassociation.org) that has around 700 members; and the International Society of Appraisers (isa-appraisers.org) that has about 900 members. Online resources You can also get estimates by professional appraisers and other experts through a number of websites. How it works is you upload photos of your items and provide descriptions, and the sites send back valuations usually within a week. Sites that provide this type of service include Value My Stuff (valuemystuff.com), which charges $10 for one appraisal, $25 for three or $75 for 10. WorthPoint (worthpoint.com) charges $30 for one item or $75 for three, or you can pay $20 for a monthly membership that provides unlimited access to their antique and collect-
ables valuations. Another resource for finding out what antiques and collectables are worth is Kovels (kovels.com, 800-829-9158), which offers a free basic membership that gives you access to its online price guide, or you can purchase one of their premium services that run $39 or $60 a year. They also sell the Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2014 for $28 that reports on recent prices paid for 35,000 items in more than 700 categories at auctions, shops, shows, flea markets and online. You may also be able to get an idea of what others are willing to pay for your stuff by searching similar items on the massive online auction site ebay.com, or the classified ads site craigslist. org. Both of these sites are free to search. Tax-deductible value If you are interested in donating any of your items, you can find out the tax-deductible value at free valuation sites available yearround by tax-prep companies like Turbo Tax at turbotax.intuit.com/ personal-taxes/itsdeductible. The Salvation Army also offers a valuation guide at satruck.org, select the Donation Value Guide tab. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.
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18 June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
Eat healthy and stay on a budget Meal Times All the Nutrition News You can Use
By Lilly (Ling-Yun) Kuo, MS, RDN Senior Services of Snohomish County
Making a nutritious meal does not have to break the bank. Many people believe that healthy foods are expensive and can’t be worked into a tight budget. But with a little bit of planning and knowledge about finding inexpensive, nutritious foods, a healthy meal can be prepared that fits your budget. Follow the three P’s to learn the tips to eat healthy on a budget; plan, purchase and preparation.
Plan
Plan meals and snacks for the week based on an established budget. Ever come out of the grocery store with more food and a bigger bill than you had expected? Planning is key to getting as much nutritious foods as possible within a budget. Look at the weekly advertisements of your local grocery stores to find out what is on sale. Use nutritious foods – fruits, vegetables, lean meats, beans, low-fat dairy, and whole grain products – that are on sale to plan your meals for the coming week. When you plan your meals, remember to plan your snacks, too. Hunger can strike in beLilly Kuo is a dietitian with Senior Services Nutrition Program. For information about Senior Nutrition, call 425-347-1229 or 800-824-2183.
tween meals. Snacks don’t have to be processed food like cookies or crackers. Think about fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or cheese and keep an eye out for deals on these items. Once your meals and snacks for the week are planned out, make a grocery list. Be sure to look into the refrigerator before making a grocery list and brainstorm ways to incorporate the items on-hand into the menu for the week. Having a list and sticking to it as you shop will help to eliminate the surprise on grocery bill. Be sure to buy just enough for what you need – buying too much can lead to spoilage and waste. Consider buying on-line and have grocery delivered to your door. This will cut down extra purchases when walking through the store.
Purchase
Fresh fruits and vegetables go on sale when in season so choose seasonal fruits and vegetables to get the most bang for your buck. Produce that is in season is likely to be locally grown, not shipped from across the country or from the other side of the world. Buying seasonally and locally guarantees freshness, supports your local farmers, and reduces impact on the environment as less energy is used for transportation and storage. If the fruit or vegetable you are looking for is not in season, buy it frozen or canned. Even when frozen, fruits and vegetables have nutritional benefits because they are frozen during their peak sea-
JUNE MENU June 2 - 6 Mon: Tossed salad, pizza w/veggies, fresh fruit, lemon bar. Tues: Broccoli salad, turkey cranberry wrap, chips, fresh fruit. Weds: Taco salad w/beef, cheese & rancho beans on chips w/salsa & sour cream, mandarin oranges, flan. Thurs: Asian slaw, sweet & sour chicken, fried rice w/vegetables, fresh fruit. Fri: Cucumber salad, baked sole almandine, rice pilaf, brussels sprouts, fresh fruit.
June 9 - 13 Mon: Spinach salad w/hard cooked egg, cheese, water chestnuts, mandarin oranges & dressing, breadstick, apricots, ice cream. Tues: Salisbury steak w/gravy, potatoes o’brien, zucchini, fresh fruit. Weds: Dilled cucumber salad, fish burger on whole wheat bun w/lettuce & tomato, potato salad, fresh fruit. Thurs: Tossed salad, baked pasta w/ meat sauce, broccoli, fruit cocktail Fri: Special Father’s Day menu.
June 16 - 20 Mon: Citrus salad, spanish omelet, roasted potato medley, muffin. Tues: Coleslaw, fish & chips, fruit. Weds: Southwestern salad w/chicken, romaine, cheese, beans, corn & tomatoes in tortilla bowl w/fiesta dressing, fresh fruit, lemon pudding. Thurs: Gone Fishin.’ Clam chowder, tuna fish sandwich, tomato salad, molded seafoam dessert w/pears. Fri: Tossed salad, dijon chicken, roasted potatoes, beets, fresh fruit.
June 23-27 Mon: Tossed salad, macaroni & cheese, green peas, fresh fruit Tues: Carrot raisin salad, french dip, potato wedges, tropical fruit. Weds: Meatloaf w/gravy, baked potato, dilled carrots, fresh fruit. Thurs: Shrimp louie w/romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes & egg, roll, fruit crisp . Fri: Gelatin salad, chicken salad on croissant, raw veggies w/dip, fruit.
June 30 Mon: Vegetable soup, egg salad sandwich on wheat bread w/lettuce, pineapple chunks, brownie.
son. Adding frozen or canned vegetables to recipes is an easy, affordable way to enhance a dish’s nutritional content. Frozen or canned foods have a long shelf life, so you can stock up when they go on sale. A word of caution: Canned vegetables can have very high sodium content. When buying canned vegetables, look for low- or no-sodium varieties or rinse them before eating to reduce the sodium content. Similarly with canned fruits, choose fruits canned in 100% juice instead of heavy syrup as they are lower in sugar and calories. Also, there are good low-cost items that are available all years round including: Protein – beans (black, garbanzo, cannellini). Vegetables – carrots, potatoes, greens (cabbage and lettuce) Fruit – apples, bananas, 100% fruit juice Grains – brown rice, oats Dairy – milk, yogurt, cheese
Preparation
To reduce costs, cook most meals at home rather than eating out. Many meals can be prepared in advance including spaghetti sauce, stew and soups and divided into small containers to be used later. Rethink protein. When people think protein, meat is usually the first thing that comes to mind. There are other great protein options that are as nutritious but cheaper. Beans and eggs are great sources of protein that can be more affordable than meat
Quinoa and Black Beans
This recipe contains no meat, but it’s packed with protein from the black beans. Quinoa, a very nutritious whole grain, provides a generous amount of dietary fiber. If you don’t have the spices listed, go to the bulk section of your grocery store and, for a few cents, buy just enough for this recipe. 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa 1-1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup frozen corn kernels 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic and saute until lightly browned. Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, Stir corn into the saucepan and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro. Yields 10 servings: Nutrition information per serving: calories 142 kcal; sodium 467 mg; fiber 6.9 g; protein 6.9 g; cholesterol 0 mg . Estimated cost per serving: 97 cents.
Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com
or poultry. Canned chunk light tuna and salmon are also affordable ways to add fish into your diet. Fish provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If meat or poultry is desired, buying when CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
JULY MENU Thurs: Asian slaw, sweet & sour chicken, fried rice w/vegetables, fresh Tues: Tossed salad, baked fish, roast- fruit. ed potatoes, vegetable, fresh fruit. Fri: Cucumber salad, baked sole alWeds: Pea salad, grilled turkey & mandine, rice pilaf, brussels sprouts, cheese sandwich, raw veggies w/dip, fresh fruit. fresh fruit. Thurs: Confetti salad, oven “fried” July 21 – 26 chicken, baked beans, cornbread, wa- Mon: Spinach salad w/hard cooked termelon. egg, cheese, water chestnuts, manFri: Closed for 4th of July holiday. darin oranges & dressing, breadstick,
July 1 - 4
July 7 - 11 Mon: Tossed salad, vegetable lasagna, vegetable, fresh fruit. Tues: Chicken caesar salad, bread stick, apricots, cookie. Weds: Tossed salad, spaghetti & meat balls, garlic bread, vegetable, sherbet. Thurs: Spinach salad, hot seafood sandwich, potato wedges, fresh fruit. Fri: Tossed salad, baked chicken, mashed potato w/gravy, fresh green beans, pineapple chunks.
July 14 – 18 Mon: Tossed salad, pizza w/veggies, fresh fruit, lemon bar. Tues: Broccoli salad, turkey cranberry wrap, chips, fresh fruit. Weds: Taco salad w/beef, cheese & rancho beans on chips w/salsa & sour cream, mandarin oranges, flan.
apricots, ice cream. Tues: Salisbury steak w/gravy, potatoes o’brien, zucchini, fresh fruit. Weds: Dilled cucumber salad, fish burger on whole wheat bun w/lettuce & tomato, potato salad, fresh fruit. Thurs: Tossed salad, baked pasta w/ meat sauce, broccoli, fruit cocktail. Fri: Tossed salad, roast pork w/gravy, roasted sweet potatoes, spinach, peaches.
July 28 – 31 Mon: Citrus salad, spanish omelet, roasted potato medley, muffin. Tues: Coleslaw, fish & chips, fruit. Weds: Southwestern salad w/chicken, romaine, cheese, beans, corn & tomatoes in tortilla bowl w/fiesta dressing, fresh fruit, lemon pudding. Thurs: Chef’s Choice.
Senior Focus June/July, 2014
Social Security launches expedited disability processing for veterans By Kirk Larson There is a new process to expedite disability claims filed by veterans with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T). Under the new process, Social Security will treat these veterans’ applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions, similar to the way the agency handles disability claims from Wounded Warriors. “We have reached another milestone for those who have sacrificed so much for our country and this process ensures they will get the benefits they need quickly,” said Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin. “While we can never
EAT HEALTHY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
on sale and/or in bulk to be frozen can save money. Meat and poultry are often considered the main part of a meal, but they can be expensive. Preparing smaller portions of meat and poultry and increasing the portions of vegetables or starch could cut costs. Doing so could also increase your vegetable intake and cut down on your saturated fat intake from meats. Be creative with grain. Whole grains and their products like bread and pasta are economical sources of vitamins and minerals. Nutritious grains come in wide varieties – brown rice, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, etc. Pasta and cereal (especially hot cereals like oatmeal, grits and cream of wheat) have a long shelf life, so you can buy them in bulk. Bread can be frozen to stretch its
fully repay them for their sacrifices, we can be sure we provide them with the quality of service that they deserve. This initiative is truly a lifeline for those who need it most.” In order to receive the expedited service, veterans must tell Social Security they have a VA disability compensation rating of 100% P&T and show proof of their disability rating with their VA Notification Letter. The VA rating only expedites Social Security disability claims processing and does not guarantee an approval for Social Security disability benefits. These veterans must still meet the strict eligibility requirements for a disability allowance. Learn more at socialsecurity. gov/people/veterans. Kirk Larson is the Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security Western Washington.
shelf life. Choose whole grain products as often as possible over refined, enriched wheat products to get more nutrients and fiber. Make sure the first listed ingredient says “whole grain” or “whole wheat.” If the ingredients contain the word “enriched.” the product is not whole grain. Resources
webmd.com. Click on Living Healthy tab, select Food & Recipes and search for 15 nutritious foods $2. choosemyplate.gov. Search for healthy eating on budget.
Keep your eye on your eyesight By Cecil Scaglione You can’t stop time because you want your body to quit aging. But you can maintain and manage malfunctions that can ease the strain of getting older. Canes help balance, exercise can maintain heart health, and hearing aids permit you to keep a line on what’s going on around you. But it’s a good bet most of us don’t fear diminishing in those areas as much as we dread the loss of our eyesight. The incidence of blindness and vision loss is accelerating as the population ages. You can’t drive anymore or watch the grandkids grow up or travel to exiting new panoramas. You can’t even sit and pass the time watching television. There are several things you can do to keep an eye on your eyesight. For starters, get your eyes checked and tested annually. For many people, the appearance of floaters can be a clarion of caution. While these dots and threads bobbing through your vision are quite commonplace, they can be a sign of a disastrous retinal tear. The retina is the thin membrane coating the back of the eyeball that translates light into signals the brain recognizes. As we age, the jelly-like vitreous that fills the eyeball can shrink and separate from the retina.
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If the shrinkage is significant, the retina can pull away, or tear, from the eyeball. If you notice a sudden surge of floaters or flashes of light, contact your eye doctor immediately. If a retinal tear is left untreated, fluid can leak through the tear and peel the retina away from the eyeball which can lead to total blindness in that eye. Individuals who are nearsighted or diabetic are at more-thanaverage risk of suffering a retinal tear. So are smokers and people with high blood pressure. There is an array of dangers to watch for as you age. High on the list of vision villains are cataracts. This malady becomes more common as people move past their 55th birthday. The condition clouds your eye lens, blurring vision and making you overly sensitive to glare. Surgery to correct this problem is becoming more widespread. It’s a simple and painless operation where the foggy lens is removed and replaced with a plastic insert. If you’ve worn glasses all your life and have both lenses removed, you can replace them with prescription lenses that should end your need for eyeglasses. Glaucoma, which can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam, can erode your optic nerve, which transmits signals to the brain. Macular degeneration, which can be slowed down with treatment, gradually destroys the sharpness of your central vision. – Mature Life Features©
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Basic Food program stretches food $$$ Are you struggling to make your food budget last through the month? You might qualify for Basic Food (formerly called food stamps) if your monthly gross income is at or below $1,945 (one person); $2,622 (two people). Each additional person, add $677. Benefits range from $15 to $189 per month. Basic Food benefits can be used to buy food items at participating grocery stores and to pay for Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining meals served at local senior centers. For information or help completing an application call the Senior Nutrition Program 425347-1229 or send an e-mail to basicfood@sssc.org and a Senior Nutrition Representative will contact you.
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20 June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
The Elevator Man
The pitfalls of going paperless The growing push to go paperless, not just to save trees but to eliminate employees needed to produce bills and receive payments, is worth examination because there are perils. You’re still going to need paper copies of some documents including: insurance policies, mortgage and loan receipts, property deeds, automobile ownership, birth and marriage certificates, medical insurance cards and records, and your Social Security card, to mention a few. Some of these can be scanned into your computer and copied onto a flash drive for safekeeping. And a scanner or photo app (application) on your mobile phone can be used to diminish the pile of paper around the house. You can scan or photocopy all receipts (keep the paper if you
think you might want to return the merchandise), checks you write and receive, paid bills and any other slip of paper that crosses your desk. The paper can then be recycled. But what happens to your bills when the lights go out? If you’ve set up an automatic payment system through your bank and arranged to have your creditors alert you via computer when your bills are due, none of this will happen if there’s no power. Don’t expect creditors to extend your grace period just because you didn’t receive their alerts. Review your situation to determine which pieces of paper you can eliminate before you decide to do away with them. It might profit you to be paranoid rather than paperless. –MLF
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By Saralee Perel Last week I saw a tired-looking fellow standing in front of a broken down elevator. I flopped onto a bench after climbing three flights of stairs in this medical building. “I wish you were an elevator repair person,” I said. “I am. I’m not in uniform ’cause it’s my day off. Most people who see the doctors in this building can’t climb steps.” “Well I, for one, am so glad you’re here.” I pointed to my cane. “I bet you never get thanked because once the elevator’s fixed, nobody knows you’re the one who fixed it.” “It doesn’t matter. I know.” After my doctor appointment, my husband pulled up in our truck to the front of the building. But there was something I wanted to do before I went outside. Usually I allow my dreadful nervousness to stop me from saying what I feel in my heart. But that day, I forced myself to say to the elevator man, “I appreciate you helping people like me.” Then I stammered, “You’re an incredibly special person. I wish I could say more than, ‘Thank you.’” He slowly turned toward me. “You just did,” he said. Then he touched the brim of his cap and nodded goodbye. When I got in our truck, my husband said, “What’s the matter?” “Nothing.” “It’s more than ‘nothing.’ Your face is all red.” I put my head in my hands. “I hate that I get ridiculously worked up over simple things. When I told
the elevator repairman how special he was, my hands shook and I stumbled over my words. I can never calm down and be normal like everyone else.” He touched my hand. “There’s no such thing as normal. And being scared doesn’t matter. To do what’s right, you can’t wait until you calm down because that may never happen.” I sighed. “That’s not very encouraging.” “Yes it is. Being calm isn’t what’s important. What’s important is courage. And real courage is doing what you did, in spite of being afraid.” “But it was just a small thing,” I said. “It wasn’t small to you. And it wasn’t small to him.” I looked back to see the fellow leaving the building. When he saw me, he gave me a thumb’s up sign. The elevator was fixed. And so, nobody will know that this extraordinary person went in on his day off and made it so that the people who can’t climb stairs will now be able to see their doctors. He didn’t care that no one would know. All he cared about was that he did what felt right in his heart. And because of my sweet husband’s wise words, that was all I now cared about too. Award-winning columnist, Saralee Perel, can be reached at sperel@sara leeperel.com or via her website, sara leeperel.com.
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
Warm up to volunteering Volunteer Connections By John McAlpine
RSVP Volunteer Recruiter
RSVP exists to help volunteers 55+ find fulfillment in their volunteer work and will match your lifetime of skills and experience to the organization of your choice. If the jobs listed here are not close to where you live, call me. Maybe I can find the perfect opportunity for you. There is something to do in every city in the county. This column lists only a few of the hundreds of opportunities available through RSVP in Snohomish County. Each column I focus on one of our volunteers or community partners to bring you a bit more news and information about them. This month, the spotlight shines on the 11 RSVP volunteers who were presented with the President’s Call to Service Award. To receive this award, each recipient must have at least 4,000 hours of documented volunteer time (in his/her lifetime). The award winners are: Bobby Hanna and Lenora Spears (Warm Beach Senior Community); Alan Gale and Weston Nielsen (Boeing Bluebills); Al Setzer (Guardian Monitoring Program); Jan Hart (Care Wear/Edmonds Senior Center); Phyllis Henshaw (Snohomish County Visitor Information Center); Pat Hodgen (Clothes for Kids); Ernalee Munday (Binky Patrol); Henry Thomas (Carl Gipson Senior Center); and Connie Riley (CCS Volunteer Transportation). Food Banks – RSVP wants you to know about the Mill Creek Food Bank (MCFB). The newest addition to the VOA Food Bank network, the MCFB needs check-in help. Volunteers are also needed to assist clients with selecting food and getting things loaded in their vehicles. Training is available for the front desk as you need some
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familiarity with using a computer. Volunteers working with clients must be able to lift and carry at least 25 lbs. The Food Bank is open to the public on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Please realize there are food banks all over the county and they can all use help. RSVP at the Fair – It’s not too soon to sign up for a volunteer shift at the Evergreen State Fair in August. Each year RSVP provides information and rents strollers, wagons and power scooters as a way to raise funds to support the program. Shifts are four hours and parking for volunteers is free. Volunteer Chore/Transportation – There are elderly and disabled neighbors who can use your help with routine household tasks. These tasks can be inside the house or out in the yard. Also there are neighbors who need rides to doctor appointments and other essentials errands. The client can enter and exit the car themselves. Mileage is reimbursed. Rocking Babies – If you like holding babies for an hour or two, we can use your help at the Evergreen Manor. While parents attend classes, the babies are attended to by volunteers. If the baby needs holding and/or rocking, that’s where you come in. There is a staff member in the room at all times. You can do this Wednesday/Friday mornings or Tuesday/Thursday afternoons.
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PUD warns customers about potential scams Snohomish County PUD recently issued a warning to its customers about potential scams that aim to steal identity and bill payment information. These criminals use various means of solicitation, including in-person doorto-door visits, social media, fliers, phone calls and text messages. Recent ploys have targeted both residential and business customers. The scammer may claim your bill is delinquent and/or tell you there is special funding for utility bill assistance. You are then asked for personal information, such as social security identification or credit card numbers. The scammer also may provide you with a fraudulent bank routing number with which to pay your utility bill. If you receive a phone call asking for financial information re-
lated to your PUD bill, do not provide it; just hang up. The PUD does not call customers to collect credit card information. The only time a credit card number is taken over the phone is through an outside, bill payment service. In this case, the phone call and payment is initiated by the customer calling 888-9094628. If you receive any communication, supposedly from the utility, and aren’t sure if it actually from the PUD, call PUD Customer Service, at 425-783-1000 to verify the information you were given. If a person comes to your home or business claiming to be a PUD employee, ask to see his/her PUD identification. Employees carry an ID card with their picture on it and will gladly show it to you.
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If you have questions about RSVP, volunteering or any of the agencies you see listed above, contact John McAlpine at 425-374-6374 or send an e-mail to johnm@ccsww.org. RSVP is a program of Catholic Community Services. The office is located 1918 Everett Ave., Everett.
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22 June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
On the road: American road trips The BookNook Settle in and Enjoy
By Bonnie Gerken The words “road trip” conjures up adventure, a change of scene, curiosity, and something “new.” When people retire, they often say they plan to travel and many buy an RV and hit the road. The idea of the freedom of the open roads is enticing. I’ve had many interesting road trips over the years. But what usually comes to mind were the annual trips to visit my grandparents in Missouri – before the interstate highways – in July or August – no car air conditioning – six people in the station wagon. Since the time on the road focused on getting there and back, we bonded over our survival tactics. “Breakfast in Green River, Wyoming the second day out” still brings a smile at family get-togethers. In looking for books to share, I noticed that almost all were written by men. So, you could start with the usual suspects – Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley, or William Least Heat-Moon’s Blue Highways. These authors and the ones below share the moments of unpredictability that make travel an adventure. Longest Road by Philip Caputo Curious to find out what holds this country together, Philip and
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his wife drive from Key West, Florida to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, accompanied by two dogs and pulling a borrowed vintage Airstream trailer. Roads by Larry McMurtry As Larry drives the major interstate highways (north, south, east and west) just for the purpose of being on the move, he shares his ruminations on scenery, history, and books. Cross Country by Robert Sullivan Robert describes his 15 years (90,000 miles) of adventures while moving his family from coast to coast several times as well as annual trips from Oregon to New York. The Great Typo Hunt by Jeff Deck and Benjamin Herson
Jeff and Ben correct typos wherever they find them as they travel a circle route around the U.S. in an endeavor to improve communication. It doesn’t always work. Riding with Strangers by Elijah Wald One more time, Elijah hitchhikes from Boston to Portland with the help of truck drivers and a variety of other characters. If you haven’t seen them, there are two PBS DVD/book combinations of interesting road trips – Horatio’s Drive (the first crosscountry drive in 1903) created by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan and Stephen Fry in America (the British comic actor visits all 50 states to find out what makes each unique). Now hit the road or the bookstore travel section or 917.3049 in your local library. It’s time to share your road trip stories.
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Where are They Now?
Louise Lasser By Marshall Kaplan The former prime-time soap opera parody star, known for her pigtails, is now known for her teaching abilities. Louise Lasser was born on April 11, 1939 in New York. She was the daughter of a tax expert. Although Lasser attended Brandeis University and earned a degree in political science, it seemed that she had a knack for humor and wanted to bring some levity to the Lasser household. After graduation, she began appearing in improvisational and musical revues at smaller clubs in Greenwich Village. Her talents were noticed and soon, Lasser was the understudy for Barbra Streisand in the Broadway musical, I Can Get It for You Wholesale. She also appeared on the soap opera, The Doctors. She was soon noticed again – this time by Woody Allen. The two were married from 1966 until 1970. She reminisces about that time. “I was twenty-one. When we met, I was seeing a friend of his. We immediately, immediately just were meant to be in the same playpen. We just connected. So he would call me and would say ‘do you want to buy some music,’ I think there were records at the time, and we would go in his car and we just got along really great.” Lasser went on to appear in three of Allen’s early films, Take the Money and Run (1969), Bananas (1971), and Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask) (1972). In January 1976, Lasser became a household name, as did her character (the show’s title), Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. The image of her character – a
kooky, neurotic, redhead with braids – has become iconic. The soap opera parody series was produced by Norman Lear. The series took place in the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio. The show’s title was stated twice, because Lear believed that everything that was said on a soap opera was said twice. There was no live studio audience nor laugh track, so as to match the soap opera look. Lasser recalls, “The show was a parody, and it worked because there’s such sincerity on the part of the characters.” In 2004 and 2007, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was ranked #21 and #26 on TV Guide’s Top Cult Shows Ever. Lasser found the filming schedule grueling and ended up with an addiction to cocaine. Clean and sober, Lasser continues to act in films, television and on stage – playing quirky, offbeat characters. Her final thoughts about her iconic character. “Mary (Hartman) is me – I mean, she’s who I would be if I had grown up in a small town and married my high school sweetheart and become a housewife instead of growing up in a big city and becoming an actress and marrying a genius.” Her greatest role thus far is as a member and professor at HB Studio in New York, where she teaches acting techniques.
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Senior Focus June/July, 2014
Shelter me …
A few good-hearted people spread their wings and fly Pet Tails … The ‘Paws-itive’ Approach
By Laura Boro There are so many distressing headlines in the news these days it sometimes feels like our world is becoming a cold and indifferent place. But then something magical happens that restores our faith in humanity. And we realize once again that kindness and compassion are everywhere and all around us – especially right here in the Northwest. This is such a story. This past March, I participated in one of the most amazing pet rescue operations I have ever witnessed. The situation was grim; 100 dogs held in California “kill shelters” were slated to be euthanized for no other reason than the shelters had run out of space. Imagine 100 healthy dogs, mostly small and adorable, friendly and hopeful, but without homes. Some were abused or rescued from hoarders and all were afraid of what their future might hold. No human to love and pro-
tect them, no prospects for rescue, and just hours away from being killed. Now imagine if you can, seven small private airplanes, swooping down out of the California sky to save the lives of these dogs. The bighearted pilots – all unpaid volunteers – are members of the growing “Wings of Rescue” movement. Their mission is to donate their time and planes to rescue dogs from Los Angeles kill shelters and whisk them away to the safety of rescue shelters up the coast. I was there on that day to help with this compassionate airlift operation. A plane – cabin crammed with excited dogs in crates – landed every half hour at a small airport in Coeur d’Alene. (Similar airlifts are happening in Bellingham, Olympia and other NW towns.) Tears rolled down my cheeks as I watched each plane taxi to a stop to unload the dogs. People were cheering and applauding as the pilot exited the aircraft. I realized I was witnessing the start of a whole new life for these happy little tail-waggers. The tarmac was set up like an evacuation center. More than 100
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Pictured are a few of the 100 dogs that were rescued by the Wings of Rescue from a shelter in California. photo by Laura Boro
volunteers of all ages had showed up – young people and seniors working side by side, each with a specific part to play in getting the precious cargo off the planes. From there, each pup was matched with his/her paperwork, given a collar and leash, and returned back to the loving arms of a volunteer handler. Once the dogs had all been safely processed, we walked them happily in a “puppy parade” a few blocks to the shelter. Along the way, potential adopters lined the streets to view the lucky dogs. This was the second rescue operation for this particular shelter. The Kootenai Humane Society has now taken in 200 Wings of Rescue dogs – ALL have been adopted. Prince was just one of the dogs that found a forever home that day. A one-year-old 14 lb. terrier, Prince was found as a stray and was slated to be euthanized, simply because the shelter ran out of space. Just one day after his plane trip to Coeur d’Alene, Prince found
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himself at the groomer, getting all those mats brushed out and enjoying his first bath in a long time. His new person couldn’t wait to see Prince’s little face and take him home. And for each dog that found a new life that weekend, there is a remarkable story of redemption and love. PBS television brought a film crew to document the rescue. The LA-based news team from Steven Latham Productions commented that “the outpouring of love from this community is phenomenal.” This episode will air on PBS this September. The documentary will be titled “Shelter Me: New Beginnings.” Please watch for it. I’m so proud of the Kootenai Humane Society, the volunteers I work with there, and the other rescue organizations for their support of this effort. Each and every one of those dogs has been given a second chance at life and love. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
24 June/July, 2014 Senior Focus
’Safety net’ preferred when deleting files Ask Mr. Modem Helpful Advice for Computer Users
By Richard Sherman
Q
I went to delete a file and it deleted without asking for confirmation. I intended to delete it, so the lack of a confirmation wasn’t a big deal, but I prefer having a “safety net” requiring me to confirm any deletions. Do you know why it would do this? Did you perhaps speak to it harshly? It sounds like your Recycle Bin settings may have changed, but it’s easy to get them
back on track. Right-click your Recycle Bin and select Properties. Select the Global tab, which will encompass all hard drives. (In Windows 7, select the General tab, which not many users know was named after General Horatio Tab, an unsung hero of the Civil War.) Click to place a check mark in the box next to Display Delete Confirmation dialog, followed by Apply > OK. The next time you delete a file, you will be prompted to confirm the deletion.
Q
Why do I keep getting a message that my Windows 7 is not genuine? It came installed on my Dell computer
Serving the Greater Puget Sound Area for Over 45 Years
Brian D. Lueth, MD
that I bought in December 2011.
Windows 7 includes a Windows Genuine Advantage checker that verifies that your copy of Windows is legally licensed. However, sometimes an error may occur which causes Windows to forget it is registered. Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this. The first step is to look on the back or bottom of your computer for the Windows authenticity label. This label will display your Windows Product Key or serial number. Write it down. Next, click the Start button and in the Search box type Activate Windows. In the window that appears you will be able to enter your Product Key and proceed with activation. You may need to click the Change Product Key button and type the Product Key again. Once activated, you will receive a message confirming activation and you will no longer be pestered by the message that dares to sug-
gest your copy of Windows is not genuine. (Of all the nerve!)
Q
I use a flash drive to back up my data and leave it plugged in all the time. Does leaving it plugged in wear it out quicker, or should I plug it in only when I need to copy something to it?
Leaving a flash drive plugged in will have no adverse effect on the drive. Wear and tear occurs during the read/write process, not from a flash drive sitting idly in a USB port. I recommend (and use) a rotational flash-drive backup protocol which results in one or more backup flash drives NOT residing in a computer at all times. In other words, I keep at least two flash drives; and each time I back up data, I remove one drive and insert another. So at any time, my flash drives are either current or one backup behind. I also keep my most important data backed up within a free Gmail account I maintain for that specific purpose. To do this, I mail (as an attachment) any important files I want to keep safely off-site.
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image and sound, the type of music you want to hear and whether or not you want guidance on your journey to relaxation – assuming making all these decisions doesn’t stress you out even more. Use the arrows at the bottom of the screen to transition between the various sound motifs. Ahhhhh… . calm.com History of Rock and Roll This is a remarkable demonstration by guitar-player Alex, who plays 100 of the most famous riffs in rock and roll history – and he does it all in a single take. The video is 12 minutes in length, so crank up the volume, sit back and enjoy. If you want to add a little fun to the experience, don’t watch the screen, but instead try to jot down the name of each song of the 100 riffs he plays, then match them up with the list that appears below the video. bit.ly/OdEH8U Hunkin’s Experiments Brought to you by cartoonist, broadcaster and engineer (can’t this guy hold a job?) Tim Hunkin, here you will find more than 200 experiments that you can perform in your own home. Choose one of the following categories to explore: Food, Mathematical, Biological, Electrical, Office, Sound, Hobbies, Science, Clothes, Lights, Objects, and Miscellaneous. After making your category selection, you will be whisked away to an assortment of experiments. Each experiment is depicted in a cartoon, making them fun for kids of all ages. hunkinsexperiments.com Use Promo Code MODEM when entering your six-month subscription to Mr. Modem’s award-winning weekly computer-help newsletter and receive one month for free! Visit MrModem. com. –Senior Wire©