Westchester Boomers & Beyond May 2017 ebook

Boomers & Beyond May 2017

Westchester County

Westchester Audiology Longest hearing aid warranty in America available here p9

Caring Professionals, Inc. Choose your own caregiver p10 Connect Hearing Free 2-week trial p11

Salute to Seniors Fantastic entertainment p15

Legal advice for Medicaid & Asset-Protection planning.

Call (914) 816-2900 today!

See page 14

Brightview, Tarrytown Come see our community p17

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May, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Our Specialty Pro ograms a help yo ou manage a wide range of con nditions at home.

• • • e • • • •

r

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-FOR-VNSW www.vns.org

r

Westcheste s r Care at HOME An affiliate of VNS Westchester ste

ATTORNEYS AT LAW Many Years of Experience Protecting the Legal Interests of the Elderly & Special Needs Populations

Advising Families about:

• • • • • • • • •

Medicaid Asset Protection Planning Estate Planning & Administration Special Needs Home Care Long Term Care Health Care Proxies Powers of Attorney Guardianships

See more information on page 14

Client Testimonials

I reached out to you during the most stressful time of life for both my loved ones and myself - horror had occurred to my dear loving mother.

My mom had fractured her hip and due to her frail health and advanced age required risky hip replacement surgery. Many issues legal and otherwise arose which I could not personally resolve. You not only resolved each and every one, but you continue to do so now, over 4 years later.

You always display extreme sincerity, compassion and friendship, using your vast experience and confidence in your ability, to continually bring satisfaction, positive results and a tremendous sense of relief and comfort to my loved ones and myself.

Westchester Financial Center 50 Main Street, Suite #1000 White Plains, NY 10606 Email: Info@ejrosenlaw.com

Tel: (914) 816-2900 www.ejrosenlaw.com

You have gone out of your way to visit Mom on multiple occasions in her Nursing house and we love you for it. As an attorney, friend, and a great man, I could not possibly hope to know anyone more phenomenal. The three greatest men I have ever known are my dear departed father, my dear departed father-in-law and Ely Rosenzveig.

– Jeff D.

I hired Ely to assist with my parents estate planning and it was a wise decision. He is a true expert in navigating through complex elder care law and procedures. His guidance was invaluable and his communication excellent. I would strongly recommend his services.

– Tom C.

Attorney advertising • Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome

ELDER LAW • TRUSTS & ESTATES • TAX ADVOCACY • MEDIATION • EMPLOYMENT LAW

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Wartburg to host free seminar The Essentials of Estate Planning

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May, 2017

Thursday, May 11, 2017 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Wartburg’s 2017 Speaker Series announces a free educational seminar “The Essentials of Estate Planning” will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. A complimentary light lunch will be served. The event will be held in the Gatz Conference Center located on Wartburg’s beautiful 34-acre historic campus in Mount Vernon, NY. The seminar will be presented by Wartburg in partnership with Debra A. Arena, Attorney at Law. Join us for this informative presentation on estate planning. You will learn firsthand how to provide future financial security for yourself and your loved ones, while learning the tax benefits of supporting your favorite charities.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Please RSVP by May 5 by contacting JoAnn McGraw at 914-513-5128 or jmcgraw@wartburg.org.

Wartburg, located in Westchester County, N.Y., offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services for all stages of life.

Wartburg delivers a wide range of services to residents living on campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and awardwinning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, Wartburg’s continuing care approach has earned them a trusted reputation. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage, with an array of options to find the right level of care for the individual while also considering the needs of the whole family. Wartburg’s award-winning, internationally recognized Council for Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning program lets residents and community members express themselves through art, song, theater, poetry and oral histories. The Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning initiative promotes increased emotional health and social engagement for seniors through a wide range of arts-based programs led by professional teaching artists trained to develop the creative capacity of older adult learners. For more information, please visit www.wartburg.org

FUNDRAISER

Wine Tasting by Pernod Ricard USA • Mike Bennett, WHUD Radio, EMCEE • Live Music FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (914) 810- 2561 OR E-MAIL EVENTS@DSFHS.ORG TO MAKE A RESERVATION ONLINE VISIT ARCHCARE.ORG/EVENTS

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

May, 2017

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May, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Advertiser’s Index

Our View

ArchCare at Home.....................................................................................4

Every May, the spotlight shines on seniors during Older Americans Month.

The aim is to honor our senior citizens - exploring ways they can remain actively engaged in their communities, promoting healthy aging, and advocating on behalf of preventing elder abuse.

Arthritis impacts nearly 50 million Americans, and May also marks Arthritis Awareness Month – an opportunity to boost awareness of the disease that has many manifestations and affects young and old alike. Research also continues to leap forward, with the goal of developing arthritis treatments to help make life easier for millions who deal with the condition on a daily basis.

It’s also Better Hearing and Speech Month, and this issue of Boomers & Beyond explores some of the newest breakthroughs in the field of audiology – including high-tech devices to help improve hearing.

And with the onset of warmer weather, folks spend more time outdoors in the sun. It’s important to be aware, especially as we age, of ways to help prevent melanoma and other skin cancers; and our May issue outlines simple steps to take for prevention and early detection.

As always, we welcome comments and suggestions for what you would like to see in upcoming issues of Boomers & Beyond.

Please get in touch with us at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Brightview Tarrytown...............................................................................17 Caring Professionals, Inc.........................................................................10 ColumbiaDoctors..................................................................................19 Connect Hearing..................................................................................11 The Knolls................................................................................................13 Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, PC...................................................3,14 Victoria Home.....................................................................................18 VNA of Hudson Valley...........................................................................20 VNS Westchester........................................................................................2 The Wartburg.......................................................................................5

Waveny Lifecare Network..................................................................................7 Westchester Audiology.........................................................................9

Boomers

Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services..........15

Westchester County

& Beyond

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com

PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito Joe@belsito.com

••• GENERaL MaNaGER

Nancy Sorbella

Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MaRKETING DIRECTOR

Gregory W. Buff Greg@belsito.com

••• MaRKETING EXECUTIVE

Anthony Mairo

Anthony@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MaNaGING EDITOR

Cathryn Burak

Next Month

Maureen Rafferty Linell

Retirement Communities Enjoying the retirement years

Michelle Belsito

Cataract Awareness Month

Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• SENIOR SaLES CONSULTaNT MRLinell@charter.net

••• CIRCULaTION

Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS

Dale McKnight

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Westchester, New York edition - Vol. 10 No. 5- is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error.

Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month Long Term Care and Assisted Living Security when making a big decision Hernia Awareness Month

Waveny LifeCare Network bolsters fundraising leadership PAGE 8

May, 2017

Cynthia Gorey has joined Waveny LifeCare Network as Vice President of Development, and Edlira Curis has assumed the new position of Vice President of Campaign Services for the New Canaan-based eldercare organization. Creating these key leadership roles reflects Waveny’s ongoing commitment to maintain a professional fundraising and development presence as a charitable non-profit organization.

As Vice President of Development, Gorey will be responsible for directing Waveny’s development operations, overseeing annual fundraising efforts, and developing a major gifts program as part of a long-term campaign to expand charitable support for Waveny.

Gorey brings a deep and personal familiarity with the greater New Canaan community, having spent 14 years as Executive Director/President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Canaan Community Foundation. “I am truly grateful to be ‘coming home’ to New Canaan, and feel privileged to be part of the leadership team at Waveny,” said Gorey. “The residences, programs and services within Waveny’s continuum of care are amazing community resources for all residents, young and old alike, and I am proud to help advance our mission.”

A unique fit for Waveny, Gorey’s professional background combines experience in health care, non-profit management and fundraising. She earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University in Human Biology and a Master’s degree from the Harvard School of Public Health. Early in her

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

provided

Cynthia Gorey and Edlira Curis will serve as Vice President of Development and Vice President of Campaign Services, respectively.

career, she worked for a home health agency and a hospital system, focusing on establishing a long-term care continuum.

“Cynthia brings expertise in all aspects of development and a passion for working with donors to her new role at Waveny,” said Bill Piper, Chief Executive Officer of Waveny LifeCare Network. “With such a sincere and established connection to our community, Cynthia is not

only a wonderful addition to our team, but the perfect leader for Waveny’s next phase of fundraising growth.”

Edlira Curis, who joined Waveny in November 2016, has been named Vice President of Campaign Services, and will continue to focus on campaign and major gift related initiatives.

Curis came to Waveny through her work with The Giving Collaborative, a philanthropy firm that

provides counsel and assistance to non-profit organizations seeking to grow their giving programs. A professional fundraiser with experience soliciting major gifts for Annual Giving efforts and Capital Campaigns, Curis spent ten years fundraising for independent schools prior to her work with the Giving Collaborative. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Service Management from Rochester Institute of Technology.

“Since joining the Waveny community, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know our many loyal friends and benefactors,” said Curis. “Our supporters inspire me every day. The level of care, concern and commitment shown to Waveny and other nonprofits is remarkable.”

Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a non-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and shortterm respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home and Geriatric Care Management. For more information, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Anthony Macera, M.A. CCC-A, FAAA

NY State Licensed and Certified Audiologist & Hearing Aid Dispenser

Do you ever have difficulty understanding speech at restaurants or family gatherings? Do you feel that people are mumbling all the time? Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Are telephone conversations sometimes difficult to understand?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is possible that you may have some degree of hearing loss. When people experience hearing loss, they often struggle to hear and understand speech. This can cause a lot of stress and have a negative effect on a person’s quality of life. When a person has difficulty communicating, it can cause them to avoid social situations and become more isolated. Over the past 15 years, Westchester Audiology and Hearing Aid Specialist, P.C. has been helping people communicate

May, 2017

PAGE 9

better by providing the highest level of healthcare to their patients. Our New York State licensed and certified audiologist will customize a healthcare solution for your specific hearing and lifestyle needs.

Our digital hearing devices cover the entire spectrum of hearing impairments, and will help you hear and communicate better with those around you. Most of our devices come with the industry-leading Secure 4-Year Warranty. We are also one of the only area providers of Lyric, the first and only 100% invisible, extended wear hearing aid (worn up to two months!)

It’s time to take action, and address your hearing needs. Call us at 914-253-9160 to schedule your complimentary hearing consultation and begin your journey to better hearing!

6 diseases linked to communication disorders in seniors

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May, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month. This annual, month-long health observance helps to raise awareness about hearing loss and communication disorders, while honoring the audiologists and speech-language pathologists who care for people with these health conditions. Because seniors are especially prone to ailments that can negatively impact speech, hearing and understanding, the observance carries special importance to seniors and their loved ones.

Read about communication problems related to six health issues that seniors often face, and how elders, families and medical professionals deal with them.

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosis can cause difficulty with both speech and understanding.

While MS is typically diagnosed before old age, it is a condition that many seniors live with. Problems with the swallowing reflex which are prevalent among people with MS can cause difficulty speaking, while cognitive problems associated with MS can impede understanding. According to a study published on the NIH website, half of people with MS have communication difficulty. The National MS Society has published an excellent guide to speech problems for MS patients and their loved ones, and includes a number of practical tips. For example, it suggests that MS patients who are struggling with their speech use a recorder (and today’s smart phones enable this capability) to help themselves learn to correct their speech. The document also reminds family members to keep an eye out for communication problems in loved ones with MS, “A person with MS may not notice his or her own speech problems. Many times a family member of physician brings it up.” continued on next page

1. Stroke Related Aphasia Aphasia is a disorder that impairs one’s ability to use and understand language. The leading cause of aphasia is stroke, and one in four people who have a stroke will develop aphasia according the National Stroke Association.

There are several different categories of aphasia, and no two person’s symptoms are completely the same. Many people do recover, at least somewhat, from aphasia, but the Stroke Association says that recovery is not likely when symptoms have persisted for more than six months after the stroke.

Speech therapy is the primary treatment for aphasia, although other approaches have been tried as well. One interesting therapy is known as “melodic intonation therapy,” whereby patients are sometimes able to sing words and phrases that they cannot speak.

2. Hearing Loss According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), one in three people over age 60 experience hearing problems, and that figure increases to 50% in seniors over 80. Hearing loss can be most problematic when it’s not recognized. Recent studies have linked hearing loss to dementia, and according to the American Academy of Audiology, untreated hearing loss is linked to depression and social isolation in seniors, so it’s important for seniors and their loved ones to watch out for signs of hearing difficulties. Signs of hearing loss can include listening to the television or radio at unusually loud volumes, frequently asking conversation partners to repeat themselves or speak more clearly, and avoiding social interactions. If you think that you or a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss, arrange a doctor’s visit right away.

Audiologists are adept at diagnosing hearing problems, and in recent years hearing aids and other adaptive devices have become more powerful while decreasing in price.

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

6 diseases linked to communication disorders in seniors continued from previous page

May, 2017

PAGE 11

4. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): senior coupleCommonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease in the U.S. The average age for an ALS diagnosis is 58, and it’s a progressive, disabling disease that can cause weakness, muscle atrophy, difficulty swallowing and difficulty speaking. There is currently no cure for ALS, and as the disease progresses, communication can become more labored. ALS patients can work with speech language-pathologists and occupational therapists to mitigate speech problems, although when patients lose their ability to speak altogether, adaptive aids can be helpful.

5. Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease affects about 1% of seniors over 60 in the U.S. In Parkinson’s patients, damage to a region of the brain called the basal ganglia often causes speech problems. These problems can manifest themselves as voice changes, problems with articulation, and reduced fluency; although it’s usually not until the later stages of the illness that these problems can cause the sufferer to become unintelligible. An NIH document describes three general treatments strategies for the speech problems caused by Parkinson’s.

• “Speaker-oriented” treatments help the patient compensate for speech problems independently through instruction and practice.

• “Communication-oriented strategies” involve educating and empowering the listener to better understand the person with Parkinson’s. For example, family members of Parkinson’s patients are taught active listening to help them understand their loved one.

• “Low-tech augmentative and alternative communication” (low-tech ACC) aims to help patients with more advanced speech problems through a strategy known as alphabet supplementation, where “a speaker points to the first letter of each word on an alphabet sound board as it is spoken.”

6. Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementias can greatly hinder communication and understanding when areas of the brain responsible for speech and comprehension are damaged. While Alzheimer’s and most other common kinds of dementia are progressive and incurable, sometimes therapies can, at least temporarily, improve communication skills among people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. For example, a new dementia therapy called TimeSlips involves prompting seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia to open up through storytelling. In a TimeSlips therapy session described by National Public Radio, patients were given a photo of a gentleman waterskiing and asked to tell a story: “Many of the people in this group don’t talk much on their own. But their enthusiastic about making up a life story for the water-skier — he’s a retired guy who’s been divorced several times. He’s got four children and a wife onshore, waiting to be taken out to dinner.”

source:www.aplaceformom.com

PAGE 12

Healthcare Town Hall May, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Wartburg in Westchester, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior care ... with Westchester County Homeowners' Coalition, hosted a Healthcare Town Hall.

About 50 people gathered at the Wartburg Conference Center in Mount Vernon. Residents asked about potential fallout from the skyrocketing drug prices and unprecedented upheaval in the health care landscape in Westchester County since the 2010 federal health law.

Panelists included Dr. Dan O’Connell, of Montefiore Medical Group and Physicians for a National Health Program; David Robinson, investigative reporter for The Journal News/lohud; and Dr. Allen Toles, vice chairman of Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Kevin Dahill, president and chief executive officer of the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York state, was guest speaker.

photos by Anthony Mairo

Melanoma in the older person Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Seniors face a variety of health risks. You have likely educated yourself on issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, but one of the serious health risks facing seniors that may not even be on your radar is skin cancer. May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. This year, make learning about the risks of skin cancer and protecting yourself from the disease a central part of your year round health care efforts.

Check your skin for changes frequently. If you notice any of these symptoms on your skin, make an appointment to have them evaluated:

• Reddish patches of dry skin that do not go away • White, yellow, or skin-colored scars that have a waxy feeling • Pearl-shaped lumps you cannot attribute to anything else • Sores that bleed, clear up, and then return inexplicably • Groups or pin or red growths • A pimple that will not go away • Scaly patches • Moles that change color or shape • Moles that ooze, seep, or bleed

May, 2017

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• Dark spots on the skin that grow or change shape quickly • Bruising on the foot that does not heal • Brown or black streaks underneath a toenail or fingernail • Pain or itching on one area of the skin

Use these tips to protect yourself from skin cancer:

• Wear sunscreen daily. If you will be out of the house at all during the day, you should wear sun protection. Many facial moisturizers contain sun protection and you should apply at least an SPF 15. If you intend on being in the sun for more than just a few minutes, look for SPF 30.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens are the best source of protection because they filter out both UVA and UVB rays

• Cover your skin. Covering your skin is the best way to protect it from the sun’s rays. Wear a broad-rimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and clothing that covers as much skin as possible. For times you will be in the sun for long periods, look for clothing with a UPF label indicating the fabric is embedded with UV protection

• Avoid sunburns. Getting a sunburn dramatically increases your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Never allow your skin to redden and if it does, immediately get out of the sun and apply cooling gel that removes the heat and replenishes moisture

• Never use tanning beds. People who use tanning beds are actually at several times’ greater risk of developing skin cancer, particularly the deadliest form, melanoma. If you absolutely must give yourself a summery glow, opt for spray tanning or tanning lotions that do not subject your skin to dangerous rays.

source:www.goldenheartcharlotte.com

ATTORNEYS AT LAW Many Years of Experience Protecting the Legal Interests of the Elderly & Special Needs Populations

Why should I spend money hiring attorneys to do asset protection planning for me and my loved ones?

Currently, the monthly cost for nursing home care in New York ranges between $10,000-$15,000, and properly certified home health attendants (nurse aides) can cost as much or more for round- the-clock home care. Statistically, it is likely that most people will need either or both of these care options as they grow older. It is critical that you plan appropriately to best minimize the strain that elder care costs may have on your estate, and to help put you in the best position possible to qualify for benefits that are largely covered by the government, under Medicare or Medicaid.

Our firm has attorneys with extensive experience in developing tax-effective action plans for our clients that help protect their assets from government imposition.

We have also been very successful in negotiating the complex bureaucratic minefield in which Medicaid is now mired. We have achieved remarkable results for our clients on a host of Medicaid related issues, from obtaining Medicaid approvals for coverage of home care and institutional care benefits, to very accommodative resolutions of Medicaid spousal recovery claims, where the office of Medicaid aggressively pursues the non-institutionalized (i.e., or “community”) spouse for Medicaid benefits provided.

Why should I have a lawyer prepare my will?

If you die without a Will, the law, not you, determines how your assets are divided and to whom they are given. A poorly drafted Will may result in a sizeable chunk of your assets not ending up where you want them to go. We are an experienced law firm that can expertly craft your will to address your long-term care, tax, estate planning, and asset protection planning issues. It is in your best interest that planning be done properly so as to minimize the tax burden on your estate.

Our experience and skill in the fields of Trusts, Wills, and Estates enables our firm to uniquely tailor estate planning to your individual needs. We will review your entire estate and draft a personalized plan that will best direct the disposition of your assets after death, whether through your Will, or by means of testamentary substitutes (trusts, joint-asset ownership with right of survivorship, or by beneficiary designation in life insurance policies, annuities, or individual retirement accounts).

My father is having difficulty caring for himself. I am afraid he will no longer be able to live on his own. I am worried about finding the money to pay for his care, whether he stays at home or moves to an assisted living facility or nursing home. What do I do?

Westchester Financial Center 50 Main Street, Suite #1000 White Plains, NY 10606 Email: Info@ejrosenlaw.com

Tel: (914) 816-2900 www.ejrosenlaw.com

Your concerns are certainly daunting, and heart-rending. Our firm offers you a caring hand, an open ear, and uncompromising professional competence, and commitment. We will help find for you solutions that best suit your needs, using the latest tax, trust, and other asset protection strategies available under the law.

The law firm of Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, P.C. practices in all aspects of elder law, including trust and estate planning, administration, and litigation, tax counsel, asset protection and special needs planning, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security disability benefits, guardianships, long term care planning, spousal recovery claims, and Medicaid lien resolutions.

Attorney advertising • Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome

ELDER LAW • TRUSTS & ESTATES • TAX ADVOCACY • MEDIATION • EMPLOYMENT LAW

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Westchester to mark National Senior Health & Fitness Day “With Movement…There’s Improvement!”

Westchester seniors will be able to try low-impact exercises and cardiodancing and learn about good nutrition plus much more at the 24th annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 31st at locations throughout the county. National Senior Health and Fitness Day is a public/private good health partnership organized by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for professionals who work in older adult markets. It is organized locally by Westchester County's Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) and its Health and Wellness Collaborative, which is comprised of 15 community organizations. National Senior Health and Fitness Day always takes place the last Wednesday in May, which is Older Americans Month. The programs are free and open to county residents who are 60 years and older. This year's theme is “With Movement…There's Improvement!” All the activities are noncompetitive and may include walking events, health screenings and information workshops on nutrition and fitness. Last year Senior Health and Wellness Day programs took place in 17 Westchester municipalities including community centers, nutrition sites and adult day-care programs. In previous years, activities included tap and line dancing, chair yoga, Qi Gong, tai chi, and Zumba Gold.

Recreational fun such as group fitness walks, bocce, and a “spa” offering facials and relaxation.

May, 2017

The day also included talks on topics such as “Healthy Meals on a Budget”, “Staying Strong and Fit” and “Stretch, Breathe & Meditate”. There was a special session last year for Spanish-speaking seniors on health related topics and included exercise sessions for all participants. The Mature Market Resource Center says that an estimated 100,000 seniors take part in activities at more than 1,000 locations across the country. Its goals are to promote the importance of regular physical activity and to showcase what local organizations and agencies are doing to improve the health and fitness of older adults in their communities. DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter says that physical

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activity plays a vital role in staying healthy and independent as we age. “Senior Health and Fitness Day offers great opportunities to try new exercises and learn new information to help lead a healthier life” she said. “Keeping active helps seniors remain independent longer, prevent falls and lessens conditions such as depression. I encourage all seniors to take part.” The locations that will host sessions and what activities they will sponsor will be announced in the near future and posted on the website www.westchestergov.com/seniors.

For more information about the event, call DSPS at (914) 813-6300. Facilities willing to host programs should call (914) 813-6432.

Saxon Woods Pool Party and Barbecue set for June 20th

Seniors age 60 and older are invited to relax and enjoy one of the first days of summer at the annual Saxon Woods Pool Party and Barbecue on Tuesday, June 20th at the Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains. Admission and parking are free, and the fun will be under way from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lifeguards will be on duty. A Westchester County Park Pass is not required but you must be a Westchester County resident to attend the event.

The day will also feature activities such as water aerobics, miniature golf, dancing and live musical entertainment from the band, Total Soul. A delicious all-American barbecue lunch will be available by reservation and a suggested contribution of $4.

Information about signing up for the event and how to order lunch will be available in coming weeks. The rain date for the pool party and barbecue is Wednesday, June 21st. The event is sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services and Westchester County Parks. For more information, call the Department of Senior Programs and Services at (914)-813-6300.

The Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services Paid for this ad. No tax dollars were used.

The Osborn hosts Age-Friendly Collaborative PAGE 16

May, 2017

Over 120 people, representing different organizations that serve seniors in Westchester County, met at The Osborn recently to share ideas about policies and services relating to area seniors. The event was called, “The Age-Friendly Experience Reimagined: Reaching the Hard to Reach.”

This was the fourth annual networking breakfast and conference organized by the Age-Friendly Collaborative, a group of 25 organizations in the region.

Among the opening headliners were Rob Astorino, County Executive; Mae Carpenter, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services; Colette Phipps, Executive Director of Livable Communities; Matt Anderson, President and CEO of The Osborn; and Michele Thomas, Executive Vice President of Osborn Home Care. Age Friendly Collaborative Co-chairs, Deb Casill from Family Services of Westchester and Louise Challop from Westchester Jewish Community Services were the event organizers.

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

The program followed the “Ted Talk” format, under the name, “TINY Talks.” TINY is an acronym for Teachable Information Navigated for You. Lynda O’Hanlon, a consultant for aging in place programs, moderated the program, which featured three speakers: John Migliaccio, Ph.D., from the faculty of Northwestern University, spoke about “Finding Hidden Gems in Your Community;” Tom Weber, Director of Care Management

Services at SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Elders), talked about some of the unique challenges faced by GLBT seniors, and Ron Gold, Founder of LeanOnWe, discussed opportunities to improve home care delivery for seniors and those with disabilities.

The Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services develops resources to provide services that help seniors age with independ-

ence and dignity in their home community. According to the organization’s website, some 193,000 people age 60 and over live in Westchester County, or about one in five residents. This number will rise dramatically as the baby boomers age. People age 85 and older are the county’s fastest growing sector of the senior population. Study after study shows that more than 90 percent of older adults want to continue to live in their own homes.

Osborn Home Care is a subsidiary of The Osborn Network.

Established in 1908, The Osborn is a non-profit organization continuum of care retirement community located on a 56-acre campus in Rye, New York. The Osborn offers a wide range of residential and health care programs for seniors, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Dementia Care through the award-winning H.O.P.E. Center, short-term or outpatient rehabilitation, and long-term Skilled Nursing care. Individuals and families interested in learning more about The Osborn are invited to call 914-9258000 or visit www.theosborn.org.

photos by Anthony Mairo

Senior Arthritis: Symptoms & Care Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in this country.

Millions of adults and half of all people age 65 and older are troubled by this disease. Older people most often have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in older people. OA starts when cartilage begins to become ragged and wears away. You are most likely to have OA in your hands, neck, lower back, or the large weight-bearing joints of your body, such as knees and hips.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. In RA, that means your body attacks the lining of a joint just as it would if it were trying to protect you from injury or disease. RA leads to inflammationin your joints. This inflammation causes pain, swelling, and stiffness that lasts for hours.

Gout Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis.

An attack can begin when crystals of uric acid form in the connective tissue and/or joint spaces. These deposits lead to swelling, redness, heat, pain, and stiffness in the joint.

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May, 2017

Common Arthritis Symptoms Include: • Lasting joint pain • Joint swelling • Joint stiffness • Tenderness or pain when touching a joint • Problems using or moving a joint normally • Warmth and redness in a joint

If any of these symptoms lasts longer than two weeks, see your regular doctor or a rheumatologist. If you have a fever, feel physically ill, suddenly have a swollen joint, or have problems using your joint, see your doctor sooner. Your health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He or she may take x-rays or do lab tests before suggesting a treatment plan.

Exercise Can Help Along with taking the right medicine and properly resting your joints, exercise is a good way to stay fit, keep muscles strong, and control arthritis symptoms. Daily exercise, such as walking or swimming, helps keep joints moving, decreases pain, and makes muscles around the joints stronger.

Range-of-motion Exercises: Aqua classes, Dancing and yoga relieve stiffness, keep you flexible, and help you keep moving your joints.

Strengthening Exercises: Weight training will keep or build muscle strength. Strong muscles support and protect your joints.

Aerobic and Endurance Exercises: Bicycle riding and running make your heart and arteries healthier, help prevent weight gain, and improve the overall working of your body.

source.aplaceformom.com

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Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Pay Attention to Your Heartbeat Atrial fibrillation (AFib) -- an irregular heart rhythm -- makes you five times more likely to have a stroke. If you notice a racing or irregular heartbeat, see your doctor to find out what’s causing it. If it’s AFib, she might be able to reset your heart’s rhythm with medication or a brief electrical shock. If those don’t work, she might recommend removing the area of heart tissue that’s causing the problem.

Cut your odds of a stroke

What Is a Stroke?

It happens when blood flow is cut off to a part of your brain. The cells begin to die, and brain function in that area is damaged or even destroyed. It usually affects the areas that control muscle function, memory, and speech.

Watch Your Blood Pressure If you have high blood pressure and it’s not managed well, it can double or quadruple your risk of stroke. Your blood pressure should be around 120 over 80. If yours is too high, talk to your doctor about changing your diet and getting more exercise. If that’s not enough to control it, he may prescribe medication to help.

Break a Sweat Exercise helps you get to or stay at a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure where it should be -- two things that can lower stroke risk. You’ll need to work out hard enough to break a sweat 5 days a week for about 30 minutes. Talk to your doctor first if you’re not in great health or haven’t been that active in a while.

Keep Stress in Check Stress is linked to a higher risk of stroke, maybe because it causes inflammation in parts of your body. If you’re stressed at work, you can do a few things to help dial it back: Get up and move around often, breathe deeply, focus on one thing at a time, and make your work area a calm space with plants and soft colors. And be sure to spend a healthy amount of time away from the office.

Manage Your Diabetes This condition affects how your body uses glucose, an important source of energy for your brain and the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It can raise your odds of having a stroke, so it’s important to watch your blood sugar carefully and follow your doctor’s instructions.

Don’t Smoke Smoking makes your blood more likely to clot, thickens and narrows your blood vessels, and leads to the buildup of plaque -- all of which make you more likely to have a stroke.

Choose the Right Foods A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, and whole grains can help lower your cholesterol. That means plaque is less likely to build up in your arteries and form clots. It also can help protect you from other conditions that raise your odds of having a stroke, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Take Your Meds This sounds like an easy one, but a lot of people have a hard time with it. Take medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and heart health on time and as prescribed. If you’re concerned about side effects or something else, talk to your doctor before skipping your medicines or taking less than you’re supposed to. source:www.webmd.com

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