MILESTONES According to the Census Bureau, 21.3 percent of the U.S. population 65 and over participated in the labor force in 2012 up from 12.1 percent in 1990.
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meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens resulted in President John F. Kennedy designating May 1963 as Senior Citizens Month, encouraging the nation to pay tribute to older people across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter's proclamation changed the name to Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate those 65 and older through ceremonies, events and public recognition. The following data is what we consider significant milestones heading into the future. They are worth noting!
43.1 million
The number of people who were 65 and older in the United States on July 1, 2012. This group accounted for 13.7 percent of the total population. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates: http://factfinder2.census. gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2012/PEP AGESEX
2014 92.0 million
Projected population of people 65 and older in 2060. People in this age group would comprise just over one in five U.S. residents at that time. Of this number, 18.2 million would be 85 or older. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Projections: http://www.census.gov/ population/projections/data/national/2012.html
2.4 million
Projected number of baby boomers in 2060. At that time, the youngest baby boomers would be 96 years old.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Projections: http://www.census.gov/ population/projections/data/national/2012.html
2056
The year in which, for the first time, the population 65 and older would outnumber people younger than 18 in the U.S. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Projections: http://www.census.gov/ population/projections/data/national/2012.html
Contents
page 3 - Older Americans page 4 - Opinion: Neoma Jardon, City Council page 5 -Opinion: Sen. Reid page 11 - Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year 2014 page 24 -Five Star Premier Residences New Renovation page 32 -Rosewood Lakes
Every Issue
page 6 - Your Family, Your Legacy, Your Community page 18 & 20 - Calendar page 28 - Biggest Little City page 29 - Crossword page 31 - Resources page 33 - Eydie’s Excerpts page 36 - Seniors4Travel page 37 - this ‘n that
Health
page 10 - CMS: Choosing a Hospital That’s Best for You David Sayen, Region 9 page 12 - Center for Healthy Aging Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow - Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D., Center for Healthy Aging page 14 - Ophthalmology: Dr. Michael Fischer, M.D. page 16 - AARP: Peace of Mind for Moms in the Middle page 17 - Caregiving Made Easier: Dr. Marion
Financial
page 7 - Which Cost More: Probate or Trust Administration? -Bradley B. Anderson, Ltd.
Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, NV 89510
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Publishers: Chris & Connie McMullen Senior Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain. Publication of advertising contained does not constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. Copyrighted publication. All rights reserved. May • 2014 • 3
Opinion
A Visit with Reno City Councilmember Neoma Jardon
This last year as your City of Reno Ward 5 Councilmember has been filled with exciting changes, hard work, and innoNeoma Jardon vative thinking. We have identified four community wide priorities to focus on, which are Provide Safe and Livable Neighborhoods, Provide Efficient and Responsive City Services, Promote a Sustainable and Vibrant Economy and Enhance Communication and Community Engagement. As our region begins to recover from the recent recession, we have some difficult decisions before us. I, and my fellow Council Members, will be looking at budgets, anticipated revenue
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and the resources needed to sustain essential City services. We are focused on maintaining and improving the core services our community relies on while exercising fiscal prudence. To that end, we are collaborating with other agencies to review and improve regional services like emergency response services and public transportation. I want to make it easy for residents to talk with me in person and get information without making a trip to City Hall. I attend various civic and service organization meetings on a regular basis. As part of Older Americans Month, I am hosting a meeting for seniors on Thursday, May 29 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Aspen Lodge, 1798 Del Webb Parkway. This will be a casual environment where we can talk about senior issues and future needs.
We can also discuss the long-range planning work the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is doing to identify transit needs for seniors and disabled riders. As a member of the RTC Board, I will be an advocate for improved route availability and affordability. I would be happy to schedule time to visit one on one or attend one of your group meetings or events. Let me come to you! You can e-mail me at jardonn@reno.gov, call my council office at 334-2016, or visit my Facebook page at facebook.com/neoma.jardon. It is an honor to serve as your representative and I look forward to continuing our work together to make The Biggest Little City the very best it can be.
Opinion U.S. Sen. Harry Reid
Affordable Care Act Closing the Donut Hole for Seniors
Last month marked the fourth year anniversary since President Barack Sen. Harry Reid Obama signed into law the greatest single step in generations toward ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare for every American – the Affordable Care Act. This law makes prescription drug coverage more affordable and gives Nevada seniors the security they deserve by gradually closing gaps in prescription drug coverage. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, that gap is closing and will be fully closed in 2020. In the past, insurance companies used to set arbitrary lifetime caps on bene-
fits. When seniors spent a certain amount on their prescriptions, their Medicare coverage stopped until they hit a catastrophic limit. This gap is called the “donut hole.” The “donut hole” has forced too many seniors to bear the burden of high prescription drug costs and it put millions of Americans one accident or life-threatening illness away from bankruptcy. The Affordable Care Act has been helping thousands of Nevadans stay healthy and save money since it was signed into law by closing that gap. Nevadans with Medicare have saved millions of dollars on prescription drugs since the law’s enactment and in 2013 alone, nearly 27-thousand Nevadans saved over $21 million, or
an average of $785 per beneficiary. Seniors throughout the nation are seeing the benefits, too: more than 7.9 million seniors have saved $9.9 billion. We have the Affordable Care Act to thank for this. We can’t go back to the days where seniors with fixed incomes were forced to choose between important prescription medication and putting food on the table. I’m proud that we’ll see even more when the donut hole is closed in 2020. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been an advocate for Nevada’s seniors and I am committed to developing programs that will allow those in their golden years to live independently and enjoy an active, secure lifestyle.
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Your Family, Your Legacy, Your Community Chris Askin, President and CEO Community Foundation of Western Nevada.
Is philanthropy a part of your life? Philanthropy is a misunderstood
Chris Askin
word, which often is interpreted as some-
thing rich people do. The ability for all of us to understand the true wealth in our lives benefits us in ways immeasurable. The joy that we feel, the bounce in our step, the usefulness that we feel, and indeed, even our health and longevity, are all tied up in the relevance of how and where we spend our resources. The way we approach and live our lives not only impacts our family and friends but the community in which we live. I’m grateful to Senior Spectrum for the space to share this message. This column will explore ways that philanthropy, literally defined from Greek as “love of mankind,” not only helps others but helps everyone who gives and gives back. Sharing is a behavior that is learned around ages 3 or 4. At the same time we learn to take turns and wait for things. As humans we have a natural impulse to share and to give, but it must be nurtured and developed. It is a lifelong process that, if encouraged, can result in a person who makes sharing, giving, and volunteering a part of his or her life. I’ll take a bit of a leap here and say that I hope we all agree that it is better to be a giving person than a selfish person. But I have encountered people who were seemingly happy who didn’t care about helping anyone else, ever. Think about it. Are the happiest people you know a.) those who are generous and supportive, or b.) those who pretty much focus on taking care of #1 as their main priority?
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Perhaps those who are not phil-
anthropic missed out on lessons learned in grade school; lessons about community and belonging, about fairness and the unwritten rules of society. Many of us have our first experience with giving during these years. That is also the time when we learned to volunteer and/or work together on a project to help others. Although much of what we learn happens in school and youth groups, the stories, rituals and traditions of our families are the most significant and help prepare us for a life filled with meaning. It is through these lessons and traditions we learn a sense of responsibility for community. Then in adolescence our bubble may be popped as we learn more about the world as a place which, at times, is unfair or unjust. We realize our experiences and resources are not equal, and we realize that there are real and perceived differences among people. This is a time when we can recognize the impact kindness and generosity can make in the world. At the Community Foundation of Western Nevada we have a High School Giving Circle where youth learn about community needs and the nonprofit organizations that work to meet those needs. Each year up to 20 youth help to decide how and where financial support can be granted to help. I’ve been gratified to meet a number of these youth who are well on their way to being wonderful citizens of our community and the world, who have embraced helping others, and who seem to me to be wise beyond their years. (Your Legacy page 7)
Which Costs More: Probate or Trust Administration? Brought to you by Brad Anderson
Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.
There is no question that a Living Trust allows you to avoid probate – if, of course, the Trust is properly drafted and funded. But does this mean a Living Trust is more costeffective than a Will? Some people say that a Living Trust offers no net savings over a Will. In their opinion, the cost of preparing a Living Trust plus the cost of Trust Administration at death, equals or exceeds the costs of preparing a Will and probating an estate. Is this the truth?
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com
In 2002, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals released an opinion in the case of Estate of Grant v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service. This opinion contained some interesting findings about the cost of probate as compared to the cost of administering a Trust. Here’s what happened: Mrs. Grant, a Maryland resident, established a Living Trust. When she died, most of her assets, including her home, were included in the Trust. These assets, with a total value
of approximately $866,000, avoided probate. Mrs. Grant also left assets totaling $11,253 that were not included in her Trust. These assets were subject to probate.
Since only $11,253 of Mrs. Grant’s estate was subject to probate, the IRS disallowed most of the $16,875 deduction. The Tax Court agreed, making these determinations:
Mrs. Grant’s children served as personal representatives for her estate. On the estate tax return, her children deducted a total of $48,102 in administration expenses. Personal representative and executor fees accounted for $16,875 of the deducted amount.
• Under Maryland law, the maximum executor fee for an estate totaling just over $11,000 was roughly $1,103. • The maximum Trustee fee for a Trust totaling $866,000 was $5,720 under Maryland law. (Costs More page 8)
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Costs More / page 7 The Tax Court reduced the $16,875 deduction for personal representative and executor fees to $6,733. The children argued that their fee was reasonable and that it was less than what the executor’s fee would have been if Mrs. Grant’s entire estate had been subject to probate. They appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Tax Court’s decision was upheld. One of the lessons from this case is that in Maryland, all things being equal, the cost of administering a Trust is significantly less than the cost of probating an estate. Is the same thing true throughout the country? Between 2000-2001, the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys conducted a nationwide survey of probate costs and found that, on average, probate fees approximate 2 percent of the value of the estate. According to the same survey, Trust administration expenses were much lower – ½ to 1 percent of the cost of the estate, on average. Are Trust administration costs always less than probate costs?
Your Legacy / page 6 When we recognize the importance of helping others, we may struggle with the choices we face about meeting our own needs versus expressing our concern tangibly. We can’t always help as much as we would like. When we accept that it is our joint responsibility to help others and “do our part,” we transform our lives, the lives of others, and perhaps the lives of those who follow.
8 • 2014 • May
I’m excited about the opportunity to reach you through this
The facts in Mrs. Grant and the American Academy survey do not indicate this, but what they do indicate, that in most situations, it is less expensive to administer a Trust than to probate an estate. Which is the best choice for you, a Will or a Living Trust? The best way to determine this is to seek the advice of an experienced, qualified estate planning attorney. He or she can walk you through all of the relevant factors, including cost, and help you establish an estate plan that meets your unique needs. About Our Law Firm The Law Firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader is devoted exclusively to estate planning. We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and offer guidance and advice to our clients in every area of estate planning. We offer comprehensive and personalized estate planning consultations. For more information or attend an upcoming seminar, please contact us at (775) 823-9455 or visit us online at www.wealth-counselors.com
column. I will share the stories of donors, volunteers, and the people who are helped by their generous acts. From someone who has made philanthropy the main focus of his life, thank you for the acts of kindness, giving, and volunteering you have done. Remain passionate about giving as a value and philosophy you embrace. Truly, the happiest and most fulfilled people I know are kind and generous, and they are also incredibly healthy and vibrant. I think this is not a coincidence.
May • 2014 • 9
Choosing a Hospital That’s Best for You David Sayen Regional Administrator, Medicare Region 9
Have you ever read a David Sayen restaurant guide before picking a place for a special dinner? Or a consumer-advice magazine before buying a new car? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a similar guide for looking up the quality of care at hospitals in your area? Well, there is. It’s called Hospital Compare and you can find it on the Medicare website, at www.medicare.gov. Hospital Compare contains a wealth of information on how well hospitals perform certain surgeries and treat certain medical condi-
10 • 2014 • May
tions. The data varies from hospital to hospital since some hospitals do a better job of caring for patients than others. The idea behind Hospital Compare is that making quality-of-care information easily available to the public will motivate hospitals to improve their care. Medicare has similar “compare” websites for nursing homes, home health agencies, and dialysis facilities. You can search Hospital Compare by zip code, city, or state. The data you’ll find are intended to provide a “snapshot” of the quality of care at more than 4,000 Medicare-
certified hospitals throughout the United States. You don’t have to be a Medicare beneficiary to use Hospital Compare – it’s open to everyone and it’s free of charge. If you’re having a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital. But if you have time to plan a surgery, or if you have a condition like heart disease and you know you’ll need hospital care in the future, talk to your doctor about the local hospital that best meets your needs. Find out which hospitals your doctor works with, and which hospitals he or she thinks give the best care for
your condition. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, ask if the hospitals participate in Medicare. At that point, you may want to spend some time on Hospital Compare. Hospital Compare shows the rates at which hospitals provide recommended care for patients being treated for heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia, and for patients having surgery. It also displays information on hospital outcome measures. These include the rate at which Medicare patients treated for heart attack, heart failure, and (Hospital Compare pg. 11)
Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year 2014
Dr. Herb Randall
A “woman of valor” was chosen to be the Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year 2014. Raymonde Fiol of Las Vegas was selected for her many years of selfless service in preserving the memory of the Holocaust, ensuring that the Holocaust Survivors receive the services they need, and teaching young people that prejudice and discrimination can cause serious harm. According to Nora Kraidman, Director of Senior Services for the Jewish Family Service Agency, “Mrs. Fiol is on a mission for what we call in Hebrew “Tikkun Olam” – Repairing the World. She has made it her life mission to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and to make sure Holocaust Survivors in our community and around
Hospital Compare / pg. 10 pneumonia had to be readmitted to the hospital with complications, and 30-day risk-adjusted death rates. (The 30-day period is used because this is the time period when deaths are most likely to be related to the care patients received in the hospital.) With Hospital Compare you can see how often a hospital’s patients get certain serious conditions that could have been prevented if the hospital followed procedures based on best practices and scientific evidence. The conditions include pressure sores, post-operative blood clots, post-surgical falls, accidental cuts and tears, and
the U.S. are provided with the services they need.” Esther Finder, President, Generations of the Shoah – Nevada and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust wrote: “Ray Fiol is what Jewish tradition calls a “woman of valor.” Despite her experiences as a hidden child orphaned by the Holocaust, her message is positive and optimistic. We are lucky to have her in our Las Vegas community.” The Nevada Delegation of the National Silver Haired Congress (NSHC) in partnership with the Aging Services Directors Organization (ASDO) will present the annual award at the ASDO Annual Luncheon in May which is Older Americans Month.
post-surgical blood infections. Such problems kill and injure thousands of people every year. Hospital Compare is no substitute for talking with your doctor and family members and friends who’ve been treated at a hospital you’re considering. But the website can give you a general idea of how well various hospitals handle certain kinds of patients. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to Medicare questions by calling 800-6334227.
May • 2014 • 11
Adding Life to Years
Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow Dr. Larry Weiss • Center for Healthy Aging
Each May, the nation celebrates Older Larry Weiss Americans Month to recognize elders for their contributions and provide them with information to help them stay healthy and active. This year, the theme is on injury prevention - Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow. Older adults are at a much higher risk of unintentional injury and even death than the rest of the population. Unintentional injuries to this population result in at least 6 million medically treated injuries and more than 30,000 deaths every year. With a focus on safety during Older Americans Month, the federal
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agency “Administration for Community Living” has proclaimed May to bring awareness to this critical issue. If we all become aware of the safety issues as we age and the value of prevention and taking control of our lives, elders can live longer, healthier lives. In addition to elder safety issues, their caregivers are also at risk. For those of us who have had responsibility of taking care of a family member, young or old, know the emotional stress and physical burden that can play havoc on one’s own health. Many caregivers forgo taking care of themselves in order to take care of their family or friend. Research has shown that 40 percent of the caregivers will
actually die before the person they are caring for. We need to pay attention to our own health and happiness by preventing overload, taking respite or break from the duties of caregiving. The Caregiver Coalition, with support from the City of Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, is providing a Caregiver Resource Fair on June 7th at the Evelyn Mount North East Community Center from 9 – 12. The event will provide information and educational sessions for caregivers of all ages on how to be safe, prepared, and healthy. Safety issues that we should be aware of and need attention because of their catastrophic consequences are falls, medica-
tions, driving, fires and burns. Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls, and only 49 percent talk about it with their physician. Across the country, an elder falls every 15 seconds. Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can increase the risk of early death. Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable. How big is the problem? Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. In 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 662,000 of these patients were hospitalized. The
Safe Today/ page 12
direct medical cost of falls during this period was $30 billion. What can be done to prevent falls? Exercise regularly. It is important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance, and that they get more challenging over time. Tai Chi programs are especially good. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines—both prescription and over-the counter—to identify medicines that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update your eyeglasses to maximize vision. Consider getting a pair of glasses with single vision distance lenses for some activities such as walking outside. Make your home safer by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars inside and out-
side the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways, and improving the lighting in your home. Add one or more nightlights between your bedroom and bathroom. Choose shoes with non-slip soles that provide support without bulk that could cause you to trip. Use a walking aid, if needed to stabilize your balance. If you are afraid of falling, get a Lifeline Personal Emergency Response system that will automatically notify your contact person(s) if you fall. Medications, their interactions, and mismanagement can cause unwanted medical conditions and death. If the mismanagement of medications was a diagnosis, it would be the 5th leading cause of death and account for one-third of all admissions to hospitals of older (Safe Today page 22)
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Ophthalmology
Just Scratching the Surface Michael J. Fischer, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon
Each year, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur in this country, resulting in Michael Fischer 50,000 people losing at least a portion of their vision. The most common type of such injuries is scratching that occurs when a foreign body enters the eye and a person rubs the eye in an attempt to remove the irritation. Whether scratches to the
14 • 2014 • May
outer portion of the eye (cornea) are caused by airborne debris or a poke in the eye, the resultant scratch poses a potentially serious problem. Either fungal or bacterial infection can set in, requiring immediate treatment. It is best to have scratches and other eye injuries assessed by the eye doctor. In the meantime, it pays to wear protective eyewear. It should be noted when a piece of
debris enters the eye, resist the temptation to rub the eye. Instead, try to flush the foreign object from the eye by positioning the head under running water. If you would like further information on today’s topic or an appointment, please call my office at (775) 882-2988. We are located at 3839 N. Carson Street, in Carson City. Hours: 8-5 p.m., Mon. - Fri. by appointment. M/C, Visa and Medicare Assignment accepted.
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Peace of Mind for Moms in the Middle By Jean C. Setzfand A survey by Ameriprise Financial found that two thirds of Baby Boomers’ daughters help their parents with financial matters. Maybe you’ve experiJean C. Setzfand enced it yourself. Perhaps you’ve also experienced how awkward it can be to have the talk about money matters or caregiving wishes with your parents. Then there’s the other side of the equation. Have you talked with your adult kids about your financial matters, and your vision of how you’d like to live out your life as you age? Your kids are probably as uncomfortable broaching the subject with you as you are broaching it with your own parents.
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This Mother’s Day, focus on the gift of conversation. Follow these suggestions on how to talk to your parents about their finances, and then turn around and talk to your kids about yours. It’s time to get – and give – peace of mind. For help on financial matters such as planning, budgeting and goal setting check out www.aarp.org/readyforretirement. Approaching Your Parents Talking with your parents about their finances and caregiving preferences is bound to be awkward. They may become defensive, thinking that you don’t trust them to take care of things anymore. You know your parents best, so think about how to set them at ease. It’s helpful to say upfront that it’s a difficult conversation for both of you.
Before you talk to mom and dad, put together a list of financial and caregiving information you will need to help them. Get help by going to www.aarp.org, and searching for “organize important documents.” When you’re ready, here are some tips on having the conversation. • Share a story. A great way to start the conversation is to share a story about a friend or neighbor that your parents could relate to. • Be respectful and positive. Let your parents know that you’re interested in helping make their lives manageable as they age. • Start small. If your parents are hesitant to talk, try taking on something small. For example, ask them to tell you where they keep their important documents. • Ask them to talk about their caregiving preferences. Do they want to age in place? Would they be open to moving into a retirement community with continuing care options? Find out if they have long-term care insurance or other means of paying for care if they need it. Talking to Your Adult Kids Now that you’ve started the conversation with your parents, it’s time to talk to your adult kids. They will likely appreciate that you initiated the conversation so they didn’t have to! A great place to start is to take AARP’s 40-day pledge to create a “Living Longer, Living Smarter” plan at www.decidecreateshare.org. It will help you decide what kind of future you see for yourself, create a plan to achieve those goals, and then share that plan with your kids. The pledge will take you through the process of organizing documents, calculating longterm care expenses, and creating an advance directive. This document identifies the kind of care you want in the event you aren’t able to make medical decisions down the road. It’s up to you how much you want to share with your kids. Think about what’s useful to know about your own parents, and let that be your guide. At this stage of life, one of the best gifts moms can give and receive is peace of mind. Talk to your mom, and talk to your kids.
Caregiving Made Easier
Dr. Marion Sommers
My 82 year old father’s health has declined dramatically in the last 6 months and he now requires care. However, I live in Los Angeles and he lives in Brooklyn, and there’s nobody back home in Brooklyn to care for him. What should I do? Craig, 48, California. This issue comes up constantly in my practice. I bet you are scared, overwhelmed, frustrated, and upset all at once. Realize you are not alone. You do have options. If possible, the fist thing to do is travel to see your father. Determine his exact medical condition by meeting with primary physician. Then speak directly with your elder. Ask him how he is feeling and what kind of treatment he believes he needs. At no time should your elder be treated like a child. Be sure you keep the communication on an adult to adult basis. I get so upset when a caregiver treats an elder like a child. Determine exactly what his needs are and then go about meeting them before you get back on that plane to return to your “normal life.” If your father does require care that you, a sibling, or other friend or relative cannot provide, I suggest you hire a professional Geriatric Care Manager. Why? In today’s hectic world, very few of us have the time, energy, or expertise to care for an elder loved one in ill health. You want to do all you can, but you can’t stop living your own life, right?! You need help. Geriatric Care Managers are trained professionals who visit your elder, make an assessment, then write a comprehensive report that prioritizes what needs to be done. They can be your eyes and ears as you return to your life. If you cannot accomMarion Sommers
pany your elder to their doctor’s visits, a Geriatric Care Manager will go in your place. They often provide doctors with key information since when some elderly are asked, “How are you feeling?” they stoically reply, “Fine,” and it may not be true. You may be unable to fly
back to visit your father and assess the situation first hand. In my 30 years as a Geriatric Care Manager, I often arrive at the home of an elderly person, then walk back outside to check the address. Many children have no idea how bad things are, since their elder hasn’t been entirely honest with
them. Geriatric Care Managers can provide you with a more exact picture of what is going on with your elder in their time of need. The decision to hire a Geriatric Care Manager could make a huge difference in your elder’s quality of life - and yours.
May • 2014 • 17
May Calendar May 1 - Community Health Fair, Northern Nevada Medical Center, main lobby, 7:30 - 11 a.m., low-cost preventative health screenings, call (775) 356-NNMC.
ing.eventbrite.com.
May 2 - 5 - Cinco de Mayo, 7:30 - 9 p.m., Rum Bullion’s, Silver Legacy, (775) 325-7401.
May 6 - 8 - Microsoft Access Intermediate, two-session computer skills course, Extended Studies, UNR, 8:30 - 3:30 p.m., Redfield Campus, $250, (775) 784-4062, or 800-2338928.
May 3 - St. Mary’s Art & Retreat Center, Art Show, 1-4 p.m., 55 R. St., Virginia City, www.stmarysartcenter.org. May 3 - Geriatric Specific Services, Student Outreach Clinic, 8 - 12 p.m., UNR School of Medicine, (775) 6828470. May 6 - How to Address Challenges in the Landscape, Including Pest Management, UNR Cooperative Extension, register at (775) 787-2000, or http://hispaniclandscapetrain-
May 6 - Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting, Sierra Pharmacy, 9738 S. Virginia, #G, Reno, (775) 853-3500.
May 8 - 27th Annual Reno Heart Ball, Eldorado Hotel. American Heart Association, honoring Coach Chris Ault with the Heart of Gold award for making a difference, (801) 205-2489. May 10 - Letter Carriers’ Food Drive. May 10 - Consort Canzona, instrumentalists and singers, two concerts, 7 p.m., Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, and May 10, 3 p.m., Saint Mary’ in the Mountains Catholic Church, (775) 8834154. May 13 - Microsoft Word Advanced, UNR, Redfield Campus, 8:30 - 3:30 p.m., $125, (775) 784-4062, 800233-8928. May 16 - 2014 Spring Commencement, UNR, also May 17, Quad, 8 a.m., parking West Stadium Complex, www.unr.edu. May 17 - 18 - Just Country Friends, antique show, Fallon, (775) 423-3315.
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May 20 - Improve plant’s environment, UNR Cooperative Extension, (775) 787-2000, or http://hispaniclandscapetraining.eventbrite.com.
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OLDER AMERICANS MONTH May 1 - Opening Day Older American’s Month, Reno Senior Center, Information Fair, entertainment, lunch. Call (775) 328-2575 for details. May 2 - Dinner & A Show, The Heiress, Reno Little Theater, Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center, 6 - 9:30 p.m., $20, (775) 356-3176. May 3 - March of Dimes, “March for Babies,” registration 8:30 a.m., walk at 9 a.m., Sparks Marina, (775) 826-2166. May 4 - Relay for Life/Bark for Life, registration 9 a.m., walk at 10 a.m., Sparks Marina, $10, $15 day of walk, www.relayforlife.org/barkrenosparksnv.
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May 6 - Protect Yourself From Scams, Sparks Fire Dept., Washoe County Senior Services Center, 11:30 am., free, (775) 353-3110.
cians, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Washoe County Senior Services Center, free, (775) 328-2575; also May 14, 21, and 28th.
May 6 - Bucket List - Genoa Hot Springs, arrive@10 a.m., depart@2 p.m., $20, Evelyn Mt. Northeast Com. Center, 8:30 a.m.; Teglia’s Paradise Park, 8:45 a.m.; Neil Rd. Rec. Center, 9 am., (775) 334-2262.
MAY 7 - Help for the Aging Voice, 1 - 2 p.m., The Continuum, free, Bonnie Deach, MS, CCC, Speech Language Pathologist, (775) 829-4700.
May 6 & 20 - Paradise Park Dancing with the Stars, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Teglia’s Paradise Park, $.50 drop-in, (775) 3563176. May 7 - Senior Outreach Services Remembrance Luncheon, Siena Spa & Casino, 11:30 a.m., (775) 784-7506. May 7 - Grumpy Old Men, local musi-
May 7 - Nevada Museum of Art, free every Wednesday for seniors, (775) 3293333. May 8 - Coffee with Councilmember Sharon Zadra, 11 - 2 p.m., Swill Coffee. May 9 - 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Conference: Living Well with Dementia, 8 - 5 p.m., registration deadline May 2, Atlantis Casino Resort, (775) 786-8061 or 800-272-3900.
MAY • 2014 • 21
Safe Today / page 13
adults 65+. So be aware of how your medications interact with other prescription and over-thecounter drugs, certain foods, alcohol, and other medical conditions. Learn how medications may make you confused or unsteady on your feet or impact your ability to operate a motor vehicle. Create a medication schedule or use a scheduler box to make sure you take no less or more than prescribed. Lifeline has a great Personal Medication Dispenser that alerts you verbally and visually to take your medications at the prescribed times. In addition, ask your pharmacist, especially a “certified geriatric pharmacist” for help and a review of all your medications. A third preventable issue of safety is driving. In 2008 more than 5,500 older adults were killed and more than 183,000 were injured in vehicle crashes.
22 • 2014 • May
This amounts to 15 older adults killed and 500 injured in crashes on average every day. Older adults can take several steps to stay safe on the road, including: Exercising regularly to increase strength and flexibility; Asking your doctor or pharmacist to review medicines–both prescription and over-the counter–to reduce side effects and interactions; Having your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year; Wear glasses and corrective lenses as required; Driving during daylight and in good weather; Finding the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left turn arrows, and easy parking; Planning your route before you drive; Leaving a large following distance behind the car in front of you; Avoiding distractions in your car, such as listening to a loud radio, talking on your cell phone, texting, and eating;
Finally, considering potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend or using public transit. The final health and safety issue is preventing fires and burns. More than 1,200 Americans 65+ die each year as a result of fire, with more than 25 percent of all fire deaths and one-third of all residential fire deaths occurring in this population. While the leading cause of fire death is careless smoking, the leading cause of injuries is cooking related. Scalds, electrical and chemical injuries also result in serious injuries to older adults. Approximately 3,000 older adults are injured during residential fires each year. Older adults living alone have a 30 percent or greater risk of unintentional injury. This all can be prevented with accurate and adequate education of potential victims. Many fire and burn safety programs implemented
by local, state and national organizations have focused on the use of smoke alarms as an early warning device to prevent burn injury. In addition, develop an escape plan with two ways out of every room and practice the plan. Keep all exits clear; keep glasses, medicines, a telephone, flashlight and walking aids close to your bed, and know your emergency contact phone number (911 or other). Educate yourself on these safety issues, your attention may improve your health or even save your life, but certainly they will “add life to your years.” Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Weiss welcomes your comments on this column. Write to him at larry@addinglifetoyears.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.
May 11 & 25 - Reno Senior Dance Club, Neil Rd. Rec. Center, 2 - 5 p.m., $5, (775) 689-8484. May 22 - Senior Line Dancing, 1:30 - 4 p.m., Washoe County Senior Services Multipurpose Rm., (775) 328-2575. May 27 - Medicare 101, Access to Health Care, 1:30 p.m., Sun Valley Neighborhood Center, (775) 673-9417. May 27 - Candidates Forum, Sparks Senior Center, 10 - 11:15 a.m., (775) 353-3110. May 27 - Cozy Chat with Columnist Anne Pershing, 10 a.m., Neil Rd. Rec. Center, (775) 689-8484. May 28 - Ace’s Day Game, $10, 11:30 4:30 p.m., (775) 334-2262. May 29 - Incline Village/Crystal Bay Vets Club, 12 - 2 p.m., Aspen Grove, $25, (775) 832-1310. May 30 - Senior Outreach Services, Musical Fantasy, 10 - 11 am., Laxalt
Proclamation for Older Amerians Month at the Board of Washoe County Commissioners: Senior Services Advisory Board with Commissioners: (left) Karen Davis; Com. Berkbigler; Dennis Chin; Reno Rec. Supervisor Darryl Feemster; Com. Weber; Donna Clontz; Dir. Grady Tarbutton; Connie McMullen; Com. Humke; Com. Jung; Victoria Edmondson; Gary Whitfield; Wayne Alexander; RSVP, Scott Trevithick; Senior Coalition, Senior Spectrum, Chris McMullen.
Aud., (775) 784-7506. May 31 - Closing Ceremonies, Colin
Ross, Neil Rd. Rec. Center, 11:30 - 4 p.m., (775) 344-2262.
May • 2014 • 23
Five Star Premier Residences of Reno $4.4 Million New Look
F
ive Star Premier Residences, one of southwest Reno’s oldest senior living communities, has just completed the first phase of a $4.4 million renovation that features a Grab and Go Café, 22-seat Theater Room, Vitality Center, and full service bar. Five Star Executive Director Jim Cox said what started as a $100,000 refresh turned into a significant redecoration that has a modern, lodge atmosphere. The first floor of the 26-year-old senior living community has been reconfigured and redesigned to provide better use of space, making area’s more comfortable to accommodate indoor
24 • 2014 • May
and outside activities and gatherings. Among the changes is the removal of the water display in the lobby that will now feature an ornate stone structure where residents can sit and relax. There will be a renovated Concierge area and front desk, new lighting fixtures and furniture throughout. The library has been moved from the front entrance to the second floor to provide quiet access to reading materials, with a pool and game table room located down the hall. A full service bar will be constructed where the current Piano Lounge is locat-
Water display in the entrance lobby is being removed in the renovation.
An ornate stone structure will be the central focus of the entrance.
ed, and a nearby 22-seat Theater Room will offer multiple uses for meetings, special events, and church functions. The full service bar will extend to an open patio that will feature a stone fireplace and barbecue where residents can order meals, socialize and watch their favorite football games. “There will be substantial changes,” said Cox. “More and better use of space for residents to gather around and enjoy.” Five Star Premier Senior Living has 260 senior living communities nationwide and is the fourth largest senior living and care provider in the U.S. People employed at the Reno location have worked an average four to ten years for
the property. “We have one employee who has been with the community over 20-years,” Cox said. “There is very little
turnover.” Much of the high moral has to do with management and the property itself which has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The property has played host to many nonprofit functions and community events throughout the years, where visitors dine on signature recipes featured in the chefs own cookbook. Cox, who has a 25-year career in nursing, surgery, imaging, and occupational health, says he has enjoyed proving seniors a
Pool table, card table (background) in game area.
The Vitality Center offers services and activities on-site.
place to live. “Five Star is an amazing company and has been really good to work for.” Five Star Premier Residences offer active independent and assisted living that include wellness programs and activities broadcast daily on an in-house channel. Activities range from off-site trips to shopping, workouts, arts and crafts, and education-
al programs. Cox says he looks forward to the grand opening tentatively scheduled in mid November. A special preview of the first phase is being held May 29, 4-6 p.m.; RSVP to (775) 829-6324 by May 26. Five Star Premier Residences of Reno is located at 3201 Plumas Street, Reno, 89509/((775) 829-1050.
May • 2014 • 25
BIGGEST little City
M
any years ago the first question that you were asked when you arrived at the University of Nevada to play on the basketball or football team was, “Where are you from?” That question was posed to me by my first roommate at the U, George Vucanovich. I replied, “Florida, how about you?” He informed me that he was from Tonopah, Nevada and that he was on a basketball scholarship the same as I was. I had received the scholarship in January of 1945 as a result of attending a Christmas beach party in Florida. At that gathering I bumped into a high school friend named Harold Hayes. Since we had not seen each other since our
26 • 2014 • May
Where Are You From?
by Harry Spencer
graduation in May of ’44, we had some catching up to do. I noted that I had spent the summer in an Army specialized training program at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) and that I was currently an ice man in Lauderdale. He noted that he had received a football scholarship to Nevada along with two or three other Floridians. He said he had returned home to enter the Navy prior to turning 18 in a couple of weeks. He asked me when I would hit 18, and I informed him I would hit the mark in May ’45. He said that since I had played on a championship basketball team in high school, he was going to get in touch with Jim Aiken who was the coach at Nevada
and get me a full-ride scholarship. I dismissed the idea as fantasy but to my surprise two days later I received a telegram from Aiken offering me a fullride scholarship, with my Greyhound bus ticket to follow. Since that day I have had an inordinate interest in the round ball game on all levels. With the NBA Playoffs now in session, basketball has reached its zenith for TV viewers. Interestingly enough there are two California teams that have risen to enough prominence to make the Playoffs this year. They are the Golden State Warriors from San Francisco and the Los Angeles Clippers. Two of the perennial top teams, the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics, have fallen out
of the Playoffs scene. Currently it looks like the defending champions, the Miami Heat, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the favorites to advance to the finals. Watching the super athletes compete on the court these days leads me to a comparison with top athletes of yesteryear. For the University of Nevada in the middle of the last century we had great individual stars like Alf Sorenson, Hal Fischer, Bob O’Shaughnessy and Jim Melarkey. Since those halcyon days the University has also featured excellent players in the form of Edgar Jones, Johnny High, Olek Cyzy, Luke Babbitt, Ramon Sessions and Deonte Burton. Even Reno High School has produced such outstanding players as David Padgett and Darrell Pastrell to name just two. For me the most famous basketball player that I interfaced with was the legendary Rick Barry, the All-Star Pro from the Golden State Warriors decades ago. I first met Rick when we invited him to participate in the annual Mapes Invitational Golf Tournament many years ago. During that first meeting he said, “How come you invited me? I’m not a very good golfer.” I answered him by saying, “Well, you are a big celebrity in the Bay Area which is a location in which many of our golfers reside. Besides, you graduated from Andrew Jackson High in Miama, didn’t you?” He (Biggest Little page 32)
May • 2014 • 27
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER by Janet Ross
W
hen it comes to house plants there’s only one variety that loves me and thrives despite my benign neglect, a Philodendron. In fact, I have four of these hardy specimens, two more than ten-years-old. Every year I buy a Poinsettia for the holidays and move it outside in early summer, only to bring it back in the house before the first frost. If I’m lucky a Poinsettia lasts a second year, but never blooms again. Imagine my joy then a two-year Poinsettia (still inside in April) began to bloom. If that isn’t miraculous enough, a tiny orchid in a 4-inch pot has also decided to bloom a second time. I wish I knew what was going on; could it be that climate change works inside, too?
noon in Sparks. The operation reminded me of Los Angeles’ Landmark chain, where seats are reserved and there are for-real ushers on duty. The Galaxy Luxury + IMAX is so new it still has that slightly chemical odor, once you’re past the fragrance of movie popcorn that fills the lobby. In addition to a lengthy snack bar there’s a station for beer and wine, plus a sausage concession. Those fancy lounge-style seats are almost too comfortable, but the sound system is so loud snoozing isn’t likely. Each seat comes with a reclining control plus a tray table with beverage holder. Prices are a little higher than other area movie theaters, but many would say the additional amenities make it worthwhile. I’ll definitely
Sparks new theater complex, the Galaxy Luxury + IMAX, had been open a month before I ventured to check it Le Crepe Café turns out perfect crepes. out. (Will admit I’m a snob about return ... when they show movies, preferring independ- another of my kind of movie. ent and foreign films while (For more information visit avoiding those considered to www.GalaxyTheatres.com.) be blockbusters, so I do most of my movie-going at the Friends invited me to join Riverside CineArts in Reno.) them for a performance at It was “The Grand Budapest the Pioneer and we fretted a Hotel” that prompted my little about eating before the attendance one Sunday after(Eclectic page 30) 28 • 2014 • May
May • 2014 • 29
Eclectic / page 28
entertainment without reservations. Le Crepe Café turned out to be the perfect solution. Tucked between La Famiglia and Fuego on S. Virginia, this small, casual eatery has taken over the spot of a former coffee house. The food was delicious, service cheerful and efficient, and prices were more than reasonable. You’ll find sweet and savory French crepes on the menu, plus salads, sandwiches and paninis. Coffee and Espresso are the featured beverages, but there are also twenty flavors of Italian sodas. Le Crepe Café is open daily and you can check their hours and detailed menu at www.lecrepecafereno.com. Another discovery I can recommend is Dorinda’s Chocolates at 727 Riverside Drive. If you remember Dorado Artisan Chocolates from the Costco Center several years ago, Dorinda’s has
30 • 2014 • May
a similar vibe. All the chocolates are handmade and beautifully packaged. The small shop is also open daily, beginning at 10 a.m. These are special occasion treats and priced accordingly, but if you’re in the mood to indulge take a stroll along the Truckee, stop in for coffee next door at The Hub, and take home a luscious chocolate covered cherry or sea salt caramel. (www.DorindasChocolates.c om) Finally, if you haven’t grabbed your personal copy of the 2014 edition of Golden Pages published by Senior Spectrum, get out and find one on a newstand today. This 86-page booklet may be the best resource available for seniors, whether you’re searching for legal advice, medical care, affordable housing, transportation, or hundreds of other services. Oh, did I mention it’s FREE?
RESOURCES • NEVADA INFORMATION.....................211 • Aging and Disability Services ........................................................688-2964 • ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION 1301 Cordone Ave, Suite 180, Reno........786-8061 • CARE CHEST 7910 N. Virginia Street, Reno.....................829-2273 • COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY, 1090 East 8th, Reno.........................................786-6023 • ELDER PROTECTIVE SERVICES ADSD.…................................................................688-2964 • FOOD BANK (TRUCK)....................331-3663 • FOSTER GRANDPARENt........358-2768 • HAWC CLINIC, 1055 S. Wells, Reno........................................................................329-6300 • MEDICATION MANAGEMENt, Sanford Center for Aging.............................784-1612 • NV STATE WELFARE.....................684-7200 • CENTER FOR INDEPendent LIVING, 999 Pyramid Way, Sparks......353-3599 • RTC ACCESS TRANSPORTATION Information.........................................................348-0477 • RENOWN MED. LOW INCOME CLINIC, 21 Locust, Reno..........................982-5270 • RSVP, Reno...................................................784-1807 • RSVP, Rural Counties Carson City..........................................................687-4680 • SANFORD CENTER FOR AGING, UNR........................................................................784-4774 • SENIOR COMPANION.................358-2322 • SENIOR Community Services Employment, AARP, 1135 Terminal Way, Reno........................................................................323-2243 Job Connect, Reno...........................................284-9600 Sparks....................................................................284-9520
• SENIOR LAW PROJECT....334-3050 • SENIOR OUTREACH SERVICES .........................................................................784-7506 • SENIOR SAMPLER (Assist. League) 1701 Vassar St., Reno...........................324-2003 • SHIP (State Health Ins. Adv. PGM) ...............................................................800-307-4444 • SilVER COLLEGE, 5270 Neil Rd., Reno…….....................................................829-9010 • Social Security 1170 Harvard Way, Reno..........888-808-5481 • Veteran’s REsource Center, 419 Plumb, Reno...........284-8387 • Veteran’s Benefits 5460 Corporate Drive, Reno....688-1653, X1
May • 2014 • 31
Rosewood Lakes Golf Course open Rosewood Lakes Golf Course is open for the season, a result of a public-private partnership with the nonprofit The First Tee of Northern Nevada. The Reno City Council approved short-term and long-term contract agreements with The First Tee regarding the management,
operations and development of Rosewood Lakes Golf Course. The driving range, golf shop and 18-hole, par-72 championship course will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The First Tee of Northern Nevada is a nonprofit youth development organization that advances children by
teaching life skills such as self-management, interpersonal communication, goal setting, mentoring and resiliency. The number of youth engaged in the local chapter was 7,500 in 2013. 2014 Seasonal Membership Individual: $1,000
Family: $1,500 Individual *Monthly: $200 Memberships include unlimited green fees and cart. 2014 Rates Adult 9 Holes: $25 Adult 18 Holes: $30 Senior 9 Holes: $20 Senior 18 Holes: $25 Junior 9/18 Holes: $10
Biggest Little / page 26
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replied, “Yes, but what’s that got to do with it?” I told him that I graduated from St. Anthony’s in Fort Lauderdale and we used to kick the daylights out of Andrew Jackson. He laughed and said, “We might be able to turn the tables on you now.” A few nights ago on one of the cable stations there was a screening of the most iconic basketball motion picture made to date. It was the story entitled “Hoosiers” which starred a good friend, Gene Hackman, as a down-on-his-luck coach who ends up taking a small, undersized high school basketball team to a prestigious win in the Indiana state tournament. The reason that I could identify with the film was that my high school basketball coach faced similar challenges. His name was Joe Gusweiler. He came onto the scene at St. Anthony’s during my junior year when he took us to a nearly perfect season. St. Anthony’s was a very small school at that time with a total enrollment of 60 students, 45 girls and 15 boys. Gusweiler was a previous All-American at the University of Kentucky and was able through his expertise to take us to the state championship my senior year.
Eydie’s Excerpts
The Greatest Generation
by Eydie & David Scher You are going to love this story. David took the trip of a lifetime. He had company. He was the oldest “Guardian” as they were called. Our grandson, at 16 was the youngest and our son, who just finished a very successful St. Baldrick’s campaign, is somewhere in the middle. You can recognize Eric by the almost baldhead he is sporting.
W
hat is the Greatest Generation? It is made up of young people who were ages 16 to 24 in 1941 who without any hesitation, signed up for the armed forces to defend our nation. Because of their dedication and patriotism, we live and enjoy the freedoms that they fought and died for. America would not be what it is today, a free nation, if it were not for the Greatest Generation During the weekend of April 5th, 2014, I had the privilege and honor to be a volunteer guardian with my son and grandson on an Honor Flight.
The Honor Flight takes WW ll veterans to Washington, DC at no cost to the surviving WW ll veterans. The Guardians pay their own way. I was doubly honored because my son Eric, who initiated our involvement, but also that my grandson Jordon joined us on the flight. We had 10 guardians and 30 veterans ranging in age from 87 to 98. We had to reassure the family members of the vets that they would be well taken care of. The vets were made up of Navy, Air Force, Army, Coast guard, Merchant Marines, Marines and Sea Bees. At the San Francisco airport
I had inkling of what was to come. In the staging area, people from all walks of life and every age and denomination
would come up to the vets and thank them for their service. A lot of hugging ensued. Eydie (Generati on page 34)
May • 2014 • 33
Generation / page 33 would have loved that. When we proceeded to the gate there was an honor guard, but when the plane arrived at Dulles airport, I
34 • 2014 • May
realized how big this was and how it was affecting me. Before the plane pulled up to the gate two fire engines sprayed the plane as a welcome with high-powered water hoses. Going into the terminal, 20 of the vets were in wheel chairs. The reception was indescribable. At least 200 people waved flags to welcome us, shook hands and again lots of hugging took place. Representatives of Virgin America, the USO and the Military were on hand. Also, airport personnel directed us through the airport to our waiting bus. Everywhere we went, people would stop and thank the Vets
of the Bulge, Battle of Leyte Gulf and the individual stories that many of them did not want to talk about. Some are still painful after all these years, which is very understandable. These guys are tough even to us guardians. Getting hit with a cane because I wanted one of them to sit in a wheelchair was not what I had in mind. He
for their service. We arrived at the hotel and outside waiting for a tour were approximately 40 people. They
told me what I could do with the chair, and I loved the attitude. The standard line from a lot of them was, “Don’t tell me what to do or I ‘ll put this cane where the sun doesn’t shine.” Hey, at their ages, they can say whatever they please.
were all over the Vets. The stories the vets tell are astonishing. Kamikaze attacks, Battan death march, Battle
The next morning we boarded the bus for the WW ll Memorial escorted by a veterans motorcycle club through the streets of DC. I was overwhelmed by the reception at the memorial. There were at least one thousand people, 3 bands, and representatives of all the military branches. I saw generals and
admirals shake every vets hand thanking them. I think I am a tough guy but I can’t tell you how many times my eyes teared up. We had a ceremony and then free time to check out the memorial. Next stop was Iwo Jima memorial then Korean and Vietnam memorial and the Lincoln memorial. It was something with all the adults and children coming up to the vets. Next stop was Arlington National Cemetery where it was arranged for us to be placed up front for the changing of the guard at the Unknown Soldier. Tears flooded the eyes of these tough guys. Next on tap were the Air Force and Navy Memorial. What a day, both physically and emotionally! Dinner is served at a local restaurant. Sunday morning breakfast is consumed and it’s back to the airport and more crowds are there to send us off
including entire classes of school kids. Arriving in San Francisco led to a tremendous welcome from the relatives. No one wants to leave our new life long friends. It’s an emotional time. Thank God for The Greatest Generation. Without any hesitation they signed up in droves to the armed forces to defend our nation following Pearl Harbor. Due to their dedication and patriotism, we live and enjoy the freedoms that they fought and died for. America would not be what it is today, a free nation, if it were not for the Greatest Generation. We are losing many of them daily so it’s more important than ever that they be honored now. Can you possibly imagine what it would be like to live in America if they lost WW ll. For one thing, we’d all might be speaking German and or Japanese! On the back
of our shirts were 2 sayings. 1.) If you can read this, thanks a teacher. 2.) If you can read this in English, thank a Vet! P.S. - Virgin America Airways was named number one on the list of excellent airlines! They proved themselves worthy of this award. Box lunches fed us but there were no complaints from either the
Vets or us. David, my son and grandson were awesome. Rest was not in their vocabulary as they helped out 24/7. Yes, they are invited back. Do you think I might tag along? I’ll just get a huge backpack! That’s the only luggage they were allowed to bring, Plus, I’d need a large size box of tissues.
May • 2014 • 35
Seniors4Travel
Robert Boyd & Carolyn Prusa
Staying Home... Just like clockwork, it seems, with the changing of the seasons and warmer weather come higher gasoline prices. As we write this, it is up to $3.99 a gallon, which factors in to a decision we made to stay reasonably close to home this summer. Many friends have indicated likewise. On the bright side, there are plenty of summer events and activities to enjoy right here, in and about Reno. And, when we’re not out there ‘doing it’, we’ll be popping a DVD or VHS into the
36 • 2014 • May
video box, making some microwave popcorn and settling back to enjoy a vacation-themed film. Our viewing list: National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) - This is an oldie but goodie staring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a guy who decides to take the family on a crosscountry trip from the Chicago area to a Los Angeles amusement park called Walley World, billed as "America's Favorite Family Fun Park. The road trip is one hilarious misadventure after another. The Talented Mr. Ripley
(1999) - features a stellar cast, including Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It's hard to imagine that a holiday on the Italian coast could be anything but wonderful for anybody as rich and attractive as Dickie (Law) and his girlfriend (Paltrow), but even wealth has its limitations. Ripley (Damon) has been hired by Dickie’s father to bring him home. But as Ripley becomes immersed in Dickie's life, he no longer wants to retrieve Dickey, he wants to assume his identity, and is crafty enough to successfully do so. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) - stars Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin, Steve Carell, Paul Dano, and Alan Arkin. Imagine a dysfunctional family wasting their summer vacation traveling in a mechanically unstable, yellow Volkswagen to a "Little Miss Sunshine" beauty contest in Redondo Beach and there you have the Hoovers. Incredibly, after 800 miles of blazing heat and comical catastrophe, the clan that includes a son on a vow of silence, a gay uncle on the verge of suicide, and a profanity-inclined, heroin-riddled grandfather, manages to become the most endearing family you’d ever want to meet. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) - Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) get the vacation opportunity of a lifetime
when they’re invited to stay with relatives in Barcelona for the summer. They encounter a handsome foreigner (Javier Bardem) who takes them on a tour of the country and successfully seduces them into a longterm wine and sex fueled threesome with an emotionally unstable Penelope Cruz. Roman Holiday (1953) Audrey Hepburn stars as Princess Anne and Gregory Peck stars as American journalist Joe Bradley. Princess Ann decides to sneak away from her diplomatic chores to have some fun on her own. Journalist Bradley meets up with Hepburn’s caricature and together they see the sites of Rome. This happens without Peck telling the princess he knows who she is. Although they fall in love their fictitious roles eventually keep them apart. Hepburn won the Academy Award as Princess Anne. The scenes of Rome are spectacular. The Seven Year Itch (1955) - Richard (Tom Ewell) sends his wife and kids away from their home in New York City to Maine on vacation, but his intentions are less admirable. Richard is smack in the middle of a mid-life crisis when he meets his new neighbor (Marilyn Monroe) in all of her full-bodied glory. The film contains one of the most iconic images of the 20th century – Monroe standing on a subway grate as her white dress is blown by a passing train.
this ‘n that
by Anne Vargas annevargas3@gmail.com
A scary Tuesday morning “Why didn’t you go to the Emergency Room?”
Everyone asked me that question later on, even one of the doctors. A second doctor told me I should have replied: “if I had been in my right mind, I would have.” I recently experienced a TGA. Not to be confused with PGA, as in golf tournament, TGA stands for Trans Global Amnesia. There are a wide variety of definitions but it basically means a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss where your recall of recent events simply vanishes. It is common to be unable to remember where you are or how you got there and you experience an impaired ability to retain new information. A common feature includes repetitive questioning, usually of the same question. In my case I don’t know how I got to the gym that morning, nor do I remember anything that took place in the following few hours. However, I was completely unaware that anything was happening to me so I would hardly have been cognizant enough to take myself to the ER. I had left home around 3:30 a.m., which is admittedly absurd, but it’s also normal for me, something I have been doing every day for years. Fortunately there were Anne Vargas
no cars on the road with me (not many people are foolish enough to get up that early) since the only memory I have of the trip is of totally missing the very wide entrance to the parking lot and hitting a large stone but it wasn’t of any concern to me, even though I had damaged the car. Who knows what else I might have hit had there been any traffic. Everything that transpired after that I subsequently learned about from other people, with one or two exceptions. I do remember being asked by the friend I share the pool with whether I needed any help; she thought I seemed disoriented. I do not remember getting into the pool, whether I exercised or not, even whether I showered and dressed. It’s as if my mind was mesh, with the holes becoming bigger until only a few events remained to be retrieved. The next memory I possess is of sitting down in the locker room, fully clothed. I do not remember leaving the locker (Scary morning page 38)
May • 2014 • 37
38 • 2014 • May
room but I do remember the front desk attendant suggesting I sit down and have some orange juice. Someone in the locker room had called the front desk to report that my behavior was unusual, that I wasn’t speaking rationally; I would later learn more about my bizarre behavior. I remember several people trying to convince me to allow them to call my still sleeping spouse. Since I didn’t realize there was something wrong with me, I stubbornly refused and drove myself home, although I don’t remember doing so. Thankfully, I made it without mishap. My husband’s gym routine is as habitual as mine; he leaves the house just about the time I get home. That morning we passed on the road so he was unaware there was cause for concern and when I got home I lay down and went to sleep. It wasn’t until a friend called me a few hours later that I somewhat surfaced. She asked me repeatedly whether I was all right, saying I sounded strange. Somehow that registered and I was sufficiently aware by then to understand something wasn’t right. I was able to call both my husband and my doctor. By the time we got to his office I was able to relate much of what I have written here. MRI results were good, my memory returned (except for those gaps) and I am back to normal, whatever normal is for me. But it could have been far more serious which is why people asked whether I had gone immediately to the ER. Most of my symptoms pointed to the TGA but I also displayed symptoms of a TIA (Trans Ischemic Attack) so there is a slight difference of opinion between doctors as to which I had. Both are alarming and potentially serious, especially a TIA, so if anyone is exhibiting symptoms of a either they should be seen immediately in order to rule out possibility of
hemorrhage in the brain. According to the MAYO Clinic website: Although TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attacks) and TGAs (Transient Global Amnesia) are related, a TIA is considered to be a serious warning sign of stroke and should not be ignored. TGA is slightly different in that TIAs are very brief while TGAs often usually last several hours. IN A TIA: Blood clots that temporarily block blood flow to the brain are the most common cause of TIAs. Blood clots may develop for a variety of reasons. TIAs can occur at all ages but are more frequent among the elderly. TIAs are associated with other neurological signs such as motor or sensory dysfunction. A TIA may be accompanied by more global disorientation and confusion. IN A TGA: The underlying cause of (TGA) is unknown. The patient cannot acquire new memories but otherwise is able to function normally; personal identity is usually retained. TGA most frequently strike between ages of 40-80. TGA is an isolated memory disorder and there are no other neurological signs. TGAs are usually isolated and seldom reoccur. I am the exception to that, having suffered another sixteen years ago. Although transient global amnesia isn't harmful, there's no easy way to distinguish the condition from the life threatening illnesses that can also cause sudden memory loss. Awareness of these two conditions and recognition of their symptoms could be crucial. Seek immediate medical attention for anyone who quickly goes from normal awareness of present reality to confusion about what just happened. If the person experiencing memory loss is too disoriented to call an ambulance, call one yourself. It happened to me; it could happen to you.