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Altered Sensations in The Limbs:
Pain, Throbbing, Burning, Numbness, Freezing, Sharp, or Jabbing Pain, Cramping, Extreme sensitivity to touch,
Gradual onset numbness or a Prickling or Tingling
Feeling in the limbs, Lack of Coordination and/or Falling, Muscle Weakness or even Paralysis in severe situations
Neuropathy
Nerve Damage
Carpal Tunnel
Neck and Back Pain/Stiffness
Plantar Fasciitis
Pain, Weak Strength, Endurance Issues
Balance Problems/Unsteady Gait
Restless Legs
Fibromyalgia
Bell’s Palsy
Gout
Edema and Swelling Shingles
Fine Motor/Hand Problems
Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow
Edema and Swelling
Grateful for the privilege of serving our community
Say ‘Hello in There’
You know that old trees; Just grow stronger. And old rivers; Grow wilder every day. But old people; Just grow lonesome. Waiting for somone to say. Hello in There. Hello.
The late John Prine coined these words for a song sometime around 1970, while he was working a walking route as a US Post Office mail deliverer. He was 22, and writing in between stops about what he was seeing.
Old people. He imagined their children, who had left town for lives of their own. He imagined their work friends they never contacted. He imagined them watching the TV news, learning, eventually, that things never change.
Thankfully, there are more opportunities than ever to help our elderly live happy, productive lives. You can read about just a few in this section, and the businesses that support us as we continue to age.
Yes, we’ve come a long way since 1970. There were no senior centers to be found back then in rural areas such as Davie and western Forsyth. Visit one today, and not only will you find multiple options for all kinds of activities and fellowship, you may find your home away from home.
As we’ve all (At least those of us born before the internet) heard that, “Growing old ain’t for sissies,” it doesn’t have to be a lonely time, either.
We can do our part. I’ll leave you with the closing of the Prine song.
- Mike Barnhardt
So if you’re walking, down the street sometime And spot some hollow, ancient eyes. Please don’t just pass them by, and stare; Say hello in there. Hello.
CelebratingOur New Beginning in Mocksville, NC
W
e are thrilled to announce the opening of our new financial advisory office right in the heart of Mocksville, NC! As a proud native of Davie County, it brings me immense joy to bring my expertise and passion for financial planning back to my hometown.
Our mission is to empower our community with personalized financial advice, helping each individual achieve their financial dreams. From retirement planning to investment strategies, we are here to guide you through every step of your financial journey.
Join us as we embark on this
"It's
Jimmy said.
Silver Sneakers Programming at Rise Indoor Sports keeps seniors moving
By Chandler Inions
The Clemmons Courier
BERMUDA RUN — No matter who you are, finding the time to stay in shape can be a challenge. With the Silver Sneakers program at the Rise Indoor Sports facility here, area seniors have multiple opportunities each week to get out, move around and share a few laughs.
On Thursday, more than a dozen classmates were actively moving through exercises while the instructor led them against the backdrop of a synchronized playlist.
That instructor, Rikki Bertschi, who was substituting for Barbara Walker, the regular instructor, indicated that choosing the right playlist is important for a number of reasons.
"So I had been using the prior teacher's playlist," Rikki said. "For July 4, I created a special America-themed playlist. So that kind of prompted everybody that likes to change their music so much that it prompted me to change it for today, too.
"So it's really, you have a whole flow, you have to have slower songs to get started, quicker songs in the middle, and then some songs to slow down. So I like to pick songs that they tell me they like."
While Rikki loves volunteering to instruct the class, it's particularly special for her for another reason. Her father, Jimmy Bertschi, is among the class participants.
"I have my dad with me a lot," Rikki said. "When we're listening to the radio, he'll be sitting there beating (on the dash) and pretending like he has his own noodles. And that tells me that that would be a good song to add to this class."
One of the exercises they do during the program does resemble a drummer at work. They use noodles to simulate those movements.
While it might appear a bit odd to an onlooker at first, Rikki pointed to numerous health benefits that exercises like noodle drumming can have.
"It's a lot of coordination," Rikki said. "So making sure that they are using coordination and balance. We also use them kind of as a substitute weight. We also do hand exercises, because it's good to squeeze and keep your hands in motion for the wrist.
"It's coordination and thinking about the rhythms. So it keeps your mind healthy (too). It also provides something to hold on to and to stretch other muscles."
Rikki spends a lot of time with her
father, who has previously had a rough go of it with some medical concerns. He just had back surgery a couple of weeks ago, and Rikki said that based on his performance already, some people are having trouble believing it.
"This has done more for him than any (physical therapy) ever has," Rikki said.
She began attending classes with Jimmy so that she could be there to catch him if he fell, but she quickly realized that the classes were benefiting her too.
"I used to think that it was kind of funny that I'm sitting there stretching my ankles," Rikki said. "But if I went a day without stretching my ankles, I could tell it the next day, so it helps."
While she is not there for every program, Rikki has still built a rapport with the Silver Sneakers classmates. Anecdotally, she has heard about how the exercises are received. One of the people in the program on Thursday, Patsy, was about to celebrate her 86th birthday.
"She moves around really, really well," Rikki said. "So that's the biggest thing is to keep moving. Even if you can't do all of the motions. Just keep on moving, how it works for you. So that way, it keeps aches and pains from continuing it helps you stretch."
Word has gotten out, and the class has
continued to grow.
"Over the past year, I think when we started about a year and a half ago, there was maybe only six of us," Rikki said. "And some days, we have up to 20. Over the past year, it's really grown."
Word of mouth is a powerful recruiting tool.
"A couple of people in here live in retirement communities," Rikki said. "So when they're talking to people, they tell them to bring people in."
Rikki is grateful for the opportunity to volunteer and assist with the program, but she's also grateful for the chance to spend time with her dad.
"When we first started coming, my plan was I was just going to do something else while he worked out and then everybody was like, come on, come on in," Rikki said. "I enjoy it just as much as he does. So just getting to see him, like he was in really bad shape when we started and for him to be where he is now, it's amazing. It's really, this is a special place for us and a special group of people he's met."
Jimmy agreed.
After a session, Jimmy says that he feels great.
A Silver Sneakers class runs through drills at a recent session at Rise Indoor Sports in Bermuda Run. - Photo by Chandler Inions
TriniTy Elms AssisTEd living
• We offer a supportive, nurturing residential environment
• We offer a homelike environment and atmosphere of respect and dignity
• Residents and families enjoy socializing in the ice cream parlor, playing games or relaxing in the courtyard and exercising on our walking trails
• Our life enrichment department offers programs for residents to enjoy, including everything from art to music
• Residents can choose from available private rooms or shared rooms with a view of our beautifully landscaped courtyard or the surrounding countryside
Silver ...
Continued From Page 6
"It's great to be able to get a little exercise, and it's not really hard to do," Jimmy said.
Jimmy, who is 72, said the results speak for themselves.
"I had been going to physical therapy for almost close to a year," Jimmy said. "I really got more out of this with my balance than anything else. It's helped me real well."
Jimmy likes drumming with the noodles, but he also mentioned that even though he can't do it right now as he has recovered from his recent surgery, he can bend all the way to the ground.
"He's the squat king of the class," Rikki confirmed.
There are some exercises Jimmy can't do but that's ok.
"Thats the thing," Rikki said. "You can do what you can do and if it doesn't feel right, you can sit down."
For Jimmy, he's just happy that he gets to spend time with his daughter while doing what he can to stay in shape.
"She really works hard planning the sessions," Jimmy said of his daughter. "It's good to see her out here and doing the exercises and leading us."
Most people's Medicare pays for the classes, but if it doesn't, the class is $20 per month.
Silver Sneakers meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Rise Indoor Sports is located at 419 Twins Way in Bermuda Run.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
- Abraham Lincoln
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Jimmy Bertschi performs a lunge at the Rise Indoor Sports facility. -Photo by Chandler Inions
When is it time for an assisted living facility?
Assisted living facilities provide an invaluable service.
When a medical condition, developments associated with aging or another variable affects an individual’s ability to live independently, assisted living facilities can ensure such men and women get the help they need to live as fully and ac-
tively as possible.
It’s not always easy to identify when an individual may need to move into an assisted living facility. Some individuals choose to do so on their own, but families often make such decisions together.
As families work to determine if a loved one should move into an assisted
living facility, they can look for signs that suggest the time is right to do so.
According to the Elder Care Alliance, signs that an individual may benefit from assisted living include:
• requiring routine reminders to take medication;
• noticeable changes in weight, including weight loss or gain;
• loss of mobility or increase in falls;
• signs that household maintenance is being neglected;
• difficulty with daily tasks like grooming and meal preparation;
• increased isolation; and
• loss of interest in hobbies.
It’s important for families to recognize that some of these signs might suggest the presence of a condition or disease that would not, if treated successfully, compromise an individual’s ability to live independently.
For example, the SilverSneakers program notes that weight gain among seniors may be attributable to slower metabolism, a less active lifestyle or
menopause for women. Each of those conditions can be addressed without requiring a relocation to an assisted living facility.
Family members are urged to discuss anything that seems to be affecting a loved one’s ability to live independently with that person’s health care team before they consider if a person needs to move into an assisted living facility. It’s equally important to ask a loved one’s health care team which type of facility they think might be most beneficial if, in fact, they think it’s in an individual’s best interest to relocate.
No two facilities are the same, and the Elder Care Alliance notes many specialize in specific types of care, such as tending to individuals with cognitive issues like dementia or physical issues like limited mobility.
Assisted living facilities help millions of individuals every day. Families can work together to decide if a loved one can benefit from moving into such a facility.
TF245914
Strong credit rating also important for senior citizens
The benefits of maintaining good credit include looking more reliable in the eyes of prospective employers and securing lower mortgage interest rates when buying a home.
Those rewards can benefit anyone, but they’re especially enticing to young people.
But what about seniors? Do individuals stand to benefit significantly from maintaining good credit into their golden years?
According to the credit reporting agency Experian, senior citizens tend to have the best credit scores of any consumer demographic. That could be a byproduct of years of financial discipline, and there are many benefits to maintaining that discipline into retirement.
• Home buying and borrowing: Buying a home is often considered a big financial step forward for young people, but that doesn’t mean aging men and women are completely out of the real estate market.
In its 2020 “State of the Nation’s Housing” report, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University reported that the share of homeowners age 65 and over with housing debt doubled to 42 percent between 1989 and 2019.
In addition, 27 percent of homeowners age 80 and over were carrying mortgage debt in 2019. Maintaining strong credit after retirement can help homeowners who still have mortgage debt get better terms if they choose to refinance their mortgages. Even seniors who have paid off their mortgages can benefit from maintaining good credit if they decide to downsize to a smaller home but cannot afford to simply buy the new home.
• Rewards: Retirement is often associated with travel, recreation and leisure. Such pursuits can be more affordable when seniors utilize rewards-based cred-
it cards that help them finance vacations, weekend getaways and other expenses associated with traveling. Seniors who maintain strong credit ratings into their golden years may have more access to the best travel-based rewards cards than those whose credit scores dip in retirement.
• Unforeseen expenses: No one knows what’s around the corner, but savvy seniors recognize the importance of planning for the unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic seemingly came out of nowhere, and among its many ripple effects was the sudden job loss experienced by seniors. The JCHS report found that 21 percent of homeowners age 65 and over had reported loss of employment income related to the pandemic.
Unforeseen medical expenses also can compromise seniors’ financial freedom. Maintaining a strong credit rating into older adulthood can help seniors navigate such financial uncertainty more smoothly. Such a strategy can help seniors secure low-interest loans or credit cards that can help them pay down sudden, unforeseen expenses without getting into significant debt.
The importance of a strong credit rating is often emphasized to young people. However, a strong credit rating can be equally beneficial for seniors. TF223796
Hanging out at the hospital
Long-time volunteer nearing 98 and
By Summer Scardino Word Master Media Group
Jack Jerome will be 98 years old next month.
But you can still find him spending his retirement volunteering at Davie Medical Center.
Jerome is an incredible character who continues to leave a lasting impact on those he comes in contact with. Throughout his lifetime, he has held many titles, such as son, brother, chemist, husband, father, and volunteer.
Born in Pittsboro on Aug. 19, 1926, Jerome has lived a fulfilling life.
After high school, he planned to study engineering at N.C. State University. However, upon arrival at the university, he realized that too many of his classmates were pursuing that degree
and changed his major to chemistry.
When World War II started, Jack left NC State at 17 and joined the Navy with his twin brother, Henry.
Jack, Henry, and their older brother, Fred, all served their country during the war. Jack detailed his 22 months in the Navy and his overseas assignments. He was stationed in the ship’s engine room to maintain and monitor the machinery. During the war’s final moments, he served on a boat sent to Tokoyo Bay to help return and exchange prisoners of war. He shared how the exchange of soldiers signified that the end of the war was near.
After the war, Jack completed his studies at NC State, joining the long list of family members to graduate from the college. Jack and his daughter Martha rave about their lineage of NC State al-
ums and spoke highly of their time at the university.
Jack’s father, his brothers, all three children, and one grandson have graduated from NC State. Jack is known for his lifelong loyalty to the university.
In conversations about which team Jack is rooting for when the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill plays, he says, “ABC!” which means “Anyone but Carolina.”
Upon graduation, Jack left his hometown of Pittsboro to begin his career at Erwin Mill in the small Davie town of Cooleemee. As a chemist, he worked in the lab formulating dyes and establishing procedures for maintaining the consistency of the colors.
He explained how much attention to detail it takes to develop the dyes used in manufacturing. His skill and hard work
allowed him to be sent around the state and later around the world to help other facilities refine their lab processes. Later in life, his extraordinary talent in textiles allowed him to travel overseas to help big factories with lab procedures. He enjoyed this time in his life and tells stories of riding camels in Egypt. His home is filled with art from countries he visited.
Throughout his years abroad and in Cooleemee, Jack was busy being a husband, father, colleague, and jack of all trades.
Outside of his work in the mill, Jack enjoyed making fully functional steam engines which he even rode himself. He spoke about his love for trains and how it grew over time. Jack played with trains
Jack Jerome - sporting his World War II veteran hat and USS Benevolence shirt - visits with Daphne Beck at the annual Cooleemee Fourth of July celebration, and event he enjoys. Last year, he was the grand marshal.
- Photo by Mike Barnhardt
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During that time, seniors who have Medicare coverage can make plan changes that may lower their costs. You could save by:
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Choosing the best Part D Drug Plan based on current medications & preferred pharmacy Exploring available Medicare Advantage Plans
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Continued From Page 12
when he was younger, but once he was older, he was fascinated with the functioning of the machine.
His house in Cooleemee had a workshop where he spent a lot of time, which helped his curiosity about machinery flourish.
Recalling this time in her life, Martha spoke fondly of her father riding the engines and said the steam engine even had a tiny shovel to put coal into the tender. Jack joined the Triad Live Streamers to further his knowledge and passion for his hobby.
Jack’s face lit up as he spoke of his love for the mechanics of creating the engines and how his children’s neighborhood friends enjoyed coming over to ride the train. The train tracks in the backyard of the family home in Cooleemee left such a positive impact on the family.
Jack’s love for his community and machinery didn’t stop with the steam engine.
He recalled the beginning of the lawn mower parade in Cooleemee and stated that it started so small with a handful of people and later grew to what it is today. He spoke about how much growth he has witnessed with the parade and how much fun this Cooleemee event is each year. Jack was the grand marshal of the July 2023 parade. He spoke about how much fun he had riding in the car and throwing candy to the crowd.
Jack discussed the growth and change he has witnessed in Davie County over the years. He loves the community and continues to be involved .
He continues to make lasting impacts on those around him.
After living in Cooleemee for decades, Jack and his wife of 67 years, Martha, moved to the Bermuda Run area to be closer to the hospitals where they volunteer. Jack spoke highly of his time volunteering at the Davie Medical Center as a greeter, which continues to keep him busy in his retirement.
Jack and wife Martha volunteered at Baptist Hospital for 30 years until the
Davie Medical Center was opened in Advance. The Jeromes continued their volunteering at the newest hospital closest to their home.
Jack continues to find joy in his volunteering to this day.
He has a long history of volunteering.
Years ago, he offered his time to Pilot View Resource Conservation and Development. While his children were in school, he served on the advisory board for Davie County High School.
Martha and Jack had three children together, Martha, Anne, and John.
After their move to Bermuda Run, Martha’s health began to decline, and she passed in the Fall of 2022. She left a lasting impact on her husband, family, and friends. Listening to Jack and Martha speak so highly of her leaves a lasting impression.
His family agreed that his main life lesson was “family is always first.” Jack has always believed in supporting and loving his family. His children agreed that he was often caught saying, “There is no instant transportation.” I think this is so telling about the patience and calmness that Jack continues to practice. It is apparent that Jack’s family enjoys his humor and wisdom. The love that his family has for Jack is understandable, and he continues to leave lasting impacts on those around him,
Jack wants to continue giving back to his community and enjoy his retirement years.
Jack, throughout his nearly 98 years on Earth, continues to be curious about learning and uses this curiosity to find ways to explore the world. Jack will continue to make a lasting impact on his family, community, and world through his dedication to furthering the betterment of those around him.
This article first appeared on the Davie County Blog. Summer Scardino is a Davie native who ventured back from the West Coast to use her skills as a licensed vlinical social worker to benefit the community that raised her. She enjoys supporting the arts and local small businesses.
Clockwise from top left: Jack and wife Martha Jerome volunteering at Baptist Hospital; Jack happily doing his volunteer work; Jack riding a steam train he built in his Cooleemee back yard; Jack with his twin brother Henry; a steam train he built; and the USS Benevolence that he served aboard during World War II.
- Photos courtesy Jack Jerome
Researchers around the globe continue to investigate Alzheimer’s disease, the most commonly diagnosed form of dementia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia that affects around 6.5 million people in the United States. Since AD affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, notable symptoms include memory loss and difficulties communicating.
AD can be a debilitating condition, so naturally people want to do all they can to avoid it. Right now there are no proven prevention strategies nor a cure.
However, the Mayo Clinic says there is strong evidence that healthy lifestyle habits may play a role in reducing AD risk, as well as risk for other types of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Mayo Clinic recommend these strategies to help reduce dementia risk.
• Reduce risk for heart disease. Some autopsy studies show that as many as 80 percent of individuals with AD also have cardiovascular disease. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels may, in turn, help individuals reduce their risk for AD.
• Eat a balanced diet. Many doctors
recommend the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein coming from sources containing omega-3 fatty acids. This diet also is heart-healthy.
• Embrace physical activity. Regular physical activity may lower the risk of AD as well as vascular dementia. Exercise can boost blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Cardiovascular exercise is an essential part of any wellness plan.
• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help maintain brain health and reduce the risk for various diseases.
• Avoid head injuries. Always wear protective safety equipment when participating in sports or while riding motorcycles or other motorized vehicles. Fall-proof your home and wear seatbelts while riding in cars.
• Maintain social connections and activity. A number of studies indicate that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as people age might lower the risk of cognitive decline as well as AD.
• Keep a healthy weight. Manage weight through diet and exercise. Although there is no guaranteed way to avoid a dementia diagnosis, certain lifestyle changes may help people reduce their risk.
More than feeding the hungry
Volunteers at food pantry make new friends along the way
By Chandler Inions The Clemmons Courier
CLEMMONS — Its easy enough to idly fill down time, but for the volunteers at Clemmons Food Pantry, that’s just not how they roll.
Serving their community is all the inspiration and compensation those volunteers need. Many report that it’s more than rewarding.
“I lived in South Carolina, and I worked at a food pantry,” said Advance resident Elizabeth Wilkins. “I worked there for quite a long time. I enjoyed the company, and I enjoyed the work.”
After moving to Advance and finding the Clemmons Food Pantry, Wilkins wasted no time getting involved. She attended an orientation on July 10 and was among the faces stocking shelves on July 11 before the clients started rolling in.
“Orientation covered different departments, what kind of orders come in, how the people come in and where the food came from,” Wilkins said.
For her, fitting into the group comes naturally.
“I like associating with other people with the same kind of attitude that I have to serve.”
Volunteers at the Clemmons Food Pantry pause for a group photo.
- Photo by Chandler Inions
Number of food insecure seniors is increasing
From the National Institute on Aging
In the past two decades, food insecurity among families that include adults over the age of 60 has almost doubled, affecting nearly 25 percent of all such families. Findings from the NIA-funded research, published in JAMA Health Forum, underscore the increase in chronic and recurring food insecurity, especially among Black, Hispanic, and low-income families.
Food insecurity means not having enough nutritionally adequate and safe food, or the ability to access such food, to have a better chance of living a healthy and active life.
To examine food insecurity trends among families with older adults, researchers from Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and Johns Hopkins University conducted a study using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a long-running household survey through which researchers collect data on economic, social, and health factors. Funded in part by NIA, the survey enabled researchers to gather information on food insecurity during six timeframes: 1999, 2001, 2003, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
For this study, researchers grouped participant responses, specifically looking at families with at least one adult age 60 or older, into two time periods: 1999
Please See Food - Page 20
Pantry ...
Continued From Page 18
She doesn’t plan on limiting herself to just one day per week. “Hopefully, it will be more than Thursdays.”
It ought to help fill her time when she’s not at the YMCA swimming, working out at the gym, or visiting family.
While Wilkins was clocking her first hour at the Clemmons Food Pantry on July 11, Charlene Holloway was building upon an impressive 1,500-hour record.
She has been working since March of 2011 or 2012.
“One of those years,” Holloway said with a laugh, implying that it’s been long enough that it’s become hard to remember. Holloway has been volunteering at the food pantry for so long that she remembers when it was at its previous location next to the now-closed K-Mart on Lewisville-Clemmons Road.
Holloway’s 1,500 hours is the equivalent of 62 and a half 24-hour days.
Like Wilkins, Holloway said she loves the “community service and the
camaraderie of the volunteers.”
She said they are not just fellow volunteers. A lot of them have become friends. “And church members,” Holloway said. “Many of us go to church together at Clemmons Presbyterian.”
Since volunteering more than a decade ago, Holloway has meet many new clients, but she’s also been seeing some of the same faces that entire time.
“You get some clients that have been coming as long as I have been volunteering,” Holloway said. “You build relationships with them, and that is good, too.”
Holloway said that over the years, she has come to engage with the clients and has heard about their lives to the point that it feels like they are family, too.
“Our numbers have come up so much, but we still try to provide extra services,” Holloway said. “We have a lot of extra information we try to give out when people have additional needs.”
Please See Camaraderie - Page 20
Organize Senior Moves, Winston-Salem, NC
• Organize • Prepare former home for sale • Pack • Oversee entire move process
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Camaraderie ...
Continued From Page 19
This can include resources that offer services for mental health, homelessness or refugees.
Reaching into a file folder with numerous directions and programs, Holloway said, “If we don’t have it in here, we will go to the computer and try to pull it up.”
Holloway is a retired nurse. “I guess I carried my nursing here.”
Having worked for 10 years as a diabetic nurse, Holloway knows a lot about nutrition, and she is Johnny on the spot if people “start to fall out when their blood sugar goes down.”
She is a fixture on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Sometimes, I’ll add a Saturday,” she said.
To anyone considering getting involved, Holloway says, “Its like a family. If you are looking or friend and family and something to do with purpose this is it.”
Volunteer opportunities include being a greeter, shopper, packer and interviewer to name a few. There are several office tasks that can be done by volunteers as well. Volunteers can be as young as 16 or 13 if they are with a parent.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, can visit https://clemmonsfood-
Food ...
Continued From Page 19
to 2003 (1,311 families) and 2015 to 2019 (2,268 families). To rate the level of food insecurity, they categorized families with one instance of food insecurity in a survey time period as “any food insecurity,” two instances as “recurring food insecurity,” and three instances as “chronic food insecurity.”
Researchers found that the prevalence of recurring and chronic food insecurity increased from 12.5% between 1999 to 2003 to 23.1% between 2015 to 2019.
Specifically, recurring food insecurity more than doubled (5.6% to 12.6%), while chronic food insecurity more than tripled (2% to 6.3%).
During both time periods, Black and Hispanic families responding to the survey were disproportionately affected by higher rates of food insecurity than White families; however, White families showed the largest increase among all groups in chronic food insecurity with a nearly sixfold increase.
In addition, families with low socioeconomic status, low educational attain-
ment, and those participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program had higher rates of food insecurity.
The authors note several limitations, including that food insecurity indicators were self-reported over the previous 12 months, which can lead to underreporting. Because information on food insecurity was not collected between 2005 and 2013, it is unknown whether families transitioned in and out of food insecurity during that time.Due to small sample sizes, researchers were not able to compare food insecurity trends in Asian, Native
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaska Native families. Overall, these findings underscore the magnitude of food insecurity among families with adults over the age of 60, and how it is experienced disproportionately across communities. Future research is needed to understand food insecurity trends across diverse populations and to explore how policies and programs may reduce its prevalence. This research was supported in part by NIA grant 1R01AG079286.
“The older I get, the better I used to be.” - Lee Trevino
Kim Dufresne, right, shows Elizabeth Wilkins how to pack the meat products at the Clemmons Food Pantry. - Photo by Chandler Inions
Nutritional needs change as we age
The human body is a marvel. How the body transforms over the course of an individual’s life is one of its more remarkable qualities, and those changes never cease, even as individuals near retirement age.
The changes associated with aging include physical transformations but also more subtle shifts the naked eye cannot see.
For example, metabolism slows as individuals grow older, and aging can lead to a decrease in bone density and muscle
mass.
These changes affect how men and women at or nearing retirement age should approach their diets in recognition of the ways their nutritional needs change at this point in their lives. Any modifications to a diet should first be discussed with a physician, but the following are some ways aging adults can use diet to combat age-related changes to their bodies.
• Prioritize protein. The authors of a 2010 study published in the journal Current Opinion in Nutrition and Metabolic Care recommended that older adults consume between 25 and 30 grams of protein with each meal. The researchers behind the study concluded that such consumption could limit inactivity-mediated losses of muscle mass and function.
• Overcome reduced production of vitamin D. WebMD notes that people over 65 typically experience a decrease in
natural production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is not naturally found in many foods, so aging men and women may need to rely on supplementation to ensure their bodies get enough.
Vitamin D helps with anti-inflammation, immune system support and muscle function, among other benefits. So it’s vital that aging men and women find ways to get sufficient vitamin D.
• Consume ample dietary fiber. The National Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging notes that fiber plays an important role in the health of older adults. Fiber has been linked with heart health, healthy digestion, feeling full, and preventing constipation, which the online medical resource Healthline notes is a common health problem among the elderly.
Though the NRCNA notes that older adults need slightly less fiber than their younger counterparts, it’s still a vital component of a nutritious diet. The
feeling of fullness that fiber consumption can provide also is significant, as it can ensure adults who aren’t burning as many calories as they used to aren’t overeating in order to feel satisfied. That can make it easier for such adults to maintain a healthy weight.
• Monitor intake of vitamin B12.
The NRCNA notes that vitamin B12 is involved in a host of important functions in the body, including nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 is most easily found in animal products, which many aging men and women must largely avoid due to other health concerns. In such instances, men and women can discuss supplementation with their physicians as well as alternative food sources of B12, such as fortified cereals, salmon and other items.
Bodily changes related to aging increase the likelihood that men and women will need to alter their diets in order to maintain their overall health. TF232673
THE Y IS FOR EVERY AGE
Adults
Your health and physical wellbeing are important, no matter your age. The YMCA offers seniors the opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle, healthy relationships, and a positive outlook on life. Older adults who stay active live longer and have better functional conditioning. That is why the YMCA offers classes, programs, and other opportunities suited for this age group.
Some tips to help with recovery from injuries
There is no escaping the fact that the human body changes as it ages.
Some changes associated with aging are beneficial, such as increased wisdom and knowledge from past experiences. Others, particularly changes to health and wellness, can be disconcerting.
Generally speaking, recovering from any injury can be a time-consuming process. For those over the age of 60, the process of recovering from injury can be especially lengthy.
According to Restorative Strength, a fitness and personal training service for seniors, elderly adults generally heal from injuries slower than young people.
Caring Senior Services says there are a few reasons why healing can be delayed:
• Having diabetes is one of the most common reasons why seniors have delayed healing. The disease can negatively impact wound healing because elevated glucose levels narrow the blood vessels and harden the arteries.
• The inflammatory response in se-
niors drastically slows down as people age. This response is the first phase when blood vessels expand to let white blood cells and nutrients reach wounds. When delayed, the wounds heal much more slowly.
• Reduced skin elasticity and diminished collagen fibers in seniors can contribute to the body’s tissues not being able to return to a normal state after injury.
• Sedentary seniors may have lost muscle mass and flexibility, which help physically active individuals regain mobility after an injury. Bones also may be more brittle, particularly if osteoporosis is present.
Although it’s impossible to reverse the hands of time, there are steps seniors can take to recover from injuries more quickly, and potentially avoid them as well.
• Slow and steady physical activity: Exercise, including routine strength-training activities, helps strengthen muscles and bones. Accord-
ing to Pioneer Trace Healthcare & Rehabilitation, when complete bed rest is not advised after an injury, getting up and moving even just a little each day can jump-start recovery. Regular activity prior to any injury also may make the body stronger and more flexible to help reduce the liklihood of injuries.
• Maintain a positive mindset. The mind has a role to play in injury recovery. Minimizing stress levels through meditation, and engaging in positive thinking techniques, can make healing and therapies more successful. Reducing stress can boost the immune system, which also will offer healing benefits.
• Improve diet. The body needs certain vitamins and minerals to function properly. Eating a well-rounded, healthy diet can provide fuel that facilitates healing.
• Work with a qualified professional. Seniors should not take on exercise or recovery efforts on their own. Exercising the right way and following prescribed guidelines can speed up recovery and
potentially prevent future injuries.
Recovery from injury could take longer for seniors. But with exercise, positive thinking and guidance from health professionals, there are ways to speed up the injury recovery process. HW241591
At Yellow Butterfly Home Care, our in-home care services provide families with peace of mind. Knowing that your loved ones are in capable, caring hands can help you breathe easier by ensuring your loved one receives the attention and support they deserve. Our professionals deliver personalized care with a human touch.
We serve Mocksville, North Carolina and surrounding areas, providing individual care services as well as companion services. Whether your loved one needs help running errands or going to doctor appointments, or if they simply need a friend to talk to during the day, we can help. We are licensed with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and we are bonded and insured. Our owner and founder is a registered nurse in North Carolina, and she has 25 years of home health experience.
