Living Longer, Living Well - March 2020

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL A Resource Guide For 55+ March 2020

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Harrisonburg, Va.

Living Longer, Living Well A collaborative partnership of the Daily News-Record and the Aging Well Consortium

Editorial Committee Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair Community Relations Manager, VPAS

Beth Bland Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg/Rockingham VPAS

Showing Up

Jeremy Douylliez Communications Specialist, Bridgewater Retirement Community

Lavenia “Lev” Norford Community Contributor

By: L B Leigh-Anne i hA L Lees,

Glennette Poland

Chair, Aging Well Consortium

Intergenerational Activities Coordinator, Generations Crossing

Susan Ribelin Coordinator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage

Cristin Sprenger Extension Agent,Virginia Cooperative Extension

Jeannette Suter Marketing Director, Home Instead Senior Care

Melanie Tomasi Move-in Coordinator, Sunnyside Retirement Community

Rodney Wolfenbarger Director, JMU Lifelong Learning Institute MISSION: The Aging Well Consortium mission is to develop and promote education and public awareness programs to enhance the health and well-being of older persons, care providers and families.

Living Longer, Living Well is published quarterly and focuses on issues and topics pertinent to aging.

Aging Well Consortium – Living Longer, Living Well 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 ON THE COVER: VPAS Community Champions about to deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound older adults in our community. Left: Ellie Holsopple - WHSV, Fred Fox, MD - Chair, VPAS Advisory Council. Center: Thomas Rea - Bank of the James, Tom Mendez McGriff Insurance, Jim Britt - WSVA, Deanna Reed - Mayor of Harrisonburg. Right: Wayne Harold with son Josh Harold - Brothers Craft Brewing.

No statement or advertisement in this publication is to be construed as an endorsement of any person / business / organization or as a recommendation to buy advertised products / services.

The Aging Well Consortium welcomes the submission of articles to be considered for use in Living Longer, Living Well. The Living Longer, Living Well Editorial Committee reviews all submitted material and reserves the right to decide which selections will be included in the newsletter.

Please Note: This publication contains educational and illustrative materials, narratives, and ideas of an informative nature ONLY. Neither the author, the publisher, nor this organization is engaged in rendering medical, legal, or tax advisory services. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of physician, attorney, or other professional advisor should be acquired.

The Aging Well Consortium is very interested in any comments or suggestions you might have.

Please email your ideas for stories or feature articles, suggestions, or “pet peeves” to the editor at leighanne@vpas.info, or mail them to Living Longer, Living Well, 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

S

ometimes the most important thing you can do in life is show up, I told my daughter during one of our recent road trips together. Long stretches of highway can invite the mind to wander down memory lane. So, with nothing but static on the radio and time on our hands, I told her about all the people I’ve known in our 18 years of living in the valley who routinely show up for one another.

Sometimes showing up is a visit to the emergency room, or checking on your dog, or listening to a story about a bad breakup. In this brave new world of COVID-19, showing up is looking very different. It is volunteers distributing meals to kids who can’t go to school. It is Alzheimer’s support groups by conference call and neighbors offering supplies on Facebook.

The desire to do more than show up can be overwhelming. We all want to be the one who solves a particularly vexing problem, or at least says something insightful enough to relieve someone’s suffering. But, many times what is needed most is simply our presence – virtual or otherwise.

I hope this issue gives you ideas about how to show up during this crisis and beyond. You can read about the fastest growing labor pool, fighting ageism, resolving family disputes, decluttering, preventing cancer and much more.

However and wherever you show up for others, know that doing so makes you a powerful part of what makes this community so special. That’s why all of us at Living Longer Living Well are wishing you a spring in your step, safety and good health in the months to come.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

FRIDAY EVENING IN THE PARK

June 12, 2020, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Heritage Park, Broadway • Live music • food trucks • beer/wine • bouncy houses • pony rides • $10 admission, under 18 free Hosted by

Sponsored by

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Celebrate Aging By: Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS Community Wellness Coordinator

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geism, the stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination against people on the basis of age, is often referred to as the last socially sanctioned prejudice. Ageism can be used to avoid, isolate and reject older adults.

Intentional or subconscious, ageism can turn the natural and honorable into something to fear, dread, and avoid at nearly any cost. Indeed, it can be difficult to celebrate aging and avoid giving chronological age more power than it deserves in a society where youthfulness is more appreciated.

Mindsets like this that are not confronted and thoughtfully reconsidered affect behavior and lead to “internalized ageism.” This validating and internalizing of negative messages about growing older can lead to the expectation of decline rather than recuperation with regard to healthcare and can lead to acceptance that an older adult is a lessor version of a younger self.

In order to break this pattern of thinking, it is important to examine negative stereotypes and challenge ageist assumptions so they don’t become selffulfilling prophecy or learned helplessness. Some people also find it helpful to be intentional about keeping things that make life worthwhile firmly in view.

Laura Carstensen, Director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, suggests that it is time to change our thinking about aging and flip our perspective away from “growing older to living longer” with a focus on living.

How could our society begin to send a new message that flips the focus to living well and values age as an asset?

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Everyone can choose to celebrate aging by recognizing that every older adult is different and, while some of the struggles of daily life are difficult and take courage, growing older is not automatically limiting. Health systems could promote accessible and affordable interventions to respond to the needs of older people to help prevent dependency later in life. Family and friends can find ways to be helpful without taking control or implying helplessness. We can all focus on health, not necessarily youthfulness, recognize that healthy aging is significantly impacted by how people perceive their future, and lose the prejudice that wrinkles are ugly.

To live well at any age, keep in mind that at any given time you are likely both younger and older than those around you. Choose to participate in activities that use both sides of the brain such as painting or playing games.

Acknowledge the inevitability of growing older and living longer without dread or denial. Stay socially active and engaged in your community. Educate yourself and learn about something new. Give and receive grace. Focus on what truly matters and don’t use age as an excuse.

Successful aging requires that we educate ourselves and others without criticizing, assume equality, value each other’s gifts while being interdependent and interconnected, and give both attention and intention to value added aging. How will you define successful aging and how will you celebrate?

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Harrisonburg, Va.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

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What’s a Family to do when faced with an Elder Care Dispute?

By: Chuck Boles, MA

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he aging of family members is an unavoidable process and, with luck, our relatives will age gracefully as they step forward into their elder years. However, for many families the aging process is anything but graceful as the family becomes faced with making difficult caregiving decisions.

While families may desire what’s best for their elder, the definition of “what’s best” often creates conflict over who controls the care decisions.

Unfortunately, such conflicts often lead to litigation within the court system resulting in destruction of family relationships.

So, what are some alternate solutions a family can use to preserve their healthy relationships while resolving elder care challenges?

Too often, family members ignore the facts, become emotionally blind and, unfortunately, seek legal or court action for resolve. However, there are other, less painful, solutions a family might consider first.

Family members should clearly define, in writing, the issues of concern including those of the elder relative. They should establish a date, time, and neutral location for a family meeting. All parties sign an agreement that states: • All key decision makers and the elder must attend (Only the adult sibling children. No spouses, partners, dependents, etc.)

• Parties agree to select a chairperson and a recorder.

• All important documents will be available at the meeting.

• All parties will treat each other with respect and work past their emotions.

• Everyone will be given a voice.

Establish a voting system or a majority rules system for making final decisions. Follow a simple agenda using the All CLEAR method. All adult sibling children convene to listen to each other’s position and evaluate each position to arrive at a mutual resolution.

Sitting down and having an open, honest communication can resolve the vast majority of concerns a family member has about the care of an elder relative. However, when family members demonstrate an unwillingness to cooperate, the family should consider mediation.

Avoiding the potential high cost of litigation and lengthy courtroom delays, elder mediation has evolved as a method for resolving elder care disputes. Mediation is a confidential, private, and affordable process that promotes compromise between disputing parties. It involves engaging a mediator who is an impartial, unbiased professional trained to facilitate a process that helps parties resolve disputes and restore relationships to healthy levels. A mediator is not a judge who renders verdicts, dictates solutions, or provides legal advice. Rather, a mediator helps families to move beyond the dispute so they can to focus on the care and wellbeing of the elder.

Both approaches can produce positive results while protecting or restoring healthy family relationships.

• There are no bad ideas or solutions.

• Solutions will support the elder’s realistic desires.

• Mutually agreed to solutions will be put in writing, to include next steps.

Chuck Boles is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator and provides private mediation services to the business, faith-centered, and elder communities.

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

The Fastest Growing Labor Pool Might Surprise You By: Melanie Tomasi, Move-In Coordinator, Sunnyside Retirement Community

D

id you know that most people have a hard time adjusting to retirement?

Perhaps this is why the fastest growing age bracket in the workplace is 65 and older. I interviewed three individuals living in our area that have some insight whether to retire or instead to remain in the workforce and why.

Mr. George Gibbs was a 25 year employee at Rocking R Ace Hardware in Harrisonburg. Following his retirement, management asked him to return part-time and he didn’t hesitate. “My experience helped me know the answers to some of life’s constant questions,” said Gibbs. “I’ve had a lot of jobs in my life, but the most rewarding was ACE because I was able to help others and make a difference.” Mr. Gibbs is not alone in this feeling. Many retirees return to work because of a need to find meaning and purpose in life. They want to be needed, they want to help. Gibbs said if he were able, he would still be working at ACE. Dr. Ronald Schubert has been practicing family medicine for 39 years.

After retiring from Carilion Clinic Family Medicine in Dayton two years ago it took him only eight months to re-enter the workforce as a physician at MedExpress Urgent Care. “I was seeking to have a good balance in my life” Schubert said. “I like to work but working full time was way too much. With MedExpress Urgent Care, I work six shifts a month. I also work at a local methadone clinic for two to three shifts per week. I want to keep going until I get tired, or until I don’t think I’m giving state-of-the-art care. I’m 67 years old now, and I visualize working until I’m 70-ish.” Like many retirees, Dr. Schubert recognizes the value of continuing to work. “It has been a positive decision. Staying engaged mentally is one of the biggest things we can do for our health,” stated Schubert. “If you enjoy your work and it is not terribly stressful, I’d recommend working past retirement age; I’ll never be too old to learn and after working in family practice in the same place for 34 years I’ve seen most things, which allows me to pass on my perspective to help younger providers learn.” Like Dr. Schubert, retirees across the nation are being recognized for their experience and wisdom gained over a lifetime of working, which is invaluable to today’s younger workforce.

Miss Emily Pancake worked in research laboratories at Yale, in Germany and at UVA and then at Macy’s Department Store in Richmond. She retired at age 76 after working 42 years and moved to Harrisonburg in 2018. She stated, “I just enjoyed working, I never really considered retiring.” Working was simply her way of life until she was notified in 2016 that the Macy’s store in which she worked was closing. “I made no effort to be relocated and decided this is the time to retire.” Had the store not closed Miss Pancake said she would have continued working into her 80’s. Although she is enjoying retirement, she never really expected to be retired. Working provided overall balance in life and a sense of purpose.

At any age, balance is vital to ensure your body receives physical, mental, and social stimulation. Working past typical retirement age can provide that essential stimulation while being rewarding and fulfilling. If you are planning to retire, the best advice is to find new activities you enjoy, purposefully develop new friendships, get involved in mind stimulating activities, and continue to remain active. As our interviewees have proven, there is no set age for retirement. We all desire to have meaning and purpose in life and for some that is best accomplished by continuing to work long after normal retirement age.

Dr. Schubert at MedExpress Urgent Care

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

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Grand Idea: Play Is Learning. Try it!

By: Lev Norford, Community Contributor

“Play is a child’s work.” John Caldwell Holt

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laygrounds are magical places for adventure even on chilly winter days, and as the weather warms up grandparents should look forward to planning regular trips to the many outdoor spaces providing learning through play.

It’s not all about jungle gyms or just tiring out the kids. “There’s nature over there!” is one of my granddaughter’s favorite statements as she finds something new to explore in our local park or on walks in the woods. Feeding ducks on the grass, looking for an illusive bird, chasing and trying to catch squirrels (never going to happen but so much fun to try) or just watching the river flow over rocks can fill many dozens of minutes. Tiny fish are particularly thrilling. Opportunities to simply observe different kinds of birds, insects, moss and leaves can add learning value while providing great activities to share outdoor time.

For those days when grandparents are keeping children, backyard picnic lunches are also great times to create special memories. More open spaces for movement and learning can be found on the Parks and Recreation websites of the towns surrounding Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Please visit them.

One of the more versatile play parks around is Harrisonburg’s “Dream Come True” playground on Neff Avenue. It’s a multigenerational/ multi-ability level park with learning and fun combined. From the noises that greet you as you enter, to the “big enough for dad too” sliding boards, it’s about sharing the fun. Built with accessibility in mind, this park is user friendly for all… wide paths allow for wheelchairs and strollers and friendly seating spaces are found on the toddler side. A swing that is specifically made for wheelchair access and another that accommodates infant carrier seats make this a truly dream come true park.

There are two-seater swings for adults with little friends. Pile three kids and two grands in the train and off we go to wherever our imagination allows.

Don’t forget to make some noise with the drums and horns, and certainly remember that giggling is recommended as you get bounced in the hammock swing or climb on the “rocks.” By the way, laughter is good exercise for the lungs and stomach muscles, so encourage it frequently.

When we get home and need some quiet time, we pull out the crayons and fill up pages with pictures of those fun things we did. A cup of hot cocoa doesn’t hurt either as we warm up and share the stories of our outdoor Looking for tiny fish and turtles at the river is a fun pastime even on the chilly days when long shadows share their magic in the grass. adventures with mom and dad.

“We would love to have you join us!”

Come visit us at the Senior Expo to learn more!

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Upcoming Community Conversation to Address Needs of Local Senior Community

By Jeremy Douylliez, Communication Specialist, Bridgewater Retirement Community

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ast year, Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) and Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) partnered with an independent research firm to assess the needs and challenges facing seniors living in Harrisonbu0rg and Rockingham and Augusta counties. The community-wide effort to collect surveys was an enormous success, seeing responses from a broad crosssection of the senior population, caregivers, and community leaders. Now that the results are in, it’s time to take stock of what we learned and identify opportunities to improve our community.

Bridgewater Retirement Community president Rodney Alderfer welcomes community leaders to Making it Happen: Valley Healthy Aging Symposium. Participants reflected on the results of the 2019 Senior Community Needs Assessment and participated in roundtable discussions to spark ideas for a path forward.

We learned a lot—some of which may not be surprising to seniors currently living here. Among the key findings, affordable housing, social isolation, and health care navigation stand out as significant barriers to healthy aging. Seniors face substantial challenges such as a lack of access to public transportation, which makes it difficult to reach critical destinations like grocery stores, hospitals, or churches or keep appointments with healthcare providers.

Other findings offered good news as well. The majority of senior community survey respondents stated that they had not experienced discrimination due to their age, and almost 70% describe the community as age-friendly. Health

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

indicators such as tobacco use, preventative screenings, and physical and mental health are areas of strength for our community when compared to national averages.

The study is only the first step toward addressing these issues. Now, BRC and VPAS are partnering with JMU, Home Instead, and other groups across the region to discover solutions to the challenges identified by the results.

In February, key informants who participated in the study representing local government, law enforcement, healthcare organizations, and more gathered at BRC to review the findings and spark conversation on a path forward.

But we need your voices in the room too. That’s why later this year, we’ll present the findings to the public at the State of the Older Adult Community Conversation. “We’re doing this so that we can give older adults in the community a voice in these results,” says VPAS director of senior services Beth Bland.

This year’s community conversation, Building an Aging-Friendly Community, will be your opportunity to come to hear the results and share your feedback as we seek to make the greater-Harrisonburg region an aging-friendly community. The event will feature both speakers and focus groups to tackle topics like access to affordable housing and navigating the complex healthcare system.

State of the Older Adult: Building an Aging-Friendly Community was originally scheduled for this April, but has been postponed due to COVID-19. A new date will be announced soon.

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Harrisonburg, Va.

Meals on Wheels Delivers Hope By: Leigh-Anne Lees, VPAS Community Relations Manager

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o recognize the origins of Meals on Wheels and build awareness of senior hunger, we celebrate “March for Meals” this month, highlighting the program and the vulnerable seniors who rely on it to remain independent at home. Local leaders volunteer to deliver hot meals to homebound older adults during Community Champions Week, as well as learn about the other services Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) offers adults 60 and over.

The wheels that fight senior hunger began turning with the stroke of a pen.

On March 22, 1972 President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. Meal delivery programs started rolling out nationwide, and VPAS soon began delivering meals across the Shenandoah Valley. Last year, VPAS volunteers delivered 39,692 meals to residents in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County alone.

There have been many lessons learned in 46 years of meal deliveries, the most important of which is that volunteers deliver much more than critical nutrition to their vulnerable neighbors. With each Meals on Wheels delivery, a homebound older adult also receives a safety check and friendly conversation that helps to prevent social isolation. For many Meals on Wheels recipients, the volunteer who delivers their meal is the only person they will see all day.

That visit can boost mental health, but it can also save lives.

“I always tell my volunteers exactly what to do in case they arrive at a home where an older adult has fallen,” said Dawn Shull, VPAS Meals on Wheels and Senior Transportation Coordinator in Harrisonburg. “I tell them it probably won’t happen, but sometimes it does. And because we are prepared, we are able to get help right away.”

Meals on Wheels is a simple program that can have long-term impact.

In fact, a 2016 Brown School of Public Health study showed that those who received daily meals showed most improvement in mental and selfrated health, reduced rate of falls, improvement in feelings of loneliness and isolation, and decrease in worrying about being able to stay in their homes.

Dawn Shull gives instruction to Meals on Wheels volunteers during a March for Meals Community Champions Day.

It’s also cost effective. We can provide a year’s worth of meals to an older adult for roughly the same cost as one day in a hospital or 10 days in a nursing home. And, many Meals on Wheels recipients access additional VPAS services to maintain their safety and independence, including in-home assessments, senior transportation, and homemaker services.

As our community ages, the demand for Meals on Wheels is increasing.

We need funding and volunteers to keep the wheels turning. Learn how you can get involved at vpas.info/meals-wheels.

Note: Some of our community champions from last year are featured on the front cover. Please thank them for their service when you see them again.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has forced us to cancel Community Champions Week this year, but meals are still being distributed to homebound older adults during this crisis.

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Harrisonburg, Va.

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

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Harrisonburg, Va.

Community Calendar of Events Please note: many events below are being canceled, postponed or modified in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Any reader interested in attending an event is encouraged to call the contact person for details. To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please e-mail Jeannette Suter at jsuter@homeinstead.com or call 540-213-7800.

All VPAS health and wellness workshops in March are being postponed. To learn more about these and other VPAS service changes, visit vpas.info/covid-19

Confident Caregiver Circle - Postponed Sponsored by: VPAS and Generations Crossing Location: Generations Crossing Alternate Tuesdays March 17 - May 26 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

No Charge To Register call VPAS at 540-615-5341 or online at www.vpas.info/events

Confident Caregiver Circle - Postponed Sponsored by: VPAS, Bridgewater Retirement Community and Merck Foundation Location: Bridgewater Retirement Community Chapel Every Monday March 30-May 4 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

No Charge To Register call VPAS at 540-615-5341 or online at www.vpas.info/events

Ambassador Training Elkton – Postponed Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Elkton Area Community Center March 18, 9—11:30 a.m.

No cost; Sponsored by Merck Foundation Lunch provided; register at www.vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341

Confident Caregiver Circle - Postponed Sponsored by: VPAS, EAUS and Merck Foundation Location: Elkton Area United Services (EAUS) Alternate Tuesdays March 31 - June 9 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

No Charge To Register call VPAS at 540-615-5341 or online at www.vpas.info/events

Colon Health 101 Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, 2010 Health Campus Dr, Harrisonburg, VA. Conference Rooms 2 & 3, lower level.

Thursday, March 19, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Call 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272) to register

Your Health Now: Respiratory Disorders Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Medical Office Building, 2006 Health Campus Dr, Harrisonburg, VA. Wednesday, April 1, doors open at 10:30 a.m., presentation begins at 11 a.m.

No Charge Call 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272) to register or call 540-564-7001 for more information

Live Well, Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshop - Postponed Sponsored by: VPAS, VMRC and SRMH Location: VMRC Wellness Center Every Wednesday March 25 - April 29 from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

No Charge To Register call VMRC Wellness Center 540-574-3850 or 1-800-SENTARA

Take A Walk With Us Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, corner of lot B, look for the heart sign.

Wednesday, April 1, 12:30 p.m.

Call 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272) to register or call 540-564-7001 for more information

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Harrisonburg, Va.

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

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State of the Older Adult: Building an Aging Friendly Community – Postponed A community conversation hosted by Bridgewater Retirement Community, VPAS, JMU Social Work Department and Home Instead Senior Care Location: JMU Festival Center Monday, April 20, Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9—12:00 To Register visit www.vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341

End of life Planning with Sarah Morton and Natalie Rinaca Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Elkton Area Community Center, Chamber Room May 12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

No cost; Sponsored by Merck Foundation Register at www.vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Sponsored by: VPAS through a grant from the Merck foundation Location: Grottoes Town Hall Every Wednesday April 22 - June 10, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

No cost; sponsored by the Merck foundation Register by calling 540-615-5341 or online at www.vpas.info/events

Aging Gracefully Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene, 1871 Boyers Rd, Harrisonburg, VA Wednesday, May 20, 8 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Call 564-7001 to register

Virtual Dementia Tour Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Elkton Area Community Center April 23, 2—3:30 p.m.

No cost; Sponsored by Merck Foundation Register at www.vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341 Matter of Balance Sponsored by: VPAS through a grant from the Merck Foundation Location: Mountain View Fellowship April 29-June 17, 10:00 a.m. – Noon No cost; sponsored by the Merck Foundation Register at www.vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341 Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Sponsored by: VPAS through a grant from the Merck foundation Location: Elkton Area Community Center Thursdays, starting April 30 - June 18, 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

No cost sponsored by the Merck foundation Register by calling 540-615-5341 or online at www.vpas.info/events Live Well, Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshop Sponsored by:VPAS, EAUS, SRMH and Merck Foundation Location: Elkton Area United Services (EAUS) Every Thursday April 30 - June 4 from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

No Charge To Register call 1-800-SENTARA A Matter of Balance Workshop Sponsored by: VPAS, VMRC and SRMH Location: VMRC Detwiler Auditorium Every Tuesday May 5 - June 23 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

No Charge To Register call VMRC Wellness Center 540-574-3850 or 1-800-SENTARA Medicare 101 with Howard Houghton Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Elkton Area Community Center, Chamber Room May 5, 1:30 –3:30 p.m.

No cost; Sponsored by Merck Foundation Register at www.vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341 In the Loop – Sentara RMH Community Walking Program Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg, VA. Park in Lot B, meet at the corner near the one-mile loop.

Thursdays beginning May 7, 8:30 a.m., kicks off the 2020 season.

No Charge Call 540-564-7001 for more information

Dealing with Dementia Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Sunnyside Retirement Community – Bethesda Theater Thursdays, May 21 and May 28, 1:30-3:45 p.m.

No cost Register at www.vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341 Medicare 101 with Howard Houghton Sponsored by: VPAS Location: Elkton Area Community Center, Chamber Room June 9, 2020 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

No cost; Sponsored by Merck Foundation Register at www.vpas.info/events or call 540-615-5341 Friday Evening in the Park Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Broadway-Timberville to benefit VPAS senior services in Broadway-Timberville Location: Heritage Park, Broadway June 12, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Admission: $10, under 18 free Support Groups for Care Partners of Individuals with Dementia in Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, and Woodstock Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Please visit alz.org/crf or call 1-800-272-3900 for all UPDATED details Group meetings are continuing by teleconference during this time.

Memory Cafe Social Individuals with Memory Loss, Friends, and Family Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Location: Bridgewater Presbyterian Church, 110 E. College St. 2nd Monday 2-3:00 p.m.

Contact Annie Marrs at amarrs@alz.org or 24/7 phone 1-800-272-3900 Opportunities to connect will be virtual or by teleconference during this time.

Come See Us at the Senior Expo

(540) 568-1844 1854 E Market St Suite 102, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Harrisonburg, Va.

Declutter Our Space/ Simplify Our Lives Kathy Rusmisel, Owner, Clutter Conversions, LLC

N

ow that Spring is approaching, our minds drift to cleaning and organizing the spaces that we have lived and worked in through the winter. Decluttering and organizing our space helps to simplify our lives and calm our mind and spirit.

Some simple skills to assist you in your journey to declutter: - Work one area, or room, at a time.

- Work the area in one direction. For example, start in the right corner of the area and work toward the left.

- Limit the amount of time you spend on decluttering/organizing. It may become a bit overwhelming, so use a timer to set 30 minutes to work undisturbed in your target area.

- Use clear containers for storage of items – this will aide in having a direct view of what items you have and to re-evaluate if you haven’t used the item in the last year, or to know immediately what is in your closet or cabinets at a glance.

- Schedule daily, or weekly, times to work through your target area.

It will help to schedule the uninterrupted time as you would any appointment in your calendar.

Lifelong Learning Institute

"

JMU gives me the opportunity to learn about disciplines and

Remember the Pareto Principle, which states that an individual will use 20% of their items 80% of the time. Now is a good time to donate or discard items you no longer use.

Use a white trash bag for items to donate. Use a black trash bag for items to be discarded.

If you find items you want to gift to a specific individual, mark the item with their name and contact them to offer the item. If the person is not able, or willing, to take the item, then place it in your donation bag (or box) for someone else to use and cherish.

If you use these skills when working to declutter any area, it will help you to stay on task and enjoy the process.

Hear Better. Live Better.

If hearing loss has made it difficult for you to socialize and do the things you once loved, today’s advanced and discreet hearing aid technology can help you reconnect.

subjects that fascinate me.

" Call Today to Schedule your Free Hearing Test and Consultation

jmu.edu/LLI | 540-568-2333

Chad Wilson

Hearing Instrument Specialist

540-689-0929

Harrisonburg | 338 Neff Avenue

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

15

Colon Cancer: Early Detection is the Best Protection By: Lisa Shank, BSN, RN, OCN, Oncology Educator, Sentara RMH Hahn Cancer Center

M

arch is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The organization estimates that more than 104,000 new cases of colon cancer and more than 43,000 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2020.

Colorectal cancer usually starts as a polyp, or small growth, in the lining of the colon or rectum. Although not all polyps are cancerous, over time some of them can develop into cancer. The key to successful treatment is to catch the colon or rectal cancer in its earliest stages—or, better still, to screen for and remove any polyps.

Symptoms In its earliest stages, colorectal cancer usually produces no symptoms. At more advanced stages, colorectal cancer can cause abdominal discomfort and cramps; blood in the stool; and changes in bowel habits, such as frequent constipation or diarrhea that may last several days.

Risk Factors Risk factors for colorectal cancer include the following: • Age • Diet high in red meat and fat • Family history of colorectal cancer • Lack of physical activity/sedentary lifestyle • Obesity • Smoking

Screenings A number of colorectal cancer screening tests are available. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which method is best for you.

Colonoscopy is an outpatient screening procedure that allows the physician to examine the lining of the large intestine and rectum directly.

Using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and light on the end, the doctor

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Serving Rockingham and Surrounding Counties including WV Counties

Amy Homan DePoy, OT/L, CAPS www.cardinalcare.net (540) 746-1899

looks for changes and growths like polyps. If any suspicious growth is found, the physician usually can remove it during the colonoscopy procedure, and the growth is then examined for the presence of cancer.

The patient is placed in a lightly sedated state during the colonoscopy, which lasts about 30-60 minutes. Most patients are asked to take it easy for the remainder of the day on which the colonoscopy is performed, and are able to return to normal activities the day after their procedure.

The American Cancer Society generally recommends that people should have their first colonoscopy at age 45 and then repeat it about every 10 years.

For African Americans, the recommended starting age is 40. If you have a personal history of cancer or a family history of colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend you have a colonoscopy more frequently than every 10 years.

If you are 45 or older (40 for African Americans), or if you are younger but have risk factors for colorectal cancer, ask your doctor about colonoscopy and the other screening tests.

While the colonoscopy is still considered the gold standard for early colorectal cancer prevention, less-invasive tests have been developed that can still reliably test for traces precancerous polyps and cancerous tumors.

Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) is an at-home stool test that doesn’t require the rigorous prep of a colonoscopy.

Testing varies slightly, but generally the patient collects a small sample of stool at home on a test card, and either brings it to the lab of their primary care provider, or uses a provided mailer to get their test analyzed. Because these tests are less thorough than a colonoscopy, and because polyps and smaller tumors do not always bleed, these tests aren’t ideal for detecting early colorectal cancer. Patients who receive a positive result in their FIT screening must undergo a colonoscopy for more conclusive diagnosis.

These screenings also need to be repeated every 1-3 years, depending on the patient and the brand. However, for patients at an average risk for colorectal cancer who don’t have the time or the resources to complete a colonoscopy, these tests have been shown to be between 75-97% accurate, and have estimated to prevent around 23 deaths per 1,000 patients.

GREEN VALLEY Since 1967

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Full Service Estate Dispersal

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for Your Home

Greg & Elizabeth Evans, owners

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.