❖ Two local runners prove that age is just a number
❖ Roll out the green carpet
❖ Energy-boosting foods every diet should include
❖ Spicy BBQ Corn Recipe
❖ Travel o the beaten paths
❖ Living at home as long as possible
❖ Senior Living Directory and Crossword Puzzle
Did you happen to catch the recent news segment, featuring 102-yearold Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, who still regularly runs for exercise? Hermantown resident Claudia Cottrell did. And, just like anyone else who was watching, she was inspired.
Cottrell has been running for 43 years, and hopes to be in “Hurricane territory” herself one day. She took up the sport in 1974, on a total fluke.
“I was finishing up my last quarter in college, and I needed one more credit,” Cottrell says. “I found a class called ‘Intro to Jogging,’ and I took it. I think the other option was ‘Basket Weaving.’”
It seems as though selecting that running course was pure destiny for Cottrell. She met her husband, Harry, in a running club, and both of their sons are runners, too.
Over the years, Cottrell has completed Grandma’s Marathon four times, the Twin Cities Marathon four times, the Avenue of the Giants Marathon in California twice, along with numerous half-marathons and 5K races.
Her best time was in 1986, when she ran Grandma’s Marathon with a time of 3 hours, 25 minutes, which qualified her for the Boston Marathon. Cottrell even ran two races while unknowingly pregnant.
Now 67, Cottrell is focused on half-marathons and shorter races; she’ll be running Grandma’s Half Marathon again in 2018. She has found that while being an older runner is definitely possible, age does present a few challenges.
“I can’t train like I’m 45 anymore,” she says. “And, it’s sad to see my times fall, because the amount of e�ort feels the same.”
But for Claudia, the benefits have vastly exceeded the obstacles.
While running has always kept her healthy and slim, Cottrell recently realized how
fortunate she is to be able to avoid many of the medications her peers require, controlling things like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. And, she is certain that running, along with chiropractic care, has a lot to do with it.
In contrast to Claudia Cottrell, Duluthian Mark Leubner is fairly new to running. He began exercising in 2007 and graduated to running in 2014, after an unexpected bit of self-reflection.
Upon returning from a family vacation, Leubner looked at a photo of himself and realized his stomach area looked a bit too much like his father’s. He was also suffering from osteo-arthritis in his knees, and thought exercise might help.
He started by walking and “doing stairs” on his lunch breaks at the DECC, where he works in accounting. He started keeping a spreadsheet, tracking how many flights of stairs he had completed. “Numbers are my thing,” Leubner says.
Eventually, this progressed to running.
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Since he started, Leubner has run Grandma’s Marathon, the Whistlestop Full Marathon (twice), the Whistlestop Half Marathon, Grandma’s Half Marathon, and a variety of 5K races, including several fundraisers. And, at age 66, he has no plans of slowing down.
Leubner doesn’t particularly enjoy running, but he does appreciate the side benefi ts of maintaining a healthy weight and overall good health. “I run for health reasons; not because I necessarily like it,” he says.
Since he started running, Leubner has lost weight and remains free from taking medications. Believe it or not, his arthritic knees even feel better. He also feels good knowing that running might help him stave o� the Alzheimer’s disease that is currently a�ecting his mother.
“My goal continues to be staying o� meds,” Leubner says. “Now that I’m running, my blood pressure is ideal.”
When beginning a running regimen, it’s important to take it slow. And that is even more imperative for senior citizens. Cottrell recommends pairing up with a running coach. “It doesn’t have to be an o�cial coach,” she says, “but someone who’s been running for a while.”
As a chiropractor who has seen many patients with serious back or spine injuries become compounded due to overuse, Cottrell doesn’t believe in the notion that pain is gain. “If it hurts or you hate it, don’t do it,” she says simply.
When it comes to gear, Cottrell recommends a brand of shoe called Hokas. With a thicker sole and good treads, they are a good choice for seniors. Cottrell also recommends something called the Road ID bracelet
to runners of all ages, which lists your emergency contact info and hospital of choice.
Leubner finds it helpful to wear compression socks to prevent the painful condition known as shin splints. And, both Cottrell and Leubner stress giving your body the time it needs to recover between runs. “At my age, recovery just takes longer,” Leubner says.
So, for any boomers and beyond who may be considering taking up running as a sport, take heart: running is an activity you can pick up at almost any age, and maintain for life. And, you certainly don’t have to be a competitive marathoner to reap the benefi ts. Whether you’re in it for the competition, the adrenaline of race day, the exercise, or the mental sharpness, running can be a great complement to the aging process.
Leubner ran his first race at age 62; the day before his 63rd birthday. He stresses that being patient with yourself is key.
“During my first race, I said, ‘Right now I’m 62, but I might be 63 when I finish. And that’s OK.’ And, on race day, I always tell myself: I am going to cross that finish line even if I have to crawl.”
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Spring is finally here, although it seems like it took an eternity to arrive. Now Mother Nature is unrolling her green carpet and her colors are exploding in trees and gardens and filling us with joy.
We all have our own ways to make the most of the return to warmer weather. Some of us start by sorting through our closets, a way to fall into step with this season of renewal and transformation. Stores are bursting with the new spring fashions: rainwear, unlined boots, and trendy outfits seduce us with their lightweight materials. We sure like to let more vibrant tones take the place of those gloomy winter colors. When spring fever takes told, it’s so hard to resist!
Owners of convertibles waste little time in folding back the roofs of their cars and savoring
their newfound freedom, hair flying in the wind. Others head for car dealerships in search of their dream car for exciting summer driving. But most of us just make the most of the warm weather by enjoying the fresh air as we polish our vehicles to a beautiful gleam. No more winter hibernation! Spring fever also hits the restaurants, as patios open and sidewalk cafes fill up at noon. How great it feels to sip a drink in the great outdoors rather than sitting inside with a cup of co�ee and salt-stained snow boots. Even menus change to reflect the arrival of spring, as chefs revel in combining fresh herbs and exotic flavors. However you choose to enjoy the spring sunshine, make the most of it by getting outdoors as much as you can. After the long winter, we certainly deserve to tread on Nature’s green carpet!
When it comes to choosing home health care for your loved one, you want only the best … dedicated medical professionals with big hearts. Our in-home care allows patients to remain safe in familiar surroundings. Families trust us.
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MN TDD/TTY# 800.627.3529
Are you feeling under the weather? The root cause could lie in the foods you eat. Vary your diet with foods rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats, as well as other nutritional elements that pack an energizing punch.
Natural sugars are an excellent source of energy. Oranges and blueberries are especially good choices because they are also high in vitamin C, which is essential for the absorption of iron and the circulation of oxygen. In addition, avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats, while bananas contain three essential natural sugars that provide an immediate energy boost.
Rich in protein, pulses, or legumes–like beans, lentils and chickpeas–are also excellent sources of complex carbohydrates, and thus, e�ective energy boosters. Futhermore, eggs, whole grains and nuts are ideal foods to
After a good night’s sleep, your body’s glucose reserves–which serve as your brain’s main fuel source–are almost entirely depleted. To stay sharp throughout the day, always make breakfast a priority!
help you recharge after strenous work.
Whole grains provide your body with the fiber it needs to keep your digestive tract in optimal condition. A prime source of complex carbohydrates, whole grains–found in whole wheat breat and pasta, brown rice, oats and quinoa – are great choices to keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day.
But the list doesn’t stop here! Salmon, olive oil, sweet potatoes and yogurt are but a few other examples of nutrient-packed foods to include in your everyday diet. Finally, dehydration and fatique go hand in hand. Make sure to drink su�cient amounts of water for all-day energy!
We pride ourselves in working with residents and families to develop customized living options. From independent living to assisted living to memory care, we provide a sense of comfort, security and independence where seniors can age in place. Call today for a tour.
218-723-5931
1. Mix together all ingredients except corn.
2. Brush corn with mixture.
3. Wrap ears individually in two sheets of aluminum foil.
4. Cook on barbecue over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every two minutes. Do not exceed 15 minutes.
5. Unwrap corn, being careful not to burn yourself, and place ears directly on grill until nicely browned.
6. The corn-on-the-cob is ready when kernels can be lifted easily with fork.
Victor Hugo once wrote that 40 is the old age of youth but that 50 is the youth of old age. Because traveling is such a formative experience for the young, it’s not surprising that baby boomers are in the process of redefining the tourism industry by imposing their own vision.
Most baby boomers feel younger than their chronological age, and they are compelled to live life to the fullest and realize their dreams while they still enjoy good health. They might have grown up with mass tourism, but they are now in search of a more personalized travel experience. They prefer to travel along their own paths, and they want fresh itineraries that will lead them to new discoveries.
While seniors aged 65 or older generally opt for more traditional and contemplative activities, baby boomers seem determined to be much more active. One 2008 survey showed that in North America, 56 percent of adventure tourists were baby boomers! Indeed, when they pack their bags, baby boomers are in search of unique sensations. They want personalized planning, pleasure, excitement, and new experiences.
Traveling might have been considered a luxury by their parents, but baby boomers make travel a central part of their yearly schedule. They are ready to pay the price for it, as long as they get their money’s worth!
They might have grown up in the era of mass tourism, but now baby boomers are searching for more personalized experiences.
Where do most seniors prefer to live? The vast majority of elderly people want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, hopefully until the end of their lives. If you have an aging parent who wants to avoid moving into a retirement home, you can support the goal of independence by following a few of these tips.
1. Help your parent organize important information. Install a notice
board in a central location use it to keep track of all appointments, telephone calls to be made, medications to take, and emergency contact numbers.
2. A bad fall followed by hospitalization can radically change the life of a senior. Go through your parent’s home together and clear away any obstacles from hallways and stairs, replace any burnt bulbs, and install night lights in hallways.
3. Many accidents occur in the bathroom, so install safety equipment such as grab bars near the toilet and bath, non-slip bathmats, and su�cient lighting.
4. The early detection of ill-
nesses can often make a di�erence in how independent a senior is in the long term. Be sure that your parent consults his or her doctor, optometrist, and other health professionals on a regular basis. Better still, go along on appointments to make sure that all care instructions are clear and that your parent can follow them.
5. Improperly fitting clothes and shoes are dangerous. Baggy sleeves can catch fire at the stove and floppy slippers can cause a fall. Check your parent’s footwear. Are shoes properly soled with a good gripping material? Throw away worn shoes and slippers and give away any clothes that are too loose-fitting.
A few simple measures can help seniors live independently in their homes for much longer.
Kindred at Home
925 E Superior St. Suite 104, Duluth, MN 55802 218-723-8999
www.kindredhealthcare.com/locations/ home-health/duluth-mn-2389
When it comes to choosing home health care for your loved one, you want only the best...dedicated medical professionals with big hearts. Our in-home care allows patients to remain safe in familiar surroundings.
Families trust us.
For more information, please call us at 218-723-8999 • MN TDD/TTY# 800-627-3529
Essentia Health Medical
Equipment & Supplies
4418 Haines Rd., Duluth, MN 1001 N 9th Ave., Virginia, MN
1-800-777-8390
www.EssentiaMedicalSupply.org
J.S. Realty, LLC
5112 Midway Rd, Duluth, MN 55811 218-729-9784 • info@js-realty.com • www.js-realty.com
Contact the J.S. Realty team - Jackie, Jamie, Julie, and Braxton - for help buying or selling your home!
Real Estate Services of Duluth
1018 E 4th St., Duluth, MN 55805 218-723-1111 • Karen@resduluth.com
www.resduluth.com
Full service real estate brokerage for all of your real estate selling and buying needs!
Aging & Disability Resource Center of Douglas County
1316 N 14th Street, Suite 327, Superior, WI 54880 715-395-1234 • adrc@douglascountywi.org
www.douglascountywi.org/ADRC
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides information to the general public about services, resources, and programs for adults with disabilities, children with disabilities transitioning to adulthood, and the elderly in need of assistance.
Senior Connections
1805 N. 16th Street, Superior, WI 54880 715-394-3611 • contact@seniorconnectionswi.org
www.seniorconnectionswi.org
As the County Aging Unit, Senior Connections provides services and programs to individuals aged 60 and over, as mandated by the Older Americans Act. Additionally, Senior Connections provides Specialized Transportation to individuals aged 55 and over and persons with disabilities.
