Generations - Winter 2018

For a vibrant, ageless lifestyle

WINTER 2018

Aging in Place

Stay in your home longer

Dad the Doorman

Retired banker greets visitors to Lakeside Ballroom

Learning trips for Seniors Travel programs for active, adventursome adults

An Echo Press publication Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 1

2 | GENERATIONS • Winter 2018

Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 3

GENERATIONS AN ECHO PRESS PUBLICATION 225 7th Ave. East Alexandria, MN 56308 ©2018 Echo Press EDITOR Lori Mork PUBLISHER Jody Hanson To advertise in Generations call 320.763.3133

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURAL CONSTRUCTION

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• 24-Hour Emergency Service • Competitive Pricing • Payment Plans • Four Delivery Trucks • Contract Programs

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lori Mork

Generations Editor

Mary Krueger

Douglas County Senior Coordinator

Celeste Edenloff

News Reporter/Echo Press

Beth Leipholtz

News Reporter/Echo Press

Experience the Cenex Dif ference!

Amy Sunderland

Alexandria Technical and Community College Director of Senior College

By Cindy Karasch

Alternative Senior Care President

Erin McCoy

Director of Rehabilitation Services/ Douglas County Hospital

By Gail Weinholzer

Public Affairs Director, AAA

PLUS, INFORMATION FROM:

4 | GENERATIONS • Winter 2018

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Ask for “Dewey” 320-763-6557 • 800-862-8936 1705 S. Broadway, Alexandria

Alexandria Senior Center, Better Business Bureau, Edward Jones Financial, AAA, Silver Sneakers, Tripping.com

WINTER

14

2018

for a vibrant, ageless lifestyle

20

24

GENERATIONS RESOURCES

8 Alexandria Senior Center is there for you

10 Aging in place 13 Douglas County Senior Services

FINANCE

12 Medicare updates for 2018 28 Required withdrawals from retirement plans

22 Dad the Doorman

EDUCATION

18 Learning trips for seniors 20 ATCC offers lecture series

HEALTH & WELLNESS

6 Avoid addictive opiods 24 Core exercises for seniors 30 5 sneaky signs of dehydration TECHNOLOGY

26 Majority of senior drivers

don’t make safety adjustments

COMMUNITY

14 Respite Care: Program offers much-needed break for caregivers

79-year-old retired banker greets visitors to Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood

Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 5

Avoid addictive opiods Choose PT for safe pain management The destructive power of opioids, often first prescribed to treat pain, has been felt from rural to urban areas, and across all social and economic classes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sales of prescription opioids have quadrupled in the United States, even though “there has not been an overall change in the amount of pain that Americans report.”

In response to a growing opioid epidemic, the CDC released opioid prescription guidelines in March 2016. The guidelines recognize that prescriptions opioids are appropriate in certain cases, including cancer treatment, palliative care, end of life

By Erin McCoy

Director of Rehabilitation Services Douglas County Hospital, Alexandria Clinic, YMCA

care, and in certain acute care situations, if properly dosed.

But for other pain management, the CDC recommends non-opioid approaches including physical therapy. Physical therapy is among the safe, effective alternatives recommended by the CDC urging the avoidance of opioids for most pain treatment.

Whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapists treat the pain through movement.

Patients should choose physical therapy when: The risks of opioid use outweigh the rewards. Potential side effects of opioids include depression, overdose, and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping opioid use.

Patients want to do more than mask the pain. Opioids reduce the sensation of pain by interrupting pain signals to the brain. Physical therapists treat pain through movement while partnering with patients to improve or maintain their mobility and quality of life.

Pain or function problems are related to low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia. The CDC cites “high-quality evidence” supporting exercise as part of a physical therapy treatment plan for those familiar conditions.

Opioids are prescribed for pain. Even in situations when opioids are prescribed, the CDC recommends that patients

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should receive “the lowest effective dosage,” and opioids “should be combined” with non-opioid therapies, such as physical therapy.

Pain lasts 90 days. At this point, the pain is considered “chronic,” and the risks for continued opioid use increase. An estimated 116 million Americans have chronic pain each year.

The CDC guidelines note that non-opioid therapies are “preferred” for chronic pain and that “clinicians should consider opioid therapy only if expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to outweigh risks to the patient.”

For more information on DCH physical therapy services at Douglas County Hospital, Alexandria Clinic and Alexandria YMCA, visit www. dchospital.com, or call 320762-6079.

Source: American Physical Therapy Association www.moveforwardpt.com

7 staggering statistics on America’s opioid epidemic:

1

In 2016, health care providers across the US wrote more than 214 million prescriptions for opioid pain medication, a rate that demonstrated 66.5 prescriptions per 100 people. Some counties had rates 7 times higher than that.

2 3 4

As many as 1 in 4 people who receive prescription opioids long-term for non-cancer pain in primary care settings struggle with addiction.

5 6 7

Every day, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids.

Veterans are twice as likely to die from accidental opioid overdoses as non-veterans.

Opioid-related hospitalizations among women in the US increased by 75% between 2005 and 2014.

From 1999 to 2015, more than 183,000 people have died in the US from overdoses related to prescription opioids.

While opioid abuse is down in younger Americans, it has risen among older adults. For adults aged 50 years and older, opioid abuse doubled from 1% to 2%.

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Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 7

Alexandria Senior Center is there for you A wide variety of services and social activities are available for those 50 and older Did you know if you are over 50 years old, you are qualified to utilize the many services of the Alexandria Senior Center?

Located at 414 Hawthorne Street in historic Downtown Alexandria, the center welcomes all. There is the Lorsung Art Studio, a variety of meeting rooms that anyone can rent and a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. There are activities and entertainment on a regular basis and there are also programs sponsored

by AARP that utilize the Alexandria Senior Center space.

In today’s world, the term “senior” has a totally different meaning than it did 40 years ago. If you were a “senior” 40 years ago, you were likely in your early 60s. Due to advanc-

es in medicine and improved health care knowledge, the average life expectancy is far greater than it was in 1977.

According to www.data360. org, average life expectancy in the United States for men and women today is 82 years.

In 1977, the average life expectancy was 77 years. Today, more and more Americans are living well into their 90s or even hitting 100.

The Alexandria Senior Center was created in 1984 as a nonprofit organization. Then, and now, it is a local spot where seniors come together to enjoy cards, meals, special events and fellowship. While much has changed in the Alexandria Lakes region since 1984, the mission of the Alex-

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FOR MORE INFORMATION on services and programs available at the Alexandria Senior Center, or to become a member, stop by 414 Hawthorne Street or call

(320) 762-2087 andria Senior Center has not wavered.

The Alexandria Senior Center has grown its membership to an amazing 840 members.

Members currently receive many benefits, including a monthly newsletter, reduced fees for meals, classes and facility room rentals. At the Senior Center, members have access to free internet and Wi-Fi, and some qualify for annual free income tax preparation.

Nutrition Services Incorporated provides onsite lunches five days a week for seniors, and also provides the Meals on

Wheels service for those unable to come to the center for lunch. The Alexandria Senior Center also has an extensive lending library and offers free computer and cell phone assistance for those seniors wishing to learn more about the digital world.

There are many opportunities for entertainment and fun at the Alexandria Senior Center every month. From live music, card game groups and bingo to pool enthusiasts and birthday parties, there is truly something for everyone at the center.

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Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 9

Aging in place Three challenges to meet if you want to stay in your home

By Cindy Karasch

Alternative Senior Care President

How many times have we said or heard a loved one say “I’ll never move from my home, you’ll have to carry me out!” According to AARP, 87 percent of adults age 65 and older want to stay in their current home and community as they age. That’s most people’s wish, but for many, that wish isn’t a possibility. But for others, it may be possible if they plan ahead. Just thinking that you want to stay in your home until you die won’t make it happen. To make it work you must plan and be willing to make and accept changes.

There are three areas of challenge that you should examine if you want to age in your home. One is physical challenges. As we age (and none of us can escape this fact), our strength, flexibility, balance and endurance change. To keep these changes from causing falls or injury we need to remain active. The adage “use it or lose it” is still relative. Walk, bike, go to the gym, do whatever you can to keep moving! As soon as an injury occurs you’re risking your ability to live out your life in your home.

Another area to look at is our behavioral challenges. Do you demonstrate risky behavior? Do you continue to climb ladders even if your balance

isn’t as good as it used to be?

Do you keep saying, “I’ve always done it this way, and I’m not going to change?” If so, you are your own worst ene-

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my. Not willing to change or willing to accept the changes happening around you is a good indicator of a person that will eventually have to move out of their home for a “safer” place. Check yourself for attitude and listen to your body. If you’re uncertain about what to do, have the difficult conversation with your family.

The last area of challenge is our environment. Did you know that 75 percent of all falls occur in or just outside your home? Our place of joy and comfort can easily become our demise. Look around your

home through the eyes of a detective. Is there clutter on the steps and in the walkways? Do you have handrails by all steps?

Do you have grab bars in the bathroom? Are all areas well lite? Are frequently used items placed in close range? The little changes that you make in your home now can make the difference between “aging in place” or moving somewhere else.

For more information about aging in place, call Alternative Senior Care (866) 352-3350 or visit www.alternativeseniorcare.net

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Just Life Family Generation Ad - AAOB (3.5” wide by 9.75” tall)

The Douglas County Senior Office can help with questions on where to turn for assistance

By Mary Krueger

Douglas County Senior Coordinator

Medicare cost plan changes will be effective January 1, 2019. The federal government requires all insurance companies to discontinue Medicare Cost Plans in the counties where at least two competing Medicare Advantage Plans were available in the previous year and met specific enrollment thresholds. This includes Douglas County. All current Medicare Cost Plan members will be allowed to remain on their cost plan through 2018.

In the counties where Cost Plans must discontinue, which again includes Douglas County, companies are required to limit new enrollments after December 7, 2017 to people who: •Are enrolled in a Medicare Cost Plan and want to change to a new Cost Plan within the same company.

•Have a spouse enrolled in a Medicare Cost Plan offered

by the same insurance company.

•Are covered by a retiree employer group health plan that offers a Medicare Cost Plan.

•Have health insurance through their employer, the individual market or public program offered by the same insurance company.

New Medicare cards will be issued beginning in April of 2018 through April of 2019.

The new cards will have a new Medicare number that is unique to you, instead of using your Social Security number.

This change will help to prevent fraud, fight identity theft and protect private information. Those on Medicare will automatically receive a new card mailed to the address that Social Security has on file. New Medicare cards will be issued with a new unique, randomly-assigned number

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Medicare updates for 2018 called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier or MBI. Railroad Retirement Board retirees will also receive new cards.

Healthcare providers will be able to look up the new MBI through a secure tool at the point of service. There will be a 21-month transition period where all health care providers will be able to use either number for billing purposes.

Medicare Part D Donut Hole Discounts in 2018. In 2018, the discount on medications in the Medicare donut hole (coverage gap) will increase. The donut hole is a temporary limit on what a drug plan will cover. If you reach this coverage gap, your medications will cost you more until you reach the catastrophic limit ($5,000 in out of pocket costs). You will have a 65 percent discount for the cost of name brand drugs in 2018 and a 56% discount for the cost of generic drugs in 2018.

WHERE WE ARE LOCATED 806 Fillmore St., Suite 1195 Alexandria, MN (320) 762-3047 Located in the lower level of the Douglas County Service Center at the south end of the hallway by the Douglas County Library Medicare Part D plans can now limit the first fill of certain prescriptions to a one month supply. This will eliminate waste if a dosage changes or the medication causes side effects.

Most Medicare Part D plans use tiers to group the cost of their drugs. The higher the tier, the more expensive the drug.

If your doctor has told you that a drug on a lower tier will not work as well to treat your condition, you can ask your Part D plan for a tier exception to reduce the cost of the drug.

However, some very high cost, specialty drugs are not eligible for a tier exception.

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WHAT WE DO Douglas County Senior Services provides advocacy, information, assistance, program development and coordination of services to the over-55 population of Douglas County. The program provides outreach on many topics including advance directives, scams/frauds, identity theft, resources and housing information, matter of balance classes, chronic disease self management classes and information on advance care planning.

The Office also provides health insurance counseling on Medicare part A, B, C and D along with medical assistance information, and long-term care insurance assistance. It

has an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group and a general caregiver support group, and works in conjunction with both the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Alexandria Police Department on TRIAD, a group dedicated to the education of seniors of Douglas County in regards to fraud, scams and other crimes against the seniors. The NAPS (Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors) is a supplemental food program for seniors that is free to all who qualify.

Staff is available to come to your organization and offer presentations on a number of topics of interest to the senior population.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call (320) 762-3047 or visit http://www.co.douglas.mn.us/dc/ senior-resource-health.aspx for information on senior health resources or http://www.co.douglas.mn.us/dc/senior-housing-health.aspx for senior housing information.

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Assisted Living | Memory Care | 320.759.2121 Alexandria, MN | edgewoodseniorliving.com Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 13

Rosalia Ray, a volunteer for the Central Minnesota Elder Network’s Respite Care program, helps Shirley Raney with making a bird feeder during The Gathering, an out-of-home respite care program.

RESPITE CARE

By Celeste Edenloff Contributing writer

Programs offer much-needed break for caregivers Being a caregiver for a loved one can become overwhelming.

Caregivers spend so much time caring for their person that they often forget about themselves.

Or many times, caregivers feel they can’t make time for themselves because their loved one needs round-the-clock care.

But there is help available.

There are programs that look out for the caregivers.

According to Wendy Hyatt and Pamela Kamholz, the program is called Respite Care and it provides a respite – or break – for the caregiver. It is offered through Central Minnesota Elder Network.

Hyatt, the executive director, and Kamholz, a registered nurse who is the network’s respite coordinator, explained that there are two respite care programs available – in-home and out-ofhome care.

Kamholz said for the in-home program, volunteers provide up

to four hours of respite or companion care in the home once a week. This means, she said, that a volunteer comes into the home and sits with the caregiver’s loved one.

“Volunteers don’t provide care for the person, but companionship,” said Kamholz. “Maybe they play games with the person or maybe the person is napping the whole time. It gives the caregiver time away to do whatever they want. Respite care is for the caregiver, not the care receiver.”

The out-of-home program takes place at Nelson Gables in Alexandria the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and runs from noon to 4 p.m.

The program, called The Gathering, is staffed by a registered nurse and volunteers and is usually set up on a one-to-one or one-to-two basis. Lunch is provided and there is usually some type of activity, entertainment, games or other activities.

14 | GENERATIONS • Winter 2018

“This provides time for the person being cared for – the care receiver – to get out of the house and meet and greet with people,” said Kamholz.

Caregivers do not have to stay and can use the time for themselves for leisure activities, appointments or whatever they choose, she said, adding that it is a break they need and deserve.

“We encourage self-care for the caregivers,” said Kamholz.

Hyatt added, “We don’t want people to wait too long or until they are struggling and burnt out.”

Hyatt and Kamholz said they realize it is hard to ask for help and there have been times when they’ve been told that the situation isn’t “that bad” yet. However, Kamholz said why wait until the situation gets to that point.

Respite care offers support and a temporary break from the responsibilities that come with being the primary caregiver.

Wendy Hyatt

Executive director

Pamela Kamholz

Respite coordinator

There are about 65 volunteers through the Central Minnesota Elder Network who provide respite care throughout Douglas and other local counties.

Traditionally, Hyatt said, respite care volunteers are 55 years or older, but she said that is changing and those who are younger than 55 can now volunteer.

Volunteers are thoroughly trained and are then matched with clients based on needs and interests.

“We try to match each situation as best we can,” said Hyatt.

Training classes for volunteers are held periodically throughout the year and include a variety of topics, such as communication, active listening skills, normal aging, dementia, grief, depression and more.

Both the in-home and outof-home programs are offered at a low fee, based on a sliding scale or suggested donation.

Hyatt said, however, that Elder

Network would never deny services.

One other program offered through the Elder Network that both Hyatt and Kamholz touched on was the Peer Companion Program. This program matches a volunteer with a senior who needs support and encouragement. Support is provided to seniors who are maybe lonely, isolated, had a loss of a loved one, are dealing with a medical diagnosis or are having difficulty dealing with other life changes. Volunteers with this program visit with clients for about an hour each week.

To learn more about the Respite Care Program or the Peer Companion Program, call the Central Minnesota Elder Network at (320) 763-9084, email eldernet@embarqmail.com, visit the website at www.alexandriaeldernet.com or check out the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/alexandriaeldernetwork/. Volunteers are always needed.

Shirley Raney and Melody Aurdahl, program participants, play a game of Connect Four during The Gathering, which takes place at Nelson Gables the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Programming for The Gathering is based on interests and abilities of the participants. Each participant is given the opportunity to feel valued and successful by accomplishing a craft project, winning a game, singing a song, tossing a ball, sharing a story or listening to a friend.

During The Gathering, an out-of-home respite care program offered through Central Minnesota Elder Network, Jerry Kalinowski, a respite care volunteer, helps David Collins make a bookmark.

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Travel programs for active and adventurous adults

By Lori Mork

Generations editor

Growing quickly in popularity, senior educational trips are a perfect alternative to the typical beach or ski vacation, offering travelers a chance to explore a new destination and learn something new along the way – improve photography skills with National Geographic, study theology in Rome or cook with an Italian chef.

If you’re looking to engage not only your body, but your mind, here are some senior learning vacation options to explore. You can also check with your local travel agent for tips on the best options.

EXPLORATORY AND ADVENTURE TRIPS

ElderTreks. An adventure travel program designed for travelers ages 50 and older, ElderTreks specializes in active, engaging trips for seniors.

Trip options range from two to five weeks in length and cost $4,000-$12,000, making it easy to find a trip to fit your desires.

ElderTreks also has flexible departure dates, different trip ac-

tivity levels, extended stay options and no additional charges for solo travelers.

Road Scholar. A not-forprofit educational learning program, Road Scholar’s mission is to inspire adults to learn, discover and travel. The travel programs are led by expert instructors who encourage lifelong learning.

There are trips for all budgets, beginning as low as $500, while international trips may top $10,000, with lengths ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Many often include airfare and most meals, as well as 24-hour emergency assistance.

There are also options for solo travelers and inter-generational trips that allow adults to travel with grandchildren.

Smithsonian Journeys. Informative, educational and legitimate, Smithsonian Journeys ensures that travelers will have access to specialists in fields of history, science, archaeology and more among its 150-plus trips to seven continents.

Trips range from one to three weeks and cost from $3,000$12,000. There are also options for specialty trips (such as family excursions) and solo travelers.

While there are no strict age limits, most travelers are 45 years old and over. Smithsonian Journeys has been facilitating trips for 45 years and continues to be an industry leader in educational travel for adults.

ACADEMIC TRIPS

Cornell’s Adult University: Study Tours. Trips are led by Cornell faculty and/or staff, giving travelers an educational travel experience.

There are approximately 12 trips to choose from throughout the year, with most lasting one to two weeks, and cost $5,000-$10,000, which includes most accommodations.

Airfare is not usually included.

Some trips allow families to travel together, although requiring children to be 81 years old or older.

Semester at Sea: Lifelong Learning Program. An option for adults older than 40 who want to learn, travel and teach, the Semester at Sea Lifelong Learning Program participants live aboard a large ship, traveling from port to port around the world.

Travelers have the opportunity to join undergraduate classes and interact with the undergrads. There are several programs that allow participants to teach a seminar in their area of expertise, or be a mentor to the younger undergrads.

Trips last approximately 15 weeks and include stops in about 12 countries. Cost are from $30,000-$50,000, depending on single/double occupancy, and does not include the cost of travel to and from the ship’s port.

Yale Educational Travel.

Although designed for Yale alumni, individual and non-affiliated travelers are welcome.

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their region or subject matter of expertise.

Trip length is up to two weeks and costs $5,000-$10,000. They do not offer much flexibility in travel plans or accommodations. They do offer a one-ofa-kind educational tour led by some of the brightest and most respected academics.

LANGUAGE EDUCATION TRIPS

Centre International D’Antibes: Learn French in France.

If you have wanted to learn French while exploring the French Riviera, immersing yourself in the culture of the area, then this program is for you.

Nestled in the Côte d’Azur region on the Southwest coast of France, the Centre International D’Antibes provides three hours of daily French instruction before lunch, allowing the participants to explore the region in the evening and on weekends.

Cost is $700-$1,500 per week, depending on the time

of the year and single/double occupancy status. There are approximately five two-week courses per year. Classes are small with a maximum of 12 students.

Don Quijote: Spanish Classes Abroad for Adults 50-OLDER. Don Quijote is a Spanish language learning school with locations in Spain, Mexico, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

Lodging options include host families, apartments and hotels. The program includes 20 50-minute lessons per week, cultural outings such as dancing, cooking classes and movies.

Cost of the program is $500$700 per week. Travel to and from the country is not included.

CREATIVE LEARNING TRIPS

Culinary Vacations With The International Kitchen.

These vacations bring travelers together around the table for hands-on instruction from

I want to travel across the world and breathe the air of new places.

Anonymous

culinary professionals in the region of your choice.

Popular destinations include France, Italy and Spain, along with North Africa, South America and Asia with dozens of tours annually.

Costs vary widely, but there are many options for all budgets. Trips are not exclusively for seniors, and can accommodate special trip requests, including small groups and couples.

photographers in the world, the expeditions provide an opportunity to travel to exotic locales and photograph some of the world’s most stunning sceneries.

National Geographic has a few dozen trips throughout the year and run from one to three weeks. Costs are $3,000$20,000-plus, depending on the trip’s accommodations.

Airfare to and from the destination is not included.

National Geographic Photography Trips and Workshops. Led by some of the best

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Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 19

INQUIRING

MINDS:

Senior College kicks off spring lecture series March 1 at Alexandria Technical and Community College

By Amy Sunderland

ATCC Director of Senior College

ATCC’s Senior College kicks off its spring season with BLUE ZONES: Secrets of a Long Life, a free lecture March 1 at the ATCC Technology and Information Center. The event is open to the public.

Blue Zones: Secrets of a Long Life with nationally recognized Speaker Tony Buettner promises fascinating learning about healthy communities from around the globe. There are five Blue Zone areas around the world, communities whose elders live with vim and vigor to record setting ages, documented in National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner’s New York Times bestselling book, “The Blue Zones – Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.”

This research, coupled with a

15-year longevity study, has been leveraged to develop a community transformation program to create new Blue Zones Communities across the U.S. Blue Zones Project takes a unique, systematic approach to improving well-being, focusing on our “life radius.” By optimizing the settings where we routinely spend our time, we make healthy choices easier and naturally adopt healthier behaviors.

Blue Zones and its brand have attracted global recognition. Since its launch in 2008, Blue Zones Project has been heralded for innovative approaches to population health management in such publications as The New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific America, and Oprah Magazine. The Blue Zones TED Talk

20 | GENERATIONS • Winter 2018

Tony Buettner Speaker

has been viewed over 2 million times, and the Buettners, who are brothers, have appeared on shows like CNN, NPR, Good Morning America, ABC World News Tonight, and CBS’s The Early Show.

The kick-off is free and open to the public. The lecture begins at 3:15 p.m. in Room 743 of the Alexandria Technical and Community College Technology Information Center.

Alexandria Technical and Community College is home to a vibrant lecture series where scholars from around the state and beyond share their expertise on a range of topics. Individual sessions delve into history, economics, religion, political science, and international affairs; each providing fascinating insights and context relevant to things that matter in our world. For more information, please contact the Customized Training Center at 762-4510 or 888-2341313, or visit www.alextech. edu/SeniorCollege.

Senior College has another great line up for its

SENIOR COLLEGE LECTURE TOPICS AND SPEAKERS for Spring 2018

Spring Lecture Series

Louis Johnston, Economics, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University

The Unpredictable Past: The Politics of Historical Monuments and Memorials

series is by season membership only. A single registration fee of $100 covers all 14 lectures, coffee and cookies.

For more information or to register, please contact the Customized Training Center at 762-4510 or 888-234-1313 or visit www.alextech.edu/SeniorCollege.

Nick Hayes, History, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University

Is the Internet Failing?

Noreen Herzfeld, Theology, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University

Resilience in the Face of Climate Change: Preparing Locally for an Uncertain Future

Derek Larson, History/Environmental Science, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University

Judicial Independence, Rule of Law, and Democracy: Lessons from Latin America Lisa Hilbink, Political Science, University of Minnesota

ABOUT SENIOR COLLEGE Senior College grew out of community interest in informative and challenging college level learning that is stimulating and social without the pressures of tests, grades or degrees. Established in the fall of 2006, the first season was offered in the Spring of 2007. A lecture series is held each fall and spring, generally 15 lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays, over eight weeks, and a short course series is offered over three weeks in January.

Lectures typically feature a variety of topics “bringing the liberal arts to life” – from history, political science and economics, science and literature, to philosophy, art and current affairs. Designed for adults 50+, adults of all ages are welcome.

Telling True Stories: The Role of Academics in Public Life

Nick Hayes, History, and Louis Johnston, Economics, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University and founding members of Avon Hills Salon

The Collapse of the Soviet Union Arlin Nikolas, History, Minnesota State

Nationalism Rising in Europe Emily Bruce, History, University of Minnesota-Morris

The Trial of Galileo Jim Togeas, Philosophy, University of Minnesota-Morris

By Endurance We Conquer: Shackleton’s Feat of Strength Tony Cunningham, Philosophy, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University The Wonder of Blunder: The Psychology of Bad Decision-Making Ben Denkinger, Psychology, Augsburg College

The United States and Russia in the 21st Century

David Schultz, Political Science, Hamline University and visiting professor Alex Komarenko, History, Schevchenko University

Traditions of U.S. Diplomacy and Current Tensions

Thomas Hanson, Diplomat in Residence, Alworth Institute for International Affairs, University of Minnesota-Duluth

Annual State of the Economy

Liz Fedor, Twin Cities Business Magazine; Louis Johnston, College of St. Benedict/ St. John’s University; and Chris Farrell, American Public Media

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The Spring Lecture Series begins Tuesday, March 13 and continues through April.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:15-5:15 p.m. College-level scholars from around the region will provide provocative lectures on a variety of topics and current issues (see this season’s line-up). And the season concludes with what has become an annual favorite, State of the Economy.

Visiting scholars include four faculty members from College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University who have formed a group to share their work in public as a commitment to connecting what they do as scholars with the world in general. Bringing their areas of expertise in economics, political science, international affairs, contemporary religions, technology and the environment, they aim to talk about some of the most pressing issues facing American society today. Each will give a lecture and a panel discussion will explore themes raised and the role of the academy in public life. Some lectures given at Senior College have been published on their blog https://avonhillssalon.com/ Admission for the lecture

Booms, Busts, and Policy in the US: 1790 to the present

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I haven’t worked for 17 years, I might as well do something.

As long as I feel good, I’m going to keep doing it.

Chuck Thompson

He’s

By Beth Leipholtz Contributing writer

22 | GENERATIONS • Winter 2018

What began as a reluctant favor to his daughter has turned into a passion for Chuck Thompson.

Thompson, 79, is well known as the doorman at Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood. Previously the president of Lowry State Bank in Lowry, he took on the role a little more than five years ago, but never intended for it to be permanent.

“I got a call from (daughter) Jill (Solmonson) that we’ve got a ton of weddings so she wanted me to possibly get a tuxedo with a top hat and I said, ‘Not a chance,’” Thompson recalled. “My wife and several others got the same conversation going, so we

decided to go and get a tuxedo and slacks...I come home and start being the doorman and it went over so well that I can’t get away from it.”

As the doorman, Thompson attends nearly every wedding held at Lakeside, of which there were 75 this year. He dons his top hat and tuxedo with tails, as well as one of his 20 different colored vests.

“He has every color of the rainbow,” said Solmonson, who owns Lakeside. “He’ll go and check with the bride and groom or whoever and say, ‘What color do you want me to wear?’”

Though content to wear any color, Thompson has his favorites.

“I like the gold,” he said. “And amazingly enough, I have to wear a lot of pink.”

According to Solmonson, people hear about her father mostly by word of mouth.

“He’s everybody’s dad around here,” Solmonson said. “He’s Dad the Doorman. People book weddings and they’re really excited to be part of it and want to know if

the doorman is going to be there.

They really look for him.”

Though his main task is opening the door and directing people where to go, Thompson gets many photo requests during weddings, which allow him to meet a variety of people.

“They love it,” he said. “I hear comments from all over, especially from the people that come from the metro area that don’t know where Glenwood is. We’ve had many people tell us that they can easily see why we’re the largest outstate venue there is for weddings.”

Though initially reluctant to take on the role, Thompson now says it is something he loves and plans to continue for the foreseeable future.

“I thought I’d do it for a little while, but as it progressed I found out I really enjoy it and it’s fun and something to do,” he said. “I haven’t worked for 17 years, I might as well do something. As long as I feel good, I’m going to keep doing it.”

Top right, Chuck Thompson, daughter Jill Solmonson and great-grandson Nash Rasmussen. Bottom right, Thompson posing with wedding attendees. Left, photos of Thompson in his role as doorman.

Contributed photos

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Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 23

Core exercises for seniors

By Lori Mork

Generations editor

As we age, we need to change the way we exercise, and keeping our core strong enables the body to maintain its strength and stability.

What is your core and what makes it so important? Here are a few answers from SilverSneakers: 1. What is your core? The body’s core is pretty much the torso, and includes the major muscles in the area of the belly (rectus abdominis), muscles along the sides of your torso (internal and external obliques), the deepest layer of core muscles (transverse

abdominis), pelvic floor muscles and muscles around the spine (multifidus and erector spinae muscles). Most fitness professionals also consider the muscles of the hips and butt (gluteal muscles) and the upper and mid back muscles (lats and traps) to all be part of a body’s core.

2. What does your core do?

The core is exactly what it says – your core, and is the center of everything you do. Your body depends on your core muscles to function throughout the day, acting as the body’s stabilizer. The core protects your

spine, shoulder blades, ribs and pelvis, allowing you to bend, twist and move, whether it’s getting up from a chair or walking down the street.

3. What are the best exercises for strengthening the core? Since the body’s core is one of the first parts to get weaker as we age, we need to intentionally strengthen it.

Total body strength moves are better exercises than those that strengthen one particular muscle group at a time.

Some exercises for core strength include the squat, standing shoulder raise, wood

chop and Pallof press. Weight exercises should only include enough weight that you feel your core brace, as if you were getting prepared to be hit in the stomach.

According to research published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, working one side of your body at a time gets your core going better than two-sided exercises. Try moves such as lunges with a weight in one hand and standing alternating shoulder presses.

No matter what type of exercises you’re doing, make it

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a goal to give the core muscles a workout at least four to five days a week.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program, especially if you’ve had a recent injury, or suffer from a chronic condition.

4. Should I do crunches?

No. While crunches are more effective for building the abdominal muscles, according to the American Council on Exercise research, crunches aren’t safe for older adults since it puts unnecessary stress on the spine.

Since many older adults suffer from degeneration in their spine, adding more stress increases the chances of injury.

To work the abdominal muscles without adding excessive stress, substitute the McGill curlup in place of the crunch.

For more information on exercise for seniors and many other health topics, visit www. silversneakers.com.

Source: www.silversneakers.com

PALLOF PRESS: Set the pulley on a cable machine to chest height and attach a D-handle to the cable. Interlock fingers of both hands around the handle, walk back several feet to create tension on the cable, and turn your body so that your left shoulder points toward the machine.

Stand with knees slightly bent, chin neutral, back upright, shoulder blades back and down, feet shoulder-width apart and hold the D-handle against your torso at sternum height, its handle vertical.

Slowly extend your arms, keeping your hands directly in the middle of your chest, maintaining an upright posture and keeping the D-handle vertical. Pause in the fully extended position for a moment, then slowly bring the handle back to the starting position.

Repeat for two or three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions on each side.

MCGILL CURLUP: To perform the move, lie flat on your back on the floor with one leg extended straight out in front of you and the other bent with foot flat on the floor. Place your hands, palms down, on the floor underneath your low back, and raise your elbows just off the floor.

From here, squeeze your abs to raise your head and shoulders a few inches off the floor. Hold for five seconds or as long as you can while maintaining good form, then slowly return to start. Perform eight to 10 reps, and repeat with the opposite leg extended.

WOOD CHOP: Start in a squatting position, with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale as you twist to the left so your hands are outside of your left leg. As you exhale, lift arms diagonally across your body, ending twisted to the right with arms above your head. Pivot on your left foot as needed. Try to move with control rather than momentum. Do three sets of 10 reps on both sides.

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Majority of senior drivers don’t make safety adjustments Simple, inexpensive features can improve safety for most Nearly 90 percent of older drivers haven’t made inexpensive adaptations to their vehicles that could improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Common vehicle adaptations like pedal extensions, seat cushions and steering wheel covers can help improve safety by reducing a senior d r i v e r ’s crash r i s k .

Seniors aged 65 and over are more than twice

as likely as younger drivers to be killed when involved in a crash.

“While many seniors are considered to be safe drivers, they are also the most vulnerable,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

“Our research suggests that most senior drivers are not taking advantage of simple and inexpensive features like steering wheel covers that can greatly improve their safety and the safety of others on the road.”

In the research brief, In-Vehicle Technologies, Vehicle Adaptations, and Older Drivers: Use, Learning, and Perceptions, researchers investigated 12 vehicle adaptations and found that fewer than

By Gail Weinholzer

Public Affairs Director, AAA

nine percent of senior drivers reported using any of the devices in their vehicles.

Choosing the right features and working with a trained technician is imperative to safety behind the wheel. Of those drivers who have a device, almost 90 percent reported that they did not work with a trained professional to install the modification, a key recommendation by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Vehicle adaptations also benefit seniors’ mental health by extending their time on the road. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that seniors who have stopped driving are

Some of the inexpensive devices that can be purchased and put to use in new or existing vehicles are: Cushions and seat pads: Improves line of sight and can help alleviate back or hip pain.

Convex/multifaceted mirrors: Improves visibility and minimizes blind spots.

Pedal extension: Helps drivers obtain a safe distance from the steering wheel/airbag and optimize visibility.

Steering wheel covers: Improves grip for drivers with arthritic hand joints.

Hand controls: Allows the driver to perform all vehicle maneuvers and functions without the use of lower extremities.

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About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a not-for-profit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.

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prehensive 12-point check of a senior’s personal vehicle and make recommendations for needed adjustments or adaptations. Older drivers can sign up for an event online. AAA also offers the Smart Features for Older Drivers tool, which can help senior drivers identify inexpensive devices and vehicle features that optimize their comfort and safety.

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almost two times more likely to suffer from depression and nearly five times more likely to enter a long-term care facility than those who remain behind the wheel.

In the AAA study, more than 70 percent of senior drivers had experienced health conditions that impact muscles and bones such as arthritis, hip/knee replacement and joint pains. Some seniors in the study reduced their driving due to these conditions.

The installation of certain devices like steering wheel covers can help lessen the impact of arthritis while larger mirrors and assistive devices on seats can help with limited neck mobility.

AAA and AOTA worked in collaboration with the American Society on Aging and AARP to develop CarFit to help senior drivers better utilize the features and technologies in their vehicles. The community-based program allows trained professionals to conduct a quick, yet com-

Winter 2018 • GENERATIONS | 27

Required withdrawals from retirement plans What should you know?

By Edward Jones Financial Advisors You may spend decades contributing to your IRA and 401(k). But, eventually, you’ll need to use this money. Before that day arrives, you’ll want to be familiar with the rules governing withdrawals – and you’ll want to know just how much you should take out.

To begin with, withdrawals from traditional employer-sponsored retirement plans like these fall under the Internal Revenue Service’s “required minimum distributions” (RMD) guidelines. (You aren’t required to take these distributions from a Roth IRA.) Here are some of the it off until April 1, you must take two distributions in one year. key RMD points to keep in mind: If you don’t take your RMDs on time, • You need to take distributions by age 70-1/2. You generally should begin taking you may have to pay the IRS a 50 percent RMDs in the year in which you turn 70- penalty tax on the taxable portion of your uncollected distribution – so make sure 1/2.

If you don’t take your first RMD during you know your dates.

• You can take more than the minimum. that year, you must take it no later than 2.5”year. | Maximum Font Size:more 30than ptthe RMD, can withdraw April3.5” 1 of thex following If you do put You

but, as the word “required” suggests, you can’t withdraw less.

• You may be able to delay RMDs in an employer’s retirement plan if you’re still working. If your employer’s retirement plan permits it, you may not have to take RMDs if you are still working and you are 70-1/2 or older. However, this exception

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Mem

Another factor to consider is the size and composition of your investment portfolio held outside your retirement accounts. If you have a sizable amount of investments, with some of them providing regular income, you may be able to afford to take out only your RMDs, or perhaps just slightly more. On the other hand, if your 401(k) and IRA make up the vast majority of your investment holdings, you might need to rely on them much more heavily.

In any case, though, you will need to establish an appropriate withdrawal rate for all your investments to ensure you won’t outlive your money. A financial professional can help you calculate this rate.

Do whatever it takes to maximize your benefits from your IRA and 401(k). They’re valuable assets – so use them wisely.

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won’t apply if you own 5 percent or more of your company.

To determine your RMD, you’ll need to use either the Uniform Lifetime Table, which is based on your life expectancy, or the Joint Life Table, if you have a spouse who is the sole beneficiary and who is more than 10 years younger.

Your tax advisor can help you make this selection.

So, now that you know the basic rules of RMDs, you’ll need to consider their impact on your retirement income. As mentioned above, you can certainly take out more than the RMD, but should you?

If you need the extra money, then you’ll have to take it.

However, when determining how much you should take beyond your RMDs, you’ll need to weigh some other factors.

For one thing, if you can delay taking Social Security, you’ll get bigger checks, so you might be able to lower the amounts you take from your 401(k) and IRA.

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5 Dehydration sneaky signs of

You’re probably aware of the more obvious signs of dehydration: yellow urine, dry mouth, feeling thirsty. But the less-obvious signs are just as important and sometimes appear sooner, especially as you get older.

The amount of water you need doesn’t increase as you age, but your body’s ability to conserve water is reduced and your sense of thirst weakens.

So it’s important to drink even if you aren’t thirsty.

That’s why it’s so important to prevent dehydration or catch it early. Here are five lesser-known signs you might be low on H2O.

1

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You have bad breath.

When you’re dehydrated, your body secretes less fluid. You already know that means decreased urination, but it’s also true for tears and saliva.

Saliva is antibacterial, so if you’re not producing enough, it can lead to bacteria overgrowth in your mouth. That means bad breath. It’s also why so many of us experience morning breath, as saliva flow almost stops completely while we sleep.

2

You’re craving sweets.

Dehydration can mask itself as hunger, especially in the form of sugar cravings.

When you’re low on fluid, your body uses glycogen (carbohydrate stored in muscle) at a

CHIROPRACTIC-MASSAGE-THERAPIES-PILATES

3

Your skin feels cold and dry. When you’re approaching severe dehydration, your body starts to limit blood flow to the skin.

Your body is doing what it can to conserve whatever fluid is left – even stealing water from Peter to pay Paul. The skin is the first place to be robbed of water.

4

You fail the pinch test.

Reduced blood flow to the skin can also make it feel

more doughlike and less elastic.

If you pinch the skin on the back of your hand and it doesn’t snap back as quickly as usual, it might mean you’re dehydrated. Just don’t expect your skin to rebound as quickly as it did in your twenties.

5

You feel lightheaded or dizzy. Less water circulating in the body means less blood, too. This can lead to lower blood pressure and cause you to feel lightheaded, faint, or dizzy. One of the key signs of dehydration-related dizziness is a sudden rush of lightheadedness when you stand up too quickly, a condition called orthostatic hypotension.

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This is particularly common if you’ve been exercising. Your body will likely crave carbs to help replenish those glycogen stores.

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