Seniorlivingmarch2015

SENIOR LIVING March 2015

Go for the Gold!

Senior Olympian keeps active with Tennessee Toppers Page 2

Fight back against chronic illness Page 5 A special publication of

CROSSVILLE CHRONICLE

Give Your Time & Your Talents

Page 10

2 Crossville Chronicle • Senior Living 2015

Go For The Gold!

Bergh rekindles love of hoops with Senior Olympics

By Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler Chronicle correspondent

The Larry Bird of our community, Senior Olympian Larry Bergh of Lake Tansi, comes by his athleticism honestly. Besides being exceptionally tall and coordinated, perhaps the biggest part of his game is that he is also motivated.

Bergh has had many positive experiences in sports.

Only recently did he rekindle his affections for them, especially basketball.

After a 37-year lull between sports events, Bergh was reunited with his long lost love of sports and refreshed his acute abilities. Two years ago, a member of the Tennessee Toppers approached Bergh, curious as to whether or not he would be interested in playing on their Senior Olympics team. Since he joined the team, the Tennessee Toppers have won eight gold medals in the Senior Olympics.

“I like it. It’s fun,” said Bergh, on the verge of celebrating his 73rd birthday.

“We won all of our tournaments last year.”

Bergh participates in the 70-75 year old age group.

Last year his team won the tournament in Mount Pleasant, SC. South Carolina didn’t have a team in the 70-75 age group to contend with the Tennessee Toppers, so they took the best players from their 60-65 aged team and the 65-70 aged team to pit up against the Tennessee Toppers. They played a series of four games against players that were up to a

Back row, Ray Morrison, Larry Bergh and Porter Ragsdale, and, front row, Larry Funderburk and Lon Marcum, are Tennessee Senior Olympic gold medalists that make up the Tennessee Toppers and will be competing in the nationals in Minnesota this year. dozen years their junior and won every game.

The Tennessee Toppers qualified the national tournament several times over with their big wins in Arkansas, North and South Carolina and will be competing in the nationals this year in Minnesota.

Aside from Bergh, the Tennessee Toppers players are Ray Morrison of Crossville, Lon Marcum of Cookeville, Porter Ragsdale from Nashville, and Larry Funderburk of Alamo. The team plays three-on-three half-court games. Bergh, with his height and agility, plays post.

ON THE COVER: Larry Bergh shoots some hoops. Photo by Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler.

Call 855-839-7599 (Toll Free) or 865-245-8261

Providing services across the Upper Cumberland Region | www.SilverAngels.com

“When you get to Senior Olympics you don’t have to run up and down the court like the kids,” laughed Bergh.

Bergh has long “courted” athletics, although he admits, “I got a late start.

When I was a freshman, I was 5’8 and weighed 100 pounds. My junior and senior years, I grew a foot.”

Then he quipped, “So, now I have three.”

Bergh played only one year in high school basketball by the time he graduated. He then went straight to work but managed to play for an AAU team for two years. Living with a cousin in Washington, working and playing ball, Bergh scored a whopping 42 points against a team from Idaho. A man talked to him afterward asking if he’d ever played college ball.

Senior Living March 2015 • Crossville Chronicle

After playing professional basketball with the ABA and EBA, Larry Bergh played for the ASA of PA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Softball Champions, Rising Sun Hotel team in Reading, PA, who went on to become world champs in a tournament in New Zealand.

Senior Olympian Larry Bergh has had the good fortune to have been able to try his hand at professional basketball and semi-pro softball as this telegram depicts when the Chicago Bulls drafted him in 1969.

Larry Bergh is featured in Sports Legends of the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania having enjoyed playing with professional EBA team, Allentown Jets, and winning the season and play-off title in 1972.

“I told him I couldn’t afford it. There were 10 of us kids in the family and we had to work,” said Bergh.

Later, the man went and talked to Dick Motta, coach for Weber State College who went on to coach in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls, Washington Bullets, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets. Motta wanted Bergh to come and practice for two days with the team. When Bergh informed Motta he couldn’t get away from work and couldn’t afford the trip, Motta sent Bergh a plane ticket. He practiced with the team and was granted a full college scholarship at Weber where Bergh played for the duration of his education.

In 1969, Bergh was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. He made it all the way up to the

final cut.

“So, I had a chance,” Bergh said with a certain clarity that doubly noted how rare the opportunity really was. Bergh signed with the American Basketball Association (ABA) to play for the Pittsburgh Pipers, later renamed the Condors, in the 1969-’70 season. When Bergh’s father became gravely ill, he went home for a few weeks. Upon his return, Bergh didn’t get much play time and he decided not to stay on the team. Moving to Pennsylvania in 1970, Bergh played for two years on a farm team of the New York Knicks called the Allentown Jets, a professional team of the Eastern Basketball Association (EBA). In 1972, the Jets were both season and playoff champions, Bergh donning the number 12 team

jersey in newspaper photos.

Bergh was featured within the pages of Sports Legends of the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania by Evan Burian for his time spent with the Jets.

After an impressive career in professional basketball, Bergh then turned his sights to fast-pitch softball. Bergh was a pitcher with the American Softball Association (ASA) Men’s Major team Rising Sun Hotel of Reading, PA. They travelled all over the U.S. playing in national tournaments. His team won three tournaments and was the best team in the U.S. for three years. They even won a world tournament in New Zealand, in which Bergh said, “I pitched against Japan, Guam and South Africa.”

Bergh pitched with Ty Stofflet, an all-star pitcher dubbed “The Fastest Pitch on the East Coast,” who could hurl game changing no-swingers. The May 28, 1979 Sports Illustrat-

ed with Pete Rose on the cover gave insight to the winning streaks and modest Stofflet in a feature titled “This Guy Can Rise it, Drop it and Pop It at 104 MPH.” Stofflet explained that his gifts, though incredible, were very specific. The lefty pitcher had the speed but had to work hard to gain control of it. Stofflet mentioned Bergh in the article, comparing their abilities and stating Bergh was a well-rounded athlete.

“He was the best pitcher in the world,” said Bergh.

“He could throw at 104. I threw 94.”

Upon his arrival in Lake Tansi, Bergh initially began playing first base for the senior softball team. Then he met teammates from the Tennessee Toppers who convinced him to join their basketball team.

“This year might be my last year, I’m not really See gold page 4

Open a world of opportunites for your family & friends with Betterliving Sunrooms!

Call Today For Your Free Quote A NAME THAT’S BEEN TRUSTED SINCE 1984 Visit Our Showroom At 152 West First Street

Call today 931-484-6601! For a FREE in-home, no obligation estimate or visit us at www.mcculleysiding.com.

931-484-6601

3

4 Crossville Chronicle • Senior Living 2015

Healthy eating after age 50 As people age, their dietary needs begin to change. Foods that were once staples of your diet as a youth may be restricted once you hit a certain age, while other foods you may have always avoided may now be necessary to fuel and support a healthy body.

Eating healthy foods and exercising may not be enough to sustain health, as hormonal changes and other health effects as a person reaches age 50 can have a profound impact on his or her nutritional requirements. The following are a few things men and women over 50 may want to consider as they look to eat a healthy diet for years to come.

Vitamin D

Both men and women age 50 and up have a reduced ability to produce vitamin D through exposure to the sun. Extra vitamin D will be needed from foods and supplements.

Everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU

GOLD

• Continued from 3 sure,” said Bergh, who has sustained a shoulder injury when he fell on the ice last month. Depending on the prognosis of his shoulder, Bergh will determine his future with the Tennessee Toppers. He intends to continue with sports, however, and if he is unable to continue with basketball, he feels fairly certain he will return to senior softball.

“One thing I hate [to do], I just can’t sit around. I’ll be 73 right around the corner.

I’ve always got to do something,” said Bergh. “I’m

(10 µg), according to Canada’s Food Guide. Without adequate vitamin D, bone strength and health can deteriorate because vitamin D promotes calcium absorption. Vitamin D also has other roles, including helping neuromuscular and immune function and reducing inflammation.

Friendly fats

People over age 50 should increase their intake of unsaturated fats and reduce consumption of saturated fats. Nutrient-rich unsaturated fats can guard against heart conditions, protect against stroke, keep skin supple, and even help men and women maintain good neurological health.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in nuts, olives, seeds, and fatty fishes.

tein in their diets to maintain their muscle mass. The amount of protein needed at a younger age no longer may be adequate. Look for lean sources of protein from fish and poultry.

Beans are also a low-fat source of protein that can help fulfill daily protein requirements.

More fiber

Eating more fiber can help with digestive and intestinal problems, such as constipation. Constipation can occur when fiber intake is not enough, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle.

The best way to get fiber is through diet. Leave the skins on fruit and vegetables and choose whole fruits over juices. Wholegrain breads and cereals

also are good sources of fiber. Dry beans and lentils can add a fiber boost.

Always increase fiber slowly to determine your tolerance.

Fewer calories

The National Institute on Aging says women over the age of 50 need between 1,600 and 2,000 calories, depending on how physically active they are. Men need between 2,000 and 2,400 calories per day.

With each passing year there is a decrease in the energy required to maintain body weight, so caloric intake should be adjusted accordingly.

More water

As a person ages, his or her body may not signal it

day to remain hydrated.

Eating healthy and changing one’s diet is important as a person ages, as dietary needs at age 50 may be quite different from what they were at age 30.

H eartland T ours 2015 SCHEDULE

Spring Pilgrimage - March 23-29, 2015

Transportation, lodging, 5 dinners, Vicksburg NMP, Natchez Pilgrimage (local guide, tour of three homes, and play), Frogmore Cotton Plantation, Tabasco Factory, Konrico Rice Mill, swamp tour, Southern Antebellum Plantation home tour, Mardi Gras World, local tour of New Orleans, Beauvoir, Alabama State Capitol and Callaway Gardens Prices: S - $1387pp D - $1050pp T - $999pp Q - $950pp

Spring Baseball - Atlanta Braves vs NY Mets- April 11-12, 2015 Transportation, lodging and tickets 2 ball games Prices: S - $310pp D - $290pp T - $280pp Q - $255pp

Churchill Downs - May 29-31, 2015

Transportation, lodging, 2 meals, Derby Dinner Theatre (Social Security), horse races at Churchill Downs, Renfro Valley Prices: S - $420pp D - $315pp T - $295pp Q - $275pp

Summer Baseball - New York & Boston

(Yankees vs Phillies - Red Sox vs Orioles - Mets vs Reds)

June 23-27, 2015

Transportation, lodging, tickets, 3 games (2 in New York & 1 Boston) Prices: S - $980pp D - $735pp T - $710pp Q - $680pp

Baseball in August - Atlanta Braves vs Arizona Diamondbacks August 15-16, 2015

Increase protein

Transportation, lodging and tickets to 2 ball games Prices: S - $310pp D - $290pp T - $280pp Q - $255pp

According to Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as they age, men and women need more pro-

really glad I’m participating again because I missed it.”

Senior Olympics has teams for nearly every sport known to mankind.

“Anybody can try out,” said Bergh. “It’s good for older people to do things and anybody can participate.

This [story] might get them going. Whether it’s softball or whether or not they are good at it, just go out participate and meet people. It’s fantastic.”

Seniors interested in participating in Tennessee Senior Olympics may visit the website at tnseniorolympics.com or call 615-2008760 and go for the gold!

is thirsty as well as it once did, so it’s possible that you may not recognize when you are thirsty or dehydrated. The Mayo Clinic recommends around nine to 10 cups of beverages per

August 2015

England, Scotland, Wales. For more information call Nancy Rolen 423-247-2334

Nova Scotia & New England - Sept. 28 - Oct. 11, 2015

Come in and enjoy a delicious healthy lunch with our soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches or burgers!

Sunday - Friday 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Bring In This Ad For

BUY ONE LUNCH GET ONE 50% OFF! EXPIRES 4/30/15

DINE IN OR CARRY OUT Winner

READERS’ CHOICE

2014

42 NORTH ST. • 456-1925 Downtown Crossville Behind The Depot

Transportation, 13 nights lodging, 12 dinners, Boston city tour, Salem, Lexington, Concord, Kennebunkport, Portland Headlight, LL Bean, ferry to Nova Scotia, Ft. St. Anne National Historic Site, Grand Pre National Historic site, Peggy’s Cove, city tour of Halifax, Prince Edward Island, “Green Gables Heritage Place”, local island tour, Hopewell Rocks, reversing river, Bar Harbor, lobster bake, whale watch cruise, Acadia National Park, Castle in the Clouds, Cog Railway, Maple Sugar House, Cabot Cheese, Cider Barn, Ben & Jerry’s, Hog Back Mountain, Old First Church, Bennington Battle Monument, West Point Academy (if available), Amish Country, Allenberry Dinner Playhouse Prices: S - $2760pp D - $1995pp T - $1795pp Q - $1695pp

NFL Football

Dates and prices to be announced when the NFL schedule is released. If interested, please call to have your name put on the list so you can be notified of the schedule. Possible games: Broncos @ Colts, Sea Hawks @ Bengals, Steelers @ Bengals

New York, NY - November 25-29, 2015

Transportation, lodging (in the city), Macy’s Day Parade, Broadway show & Rockettes Christmas Show, city tour and Statue of Liberty Prices: S - $1995pp D - $1330pp T - $1325pp

Williamsburg - Bush Gardens - Virginia Beach - Dec. 3-6, 2015

Transportation, lodging, 3 dinners, city tour of Norfolk, MacArthur Memorial, Nauticus, Norfolk Botanical Gardens (in lights), a drive down the Boardwalk in VA Beach (lights), Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Christmas Town (includes up to 5 shows) Prices: S - $675pp D - $499pp T - $475pp Q - $445pp

For more information or to register for a trip please call or email: Fred Miles (865)882-0272 - Email to: hti0272@bellsouth.net or Nancy Rolen (423)247-2334 - Email to: randstours@charter.net

PLEASE RETAIN SCHEDULE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Senior Living March 2015 • Crossville Chronicle

5

Fight chronic conditions with healthy living

By Heather Mullinix Chronicle assistant editor

Chronic health conditions can rob seniors of some of the joy of their golden years, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

Managing conditions such as diabetes or arthritis can help seniors reduce complications, reduce pain, and increase enjoyment of life.

Kelli Bottoms, director of the Cumberland County Extension Service, teaches classes in the community that help seniors, and others, learn how to manage these conditions.

“There are so many stories over the last 10 years of people who have seen dramatic improvement with these classes,” Bottoms said.

With her speciality in family and consumer science, Bottoms is trained to offer research-based classes such as an arthritis exercise class, a Take Charge of Your Diabetes class, Dining with Diabetes, Live Better with Chronic Conditions and Tai Chi for arthritis.

She is currently teaching a weekly arthritis exercise class at Fair Park Senior Center on Livingston Rd. on Tuesdays from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m., and is about to launch a Take Charge of Your Diabetes class in cooperation with the Cumberland County Health Department. That class begins April 6.

“There is no cure for diabetes,” Bottoms said. “But, people can become better self-managers of their disease.”

That includes learning about the special dietary

needs of people with diabetes and learning how to read nutrition labels, to exercising and monitoring and controlling blood glucose with medication as necessary. Proper management of diabetes is important to avoid devastating health complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and more.

“The caregivers take this, as well,” Bottoms said.

“So many are glad because they’re the ones cooking or helping with meals.”

Arthritis affects 1.5 million Tennesseans and it is photo submitted the leading cause of disability in the United States. Many seniors have taken part in the Arthritis Exercise class offered by Kelli Bottoms at the Fair Park Senior The joint pain, stiffness and Center. Classes are held once a week for six weeks. swelling can be debilitating, but it can be effectively managed.

Exercise is a big part of that management plan.

Research has found getting the blood moving around those painful areas can help to relieve some pain. Exercise also helps combat pain and fatigue.

The arthritis exercise class includes flexibility, balance and general range of motion exercises, with a brief health education component.

All of the exercises can be done seated, if necessary, or even while lying in bed, and the exercises are low impact.

“We get people moving and working on range of motion. If something hurts, we stop,” she said.

The goal, Bottoms said, is to help people start to See fight page 11

6 Crossville Chronicle • Senior Living 2015

Smartphone technology works with Beltone First

By Heather Mullinix Chronicle assistant editor

Duane Laws dials a number on his iPhone. When the office to Crossville’s Beltone office answers, the 83-yearold Clarkrange resident can easily hear the lady on the other side. New technology has made it possible to wirelessly stream the phone call audio into his Beltone First hearing aids.

“It was a great selling point,” Laws said of his first iPhone device, equipped with the Beltone First app.

That ability to make calls and communicate is especially useful to someone with hearing loss, Perry A. Ebel, president/CEO of Beltone Hearing Aid Centers, Tennessee, explained.

“The phone has technical limitations. It doesn’t give us all the voice frequencies,” he said. “Someone with hearing loss, they can hear the phone in both ears. That’s

5 STARS ***** TOP RATING FROM FEDERAL REGULATORS Heather Mullinix/Chronicle

Ted Day, hearing instrument specialist, goes through features of the Beltone First app with Duane Laws of Clarkrange. a tremendous increase in understanding. Now, they’re getting the clarity of it and adjust the volume as needed.”

This is the newest frontier of wearable technology, Ebel said. “It’s the first hearing aid that takes all of these

abilities and brings it into a single device that’s directly compatible with the smart phones.”

Ebel added an Android version had just been announced.

See technology page 13

Monterey, TN -- Standing Stone Care & Rehab Center is proud to announce that it has received a five-star rating (the highest rating given) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal government agency tasked with oversight of nursing home quality.

Standing Stone Care & Rehab Center is a 104-bed skilled-nursing and rehabilitation center located at 410 West Crawford Ave. in Monterey, TN. The center provides comprehensive behavioral services for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Additional services include respiratory, physical, occupational and speech therapies; a full-time chaplain and spiritual programming; vibrant quality of life/activities programming; and more.

Standing Stone Care & Rehab Center is one of 126 locations operated by Louisville, Ky.-based Signature HealthCARE. More than a fourth of Signature’s nursing homes have five-star CMS rankings, and nearly half have four- or five-star rankings.

Under the five-star rating system, nursing homes are assessed in three main categories: health inspections, quality measures and staffing. The overall rating combines scores received in each of the three categories.

The system is intended to help consumers, families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily and identify areas about which they would like to learn more.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our staff at Standing Stone Care & Rehab Center,” said facility Administrator/CEO, Cindy Wilson. “It is because of their daily commitment, diligence, hard work and compassion that we received the five-star rating which, most importantly, is a reflection of the care we are providing and that our residents and patients so deserve.”

We Offer

Protecting Your HOME Protecting Your FAMILY Protecting Your LIFESTYLE

PRIVATE REHAB SUITES! Newly Renovated

MEMORY CARE UNIT

For those with Alzheimers and Dementia

Farm Bureau INSURANCE

For more information about Standing Stone Care & Rehab Center

Auto • Home • Life • Health

or visit standingstonecare.com

Tennessee

Tennessee Farmers Insurance

855 West Avenue Crossville, TN 38555 • 931-484-5131 • www.fbitn.com

call 931-839-2244

For more information about Signature, visit www.ltcrevolution.com.

Also take a Virtual Tour ONLINE @ standingstonecare.com

Senior Living March 2015 • Crossville Chronicle

4-30-15

4-30-15

4-30-15

7

8 Crossville Chronicle • Senior Living 2015

In vestm en t In sigh t: Turn M a rket Vo la tility to Yo ur Ad va n ta ge Has the recent market volatility made you wonder how to invest now?

If so, you’re not alone. When markets turn shaky, even the most experienced individual investors take time to consider carefully the best moves to make in light of the changing investment landscape. That said, here are some strategies that you can employ today: Make sure you’re adequately diversified.

At the end of a lengthy period of rising stock prices, many investors often have too much money invested in one investment type (e.g. small cap stocks) or sector (energy).

The main reasons: Those investments or sectors have performed significantly better than their other holdings, and, encouraged by this good performance, individuals have sought to boost the return of their portfolio by increasing their exposure to these investments over time. Or perhaps, because they have performed well, they have become an oversized position relative to the rest of the portfolio.

That said, now’s a good time to make sure you are not heavily weighted in those investments. Stocks that have widely outperformed the market for a long time tend to be vulnerable to underperformance during a period of market uncertainty.

Look for value among solid companies selling at deflated prices.

How often have you said, “I wished I owned a certain stock when it was selling at a particular price?”

The good news is that market pullbacks often present numerous opportunities to purchase high-quality stocks at cheap prices.

For example, at the bottom of the bear market that ended in March

2009, you could have bought many blue chips at around half their current value. While a bear market does not appear imminent, now’s a good time to research some of those blue chips to determine prices that make them good long-term investments.

Use fixed-income securities to help limit risk in your portfolio.

Fixed-income securities, such as corporate, municipal and government bonds, generate a steady stream of income that can help to offset any depreciation among your equity holdings.

The percentage of your portfolio that you should allocate to fixedincome securities now depends on several factors, such as your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance level.

I can help recommend the percentage to invest in fixed-income securities for your unique needs.

Avoid the tendency to time the market.

When markets are volatile, many investors mistakenly believe they can jump in and out of stocks to bolster returns. But this strategy is about as reliable as trying to pick the Super Bowl winner before the regular season has been played. What’s more, it can be costly because you wind up chasing performance -- buying stocks after they’ve had a strong run and no longer sell at attractive valuations.

And when you buy any stock mainly because it’s rising, you have less conviction to hold it when it falls, making you vulnerable to selling at a loss.

Verify before you buy.

Even when all the talk about a company is compelling, and the reasons to buy it are difficult to ignore, don’t get too enthusiastic about investing right away. Do the

research to help ensure that all the hype is worth the investment.

By the time the good news about a particular investment reaches the ears of the public via the news media and bloggers, for example, and then makes its way around the cocktail party circuit, much, if not all, of that information may already be reflected in its valuation -- which leads us to the final strategy and arguably the most important.

Depend on professional management.

During periods of heightened market volatility, security selection becomes significantly important in adding value to any portfolio.

Unfortunately, many individuals become so unnerved by market swings they make decisions based on emotion instead of fundamentals.

Experienced investment professionals are prepared to handle this all-important responsibility of stock selection based on facts, not fiction. They methodically and unemotionally monitor the markets and economy daily, looking for trends to increase returns and insulate your assets from undue risk; and that’s where I come in.

A Final Word.

No one can accurately predict how long a current pullback will last.

However, even if the market continues to fall, take heart in the fact that, while past performance is no guarantee of future results, the major large-cap indexes — the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite, have rebounded from every major market downturn in history.

The complexities of building, preserving and passing along wealth have never been greater. Affluent

investors are increasingly seeking guidance and comprehensive solutions that consider their unique circumstances and long-term goals.

It’s my pleasure to work with such individuals to offer insight, advice and solutions in helping them pursue their goals.

For more information on how you may further capitalize on current market conditions and add safeguards to your portfolio, please call me. As always, I will take the time to meet your individual needs.

Hilliard Lyons Advertorial

Senior Living March 2015 • Crossville Chronicle

9

10 Crossville Chronicle • Senior Living 2015

The land of Volunteers

Cibella uses time, talents to touch many lives

By Rebekah K. Bohan non B eeler

a-long with the residents of the home, thereby kindling that volunteer spirit in future generations.

“They loved it,” said Cibella. “The girls did wonderfully and they said please come back anytime. We would like to continue to do a mission trip where the girls can interact. Interaction is what is so good for the girls to learn how it would be working in missions and working with people.”

Cibella is also involved with a quilting circle at the church which makes quilts for law enforcement officers to keep in their trunks. When officers arrive at a situation, whether it be a house

Chronicle correspondent

It is no secret that Tennessee is noted for its volunteerism. A volunteer is someone who freely offers to do something. Volunteers do not have to freely offer, but they certainly have a heart for it. Nancy Cibella is one of those volunteers. She has always had a heart for people and gives of her time and talents what she can. All that is required is a passion Cibella moved to Lake Tansi in 2008 from Ohio, having worked with special needs preschoolers for 28 years as an assistant teacher. In the fall of 2009, Cibella began volunteering at Brown Elementary conducting reading groups. She takes one group at a time and does the assigned reading with them and talks about the story.

“They ask some cute questions sometimes,” Cibella laughed. “The children so appreciate my being there and it’s just somebody showing interest in them, I think. I enjoy it and they enjoy it so much and they often ask if I could come in every day.”

Continuing to volunteer with the school, Cibella reads to Janet Nelson’s third grade class once a week. No one particular moment stands out more than another, but the overwhelming interest the children show her and in the different kinds of reading is one of her many favorite things about reading to the children.

“I think it helps their

Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler/Chronicle

Nancy Cibella enjoys giving her time reading to the children to Mrs. Nelson’s 3rd grade class, helping the grateful students with their work and allowing their teacher to have invaluable one-on-one student time with the others. Everyone benefits when Mrs. Nancy, as the children call her, comes to volunteer. self-esteem knowing that somebody who doesn’t have to do this comes in and takes the time to be with them,” said Cibella.

“To reach out to another human being, and show love and compassion, is rewarding.”

Cibella loves to have the group discussion about the story because the children are so very honest.

“I love to read because I can go any place in the world if I can just get a book,” said Cibella. “I like to explain to them the benefits and encourage them in their reading. They are very open and honest with me and I love that about the children.”

Cibella is also involved with many missions at Lantana Road Baptist Church. She works in the

nursery, sings in the choir and is the Girls in Action (GA) leader for the fourth through sixth grade girls.

The GA’s have a mission trip in the summers sowing seeds of volunteer-

ism. For the past couple of years, the GA’s have visited a Baptist group home for mentally handicapped adults. The GA’s take gifts, play games, eat lunch, and hold a sing-

Volunteer Cashiers Needed

fire or domestic problem, where children are involved they can wrap up the children in a blanket made by the loving hands of the quilting group, providing such wonderful comfort at a time that is potentially very stressful for little ones.

“We provide the officers with quilts and stuffed animals so they can give them to little victims,” said Cibella. “The police told us that the children like the blankets better than the animals; that they respond to them more than the animals.”

Cibella has a nephew who was born with See talents page 12

ARTHRITIS? DIABETES? FOOT PROBLEMS? Come in Today and See...

Melissa A. Poore CFts, Certified Fitter - therapeutic shoes

Call Melissa today for healthier, happier feet!

Melissa has been licensed for ten years in fitting therapeutic shoes. If you suffer from arthritis, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, or have other foot complications - prescription diabetic footwear can help provide the extra protection your feet need. Melissa can help you find the right footwear for your feet while giving you many styles and colors to choose from..

In-Office and Home Consultations 931-484-9001 1645 South Main Street Suite 104

Senior Living March 2015 • Crossville Chronicle

11

Rebounding from a late start to retirement saving Some people do not have the ability to begin saving for retirement early on. Others may have brushed retirement savings aside for so long that they are now worried that it’s too late to begin socking away money for retirement.

While it’s best to start saving for retirement as early as possible, the good news is that it’s never too late to start planning for retirement. If your 40th birthday has long passed and you’re finally thinking ahead to retirement, consider these catchup strategies.

• Research tax-advantageous retirement savings plans. A financial planner can point you in the right direction, or consult with your employer about employee programs. Deposit money into a 401(k) or 403(b) plan or another retirement vehicle. Jump on any opportunities when your employer matches invested funds. Investigate an IRA and find out if there are any government incentives.

Depending on your age, you may be able to deposit more money into such accounts than other investors.

• Cut back on expens-

es. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses is a great way to save more money for retirement. Figure out where you can save some money you can then allocate to retirement savings. Maybe you can reduce insurance coverage on an older car or raise your deductible?

Downsize cable packages or skip that costly cup of coffee on the way to work. Perhaps it’s time to look for a smaller, less expensive home or a compact car instead of an SUV. Any money saved now will benefit you when the time comes time to bid farewell to the workforce.

• Delay your retirement.

Many people who retire find themselves bored and looking for ways to fill their time, and as a result more and more people are delaying their retirement, which also gives them more time to save for that day when they do call it quits. If you want to work less, discuss and negotiate a phased retirement with your bosses that allows you to stick with your employer but gradually work fewer hours until you retire completely. You may be able to work part-time for several years and retire when you’re

FIGHT

she was walking a mile,” Bottoms said. “We have so many stories people have shared of the difference they believe these classes have made in their lives.

That makes you feel good.”

To learn more about programs offered by the Cumberland County Extension Service, contact the office at (931) 484-6743.

• Continued from 5 take those small steps that can lead to more improvement.

She recalled a lady who enrolled in a diabetes management class. Her goal was to walk on her own without her walker. When she began, she had to sit down to complete her dishwashing. But every day she would walk a little more, first in the hall at her home.

“By the end of the class,

n Heather Mullinix may be reached at hmullinix@ crossville-chronicle.com.

most comfortable.

• Consider more aggressive funds. Even if you are 50 you still have a few decades before retirement, which leaves lots of time to grow your retirement savings. But you may want to consider more aggressive funds that can help you catch up more quickly than less aggressive investments. Just know that aggressive funds may also leave you susceptible to substantial losses.

• Don’t amass debt. If you’re saving for retirement but only paying minimum balances on your credit cards, then you’re not really saving. Pay down credit card debt before you begin to set aside money for retirement.

Delaying retirement planning may mean you have to work a little harder to build up a solid reserve. But by following some financial tips and persevering, you can still enjoy retirement with security.

PATIO LIVING...

From One Senior To Another!

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS Factory Direct Buyer

Ca llto sched u le yo u r FREE hea rin g screen in g .

Outdoor Furniture Specialist 931-761-8020 • 1-877-387-1313 Tues.-Thurs. 10-4, Fri. - Sat. 10-3 After Hours Appointments Welcomed

6630 Smithville Hwy. Sparta, TN 38583

Map Available at www.funpatio.com

Cro ssville,TN 931-707-9543

Co o keville,TN 931-526-1711

S p a rta ,TN 931-837-0396

12 Crossville Chronicle • Senior Living 2015

Travel benefits for those ages 50 and up

One of the best things about aging is being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor without as many obligations as you might have had when you were a younger adult.

For example, many men and women have a lot more freedom to travel once they turn 50.

Many of today’s older adults have a wealth of discretionary time, and those who focused on retirement planning from an early age have the money to fund a recreational lifestyle. Travel companies and other businesses understand that Baby Boomers and other seniors are valuable customers and are rolling out the red carpet with a bevy of discounts and perks.

AARP Services, Inc. has long been a trusted resource in senior-based information and resources. The organization continues to broker relationships with various com-

TALENTS

• Continued from 10 spinabifida and she was amazed at how incredible his mother was with him.

When she starting working with special needs children, it fulfilled her to no end. She also became a foster parent and she has tried to keep in mind what she heard a teacher said about working with children that “It is not patience, it is understanding.”

Her church sewing group made 480 pillow cases dresses to send with a mission group to Honduras and aprons for the women there.

“I may only be able to touch two lives,” said Cibella, “but many volunteers can touch many lives. I love what I’m doing so I’m doing a little bit of good where I can.”

available to men and women over 50. All consumers need to do is inquire about such benefits. When in doubt, log on to the company’s website or give their customer service department a call.

Here are some other ways to secure deals on travel and other services.

• Do some networking.

Fellow seniors who log in to chat rooms or who are members of social clubs may have the inside scoop on agebased travel deals. Learn the ropes from others who have been there before you and take notes on which companies offer the best deals.

• Read the fine print.

See travel page 15

AcuteCare

Clinic,Inc

Use your retirement to see the world and experience things you dreamed of doing during your working years. panies to arrange deals on travel-related services and products for older men and women. Members of AARP can link directly to deals Whatever your interests may be, there is a need that can be filled. Working with people and enriching the community with the spirit of volunteerism is what makes the world, and most especially Tennessee, a better place.

There are many volunteer opportunities in Cumberland County whether it be working with children, animals or helping in the thrift stores, book lovers volunteering at the library, there is always a place to help. One thing for sure and certain is that Tennessee volunteers do not do it for the recognition.

“I don’t want any accolades or praise for what I do here,” said Cibella.

“But, I do want people to see that there are opportunities [to volunteer].”

Find your niche, there is always a need.

through the organization’s website.

In addition to companies

that work with AARP, many other travel companies have discounts or other perks

In Home Care For A Loved One

Comfort Keepers provides the kind of trusted, in-home care that helps people maintain full and independent lives, right in the comfort of their own home.

Our Comfort Keepers are carefully screened, trained, bonded, and insured. ®

SERVICES Companionship • Cooking, Light Housekeeping, Errands, Shopping Incidental Transportation • Laundry • Recreation - Crafts Personal Care - Grooming, Dressing Guidance Medication Reminders • Emergency Response Systems

For more information call today.

80 Miller Avenue Suite 103 Crossville ® Comforting Solutions for In-Home Care 931-456-9000

352 Lantana Road Crossville, TN 38555 Phone: (931) 484-5379 Fax: (931) 484-5946

HOURS: Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

Charles “Steve” Clifton, PA-C Jill K. Denney, PA-C

APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED Call for Walk-In Availability!

Acute and Chronic Illnesses such as High Blood Pressure, Migraines, Shingles, Flu-like symptoms, Diabetes, Arthritis, treatment of minor lacerations and injuries, joint injections, respiratory infections, sports physicals, DOT and wellness exams.

We participate with many insurance plans, including Medicare. Please call for more information.

We look forward to serving your healthcare needs!

Senior Living March 2015 • Crossville Chronicle

Aging & Driving Getting behind the wheel and enjoying the freedom to travel is a luxury few are anxious to abandon. But there comes a time in nearly every person’s life when he or she must take inventory of his or her driving and assess if that next joy ride is a safe and smart decision.

Driving may help older adults remain independent and mobile, but the chance for a motor vehicle accident increases as one ages.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says fatal crash rates per mile traveled increase starting at age 75 and increase notably after age 80. This is largely due to increased susceptibility to injury and medical complications among older drivers rather than an increased tendency to get into crash-

es. Road accidents tend to increase around a person’s 65th birthday.

Authorities in Canada require physicians to warn patients if the doctors have any concerns about their patients’ ability to drive.

Doctors also must report these concerns. There are no such requirements in the United States, where individual drivers and families must use their own judgement to decide if it is still safe for a particular person to be on the road.

Minor fender benders, traffic citations, trouble remembering directions or frequently visited stores, may be early indications that a driver is no longer at his or her best behind the wheel. Some experts say that families should institute driving directives, much in the way a per-

son would spell out medical desires or end-of-life plans. This way, when the time comes to assess driving ability, the conversation already has been started.

There is no set age when a person’s keys should be taken away, as aging does not guarantee drivers’ abilities will decline. In fact, there are many things people can do to prolong their time on the road.

• Get routine vision and hearing checks. These examinations will help to determine your fitness to be on the road and shed light on any issues that need to be addressed.

Those who wear contact lenses or glasses may need to update their prescriptions.

• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can affect the body in many ways, including

TECHNOLOGY

on voice.”

The end goal is to help users not only hear better, but hear more accurately.

“They hear the sound, but they may hear parts of the word. It changes the meaning of the sentence,” Ebel explained. “Unlike the wearable technology in the wrist where you have to make the adjustments, this is a smart device. Not only does it give you feedback on the environments that you’re listening to, it automatically makes adjustments to compensate for those environments.”

The phone can also act as a remote microphone for the user. This can be useful in large auditorium settings, such as church. The user can turn the phone on and place it on the podium and have the sermon broadcast directly to the hearing aids. It can also connect to a television with other accessories.

The phone app also pro-

vides information on hearing aid battery life and the location of hearing aids if they have been misplaced.

Ted Day, hearing instrument specialist and a user himself, said he was enjoying his Beltone First and his first iPhone. He has been listening to Pandora Internet radio through the hearing devices.

“This is my first week having these new hearing aids,” Day said. “I’m 72 years old. I’m learning all this stuff for the first time.”

The Beltone First also provides customization to address up to 90 percent of all hearing losses. This is especially important since hearing loss is progressive.

Adjustments in the software and settings can be used to help adjust as hearing needs change over time.

• Continued from 6 “This is the very definition of wearable technology,” Ebel said. “Not only are they great hearing aids, and they do things hearing aids didn’t do before, but when you add to it the ability to go into the app and adjust volume as he needs to, if he needs to.”

Beltone First is able to not only amplify sound but process it. The hearing aid can shift sound frequencies to lower frequencies users are better able to hear. It is also Bluetooth compatible and dual processors. It can remember locations and the adjustments to volume made at that location previously, automatically making the change for the user.

“They’re able to listen to different environments and analyze it to make adjustments,” Ebel said. “They can decrease noise and focus

n Heather Mullinix may be reached at hmullinix@ crossville-chronicle.com.

13

Driving ability may decline as drivers age. But certain steps can keep seniors on the road longer. reducing reaction time.

Falling asleep while driving can compromise the safety of drivers, their passengers and fellow motorists.

• Know your medica-

tions. Certain medications can make you drowsy, so read the labels so you know not to drive while taking them. Speak with your doctor to see if there are any substitutes that won’t affect

your performance behind the wheel.

• Recognize your limitations. You may not like driving at night or in See driving page 15

14 Crossville Chronicle • Senior Living 2015

6 tips to keep your home safe and secure ing the day. Oftentimes, seniors will get into a regular schedule like meeting a group of friends for breakfast at 7 a.m. every Tuesday. Create an irregular schedule for your weekly activities so people won’t be able to anticipate when you’re home or away.

(BPT) - Safety is a big concern for seniors and their families, especially as more baby boomers are embracing aging at home.

Homes they’ve owned for decades that were perfect for raising children may not be as accommodating for people who may suffer from poor eye sight, unsteady balance or memory issues.

Many home updates can help protect senior family members, allowing them to enjoy their homes for many more years. These tips will help protect the privacy and safety of older residents.

1.

Home exterior security — A security alarm system is always a good idea, and many will also connect to fire protection services as well. Sliding and patio doors are among the least secure entrances to a home, so install a security bar to resist any type of forced entry into the home.

2.

Keep extra keys secure — Many family members of seniors like to have access to a home so they can check on their loved ones. Instead of hiding the keys under a fake rock in the yard, protect them with a key safe. The safe attaches over the door handle for easy accessibility and requires a fourbutton push code to reveal the keys. It’s also great for emergency situations if a family member accidentally locks the keys inside the house on a cold night.

3. Install security lights

— Exterior lights help discourage unwanted guests, so install additional lights

6.

Your home is your castle. Keep it safe from intruders, both the flesh and bone and the virtual kind, by securing entrances, keeping valuables safe, and protecting online information from would-be scammers and theives. on all sides of the home and out in the yard’s landscaping. You can install motion-sensor lights if you don’t want them shining all night long, but you might notice nighttime critters like owls and raccoons will set the lights off.

4.

Give valuables a safe home — Many baby boomers have accumulated a lifetime of treasures with real and sentimental value.

Smaller items like jewelry, credit cards and cash can easily be stored in a portable safe, perfect for traveling around the world or even to visit grandchildren.

For important documents like wills and legal documents, a fire-resistant safe is a good option.

5.

Create a flexible schedule — Because they’re retired, seniors are able to leave the house for different activities dur-

LOWER RATES AND GREAT COVERAGE

are only the beginning...

• Claim-Free Discounts • Good Driver Discounts • Home/Auto Package Discounts • Higher Deductible Discounts • Multi-Vehicle Discounts • And Many More!

456-9491 or 456-4271

1090 Miller Avenue, Crossville, TN

Digital safety is important, too — In today’s digital world, computer passwords are the keys to valuable personal information. It is recommended that you use a unique smart password — one that contains capital and lower case letters, numbers and symbols — for every digital account. It’s difficult for most people to remember multiple passwords, so many write them down,

which can make them vulnerable to theft. There are free digital safe deposit boxes that are perfect for securing passwords, credit card numbers and digital copies of important documents. These can also be accessed from a smartphone at any time.

With these security tips, seniors can enjoy spending many more years — comfortable and safe — in their homes.

Extra time?

Volunteer!

Senior Living March 2015 • Crossville Chronicle

15

Exercise your mind to to stay mentally sharp Many people know that a combination of a healthy diet and routine exercise is the best way to maintain their physical health.

But what about mental well-being? Memory lapses are often assumed to be an accepted side effect of aging, but such an assumption is incorrect, as there are many steps men and women can take to maintain their mental acuity well into their golden years.

• Find time for cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can help men and women maintain healthy weights and reduce their risk for potentially deadly ailments like diabetes and heart disease.

But cardiovascular exercise also can boost brain power.

Cardiovascular exercise pumps oxygen-rich blood

to the brain, and that blood contains glucose that can fuel brain cells. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens blood vessels, which can help prevent potentially devastating diseases, such as stroke, that can have a lasting and negative impact on cognitive function.

• Find time for friends and family. Many people need no reason to socialize, but those that do can now cite boosting brain function as a great reason to get together with family and friends. Routine socialization can keep a brain sharp by reducing its levels of cortisol, a potentially destructive hormone brought on by stress. Researchers also believe that routine interaction with other people stimulates structures in the brain’s frontal lobe that are

TRAVEL

are not typically advertised, so you may need to speak with an airline representative to secure the discount.

Seniors also can request special services, such as baggage assistance, priority seating and a ride to the gate, at the airport.

• Embrace flexibility in scheduling. Unlike students or business travelers, seniors tend to have freedom with regard to the days of the week when they can travel.

You have the flexibility to go and come as you please without having to coordinate with vacation time or school breaks. Use this to your advantage and travel during off-peak times when crowds will be small and rates may be lower.

Don’t feel down if you’re approaching another milestone birthday. Entering into your golden years gives you access to a variety of perks and discounts that can save you time and money on travel.

• Continued from 12 Understand the details of senior discounts and compare them to other promotions offered to anyone, regardless of age. You may be able to get a better deal or combine offers if you’re not locked into a senior plan.

Also, check the dates when deals are valid to ensure you can travel when you want to.

• Always carry proof of age. Whether it is a driver’s license, AARP card, passport, or birth certificate, carry proof of your age at all times. You do not want to miss out on a discount because you cannot verify you are 50 or older. Though being mistaken as younger could be a boost to your ego, it will not benefit your bottom line.

• Explore airline perks.

Men and women 55 and older may be eligible for “golden-agers” discounts at major airlines. Such deals

likely responsible for planning, decision making and response control.

• Squeeze in a nap every so often. Naps can have a reenergizing effect on men and women, but a study from German researchers also found that naps also can improve memory.

In the study, researchers divided participants into three groups: people who would stay awake for 60

minutes; people who would sleep for six minutes; and people who would sleep for 30 to 45 minutes. After the hour was up, participants were given a word recall test, and those who slept performed better on the test than those who hadn’t. But the development that was perhaps most interesting was that those who slept for just six minutes performed just as well on the test as

DRIVING

safer on the road, but it also may help reduce your insurance rates.

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to quit driving right away. Recognize the signs of a decline in driving ability and figure out how long it is safe to remain behind the wheel.

• Continued from 13 inclement weather. Stick to driving when you feel most comfortable.

• Enroll in a refresher course. Sign up for a defensive driving course to review your driving skills.

Not only may it make you

those who slept for far longer, leading researchers to suggest that men and women need not take long naps to improve their memories.

• Include fish in your diet. A study from researchers at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center found that people who eat

fish once per week have a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who do not include fish in their weekly diets. Researchers credit this lower risk to DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is found in both the brain and in fish such as salmon and tuna.

STATE PARKS

Homestead Harvest Restaurant at Cumberland Mountain State Park

CATFIT YOGA

love your body, love yourself Enjoy the com pa ny offriends a nd fa m ily a tidyllic C um berla nd M ounta in.Loca tion on scenic Byrd La ke, the Hom estea d Ha rvestResta ura ntserves a va riety of fa m ily fa vorites.Plea se join us!

Be sure to try our commemorative Tennessee State Parks 75th Anniversary Stonehaus Seyval Blanc.

Our 75th Anniversary wine may also be purchased through Stonehaus Winery.

We have classes for ALL levels & ALL ages!

Try Our “Gentle Yoga” class

on Monday & Wednesdays from 9:30a - 10:30a

*6 Instructors *Multiple Styles of Yoga *Private Lessons *Personal Training *All Fitness Levels *Health Coaching *Varying Degrees of Difficulty

CatFit Yoga Cathleen Reid & Lauren Scurlock Co-Owners

231 East 1st Street, Suite 105 • Crossville

For More Information Call Or Visit 931.787.7859 • www.catfityoga.com

www.facebook.com/catfityoga

HOURS: Monday: Closed, Sunday through Thursday Lunch Only 11 am 2:30 pm, Friday and Saturday Lunch: 11 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 4 pm - 8pm

Cabin Rentals Year Round

Call For More Information

24 Office Drive • Crossville, TN Call 931-484-7186 for reservation or more information

16 Crossville Chronicle • Senior Living 2015