Blue Slipper Stories - November 2019

Blue Slipper Stories

Widows Guild Newsletter ̵ November 2019

WELCOME OUR NEW RELATIONS ADMINISTRATOR Linda Jackson has recently joined us as Relations Administrator. She brings with her a depth of experience and a passion for mission to her new role.

Throughout her career, Linda has worked in a variety of leadership roles for both private and notfor-profit organizations. Her desire to help others has been a cornerstone in her life.

As Relations Administrator, Linda’s goal is to connect with Masonic widows and provide them

with information about available resources to meet their needs. Linda looks forward to meeting Widow’s Guild members and growing this network of support to ensure no member feels alone in life’s journey.

Linda holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Penn State University. She is the mother of three adult children and a certified spinning instructor. She enjoys riding her bicycle and caring for her two rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Linda would love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out to her at 717-367-1121, ext. 33497 or lmjackson@masonicvillages.org.

Build local relationships by participating in the Guild Directory!

Thank you to the many women who participated in the first edition of the Widows’ Guild Directory which allows members to share their contact information with others in this group. Participating members are organized by county to encourage local ladies to reach out to each other, make connections or organize a get together! If you are interested in being part of the directory in the future, please call 1-800-599-6454 or complete the coupon below and mail to Masonic Village, Widows’ Guild Program, Berks Building, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

FULL NAME _____________________________________________________________ PHONE # ___________________________________ ADDRESS

______________________________________________ EMAIL ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________ *By sharing the above, I agree to receive communication via email.

*We will print and mail an updated directory in 2020. Current Directory participants do not need to resubmit information, but can call 800-599-6454 with any address changes. If we do not receive this slip, you will not be included in the directory. Thank you!

“Words to the Wise”

as well as how your assets will be spent.

At Masonic Villages, PA Masons and their family members, as well as PA Eastern Star members, are provided compassionate care even if they have limited or no assets. This means, depending on space available, they can be accepted for retirement living or health care services.

by Brother Alvin H. Blitz, Esq. Chief Gift Planning Officer, Masonic Villages

QUESTION: An important option for everyone to consider for their future is, “Should I move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)?”

ANSWER: For almost 20 years, I have worked with fellow brethren, their spouses and widows, who have prepared for their “golden years” with varied success. It is always unfortunate to see those who have failed to plan for their later years. Being prepared for the aging process will definitely lead to a “soft landing” when, or if, you face declining health. A measured plan for your future care also takes the stress off of you and your loved ones. Please consider these factors: 1. Update your Will and/or Trusts, and Living Will along with a financial power of attorney (POA) and medical POA. Be thorough in making proper arrangements for all scenarios in life.

Discuss with your loved ones and POAs where you want to live while receiving care and how you would like to address declining health issues.

2. It can be overwhelming to move out of your home, so start the process of downsizing your personal possessions now. Being proactive about these choices is easier than waiting until a situation arises forcing you into high-stress decision making.

3. Research your next move. In order to establish a plan that you and your loved ones are confident in, visit several CCRCs to find one that is right for you. Consider the lifestyle, quality of care and asset management provided at each organization. Look into a number of home health care agencies, too. Weigh the pros and cons of each, and determine what options you can afford.

a. At most CCRCs, you can live independently, receive home health care and progress to a place for continued nursing care, if needed. Consider the kind of health care you may need through all stages of life,

b. Be aware of the limitations and costs of home health care. Do you have the funds to pay for this kind of care? Plan ahead for a full-time health care system in the event that home health care is not sustainable and moving to a health care center is necessary.

4. DO NOT WAIT! Most reputable CCRCs will have several year waiting lists. Masonic Village is here to help no matter your situation or stage of life, but the earlier you start the process, the more options you will have! If you have questions on where to begin, please call 800-599-6454 to speak to the Relations Administrator. Making well measured decisions enables you to take charge of your life in a meaningful way!

A ROADMAP TO A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY Most life stories include hills, valleys and unexpected curves where we face change. We are all different in how we react to and interpret those changes. In a society where individuals wish to be free and independent throughout old age, mental and physical health are essential factors in bearing the twists and turns along our journey(s).

Research shows that attitude, activity level and diet determine how well we protect ourselves from mental and physical ailments. Dr. Lisa Yanek, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine for Johns Hopkins Medicine, studied the effects of positive thinking. She found optimists more likely to have improved outcomes regardless of their diagnosis, whereas negative thinkers tend to have weaker immune responses.1 It is common to feel loneliness, depression and anxiety, but when we follow a roadmap of positive thoughts and actions,

you. Focused activity trains and develops your brain to compensate for age-related cognitive changes and memory loss.2 Stay Connected: Call or visit friends and family, join a senior center or other community organization. Creating social opportunities decreases the likelihood of feeling isolated or depressed. Socializing with others connects you to the world, exercises the brain and improves your well-being.3

it often leads to brighter destinations!

Some obstacles are beyond our control, but there are strategies to cope with the bumpy roads of life.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are five tips to developing a healthier state of mind and a stronger body.

These tips lead us to living our best and most independent lives.2 Physical Health: Sleeping 7-8 hours each night rests and rejuvenates mind and body. If applicable, quit smoking and limit use of alcohol. Visit your doctor for a well visit to discuss health screenings, chronic problems and medication.

Healthy Foods: Drink more water! Add more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet.

Eat proteins like fish, poultry, nuts and low-fat or non-fat dairy products. Keep a food journal and talk with a professional about what is best for you.

Fitness: Any activity you are able to do is worth doing! Walk, dance, swim, do yoga or seated chair exercises. Thirty minutes of activity per day is ideal, but trying five minutes at a time can increase blood flow to your body and brain.3 It is best to consult your healthcare provider about recommended activities.

Engage Your Mind: Play games, read books, create art, play an instrument, use a different recipe or learn something new! Whether you are active at home or you join a group, your brain will thank

Some of these tips may be difficult depending on your living situation and your personal health. If your journey feels too lonely or too overwhelming, it may be time to consider another bend in the road. Talk to a healthcare provider, family member or counselor about options that suit your lifestyle.

It is always better to plan for a detour than to get lost somewhere along the way.

The Power of Positive Thinking, Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org 1

Cognitive Health and Older Adults, NIH, https://www.nia. nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults 2

How to Keep Your Brain Fit, Marisa Cohen, www.webmd. com/brain/features/keeping-your-brain-fit-for-life 3

GAIN STRENGTH THROUGH GIVING BACK Did you know that a quarter of the volunteers in America are people over 65 years of age?

According to AARP, 70% of these older volunteers who had previously experienced depression reported marked improvement after just one year of service to an organization of their choice. To combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, consider volunteer opportunities near you! There are many options: religious institutes, schools, museums, libraries, clothing and food drives, mentoring and more. If you are interested in enriching your community while nurturing your own health, visit www.seniorcorpsofpa.org or call 800-870-2616 to learn more about volunteer opportunities that mean something to you.

Masonic Outreach Program One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Blue Slipper Stories

Widows Guild Newsletter ̵ October 2019

Contact Us

If you or someone you know is interested in the services offered by the Masonic Outreach Program

Masonic Outreach Program One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 1-800-462-7664 outreach@masonicvillages.org www.masonicvillages.org/outreach If you want to be removed from our mailing list, please contact us and let us know.

In This Issue...

NEW RELATIONS ADMINISTRATOR RESOURCE CORNER WORDS TO THE WISE A ROADMAP TO A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY GAIN STRENGTH THROUGH GIVING BACK The Pennsylvania Masonic Widows’ Guild is in place to recognize, honor and support the widows of Pennsylvania Masons. If you have questions about the Widows’ Guild, or would like to become a member and receive your blue slipper pin, please call Relations Administrator, Linda Jackson, at 1-800-599-6454