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Backward The Precision Care Revolution
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Why getting in-home care early keeps you in control
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Aging Backward: Why strength, fitness and vitality don’t have an expiration date The Independence Paradox: How in-home care keeps you in control When AI Enters the Room: How one independent practice is using artificial intelligence The Silent Delay: Why wait to treat hearing loss Find a Way Out of the Dark: For 25 years Ensight has been helping people deal with vision loss Light as Medicine: What UV and infrared light can do for your health The Holding Heart: Dr. Deborah Rutt brings Neuroscience into the therapy room
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Choosing the Right Senior Living Think Twice, Double Your Peace: Second visits for senior living communities
The Retirement Wild Card: A financial advisor’s guide to taming healthcare and long-term care costs Covering long-term care and financial transition steps Smart Tax Planning: How working with a trusted CPA early saves you money Dealth, Dying and End-of-Life Decisions: How to talk with lovedones about end-of-life choices Downsizing & Move Management: Practical strategies for sorting, decluttering and leveraging professionals Finding a Needle in a Coin Stack: Those pennies and nickles grandpa kept could be worth more than a piggy bank
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The Value of Volunteering Senior Services Directory
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Backward The Precision Care Revolution
How AI is transforming back pain, spine health and non-surgical recovery
The Independence Paradox
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Why getting in-home care early keeps you in control
The “Second Visit” Rule
Greg Stone
How to truly evaluate a senior living community before moving
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On The Cover Aging Backward: Why strength, fitness and vitality don’t have an expiration date. See article on page 8
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Why strength, fitness, and vitality don’t have an expiration date JULIE KAILUS Aging at Altitude
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ging “backward” isn’t about a time machine or a miracle cream. It’s about training to keep, or even gain, the things most of us assume we’ll surrender. Diane Smith, health and wellness program director at the Boulder YMCA, says you can train to maintain muscle, strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, agility and confidence at any age. Some changes are unavoidable, she says. But a sneaky second culprit is deconditioning. “If we start
Boulder Y SilverSneakers class. | Photo by Rian Nelson
lifting less, don’t challenge our balance, don’t move at a quick pace, or do things that require us to have good coordination, we will lose those abilities,” Smith says. “It may not be because of our age; it may just be that we aren’t asking our body to do those things.”
In other words, your body isn’t betraying you. It’s waiting for instructions.
Tailor-made, not one-sizefits-nobody
Kristen Ramsey, health and wellness director at the
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Lafayette YMCA, starts with questions that have nothing to do with squats. “What projects are you currently working on? Do you clean your own home? Do you live alone?” Her No. 1 goal is helping older adults handle daily activities and stay independent. From there, she builds the strength, balance, mobility and endurance that make everyday life “easier, safer and more enjoyable.” Dr. Alexander Duff of Terry Chiropractic takes a similar approach, assessing posture, spinal alignment, range of motion, strength and balance before designing a program. For older adults, he says, the goal “isn’t necessarily to do more or work harder,” but to move better and correct postural issues that speed up the aging process.
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the check-engine light: ignore it until it starts smoking. Duff suggests a gentler strategy. Address changes in strength, mobility, balance or posture early. “Think of your health as something you are continually investing in,” he says. His advice is refreshingly unglamorous. Find movement you enjoy, make it routine and bring in a qualified professional when you need guidance or modifications. “Your goals may change as you get older,” Duff says, “but there is always an
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opportunity to improve how you move, feel and function.”
Pickleball, anyone?
Smith says there’s a mental side to all this, too. “We start to hold ourselves back because of our age,” she says. We stop thinking of ourselves as athletes, beginners, competitors or people who can learn something hard. Her antidote is learning something new, whether that’s pickleball, Pilates, weights, swimming, dancing or yoga. Boulder Y SilverSneakers class. | Photo by Rian Nelson
Dr. Alexander Duff and Terry Chiropractic’s teaching skeleton “Skelly”. | Photo courtesy: Terry Chiropractic
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She’s especially fond of pickleball, where players move, strategize, react to others, coordinate hands and feet, socialize and have fun. That’s a workout for the body and brain. Smith also likes goals, whether it’s finishing a fitness class, hiking with the grandkids, or entering a tournament.
Something to aim for makes the effort feel less like homework. Ramsey says that’s the line she repeats most to her clients, because it’s so easy to give up. Her fix is simple: you never have to quit, just modify. Keep doing what you love, in whatever form works today. | AA
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Overall, care providers agree that the best time to consider help is before it feels necessary. | Photo courtesy: Home Instead
The Independence Paradox
How in-home care keeps you in control KRISTEN M. WHITE Aging at Altitude
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or aging adults and their families, accepting help, even when it’s minimal, such as housekeeping or transportation, can be difficult. But care providers want adults to see the positives and realize how great a little help can be. “Many families see in-home care as something to consider after a fall, hospitalization or other emergency,” said Judith Ashworth, owner of Dignity Care. “In reality, accepting a little help early can be one of the strongest ways to preserve independence.” Ashworth said in-home care doesn’t have to be extensive, and it doesn’t mean a senior is losing control in their life. Instead, it can help older adults stay in their homes longer and remain more independent in many aspects of their lives. Steven Stump, business
development advisor for Home Instead®, said many surveys show nearly nine in 10 older adults want to remain in their own home. And although the desire to age in place is high, most cannot do it without some support. Knowing that there is truly no place like home, Home Instead is another provider aiming to keep aging adults in their homes as long as possible. “Unfortunately, many seniors wait until a crisis occurs before accepting additional support,” Stump said. “However, early care can help prevent crises, reduce stress, support safer transitions and provide peace of mind for family members.” Early care is often small, daily tasks. Those might include transportation, help with meals, housekeeping, personal care, errand running or medication reminders. These things can help free up a senior to spend their time and energy on other things like hobbies, seeing friends, going to appointments or simply relaxing at home. “Independence doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself. It can mean having
the support necessary to keep living life on your terms,” Stump said. Also important, establishing relationships early with caregivers can give a loved one’s family peace of mind, knowing someone is watching out for the older adult. That caregiver might spot potential issues earlier. “Regular support can help establish routines and allow caregivers to notice changes in mobility, mood, appetite or day-to-day well-being,” Ashworth said. “Being proactive gives families time to establish that trusted relationship with a care team, and then if needs
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change later, the relationship and familiarity are already in place.” Stump said at Home Instead, the caregiving team tries to flip the “can’t” narrative around and instead focus on what seniors “want to continue doing. “We might start with a small area – such as transportation, housekeeping or grocery shopping – and show how assistance gives them more time and energy for the things they enjoy,” he said. “Starting small can make accepting feel like a lifestyle choice rather than a declaration of dependence.” Senior care spans a spectrum, beginning with non-medical in-home care. The next step is home health or skilled care, which is provided by licensed clinicians such as nurses or therapists. This care generally addresses medical or rehabilitative needs, usually under a physician’s plan of care. The final level of in-home care is hospice and palliative services, focusing on comfort, symptom management and quality of life for people with serious or terminal illnesses. Overall, care providers agree that the best time to consider help is before it feels necessary. “Starting early can make tomorrow’s choices easier, preserve confidence today and help seniors remain comfortable, connected and in control at home,” Ashworth said. | AA
Early care is often small, daily tasks. Those might include transportation, help with meals, housekeeping, personal care, errand running or medication reminders. | Photo courtesy: Home Instead
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How one independent practice is using artificial intelligence to reduce computer time and put the human connection back in medicine
HEALTHY AGING
REBECCA FURUTA Aging at Altitude
W When AI Enters
the Room
hen people imagine artificial intelligence transforming medicine, they often picture a future where technology replaces human interaction. But another possibility is that AI could make medicine more human by giving doctors back
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something technology has already taken: time with their patients. At Spine West, that idea is becoming part of a new chapter for a practice that has spent more than two decades focused on a very human approach to medicine. As a physiatry practice, Spine West specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, with an emphasis on restoring function, reducing pain and helping patients avoid surgery when possible. Its physicians use a range of interventional, rehabilitative and regenerative approaches, tailoring treatment to the individual. Now, under new owner Dr. Zach Richard, that commitment to individualized care continues as technology changes how some of that care is delivered. Richard isn’t new to Spine West, or to the philosophy
of care that has defined the practice for more than two decades. He completed medical school and his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Louisiana State University, where he served as chief resident, before coming to Spine West for an Interventional Spine and Interventional Sports Medicine fellowship. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound. That philosophy starts with time, which can be surprisingly hard to find in a doctor’s appointment. The computer is often part of the conversation now, as physicians spend much of a visit entering information into
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As a physiatry-based clinic, Spine West’s non-surgical care offers reduced downtime, regenerative medicine treatments that can build resiliency and strengthen muscles and joints, and advanced technological care that can eliminate or delay the need for invasive surgery. | Photo courtesy: Spine West
an electronic health record while trying to listen to the patient simultaneously. Richard sees AI as a way to take some of that work out of the room, so the technology can handle part of the documentation process while the doctor focuses on the
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person sitting in front of him. “I’ve been to providers where the person is typing through the whole appointment. AI lets us look up, talk to the patient and really engage with them. We can spend more time face-to-face with our patients
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and less time staring at the computer,” Richard says. That extra time can change more than the feel of an appointment. It gives patients more opportunity to explain what they are experiencing, ask questions and understand why a particular treatment is being recommended. For Richard, that is an important part of making patients active participants in their care rather than simply recipients of a doctor’s decision. The result is a more collaborative, patientcentered approach in which patients better understand their treatment options, what to expect and the goals they are working toward. AI can also enter the conversation before a patient ever walks into the exam room. Richard says patients sometimes come to appointments after using AI to learn more about their condition or generate a list of questions. When that happens, he can use those questions as a starting point for a conversation, helping patients sort through what they have found and understand how it applies, or doesn’t apply, to their particular situation. That distinction matters. AI can provide information, but information is not the same thing as medical expertise. A chatbot does not examine a patient, interpret their findings in context or know which details may change the diagnosis or treatment plan. “Medicine is still a skill-based profession that relies on individual expertise,” says Richard. Richard applies that same
standard to the AI he uses himself. Even when AI is simply transcribing a patient visit into a medical chart, he doesn’t assume the technology got everything right. He goes back through the generated note and proofreads it before it becomes part of the record. The AI can collate the information and eliminate much of the typing, but Richard remains responsible for making sure the documentation is accurate. For Richard, the technology is most useful when it supports medical expertise rather than replacing it. That balance between technology and personal care is central to what Richard hopes to preserve at Spine West. He says the practice’s longevity comes down to the quality of care and the relationships it has built with patients over more than two decades. “A lot of people have never heard of Physiatry until they come to us, and our goal has always been to have them leave better than when they came in,” Richard says. “The overall experience is that you’re treated like a member of our family.” For all the possibilities AI may bring to medicine, that is still what matters most. The technology can make the work more efficient and give physicians more time to focus on their patients, but the care itself remains personal. At Spine West, Richard sees AI as another tool to help deliver that care without losing what made patients seek out an independent practice in the first place. | AA
“I’ve been to providers where the person is typing through the whole appointment. AI lets us look up, talk to the patient and really engage with them.
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The Silent Delay
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Why we wait to treat hearing loss (and how to take your life back) COURTNEY JOHNSON Aging at Altitude
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n average, adults wait seven to ten years after noticing hearing loss before seeking professional treatment, according to the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association. Common responses, from nodding to a quick smile, might make you think the listener is engaged, but they may be struggling to hear you clearly. Typical adults may mistake hearing loss for mumbling or too much background noise, delaying early prevention. “Most hearing loss does not develop as a uniform decrease in sound,” said Whitney Swander, Au.D. owner and doctor of audiology at Hearing HealthCare Centers. “It typically affects higher pitches that are responsible for clarity first. This means people with early hearing loss perceive that others are speaking loudly enough, but they mumble,” she said. Ironically, hearing loss happens more slowly than other typical symptoms of aging. “One of the biggest reasons {for delayed treatment} is that hearing loss tends to happen very gradually,”
said Georgianna Hearne, clinical director and doctor of audiology at Family Hearing. “Most people don’t wake up one morning and suddenly realize they aren’t hearing well. Instead, they slowly start turning the TV up, asking people to repeat themselves, or having more difficulty in restaurants,” she said. Hearing care begins with protecting your ears throughout life, from keeping music and headphone levels lower to protecting your ears when using loud equipment or being around loud noises. “Overall health matters too,” said Hearne. “Conditions affecting cardiovascular health and diabetes can also be associated with hearing health, so taking care of your overall health is another important piece. We can’t prevent every type of hearing loss, particularly changes associated with aging, but we can protect the hearing we have,” she said. A proactive approach is best to combat hearing loss before it truly starts. Thankfully, modern technology and a better understanding of how hearing connects to brain activity make it easier to do so. “I encourage people to think about hearing healthcare the same way they
A proactive approach is best to combat hearing loss before it truly starts. Thankfully, modern technology and a better understanding of how hearing connects to brain activity make it easier to do so. | Photo courtesy: Family Hearing
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think about their eyes, teeth or other aspects of their health,” said Hearne. “We don’t need to wait until there’s a major problem to establish a baseline and monitor changes.” While hearing is a major concern for aging adults, the connection between hearing and brain health is becoming better understood. “Treating hearing loss is literally the most impactful change you can make to prevent or slow the decline of cognitive issues,” said Swander. Recognizing the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, a healthy brain can receive messages from the ears clearly. “Research has also shown that for older adults at higher risk for cognitive decline, treating hearing loss with professionally fitted hearing aids and comprehensive hearing care slowed cognitive decline by almost 50% over three years,” said Hearne.
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Treating hearing loss isn’t just about turning up the volume – it’s about helping people stay connected and engaged, connecting them to the sounds that matter most, and supporting their overall health as they age | Photo courtesy: Family Hearing
Cognitive fatigue, social isolation and memory strain are all symptoms of untreated hearing loss. “It makes sense when you think about everything hearing allows us to do,” said Hearne. “When you aren’t hearing clearly, your brain has to work harder to
fill in the gaps. Conversations can become exhausting, and over time, people may start participating less or avoiding social situations altogether,” she said. Taking charge of hearing health as the body matures is a stepping stone to living
a fulfilling life as one ages. “Treating hearing loss isn’t just about turning up the volume – it’s about helping people stay connected and engaged, connecting them to the sounds that matter most, and supporting their overall health as they age,” said Hearne. | AA
Do We All Hear the Same Way? Join Family Hearing audiologists and tinnitus experts Dr. Paige Andrade and Dr. Georgianna Hearne at Aging at Altitude to learn why hearing differs from person to person, what new research reveals about sound preferences, and what it could mean for your own hearing health. See you there!
Boulder JCC • 6007 Oreg Ave • Boulder
October 24,, 8:30am–2pm
Family HEARING FamilyHearingCo.com
60 Years and Counting!
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Helping Boulder County Age Gracefully For Over 40 Years.
HEALTHY AGING
Denny Moyer, founder and past CEO, with Melody Bettenhausen, current CEO and guide dog Lancelot. | Photo courtesy: Ensight
Finding a way out of the dark
For 25 years, Ensight has been helping people deal with vision loss
JARED FIEL Aging at Altitude
S
ome of the scariest words you could hear from an eye doctor: “There really isn’t anything more we can do.” For 25 years, Ensight Skills Center of Fort Collins has helped people who heard those words and given them hope, skills and a new mission. “Losing your vision shouldn’t mean losing your independence or the things
you love about your life,” said Melody Bettenhausen, Ensight’s chief executive officer. “When Ensight began in 2001, we focused on helping people use their remaining vision more effectively through magnification, lighting, adaptive devices, education and practical strategies.” She said Ensight grew in both size and capabilities over the years. “Today, we have low vision optometrists, occupational therapists,
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orientation and mobility services, assistive technology, adaptive devices, support and education, community outreach and our Ensight OnSite clinics that allow us to take services into communities where people might otherwise have difficulty accessing care.” In 2008, Ensight brought the Curtis Strong Center in Greeley into the Ensight family, which allowed them to continue expanding outreach, especially to the Eastern Plains. “We have clinics monthly in Boulder, Lafayette, Lakewood, Central Park and Thornton,” she said. “A lot has changed in 25 years, but the heart of Ensight really hasn’t. We meet people where they are, find out what is important to them and help them figure out how to keep doing it.” Technology and medical advancements have definitely changed the way things are done at Ensight, Bettenhausen
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Ensight’s current staff. Back Row (Left to right) : Melissa Workman, OT, Cori Layton, OT Director of Rehabilitation, Melody Bettenhausen, CEO. Front Row (Left to right) : Ria Kulenski, Director of Outreach and Marketing; Amy Heath, Clinic Manager; Dr. Corey Bernhardt, Optometrist; Denny Moyer, past CEO and current board member. | Photo courtesy: Ensight
said. “But I think another big change is recognizing that treating the eye and helping the person live with vision loss are two different things,
and we need both. Ensight’s team has worked hard these past 25 years to get the word out and share our mission. Whether we are doing outreach
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in the community or a patient is meeting with our team for an evaluation, we are always asking questions like: Can you read your medications? Can you
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Lion Denny Moyer, founder and past CEO of Ensight, with Lion Tobey, who also helped to found Ensight with the Fort Collins Lions Club. | Photo courtesy: Ensight
cook safely? Can you use your phone? Can you get around your home safely? Can you still paint, garden, read, work or do whatever brings you joy? Because ultimately, that’s what matters.” At this milestone for Envision, Bettenhausen does have a message for people: “Vision loss does not mean your life is over. It doesn’t mean you have to stop cooking, stop traveling, stop working, stop enjoying your hobbies or automatically give up your independence. You may have to do things differently. And sometimes accepting that is
difficult. Different doesn’t mean less. That is probably the biggest message I would want people to take away from Ensight’s 25th anniversary. “For 25 years, people have walked through our doors feeling scared, frustrated or uncertain about what comes next. We get to be the people who say, ‘Okay. Let’s figure this out together.’ I can’t think of a better reason to come to work every day. As proud as I am of the last 25 years, I’m even more excited about what we can accomplish in the next 25.” | AA
Lion Denise (president of the Fort Collins Lions Club) with Denny Moyer, Melody Bettenhausen and Doug Hutchinson (Chairman of Ensight Board of Directors). | Photo courtesy: Ensight
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HEALTHY AGING
Light as Medicine
What UV and infrared light can (and can’t) do for your health SHELLEY WIDHALM Aging at Altitude
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oing out in the sun has both benefits and drawbacks. Ultraviolet light helps the body make vitamin D, but too much UV radiation can cause skin cancer, wrinkles and premature aging.
Are you
Luckily, you can explore some of the potential benefits of light exposure through infrared saunas and red and near-infrared therapy lamps, while taking protective measures outdoors. “Benefits from both ultraviolet and infrared exposure are ‘dose dependent,’ meaning there is an ideal amount of time to receive benefit from this exposure and too much can be harmful,” said Anne Giesen, DO, a board-certified geriatrician and founding director of Sky Health Services, a medical group with two clinics in Boulder and one in Longmont that specializes in the care of adults 65 and older.
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The Endocrine Society suggests five to 10 minutes of direct sun exposure two to three times a week without sunscreen, although the amount of sun needed to make vitamin D is small and additional exposure increases the risk of skin damage. Ultraviolet B, or UVB, rays from the sun start the process of making vitamin D when they hit the skin. Vitamin D is important for strong bones, calcium absorption, a healthy immune system and prevention of osteoporosis and fractures. “There are other benefits of UV light, including mortality and longevity benefits probably
related to additional immune benefits beyond vitamin D. These benefits, however, need to be weighed against eye harm and skin cancer risk,” Giesen said. UV radiation is the single biggest preventable cause of skin cancer, including melanoma. For this reason, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends getting vitamin D from food and supplements rather than from sun exposure or tanning beds, an established cause of melanoma. “Infrared light has been shown to have benefits for healing, inflammation and circulatory benefits, but can also contribute
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to aging and cancer risk,” Giesen said. “There is good evidence that bright light therapy can also help with mood, circadian rhythm and sleep. Many patients appreciate the idea that they can get benefits like these from just natural outdoor light and/or non-medication treatments.” When going outdoors, Giesen recommends seeking shade during peak hours, usually 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and clothing that covers the arms and legs. Infrared light is different from ultraviolet light and does not cause sunburn. However, the effects and potential risks depend on the type and intensity of exposure. An infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit radiant heat, warming the body and inducing sweating at a lower temperature than a traditional sauna. This can promote relaxation and may help with
circulation, joint stiffness and muscle recovery. Alternatively, a red or nearinfrared therapy lamp uses low-level light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, with minimal heat to deliver specific wavelengths of light to the skin. Cells absorb the light, which may affect cellular processes involved in inflammation and tissue repair. Red and near-infrared light therapy is being studied for uses including pain relief, wound healing and tissue recovery. Unlike an infrared sauna, the therapy does not significantly raise core body temperature or cause heavy sweating. “It is a legitimate medical therapy, but the results vary with the device, wavelength and condition being treated,” states Sky Health Services. “Always talk with your doctor before starting any new lightbased therapy, especially if you have a chronic medical condition.” | AA
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HEALTHY AGING
The Holding Heart
Dr. Deborah Rutt brings Neuroscience into the therapy room REBECCA FURUTA Aging at Altitude
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ometimes, the hardest thing to do is find a little peace. When stress keeps your nervous system on high alert, you can’t simply decide to relax. For Dr. Deborah Rutt, helping people find calm has become an intersection of psychotherapy, neuroscience, communication and technology.
Dr. Deborah Rutt. | Photo courtesy: The Holding Heart
At The Holding Heart Therapy, Rutt combines her background in communications and speech and language pathology with her work as a psychotherapist and her interest in meditation and
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Providing neuroscience-based psychotherapy and Neural Scans to objectively assess autonomic nervous system balance, HRV, biological age and more. Call to schedule your neural scan.
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neuroscience. Increasingly, that work includes BrainTap, a neural optimization system she uses before, during and beyond the therapy session. For Rutt, a brain-based approach to psychotherapy means combining the traditional work of therapy with an understanding of what happens physiologically as people experience stress, process emotions and try to make changes. “For the first time, I can say I do neuroscience-based psychotherapy,” Rutt says. “I can offer a neuro optimization opportunity, and we can make changes to areas where they want to bring that about, and I can see the feedback.”
That gives clients another entry point into therapy. Rather than simply talking about the changes they want to make, they can also work on creating a physiological state that may make it easier to process emotions and engage in that work. For Rutt, the goal is not simply to help clients feel calmer in the moment, but to give them a stronger foundation for making meaningful changes. “My clients do better in psychotherapy and are better able to process the changes they want to make,” she says. “Clients feel really self-motivated. They feel empowered.” So what exactly is BrainTap? Rutt describes it as a neural
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“It’s the optimization of brain waves to balance the autonomic nervous system.” optimization system designed to help the brain move toward a calmer, more regulated state. The headset combines guided audio with light stimulation in a 20-minute session. “It’s the optimization of brain waves to balance the autonomic nervous system,” Rutt says. Rutt can use the headset before a therapy session, incorporate it into therapy or recommend that clients use it independently. The headset is also available for purchase through her practice. She says clients can feel an immediate sense of calm after a single 20-minute session, while a more consistent practice can involve two to three sessions a day for 21 days. Rutt also values clients’ ability to use the technology independently. The aim is not simply to create a calmer moment in the therapy office, but to give clients a tool they can use to practice selfregulation in everyday life.
Rutt also values clients’ ability to use the technology independently. The goal is to give clients another option for regulating themselves outside the therapy office and in the moments when they need it most. That can be particularly meaningful in relationships, where intimacy can bring vulnerabilities and emotional triggers to the surface. “If there was ever a place for this, it’s in relationships,” Rutt says. “What if we could all access our own emotional regulation?” For Rutt, that possibility is at the heart of her work, helping people develop tools they can carry into everyday life, whether they are navigating stress, sleep, emotional patterns or relationships. To learn more about Rutt’s practice, BrainTap and her approach to neurosciencebased psychotherapy, visit theholdingheart.com. | AA
Conducting data from heart rate using Neural Scan device. | Photo courtesy: The Holding Heart
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SMART PLANNING
The Cottages at The Avenues Crofton Park. | Photo courtesy: The Avenues Crofton Park
Choosing the Right Senior Living AMY HARRIS VAN VRANKEN Aging at Altitude
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hen considering senior living, there’s a lot to think about. As you search for the right fit, consider your needs as well as your wants. Are you looking for the independence and amenities that boutique senior living provides, or do you need the hands-on care options available through assisted living? There are a wealth of options. First, consider what level of self-sufficiency you want or need. A 55+ adult rental community like Avenida at
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FALL 2026
| AGING AT ALTITUDE
LEGACY COIN Boutique lobby/fireplace hearth room. | Photo courtesy: The Avenues Crofton Park
Centerra lets you live as you please in a community designed for older adults. Amenities, such as a pool and club room, are designed to encourage wellness and togetherness. Ready for a place that provides a fuller lifestyle experience while taking some maintenance responsibilities off your plate? Consider independent senior living communities like The Avenues Crofton Park, Ciel at Applewood or Cogir of Broomfield Senior Living. The Avenues Crofton Park is an award-winning 55+ active adult community that pioneered a unique model known as “senior boutique living.” This approach intentionally balances a tight-knit, resident-driven atmosphere with seamless access to the broader Broomfield, Boulder and Denver areas. “People move to The Avenues Crofton Park for countless reasons – retirement, health needs, isolation or major life changes. For many, the biggest reward is rediscovering the power of human connection,” said Len McBroom, the community’s developer and property manager. “The Avenues Crofton Park stands apart through its
boutique scale, thoughtfully designed spaces and strong sense of connection,” McBroom said. Unlike large, institutional senior complexes, The Avenues Crofton Park maintains an intimate scale, featuring just 70 apartments and 20 cottages. This exclusive layout allows residents to enjoy modern conveniences in a welcoming, comfortable environment built around activity and choice. Nestled against the Flatirons, Ciel of Boulder Senior Living offers maintenance-free high-end living for the aging population. “More than a place to live, Ciel is a welcoming community where meaningful connections flourish, independence is celebrated, and every day is an opportunity to live life to the fullest,” said Carol Gebhardt, executive director of Ciel of Boulder. Community spaces promote connection: from gathering areas to patios, attention to detail is everywhere, with the population’s age always in mind. Ciel of Boulder offers a blend of independence and convenience. Monthly rent includes chef-created cuisine in a beautiful dining room (with outdoor seating), engaging experiences and programs,
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Model apartment at The Avenues Crofton Park.. | Photo courtesy: The Avenues Crofton Park
weekly housekeeping, transportation and thoughtfully designed amenities in a community staffed 24/7 to provide safety and peace of
mind. 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom deluxe, 2-bedroom and 2-bedroom deluxe apartments, all with full kitchens, are available. Optional home
care services are available separately. Cogir of Broomfield Senior Living offers three models in one location: independent
living, assisted living and memory care. This allows for a continuum of care. As needs evolve, you can add more support. If you notice increasing trouble with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and taking medications – or changes in mobility – it may be time for assisted living. This doesn’t have to mean a loss of independence; it simply means you need more support to keep doing what you love. Or it may be time to consider memory care, if you’ve started to notice a pattern of memory issues or confusion. Navigating the options to find the best fit for your needs can be overwhelming. If you’re considering assisted living, Trua Senior Living Locators can help you decide. Their experts will take the time to understand your needs and preferences, then recommend facilities that match those criteria. Trua will consider your budget and give you peace of mind. | AA
When a Revocable Living Trust Is Not Enough: Protecting Substantial Estates from Taxes, Creditors, and Family Conflict
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www.braverman-law.com
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Think Twice, Double Your Peace
SMART PLANNING
Second visits for senior living communities WENDY MCMILLAN Aging at Altitude
You know what they say – you never get a second chance to make a first impression. That may be true, but second impressions can be even more revealing. Choosing a senior living community is a momentous decision, and it can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for yourself or a loved one, there’s a multitude of factors to consider, from location, living options, cost, amenities and more, to suit your needs and lifestyle. A scheduled tour can offer a shiny showcase of what a community has to offer, but what does it really feel like to live there? “One tour can give you a good first impression and help you decide whether
Choosing a senior living community is a momentous decision, and it can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for yourself or a loved one, there’s a multitude of factors to consider, from location, living options, cost, amenities, and more, to suit your needs and lifestyle. | Photo courtesy: ClaraCare Senior Partners
a community is worth considering,” says Kim Kennedy, founder and senior living advisor for ClaraCare Senior Partners. This service offers personal guidance to seniors and their loved ones as they explore the full range of living community options.
“Visiting again at a different time of day or on a different day of the week can give you a better feel for the atmosphere, activities and interactions between residents and staff.” “There is a lot to take in during a tour,” agrees Julie Soltis, director of
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communications at Frasier. “The overall culture and feel of the community, apartment styles and floor plans, dining venues, wellness opportunities, amenities, social activities and the full continuum of care. At Frasier, our 20-acre campus serves nearly 500 and offers a wide range of services and amenities, so it’s natural that one visit may not be enough to absorb everything fully.” Most communities are open to drop-in visits, Kennedy shares, adding that no single time is best. A casual stopover gives a unique glimpse of dayto-day life. Many communities also offer events prospective residents can attend. “We have a family event once a month and always invite prospective residents and their families to join us for those events,” says Tamara Rood, sales manager for Brookdale Longmont. “This gives them the opportunity to speak with families as well.” In addition to dropping by
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If you’re eyeing a community, know it’s never too early to start getting familiar. | Photo courtesy: ClaraCare Senior Partners
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or attending scheduled events, it’s worth calling communities of interest to inquire about informal opportunities to visit. “We strongly encourage scheduling visits in advance,” says Soltis. “By arranging a visit ahead of time, we’re able to devote our full attention to a prospective resident’s questions, interests and individual needs.” While communities are proud to show what they’re all about, they are equally invested in ensuring they are the right fit. “When someone is considering our community, I first spend time learning about the prospective resident – their needs, interests, personality and what is most important to them,” says Rood. “This helps me personalize their visit rather than simply giving them a standard tour. I absolutely encourage families to visit more than once.” If you’re eyeing a community,
know it’s never too early to start getting familiar. Both Frasier’s expansive 20-acre campus and Longmont’s intimate Brookdale community of 41 apartments operate on wait lists. Whether you’re in the midst of your search or already on a wait list, informal visits are a unique opportunity to learn from community members firsthand. “Our residents are very engaged, with multiple activities offered throughout the day, and prospective residents and family often naturally begin conversations with them,” Rood says. “I love when that happens because they can ask, ‘Do you like living here?’, or ‘How long have you lived here?’ and hear directly from the people who call Brookdale home. I think those genuine, unscripted interactions can tell a family more about a community than any brochure ever could.” | AA
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A financial advisor’s guide to taming healthcare and long-term care costs DARREN THORNBERRY Aging at Altitude
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The Retirement Wild Card
lanning for healthcare in retirement isn’t a single decision – it’s a series of connected choices. The insights of Ron Vejrostek, owner of Vejrostek Tax and Financial and author of “Financially Intact,” can help you understand how Medicare, long-term care (LTC) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) fit together to help protect your health and your financial future.
Patience with medicare decisions
One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing a Medicare plan too quickly. Vejrostek cautions against relying
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on a 15-minute call-center conversation. “It takes at least twice that long to truly understand both options and then the options to the options,” he explains. Instead, he recommends working with a local Medicare agent – particularly one who offers both Medicare Advantage and supplemental (Medigap) plans. While there are around 1,700 Medicare agents in Colorado, not all represent both types of coverage. Finding someone who can speak to both helps ensure you’re making an informed choice based on your specific needs.
Long-term care: be realistic
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Traditional long-term care (LTC) insurance can be costly, putting it out of reach for many families. However, Vejrostek points out that understanding how long care is typically needed can make alternative solutions more appealing. About 43% of nursing home stays last fewer than 100 days, and the average stay is roughly 13.7 months. While some individuals require care for several years due to conditions like dementia, those cases are less common. Because of this, shorterduration coverage options may make more financial sense for many people. Some policies cover as little as 50 days, while others extend from 90 days up to one year, often at a significantly lower cost than traditional LTC insurance. “A couple of life insurance products pay out either as a long-term care benefit or as life insurance,” Vejrostek explains. “There is an annuity product that will basically give you up to three times the amount of money that you give them as a nursing home benefit.”
HSAs: know the rules before and after medicare Health Savings Accounts are a valuable tool for managing healthcare expenses in
retirement – but timing is crucial. Once you enroll in Medicare Part B, you can no longer contribute to an HSA. Importantly, this rule applies to the entire calendar year in which you enroll. For example, if you turn 65 in November and sign up for Part B, you’re not eligible to contribute to your HSA at any point during that year. However, you can still use existing HSA funds tax-free for qualified medical expenses. This includes Medicare Part B premiums – even if those premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check. You can reimburse yourself from your HSA without paying taxes. It’s also important to note what HSAs cannot cover: You can’t use HSA funds to pay for supplemental (Medigap) plan premiums. “This all leads back to why it is so important that people find a local agent who specializes in seniors’ issues,” Vejrostek says. “Seniors’ financial issues are fairly tightly woven together… and much more complicated than most people realize until they get there themselves.”
A system that works together
These decisions are deeply interconnected. From setting up a government ID account to enrolling in Medicare, choosing coverage, and understanding HSA and IRA rules, each piece affects the others. Vejrostek compares the process to a wheel: Each decision is a spoke, and if one fails, it can impact the integrity of the entire system. For that reason, working with a knowledgeable, local advisor who specializes in senior financial planning can make a meaningful difference. With the right guidance, you can build a strategy where each piece supports the next – helping you enter retirement with confidence and clarity. | AA
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SMART PLANNING
Covering long-term care and financial transition steps into whether you can afford to set aside a dedicated fund to pay for or most future care.” people, Wiley one of the recommends biggest expenses planning for they will face long-term care in retirement is costs long before health care, so it care is ever is best to know needed, ideally your options Brett Wiley, financial advisor, between the Edward Jones Investments and the steps ages of 50 and to take before 60, and openly turning 65. Another major discussing preferences with expense can be long-term family members. Seniors can care, such as needing to enter generally expect care to begin an assisted living facility or around age 80, but they should nursing home. adjust that timeframe based However, Medicare, the on family longevity. They must primary health insurance for also factor in inflation, since adults aged 65 and older, covers long-term care costs routinely traditional medical expenses rise much faster than general and generally does not cover inflation. long-term care. That leaves Self-funders retain complete opting for self-pay or qualifying freedom to decide when for Medicaid, which can and how they receive care. severely limit choices regarding However, they must bear the care type and location. To full financial burden, which can qualify for Medicaid, seniors rapidly drain family resources. must spend down to $2,000 “Many people choose to buy or less in countable assets and insurance to transfer the risk to demonstrate a documented an insurance company,” medical need for nursing care. Wiley said. “The question of how to pay Most long-term care for long-term care is one of insurance policies include an the trickiest questions in the elimination period – essentially planning industry,” said Brett a waiting period – before Wiley, financial advisor with benefit payments officially Edward Jones Investments in start. This waiting period is commonly 60 to 90 days. Louisville. “Start by looking
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“The question of how to pay for long-term care is one of the trickiest questions in the planning industry.” That means those initial months must be paid entirely out of pocket, requiring thousands in liquid savings to cover upfront costs. Older adults have several distinct insurance options available to them, including traditional long-term care insurance, which provides the highest coverage per dollar of premium. “However, the trade-off is that premiums may increase over time, and the structure is ‘use it or lose it,’ meaning you may end up paying for insurance you never use,” Wiley said. Alternatively, hybrid or
linked-benefit insurance lets you access the death benefit early to pay for long-term care expenses. If you never use the care benefits, your designated beneficiaries receive a return of premiums paid. A third option is life insurance with chronic illness riders, which also allows seniors to access their death benefit early for long-term care. “Reach out to a professional to help you learn your options,” Wiley said. “Ask your financial advisor to run multiple scenarios to understand what makes the most financial sense.” | AA
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SMART PLANNING
Smart Tax Planning How working with a trusted CPA early saves you money
MATTHEW VAN DEVENTER Aging at Altitude
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all may have just arrived, but (sorry to ruin it) tax season will be here before you know it. Plus, with the end of the year approaching,
you may need to check in with your favorite Certified Public Accountant to make sure everything is in order for next year. It’s crucial to work with a trusted tax professional to make sure you aren’t paying too much or too little in taxes, and you’re taking advantage of any deductions unique to your situation. There’s no specific age that determines when someone
Gail Gordon, CPA, MT
should employ a tax professional. “Age is not the primary factor. Any individual with wealth or who has questions or concerns should seek professional advice,” explained Gail Gordon, a certified personal accountant of
Gail Gordon and Associates in Boulder. “I work with many older clients who appreciate my common sense and objective advice,” Gordon said. It’s never too early to hire someone like Gordon: “Typically taxpayers wait too long to hire a CPA, whether they are selfpreparing their own tax return or trading up to a high-quality CPA.” Luckily for you, and the
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Luckily, a friend who had completely Therapy as well as acupuncture and herbal medicine, Dr. Marie helped recovered from Long Covid with Dr. Mary live life pain-free again. Marie’s help recommended she also consult with Erika F. Marie, DACM, the founder of Chiyu Acupuncture and “It’s a bit miraculous,” laughs Mary. “I do more these days than I did when Integrative Medicine in Longmont. I was 50, and its all thanks to Chiyu “Mary struggled with painful arthritis Acupuncture and Dr. Marie.” and fatigue,” Dr. Marie says. “She had lived an amazing life and wasn’t willing to give it up. I agreed she didn’t need to.” Using breakthrough therapies such as ATP Biotherapy and Ozone
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Northern Colorado region, Gordon is a seasoned CPA and truly passionate about finance. She received a Master of Taxation from the University of Denver. She began her career in banking, where she worked as an Internal Auditor for eight years. After that, she was an Assistant Vice-President in the trust department of a large bank holding company. She eventually left the banking
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industry for a career in public accounting. Overall, Gordon said she’s enjoyed her profession for 42 years, helping individuals, small business owners and fiduciaries. Each individual’s tax situation is unique and depends on many factors, from their marginal tax rate to their source of income. Gordon said it’s important for people to know their marginal tax rate for each
income category. Some of those categories include ordinary income like wages or rental income. There’s also retirement income versus qualified income and income from capital gains. Whether you have income from one, a few, all of these or more, working with a trusted tax professional will ensure you comply with effective tax rules. Gordon said some of the biggest pitfalls she sees with
people and their taxes are “not asking questions, making assumptions, waiting too long to plan for their retirement and estate plan.” “My approach is to schedule an appointment with prospective clients to answer their questions, get to know them and listen to their concerns.” Gordon continued. “Tax advice should be tailored to each individual situation” | AA
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How do you talk to loved ones about end-of-life choices? Two local professionals offer practical guidance in this Q&A
SMART PLANNING
DARREN THORNBERRY | Aging at Altitude
D
iscussions about end-of-life decisions aren’t simple, but good communication among loved ones can make those crucial choices easier. Two local experts weigh in.
Death, Dying and End-of-Life Decisions
Q. What are some of the most important end-of-life decisions a senior should make?
A. Dan Kapsak, Partner, Kapsak | Estes LLC: Make sure your family and other loved ones are a part of the process. You’ve completed Healthcare Powers of Attorney and various Advance Directives – be sure your agents have copies of those executed documents. Sit with them and have a heart-to-heart about your health, your values, hopes and fears. Don’t
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assume anyone knows; even spouses of many decades find presumptions wrong. They will be stepping into your shoes to make very important decisions, so your agents must know and be able to honor your wishes. Yes, that conversation will be difficult…be gentle, but persistent. Enlist the help of your attorney or other trusted advisor/counselor. Have that same heart-toheart with your trusted primary healthcare provider. They need to know your values, hopes and fears and will help ensure your wishes are known and honored by your medical and hospice team. (If the primary health provider is adamantly opposed to the decisions the senior wishes to make/has made, then the senior should find a new healthcare provider. And the senior should work with their attorney, financial advisor, faith supporter, and loved ones to make sure everyone is on the same page.)
Q. What do families tend to get wrong about planning for a parent’s death? A. Lilliann Osborne-Durst, CEO, Trail Winds Hospice: We sometimes assume we know what our parents want without actually asking. We love them, we want more time with them, and it can be hard to separate what we want from what they want. Making room to listen is one of the most important things we can do. These conversations are hard, and there may never be a time that feels right. Starting before a crisis gives your parents room to share what matters to them and gives everyone time to understand. Families may also not realize how much they’ll be asked to navigate at the end of life – medical information, a possible change of care setting, insurance, and decisions they’ve never faced before – all while managing
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their own emotions and family dynamics. Even people who love each other can see things differently. Part of planning is knowing who you can turn to for guidance and support, so you’re not left figuring everything out on your own.
Q. Open communication about end-of-life decisions will bring about the most peace and comfort for all involved. But are there practical topics that should not be addressed? A. Osborne-Durst: I agree that honest conversations can bring comfort and ease some of the uncertainty. They won’t make losing someone easy, but knowing their wishes can help families feel more confident that they’re honoring them. I don’t think we should avoid practical topics, but we need to meet people where they
are. Some people want to talk through every detail. Others need time or prefer to share certain things privately. We can invite the conversation without forcing it. What matters most is that the person feels heard and respected, and that their wishes remain at the center of the decisions being made. A. Kapsak: The first issue that comes to mind is whether the loved one should know what’s happening and what the prognosis is. Be sure they know. Healthcare providers are much better at these types of discussions now, and they’re generally the best people to have that conversation. But loved ones should be present as well, so they can offer assurance and comfort both ways. I don’t believe anything should be kept off the table – more often than not, the secret isn’t a secret, and resentment (even justified) can ruin a relationship when support is most needed. | AA
Making a Dark Day Green Eco-friendly funeral options
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oloradans value choices – including sustainable options for their final disposition. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, interest in green funerals rose from 55% to 68% in recent years, driven by the heavy environmental toll of traditional burial chemicals and cremation carbon emissions. Local providers like The Natural Funeral offer eco-conscious alternatives: • • • •
Terramation: Gently transforms the body into nutrientrich soil over two months, acting as a net carbon sink. Water Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis): Uses water and minerals for a flame-free process. Natural Green Burial: Returns the body directly to the earth in biodegradable materials. Pyre Cremation & Burial at Sea: Traditional ceremonies on permitted land or open water.
Advance planning experts stress exploring these choices early. Pre-planning ensures your eco-friendly values are honored while protecting grieving loved ones from guesswork, unexpected costs or family disputes. | AA
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| AGING AT ALTITUDE
Photo by Stephen Collector
FALL 2026
EXPERTISE
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REPRESENTING EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES IN COLORADO “Outstanding service and hard work have always been very important to me; and they are key elements of what I provide my clients. Buying or selling property is often a significant life change, as well as a major investment. You need to be entirely comfortable with your decisions. High-pressure REALTORS® are not right for everyone. I promise to provide excellent customer service and work hard for you, at your speed and at your comfort level. I would like the opportunity to demonstrate how I can make your next real estate transaction a positive and rewarding experience.” – David Scott
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AGING AT ALTITUDE | FALL 2026 SMART PLANNING
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Downsizing
& Move Management Practical strategies for sorting through decades of belongings, decluttering and leveraging professional Realtors, senior move managers or organizers to ease the emotional and physical burden DARREN THORNBERRY Aging at Altitude
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or seniors, moving to a smaller home means sorting through decades of photographs, furniture, paperwork and family keepsakes, many of which carry memories that can’t be replaced. That can make downsizing one of the more difficult parts of a move. But it can also be an opportunity for families to come together, decide what is important and make plans for the things that won’t be making the move.
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David Scott, broker associate, Realtor® with Madison & Co. Properties, has seen how much is involved when longtime homeowners prepare to move. He says one of the best places to begin is by identifying the things that document a family’s history. Family photographs are an obvious example. So are important documents such as birth certificates, marriage and divorce records, tax records from the past seven years, and medical information that could be useful to the individual or family in the future. There are other treasures:
David Scott, Realtor® Madison & Co. Preoperties
artwork, antiques, collectibles and family possessions that someone may want to pass down. Those conversations should happen before the moving is underway. “It’s best to declutter with family members, if possible,” Scott says. “That way you will know what they may value and want at a later date.” That doesn’t mean families have to tackle the entire house themselves. Realtors often have connections with
organizers, senior move managers, packers and other professionals who can help with the nuts and bolts of downsizing and moving. Realtors can also help connect homeowners with resources for estate sales when there are belongings that no longer have a place in the new home. Still, the practical side of downsizing is only part of the story. For someone who has lived in the same home for many years, possessions can become deeply tied to memories. An old piece of furniture or a box of seemingly ordinary items may have true meaning to the person who has kept it. “Don’t push the senior to get rid of anything that is important to them,” Scott says. “This should be about the senior’s wishes and not the family.” That may be easier said than done. Family members look at an attic or basement full
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of belongings and see things that need to go, while the homeowner sees a lifetime of memories. Scott encourages families to approach those differences kindly. “Have empathy for what the senior is feeling regarding the items they have saved over the years,” he says. “It is important for the family to remember that ‘one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.’” Families need to manage this downsizing with care and consideration. There may also be possessions that are important to a senior but aren’t things their children or other family members want to keep. In those cases, Scott suggests inventorying, packing and labeling the items so they can be dealt with later rather than in the middle of an already emotional move. Downsizing doesn’t have to mean simply getting rid of
things. Done thoughtfully, it can be a chance for families to preserve what matters, share memories and help a loved one move into the next chapter with a little less stress and more room to enjoy it. | AA
FALL 2026
| AGING AT ALTITUDE
For those who are ready and willing to organize, Beth Blacker of It’s Just Stuff offers suggestions for taking collections and reimagining them into keepsakes | Photo: Shutterstock
Lightening the Load
Navigating the emotional journey of downsizing
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ownsizing personal belongings before moving is a major transition, but taking on the challenge doesn't have to be a solitary effort. Seeking support from friends, family, neighbors or professional organizers makes sorting through items and making key decisions far easier. Beth Blacker, owner and chief of chaos to calm at It’s Just Stuff in Boulder, stresses that every client arrives with a unique set of goals. "It’s not my job to tell them to get rid of things. It’s my job to guide them like a Sherpa going up a mountain," Blacker explains. A central hurdle is emotional attachment. Many fear discarding an item means throwing away the memory attached to it, but Blacker emphasizes that this isn't true. Carrying too many possessions creates a physical and mental burden, making the work hard yet ultimately rewarding. For items with sentimental value – like long-held antiques or collections that adult children may not want – Blacker suggests creative repurposing. T-shirts can become quilts, family china can be transformed into bird baths or serving platters and photos can be digitized. These reimagined keepsakes allow families to preserve memories for generations while clearing out space. | AA
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SMART PLANNING
| AGING AT ALTITUDE
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Finding a needle in a coin stack
Those pennies and nickles grandpa kept stashed away could be worth more than a piggy bank JARED FIEL Aging at Altitude
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FALL 2026
mber Stone is a probate lawyer so she was used to dealing with all the legal aspects of dealing with what to do when a loved one passes away. She was recently put in charge of dealing with her aunt’s estate after she died, but when she came upon boxes and boxes of coins, she was
clearly out of her league. “I had no idea she had any of this,” she said. So, she packed up a pull-wagon with bins of these coins and took them to Matt Leckey, owner of Legacy Coin in Lafayette. “It ended up being a lot of fun,” she said as Lecky combed through all the boxes for almost two hours. “He really likes what he was doing. He was so interested in all of it. And he made a fair point of what might make sense to keep and what would make sense to sell.” Leckey sees this all the time as family members, or the collectors themselves, have no idea where to even start dealing with their potential treasure troves. “The first thing I say is: don’t clean the coins … even if they look dirty or corroded,” he said. “Cleaning can do far more harm
Matt Leckey of Legacy Coin examines a client’s Morgan silver dollars for rare dates, mint marks and other characteristics that can affect their value. | Photo courtesy: Legacy Coin
than good and can significantly reduce their value.” Leckey added that finders should maintain whatever system the collector used. “If your relative had the collection organized, try to keep it that way,” he said. “Chances are
they knew what they were doing and preserving that organization can make it much easier for a coin dealer to assess the collection and its value.” Then, what do you do? If you inherit a coin collection, you have several basic options:
AGING AT ALTITUDE | FALL 2026
44 • • • •
Keep it or pass it along to family Sell directly to collectors through places like eBay or Facebook Marketplace Mail it to a company that buys coins, precious metals Sell to a local dealer you trust
Selling online can sometimes bring the highest return, but it also takes the most work. There are eBay fees, shipping risks, scams, and the time involved in photographing, listing, answering questions and working with buyers. Leckey said a trusted dealer can be the easiest option. “You get paid right away, and once the transaction is complete, your work is done. The dealer then takes on the market volatility risk and the work of reselling the items,” he said. The internet can provide some help for those who want to go look. “If you enjoy looking up the different types of coins
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and what they might be worth, by all means go for it,” he said. “Your relative would be happy to see you taking an interest in something they enjoyed collecting. That said, looking up coins online can be a little like reading about illnesses on WebMD, you can very quickly convince yourself you have something rare and valuable when the coin may actually have very little retail value.” Leckey suggests that for many coins and collectibles, eBay can be a good resource for market values. “But don’t rely on the prices people are asking, a seller can list a coin for whatever price they want. Instead, filter the search to ‘sold items’ so you can see what buyers are actually paying.” As for Stone’s collection, she sold much of it and kept a few items for family members which is what Leckey suggests. “I buy coins for a living, but I don’t think selling is always the right answer. If a coin has a strong
family connection or tells part of your relative’s story, I’ll often suggest keeping it,” he said. “If there are kids or grandkids in the family, I really enjoy helping curate a small collection for each of them. We can sell the bulk of a large collection, which can sometimes feel more like a burden than a blessing, while setting aside interesting pieces that may not have much retail value but are educational, fun and a great way to introduce a child to the hobby.” He added, “I often suggest keeping a few of the most valuable pieces as a long-term investment for the grandkids. However, those belong in a safe deposit box, not under a second grader’s bed. They’ll be glad to have them someday.” In the end, Stone was happy and Leckey was too. “One of the best parts of the job is telling someone their collection is worth far more than they expected,” he said. “That never gets old.” | AA
Legacy Coin quick overview Legacy Coin opened in the heart of downtown Lafayette in March of this year, helping families navigate inherited collections. They purchase coins, gold, silver, 14k jewelry and sterling silver items such as forks, spoons and tea sets. Part of that mission is helping families understand what they have through one-on-one private appointments, which can be scheduled at www. legacycoinexchange.com or by calling 415.847.3435. Matt Leckey is Legacy Coin’s Precious Metals Buyer and especially enjoys hearing the family stories behind collections and sharing in the excitement of pieces that have been collected over decades.
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ACTIVE LIVING
FALL 2026
| AGING AT ALTITUDE The
Natural Funeral
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Let’s create a meaningful plan together.
Yardbusters is a once-a-year cleanup service to take care of yards. | Photo courtesy: Cultivate
LINDA THORSEN BOND Aging at Altitude
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here’s giving, and there’s getting. And sometimes there’s both. Many volunteers at Community Food Share, Cultivate and Early Childhood Service Corps have found their lives get better as they give back to the community. Every volunteer organization operates on this basic thought: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Cultivate
Chrysti Laceby is the executive director of Cultivate, a nocost senior service program that provides services that help allow older adults to stay in their homes. She believes volunteers get more out of volunteering than having something given to them. Chrysti said, “It gives volunteers the opportunity for connection and a way to meet people. Volunteers form bonds with clients and staff that they
wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet otherwise. Volunteers are amazing people who stay years because of the people they help.” Cultivate’s programs include: • Carry-Out Caravan, a weekly grocery shopping and delivery service. Volunteers take orders, shop and deliver the groceries through the door. Clients pay for groceries, but nothing else. Chrysti said it’s the personal touch that makes the difference. Volunteers go above and beyond to match the needs of the person requesting groceries. • Yardbusters is a oncea-year cleanup service to take care of yards. There’s a safety focus for reduction of or elimination of code enforcement violations, not yard mowing or maintenance service. “All programs try to be flexible for volunteers and that’s why we have over 800
Call 720 515 2344 A MO R E NA T U R A L G O O D B Y E
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veterans who are 60+ or their immediate family members who are also 60+.
Yardbusters is a once-a-year cleanup service to take care of yards. | Photo courtesy: Cultivate
volunteers a year. We provide opportunities for when volunteers are available,” Chrysti said. • Snowbusters is seasonal paring of a volunteer with a client for the snowy season. Chrysti said it is 100 percent free and it the most highdemand service Cultivate has. • Fix-It is a home repair
service that focuses on safety with minor home repairs. “We have lots of skilled volunteerswho can install grab bars and do minor plumbing like fixing a leaky faucet. It’s not for an emergency like a gushing pipe.” • VetsGo is a dedicated medical transportation program for military
Chrysti said, “Our biggest requirement is that volunteers have a willingness to serve. We talk to potential volunteers and find out what they’re interested in doing – it could be driving opportunities, fixing things, some minor computer support, or doing customer service. We’re interested in helping volunteers find what suits them best.” // Cultivate, 303.443.1933, Cultivate.ngo
Community Food Share
Kristina Thomas, director of communications and public relations, says there are plenty of ways to pitch in at Community Food Share. “Volunteers turn donated food into groceries our neighbors can take home. Whether you’re sorting food behind the scenes or welcoming
someone at a pantry, your time helps Community Food Share get nourishing food to people throughout Boulder and Broomfield counties. It’s also a great way to put your skills to use, meet new people and stay connected to your community.” Kristina said, “You can sort and repackage food, restock shelves, greet visitors or help shoppers check in. You can also support Mobile Pantries or Blue Spruce Neighbors, our program that brings groceries to older adults through community distributions and home deliveries. Most roles don’t require previous experience, and we’ll train you. Some roles involve computer work, while others involve standing, bending or lifting. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and clothes that fit the task.” Pam, a retired volunteer at Community Food Share, put it: “This is hands down, the best volunteer job I have ever
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had.” For her, volunteering became a way to take action on hunger close to home and build friendships with people working toward the same goal. // Community Food Share, communityfoodshare.org/ volunteer, email volunteers@ communityfoodshare.org, or call 303.652.3663.
Early Childhood Service Corps (ECSC)
The Early Childhood Service Corps (ECSC) is a free, intergenerational training and placement program for adults aged 50+ to work or volunteer in early childhood education across Colorado, including Boulder County. Lisa Armao started ECSC to create intergenerational community. She said, “Our goal is to integrate older adults into educational programs. We’re thinking about children who don’t have relationships with older adults and older adults who are disenfranchised, who
feel isolated and want to find purpose in their communities. As we age, the more engaged we are, the healthier we are. Intergenerational programming benefits both young children and older adults who work with them. If the bliss of retirement has worn off and you’re wondering what is next, ECSC is calling and really needs you.” ECSC, a program under Montessori Intergenerational Learning Communities, addresses a critical shortage of staff in early childhood education (ECE) while engaging older adults in meaningful work It matches trained adults with licensed ECE sites as: • Classroom Volunteers assist with small group work, reading, crafts and activities. They are required to take 18 hours of early childhood course work and may do all sorts of things including cutting out crafts, rebinding
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| AGING AT ALTITUDE
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books, helping sites provide and work in food pantries. Volunteers are required to volunteer at least four hours a week. Lisa said they have trained 65 volunteers in the program. • Volunteer Business Advisors apply their business skills to help classroom centers. “These are amazing groups,” Lisa said. “They don’t want to be in the classroom, but they use their business backgrounds to help with IT, advise about fiscal management, legal, HR and business practices to support ECE sites. It’s been delightful to see the volunteer business advisors support directors with their expertise. This service is free to ECSC Partner Sites.” Lisa added, “Sometimes classroom teachers feel nobody notices how important they are and how hard the job is they’re
Sunshine, a good hat and plenty of pantry staples. Volunteers keep things moving atoutdoor distributions so every neighbor goes home with groceries. | Photo: Be Boulder Photography
doing. Volunteers are looking for a way to give back. In this program generations come together to build together. It’s not divisive, it’s not political or religious, it’s just volunteers working together to support the community.” // Early Childhood Service Corps, earlychildhoodservicecorps.org | AA
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THROUGH THE GENERATIONS EXPO
SATURDAY, OCT. 24 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BOULDER JCC, 6007 OREG AVE., BOULDER
Join Us at the Fall Aging at Altitude Expo! FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING! FREE ACTIVITIES!
Please bring water and snacks, food is not provided. Overflow parking at Naropa Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Ave.
FREE AGING SESSIONS! (No Registration Required) STUDIO
9–9:20 a.m. | Tell Me the Answers to Questions I Don’t Know: A Q&A about Death, Dying and Decisions We Need to Make, presented by Dan Kapsak, partner, Kapsak l Estes LLC 9:30–9:50 a.m. | Old Coins or Hidden Treasure? Understanding Your Family’s Collection, presented by Matt Leckey, owner, Legacy Coins 10–10:20 a.m. | Sciatica to Concussion: Integrative Health Solutions for Post-Fall Recovery, Nerve Pain and Better Balance, presented by Erika F. Marie, DACM, Chiyu Integrative Health 10:30–10:50 a.m. | Stop Losing Money: The Hidden Cost of Tax, Banking, and Insurance Mistakes, presented by Ron Verostek, author of Financially Intact 11–11:20 a.m. | Reversing Age Related Muscle Loss, presented by Leo Rodriguez, personal trainer, The Exercise Coach 11:30–11:50 a.m. | Should I Stay or Should I Go? Determining the Next Right Step: Aging in Place, Downsizing, or Moving, presented by Joan Mahan, J Mahan Group, eXp Realty 12–12:20 p.m. | Non-Medical Caregiving: What to Know to Stay Independent at Home, presented by Stephen Dellerba, Cornerstone Caregiving 12:30–12:50 p.m. | How to Reconnect with Forgotten Family, presented by Nick Speidell, founder, Reunion
LEVIN HALL 8:30–8:50 a.m. | How AI is Transforming the Future of Medicine, presented by Cliff Gronseth, MD, Spine West 9–9:20 a.m. | Downsizing Your Stuff Before Downsizing Your Home, presented by Beth Blacker, founder, It’s Just Stuff 9:30–9:50 a.m. | Do We All Hear the Same Way?, presented by Paige Andrade Au.D., CCC-A, CH-TM, Family Hearing 10–10:20 a.m. | When a Revocable Living Trust Is Not Enough: Protecting Substantial Estates from Taxes, Creditors and Family Conflict, presented by Diedre Braverman, managing attorney, Braverman Law Group 10:30–10:50 a.m. | 2027 Medicare Update: GLP-1 Coverage, Drug Costs and Your Part D Benefits, presented by Mary Hansen 11–11:20 a.m. | Light as Medicine: What UV and Infrared Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Health, presented by Dr. Anne Giesen, Sky Health Services 11:30–11:50 a.m. | ABCs (and Ds) of Medicare: Understanding Your Health Insurance Options, presented by Nancy Davis, Medicare specialist, Kaiser Permanente 12–12:20 p.m. | Aging Backwards: How to Keep Your Energy, Balance and Strength as You Age, presented by Dr. Alexander Druff, Terry Chiropractic 12:30–12:50 p.m. | Using Old and New Technologies for Brain Health, presented by Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk, The Brain and Behavior Clinic 1–1:20 p.m. | Motion is Medicine: Strategies for Stronger Joints and Everyday Mobility, presented by Jake D. Foote, MD, BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine
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EXPO EXHIBITORS • 2nd Home Community • AFC Urgent Care • All American Gutter • Anytime Fitness • Balfour • Bath Fitter • Boulder County Area Agency on Aging • BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine • Braverman Law Group, LLC • Brookdale Senior Living Boulder Creek • Champion Windows • Chiyu Integrative Health • Ciel Senior Living • Clara Care • Cornerstone Caregiving • Cultivate • DCT Insurance • Dermatology of the Rockies • Dignity Care • Early Childhood Service Corps • Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Brett L. Wiley • Ensight Skills Center • Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado • Family Hearing • Fidelis Consultants • Flatiron Home Solutions • Frasier • Generations • Giving Home Health Care • Hearing HealthCare Centers • HearUSA
• Home Instead Louisville • Hover Senior Living Community • It's Just Stuff • J Mahan & Co. Real Estate • Kaiser Permanente • Kapsak l Estes LLC • LeafFilter Gutter Protection • Legacy Coin • LeSean Wittkop Insurance • Lifetime Home Remodeling • Mary Hansen • Network Wellness Center • Premier Insurance Partners, LLC • Renewal by Andersen • Reunion • Riverside Home Care • Sky Health Services • Spine West • Terry Chiropractic Boulder • The Academy • The Avenues Crofton Park • The Brain and Behavior Clinic • The Exercise Coach • The Holding Heart • The Natural Funeral • The Peaks Care Center & Frontier Therapy Center of Longmont • Trailwinds Hospice • Trua Senior Living Locators • United Vein & Vascular Centers • Vejrostek Tax and Financial • YMCA of Northern Colorado
For more information, or to reserve your space, call 303.473.1400, or email j9@dailycamera.com
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FALL 2026
| AGING AT ALTITUDE
SMART PLANNING
Aging Services Directory 2nd Home Community 650 S. Airport Road, Longmont, 720.745.6777, secondhomecommunity.com
Budget Home Supply 780 Boston Ave., Longmont (303) 678-8800 budgethomesupply.com
DCT Insurance 2056 Sage Court, Loveland (970) 308.4051 dctinsurance.com
Frasier 350 Ponca Place, Boulder, (303) 499-4888 frasiermeadows.org
AFC Urgent Care 2795 Pearl St., Unit #106, Boulder afcurgentcare
Champion Windows 10035 E. 40th St., Ste. 400 Denver, 303.800.2129, getchampion.com
Dermatology of the Rockies 1551 Professional Lane, Ste. 135/270 Longmont, (303) 532-2810 dermatologyoftherockies.com
All American Gutter Protection (888) 323-800 allamericangutterprotection.com
Chiyu Integrative Health 1427 Coffman St., Longmont (720) 213-4999 chiyuintegrativehealth.com
Gail Gordon & Associates 377 W Arapahoe Ln, Boulder (303) 938-9308 gordonassoc.com
Dignity Care 567 Mount Evans St., Longmont, (303) 444-4040 dignitycare.com
Anytime Fitness Lafayette 325 Waneka Pkwy., Lafayette, (720) 890-7437 anytimefitness.com
Ciel Senior Living 801 Gillaspie Drive, Boulder, (303) 494-3900 cielseniorliving.com/boulder
Early Childhood Service Corps Colorado earlychildhoodservicecorps.org
Avenida at Centerra 3903 E. 15th St., Loveland 970.698.9768 avenidaatcenterra.com
Clara Care Senior Partners Northern Colorado (720) 3361510
Balfour Louisville 1331 E. Hecla Drive, Louisville (720) 442-0328 balfourcare.com
Cogir Senior Living Broomfield 4275 W. 121st Ave., Broomfield, (970) 660-6335 cogirusa.com
Bath Fitter 1500 W. Hampden Ave., Englewood, (303) 788-0200 bathfitterco.com
Community Food Share 650 S. Taylor Ave., Louisville (303) 652-3663 communityfoodshare.org
Boulder County Area Agency On Aging 3482 Broadway, Boulder, (303) 441-1617 bouldercountyaging.org
Cornerstone Caregiving 75 Manhattan Dr #205, Boulder (720) 703-9711 cornerstonecaregiving.com
BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine 4740 Pearl Parkway, Boulder, 303.449.2730; 1185 State Hwy 7, Broomfield, 303.449.2730
Crossroads Dermatology 2350 17th Ave., Ste. 100 Longmont, (303) 848-8334 crossroadsdermatology.com
Braverman Law Group, LLC 507 Canyon Blvd., #203, Boulder. (303) 800-1588 braverman-law.com Brookdale Senior Living Boulder Creek 3375 34th St., Boulder, (303) 473-0333; brookdale.com
Cultivate 6325 Gunpark Drive #F, Boulder, 303.443.1933 cultivate.ngo David Scott, Madison & Company Properties 2350 Broadway; Boulder (303) 588-8358 madisonprops.com
Edward Jones – Brett Wiley 900 Main St., Louisville (303) 604-6574 edwardjones.com/us-en/ financial-advisor/brett-wiley Ensight Skills Center 1101 Oakridge Drive Suite C Fort Collins, (970) 407-9999 ensightskills.org Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado 3000 Center Green Dr., Suite 250 Boulder; 1400 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont; 300 Exempla Cir., Suite 120, Lafayette, (303) 772-3300 eyecaresite.com Family Hearing 3059 Walnut St., Boulder, (303) 857-5838; 300 Nickel St., Ste. 15; Broomfield, (303) 276-1676; 2770 Arapahoe Road, Ste. 126, Lafayette, (303) 276-1693, familyhearingco.com
Generations Senior Living 1422 West 29th St., Loveland 1385 Main St., Windsor, generationsllc.com (970) 684-4156 Giving Home Health Care 1490 West 121st Ave. Ste. 105, Westminster (720) 612-4708 givinghomehealthcare.com The Greenbriar Inn 8735 N Foothills Hwy, Boulder (303) 440-7979 greenbriarinn.com GreenPoint Roofing 1030 Boston Ave, Longmont (720) 684-5500 greenpointroofing.com Hearing HealthCare Centers 4800 Baseline Road, Ste. E-108, Boulder, (303) 963-9473; 1315 Vivian St., Longmont, (303) 963-9637, hearinghealthcarecenters.com HearUSA 2318 17th Ave., Unit H, Longmont (720) 204-2544 hearusa.com
Fidelis Consultants 12170 Tejon St #1100, Westminster, (303) 650-1100 fidelisagents.com
Home Instead 183 S. Taylor Ave. Ste. 161, Louisville (720) 890-0184 homeinstead.com
Flatiron Home Solutions 6145 Broadway Denver (720) 915-8810 flatironhomesolutions.com
Hover Senior Living 1380 Charles Drive, Longmont (303)-772-9292 hovercommunity.org
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It’s Just Stuff (720) 637-2492 itsjuststuff.co
Lifetime Home Remodeling 9525 E. 40th Ave., Ste. 160A Denver, (303) 647-3028, mylifetimehome.com
J Mahan & Co Real Estate Jan Marose 4770 Baseline Road, Ste 220, Boulder, (303) 817-9675 janmarose.remax.com
Mary Hansen Aging at Altitude Medicare Solutions (303) 548-2841 agingataltitude.com
Kaiser Permanente Multiple Locations (303) 338-4545 healthy.kaiserpermanente.org Kapsak l Estes LLC 275 South Main St. Ste. 208, Longmont (303) 651.9330 kapsakestes.com LeafFilter Gutter Protection 4660 Ironton St., Denver (720) 894-0025, leaffilter.com Legacy Coin 607 S. Public Road, Ste. 105, Lafayette, 415.847.3435 legacycoinexchange.com LeSean Wittkop Insurance 5392 Spur Cross Trail, Parker, (720) 204-0081 lnwinsurance.com
Network Wellness Center 2449 Pine St., Boulder, (720) 464-0811 boulderchiropractor.com Premier Insurance Partners, LLC 150 E 29th St., Ste. 225, Loveland (970) 292-3030, pip1.com Renewal by Andersen 1401 W. Bayaud Ave., #7 Denver, (720) 845-6232, renewalbyandersen.com Reunion Text “MEMORY” to (970) 431-8280 heyreunion.com Riverside Homecare 4790 Table Mesa Drive Unit 108, Boulder (720) 726-7926 rivhc.com/boulder-colorado Sky Health Services 2919 Valmont Road, #204, Boulder (303) 938-1110 skyhealthservices.com
BOULDER DAILY CAMERA | LONGMONT TIMES-CALL
Spine West 5387 Manhattan Circle, Ste 100B, Boulder, (303) 494-7773 spinewest.com
The Natural Funeral 102 W. Chester St., Lafayette. (720) 515-2344 thenaturalfuneral.com
Terry Chiropractic Boulder 3083 Walnut St. Boulder, (303) 440-0500 terrychiropracticboulder
The Peaks Care Center & Frontier Therapy Center of Longmont 1440 Coffman St #1, Longmont (303) 776-2814, peakscarecenter.com
The Academy 970 Aurora Ave, Boulder, 303.938.1920; 2435 4th St, Boulder, 303.447.3000, academyboulder.com
Trail Winds Hospice 4710 Table Mesa Drive, Unit B, Boulder, (303) 442-5683 trailwindshospice.com
The Avenues Crofton Park 12431 King Ct, Broomfield (720) 328-9548 livetheavenues.com
Trua Senior Living Locators 720-909-8782 truacares.com/trua-of-denver/
The Brain and Behavior Clinic 2523 Broadway Ste. 200, Boulder (303) 938.9244 brainbehaviorclinic.com
United Vein Centers 1551 Professional Lane, Ste. 241 Longmont, (866) 231-0444 unitedveincenters.com/find-a-clinic/ colorado/longmont
The Exercise Coach 1075 E South Boulder, Ste. #100, Louisville (720) 619-6922 exercisecoach.com/louisville
Vejrostek Tax and Financial 455 Weaver Park Road, Ste. 100C, Longmont, (303) 776-0867 ronsoffice.biz
The Holding Heart 2825 Marine St., Ste. 201, Boulder; 1079 S. Hover St., Ste. 201, Longmont; (720) 515.3522 theholdingheart.com
YMCA of Northern Colorado Multiple locations; Corporate Office: 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette, (303)664-5455 ymcanoco.org
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GET YOUR MEDICARE PLAN REVIEW
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THURS 10/29 2:00 PM Schedule your Medicare Plan review. Even if you’re happy with your current plan, a thorough plan review is always a good idea to ensure your needs are met.
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SOUTH DENVER HOMEWOOD SUITES 199 Inverness Dr West Englewood, CO 80112
TUES 10/27 12:00 PM
TUES 11/10 12:00 PM
Whether NEW to Medicare or not, these sessions are the PERFECT way to get a clear understanding of Medicare Plans in 2027
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