Aging at Altitude - Fall 2022

IsyourMedicare

SMARTPLANNING

HEALTHYAGING

ACTIVELIVING

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

EmmaCastleberry,BarbraCohn, KathleenDuff,AdamGoldstein, SarahHuber,LuanneKadlub, JulieKailus,WendyMcMillan, EliseOberliesen,AndyStonehouse, DarrenThornberry, AmyHarrisVan Vranken,ShelleyWidhalm

EDITOR/DESIGNER

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

JeanineFritz,RuthGarfield, ThaisHafer,RichHopkins, JimKoppel,KeithKratochvil, BillyMagrini,DaleSekuler

MARKETING&

LifelongConnections

BySarahHuber forAgingatAltitude

Formanyinsenior livingcommunities, thehighlightof2022 hasbeenin-personvisits withlovedones.Withthis inmind(andtohelpthose ofusfeelingabitrusty whenitcomestonon-Zoom conversations),weturned toseveralBoulderCounty seniorlivingcommunities fortipsonhowtoconnect meaningfully,joyfullyand regularlywithfamilyand friendsinseniorliving.

IN-PERSONOUTINGS ANDIN-COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Eachseniorliving communityspokesperson acknowledgedthatresidents andstaffvaluein-person interactionsmorethanever aspandemicrestrictions recede.“Hugsarecertainly muchlongernow,”said ChristianShahmardian,sales adviseratTheCarillonin Boulder.Hecontinued,“Our residentsreallyappreciate howmuchitmeanstohave theirlovedonesphysically withtheminsteadofonly virtuallyorfromafar.”

AtHoverSenior CommunityinLongmont, residentsareonceagain venturingoutwithfamily andfriends,whenphysically able,toshop,dine,explore museums,attendchurchand hikeandareeagerlyinviting familyandfriendsintothe communityforin-person

meals,movienightsand events.LisaBryant,campus communityrelationsdirector atHoverSeniorCommunity, saidfamilyandfriendsoften stopbysimplytostrollthe groundswithlovedonesor toreadtogether–particular giftstoseniorswhomay notfeeluptosolowalksor whocannotseeaswellas theyusedto.Familiesare welcometoparticipatein men’sandladies’groups, playgames,solvepuzzles,

cookbelovedfamilyrecipes inthecommunitykitchenor assembleafamilymemory book.

LouiseGarrels,marketing andcommunications directoratBalfourSenior LivinginLouisville,said, “Connectionwithfamily andfriendsisoneofthe cornerstonesoftheBalfour experience.Ourcommunities arepurposefullydesigned withfriends,childrenand grandchildreninmind,from

ourdiverseevents,many gatheringareas,outdoor ponds,swimmingpoolsto ourdiningrooms.”Since “oneofthebestwaysto connectwithyourlovedone istogetinvolvedwiththeir life,”sheencouragedfamilies andfriendsto“attenda lecture,happyhour,artclass, outingorenjoythedining experiencewithyourloved one.”

Tokeepfamilies connected,Balfour

WalkingatrailnearAcademyBoulder. (Photocourtesy:AcademyBoulder).

providesatechnology platform“whereresidents andtheirlovedonescan communicate,sharephotos ofhowtheyareengaging, maketransportationor maintenancerequestsand findoutaboutupcoming events,”Garrelssaid.

COMMUNITY-WIDE CELEBRATIONSFOR SPECIALOCCASIONS

Somefamiliesandfriends decoratetheirlovedone’s doororroomorcelebrate

abirthdayoranniversary withapartyfortheentire community.JohnMcCarthy, chiefexecutiveofficerat GoldenWestinBoulder, said,“ThispastMaya familythrewacommunity birthdaypartyforaresident inindependentlivingthat turned100.Thepublicareas ofourcommunityhavebeen usedforfamilyreunions andseveralweddingsof individualsthatmetand fellinloveatGoldenWest.”

Garrelsadded,“Welove topartnerwithfamiliesto recognizespecialmoments andsharethemwithin ourcommunities.”She recalled,“Lastsummer thegranddaughterofone ofourresidentswasin theOlympics.Weworked togetherwithhimand hisfamilytoshowher eventsandcelebrateasa community.”

Shahmardiansaidoneof hisfavoritefamily-planned celebrationsatTheCarillon occurredwhentworesidents commemoratedtheirsixtieth weddinganniversary.“Their grandchildhadcontacted ustoreservethetheater, unknowntothem,”astheir grandson“hadtakenphotos fromtheirentirelifeand digitizedthemtocreatea celebrationoftheirmarriage andlifetogetherinavideo format,”Shahmardiansaid. “Needlesstosay,therewas notadryeyeinthatroom bytheendofit.”

Throughouttheyear,most seniorlivingcommunities holdcommunityeventsthat intentionallyincludefamilies andfriends,suchasHover SeniorCommunity’sannual outdoorbandconcertand holidayopenhouse.This pastAugust,Balfourfamilies

enjoyedstrategizingwith residentstoscorepointsat “CampBalfour.”Garrels said,“Weseparatedour residentsintocabins,(and) wehadeventsthatwould giveeachcabinpoints.Our familieslovedbeingapartof theevents.”

Familyandfriendsmay alsoengagethesupport oftheseniorliving communitywhengrieving thelossofalovedone.At GoldenWest,McCarthy said,families“chooseto holdmemorialservices heresothatthewhole communitycanparticipate intheremembranceofthe individualthatpassedand providesupportforeach otherinthatindividual’s home.”Likewise,atHover SeniorLiving,anupcoming treeplantingceremonywill mark“livingthroughtwo yearsofbeingisolatedand joiningtogethertoplantlife together,”Bryantsaid.

Finally,familyandfriends areinvitedtoTheCarillon eachyearforDiaDeLos Muertos.Shahmardian said,“Wecelebratelifeand legacyinsteadofloss,andI reallybelieveitbringsour communitytogetherina beautifulway.”

HoverSeniorLiving_makingfavoriterecipesinthe

FarBeyondBingo

Promotingwholehealthwithwhollyengagingconnection

enhancedself-esteemand mood,increasedlongevity, bettersleep,andoverall improvedphysicalwellbeing, amongotherbenefits.“One takeawayfromthepandemic wastheincrediblevalueof socialinteractions,”Lynn says.“Ithinkasasociety, we’llbeseeingrepercussions fromtheisolationpeople experiencedduringthattime foryearstocome.”

ByWendyMcMillan

forAgingatAltitude

Photoscourtesy:Frasier

Retirementisn’twhat itusedtobe,folks— andthat’sgreatnews. Ifyourvisionofseniorliving consistsofshufflingbetween Bingoandshuffleboard,it’s timetoreframe.Morethan everretireesarelooking tofilltheirdayswith robust,enrichingactivity, andthat’sreflectedincare communities.Toseewhat thislookslikeinexceptional style,justheadonoverto Frasier.

Foundedin1960toserve andenrichthelivesof

Boulder’sseniors,Frasier isaLifePlanCommunity offeringacontinuumof carethatallowsresidents tolivetheirlivesfullywith thecaretheyneed,when theyneedit.Locatedon20 sprawlingacresinresidential Boulder,thebeautiful campusconsistsofthree centralneighborhoods, eachwithauniquefocus-independentliving,‘The Meadows’assistedlivingand memorysupport,and‘The Summit’skillednursing/ long-termcare.Attheheart ofthesethreelevelsofcare isaresonantdedicationto ensuringresidentsenjoy

authentic,meaningful connection,withoneanother andwithstaff,anditshows.

“Socialengagementisso importantforourhealth,” saysStephanieLynn, CommunityLifeDirectorat Frasier.“Opportunitiesto connectwithoneanother impactushugely,mentally, emotionally,andphysically.”

Infact,research increasinglyemphasizes theimportanceofbeing meaningfullysociallyactive, forseniorsinparticular. Alongsidedietandexercise, socialengagementis associatedwithbetter brainfunctionasweage,

Ofcourse,ahallmark ofFrasier,itsstaff,and itsresidents,isresilience. Whenin-personcontact waslimited,Lynnandher dreamteamturnedcreatively totechnology.“Ifthere’s asilverliningto2020,it’s theenhancedtechnological savvinesseveryone embraced,”shesays.“Zoom andotherplatformsopened upworldsofmuseumsand otheropportunitiesthatwe continuetoincorporatein fun,dynamicways.”

Endlessmemorableevents demonstratehowLynnand herteamkeeptheworld atFrasierfingertips.One ofthefavoriteswasheld lastspring,inpartnership withtheTitanicMuseum AttractioninMissouri. “Theywerewonderful,” Lynnsays.“Weweregivena presentationfromMissouri, anditwasasifwewere rightthere.Wehadatour, withourhostdressedas MollyBrown,inhonorof theColoradoconnection.”

Alongsidethemuseum presentation,theFrasier

teamputtogetheraluncheon offoodactuallyeatenonthe Titanicitself.

It’snoteverydayone findsoneselfentertainedtoa titanicdegree,butatFrasier onecouldbe,ifdesired. Opportunitiestobeseen, heard,toeffectchangeand tosimplyhavefuntogether abound.Atthesametime, thereisalwaysspacetobe reflectiveandfindquiet, ingoodcompanyorin comfortablesolitude.“If youwanttobewithpeople, youcan,”Lynnsays.“We haveresidentguidestohelp newcomersgetintegrated, andchoicesforeveryone.”

Bychoicesforeveryone, Lynnmeansthereisan ever-evolving,thoughtfully tailored,vibrantlineupof choices,foreveryone.One lookatamonthlyactivity calendarandit’sclear, residentsmayfindthemselves busierthanthey’veeverbeen

inretirement,ifthatsuits them.Yes,thereisBingo —therearealsoMahjongg evenings,cakeandsongjam circles,coffeehours,card makingclasses,crafthours, poetrygatherings,cribbage, wordgames,meditation groups,awholehostof discussiongroups,movie nights,concerts,stimulating andthought-provoking educationalpresentations, andsomuchmore…allwith residents’interestsinmind. Everythingiselevated atFrasier,inthebestway. Anicecreamsocialismore likeasocialicecream extravaganza,forexample, onethatfeelslikeagreat bighugforall.AtFrasier, musicaleventspairperfectly withtwilighticecream parties,Lynnsays.Heldin thecentralcourtyardarea, entirecommunitiesatall levelsofcareparticipate.

HowdoesLynnand

herteamdoit?Without question,theyputinagreat dealoftime,ongoing,into planning.Butwhatmakes theplanssuccessfulcomes downtosomethingmore simpleandwholehearted. “Oneofourbiggest strengthshereisthatwe reallylistentoourresidents,”

Lynnsays.“Wehaveagreat administrationwhogives usthefreedomtoexplore activities,tobeinnovative. Combined,thishasserved toreallybuildtrust,and genuineconnections,for everyone,andthat’swhatit’s allabout.That’swhatwe’re herefor.”

SeniorsOn TheMove

ByLuanneKadlub forAgingatAltitude

Somanyfactorsnow comeintoplaywhen babyboomersand otherretireesconsider downsizingand/ormoving.

Patiohomes,townhomes andcondoscanbeideal formatureadultswanting lesshouseworkandmore freedomtolockandgo.FulltimelivinginanRVcanbe exciting—forawhile.Aging inplace?Thatworks,too.

Healthissues,however, canbethedeciding factorwhetherornotto ageinplaceortofinda seniorcommunitywhere acontinuumofcare— independentliving,assisted livingandskillednursing— isprovided.

Thedecisionastowhere toliveortostaysometimes comesdowntocostand wherethegrandkidslive.

Ifthetimedoescometo move,CourtneyWentworth, acertifiedseniorrealestate specialistwiththeBernardi GroupinBoulder,saidit’s imperativetoinvolvea trustedrealestateagent, “especiallyintoday’smarket wherewehaveseenthe marketchangeoverthepast severalmonths.”

Sherecommends interviewingseveralagents untilyoufindonewho understandsyourwantsand

needs.

“Youwanttoworkwith anagentwhoreallyknows thecultureofwhereyou wanttolive.InBoulder, therearepocketsof neighborhoodswithdifferent opportunities,suchasurban areas,themountains,or beautifulcondosinanice, easyenvironment.”

Forexample,sherecently helpedacouplewhohave livedintheirhomefor50 yearsmoveintoThePeloton, acondominiumcommunity intheheartofBoulderwith easyaccesstotransportation, below-groundparking andnearbyrestaurants andshops.“Theywanted tosimplify,butstillbein Boulder.”

DalePeterson,anassociate atRE/MAXofBoulder, saidshiftsintherealestate marketduetorisinginterest ratesandastockmarket trendingdownwardhave turnedwhatwasahot seller’smarketintoabuyer friendlyenvironmentwhere homepriceshavebegun tostabilizeandinsome instancesareseeingprice cuts.

Pearsonsaidnowcanbe agoodmarketforthose sellingtheirhomesbecause it’seasiertomakethesale conditionalonfindinganew residence.

Whilesomechoosetostay intheareawheretheyhave

livedforyears,otherspullup stakesandmoveelsewhere tobeneargrandkids,beit somewhereinColoradoor outofstate.

Pearsonsaidhomeprices

incommunitieseastof Boulder,suchasLongmont, Louisville,Lafayette, BroomfieldandErie,are moreaffordablethan BoulderCounty,withWeld

Countystillholdingfirst placeintheaffordability factorinNorthernColorado

“InBoulderproper,it’s hardtogetanythingunder $600,000,”hesaid.That’s

comparedto$500,000in WeldCounty,accordingto Realtor.com.

Althoughmoreseniors areoptingtoageathome —AARPreportsthatnearly 90percentofadultsover 65wanttoremainintheir currenthomesastheygrow older—that’snotalwaysa choice.

Ifyou’rethinkingof makingthemove,decide ifyouwantacondo, townhomeorpatiohome, manyofwhichcanbefound in55andovercommunities, orifacontinuumofcare whereindependentliving, assistedlivingandskilled nursingareallonthesame campuscouldmakelife transitionseasyforyouand foryourfamily.

Wentworthrecommends gettingthefamilyinvolved tomeetwithmarketing

AWELCOMINGSPACE

TOCALLYOUROWN

specialists,andtourthe communities,residencesand seniorlivingcommunities becauseculture,amenities andservicesdovary.

Whenitdoescometime tomove,manyareamazed atallthestuffthey’ve accumulatedoverthe yearsinpartbecauseadult childrenareincreasingly saying“no”tomom’schina andsilver,andtoantiques thathavebeeninthefamily forgenerations.

Sowhatdoyoudowith ahousefulofitemsnobody wants?

Organizingthemisa goodfirststep,andifit’s alltoooverwhelmingtodo byyourself,professional organizerswillhappilygive youahandindecidingwhat tosellandwhattotoss.

That’swhereClarissa

Edelen,ownerofFabulous UpscaleFindsinLongmont, comesin.

Althoughfamilymembers maynotwantyoursetof chinafor12,yourcrystal gobletsfromGermany,or yourGuccigownandJimmy Chooshoes,theycanfind

ahomewithsomeonewho willlovethemasthey’re meanttobeloved.

Edlelenconsignitemsfrom yourhousehold—clothing, furniture,accessories— providedthey’reingood conditionandfroman upscalelabel.

Edelman’sbusinessinclude twobrick-and-mortarstores (oneforfurniture,theother clothing)inLongmontalong withamobilevansheuses tovisitconsignors’homes. Sheoffersa50/50spliton itemsthatsell.

Shesaidthereisactually “anincrediblemarketfor china,crystalandsilver,”but notsomuchforarmoires.

Sheisalsointerestedin antique,midcenturyand modernfurniturethatiswell madeandcomesforupscale stores.

Whenitcomestimeto downsize,“There’sno needtobeoverwhelmed,” Edelmansaid.

Professionalorganizers, consignorsandotherscan helpeasetheburden.

ByAndyStonehouse forAgingatAltitude

Formostolder Americans,yourhome isyourcastle–the placeyou’veraisedafamily, hostedgatheringsandspent yearsdoingcarefulupkeep andrepairs.

Butifyou’vereachedthe pointwhereyourhouseis toolarge,oryouhavebegun toconsidermakingchanges toyourlivingsituation, seniorsandtheirfamilies haveplentyofresourcesto figureoutthebeststrategies forsellingtheirhomes.

CourtneyWentworth, alistingagentwith TheBernardiGroupin LongmontandBoulder,says the2022marketisindeed anexcellentplaceforlocal seniorstoreapbenefitsfrom thesaleoftheirhome–providedthetimingisright.

“Downsizingand simplifyingcanbefun,and alsoalittleoverwhelming,” Wentworthsays.“It’sthe startofanewadventure, whetherthatismovingtoa newstate,intoanewhome, meetingnewfriendsina

CourtneyWentworth TheBernardiGroup

seniorscommunityoreven hittingtheopenroadina carefreecamper.”

Afirststepistoconsulta financialadvisorandhelp puttogetheraplanthat worksforyourentirefamily. Ifsellingyourhomeisinthe cards,it’scriticalthatseniors findaprofessionalrealestate teamtomaximizethevalue oftheirhome.

Wentworth,whoworked fordecadesinlocalhospice andpalliativecareroles, sayssheappreciatesthe opportunitytohelpguide seniorsinarealestate transaction–especiallyas scammersareverybusy tryingtotakeadvantageof them.

“Rightnow,weareseeing changesinthemarket happenquickly.Youneed thepricingandguidance ofsomeonewhoispaying closeattentiontotheseshifts andkeepingupwithbuyers’ habits,”shesays.

“It’sheartbreakingthat somanyseniorsdon’thave theresourcestoknow whotoworkwith,asthey tendtotrustindividuals veryquickly,andthatcan createsomebigproblems. Iencourageseniorsto interviewsomedifferent peopleforarealestate transaction,andfindthebest fit.Vetthosepeopleanddo yourduediligence.”

Thatsaid,Wentworth reiteratesthattheBoulder Countymarketisstillavery strongseller’smarket,with lowinventoryandstrong pricingforhomes.

“Wehaveseensubstantial appreciation,onaverage 20%,inhomesoverthe lastseveralyears,and seniorsarereallybenefiting fromtheequitytheyhave builtup,”shesays.“Itisa fabulousfinancialcushion tohelpthemmoveintoan aging-in-placecommunity, orasmallertownhomethat allowsthemtolivemore simply.Theyoftenfind theyhaveenoughequityto savemoneyforretirement securityandadventure spending.”

Oneofthebiggest stressorsforseniorsisthe prospectofcleaningout clutter,packingandmoving alife’sworthofbelongings, andtheBernardiGroup offersitsGracefullyGolden programtoclients,which includesa$2,000moving, packingandcleaningcredit.

Theyalsoprovideavetted listoflocalresourcesfrom contractorstocleanersthat canhelpgetpropertiesready formarket.

Wentworthsaysthe programalsoincludesa stagingconsultationand photosandvideographyto helpshowcaseaproperty andmaketheprocessof sellingyourhomeassimple andstress-freeaspossible.

“BoulderCountyissuch asought-aftermarket withbuyerscomingfrom California,NewYork, ChicagoandTexas,”she says.“Boulderalsohas suchacharmwithsomany amazingpeople,resources anduniqueanddifferent neighborhoods.Ilove meetingwithseniorsand learningabouttheirexciting changes.”

LOCALTIP:

HowtoSaveMoneyonHomeImprovement withSurfaceRefinishingInsteadofReplacement

them.

ByEmmaCastleberry forAgingatAltitude

Oneofthefirstthings mostfolksconsider whentheystarta homeimprovementproject isthebudget.Settingacost limitforsuchaprojectcan bechallenging:weallwant tosavemoney,butwealso wanttorealizeourvision, behappywithourspace, andensuretheresultswill bedurableandlong-lasting. Onewaytoachieveallthis whilesimultaneouslycutting expenses?Refinishyour surfacesratherthanreplacing

Onesuchresurfacingtool standsoutabovetherest: MiracleMethodhasbeen aroundsince1979,whichis atestamenttotheproduct’s durabilityandlastingnature. ResurfacingwithMiracle Methodsavesupto70 percentcomparedtotearing outandreplacingyour countertops,bathtubs,tile wallsorshowerpans.Imagine whatyoucoulddowiththat savings.Itmightevenstretch yourhomeimprovement budgetintoanotherroom! Resurfacingisalsoquicker –manyMiracleMethod projectstakejust2to3days, atimesavingsthatcanbe vitaltoyoursanityduring alargehomeimprovement project.Thereisalsoalow odor,lowVOCoptionfor therefinishingprocessthat makesyournewly-improved roomavailabletoyoueven faster.Resurfacinghaseven greaterappealduringthe currenthomeimprovement climate:therearelongwaits forcontractors,whobook outfarinadvancedueto

supplyshortages.With resurfacing,thejobgetsdone onyourschedule.

Thelongevityofthesenew surfacesisnotable,too.Often withhomeimprovement projects,cuttingcostsmeans sacrificingonqualityand durability.Thecheaper optionwillusuallybreak downmorequickly.But that’snotthecasefora surfacetreatedbyMiracle Method:withappropriate careandmaintenance, MiracleMethodrefinishing canlastupto15yearsor more.Theproductcreates achemicalbondbetween oldandnewsurfacesto ensurelong-lastingquality. Thecompanyissoconfident abouttheproduct’s durabilitythatMiracle Methodoffersafive-year warrantyforbathtubs,wall tileandfiberglassunits,and afive-yearlimitedwarranty againstadhesionfailureon countertoprefinishing.

Ifpartofthereason you’vedecidedtotakeon animprovementprojectis becausethesurfacesina

roomaredamagedorneed toberepaired,resurfacing isstillanoptionforyou. MiracleMethodcanalso completevitalrepairson heavy-useenvironmentslike kitchensandbathrooms, fixingcracksinfiberglass tubs,showers,andone-piece units.MiracleMethodcan repairalmostanydamage toyourbathtub,sink, countertop,ortile,including chipsandcracks,rustspots, spidercracks,crackedor missingtiles,holesfromold showerdoors,andmissingor moldygrout.

Regardlessofwhereyour surfacesarelocated–from bathroomstokitchens–resurfacingisanaffordable, sustainabledecisionthatcan alsogiveyouexactlythelook

youwant.Thecompany’s NaturalAccentlinehasthe lookofastonefinishand therearemanycoloroptions withinthatline,aswell asplentifulotheroptions. Youdon’thavetobuynew toachievetheaesthetic

youwantforyourhome improvementproject.

Financial&LegalAdvice

ByDarrenThornberry

ESTATEPLANNING/ ADMINISTRATION

JohnM.Estes,Partner, Kapsak|EstesLLC, Thinkthroughyourvalues andwhatyouarehoping toaccomplishwithyour estateplan.Isitimportant thatyouleavealegacy?Is charitablegiftingimportant toyou?Whoisreliableand fairandwillmakesureyour wishesarehonored?Isthe personyoutrusttohelpyou duringyourlifealsoagood choiceforhandlingaffairs afteryoudie?Makesurethat everythingiscoordinatedand thatyourtrustedindividuals knowalloftherelevant information.Thismeans coordinatingyourwillwith yourbeneficiarydesignations, retirementaccounts,life insurance,andownershipof majorassets.

RETIREMENT INCOME OPPORTUNITIES StephenThomson, AAMS,EdwardJones

Forretireeslookingtoget backintotheworkforce, theopportunitiestodo soareplentiful.I’veseen retireesopentheirown business,becomeconsultants intheirfieldofexpertise, startfundraisinginitiatives, pursuetheirdreamcareer, turnprevioushobbiesinto income-generatingactivities, helpfamilymemberswith theirbusinesses,becomepet sittersorsimplyfillthatparttimejobopeningatthelocal neighborhoodstore.Ifyou’re lookingtohaveapaycheck inretirement,optionsare available,butwhatever youdo,makesureitallows youtoappreciatewhat’s

importanttoyouandmakes lifemeaningful.

REVERSE MORTGAGES

GabeBodner, Retirement MortgagePlanner

Areversemortgageis agoodideaforseniors becauseithelpstoimprove cashflowandtoimprove seniors’financiallongevity inretirement.Overall,as weage,ourpotentialto earnincomegoesdown andyetourexpensescan actuallyincrease.Therefore, utilizingareversemortgage canhelpimprovecashflow byeliminatingamortgage payment,anditcanalso converthomeequity(which isnotusable)intousable cash,freeofincometaxes. Thebestadviceistospeak tosomeonelocallyand learnmoreaboutyour options.Througheducation, homeownerswillbecome moreconfidenttodetermine ifthisisthebestdecisionfor them.

PROTECTION FROM INCAPACITY/ PROBATE

DiedreBraverman, PrincipalAttorney, BravermanLaw GroupLLC

Toavoidlivingprobate, seniorsneedcomprehensive estateplans.Revocableliving trustplansworkthebest becausetheymakeitaseasy aspossibleforyourtrusted surrogatetomanageyour assets.Butevenwill-based planswillusuallyavoid livingprobate.Bothplans shouldincludeafinancial powerofattorneythat directswhoshouldmake

financialdecisionsforyou ifyoubecomeincapacitated andahealthcarepowerof attorneytodirectthesame thingforyourmedical decisions.It’salsobestto haveaHIPAAreleasethat authorizesthepeopleofyour choosingtotalkwithyour doctorsandfindoutwhether youareincapacitated.

PREVENTING FRAUD

SusieGermany, Attorney, GermanyLaw

Manyseniorsaregetting scammedonthephoneor emotionallyblackmailedby familymemberswhorefuse ordon’twanttoworkfora living,crashinthebasement, don’tpayrentandfeel entitledtoliveoffmomor

dad.Wehaveseenmoreof thissinceCOVID.Mybest adviceistohaveup-to-date legaldocumentsnaming TRUSTEDpeople,even professionalsifnecessary, thattheycantalktoifthey starttohavehealthissuesor problems.Thesepeopleare asecondsetofeyeswhen payingthebills.Seniors gettingsuspiciousphonecalls oremailshouldnotreply andshouldnevergiveout personalinformation.Seniors shouldnotleavesensitive personalinformationor checkbookslyingaround thehouse.Nowisagood timeforseniorstoincrease theirhomesecurity,install Ringdoorbellsandsecurity camerasandbecautious aboutanyphonecallsor e-mailsfromstrangers.

TipstoSurvivingInflation

ByDarrenThornberry forAgingatAltitude

Inflationisoneveryone’s mind.Thefinancial talkingheadsonTV spendhoursdebating doomsdayscenarioswhile averagepeoplewhodon’t necessarilyknowalotabout financegetveryuneasy. However,seniorscanprotect againstinflation!Financial consultantRonVejrostekof VejrostekTaxandFinancial (ronsoffice.biz)helpsus demystifyinflationandmake goodplanstoweatherit.

InVejrostek’sexperience, peopleoftenbelievethere isnothingtheycando

aboutinflation,andhebegs todiffer.“Highinflation mightactuallyhaveone silverlininginthatitmakes peoplepauseandlookat theirspending,”hesays. “Corporationsknow,and thisincludesinsurance companies,thatpeople

resistchangebecauseitis uncomfortable.Butthatis thenumberoneweapon peoplehavetofight inflation.”

Butwhatexactlyis inflation?JasonFernando ofinvestopedia.comwrites thatinflationis“arise

inprices,whichcanbe translatedasthedecline ofpurchasingpowerover time.”Heexplainsthatthe riseinprices,whichisoften expressedasapercentage, meansthataunitofcurrency effectivelybuyslessthanit didinpriorperiods. Sohowdoesthattranslate topaininthepocketbook? “Manycompanieswill lureyouinwithlowrates oneyearandthenkeepon raisingyourpricesbecause theyknowalargepercentage ofthepeoplewouldrather absorbtheincreasethan gothroughthetroubleof changing,”Vejrosteksays. Herecommendsreviewing

annually—andespecially duringayearofhigh inflationlikethisone— Medicareplansincluding partD,homeownerandauto insurancerates,andcable andcellphonebills.

MONEY-SAVINGTIPS

Ronhasagreattip:Earn reasonableinterestrates onatleastapartofyour savingsbyinvestinginU.S. governmentIBonds,which arecurrentlypaying9.62%.

“Apersoncaninvestaslittle as$25andtheyonlyhave totieuptheirmoneyforone yearminimum,”heexplains. “Ofcourseifyoutake yourmoneyoutafteronly oneyear,yougiveupthree monthsofinterestbutthat stillseriouslybeatswhatthe banksarepaying.”

Speakingofbanks,

Ronsays,don’tjustletyour

CDscontinuetorollover withoutcheckingtoseeif thereisabetterdealand perhapsadifferenttime commitment.Compareand findthebestdeals.

You’velikelyseenthat Coloradostatetaxfilers(full yearresidents)thisyearare receiving$750.Itisalready projectedthatColoradowill payoutmoreTaborrefunds nextyearandperhapsuntil 2025.Fileyourreturn!

Finally,planaheadtosave! “Planyourtripssothat youcangroupyourerrands togetherandsaveyourself timeandgas,”Vejrostek says.“Useacashbackcard forasmanypurchasesas possible,butonlyifyoucan payoffthefullbalanceevery month.”

HowtoTalktoYourLovedOnes AboutEnd-of-LifePlanning

ByEmmaCastleberry forAgingatAltitude

Whiledeathis sometimes considereda tabootopic,therearemany reasonstodiscussend-of-life planningwithyouraging lovedones.Notonlydo theseconversationsensure theindividual’swantsand needsaremet,butitalso removestheburdenfrom otherfamilymembers. “Agreatwaytoopenthe conversationwithfamily istotalkabouthowyou don’twantthisfinancial andemotionaldecisionto beplacedontheshoulders ofanyfamilymember,” sayspre-planningadvisor RebekahMillionwith CristMortuary.

Ratherthanwaiting foranemergency–such asahealthscareorfall–AmandaMeiersaysendof-lifeconversationsshould happenearlyandoften. Meierisprojectcoordinator forTheConversation ProjectinBoulderCounty atTRUCommunityCare, whichworkstoencourage andfacilitateend-oflifeconversations.She suggeststhisasapowerful conversationopener:“Ineed yourhelpwithsomething importanttome.”

Sometimes,thedeathof afriend,familymember, orfamouspersoncan

actasanimpetusforthis conversation.“Theseevents naturallygetusthinking aboutourownmortality –arecentexamplewas QueenElizabeth’sdeath” saysDavidHeckel,advance planningconsultantwith TheNaturalFuneral,a BoulderCountygreen funeralhomethatoffers

alternativestotraditional burialincludingflame cremation,watercremation andbodycomposting.

Somequestionsthatcan guideadiscussionabout funeralorceremonyplans: howdoyouwanttobe remembered?Wheredoyou envisionacelebrationof yourlifetobeheld?What

isyourvisionforyourfinal days?Whoshouldbethere withyou?

Pre-arrangingafuneral orend-of-lifecelebration canbeasmartchoicenot onlybecauseitsavesmoney, butalsobecauseitprevents familymembersfrom beingoverwhelmedwith decision-makingduringa

timeofgrief.“Pre-arranging isindeedaverywiseand lovingchoice,”saysHeckel. “Pre-arranginggoesa longwaytowardavoiding argumentsaroundthe tableaboutwhatandhow. Pre-planningtendstohelp familiesavoidemotional overspendingtoo.”

Thisconversationshould notonlyincludefuneral plans,butplansforthelate stagesoflife,whenmany peopleneedmoreintensive medicalcare.Somequestions toconsideraroundthis topic:Arethereoutcomes thatareunacceptableto you?Whatareyouworried aboutwhenyouthinkabout yourhealthcarethrough seriousillnessandatendof-life?Aretheretypesof medicaltreatmentsyouneed tolearnmoreabout?Are

theretreatmentsyoudon’t wanttohave?

Meieralsoadvises designatingahealthcare agentwhowillmake healthcarerelateddecisions. “Itisespeciallyimportantto takethisstepinColorado becausethereisnolegal ‘lineofsuccession,’”she says.“Yourspouseoroldest childwillnotautomatically becomeyouragent.”

Financialmattersare anotherfacetoftheendof-lifediscussion.Anoftoverlookedandvitally importanttaskisestablishing apersonalrepresentative orexecutor,whichisvery differentfrompowerof attorney.“Everyoneshould knowthat,intheState ofColorado,powerof attorneyceasesatdeath,” saysMillion.“Thatiswhya

personalrepresentativeand/ orexecutorisneededtobe inplace.Thishelpsprevent anyfamilydisputesforendof-lifeplanningandmakes onepersonthesinglepoint ofcontact.”Somequestions thatcanguidethistopic include,whowillmakeyour decisionsifyouareunable? Whichpeopledoyouwant tobeinvolvedinyourcare?

Heckelwarnsthatsome individualsmightbrushoff thesequestionsandtryto avoidthesenseofburdening theirlovedones.“These ‘don’tbotheraboutme’ sentimentsmayariseout ofadeeplyheldsenseof humility,”hesays.“They mayalsocomefromasense ofwantingtoavoidthe difficultemotionsofgrief andbereavement.”

Evenifyouaremetwith

reluctanceorflat-outrefusal, keeptryingtoinitiatethe conversationindifferent ways.Alsoconsiderenlisting thehelpofanotherfriend orfamilymemberwho yourlovedonemightbe morecomfortabletalking to.It’salsocrucialtogive yourlovedonesometime toprepareandreflect ratherthanspringingthe conversationonthemand expectinganswers.“It’sokay tobreakthisconversation intosmallertalksovertime ifneeded,”saysMeier.“I recommendapproachingthe topicasanimportantgift yougivethosewhowillbe leftbehind.”

Formoreinformation, visitdignitymemorial.com, theconversation projectinboulder.organd thenaturalfuneral.com.

TheBenefitsof MusicTherapy forDementia

ByBarbraCohn forAgingatAltitude

Yearsago,Iattendeda drummingcirclewith myhusbandatthe memorycarehomewhere helived.Musictherapist JohnCrowderhadthegroup mimichisrhythmicconga drum-playingastheresidents shookgourds.

“Youknow,weallhavea drumrighthere,”Crowder said,pointingtohisheart. Althoughsomeofthe membersofthegroupwere non-verbal,atleasthalfof themseemedtounderstand exactlywhathemeant. Throughouttheforty-five minutesessionseveralpeople brokeintosong,whichhe usedtosimultaneouslylead thegroupinsingingand musicplaying.

Musictherapyisbecoming morewidelyunderstoodas avalidhealthcareprofession andmethodforworking withmemorycarepatients andneurologicallyimpaired individuals.Hundredsof studiesanddocumented casesillustratehowmusic hasapositiveeffecton peoplewithdementiaand Alzheimer’s.It’snotunusual forthecommunication veilstoliftafteraperson withdementiaisexposed toaguidedmusictherapy session.Familymembersfind

thislimited,albeittemporary, periodtobeextremely meaningfulandprecious.

Boardcertifiedmusic therapistMikaylaFindley usesmusicasatoolto engagetheresidentsatAlta VitaLivinginLongmont indrumcircles,creative musicmaking,songwriting, andsinging.“Overtime, inbraindiseasesthereis adegradationofbrain matter.Muchmorethanan emotionaldevice,whenwe listentomusicitcanbecome aspecialneurologicaltool thatenlivensmultipleareas ofthebrain.Thephysical, emotional,intellectual, physicalandcommunication centersofthebrainbecome engaged,”shesaid.

“Dependingontheperson whoisparticipatinginthe music,thesenseoftouchcan alsobestimulated,”Findley said.“Vibrationscanbe feltandmusiccanprovide notjustaural,butatactile stimulation.”

Sincetheauditorysystem isthefirstsysteminthe braintofullyfunctionbefore birth,weareexposedto musicrightfromthestart. Sincepeoplewithdementia areoftenabletoretrieve memoriesfromlongago, musicisoftenthecatalyst fortheemotionsthatarise, andcansometimesstimulate conversation.

Findleysaid,“Ihada one-to-oneexperiencewith apersonatanursinghome

whowasnon-verbaland apathetic.She’dbabble andvocalizesoundsbut didn’tspeak.I’dusemusic tocommunicatewith herbecausewecouldn’t communicateverbally.I discoveredthatsheloved drumsandinthemajority ofoursessionswehada musicalcallandresponseon thedrums.

“SometimesIplaythe guitar.Eventually,I’dput itdownandsangandshe wouldsingthewordsto “YouAreMySunshine” and“QueSeraSera.”The womanwasextremelyvocal andawakewithanupright postureduringoursessions. She’dsay‘good-bye’and wasmorealertforhours afterwards.”

LeonardBernstein oncesaid,“Musiccan nametheunnameable andcommunicatethe unknowable.”Musiccan evokememories,increase socialinteractioninpeople withdementia,andhelp themformtrustwiththeir caregivers.Itcanactasa stressdiffuser,up-lifter,and naturalmedicine.

Musicstirsmemories andallowspeoplewithina grouptoenjoysomething together.It’sawonderful waytohelppeopleinteract, communicate,havefun together,andreducefeelings oflonelinessanddepression. Soothingmusiccanreduce sundowninginpeoplewith Alzheimer’swhoexperience anxiety,restlessnessand confusionintheevening.

Findleyadded,“Aswe outlinealltheseareasof function,weseethatmusic canengagethewholeperson, whichiswhatmakesitsuch aneffectivetool.”

(Photo:BrettMartinez)

AltaVitainmusictherapysessions. (Photo:BrettMartinez).

AdvocatesAreBestRXfor

MedicareEnrollmentQuestions

ByKathleenDuff forAgingatAltitude

Medicarewascreated toprovidebasic healthinsurance coveragetoeaseconcerns forthose65orolder.Butthe governmentprogramalso cantriggeritsshareofstress anduncertainty.

Withopenenrollment startingOct.15,the solicitationcalls,TV commercials,emailsand flyersstartrollingin,only addingtotheconfusion asseniorstrytobalance governmentrequirements withtheirindividualhealth careneeds.

Thatiswherelocal professionalMedicare advocatescanhelp.

“Medicarecanbevery tricky,thereisalotof informationtounderstand

andremember.Asyour advocate,Icanletyou knowhowMedicareworks. Whatitdoes/doesnotcover. Workingwithanadvocate, youwillgetone-on-one servicewithguidance towardyourspecificneeds,” explainedLeSeanWittkop, ownerofLeSeanWittkop Insurance. Wittkopisabroker, meaningshecanoffer Medicareplansfroma varietyofcompanies.

“Medicarehealthplans arenot‘onesizefitsall.’ Anagentwhorepresentsa singlecompanycanonlysell theplansthecompanythey workforoffers.Abroker willlookatyourneeds,and afteranalysis,willfinda planthatfitsyourindividual needs.”

AnotherColoradobroker, MaryHansen,ofBridlewood

Insurance,explainsthat thefirststepformanyis determiningiftheyneed toenrollinMedicare.She runsanelitedivisioncalled AgingAtAltitudetohelp customersunderstandtheir beststrategyforMedicare insurance.

“Therearecertain situationswhereyouare allowedtodelayenrollment. Thefirststepistomake sureyouhavealegitimate excuse.Manytimes,people arestillworking(withaccess toemployerhealthplans). Wecomparetheircostand coverageunderanemployer programwithMedicare programs,”shesaid.“Nine timesoutof10,Medicare isthebestchoice.Butthey needsomethingtogowith that.”

Bothbrokersemphasize theimportanceof

interviewingclientsto evaluatetheirindividual healthinsuranceneeds.

Hansensaid,“Thereare advantages,supplementand prescriptiondrugplans.We areaone-stopshopthat representsalltheoptions. Theanswerisbasedontheir doctors,theirmedications andtheirmedicalneeds.”

Advocateshelpseniors betterunderstandthe processtoavoidgovernment penaltiesfornothaving adequatecoverage.Hansen saidsucheducationisa fulfillingpartofherjob. Atatimewhenseniorsare oftendelugedwithMedicare insurancecommercialsand phonecalls,shesaidhaving alocaladvocatecanreduce confusion.

“Wearedealingwith asituationinthesenior communitywherealotof peoplearetakingadvantage ofthembecausetheyare mostvulnerable.Theysee thecommercialswithJoe NamathorLionelRitchie andenduptalkingto someoneinacallcenter severalstatesaway.I’d suggesttheylookfor someonelocalwhois familiarwiththecommunity anddoctorsandlocal hospitals.”

Wittkop,similarly,saidshe startswithaneedsanalysis.

“Weaskthequestions, …Howoftendoyouvisit yourdoctor?Whatplans coveryourmedications? Doyouhaveaparticular doctor,hospitalorpharmacy thatyouwanttouse?Do youhavehealthcoverage throughanemployer,union ormilitary?Wouldyou ratherpaylessinmonthly premiumsorpaylessout ofpocketwhenyoureceive services?Doyoutravel often?Onceweknowwhat isimportanttoyou,we narrowdownplanoptions

thatmeetyourneeds,”Wittkop explained.

“AsyouradvocateIwilllookinto plansthatwillsuityourneeds.Wewill gooverthemtogethertodetermine whichplanwillbeafit.”

SheexplainedthatMedicare Supplementplans,alsoknownas Medigapplans,haveadditional monthlypremiumsbuthelpcoverthe deductiblesandcoinsurancecoststhat Medicaredoesn’tcover.“Inaddition totheMedicareSupplementplan,you willneedtoaddaprescriptiondrug plan(PartD)thathasanadditional monthlypremium.

“Yoursecondoptionistochoose aMedicareAdvantageplan(PartC.) TheseplanscombineyourPartA hospitalcoverage,PartBdoctorvisits andusuallyincludeaPartDdrug plan.Theyofferfinancialprotection byputtingacaponyourout-of-pocket costs.MedicareAdvantageplansmay alsoofferadditionalbenefitsthatare notofferedbyoriginalMedicare.”

Advantageplansaremuchlike

outsourcingcoveragetoaprivate healthinsurancecompany,Hansen said.Thisapproachcanstabilizecosts byincludingmaximumco-pays,for example,aswellashearing,dentaland visioncoverage.

Customizingplanstoindividual needsisessential,HansenandWittkop said.Andfollowingupeachyearafter initialenrollmentiscriticaltoensuring Medicareinsurancecontinuesto matchlifestylesandevolvingneeds.

Hansensaid,“Healthcareisone ofthetopthreedecisionsforpeople. You’vegotpeoplescramblingtocut costs.It’sjustamatterofawareness ofwhatworksforyou–youcould bestealingfromPetertopayPaul.I thinkthestressalsoisbecausethisisa governmentprogram,andthereareall thesepenaltiesandallthesecallsthat startaboutsixmonthsbeforeage65. Oncepeoplearedonewithus,though, theyarestoked.Theycan’twaitto turn65bythetimewearedonewith them.Knowledgeispower.”

UnderstandingMedicare

OriginalMedicareincludes

PartA (hospitalinsurance)and

PartB (medicalinsurancefor servicesfromdoctorsandother healthcareproviders).Seniorsare usuallyrequiredbythegovernment toenrollintheseplans.

PartC isknownasMedicare Advantage.ItisaMedicareapprovedplanfromaprivate companythatoffersanalternative toOriginalMedicareforhealthand drugcoverage.Thesebundled plansincludePartAandPartBand usuallyPartD.Plansmayhavelower out-of-pocketscoststhanMedicare andmayoffersomeextrabenefits thatOriginalMedicaredoesnot, includingvision,hearinganddental services.

PartD isaseparateMedicaredrug planforprescriptioncoverage.

Source:Medicare.gov.

HealthyMind,HealthyBody

ByLindaThorsenBond forAgingatAltitude

Healthymentaland emotionalhealth asweageisn’t somethingtobetakenfor granted.Butthegrowthof resourcesthatspecializein brainhealthgiveshopeand healththroughouttheFront Range.

Dr.ElliotGoodofAmavi IntegrativeMentalHealth inNiwotsaid,“Colorado isawonderfulplacetoage. Therearesomanythriving andactiveolderadultsinthis areathatitisinspiring.Ican’t imagineabetterplacetobe asweage.”

Dr.Good,Dr.AnneGiesen

ofSkyHealthServicesand Dr.IleneNaomiRuskof theBrainandBehavioral Clinicareasinspiringasthe thrivingolderadultstheysee.

Dr.Giesenisageriatric medicinespecialistwithSky HealthServices.Shefeels thatindividualizedcareis themostimportantpart oftreatingadults65and older.Toaccomplishthat, theyspendmuchmoretime withpatientsthanordinary patientvisits.“Highquality carereallyhastobetailored foreachperson,because everyoneagesdifferently,” shesaid.“Sometimesit’s importanttoacceptthings wecan’tfixbutwithall patients,wetrytoassess allpreventativeconditions.

Wemakesuretheyhave vaccinationsandscreening testsannually.Itusedtobe calledaphysical,butthat’s justpartofit.”

SkyHealthServiceshas threeclinics,includingthe mainoneinBoulder,andthey visitassistedlivingfacilitiesin Longmont.Dr.Giesenadded, “Wehavechangesasweage, buthowwedealwithitcan affectourqualityoflifeand whathappensgoingforward. Onavisit,Ilisten,Idon’t intervenealot.Iprovide supportandunderstanding, andletpeopleknowit’sokay tobesad,ortoacknowledge loss.

“Iwouldaddthatisolation affectsmentalandemotional health,”Dr.Giesensaid.“I

findthatpeoplewhopractice gratitude,whoaregrateful withwhatisworkingand doingwellarethebestoff.” Shesuggestedwaystouse whatisworking:“Someone whousedtobearunner butnowcan’trundueto arthritis,sotheywalkevery dayinsteadtogetoutside andenjoymoving.Someone whousedtohikebutno longerfeelssafewalking ontheunevengroundso theywalkonpavedpaths instead.Someonewhoused totravelbutnowfindsittoo difficultsotheyparticipate moreinlocalarts—music concerts,plays,ballet,etc.I guesssometimeswhenweare youngand/orablebodied, wethinkwewouldn’tbeable

totolerateusingawalker, wheelchair,livinginanursing facility,butwhenthetime comesandsomeoneneeds moresupport,thewaythey adjusttoitoracceptithasso muchtodowiththeirmental wellnessandqualityoflife.”

Dr.Giesenadded,“Iknow, itseemsobvious,butIfind thatsomepeoplespenda lotofenergyfeelingbitter thattheycan’tdowhat theywouldliketodo,other peoplemakechangesso theycanstillfindthingsthey enjoy.”

Dr.Good’sintegrative practicehasgrowntoinclude memorycareandassisted livingfacilitiesinNiwot, LongmontandLouisville.As shesawpatientsthroughout thearea,shefelttheneed tomovefromprimarycare toconcentrateonmental health.“IfeltlikeIwas oftencalledontomanage mentalhealthquestions,” shesaid.“Ifpeoplelivelong enough,chancesarethey willexperiencesomekind ofimpairment,thoughnot necessarily.Unfortunately, wedon’tyethavemedicine thatcantreatdementia,so wetrytoimprovecognitive abilityandprotectcognitive function.Weteaseout underlyingproblemstosee whatwe’redealingwith.”

Dr.Goodsuggestedthat olderadultsfocusonmaking suretheyhavetheright supportsystemsintheirlife. “Workwithsomeonewho canguideyouwell,”she said.“Developarelationship withaproviderwhoknows howtotreatolderadult patients.Findsomeonewho canhelpmakesureifyou’re strugglingwithdepression orotherconditionsyouget mentalhelp.Wemaynotbe abletopreventproblems,but

spending10yearsofyour lifeworryingaboutitwill negativelyimpactthequality oflifeyouhavenow.”

Dr.RuskisDirectorofthe HealthyBrainProgramand Co-DirectoroftheBrainand BehaviorClinicinBoulder.

“It’sanexcitingtimetobe workingwithbrainhealth, becausethere’ssomuch wecandotoenhanceit,” Dr.Rusksaid.“Ourbrains havethisinnatecapacity tochangeandadapttoour environments,andwecall thatneuroplasticity.”

Shestressedthesix lifestylepillarsofbrain health:challengeyourmind, havemeaningfulsocial connections,managestress, varyyourexerciseroutine, getrestorativesleep,andeat healthyfoods.“Theseare thescience-backedlifestyle habitsyoucanpersonalize asAlzheimer’sprevention strategiesandtheyaregreat forhearthealthaswell. What’sgoodforyourheart,is goodforyourbrainandwith anychronicillnessitcantake timetoheal,”Rusksaid.

Therearealsogreatnew devicesherpatientscan usetomonitortheirown biometrics.Todate,there’s nosilverbullettopreventor successfullytreatAlzheimer’s andotherdementiasbut

therearemanycontributors tocognitivedeclinewecan modify.

“Takingcareofourmind andbrainisparticularly relevantnowbecauseofall therecentexperiencesthat havechallengedourbrain healthduringthepandemic. COVIDitselfcanaffectbrain health,andcoupledwith fear,uncertainty,financial stressandsocialisolation thepandemicperiodcreated stresswhichdirectlyaffects ourbodyandbrain.People whoarestressresilienttend tobebrainhealthy;theyare abletoprocessfear,grief, loss,andtrauma.”

Dr.Rusktrained inneuroscience, neuropsychologyandtrauma healing,hasrunnumerous MemoryClinics,andisa functionalmedicinebrain healthcoach.Shetrained withDr.DaleBredesen, apioneerinlookingfor rootcausesofcognitive decline.Ruskhasdeveloped aHealthyBrainCheck-up tohelpherpatientsbetter understandtheirmemory andthinkingandfocuseson additionalpillarsofbrain health.DrRuskcreatesa personalizedplan,which includesamentalhealth plantohelpenhancebrain health,preventAlzheimer’

IleneNaomiRusk Ph.D.,Co-Director

andoptimizememoryand attentionbecauseemotional healthisverytiedtobrain health.

Sheeducatespatientsabout theroleoftoxins,infections andothermedicalrootcauses ofcognitivechangesand recommendsthatherpatients getaneuropsychological evaluationtoevaluatetheir cognitivestrengthand weaknessesofmemory,visual andspatialability,attention, focus,andhowtheyprocess information.

“It’simportanttoknow what’sgoingon,”shesaid. “Ifpeoplehaveacognitive problemortheyareworried aboutchangesintheir memory,theyneedtohave acognitiveworkup.When weknowwhat’shappening withsomeone’smemory, wecanfocusonwhatthe rootcausesmightbe,and whattodoaboutit.It’svery importantthatpeoplestart implementingbrainhealthy strategiesearlyandusethe toolswehavetobuildbrain resilience.”

Shesuggestshopefulness andencouragespeople shespeakstoindifferent communitiestobeginearly withAlzheimer’sprevention, andgettounderstandtheir minds,evenbeforethey noticeanycognitivechanges.

ElliotGood

AnneGiesen DO

TheHiddenRisks ofHearingLoss

ByJulieKailus forAgingatAltitude

Hearinglossaffects aperson’sentire well-being.Losing amajorsensesuchas hearingismuchmorethan aphysicalcondition.As weage,itimpactsserious socialandemotionalareas oflifefromrelationships toself-confidence.To exploretherisks,myths andmanagementofhearing loss,wecaughtupwith localexpertsfromFamily Hearing.

Soundisahabitatthat oftengoesunnoticeduntila personstartstoloseaccess toit.Hearingorientsusin space,andthesharpnessof one’shearingislinkedwith cognitivewellness.Most importantly,intacthearing

connectsustopeople.

“Whenpatientscome totheofficeitistypically toimprovetheirability tounderstandloved ones,participateingroup discussionsorsimplyturn thetelevisionvolumedown,” saysChelseaWalters,boardcertifiedhearinginstrument specialistandownerof Lafayette-basedFamily Hearing.“Enhancinghearing notonlymakesadifference inourabilitytoconnectto thesoundsthatmattermost butcanalsoimpactbalance, memory,decisionmaking, anxiety,isolationandmore.”

HOWTOMANAGE HEARINGLOSS

Thebestwaytomanage hearinglossistoidentify andtreatitearly.According totheindustrypublication LancetReview,hearingloss

isthelargestmodifiable riskfactorindementia prevention.Hearing,like visionandoralhealth, shouldbemonitored regularlytocatchearly indicatorsofdecline.

“Irecommendgettinga baselinehearingevaluation inmiddlelife,”saysDoctor ofAudiologyGeorgianna HearneofFamilyHearing. “Thiscanhelpmitigate comorbiditiescommonwith untreatedhearinglosslike cognitionchanges,balance issuesandisolation.”

Hearneexplainsthat establishingabaseline earlyinformsyou aboutyourhearing healthstatus,prevents communicationchallenges beforetheyhappenand canalignyouwitha professionalyoucanrelyon foradviceandsolutionsnow

andinthefuture. Anothermanagement strategyisconsideringhow topreventhearinglossinthe firstplace.Noise-induced hearinglossisoneofthe leadingcausesofhearingloss andisentirelypreventable. Youcanprotectyourhearing atanyagebywearing hearingprotectionaround anyhazardousnoise.Other proactivebehaviorsinclude eatingahealthydietand regularexercise.Similarly, becausetheheartprovides oxygentothehearing system,cardiovascularhealth iscriticalinmaintaining goodhearing.

RETHINKTIMING ANDEXPENSES

Acoupleofcriticalfactors oftenleadtoadelayin hearinglosscorrection: howquicklythecondition progressesandhowmuch hearingaidscost.

First,it’simportantto understandthathearing lossistypicallyagradual process.Avarietyof symptomstendtocreepup slowlyandthereforecan beeasytodismiss.“This canoftenholdpeople backfromrecognizingor addressingtheirhearing losspromptlybecause thecommunicationvoids presentasiftheneedisnot greatenough,”Hearnesays. Buttheoppositeistrue.

“Evenamildhearingloss shouldbeacalltoaction fortreatmentsoonerrather thanlater.”

Second,hearingtreatment isoftendelayedbecause oftheperceivedexpense associatedwithhearing implements.Buttechnology isputtingthisconcernto rest.Today,there’sgreater

accessandstrategiesfor hearingcarethanever before.

Iffinancesareaconcern, atrustedhearingcenter shouldbeabletoprovide plentyofoptions.Thereare plansthattakeintoaccount theinvestmentfordevices, theservicesusedandeven thewarrantiesincluded withtoday’shigh-quality

connecteddevices.Hearne saysnottoletafinancial roadblockstandintheway ofhearinghealth:“Thereis adeviceandserviceplanto treathearinglossforevery lifestyleandbudgettoday.”

Getanswers,resourcesand solutionsfromaprofessional audiologist.Restoring hearingmaybenothing shortoflife-changing.

TheHeart&VascularInstituteinLafayette

MaintainingEyeHealthAsWeAge

morepronetocertaineye conditions.Herearesome thataffectolderpopulations.

GLAUCOMA

Theriskforglaucoma increasesafterage40, explainsDr.Heather Gitchell,aglaucomaand cataractsspecialistatInSight VisionGroup.Glaucoma isadiseasethatcausesa progressivelossofnerve tissueinthebackoftheeye, whicheventuallyresultsin peripheralvisionloss.

theriskformacular degeneration,shesays.

DRYEYE

Theterm“dryeye”

oversimplifiesthecondition, Gitchellsays.Insufficient tearfilmcancause frustratingandchronic problemsforvisionand comfort.

ByBrittanyAnas

forAgingatAltitude

It’seasytotakeadvantage ofyourvisionuntil somethingseemstogo wrong–whetherthat’san onsetoffloaters,increasingly blurryvisionordryeyes afterstaringforhourson endatacomputerscreen.

Butit’simportanttoknow whicheyeconditionsmight affectyouasyouage,as wellasunderstandyourrisk factorsandlearnwhatyou candotohelpmaintainyour eyehealth.

Firstthingsfirst:It’s importanttoseeyoureye doctoryearlyasconditions candevelopovertimeand youmightnotnecessarily noticeanychangeor mistakenlythinkachangeis somethingthatcomeswith aging,saysPriscillaTrost, practiceliaisonwithEye CareCenterofNorthern Colorado.

Youshouldcallyoureye doctorrightawayifyousee

flashesorfloatingobjects suddenlyappearinginyour vision.Youshouldalso contactyoureyedoctorif youbecomeawareofany changesinyourvision, comfortlevelinyoureyes, painoritchiness,orcanno longerdocertainactivities becauseofthesechanges, Trostsays.

Whatothergeneraltips canhelpkeepyoureyesin goodshape?

Avoidrubbingoverthe eyeballasthiscancause changesinthecornea,which canaffectvision,Trost says.Also,wearsunglasses whenoutsideandkeepyour eyesmoistwithlubricating “artificialtears”eyedrops, appliedatleastoncetotwice adayinthisdryclimate.

Ahead,learnmoreabout thecommoneyeconditions thataffectthosewhoare65 andolderandwhatyoucan dotoprotectyourvision.

COMMONAGE-RELATED EYECONDITIONS

Asyouage,youbecome

“Glaucomaiscalled‘the silentthiefofsight’asthere typicallyarenorecognizable symptomsintheearlystages ofthedisease,”sheexplains.

Therearemanyrisk factorsassociatedwith glaucomaincludingelevated eyepressure,diabetes,high bloodpressure,sleepapnea, historyofmigrainesand familyhistory,Gitchellsays.

Whilethereisnocure forglaucoma,itcanbe treatedwitheyedrops,laser proceduresorsurgery.Most often,glaucomaisfoundas partofanannualeyeexam, notbecauseapersonnoticed achange.

AGE-RELATEDMACULAR DEGENERATION (ORARMD)

Thebiggestriskfactors forage-relatedmacular degenerationare:age, light-coloredskin,family history,andsmoking,says Dr.GeetaLalwani,aretina specialist.Thebestthingyou candotoreduceyourrisk isstopsmoking.Nicotine quadruplestoquintuples

Theocularsurfaceis comprisedoflivingcellsthat requireconstantbathingin fluidstomaintainproper clarityandfunction,she explainsAtearfilmisa delicatechemistryofthree basiclayers,eachproduced byadifferentpartoftheeye.

“Eachlayerhastobe producedintheproper proportionsforthetearfilm todefygravity,combatthe dryColoradoenvironment anddealwithscreensofall varieties--allofwhichcause ustoblinklessfrequently andlesscompletely,” Gitchellsays.

FLOATERS

Whenanindividualisborn, thebackchamberoftheir eyeisfilledwithagel-like substancecalledthevitreous, Lalwanisays.Withtime, thatvitreousliquefiesand becomesmoremobile.

Atsomepoint,typically betweentheagesof50and 70,thevitreousseparates fromthebackwallofthe eye,termedaposterior vitreousdetachment,or PVD,shesays.Thisacute eventisoftennotedby flashesoflightfollowedby floaters,Lalwanisays.

Itisacompletelynormal

process,andthesefloaters oftenarelesssymptomatic afterseveralmonths. However,sometimeswhen thevitreousseparates,it cancauseatearinthe retinawhichcanleadto aretinaldetachment.A retinaldetachmentisoften perceivedasadarkblack curtain,comingfromany direction,blockingaportion ofaperson’speripheral vision.Thoseatgreatestrisk ofaretinaldetachmentare thosewhoarehighlymyopic (nearsighted),eveniftheir visionhasbeencorrected withLASIK,orhaveafamily history.

CATARACTS

Everybodygetscataracts, justaseveryoneloses focusingabilityintheir 40s-50s,Gitchellsays.A cataractisadiscoloredor cloudedlensinsidetheeye.

Theonlytreatmentfor cataractsistosurgically removethecloudedlens. Becausecataractstypically progressslowly,wedon’t alwaysrecognizethatvision haschanged.Cataractscan

causeageneralblurringof vision,theycancreateglare frombrightlights(often noticeablewhendriving atnight),orcancausea dimmingofvision,making itdifficulttoreadwithout brightlight,shesays.

UVprotectionistheonly modifiableriskfactorfor cataracts.Whenchoosing UVprotection,youwant alensthatblocks100% UVAandUVBorhasa UV400rating.Evenwith UVprotection,cataractswill progress,butperhapsata slowerrate,Gitchellsays.

HOWTOKEEPYOUR EYESHEALTHY

Ingeneral,thehealthieryou keepyourself,thebetter foryourvisionandeyes. Forexample,diabetesand hypertensionareriskfactors forglaucomaandforcertain retinalconditions.

“Eatingahealthydiet andexercisingregularlycan reduceyourriskforthese conditionsandpotentially decreaseyourriskforocular complicationsassociated withthem,”Gitchellsays.

• Don’tsmoke

• Eatadietrichin greenleafyveggies, antioxidantsand Omega-3fattyacids

• Drinkwater

• Blinkregularlyandlimit screentime.Usethe2020-20rule.

Forevery20minutes spentusingascreen, youshouldtrytolook awayatsomethingthat is20feetawayfrom youforatotalof20 seconds.

• Getannualeye examinations(evenif youdon’twearglasses) andespeciallyifyou havediabetes!

PreventingPrematureSkinAging

ByShelleyWidhalm

forAgingatAltitude

Themomentyougo outside,you’renot doinganyfavorsfor yourskinunlessyouputon sunscreen.

“Thenumberonething youcandoforyourskinis wearsunscreeneveryday,” saidDr.SarahM.Bair, dermatologistandownerof CrossroadsDermatology, 235017thAve.,Ste.100,in Longmont.“Ninetypercent ofthechangesweassociate withaging…areduetosun exposure.”

SarahBair,M.D.

Thosechangesincludefine linesaroundthemouthand eyes,issueswithtoneand texturefromporesenlarging andskinbecomingrough

andbumpy,theappearance ofagespotsandtheloss ofskinelasticity,orlaxity, causingskintohangmore thanitusedto.

“Ifyoustopbeinginthe sun,thingscangetbetter,” Bairsaid,explainingthatsun damagestheDNAinskin cells.“Youcangetareversal withsomeofthatstuff,and thingscanstartlooking better.”

Bairrecommendsabroad spectrumsunscreenofSPF 30orhigher,avoidingmiddaysunexposure(from10 a.m.to2p.m.),reapplying sunscreeneverytwo

hourswhenswimmingor exercising,wearingawidebrimmedhatandseeking shade,whichhelpprevent prematureagingbutalso skincancers.

“Iwouldsayfind somethingyoulikeand woulduse,”Bairsaid.

Bairhasalonglistofother tipstohelppreventaging, reducewrinklingandkeep skinlookingmoreyouthful andbeautiful.

First,usingagood moisturizeronadailybasis isessential,especiallyin Colorado’sdryclimate, Bairsaid.

“Ifyou’renotmoisturizing yourskin,yourskinlooks dry.Itlooksaged,”Bairsaid.

Moisturizerswithproteins likeceramidesholdmoisture inandhelpskinlookyoung andfresh.Productsthat aren’tashelpfulareharsh cleansersthatstripmoisture andharshsoapsthattendto dryskin.

Bair’sothertipsinvolve dietandbehavior,suchas beingsuretodrinkeight glassesofwateradayand drinkinglessalcohol,since alcoholdehydratesand damagestheskin.When youdodrink,makesureto hydratewithlotsofwater, shesaid.

Anotherhealthythingto doistoeathealthyfoods, likeproteins,fruitsand vegetables,andavoidsugars andrefinedcarbohydrates, whichcanpromote skinaging,likelyfrom inflammatoryreactionsthat affectcirculation.Alsoavoid smoking,sincetobaccocan causeinflammatorydamage totheskin,resultingindeep wrinkling,drynessanda lusterlessappearance.

“Dermatologistscan typicallyspotasmokerfrom thedooroftheexamroom duetotheiraccelerated aging,”Bairsaid.“When theyquitsmoking,theirskin startslookingbetter.…If youstopthatdamagefrom happening,yourskincan heal.”

Bairalsorecommends exercisingregularly,since exerciseincreasesbloodflow totheskinandimprovesthe immunesystem,whichcan keepyoulookingfresh.Also wearsunglassestoavoid squintingthatcanleadto wrinklesaroundtheeyes.

Anotherrecommendation

istoavoidrepetitivefacial movements,sincerepeated musclecontractionscan causepermanentwrinkling oftheskin.Forthose whotendtofurrowtheir eyebrows,theycanusea neuromodulatorlikeBotox torelaxthemusclesandhelp preventthatwrinkling.

Othertreatmentsinclude microdermabrasion,which usesagrittysolutionfor deepexfoliationtohelp improvetoneandtexture, andmicroneedlingthatuses smallneedlestostimulate collagenproduction.Retinol orRetin-Aalsostimulate collagenproduction,provide anti-agingpropertiesand treatacne—acnealsocan betreatedthroughfacial extractionsoflesionsand milia,whicharetinywhite bumpsontheskin.Fillers canbeusedtofillinnasal radialfoldsandlinesaround themouthtoimproveareas ofthefacewherevolume hasbeenlost.Bairdoesall theproceduresatheroffice, exclusiveofthefacials.

Bairalsorecommends dailyskincare,including washingthefacemorning andnightandapplying sunscreeninthemorning —anantioxidantserum withVitaminCcanbeused underthesunscreentohelp withskinbrightness,tone andtexture.Atnight,Bair’s recommendationistoapply RetinolorRetin-Aanda moisturizer.Alsoaneye creaminthemorningand nighthelpswithfinelines andpuffinessaroundthe eyes.

“Itendtoexfoliatetwo tothreetimesaweek.It’sa scrubtoremovedeadskin cellsandhydrateyourskin,” Bairsaid.

FindtheRightFit

FallsandFallPrevention

ByAmyHarrisVanVranken forAgingatAltitude

Althoughfallscan happenatany age,oneinfour Americansovertheage65 falleachyear.Fallingcan befatalforolderadults.

AccordingtoDr.Cliff GronsethatSpineWest, fallingisoneoftheleading causesofdeathinpeople overage65.“Almost80% ofdeathsfromfallsinthe elderlyarefromheadinjuries andhipfractures,”addsDr. Gronseth,“andtheseinjuries areoftentimespreventable.” Evenwhenaninjuryisn’t fatal,itoftenleadstoalong-

termlossofindependence, socialisolation,and

increasedfragility.Butfalling doesn’thavetobeanormal

partofaging.Takingaction nowcanhelpyoustayactive andindependentforyearsto come.

Fallpreventionstartswith somesimpledailyhabitsthat canmaintainorthopedic health.Maintainahealthy diet,payingspecialattention tocalciumandvitaminD tohelpbuildstrongbones thatresistfractures.Instead oftryingtocompletely overhaulyourdietovernight orrelyingonsupplements thatcansometimesdomore harmthangood,itcanbe moreeffectivetoworkon graduallyaddingnutritious foodstoyourdailymeals. Ifyouaren’tsurewhereto

start,askyourdoctorora dietician.Talktoyourdoctor aboutstartinganexercise routineifyoudon’talready haveone.Inactivityleadsto adecreaseinstrengthand balanceaswellasboneloss. Findaroutinethatworksfor you!Stretchingandwarming uparemoreimportant now,andweight-bearing exercisebuildsbonemass. Evenifyoualreadyhave someorthopedicproblems, walking,swimmingand bikingcanstillbepossible. Workondevelopingbalance, strengthandflexibility throughexerciseslikeyoga orPilates.

Thinkaboutyourfashion choices.Dresscomfortably, butavoidbaggyclothing thatcancatchonyour surroundings.Choose

supportiveshoesthatfit wellandhavenon-slipsoles. Don’twalkaroundinyour socks,andavoidhighheels —theycanthrowoffyour balanceandincreaseyour riskofbackandkneepain. Yourdoctorisan importantpartnerinhelping youmaintainorthopedic healthandpreventfalls. Getayearlycheckupand askaqualifieddoctorabout yourpersonalfallrisk.At SpineWest,youcanconsult adoctorinphysiatry,a medicalspecialtythathas expertiseinbone,muscleand nervehealthwithafocus onthewholeperson.Dr. Gronsethrecommendsafall riskevaluationatage65or 70tocreateapersonalized homeprogramtomaintain functionandavoidfuture

injury.Also,considerbone densitytesting,especiallyif you’vealreadyexperienced afracture.Carefullyfollow allinstructionsforyour prescribedmedicationsand beawareofsideeffectssuch asdrowsinessorimpaired balance.Evenyourvision andhearingcanseriously affectyourfallrisk,sobe suretohavethosechecked annuallyandkeepyour glassesandhearingaidsup todate.Finally,beaware thatnicotinedecreasesbone health;alcoholandother substancessuchasmarijuana impairjudgmentand coordination.

Mostfallshappenat home,butmanyolderadults havelivedintheirhomefor yearswithoutconsidering simplechangesthatcould

maketheirenvironment safer.Hereareafewkey changestomake.Remove trippinghazardssuchas clutter,electricalcordsand looserugs.Increaselighting instairsandhallwaysand addnightlightsontheway tothebathroom.Keep aflashlightnexttoyour bedforpoweroutages. Considerlivingonone level,ormakesurestairs aresafeandhavehandrails onbothsides.Installgrab barsintheshower/bath andnearthetoilet.When you’rehome,takecarenot tochangepositionstoo quickly.Somethingassimple aspausingwhenstandingup orheadingupordownstairs canmakeallthedifference.

DitchthePillsand StartInjecting SteamyRomance intheBedroom

ByEliseOberliesen

AgingatAltitude

Atthebeginningof arelationship,it’s allkindsoffunand romance.Whensparksof passionstarttofly,there’s noturningback.Whether you’renewlysingleand comingbacktothedating scene—oranestablished couple—whenit’stimeto getphysicalinthebedroom, everyonewantsahappy ending.

Butgoodol’FatherTime mighthavespoiledthe occasion.Witheachpassing year,timetakesitstollonthe body.Andthatleavessome menwonderingwhyit’s sohardtoenjoybedroom

romance.

Whensexualperformance isn’twhatitusedtobe, maybeit’stimetowork withDr.CopelandM.D.at SuperiorMedicalSolutions, aclinicthatspecializes

dysfunction(ED).

Manylocalclinicsoffer

treatED,butthoseoptions

“WeprescribeTrimix,it’s

Unlikeapill,Trimixis

ingredientsthathelpimprove bloodflowsothatmencan achieveanerection.

Menwhowantmore optionswhenitcomes totreatingEDturnto SuperiorMedicalSolutions becausethisclinictakesa differentapproach.Plus, theinitialappointmentis riskfreemeaningthere’sno officevisitfee.Justpayfor medicationifyoudecide togiveitatry,Hulyksaid. That’sasavingsof$195.

“Wespendthetimeto educatemenandmake themfeelcomfortable.The paperworkisshortand thentheygettoseeDr. Copeland,”Hulyksaid. “Patientsregularlytellus, ‘youmadethiseasyforme andyoutookalotoftime.’”

Aftertheinitialexam, patientstakethemedication homeforatestrun.

“Theygohomewiththree samplestoseewhichoneis theoptimaldosage,” shesaid.

Andunlikeotherclinics thattreatED,Superior MedicalSolutionstakestime todoafollowupassessment todetermineifmedication dosageneedstochange,she added.

Trimixshouldnotbeused withotheroralmedications totreatED,Hulyksaid.

“Bytakingboth medicationsatonce, priapismisasideeffect whereanerectionlastsmore thanfourhours.”

Nomatteraman’sage, menwhosufferfromEDcan fixtheproblemswhether they’reintheir50sor80s. Infact,onepatientinhis 80scallsSuperiorMedical Solutionsa“godsend,” Hulyksaid.

Sincethere’snooutof pocketexamfee,why don’tyoucallSuperior MedicalSolutionsand startreclaimingintimate connectionswithyour partner.

8TipsforSearchingand LandingJobsasaSenior

Viewjobpostingsand registerforonlineclasses, fromhowtoperfect resumesandcoverlettersto preparingforjobinterviews. Alsochecktheironline computertrainingcenterthat providesaccesstoself-paced instructionforMicrosoft programs(MSWord, PowerPoint,OneDrive)to theGoogleSuite.

RESEARCHCOMPANIES BEFOREAPPLYING

Reademployerratingsonjob boardstogainasenseoftheir likabilityandvalues,Street said.Reviewcommentsfrom currentandpastemployees. VisitIndeedandGlassdoor toassesscompanyreputation andgeneralsentiments.

CONSIDERTEMPORARY ANDCONTRACTWORK

ByEliseOberliesen AgingatAltitude

Lookingforjob?We keephearingabout unfilledpositionsanda jobsurplus.Somaybeyou’re wondering:Whyisitso difficulttolandajobafter celebratingfiftysomething birthdays?Noonesaidit wouldbeeasy.Sobuckleup fortherideandlearnnew waystoeffectivelyconducta jobsearch—andlandajob. Somethingthatmightease yourpainswhenhunting forjobs,treatitlikeajob initself,saidPennStreet, DirectorofDevelopmentand OutreachwithBoulder-based AudioInformationNetwork ofColorado(AINC),a non-profitthatprovides recordingsofnewspapers, magazinesandpodcastsfor blind,visuallyimpairedand printdisabledpeople.

Beforeopeningyourlaptop toreviewjobpostings,she suggestscreatingadaily routinethatstartswithyour mindset.“Dressinclothes notyourPJs,becausewhen

yougetdressed,youlook andfeelmoreprofessional.”

TIPSANDRESOURCES FORCREATINGAN EFFECTIVEJOBSEARCH

KNOWWHERETOFIND JOBOPENINGS

Whetheryouarebrand newtojobsearching—or returningtoworkaftera hiatus,steponeisknowing wheretolook.Startwith onlinejobboards,like Indeed.comandLinkedIn –attendJobFairs,likethe AgingatAltitudeJobFair (seePage50formoredetails) —checknewspaperjob advertisements—visittrade orprofessionalassociation websitesinyourfield.

VISITWORKFORCE BOULDERCOUNTY— CAREERSERVICESPAGE

Registeranaccountwith WorkforceBoulderCounty anddelveintoatreasure troveoffreeresources. Thislocalgemprovides careercoachingandfunding assistanceforoccupational skillstrainingandcertificates.

INVESTIGATETHE NON-PROFITSECTOR

Nonprofitsaregenerally fundedbystateandfederal grants,saysPennStreet, withAINC.Thatmeans nonprofitsarerequiredto hireadiversedemographic ofemployees—including workersinvariousage groups.Shesuggestsusing thistoyouradvantage becauseitmayhelpyoufind moreoptionsinareasyou’ve neverconsidered.

VOLUNTEERFIRST

Wanttogainmore confidencewhileboosting jobskills?Consideroffering afewhoursasavolunteer.At AINC,theyofferinteresting volunteeropportunities andtrainingthatsupports volunteers.

“Withvolunteering,you needtobealittlebittech savvyorwillingtolearn,” Streetsaid.“Weneedpeople toreadthenewspapers,and salesadsforKingSoopers. Goonthewebsitetosee whatprojectsyoucanread, fromfiveminutestoone hour.”

Workingwithcontract agenciescanhelpworkers easebackintoaparttime orfull-timejob.These companiesrepresentyou andtotheirclients,book theinterviewsandwalkyou throughthehiringprocess. Contractjobscanlastfrom sixweeksto12months,and withpotentialtoconvertinto aregularfull-timejob.Best part—it’sfree.Justknow, benefitsmaybesketchy.

EMBRACESOCIAL NETWORKING

Peoplestillfindjobsthrough wordofmouthandthe peopletheyknow.Don’tbe shy.Letpeopleknowyou arelookingforemployment. Talktofriendsandfamily, neighbors,formercolleagues, andlocalbusinessowners youalreadyknow.

LEANONTHE COMMUNITY

Libraries,seniorcenters andcollegesalsoprovide freeandlow-costclassesto enhancejobskills.Scanevent calendarsforjobrelated content.

Fitness,focusand communityconnection

ByAdamGoldstein AgingatAltitude

Coloradoanshavea reputationforbeing active,engagedand fit,andthosetraitsknowno agelimit.

AccordingtoJenBero, SeniorHealthandWellness ProgramDirectorfor theYMCAofNorthern Colorado,seniorsinBoulder Countyarejustaslikelyas theiryoungercounterparts towanttolivelifetothe fullest.

“WeliveinColorado. Weseealotofveryactive seniorswhotakeclasses andusetheresourcesin allofourfacilities,”Bero said,pointingtothewide rangeofprevention,healing andengagementprograms availableatYMCAlocales inBoulder,Lafayette, Johnstownandeven Cheyenne,Wyo.“Ourstaff workcloselywithallofour seniorstomeettheirwellness

Coloradoanshaveareputationforbeingactive,engagedandfit, andthosetraitsknownoagelimit. (Photocourtesy:AINC/AdobeStock)

goals.Itallowsforactive trainingandgettingthem backtotheactivefitnessthat theylove.”

TheYMCAisjustone ofmanyresourcesacross

BoulderCountydesignedto helpseniorsstayconnected, activeandengagedon multiplefronts.Fromfitness classesandemergency assistance,tomealprograms

andnutritionchecks,to university-levelintegrative physiologyprograms,seniors haveamultitudeofwaysto thrive.

AtthenumerousYMCA

locationsinnorthern Colorado,thoseresources includehealingand preventionthatcatertoall kindsofconditionsand bodytypes.Thesystem’s lineupofclassesincludes standardcardio,strength andbalanceclassesinits SilverSneakersseries,aswell

asspecificactivitiesgeared towardthosedealingwith Parkinson’sDisease,cancer recoveryandotherissues.

“Forourcommunity membersdealingwith Parkinson’s,wehavea powerpunchclassthat’s prettyuniquetousin northernColorado.Webring

themintoourboxingstudio andweprovidespecific Parkinson’srehabilitation–punching,boxingandother trainingthat’sgoodfor neurologicaldevelopment,” Berosaid.“Forthosein cancerrecovery,wehave brandedLiveStrongclasses, whicharespecificallycreated

forsurvivorstorecover,gain strengthandbuildbalance.”

Nutritionisavital

componentforanysenior lookingtoliveahealthy, rewardinglifestyle,and

BoulderCounty’sMeals

onWheelsorganizationis

avitalpartnerinensuring allcountyresidentshave

PedalingforParkinson’sclass. (Photocourtesy:YMCAofNorthernColorado). Nutritiousmealdeliveryandwellnesscheck. (Photo:Shutterstock).

accesstohealthyfood.With branchesthatserveboth BoulderandLongmont, MealsonWheelstakes avariedapproachto

connectingresidentswith vitalresources,including homedeliveryandwellness checks,aswellasa permanent,EatWellcafé

locationat909ArapahoeSt. inBoulder.

Inadditiontofood,the serviceprovidesthevital resourceofone-on-one communicationwithseniors.

“Weprovidenutritious mealsandadailyserving oflovetoBoulderresidents whomightnototherwise haveaccesstogood nutrition,”Boulderchapter officialssaid.“Theycango dayswithoutthewarmth ofhumaninteraction…We areabletoserveanyone, regardlessofageorincome.”

Similarly,otherlocal organizationsacross thecountyprovidethat all-importantsenseof communityandaidfor seniors.JewishFamily Services,forexample, offerscaremanagement, counseling,avisitor

programandholidayvisitor partnershipsthroughits locationinBoulder.

“JFSBoulderhelpsolder adultsmaintainahigh qualityoflifethrough programsandservices thatkeepthemsupported, connectedandengaged,” saidJFSspokeswoman JennyHerren.“Services includecaremanagement, counseling,friendlyvisitor volunteersandemergency financialassistance.”

Forthoseseniorswith visionissueswhoare lookingtokeepuptheir qualityoflifeandmeansof communication,theAudio InformationNetworkof Colorado isavitalbridgeto informationandinteraction. AccordingtoAINC DevelopmentandOutreach

DirectorPennStreet,the network’sresourcesarea criticalresourceforawide rangeofseniors.

“Ourservicesand equipmentarefreeto everyonewhoidentifies withbeingprintimpaired. Ifyouareblind/visually impaired,dyslecticor haveamedicalcondition likeParkinson’s,MSora stroke,youqualify,”Street said.“Weprovideaudio editionstonewspapers,sales adsandotherimportant printmaterials.Wealso haveoriginalpodcastslike Blindsight,Aftersightand TopicoftheMonth.”

Additionalresourcesare availablethroughBoulder County’sAreaAgencyon Aging,anorganization that“delivers,fundsand

advocatesforservices thatpromotewell-being, independenceanddignity forolderadults.”What’s more,thecounty’sflagship academicinstitution,the UniversityofColorado, offershealthtrialsand resourcesthroughits IntegrativePhysiologyof AgingLaboratory.The laboffersstrengthtrials andactivitiesfocusedon physiologicalfunction, biologicalfactorsand interventionsforseniors.

Combined,allofthese resourceshelpseniorsstay alignedwiththeprofileofa typicalColoradoresident, someonewho’sengaged, healthyand,perhapsmost importantofall,connected totheirlocalcommunity.

AnAudioInformationNetworkofColorado(AINC)listener usingoneofourdigitalreceivers. (Photocourtesy:AINC).

BRAIN/MENTALHEALTH/ PSYCHOTHERAPY

AmaviIntegrative MentalWellness

6897Paiute,#5, Niwot,303.652.4196, amavimentalhealth.com

TheBrainandBehaviorClinic

2523Broadway,#200,Boulder, 303.938.9244, ilenenaomirusk.com healthybrain.clinic

SkyHealthServices

2919ValmontRoad,#204, Boulder,303.938.1110, skyhealthservices.com

ERECTILEDYSFUNCTION

SuperiorMedicalSolutions

5730WardRoad,#201, Arvada,303.424.8988 smscolorado.com

EYECARE

EyeCareCenter

ofNorthernColorado

3000CenterGreenDrive,#250, Boulder;1400DryCreekDrive, Longmont;300ExemplaCircle, #120,Lafayette,303.772.3300, 161615thSt.,Greeley, 303.772.3300;eyecaresite.com

InSightVisionGroup/ RMRetinaAssociates

4430ArapahoeAve.,#155, Boulder;1332VivianSt., Longmont;303.402.1000 insightvisiongroup.com

FINANCIAL/LAW/ INSURANCE

BravermanLawGroup

1823FolsomStreet, #101,Boulder,720.821.6329, braverman-law.com

EdwardJones/ StephenThomson

2569ParkLane,#208, Lafayette,303.926.5325, edwardjones.com/us-en/ financial-advisor/stephen-thomson

GermanyLaw

77ErieVillageSquare #100,Erie,303.454.3711, coelderlaw.com

Kapsak|EstesLLC

1610HoverSt.,#203, Longmont,303.651.9330, kapsakestes.com

LeSeanWittkopInsurance

5392SpurCrossTrail,Parker, 720.204.0081,lwittkop723@ icloud.com,lnwinsurance.com

VejrostekTaxandFinancial

1710SkywayDrive,#B, Longmont,303.776.0867, ronsoffice.biz

FITNESS/RECREATION

BoulderJCC

6007OregAve.,Boulder 303.998.1900,boulderjcc.org

YMCAof

NorthernColorado

MultipleLocations. 2800DagnyWay,Lafayette, 303.664.5455,ymcaofnoco.org

FUNERAL/PREPLANNING /HOSPICE

CristMortuary

3395PenrosePlace, Boulder,303.442.4411, dignitymemorial.com/funeralhomes/boulder-co/crist-mortuary

TheConversationProjectin

BoulderCounty(TCPBC)

2594TrailridgeDriveEast, Lafayette,303.250.4510, theconversationprojectboulder.org

TheNaturalFuneral

102W.ChesterSt., Lafayette,720.515.2344, thenaturalfuneral.com

TrailWindsHospice

75ManhattanDrive,#1, Boulder,303.442.5683, trailwindshospice.com

TRUCommunityCare

2594TrailridgeDriveEast, Lafayette,303.442.0961, trucare.org

HEARINGCARE

FamilyHearing

3059WalnutSt.,Boulder, 303.872.9757;300Nickel St.,Suite15,Broomfield, 303.857.5838;2770Arapahoe Road,Suite126, Lafayette, 303.872.6467, familyhearingco.com

HearingHealthCareCenters

4800BaselineRoad,Suite E-108,Boulder,303.963.9473; 320E.1stAve.,Suite102, Broomfield,303.731.4540; hearinghealthcarecenters.com

HOME FabulousFinds

UpscaleConsignment

600S.AirportRoad, Longmont,720.340.4152, fabfindsconsign.com

MiracleMethod

1822SunsetPlace,SuiteA, inLongmont,720.574.1094, miraclemethod.com/boulder

MEDICARE

MaryHansen, BridlewoodInsurance

390InterlockenCrescent,#350, Broomfield303.548.2841, agingataltitude.com

AdvertiserDirectory

PRIMARYCARE

KaiserPermanente

MultipleLocations, 303.338.4545,healthy. kaiserpermanente.org/colorado

SkyHealthServices

2919ValmontRoad,#204, Boulder,303.938.1110, skyhealthservices.com

SCLHealthMedicalGroup

12169SheridanBlvd., Broomfield,303.603.9400, sclhealth.org

ORTHOPEDIC, PHYSIATRY&SPORT

ORTHOPEDICCENTERS

OFCOLORADO

3SuperiorDrive,#225, Superior,303.665.2603;500W. 144thAve.,#230,Westminster, 303.665,2603;occ-ortho.com

SpineWest

5387ManhattanCircle, Boulder,303.494.7773, spinewest.com

PHYSIOLOGY

UniversityofColorado

IntegratedPhysiologyof AgingLaboratory

RamaleyW106,303.735.6410, colorado.edu/iphy/research/ integrative-physiology-aginglaboratory

RESOURCES

AudioInformation NetworkofColorado

170055thStreet,SuiteA, Boulder,303.786.7777, aincolorado.org

BoulderCounty

AreaAgencyonAging

3482Broadway,Boulder, 303.441.1617, bouldercounty.gov/ departments/communityservices/area-agency-aging

BoulderJCC

6007OregAve.,Boulder 303.998.1900,boulderjcc.org

Cultivate

6325GunparkDrive,#F, Boulder,303.443.1933, cultivate.ngo

EnsightSkillsCenter

LocatedattheEyeCare CenterofNorthernColorado –300ExemplaCircle,#120, Lafayette;1400DryCreek Drive,Longmont, 303.757.4500, ensightskills.org

Harley’sHopeFoundation

P.O.Box88146,Colorado Springs,719.495.6083, harleys-hopefoundation.org

JewishFamilyService

6007OregAve.,Boulder 720.248.4686, jewishfamilyservice.org

MealsonWheels

3701CanfieldSt.,Boulder, 720.780.3380,mowboulder.org; 910LongsPeakAve., Longmont,303.772.0540, longmontmeals.org

YMCAof

NorthernColorado MultipleLocations. 2800DagnyWay,Lafayette, 303.664.5455,ymcaofnoco.org

REALESTATE/MORTGAGE

CourtneyWentworth

TheBernardiGroupat ColdwellBanker 720.706.9306

DalePearson

RE/MAXofBoulder 303.818.5640, mainlevelliving.net

GabeBodner

TheBodnerTeam/ OneTrustHomeLoans 720.600.4870, ReverseMortgagesCO.com

SENIORLIVING

Academy

970AuroraAve.,Boulder, 303.938.1920;2762 BellaVistaLane,Boulder, 303.938.1920;311Mapleton Ave.,Boulder303.447.3000; theacademyboulder.com

AltaVitaSeniorResidences

1001AltaVitaCourt, Longmont,888.745.8268, altavitaliving.com

BalfourSeniorLiving

1331HeclaDrive,Louisville, 844.354.8877,balfourcare.com

BrookdaleSeniorLiving

335030thSt.,Boulder, 303.444.0200; 337534th St.,Boulder,303.473.0333; 801GillaspieDrive,Boulder, 303.494.3900;2240Pratt St.,Longmont, 303.682.1066, brookdale.com

CarillonatBoulderCreek 2525TaftDrive,Boulder, 720.565.6844,leisurecare.com/ our-communities/carillonboulder-creek

Frasier

350PoncaPlace, Boulder, 303.499.4888, frasiermeadows.com

GoldenWestSeniorLiving 1055AdamsCircle,Boulder, 303.444.3967,gwboulder.org

HoverSeniorLiving

1380CharlesDrive, Longmont,303.772.9292, hovercommunity.org

OasisSeniorAdvisors

Superior,720.649.4810, oasissenioradvisors.com/ north-metro-denver

SKINCARE

CrossroadsDermatology 235017thAve.,#100, Longmont,303.8488334, crossroadsdermatology.com

39EXPOBOOTHS•20LOCALSPEAKERS

JOB&VOLUNTEERFAIR FREEACTIVITIES&DEMONSTRATIONS

FREESEMINARS

LEVINHALL

9to9:25a.m.

Spinehealth:Howtododge avoidabledoctorandERvisits

Presentedby:CliffGronseth,M.D.,SpineWest

9:30-10:15a.m.

VisionHealthPanel

•Reducetherisksofcataracts, glaucoma,maculardegeneration, retinadetachments

PresentedbyDr.GeetaLalwani, medicalandsurgicalvitreoretinalspecialist, andHeatherGitchell,OD,InSightVision Group/RMRetinaAssociates

•DoIreallyhavecataracts?

PresentedbyDianeSiegel,M.D., comprehensiveophthalmologistand cataractsurgeon,EyeCareCenterof NorthernColorado

10:20to10:45a.m.

TheInflationReductionActandits

impactontheMedicarePrescription DrugProgramandyourpocketbook

Presentedby:MaryHansen, LicensedAdvisor/MedicareSolutions

10:50to11:55a.m.

SeniorLawPanel

•Protectyourselfandyourfamily fromincapacityandprobate

Presentedby:DiedreBraverman, BravermanLawGroup

•Protectyourselffrom financialfraud

Presentedby:SusieGermany, TheGermanyLawFirmP.C.

•Lifetestaments–Agiftofself: lifetestaments,orethicalwills, aremessagesofselfandhope forthefamilyandotherlovedones

PresentedbyDanKapsak, Kapsak|EstesLLC

Noonto12:25p.m.

What’snewinhearing

PresentedbyChelseaWalters,BS,BC-HIS, andGeorgiannaHearne,Au.D.,CCC-A, F-AAA,FamilyHearing

12:30to1:30p.m. BrainHealthPanel

•Whenmemoryandcognition change:Whatisnormal,whatis not,andwhattodoaboutit

PresentedbyEricaMeyer,Psy.D.,clinical neuropsychologist,AmaviMentalHealth

•WhattheQueendidright: Sixpillarsofbrainhealth

Presentedby:Dr.IleneRusk, TheBrainandBehaviorClinic

1:35to2p.m. Musictherapy:Usingmusic asawellnessandengagement toolforadultslivingandaging withdementia

Presentedby: MikaylaL.Findley,BM, Board-CertifiedMusicTherapist, AltaVitaSeniorResidences

LOBBY

9to9:40a.m.

Utilizeyourequitystrategically toliveamorefruitfullife duringyourgoldenyears

PresentedbyGabeBodner, TheBodnerTeam,OneTrustHomeLoans

10:15to10:40a.m.

Survivinginflation

Presentedby:RonVejrostek, VejrostekTaxandFinancial

10:45to11:10a.m.

Erectiledysfunction: Revitalizeyoursexual relationshipandgainbackthe confidence youmayhavelost

PresentedbyKolleenHulyk, SuperiorMedicalSolutions

11:15a.m.tonoon

Funeral&Burial PlanningPanel

•Takingcareofyourfamily throughprearrangement

PresentedbyRebekahMillion, preplanningadvisorandfuneraldirector, CristMortuaryandMountainView MemorialPark

•Greenandholisticfuneralcare atdeath:Howitcanease ourgrief

PresentedbyKarenvanVurren, Co-founder,TheNaturalFuneral

12:05to12:30p.m. Contemplativecaregiving: Caringforothersandcaring foryourself

Presentedby:Dr.AnneGiesen,boardcertified ingeriatricmedicine,familymedicine, andhospice/palliativemedicineandowner, SkyHealthServices

12:35TO1P.M.

BoulderCountyAreaAgencyon Aging:Healthyagingprograms

PresentedbyTeresaDeAnni, BoulderCountyAreaAgencyonAging 1:05to1:30p.m.

Planningtomaintain independence:Whyit’simportant topreparebeforeaneventoccurs thatforcesfamiliestosearch forahigherlevelofcarewhile understress

PresentedbyJenniferGiovanetto,Mezzanine

AssistedLivingAdministratorandKatelin O’Brien,LeasingCoordinator,GoldenWest 1:35to2p.m.

Benefitsofyogafor olderadults–complete withdemonstration

PresentedbyMelanieCannata, ExerciseSpecialistandYogaInstructor,Frasier