Aging at Altitude Spring 2019

Aging at

ALTITUDE

SPRING 2019 BOULDER & BROOMFIELD COUNTIES

HEALTHY AGING

SMART PLANNING MARKETING FEATURE

ACTIVE LIVING

BILL ALLEN

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303-441 303-441-5690 303-570-9814 303-570

ballen@boulderco.com www.boulderbillallen.com

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ging AALTITUDE AT

Contributing Writers Brittany Anas Melanie Brown Emma Castleberry Judy Finman Sandy Hale Sarah Huber Julie Kailus Wendy McMillan Pam Moore Elise Oberliesen Amy Van Vranken Editor/Designer Greg Stone Marketing Consultants Julie Casper Pete Christiansen Jeanine Fritz Ruth Garfield Thais Hafer Barbara Hunter Kathy Johnson Abigail Lance Billy Magrini Stacee McGovern Dale Sekuler VP / Marketing & Advertising Jill Stravolemos

SEE PAGE 42 FOR DETAILS!

Features SMART PLANNING

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What does the future hold for senior care?

Senior living options A senior friendly guide to downsizing Local resources for aging in place Resources for caregivers Aiding aging parents Reverse mortgages: What you need to know Planning helps secure the future Will your family have to guess your health care wishes

AGING HEALTHFULLY 26 Three habits to promote healthy aging 28 Rejuvenate your skin with the latest skin care treatments 29 Converting Colorado’s written word to the airwaves 30 How to reduce health risks by understanding AFib 32 Falls and fractures REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

34 38 41

Retirement opens portals to active living, life-long learning Staying mentally and socially active Boot camp after 60: Steps to turn around unhealthy habits

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Aging at Altitude is a marketing feature of the Daily Camera, Broomfield Enterprise and Colorado Hometown Weekly.

For advertising information call your consultant or 303.473.1400. ©2019 Prairie Mountain Media.

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What Does the Future Hold for Senior Care?

By Brittany Anas for Aging at Altitude

I

t’s a population shift demographers are calling the “silver tsunami”: Over the next two decades, millions of Baby Boomers will be 80 or older and well settled into retirement.

Leaders in Boulder County are paying special attention to the changing demographics and preparing for the wave of retirees, because, locally, seniors are the fastest-growing demographic.

The aging population will affect several sectors of Boulder’s economy – putting pressure on healthcare systems as well as creating labor shortages in some

industries as boomers retire.

Also, housing will undoubtedly be affected as many seniors will begin looking for senior living communities to call home. As such, local retirement communities say they are preparing for the next wave of boomers and braced to meet their expectations, surrounding holistic wellness and more customized living spaces.

We reached out to industry leaders, who shared with us their visions and plans for preparing for Boulder County’s aging population.

“There is quite a lot of planning for our aging future going on,” says Jacob Bielecki, with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging.

“We certainly recognize the

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population shift that is already happening as the boomer generation retires and ages in place in Boulder County.”

experiences and perspectives through a random sample of hundreds of county residents.

Also, the agency recently completed a survey of professional industries that are working with older adults and family caregivers in our communities, to better understand the demand and gaps in services that encourage wellness and independence in the community. The data is being compiled and a report will be issued later this year.

Changing demographics

The 60-and-over age group represents the fastest growing age cohort. According to the Colorado State Demographer’s Office, in 1990, people age 60 and up made up only 10 percent of Boulder County’s population. But, in 2050, the group is projected to make up more than 27 percent, according to the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging. Over the same time period, the 0 to 29 and 30 to 59 age groups’ share of the county population is expected to decline by 11 percentage points (from 47 percent to 36 percent) and by 7 percentage points (from 43 percent to 36 percent), respectively, according to the agency.

Every four years, Boulder County’s Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with the municipal

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Retirement communities respond to demand senior services organizations across the county, develops the Age Well Boulder County Strategic Plan every four years.

“This work is informed by a considerable amount of primary and secondary qualitative and quantitative data that is collected and analyzed to understand how well our community is meeting

the needs of older adults and their caregivers, and what we need to do to make it better,” Bielecki said.

In 2018, the agency hosted 22 community conversations across the county with nearly 300 older adults and family caregivers. They also deployed a major survey, the Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults (CASOA) to collect

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Across the county, retirement communities are responding to the demand by bracing for the retiring boomers and making sure they best understand this generation’s expectations.

The Baby Boomers are coming in with higher expectations, acknowledges Shirley Berg, the executive director of Academy, which offers independent living,

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assisted living and memory care and is located next to Chautauqua Park. “They are expecting better food and sophisticated fitness options,” she says.

Plus, they are moving in wanting to customize their living spaces with their own designs and paint colors. As far as activities go, it may have been suitable in the past if a staff member led an art class. Now, an art teacher comes in to lead the sessions.

“These are things we’re talking about,” Berg says. “We are really listening to what people want. We like to stay ahead of the curve.”

Additionally, Berg notes, seniors don’t want to be in silos – they want to interact with the larger community that they belong to.

To address the growing senior population, the Academy is planning an additional senior living community on Mapleton Hill. The plans, for example, include a warm therapeutic pool that will have public hours.

In Longmont, the Hover Senior Living Community has been expanding with The Green House Project, which is a new approach that builds sanctuary-like homes for seniors. The expansion incorporates philosophy and design elements that were developed by The Green House Project, which is a non-profit that aims to create a more homelike environment for seniors. The cottages also have around-the-clock care, as well as private bedrooms arranged around communal spaces and a shared kitchen. The Hover Green House is scheduled to open in September 2019 and is now accepting applications.

Making sure seniors have access to care

While the Area Agency on Aging is involved in a lot of research and advocacy, many people don’t realize that at its core, it offers services for the public, including resource navigation, Medicare education,

caregiving classes, wellness classes and volunteer companions. The agency partners with and funds many local service providers that offer transportation, meals and inhome supports.

“Everything we do is to encourage healthy aging in our community,” Bielecki said.

As the agency dives in to the next strategic planning process, it’s expecting to have a greater focus on more intensive assistance with family caregivers and older adults who find themselves in challenging situations. As an example, the agency is encouraging more flexible transportation options. The agency will also work to better greater promote where people can go to get their questions answered: The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is designed to accommodate any aging or caregiving related inquiry, and help people understand their options to make the most informed choices.

“We’re also planning to explore

the growing needs of family caregivers in our community, as well as people and families experiencing any form of dementia, Bielecki said. “These are just some areas that we are anticipating greater emphasis on as we are just diving in to the development of our strategic plan.”

Academy Senior Living 970 Aurora Ave., Boulder, 303.938.1920, theacademyboulder.com

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging 3482 Broadway, Boulder, 303.441.3570, bouldercounty.org/ departments/communityservices/area-agency-aging Hover Senior Living Community 1401 Elmhurst Drive, Longmont; 1380 Charles Drive, Longmont, 303.772.9292 hovercommunity.org

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Senior Living Options Tips for choosing the right community

By Julie Kailus for Aging at Altitude

J

ust as loved ones age naturally, there is a natural progression in their living situations.

Today, many seniors are choosing to “age in place” whenever possible, because remaining in a comfortable, home-like setting can be critical to mental health. But inevitably there comes a time or set of family circumstances that make it unsafe or unwise for a senior to stay at home.

“There are various reasons why a loved one would need placement, says Joleen McGee, director of admissions and marketing at

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“They may have dementia and no longer be safe because they are having difficulty with their memory. Assisted living provides supervision and reminders to keep them safe.”

In other cases, after a fall or acute injury, for example, an elderly person may need transitional care until they are physically able to return home.

After hospitalization, a skilled nursing facility provides 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation services for short-term rehabilitation stays, as well as longer-term care as required.

Comprehensive ‘Life Plan’ communities

On a spectrum of the least to most amount of care, senior communities start with independent living and move to assisted living, and monitored care for dementia, such as Alzheimer’s-

specific units. Short-term skilled nursing and respite care many come into play any time an acute health situation arises.

However, some post-retirement communities like Frasier in Boulder offer all of these services in one place. These comprehensive communities designed around specialized senior needs, particularly progressive conditions like dementia, eliminate the need for stressful moves later in life.

The not-for-profit senior living community is considered Colorado’s only Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities or CARF-accredited Life Plan community. “Life Plan communities allow seniors to live independently while still providing the social, medical and emotional support services they need,” says Frasier Director of Communications Julie Soltis.

“Knowing their loved one is wellcared for and living an active,

healthy life provides peace of mind for families.”

Choosing the right senior living setup

But in the midst of a crisis or gradually deteriorating mental health, it can be challenging to navigate the differing levels of senior living and care. Yet everyone wants to feel certain that they’re choosing the right environment, especially for a loved one who may not have the capacity to weigh in on the decision. So here are a few tips for choosing the right senior living facility.

Use all your resources. Call your local senior center and ask for recommendations for longstanding senior communities with reputations for quality care.

Medicare.gov offers a nursinghome comparison feature and can provide information on facilities in your area. Or if your loved one is being discharged from

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES Academy Senior Living 970 Aurora Ave., Boulder, 303.938.1920, theacademyboulder.com AltaVita Senior Residences 800 S. Fordham Street, Longmont; 1001 Alta Vita Court, Longmont, 303.300.3700, altavitaliving.com

Flatirons Terrace 930 28th St., Boulder 303.939.0830 dialretirementcommunities. com/our-communities/colorado/ boulder/flatirons-terrace Frasier 350 Ponca Place, Boulder 303.499.4888, frasiermeadows.org

Applewood Pointe 12780 Julian Court, Broomfield, Hover Senior Living 720.499.1083, applewoodpointe.com Community 1401 Elmhurst Drive, Longmont; 1380 Charles Drive, Longmont; Balfour Senior Living 1331 Hecla Drive, Louisville, 303.772.9292, hovercommunity.org 303.867.6400, balfourcare.com Life Care Center of Longmont Brookdale 2451 Pratt Street, Longmont, 3350 30th St., Boulder, 303.776.5000, 844.567.2504; 3375 34th St., lifecarecenteroflongmont.com Boulder, 844.504.5161; 801 Gillaspie Drive, Boulder, 844.750.7057; 2240 Pratt St., Morning Star Senior Living Longmont, 844.789.5974, 575 Tantra Drive, Boulder, brookdale.com 720.730.2232, morningstarseniorliving.com SPRING 2019

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a hospital, ask your discharge planner about all continuing care options.

Tour the community. Don’t just read the marketing materials.

Take time to visit each senior community, possibly more than once. Meet the staff, check out all the amenities and watch the residents. Are they happy? Do they look cared for? Do staff members interact with patients?

Do residents interact with one another?

Get guidance on finances. First, verify insurance acceptance.

Clarify that the facility you’ve chosen can accept your insurance.

If there’s financial hardship, the community should be able to guide you on Medicaid assistance.

Additionally, ask about other financial offsets, such as tax advantages. Some residents can deduct a portion of entrance fees attributed to health services from their federal tax bill.

Consider spousal care. Often a husband, wife or partner may require a different level of care.

If this is the case, you’ll want a community that offers flexible, convenient continuing care for couples all on the same campus, if possible. At the 20-acre Frasier campus, for example, all living options are connected through interior hallways.

Weigh social and wellness needs. How social and physically active is your loved one? Having a social network and access to wellness programs can help increase life expectancy. So be sure your senior living facility demonstrates a commitment to fostering relationships, community-building and healthy lifestyles.

No matter what prompts a change in living circumstances for aging adults, it’s a weighty decision for all involved. Look at the complete picture to ensure you’re choosing the best scenario for your loved one.

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SMART PLANNING

A Senior Friendly Guide to Downsizing

By Judy Finman for Aging at Altitude

A

s people age, their housing needs are likely to change.

The family home may no longer be functional or fit their lifestyle. Repurposing rooms and other living spaces, and perhaps getting help with outdoor chores, may work for those who wish to remain where they are. For others, downsizing to a smaller space or moving to a retirement community may be more manageable.

Whatever they choose, most seniors find one of their first chores is downsizing a life’s worth

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In business, downsizing and rightsizing refer to reduction of a company’s workforce. The terms have also been embraced for a completely different purpose: senior living options. of treasured possessions. This can be overwhelming, physically exhausting and distressing.

Fortunately, services and expertise in the community make all these choices and tasks easier.

Managing Broker Todd Gullette of RE/MAX of Boulder Inc., notes that RE/MAX of Boulder has in-house education for agents to address the particular needs of retirees.

“A lot of our agents have earned a specific type of designation from the National Association of Realtors® for this time in our client’s life. It is called SRES – Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and is to ethically serve the real estate needs of the

fastest growing market in real estate. They have some nationwide resources and referral networks available to them.

“We have partnerships with national companies that locate retirement community opportunities... and we have built strong relationships with newhome builders and age restricted communities.

“When downsizing, often a senior needs to sell in order to buy, and to accomplish this with the least amount of hassle. Our agents understand this and are educated on how to organize the sale in a way that will return the quickest results at the highest benefit for

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(Photo: Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment)

You have questions We have answers

our clients. A powerful tool an SRES agent will have is a network of companies that will assist in organizing and packing.”

He says that the term rightsizing is used in real estate “much as it was used in the corporate world.

It is the idea that using the area you have to its best use might be your best option ... especially in areas with little inventory and high competition for homes designed for low-maintenance living. For some seniors, this could be as simple as converting a main-floor study into a bedroom to avoid trips up and down stairs.”

For those contemplating a down-size, Gullette advises: “Call an agent who will spend some time with you and discuss … the solution that works best for you.

One of the typical questions we run into when downsizing is, ‘what to do with all of our stuff.’ A good agent will recognize that “stuff ” is often another word for ‘memories.’

It is never too early to consider

organizing and prioritizing your things. It will relieve a lot of stress when it is time to move.”

Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment and Home Furnishings stores, located in Longmont, helps those in the surrounding communities downsize, relocate, redecorate, and repurpose. “We understand that life changes and with that comes a whole new set of challenges,” says Owner Clarissa Edelen.

“Where do I start? is usually the first question asked. If you are downsizing and relocating to a smaller, more manageable home situation and have accumulated a lot of things, we usually recommend working with a home organizer to help you sort out the wheat from the chaff. The task is usually so overwhelming that an outside objective person … will help one make the decision to keep or donate to a charity of one’s choosing.

“Next, Fabulous Finds conducts

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a Mobile Consignment where we come to the house and go through the items that are of good quality and worth consigning rather than donating. We will select the home furnishings, crystal, dishware, flatware, and linens that are a good fit for our clientele as well as the clothing and accessories – shoes, bags and jewelry that our customers are most likely to buy.

We take what we can with us to the store and arrange for a moving company to deliver the furniture and larger-scale items. We assist with arranging for other charitable organizations to pick up the remainder of the items that will not be consigned for resale.

“When one downsizes, we try to help our customers rethink space, color, form and function. What they have may work well used in a different manner than before.

We help them determine the look they are trying to achieve and the colors that make them feel calm and peaceful and then suggest that they choose an inspiration piece to design their space around for each room. Once you know the function of the space and the function of the pieces of furniture you have or will need, accessorizing becomes the fun part of a redesign for the new lifestyle living ahead. Don’t overlook paint. You can take an antique with great detail and lines and modernize it with a myriad of painting techniques that can turn something that was tiredlooking into a fun, eye-catching, conversation piece! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Make it fun!”

Asha Kawamoto of Caring Transitions says of downsizing and rightsizing, “These two terms are used interchangeably. Downsizing is de-cluttering, disposing of things that you are not using by either donating or giving to family or liquidating through yard/garage sales, or having a professional do an estate sale and/or online auction for you. Rightsizing involves all of the above but goes further.”

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Here are her tips to rightsizing and downsizing: • Work on one small space at a time • Schedule a limited amount of time to work on that space • Finish one area completely before moving to the next area • Follow the OHIO rule – Only Handle It Once!

• Trust your decisions and don’t revisit them.

• Ask for help.

It did take you decades to acquire the things so don’t expect to shed them in a day!

“Most importantly, we are always here to help,” she says. “My team and I are kind, compassionate and respectful. We understand that this transition is very challenging physically and emotionally for the seniors as well as the family. We make that process as seamless and easy as possible. We provide a free hour of in-house consultation to better learn and understand about your individual situation and then work with you to help you get to the next chapter of your life.”

Bill Allen, Realtor®, SRES® RE/MAX of Boulder 2425 Canyon Blvd. #110, Boulder, 303.441.5690, billallenboulder.com Caring Transitions of North West Denver 720.739.5261, caringtransitionsnwdenver.com Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment 600 S. Airport Road, Longmont, 720.340.4152, fabfindsconsign.com Renewal by Andersen Boulder, 303.558.2963, boulderwindow.com RE/MAX of Boulder 2425 Canyon Blvd. #110, Boulder, 303.449.7000, boulderco.com

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Local Resources for Aging in Place

By Emma Castleberry for Aging at Altitude

W

(Photo: Via Mobility Services)

ith every passing year, aging in place is becoming a more popular option for seniors. “No one wants to go to a skilled nursing home,” says Leslie Mader of TRU PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). “They would rather stay in their own home.”

Aging in place is not only a more comfortable and pleasant option for seniors, but it’s also a practical option. “There are a lot of people aging in our county and our country, and there are not enough places for them to live,” Mader says. Boulder County residents are

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AGING AT ALTITUDE

Living Trusts

Probate

Estate Planning

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lucky to have access to a variety of resources that make it easier to age in place and maintain independence without moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility.

TRU PACE

TRU PACE is an all-inclusive option for seniors looking to age in place. Paid for through medicare and medicaid, TRU PACE provides an array of “wraparound services” intended to stabilize seniors in their homes and enable them to live there for as long as possible.

“PACE becomes their insurance and manages all their medical care,” explains Mader. “Under one plan, we coordinate everything with our contractors.” While TRU PACE is not a place for seniors to live, the company has a 20,000-squarefoot facility that includes a day center for recreation, a clinic and clinical team with physicians and nurses, and a rehabilitation gym with strength classes and physical therapy. PACE also case manages all specialty appointments for their clients. “People choose our program because they are trying to stay in their home or apartment, or live with a loved one, instead of going into a facility or housing,” says Mader. To find out if TRU PACE is appropriate for you or a loved one, call to set up a facility tour or a home visit: 303.665.0115.

Via Mobility Services

Via Mobility Services is a fullspectrum mobility manager that offers paratransit, travel training, information about mobility options and referral services. Via also provides a wide range of community and group educational resources related to transportation for older adults, people with disabilities and others living with mobility limitations. “In our culture, giving up the car keys can lead to a disconnection from an individual’s community and even complete isolation,” says Lyndsy Morse, communications manager for Via. “The ability to move is a universal human need. Mobility is not a car SPRING 2019

or a bus – it’s the feeling of freedom that comes from knowing you can move when and where you want.

Via provides the necessary link to keep these folks active in their communities.” With Via, seniors who can no longer drive don’t have to rely on friends and family to get around. For more information, visit viacolorado.org or call 303.447.3043.

Meals on Wheels

One of the barriers to aging in place can be the ability to cook and assemble healthy, nutritious meals.

Regardless of one’s age or income, Meals on Wheels can provide such meals to Boulder area residents.

“Without Meals on Wheels of Boulder, they don’t have the energy or interest to find healthy food or to prepare meals for themselves, so they eat a piece of toast or a bowl of cereal,” says Executive Director Francea Phillips. “This becomes a vicious cycle, and their physical and emotional health are compromised. Meals on Wheels of Boulder delivers health and care, in the form of hot meals and friendly greetings. Our work helps prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases associated with aging. It helps prevent food insecurity. It helps allay loneliness and fear. It helps people live as independently as possible, for as long as possible, in their own homes.” Meals on Wheels of Boulder operates on a sliding scale, with over one-third of clients paying less than $1 per day per meal. For more information, visit mowboulder.org or call 303.441.3908.

AGING AT

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To do this, many hearing devices today make use of machine learning, artificial intelligence, Bluetooth, and much more intensive computational processing. Remarkably, this allows hearing devices to automatically work better for you, while enabling you to control your soundscape like never before.

Stop by Family Hearing’s booth to meet with Jennifer LaBorde, BC-HIS, and Valarie Mull, A.A. They can answer any questions you have about these impressive industry innovations, the positive impact they generate, and why an experienced and caring technician is of the utmost importance.

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Meals on Wheels Boulder 909 Arapahoe Ave., Ste. 121, Boulder, 303.441.3908, mowboulder.org TRU PACE 2593 Park Lane, Lafayette, 303.665.0115, pace.trucare.org Via Mobility Services 2855 N. 63rd Street, Boulder, 303.444.3043, viacolorado.org

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19

SMART PLANNING

Resources for Caregivers

By Melanie Brown for Aging at Altitude

O

ne inevitability in life is that we all are aging. According to the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (AAA), by the year 2030, 20 percent of Boulder County residents will be 60 years of age or older. That statistic points to another inevitability, the need for a community of people to properly support this demographic. Enter, the caregiver. Whether by choice or default, caregiving is a monumental task. Cindy Clark, AAA’s Manager of Community Living Programs, says, “(Caregiving) is a big commitment. You’re sharing someone’s life at a time when they’re most vulnerable, and you’re going to have to support both them and you.”

When you log on to AAA’s website via bouldercounty.org, you will see a long list of offerings from training and support groups, to an online library of relevant texts, to respite services and grant applications to help cover certain costs associated with caregiving.

All of this is part of AAA’s Age Well Boulder County strategic planning initiative with the goal of creating a “healthier, more agefriendly environment.” With this goal in mind, on May 22, 2019, AAA will hold its annual Caregiver Symposium, which is a perfect introduction to the resources, training, support groups and vast number of other amenities available to caregivers. Registration is available online at AAA’s website.

There’s no real barrier to entry for someone entering into the caregiving realm, according to

Clark. People with little to no experience can be caregivers depending on the demands of the job. However, if necessary, there are plenty of certification programs that can better prepare those who are looking to be more marketable.

One such certification is the Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, program. More information on this program can be obtained through the Colorado Board of Nursing’s website.

Many times other factors, such as memory impairments, physical disabilities or sociological disorders are present that create additional hardships for caregivers. For more information on and direct assistance for these items, Clark recommends contacting Family Care Alliance, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the AARP Caregiving Resource Center.

Links to each of these agencies can be found on AAA’s website.

“The best caregivers are always the people who genuinely respect and care about you as a person,” says Clark. “Have conversations with each other as much as possible, and talk openly about what lies ahead. This is how to best support each other in making choices.”

Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado – Boulder Region 245 Century Cir., #105, Louisville, 303.813.1669, alz.org/co Boulder County Area Agency on Aging 3482 Broadway, Boulder, 303.441.3570, bouldercounty. org/departments/communityservices/area-agency-aging

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a family tree together and try creating a photobook with old and new pictures. Share news about family members’ relationships and accomplishments, which might bring back personal memories.

Consider the little things

Surprise your parents with a few new pieces of clothing for a thoughtful gift. Laminate a list of their medications and their doctors to keep with you in case of emergency and provide a copy to your parents and any other caregivers. Create a contact list on your parents’ mobile phone to help them easily reach family and friends without needing to search.

If there are young children in the family, try bringing them by for a visit - their energy and smiles may help brighten the room.

Aiding Aging Parents 4 tips to help overcome new challenges

By Family Features

I

t’s not easy getting old, as the saying goes, and it can be even harder to watch your parents age. Helping parents transition into the later years of their lives can be a delicate matter, but there are ways to help them ease into an elderly stage and cope better with challenges.

Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of Alberto Culver, navigated this type of life transition with her parents. In her book, “Gather As You Go: Lessons Learned Along the Way,” Bernick offers tips to give and get joy while preserving your parents’ dignity in addition to wisdoms on business and leadership, philanthropy, dealing with tough times and being a working mom.

For example, consider these tips and ways to aid aging parents:

Provide entertainment

Music can be a helpful gift - try SPRING 2019

loading a music player with a playlist of your parents’ favorite songs. Old movies can also spark conversation. Host a luncheon for some of their best friends and make their favorite treats. They may be housebound, but there are still ways for them to interact.

Find more tips to assist aging relatives at gatherasyougo.com.

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Adjust to physical changes

Reading materials could require larger-than-normal print, and a magnifying clip-on screen for a computer can be helpful as well.

Serving foods that are easier to cut can make eating a simpler process. Keep an eye on weight and nutrition and try to find someone who will make a house call for haircuts.

Relive memories

Encourage older relatives to write (or dictate) their thoughts on financial tips, military service, business success, valued life lessons and, of course, the stories of how they met their spouses. Make

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SMART PLANNING

Reverse Mortgages: What You Need to Know Utilize your equity strategically to live a more fruitful life during retirement

By Wendy McMillan for Aging at Altitude

R

etirement is meant to be enjoyed, but with looming uncertainty of expenses to anticipate, that may be easier said than done. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to ensure security in our senior years. For many, a Reverse Home Mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), is one of those resources.

In previous decades, traditional thought slated the reverse mortgage as a last resort for the cash-strapped. Today, it’s increasingly regarded as an income planning tool with numerous benefits. But what exactly does it all mean? Could a HECM be for you? We checked in with two local experts for their insights.

What is a Reverse Home Mortgage, really?

A reverse mortgage is a loan for senior homeowners that allows borrowers to access a portion of

22

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the home’s equity. Typically, the loan does not have to be repaid until the last surviving homeowner permanently moves out of the property or passes away. To qualify for a HECM, one or both of the borrowers must be at least 62 years old, and the home must be their primary residence. Borrowers may own multiple homes, but the reverse mortgage is only applicable to the home deemed primary.

The borrower must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues and keep up with home maintenance and upkeep.

“A reverse mortgage is a great financial tool to help homeowners 62 years of age and older stay in their home and age in place while converting a portion of their home equity to tax free cash,” says Gabe Bodner, Reverse Mortgage Division Manager at Premier Mortgage Group in Boulder.

“Unlike what many people think, the homeowner continues to own the home and they are not turning over the home to the lender and

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they can still pass their home to their heirs.”

Who should consider a reverse mortgage?

“The ideal candidate for a HECM is anyone 62 or older who have their home paid off or approximately 50% equity and is making mortgage payments, and is planning to live in their primary home for more than three years,” says Peter Rueth, Reverse Specialist with Fairway Independent Mortgage. Recent research by financial industry professionals shows earlier establishment of the reverse mortgage consistently leads to a higher likelihood of goal attainment than seen under last resort establishment scenarios, Rueth says.

What are the key downsides?

“Relatively speaking, the upfront fees are higher for a reverse mortgage,” Rueth says. “However, when calculating the financial costs to benefits over the term there are greater financial benefits provided when the borrower no longer has to make required mortgage payments, half of which is used to pay interest.”

What are the key advantages?

The key draw of a reverse mortgage is access to or improved management of cash during retirement provided by accessing equity that has accumulated over time. What this means is up to the borrowers.

“A Reverse Mortgage is not just a mortgage, it is a financial tool that puts you in control of your equity,” Bodner says. “A reverse mortgage does not mean you must go in reverse. This is a mortgage with which you can control when and how you pay it back instead of the lender telling you how much is required every single month. A reverse mortgage can be used for SPRING 2019

anything; it can help create cash reserves, pay for living expenses, unexpected expenses, in-home care, gifting, charity, travel, etc…”

“Currently in the U.S., over seven trillion dollars in home equity is owned by those over 62 years old,” Rueth says. “With the continued rise in annual retirement costs, retirees should consider putting their largest financial asset – equity – to work as a complementary retirement tool.”

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Are there certain instances to be wary of taking out a reverse mortgage?

“I will caution those who are going to move within three years to delay doing a reverse mortgage,” Rueth says. “As with any financial transaction, a person wants to ensure the costs are recovered over a reasonable period. On average, the costs of doing a reverse mortgage are recouped within 3 years.”

“The question becomes, why not do a reverse mortgage?” Bodner says. “Why not incorporate home equity into one’s retirement planning and help mitigate risk and improve cash flow, improve one’s quality of life and be better prepared for unexpected expenses or emergencies?”

Want to learn more? Contact an expert and find out if a HECM is right for you.

Gabe Bodner Premier Mortgage Group, 1844 Folsom St., Boulder, 303.302.3920, pmglending.com Peter Rueth Fairway Independent Mortgage, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 500, Englewood, 303.214.6393, theruethteam.com Primerica Financial Services 825 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303.543.0274, primerica.com

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SMART PLANNING

Planning Helps Secure the Future

By Elise Oberliesen for Aging at Altitude

E

state planning is one of the best ways to protect the assets you’ve built over an entire lifetime – the kind intended for surviving family members after you’re gone. Making plans before you pass helps mitigate the risk of losing a portion of your financial wherewithal says Ronald Pestine, Esq., a trust and estate planning attorney.

“The biggest problem we see with estate planning, people don’t realize how to have property transferred with the minimal amount of difficulty, court interference and attorney’s fees.”

The goal is to set up an estate so the property passes free and clear of probate, says Pestine, which

Will your family have to guess your health care wishes?

By Brandpoint

I

magine you are in an accident or a sudden illness leaves you unable to speak for yourself.

Your loved one or caregiver may be faced with a difficult decision about whether to continue lifesaving measures. How does that person know what to do?

Discuss, decide and document.

These are three important steps to take to ensure your future care preferences are known and remove a burden from your family.

According to the Conversation Project, more than 90 percent of people think it’s important to have conversations about end-of-life care with their loved ones, yet less than 30 percent have done so. Planning for major injuries or sudden illness may feel awkward, 24

AGING AT ALTITUDE

but timely conversations with family members can ensure your care preferences are honored and that your caregivers don’t have to guess what you might want.

“It’s simpler than you think to get started,” said Dr. Stephanie Peterson, a senior medical director at Optum. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, and you can change it at any time.”

Here are a few tips from Peterson:

Choose an advocate

This should be someone who knows you well, is calm in a crisis, understands your preferences, is not afraid to ask questions of care providers and will advocate on your behalf. An advocate can be a close relative or friend, but should be someone who knows you well

and someone you trust to follow your wishes.

Talk with your advocate and doctor about your future care preferences

Let your advocate and doctors know what’s most important to you in life. What are the activities and abilities that make life most worth living for you? What are the things that give you comfort when you’re sick? When, if ever, should your advocate decide that it’s time to “let go”? And who else should they include in that decision?

Write it down

Formalize your decisions by putting them in writing. Learn more and find links to worksheets you can fill out at optumcare.com/ nhdd.

Give copies of your plan to your advocate, family members and doctors.

Make sure they are aware of your plan, and take some time to go over the document with them. Update and review the plan whenever your situation or preferences change, and have the document placed in your medical records.

“I have seen firsthand the sense of peace, calm and satisfaction families experience when they know their loved one’s wishes have been fulfilled,” Peterson said.

Advance care planning improves quality of life and reduces anxiety.

“Don’t make people guess what you want. Make your future care preferences known.”

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saves time and money. Sometimes family disputes crop up when divvying up family inheritance.

What’s the financial risk?

“A good proportion of the estate could be eaten up by legal fees, in the tens of thousands of dollars,” he said.

Attorney David Brantz, Esq., has expertise in estate planning, wills and trusts. As a partner at Kottke & Brantz, LLC, and adjunct professor at the University of Colorado School of Law, Brantz keeps a busy schedule.

Beneficiaries should be properly designated, he says.

Often times only one child (the nominated executor) is named as the beneficiary, even though the client intends an equal distribution among all of their children.

“Make sure your beneficiary designations and the title to your assets align with your estate plan,” Brantz said.

Naming beneficiaries applies

to taxable accounts, like savings and stock accounts, retirement accounts, like IRAs and 401Ks – and life insurance too.

Don’t take all your secrets to the grave.

If you want the estate plan followed, make sure a trusted person knows how to access your important documents like wills, living wills and trusts.

“If you don’t tell your children where the documents are located, that could be problematic,” Brantz said.

Funeral plans matter too

Even the characters who ran a funeral home in HBO’s hit series “Six Feet Under” balked at the idea of discussing burial arrangements of a family member.

Some people would rather run barefoot across hot coals than plan their funeral. That’s because many people cannot stand the topic of death said Matt Fox, general

manager with Crist Mortuary.

“People aren’t comfortable addressing their own mortality.

It gives a real and tangible reality about their own death and that’s enough for them not to plan it,” Fox said.

When you avoid these conversations, it can open up unintended risks.

“It leaves your loved ones wondering if they have done the right thing,” Fox said.

By discussing funeral plans, Fox said it gives family members some peace of mind knowing they carried out a loved one’s final wishes.

Being able to grieve is a natural way to start the healing process after someone dies.

“To know it was pre-arranged at the time of death allows you to focus on your grief rather than a business transaction,” Fox said.

Crist Mortuary/ Mountain View Memorial Park 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder, 303.442.4411, dignitymemorial.com/ funeral-homes/boulder-co/ crist-mortuary Hassan + Cables, LLC 1035 Pearl St., Suite 200, Boulder, 303.625.1025 hassancables.com Kottke & Brantz, LLC 2975 Valmont Road, Suite 240, Boulder 303.443.2633 kottkeandbrantz.com Ronald G. Pestine & Associates 1729 Terry St., Longmont; 390 Interlocken Crescent, Suite 350, Broomfield; 720.708.5358; livingtrustsolution.com

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AGING AT ALTITUDE

25

HEALTHY AGING

Three Habits to Promote Healthy Aging

By Pam Moore for Aging at Altitude

A

ccording to the 2016 Census, 13.1 percent of Boulder County is 65 or older. Up from 11 percent in 2012, Boulder’s population is following the same trajectory as the rest of the country. Experts predict that by 2035 seniors will outnumber children for the first time in American history.

For seniors who want to keep up with their grandkids, staying healthy is key. While genetics undoubtedly play a role in how we age, experts agree that many aspects of healthy aging are actually under our control. And as any successful

person will tell you, success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a function of our habits.

Focus on prevention

As the absence of disease and disability is a cornerstone of

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healthy aging, it’s imperative to make a habit of regular check-ups with your primary care provider as well as specialists including an ophthalmologist and an audiologist.

Dr. Michael Manry, an ophthalmologist and retina

specialist at the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado, recommends a comprehensive eye checkup every one to two years. He suggests diabetics receive a yearly dilated diabetic eye exam at least annually.

Jennifer LaBorde, boardcertified hearing instrument specialist and the owner of Family Hearing, recommends regular hearing checks. Additionally, if measurable hearing loss is found, LaBorde recommends patients “invest in technology as soon as possible.” The benefits of hearing aids extend far beyond maintaining a sharp hearing. Says LaBorde, “By wearing properly fit hearing aids daily the wearers will not only benefit from better hearing,

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but research supports they may also notice improved balance and general cognitive function. Hearing technology allows people to stay independent longer and be more connected to their loved ones.” With three clinics located throughout Boulder County, Family Hearing is a convenient option.

Keep it moving

Dr. John Tobey recommends seniors stay active in order to promote healthy aging. Practicing at Spine West and board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine, electrodiagnostic medicine, and sports medicine, Dr. Tobey’s exercise prescription is surprisingly simple: “Keep moving.”

What that movement looks like will depend on a variety of factors, including the person, the weather, and even the day. There will be days when pain, energy levels, or icy terrain may threaten to interfere with your fitness routine. But that doesn’t mean exercise should be abandoned. Dr. Tobey recommends seniors modify activities as needed, and above all make sure it’s both enjoyable and sustainable. “Find an activity that you enjoy and can consistently perform. Incorporate some form of cross training - i.e. change up the activities so it is not the same every day. Exercise with others to keep it social.” What does it take to be consistent? Dr. Tobey suggests performing some form of physical activity most days of the week.

Stay social

Louis Viggio, CEO at Dual Eyewear, says the most important habits to adopt when it comes to healthy aging are “keeping your mind open to new experiences and socializing.”

It turns out, spending time with friends and family isn’t just fun – research has shown strong social connections to be a strong predictor of successful aging, specifically when it comes to cognitive function and general life satisfaction ratings.

Viggio recommends regular eye care not only as a way to ensure functional vision but also as a SPRING 2019

means of staying engaged in life.

Though we’ll never escape the inevitability of growing older, by adopting the right habits, we can embrace healthy aging. With a mix of preventive medicine, physical activity, and maintaining a strong social network, seniors can continue to embrace an engaged, meaningful life.

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Boulder Centre for Orthopedics & Spine 4740 Pearl Parkway, Suite 200A, Boulder, 303.449.2730, bouldercentre.com Boulder Valley Hearing Associates 4745 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 130A, Boulder, 303.443.2771, bouldervalleyent.com Dual Eyewear 2400 Central Ave., Suite F, Boulder, 720.235.1112, dualeyewear.com Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado 3000 Center Green Drive, Suite 250, Boulder; 1400 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont; 300 Exempla Circle, Suite 120, Lafayette, 303.772.3300, eyecaresite.com Family Hearing 3059 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.872.9757; 300 Nickel St., Suite 15, Broomfield, 303.857.5838; 2770 Arapahoe Road, Suite 126, Lafayette, 303.872.6467, familyhearingco.com Front Range Orthopedics & Spine 610 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont; 300 Exempla Circle, Suite 200, Lafayette; 4943 Hwy 52, Suite 180, Frederick, 500 W. 144th Ave., Suite 120, Westminster; 303.772.1600, frontrangeorthopedics.com Spine West 5387 Manhattan Circle, Boulder, 303.494.7773, spinewest.com

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27

HEALTHY AGING

Rejuvenate Your Skin with the Latest Skin Care Treatments

By Amy Van Vranken for Aging at Altitude

E

very face tells a story. But if your story is getting to be more like a long classic novel, you might feel like what’s written on your face is hiding the youthful spirit that’s still inside.

Active, healthy seniors who want to look as young as they feel can address the effects of time, weather, and skin problems through a variety of skin rejuvenation therapies. Here are some of the most popular procedures.

Botox is one of the most popular skin rejuvenating techniques for seniors. It’s purified protein that is injected into facial muscles,

causing those muscles to relax and smoothing wrinkles away. The results last about four months.

Soft tissue fillers, used to fill skin that has lost tissue volume, are increasing in popularity. Two of the more popular brands are Juvederm and Restylane, which are clear gels

containing hyaluronic acid. These fillers are eventually absorbed by the body after injection. They can fill in hollow cheeks and eyes and fill in the lines running from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth. Typical results last six to nine months.

No needles are involved in chemical peels, another increasingly popular procedure. A chemical peel is a mixture of safe chemicals that is applied to the skin in order to exfoliate the skin’s outer layer. Peels can be used to address discoloration, sun damage, superficial scarring, and smooth out fine lines and acne scars.

Usually, multiple peels are needed over a period of several weeks to

achieve the best results.

Laser therapy is another option.

Different types of lasers are used to treat different patients and precisely target a wide variety of skin concerns.

Consider your individual goals and get in touch with a reputable clinic such as Laser and Cosmetic Associates of Boulder. They can help you sort through all the options for skin rejuvenation techniques and love the story your face tells.

Laser & Cosmetic Associates of Boulder 4745 Arapahoe Ave., Ste. 115, Boulder, 303.558.8800 enhanceyourskin.com.

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Converting Colorado’s Written Word to the Airwaves on Rocky Mountain PBS as well as on the aincolorado.org website and podcasts, plus its call-in phone line services. There, registered users will find live broadcasts of various regional program streams, plus an entire stream recorded in Spanish.

David Dawson, executive director and founder, says that demand for AINC’s services continues to grow with the state’s booming senior population, and that the organization is always looking for more volunteers.

By Andy Stonehouse for Aging at Altitude

F

or those who are visually impaired, the increasingly digital-oriented world of news and even online advertising can be difficult to access. But thanks to a dedicated group of more than 230 volunteer readers, an amazing variety of localized news, feature stories and even information from store ads and rentals listings are available in a 24-hour-a-day audio stream – provided by the Audio Information Network of Colorado.

The Boulder-based nonprofit, provides content from more than 100 Colorado newspapers, plus

announcements from city and county governments.

Care and Comfort

The material is narrated and recorded and then disseminated

for every stage

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AGING AT ALTITUDE

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HEALTHY AGING

How to Reduce Health Risks

by Understanding AFib

By Family Features

O

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

ftentimes, seeking to improve your health starts at your core - your heart. One common condition to be aware of is atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

Currently impacting up to 6.1 million Americans, AFib is projected to double by 2030, according to the American Heart Association. One in three individuals is at risk for developing AFib over the course

of his or her lifetime, and the likelihood of developing the condition increases by almost 40 percent after the age of 55.

The average person living with AFib has a five-fold increase of experiencing a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat.

However, proper diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the chances of associated heart health complications, including stroke.

The first step toward managing AFib and preventing serious health complications is gaining knowledge about the condition.

The experts at the American Heart Association are working to elevate awareness with these facts:

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AGING AT ALTITUDE

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Causes

While in some cases the cause is unknown, AFib can be the result of damage to the heart’s electrical system from other conditions such as longstanding, uncontrolled high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and heart disease. For example, smokers are 20 percent more likely to develop AFib than nonsmokers.

Symptoms and signs

A person living with AFib may have symptoms like a fluttering heartbeat, but he or she may not have symptoms at all. Nearly 80 percent of people who report having AFib note they did not experience symptoms, which can lead to the condition being overlooked or confused with other conditions, such as anxiety.

“Atrial fibrillation can be challenging to diagnose,” said Dr. Georgeanne Freeman, a board-certified family medicine doctor and American Heart

Association volunteer expert. “If you are feeling out of the ordinary, whether it’s a racing pulse or irregular heartbeat associated with shortness of breath and fatigue, it’s time to speak with your doctor to learn your risk for AFib and lower your chance for stroke.”

Other common symptoms include dizziness, weakness, faintness or confusion; fatigue when exercising; sweating and chest pain or pressure.

At-risk populations

Anyone, at any age, can develop AFib. People over age 50, those with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease and those with a family history of the condition are at highest risk and should discuss their medical history with their doctors.

People of African, Asian or Hispanic ancestry are typically less likely to suffer from AFib. However, research suggests that

those with African or Hispanic ancestry living with AFib have a higher risk of death when the condition is combined with another factor such as heart failure or high blood pressure.

Risk factors

While some people living with AFib are unaware of the condition due to not experiencing symptoms, it causes the heart to beat erratically, stops blood from moving through the heart efficiently and may result in pooling or clotting. The clot may block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Risk factors such as age, high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes or medical history contribute to individuals’ five-fold risk of stroke.

Treatment options

Although most primary care providers claim to have general knowledge of AFib, there are

still challenges in their abilities to diagnose it. The treatment goals start with a proper diagnosis through an in-depth examination performed by a medical professional, health care provider or cardiologist. The exam usually includes questions about the individual’s medical history and often a test such as an EKG or ECG to determine heart rate, rhythm and other information.

If you have AFib, understand your options for medications and discuss with your doctor.

Anyone on anticoagulants should carry information and be able to alert medical professionals in an emergency that he or she is on blood thinners.

To learn more and to access AFib tools and resources, visit heart.org/AFib. Source: American Heart Association

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HEALTHY AGING

Falls and Fractures Facts and tips that may limit falls

By Brandpoint As we age, we begin to learn - sometimes firsthand - how devastating a fall can be. It isn’t quite as easy as it once was to hop back up and continue on our way.

Each year, more than one in four Americans aged 65 and over experience a fall, which contributes to roughly three million emergency room visits and nearly 30,000 deaths per year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the majority of falls are non-life-threatening, they can take a serious toll on quality of life and independence.

The good news, however, is that most falls are preventable.

“Being aware of the risk factors and taking the proper precautions can reduce your chances of serious injury, and help you maintain and improve the quality of your health and remain independent,” said Dr. James Metcalf, a medical director with UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement.

Read on for important risk factors and tips for avoiding falls: Lower-body strength - People who have weaker lower bodies or have trouble with balance and walking should take extra precautions. Do exercises that can strengthen your legs and improve balance.

Medication - Any time you get a new prescription, ask your pharmacist or doctor about side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.

These can affect your balance.

Footwear - Pay attention to foot pain as it may be a symptom of poor footwear. Make sure your shoes fit appropriately and are comfortable. Wear low-heeled 32

AGING AT ALTITUDE

shoes with rubber soles for good traction. Generally, avoid wearing slippers, shoes with leather soles or high heels. See a doctor if you are experiencing foot pain.

Clutter - Most falls happen at home. Rugs or objects in your way can be problematic. Remove clutter, fix steps that are uneven and make sure there is adequate lighting throughout your home.

Physical support - If you don’t already have them, install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom and on stairways. Use a cane, walker, crutches or anything else that will help make walking easier.

Hearing and vision - Get your vision and hearing checked regularly. Problems with hearing or sight can throw off your balance and coordination. Ask your doctor if you could benefit from some vision or hearing aids.

Falls are more common than many people think, and all of us are susceptible,” said Metcalf.

“So be aware of risks from your medications, stay active, clear your home of trip hazards and talk to your doctor about strategies you could try to avoid a potentially devastating fall.”

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ACTIVE LIVING

Retirement Opens Portals to Active Living, Life-Long Learning

(Photo: YMCA of Northern Colorado)

By Sarah Huber for Aging at Altitude

I

n northern Colorado, retirement reveals vistas of active living, from dusting off a long-abandoned hobby to exploring nature on a bike to kick boxing, yoga and swimming at the local YMCA or rec center. “Staying physically fit not only helps with strength, balance and coordination, but it is also important to mental fitness,” noted YMCA of Northern Colorado Communication Director Andra Coberly Webster. “It’s important for people at every age to stay active physically and mentally and to be connected.”

YMCA of Northern Colorado

“At the Y, we’re about providing a support group and a place to socialize, as well as giving older 34

AGING AT ALTITUDE

It’s important for “people at every

age to stay active physically and mentally and to be connected.

”

adults opportunities to exercise and have fun,” Coberly Wester said. In addition to Silver Sneakers’ aerobic classes, the cost of which is often covered by health insurance, the YMCA offers gentle cycling, yoga and balance and flexibility classes.

“Our Fit after 50 class is popular, as is a masters swim class taught by instructors,” she said. “Some of our seniors are killing it in our classes, senior or not. We encourage people to take the best classes for them, whether that’s body pump and power cycling or strength training

for seniors and gentle cycling. We help them meet their fitness goals in a community setting.” For solo workouts, treadmills, Stairmasters and weight-bearing equipment challenge all ages. “We’ve become a place where people can come exercise and then sit in the lobby with a coffee and visit friends,” Coberly Wester said.

eBike of Colorado

Seniors who enjoy exercising outdoors can get a boost from an electric bike. Since July 2017, eBike of Louisville has helped seniors remain active with the convenience of a traditional-style bike featuring a built-in battery and motor. “You use a toggle on the handlebar to select for a small, medium or large amount of assistance. This makes hills easier and helps some people get out who wouldn’t otherwise be able to ride a bike. You continue

pedaling the entire time – the bikes just provides a little help,” explained eBike of Colorado manager Pete Castiglione. He leads a community ride each Sunday and said, “We have at least three die-hard seniors who have never missed a Sunday.

We ride and then hang out for a couple hours on the front patio and barbeque.” Testing an eBike during a community ride is free, and a variety of eBikes are available to rent and purchase. “People with knee problems or people who need to meet a target heart rate love these bikes,” Castiglione said.

Stretch Zone Broomfield

Before heading to the gym or straddling a bike, consider practitioner-assisted stretching, said Amy Nehrke, co-owner of Stretch Zone Broomfield. She urged seniors to try assisted stretching “to isolate and stretch

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muscles around targeted joints for increasing flexibility, circulation, balance and lubrication of joints.”

She continued, “With proper stretching, you slow down the aging process and even grow younger by improving posture, circulation and enabling painfree increases in range of motion.

Proper stretching increases blood flow and the supply of nutrients to muscles while increasing range of motion provides for better balance, reducing the potential for injury.

At Stretch Zone Broomfield, we believe an active body promotes an active mind, enriching the overall quality of life.”

BVSD Lifelong Learning

“Everyone knows that keeping your mind active later in life is beneficial, but there are only so many hours you can spend on Sudoku puzzles and crosswords,” said Matt Jenkins, marketing specialist at Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) Lifelong Learning,

(Photos: BVSD Lifelong Learning)

adding, “BVSD Lifelong Learning provides hundreds of options to expand skills you already have or to find a new hobby.” Lifelong Learning through BVSD offers three types of classes: creative classes, such as painting, dance, welding, home remodeling, gardening and photography; self-improvement classes, such as computer skills and money management; and world-

experience classes, such as language classes, travel tips and guided hikes. “In just a couple of sessions, you can pick up a new lifelong passion that will engage all parts of your brain and give you pride and satisfaction in your work,” Jenkins said. “Keeping active by learning new skills will not only keep you mentally and physically sharp, it provides a great opportunity to meet other like-minded

adventurers. It’s also a great way to spend time with a spouse, friends or kids and grandkids.”

BOCO Area Agency on Aging Boulder County’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) similarly offers events and classes to stimulate the mind and improve physical health. Upcoming health and wellness courses cover fall

A WELCOMING SPACE TO CALL YOUR OWN

The Y is a place of community, wellness and healing, providing people of all ages with warm smiles, expert instruction and opportunities to support the spirit, mind and body. Find your strength in our many fitness classes, including SilverSneakers®, Moving for Better Balance and Fit After 50. Find your community among numerous clubs and social groups.

NOW HIRING! Find meaning, purpose and satisfaction while contributing to your community and the Y cause. We have parttime and full-time opportunities in a variety of areas. Visit ymcanoco.org/careers.

YMCA OF NORTHERN COLORADO • ymcanoco.org Boulder • Lafayette • Longmont • Johnstown (coming in 2020)

SPRING 2019

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35

ACTIVE LIVING

(Photo: Dog House Music Studio)

prevention, managing chronic pain and preventing and living with diabetes. Walking groups, nutritional counseling and a caregiving symposium are favorites with Boulder County residents, and classes on Medicare help people navigate the healthcare system.

AAA is sponsoring a program on social isolation on April 26, as “social isolation is now considered a public health issue and likened to smoking 15 cigarettes a day,”

said Teresa DeAnni, healthy aging programs manager at the agency.”

She said, “There is a lot of research that is showing how the brain is enhanced when you exercise and helps fend off depression and cognitive decline.”

Dog House Music Studio Kenny Vasko, co-owner of Dog House Music Studio in Lafayette, said, “Music is one of the most enriching things out there. It

Protecting What Matters Most

keeps the mind sharp and motor skills going. You can learn to play and instrument or go back to it at any age.” Kenny’s wife and Dog House’s co-owner Liz Vasko said, “Our community rock program focuses on giving all members of the community the opportunity to experience and play in a professional music studio. Our studios are set up like live music venues with a performance area, stage lighting, 400 watt PA systems, full backline with monitors and mixing board and pro grade tube amps and instruments.”

Community rock events give nonmusicians and “folks in it for fun” some stage time, Liz said, and jam sessions facilitate group play and music recording. Music lessons and band coaching are available. “We have people come in who haven’t touch a drum in years, and we get them rocking out to the music of the 80s,” Ken said. “We have a great time.”

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging 3482 Broadway, Boulder, 303.441.3570, bouldercounty.org/ departments/communityservices/area-agency-aging BVSD Lifelong Learning 6500 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 720.561.5968, bvsd.org/lll Dog House Music 525 Courtney Way, Lafayette, 303.664.1600, doghousemusic.com eBike of Colorado 544 Front St., Louisville, 720.739.0299, ebikeslouisvilleco.com

Stretch Zone Broomfield

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The YMCA of Northern Colorado Mulitple Locations; 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette, 303.664.5455, ymcanoco.org

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37

ACTIVE LIVING

Staying Mentally and Socially Active

By Sandy Hale for Aging at Altitude

“W

e are living in very positive times to understand and learn how to take care of our brain health. Caring for our mental and social health is part of helping our bodies to age well,” says Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk, Neurobehavioral Consultant and co-director at The Brain and Behavior Clinic in Boulder.

“There is a lot that can be done to preserve cognitive and emotional health. There’s no guarantee that you will avoid dementia with certainty, but there are many contributors to cognitive decline so we have to engage in several healthful changes”.

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AGING AT ALTITUDE

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Here is Dr. Rusk’s “data-driven” list of healthy to-do’s to care for your brain. These are all associated with reducing the risk of dementia.

• Insert calm, stress-free time into every day.

• Control diabetes and monitor sugar intake.

• Move your body often and vary your exercise.

• Avoid any head injuries.

• Manage heart disease and blood pressure, because what’s good for the heart is good for the head.

• Engage in social activities and feel like you belong.

• Get good sleep, and rule out sleep apnea.

• Eat a healthful organic plant-filled diet. No trans fats.

• Do brain-training exercises and stay cognitively stimulated.

• Manage depression and mood Jim Herlihy, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association, says, “A healthy heart and body are keys to maintaining a vibrant brain.”

The Alzheimer’s Association executive director, Gene Subczak, advises, “Healthy behaviors known to combat cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are also believed to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.”

Dr. Rusk emphasized, “The importance of social connections and building a like-minded community. There is a strong tie between social health and staving off dementia.

“We need each other to nurture cognitive skills and strengthen our emotional health. We need to be recognized for the things we do, and for who we really are. Positive groups motivate us to be the best at who we are.”

Contact these local resources for tips and activities to keep you mentally and socially involved.

Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado 455 N. Sherman St., Suite 500, Denver, 720.699.6286 alz.org/co

Boulder Valley School District, Lifelong Learning 6500 Arapahoe, Boulder, 720.561.5968, bvsd.org/lll

The Brain and Behavior Clinic 2523 Broadway, Ave., Suite 200, Boulder, 303.938.9244 healthybrain.clinic, drrusk.com

City of Boulder Parks & Recreation 3198 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303.413.7200, bouldercolorado.gov/ parks-rec

Boulder Senior Centers : 909 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.441.3148; 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder, 303.441.4150, bouldercolorado.gov/seniors

The YMCA of Northern Colorado Mulitple Locations; 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette, 303.664.5455, ymcanoco.org

SPRING 2019

AGING AT ALTITUDE

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ACTIVE LIVING

Boot Camp After 60: 10 Steps To Turn Around Unhealthy Habits

By Bruce Horowitz Kaiser Health News

I

t takes moxie to flip an unhealthy lifestyle to a healthy one – particularly for folks over 60.

Most baby boomers approach retirement age unwilling to follow basic healthy lifestyle goals established by the American Heart Association, said Dr. Dana King, professor and chairman of the department of family medicine at West Virginia University, referencing his university’s 2017 study comparing the healthy lifestyle rates of retired late-middleaged adults with rates among those still working.

Kaiser Health News interviewed three other prominent experts on aging and health about how seniors can find the will to adopt healthier habits.

“People do financial planning for retirement, but what about retirement health planning?”

King said.

Motivated seniors can begin by following KHN’s 10-step program:

1. Buy great sneakers

Purchase a pair of top-quality sneakers specifically designed for walking, said Carolyn Rosenblatt, founder of AgingParents.com, who started participating in triathlons at age 63 and continues to do them at age 70. Start by walking around the block. Expand that to 30-minute walks at least three times weekly – or set a goal to increase your walking distance 10 percent each week. And leave your sneakers by the front door.

2. Practice your balance

The best way to avoid falls is to retain a good sense of balance, said Rosenblatt. Practice standing on one leg with your eyes closed for at least 30 seconds.

SPRING 2019

(Photo: Caitlin Hillyard/KHN illustration; Getty Images)

3. Improve your breakfast

Stop eating the sweet roll with coffee. Consider substituting a home-blended smoothie with a banana, seasonal fruits, almond milk and protein powder or a protein patty without sugar. And cut out excess sugar in all your meals, said Rosenblatt. Replace soda with seltzer water.

4. De-stress wisely

Find ways to manage your stress that don’t involve food, alcohol or smoking. There are lots of meditation programs you can download on your phone and listen to for even 10 minutes, said Rosenblatt.

5. Practice resistance training

To keep your muscle mass from disappearing, do resistance training by lifting dumbbells or barbells or using weight machines, said Kay Van Norman, owner of Brilliant Aging, a consulting firm for healthier aging. “Your muscles are amazing, but if you don’t use them, you lose them,” she said.

6. Hit the floor

Aging adults need to regularly practice getting down on the floor and standing back up again. “If you don’t get down on the floor and back up, you won’t be able to do it after a while,” said Van Norman.

7. Challenge your speed

While it might not seem as if folks over 60 need to worry about exercise that involves speed and intensity, they do, said Van Norman.

“Most people don’t even think about speed in order to stay healthy. But tennis players are doing that all the time. You need to do something to challenge your speed, not just your power.” That’s why sports like tennis can be terrific as you age, she said.

8. Believe in yourself

Faced with self-doubt and depression after several tragic, challenging events, Sharon Sultan Cutler, 71, turned to therapy to help her feel better about herself. “The first person you have to believe in is yourself,” said Sultan Cutler, an author. “People like to be around other

people who believe in themselves.”

9. Tackle a project Pick a project that has meaning to you. Sultan Cutler opted to co-author (with two other writers) her first book, “Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years, 1956-1963,” an inside look at her once favorite TV show, Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand.” Never mind that she’d never written a book before. Now she’s on her third book, “Your New You After 65: Valuable Advice to Inspire Your Awesome Aging.” “It’s like having a daydream that you can actually make happen,” she said.

10. Embrace self-improvement Some call this lifelong learning.

Living a healthier lifestyle requires constant learning and self-improvement, said Sultan Cutler. Seek out local learning resources like community colleges, where classes are often steeply discounted for seniors, she said. “Self-improvement isn’t just physical. It’s mental, too.”

AGING AT ALTITUDE

41

FREE!

We’re hosting a robust lineup of speakers and topics for you to choose. Sessions held in Levin Hall accommodate up to 300 attendees and the L130 sessions accommodate up to 65. First come, first seated.

LOBBY, ROOM L130 10 to 10:30 a.m. / Taking Care of Your Family through Prearrangement Presented by: Matt Fox, Crist Mortuary and Mountain View Memorial Park 10:30 to 11 a.m. / Managing Senior Relocations Presented by: Asha Kawamoto, Caring Transitions 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. / Navigating Resources for Aging Well Presented by: Desiree Firle, Aging & Disability Resource Center Coordinator and Guio Bravo, Lead Medicare Counselor, Boulder County Area Agency on Aging

TUES., APRIL 23 | 9:30 A.M. TO 2 P.M. Boulder JCC, 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder The Aging at Altitude Expo will offer an abundance of tips, advice and the latest trends in health and nutrition, financial and retirement planning, real estate from active adult communities to assisted living facilities, home care, leisure, lifestyle, fitness and more.

Exhibitors AltaVita Senior Residences Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado

Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado Fabulous Finds

Audio Information Network

Fairway Independent Mortgage

Balfour Senior Living

Family Hearing

Bill Allen, ReMax of Boulder

Flatirons Terrace, A Dial Retirement Community

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging Boulder Valley Hearing Brookdale Senior Living Bucket List Travel and Tours BVSD Lifelong Learning Caring Transitions Crist Mortuary and Mountain View Memorial Park

Frasier Front Range Orthopedics & Spine Hassan + Cables Law Firm Hearing Rehab Center Hover Senior Living Community Laser & Cosmetic Associates of Boulder

Premier Mortgage Group Primerica Financial Services Red Tail Wellness Centers Renewal by Anderson Ronald G. Pestine & Associates Attorneys and Counselors at Law Spine West Stretch Zone The Academy The Avenues at Crofton Park The Brain and Behavior Clinic The Carillon at Boulder Creek The Peaks at Old Laramie Trail TRU Hospice Care

Dog House Music

Life Care Center of Longmont & The Bridge at Longmont

Dual Eyewear

Magnolia Road Cannabis

United Properties, Applewood Pointe

e-bike of Colorado

Meals on Wheels of Boulder

Via Mobility Services

Ensight Skills Center

MorningStar Senior Living

YMCA of Northern Colorado

TRU PACE

Free Parking! Free Shuttle! Food Trucks!

Free Parking at Naropa University Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder Two free shuttles will run 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. from the Naropa Nalanda Campus to the Boulder JCC. The shuttle is made possible through a partnership with Via Mobility Services.

Visit DAILYCAMERA.COM/AGING 42

AGING AT ALTITUDE

11:30 a.m. to noon / End Your Joint Pain!

Presented by: Dr. Ian Hollaman, Red Tail Wellness Centers Noon to 12:30 p.m. / Moving for Better Balance Presented by: Peggy Merrill, YMCA of Northern Colorado Noon to 12:30 p.m. / Elder Law – Planning for Incapacity Presented by: Kottke and Brantz, Attorneys at Law 1 to 1:30 p.m. / Trusts & Estate Planning Presented by: Ronald G. Pestine, Ronald G. Pestine & Associates, Attorneys and Counselors at Law 1:30 to 2 p.m. / Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Presented by: Ralph Patrick, Regional Director Alzheimer’s Association

LEVIN HALL 9:30 to 10 a.m. / Short-Term Rehabilitation in a Skilled Nursing Facility and Encompassing Your Insurance Benefits Presented by: Joleen McGee, Community Relations, Life Care Center of Longmont 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. / Reverse Mortgages: Utilize Your Equity Strategically to Live a More Fruitful Life During Your Golden Years • Harlan J. Accola, CRMP, Branch Manager, Fairway Independent Mortgage • Gabe Bodner, Reverse Mortgage Division Manager, Premier Mortgage • Matt Rich, Senior Vice President/Investments, UBS Financial Services 11 a.m. to noon / Taking Care of Your Brain with Functional Medicine & Homeopathy Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk, Dr. Martin Bloch, Dr. Pat Henry Noon to 1 p.m. / Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell and Beyond: Hope and Hype Presented by: Cliff Gronseth, M.D., Spine West Physiatry and Sports Physicians 1 to 2 p.m. / Senior Living: The Next Generation • Cooperative Living - Why All The Excitement?

Presented by: Chuck Ellis, United Properties, Applewood Pointe • Katherine & Charles Hover Green Houses: A New, National Model for Long-Term Care Presented by: Holly Raymer, Green House Nursing Home Administrator • Helping Seniors Remain Safely in Their Homes & Communities Presented by: Leslie Mader, M.A., TRU PACE Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly • Senior Living: Where’s Your Right Place?

Presented by: Marcia Klassen, Brookdale Senior Living DAILY CAMERA

SKILLED NURSING CARE

Coming soon to the beautiful Hover Senior Living Community campus in Longmont, Colorado Now Accepting Reservations!

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INDEPENDENT LIVING: 720.562.4440 A S S I S T E D L I V I N G | M E M O RY C A R E : 7 2 0 . 5 6 2 . 4 4 6 0 H E A LT H C A R E | S K I L L E D N U R S I N G : 7 2 0 . 5 6 2 . 4 4 7 3 350 Ponca Place | Boulder, CO 80303 | FrasierMeadows.org | 303.499.4888