Fifty & Better Magazine | WINTER | 2023-2024

Transportation options for non-driving adults

Feel good from heel to toe

Skin care for aging adults

Take a class

Catch a winter performance

INSIDE: LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH DIRECTORIES

Would you like to enjoy Natural Hearing?

Do you hear, but not understand?

Are you withdrawing from social activities?

Are you confused about all the hearing aid choices?

Please call (970) 221-5249 to learn how Susan can help restore your Natural Hearing.

Many adults as they age no longer drive but wish to remain independent. Northern Colorado offers many options for transportation. Those include: no cost/low cost choices, such as, busses, ride shares and shuttles.

Showing up for you From the Publisher

I USED TO HAVE this attitude that I would get around to going for a run or playing the guitar or reading a book when everything else that I needed to get done was done. Then one day, when I had logged zero miles, forgotten most of the songs I knew and didn’t even know what book I might choose to read, it hit me that maybe I had to adjust my priorities. It turns out that ‘everything else’ never gets done, so we’re left stuck, working or taking care of others, but not looking after ourselves.

It is in fact a noble thing to care for others and we definitely want to live in that world, but if we don’t make an opening to show ourselves some love, then we’re not actually going to be as much use to everyone else. So by helping ourselves, we help others, if that doesn’t sound like too much rationalizing.

And we need help on so many levels! I know I do. I still have these aha! Moments when I am hit by how I feel mentally affects how I feel physically and spiritually, in the sense that I feel generally that the world is a wonderful place. So when I’m eating well, sleeping enough and getting in some steps or a bike ride, my mind tends to be sharper and less likely to go to a negative place.

I’ve also noticed that if something’s bugging me and I can’t let it go, I’m more likely to chow down on some potato chips, skip the walk for some phone surfing and be restless in bed. All this makes me a little crankier and less able to be there for friends and family.

We all know that stress is bad for us, but we’re not always good at doing the things that make us less stressed. We just keep running full speed with the crazy thought that we’re going to get ahead of it all or that our challenges will somehow melt away. Learning to care for ourselves and then taking the time to do it might just be the No. 1 challenge we face. Everything else depends on our ability to cope and show up with a smile in our hearts.

Katie Harris in our Better Health section talks about three things you can do to care for yourself. First, she suggests getting a massage. It’s more than just a relaxing rub down. It has real health benefits. Next, she talks about how to care for aging skin, and she finishes up with foot care.

When we take care of our mind, body and spirit, we’re ready for what each day will bring and prepared to be there for our friends and family as they, too, navigate their challenges.

Thanks for reading,

Scott

Better Home

Game night

DURING WINTER’S DREARY DAYS, what could be better than inviting friends for game night. Card games like “Contract” (https://www.pagat.com/rummy/ ctrummy.html), “Tripoley” (https://gathertogethergames.com/tripoley) and/ or “Skyjo” (https://tinyurl.com/2dwaem2b) provide a lot of entertainment and friendly competition.

Two to four people can play “Wordle: The Party Game” (https://tinyurl. com/3e7uffyd). Find more suggestions in New York Magazine’s article of the 2022 “Best Adult Board Games According to Cool People.” (https://nymag.com/ strategist/article/best-board-games-for-adults.html). It touts “Just One” as the overall best game for adults. Some are expensive; scroll the list to find cheaper games and the “best” in various genres.

Looking for entertainment for just the two of you, consider “Dutch Blitz,” (https://tinyurl.com/4jr4e57w) a very energetic solitaire. You can play it solo or purchase a version for eight. A game designed for as many as twelve is “Wavelength,” (https://tesera.ru/images/items/1666746/Wavelength_rules.pdf).

A non-game enthusiast said she loves “Bohnanza” (https://boardgamegeek.com/ boardgame/11/bohnanza).

Choose your friends, a game, drinks and snacks for fun winter entertainment.

Linda

Pare down winter decor

HOW CAN YOU CREATE a warm, welcoming, stripped down, cozy atmosphere this winter? Add warmth with fuzzy, plush textures. Stick to white/neutral colors with a touch of greenery, whether faux or real, in crockery/stoneware pots. Make vignettes with lots of candles and/or lanterns.

Sheepskin offers warmth, texture and coziness. Place it on the floor or toss it over ottomans, wood benches, sofas and/or dining chairs. No sheepskin? Use fuzzy throws and pillows. If the colors are similar, make sure the textures are different.

Give the mantle a makeover with lots of candles and a potted fern. Try battery operated candles; they are safer and last for years. Scatter plants with sculptural leaves such as dracaena, palm, pencil cactus, philodendron or spider plants throughout living spaces.

Keep the pinecones handy in white bowls/baskets. Cover some with artificial snow or touches of white paint. Pile birch logs near the fireplace.

Cuddle up and enjoy!

Filing 2023 income taxes

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SAID, “…in this world, nothing can be certain except death and taxes.”

Are you aware of yearly tax changes for seniors? Did you know unless your itemized items exceed $13,850 for singles or $27,700 for joint accounts, you should take the standard deduction? Get help from a tax preparer or consider one of these programs.

VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is a free program which relies on IRS certified volunteers. Seniors 60 plus, persons with disabilities, or those with limited English may apply. Check https://www.coloradovita.org/ after January for locations.

IRS.gov/freefile (https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-yourfederal-taxes-for-free) offers online tax preparation software. The program will be updated in January.

TaxSlayer claims to be one of the best tax software programs for seniors – an online purchased tax filing program that is straightforward and guaranteed to be accurate. Options include free phone and email support if you need extra assistance.

TurboTax and H&R Block offer similar software programs.

Massage for a better you

NOT ONLY DO MASSAGE APPOINTMENTS make you feel good, but the health benefits behind those rub downs are also numerous, especially as we age.

Regular massage therapy is known to improve blood flow, increase immunity, and lower blood pressure. In addition, the practice can improve strength and flexibility. If your quality of sleep has declined, massage could be the answer, as decreased stress and anxiety have also been attributed to regular treatments.

If traditional massage is uncomfortable, consider requesting lighter pressure or opting to lie on your side rather than your stomach or back. For adults with arthritis, request that your therapist focus on your hands and feet using moderate pressure. This technique can reduce pain and swelling and improve circulation.

Skin care for aging adults

IN THE LATER YEARS of life, we find our skin thinning and dehydrating more easily, age spots and wrinkles appearing and becoming more pronounced, and skin becoming increasingly sensitive to cuts, irritants, and infections. Medical conditions and medications can exacerbate these naturally occurring changes.

Adjustments to our daily care routine should be made to meet the needs of our aging skin. To begin, switch to a gentle, moisturizing cleanser and use a soft washcloth rather than a scrubber on the face and body. Opt for warm water to rinse with rather than hot, and always apply a fragrance-free moisturizer after cleansing, as well as throughout the day. At this stage in life, less is more when it comes to bathing. Skip the daily shower and keep bathing times to under 10 minutes most days.

These everyday tips can help our skin look and feel younger, for longer.

• Wear gloves when working with your hands

• Protect your skin from the sun, even on short trips outside

• Perform skin checks at home and see a dermatologist annually at a minimum

• Use a humidifier overnight

Feel good from heel to toe

BUNIONS, HAMMERTOES, corns, Athlete’s Foot, ingrown toenails, gout… all issues that can make our golden years feel not so golden.

The good news is we can keep our feet happy and healthy by making foot care a habit. On a regular basis, make time to examine and maintain feet from heel to toe. Start by trimming toenails straight across, below the top of the toe. Examine the back of the foot, particularly along the ridge of the big toe and moving down to the base of the heel, for any cracks that could breed infection. Next, moisturize the entire foot paying special attention to rough, calloused areas. Visit a podiatrist if any potential issues crop up.

Throughout the day, wiggle the toes or stand up and move around frequently to keep blood flowing throughout the feet. In addition, be sure to choose shoes that are comfortable, fit well, and don’t result in latent foot pain. Consider orthotic inserts if needed.

Linda Osmundson

Get away on a mini trip

IN ESTES PARK: Hit the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for a day of snowshoeing (snowshoe rentals available at www. estesparkmountainshop.com). Next, catch a flick at the U.S.A.’s oldest single house motion picture theatre, Historic Park Theater (www. historicparktheatre.com). While in Estes, be sure to stop by the world famous Stanley Hotel for a tour (www.stanleyhotel.com/historic-hoteltour.html).

In Glenwood Springs: With 32 soaking pools, you’ll never want to leave Iron Mountain Hot Springs (www.ironmountainhotsprings.com). Next, head over to Sunlight Mountain Resort for some cross-country skiing or snow shoeing on the dedicated trails (www.sunlightmtn.com/ the-mountain/trail-map/winter-trails). Finally, enjoy the twinkling lights at Hotel Colorado, where you might just want to stay for the night (www.hotelcolorado.com).

In Breckenridge: Shopping enthusiasts will adore this ski town’s downtown district (www.gobreck.com/plan-your-visit/ adventures-on-main-street). Afterwards, check out the incredible views from the free BreckConnect gondola (www. breckenridge.com). If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a dog sled ride through the forest (gobreck.com/seasons/ winter-spring/breckenridge-dog-sledding).

Take a class

IN FORT COLLINS: Stay in shape this winter and learn a new skill at the same time with a beginner swimming lesson just for adults. For details visit fcgov.com/recreator.

In Loveland: Are you tantalized by Thai food? Cuckoo for curry? Then a cooking class at the Chilson Recreation Center might be right up your alley! Sign up for one or several by visiting www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation.

In Windsor: Learn to create masterpieces from clay in a wheel throwing or hand-building class. Each of the four, twohour sessions will be paired with a project you can take home, ranging from coffee mugs to planters to bird houses. Register at www.recreationliveshere.com.

In Berthoud: Try your hand (or foot) at salsa dancing! Over the course of six, one-hour classes, you’ll learn the technique behind this Latin dance form. To sign up visit www.berthoud. org/221/Berthoud-Recreation.

In Greeley: Learn the game of chess from U.S. Candidate Master, Brad Lundstrom. Players of all levels are welcome and will be divided into groups according to level of experience. To register visit mygreeleyrec.com.

IN FORT COLLINS: The Lincoln Center will be hosting “The Nutcracker” Dec. 7-10, “Celebrations of Light and Love” Dec. 12-13, “Sweat” Jan. 12-Feb. 10, and “The Book of Mormon” Jan. 19-21. For a full line up and to purchase tickets visit www.lctix.com.

In Loveland: At the Rialto, you can catch The Loveland Choral Society’s “A Season of Celebration” Dec. 8-10, FACE Vocal Band’s “Best Christmas Ever” Dec. 19, Canyon Concert Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Sweets” Dec. 22-23, and “On a Winter’s Night” Jan. 12. Visit www.rialtotheatercenter.org to learn more.

In Greeley: Visit the Union Colony Civic Center this season for performances including “Scrooge!” by The Stampede Troupe Dec. 8-17, Colorado Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Dec. 8-10, Elevate Dance Company’s “Holiday in Whoville” Dec. 16, “Chanticleer” Jan. 26, and Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Our Blue Marble” on Feb. 3. Tickets are available at www.ucstars.com.

Catch a winter performance

Keep yourself healthy Self-care is the solution

By Dr. Erin Compton DACM, L.Ac.

In our fast-paced world, where the demands of work, family, and daily life can be overwhelming, self-care practices have never been more important. Self-care often gets misunderstood as something that is indulgent or selfish, involving luxurious or expensive treats such as spa days, shopping sprees, or vacations. While sinking into a tub full of bubbles with a good book does feel great, true self-care extends far beyond that.

Put simply, self-care refers to the practice of taking deliberate actions to maintain and improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It can encompass a wide range of behaviors and activities, and is highly individualized, based on who we are and what we need. Although

it sounds simple, taking control of our health can be a daunting task... The good news is- it doesn’t have to be done alone!

The team at Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic is a powerful tool in your self-care toolkit. Our practitioners help individuals achieve their health goals through a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, and other ancient modalities. We take the time to understand your unique needs and concerns, creating a personalized treatment plan that will support you as an individual.

As we approach the hectic holiday season, please remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. And while the occasional pampering is certainly enjoyable, the real essence of self-care lies in the

daily practices that promote long-term health, resilience, and balance. If you are looking for someone to guide you on this journey, give yourself the gift of wellness and call our office or go online to book an appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!

Dr. Erin Compton DACM, L.Ac.

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS for non-driving adults

KATIE HARRIS

WHETHER

IT BE TO THE doctor’s office, the grocery store, or a social outing, the ability to drive ourselves where we want to go is one most of us take for granted. That is, until we can no longer do so. Having to rely on others for transportation can make non-driving adults feel like a burden, and can decrease their overall quality of life.

“Not everyone has family and friends nearby to rely on,” says Brooks Lloyd, Office Manager for Good Samaritan Society’s Estes Park Village location. “Even if they do, it can be hard to always have to ask someone to run you to appointments.”

Luckily, in Northern Colorado there are several options, many of them free or low cost, to help adults who no longer drive regain their independence.

Residents of Fort Collins and Loveland who are 60 or older can take advantage of Senior Alternatives in Transportation (SAINT) shuttles for their transportation needs within the boundaries of their home cities. SAINT is operated by volunteers and offers free rides to residents M-F from 8:15am-4pm. Riders must be able to enter and exit the vehicle with only light arm or walker assistance. While the rides are provided free of cost, donations are appreciated. For reservations call 970-223-8604 or visit www. saintvolunteertransportation.org.

A similar service is offered to Weld County residents. 60+ Ride serves the entire county, offering no-cost rides M-F from 9am to 4pm

SIDEBAR: Tips for riding safely

• Let someone you trust know where you’ll be, how you’ll be getting there, and when you’ll be back.

• Let your ride service know ahead of time if you require assistance or have mobility issues so that they can pair you with a properly equipped vehicle.

• If using public transportation, print out a copy of the route and determine ahead of time which stops you’ll be utilizing and what time they’re serviced.

• If possible, always travel with a cell phone, programmed with the numbers of any emergency contacts, and extra cash in case of an emergency.

for residents 60 and older. To learn more call 970-352-9348 or visit www.60plusride.org/

In Berthoud, residents have two options for transportation. Berthoud Area Transportation Services (BATS) provides rides within Berthoud and Loveland to adults 60 and older at no cost. All BATS vehicles are wheelchair equipped. Rides must be scheduled before 4pm the day before the ride is needed by calling 970-532-3049 or visiting www.berthoud.org/159/Berthoud-AreaTransportation-Service-BAT. Berthoud’s Rural Alternative for Transportation (RAFT) service provides rides to 60 and older adults in the Berthoud Fire Protection District. Volunteer drivers drive their own vehicles; therefore riders must register with the service and book their rides at least three days in advance. For more information call 970532-0808 or visit www.berthoudraft.org.

Since Covid, two public bus systems have been temporarily free of cost. TransFort is currently offering its Fort Collins fixed route bus services fare-free between 5:30am-7:30pm, M-F. In addition, dial-a-ride services are available M-Sa from 6am-11pm. To learn more or book a ride visit www.ridetransfort. com. TransFort’s sister system, FLEX , offers bus services between South Fort Collins and Boulder, with stops in Loveland, Berthoud and Longmont. Fares for FLEX have been

temporarily suspended as well. To find out more visit www.ridetransfort.com/flex.

LOW COST SERVICES

Windsor Ride provides transportation to adults 55 and over residing in Windsor for a small fee. The service operates M-Th from 8am-3pm. Cost per ride is $4 within the city of Windsor and $6 for rides to Greeley, Fort Collins or Loveland. Call 970-223-8604 or check out the Windsor Active Adults Activity Guide for details.

Greeley Evans Transit (GET) offers discounted rides for seniors around Greeley, Windsor, Fort Collins and Evans. Fixed routes are provided M-Sa with additional call-a-ride services available after hours and on Sundays. One way fares cost $.75, while all-day passes are available for $2.25. Visit www.greeleyevanstransit.com for a route map or to learn more.

The Bustang public bus system serves Fort Collins and Loveland, offering a fixed route between the two cities as well as down to Denver. Buses run M-F from 5:10am to 8:20pm, with less frequent trips offered on weekends. Cost varies but is approximately $10/ride, with 10-, 20-, and 40-ride tickets available at discounted rates. (www.ridebustang.com).

City of Loveland Transit (COLT), offers

low-cost service within Loveland city limits. COLT’s current senior fare is $.60/ride or $25 for an annual pass. Visit www.lovgov.org/services/publicworks/bus-service for details.

RIDE SHARES

Folks willing to shell out a little more for the convenience of a private, ondemand ride might want to consider a ride share. In Northern Colorado, Uber and Lyft offer their services.

Ride shares operate through websites and mobile apps, where anyone in need of a ride can book a contracted driver in his or her own vehicle to pick the rider up at their location and drive them where they need to go. Visit www.uber. com or www.lyft.com to book a ride. Similarly, Z-Trip (formerly Fort Collins Yellow Cab) is a ride service which allows those in need of a ride to hail a taxi from the Z-Trip website (www.ztrip.com/northern-colorado/)

or app, by calling 970-224-2222, or by hailing a Z-Trip cab on the street. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available upon request.

“Transportation is everything,” says Lloyd. “It’s socialization, it’s getting out of their environment and seeing the scenery, it’s making it to a hair appointment. [Non-driving adults] have given up so much already; it’s very important for them to have these options.”

Can Cold Weather Cause Hearing Complications?

COLD WEATHER & YOUR EARS

Your ears are made up of very delicate

feel invigorating at first, but inhaling cold air lowers your core body temperature.

they can no longer produce electricity as quickly as it’s needed. Eventually, the

Source:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/understanding-types-memory

Susan D Baker, BC-HIS Board Certified Hearing Instrument specialist LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Colorado Low-Income Bill Paying Assistance

www.needhelppayingbills.com

Colorado Old Age Pension (OAP)

Larimer County, 970-498-6300

www.larimer.org/humanservices/ public-benefits/ cash-assistance-programs

Weld County, 970-351-1551

www.weldgov.com

House of Neighborly Service

1511 11th St., LV 970-667-4939

375 Meadowlark Dr, Berthoud 970-532-0161, www.honservice.org

Kevin Dunnigan, Investment Center Advisor Group

290 E. 29th St., Ste 100, LV 970-622-2366

www.helpwithmyinvestments.com

Larimer County Office on Aging 1501 Blue Spruce, FC 970-498-7750

www.larimer.org/seniors

Larimer County

Veterans Services

200 W. Oak St., 5th Floor, FC 970-498-7390

www.larimer.org/veterans

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Goodwill of Colorado 866-432-8435, www.goodwill colorado.org/services/leap

Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities

Larimer County, 970-310-4900

www.pafclarimer.org

Pinnacle Retirement

1039 Main St., Ste. L, WS 970-541-4772

www.pinnacleretirementinc.com

Social Security Administration

301 S. Howes St., 4th Floor, FC 866-336-7385

5400 W. 11th St., Ste. A, GR 877-405-9195

National 800-772-1213

www.ssa.gov

Michael Tarantino, CFP Tarantino Wealth Management

419 Canyon Ave., Ste. 320, FC 970-829-0900

www.michaeltarantino.net

HOUSING

CARE Housing

1303 W. Swallow Rd., FC 970-282-7522

www.carehousing.org

Estes Park Housing Authority

363 E. Elkhorn Ave., Ste. 101, EP 970-591-2535

www.esteshousing.org

www.colorado.gov/esteshousing

Housing Catalyst

1715 W. Mountain Ave., FC 970-416-2910

www.housingcatalyst.com

Good Samaritan Society

Affordable Senior Housing EP, FC, GR, LV, WS 855-459-2884

www.good-sam.com/services/ senior-living/affordable-housing

Greeley-Weld Housing Authority 903 6th St., GR, 970-353-7437

www.greeley-weldha.org

Loveland Housing Authority

375 W. 37th St., #200, LV 970-667-3232

www.lovelandhousing.org

Neighborhood Resource Office

1000 10th St., GR, 970-336-4167

www.greeleygov.com/services/ neighborhood-resource-office

Neighborhood Services Office

281 N. College Ave., FC 970-224-6046

www.fcgov.com/ neighborhoodservices

Neighbor to Neighbor

1550 Blue Spruce Dr., FC 970-484-7498

1511 E. 11th St., LV 970-663-4163, www.n2n.org

Senior Living Advisors of Colorado 1635 Foxtrail Dr., FC 970-541-4592

Windsor Housing Authority

www.windsorhousingauthority.org

ASSISTED LIVING

A Home for Life Residential Assisted Living Collaborative 970-663-2933

www.ahome4life.com/

Apple Leaf Assisted Living

1328 N. 1st St., Berthoud 970-532-2600

www.appleleafassistedliving.com

Aspen House

2212 E. 11th St., LV 970-635-9800

www.aspenhouse.org

Aspyre Rock Creek

3150 Rock Creek Dr., FC 970-372-5838

https://aspyrerockcreek.com

Assisted Living Locators

471 Expedition Ln., Johnstown 970-660-8898

www.assistedlivinglocators.com/ care-advisor/noco

The Bridge at Greeley 4750 25th St., GR

970-339-0022

www.thebridgeatgreeley.com

Bright Assisted Living

610 Hemlock Dr., WS

970-674-1446

www.brightassistedliving.com

Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory Care

5055 S. Lemay Ave., FC 970-223-3552

www.collinwoodco.com

Giving Back

Volunteer creates support and education for Alzheimer’s

AUTHOR ELIZABETH ANDREW

SAID, “ Volunteers do not necessarily have time; they just have heart.” These words describe Wendy Abbott. Taking care of a husband, daughters and working at CSU left little time. After her mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Wendy added Alzheimer’s Association classes, research and dementia support groups. Her parents lived in rural South Dakota with little dementia support or local services. Wendy took family medical leave from CSU and commuted to South Dakota to assist her father in her mom’s care.

“My husband travels heavily for work so I would arrive home from SD and he’d fly out the next day. When he’d fly home, I’d hit the road again. Our girls were young then – lots of after-school activities and busy schedules. It was hectic to juggle but we all made it through. They were very understanding of my parents’ need for additional support.

“The only thing that didn’t work out was my job. I took family medical leave off and on for over nine months until we got my mom situated in a memory care facility. By the time I went back to work regularly, my heart and priorities were in a different place so I eventually resigned and went into business with my dad.

Wendy discovered her affinity for helping others in need of support in rural areas and at home. She worked with the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association to recreate support services found in Fort Collins. She noticed her support groups in Fort Collins consisted of older people who cared for one person, while she was part of the “sandwich generation” – balancing family and work while caregiving

elderly family members. She trained to facilitate support groups and in 2019 founded “Sandwich Generation” support group.

“It was always a hybrid group (combining Zoom calls and in-person participation). Our members could be going to soccer games or other events.” Members attend from throughout Colorado and various states.

“I simultaneously wanted to share information about Alzheimer’s and related dementia with my network and beyond to help break down stigmas about Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and also better inform people so that perhaps they didn’t feel as helpless as my family felt when we first realized my mom was experiencing Alzheimer’s.”

Wendy is a Northern Colorado Alzheimer’s Educator and active in the Larimer County Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Through email, text and social media campaigns, she advocates for dementia to elected officials. She volunteers for Meals on Wheels, Dementia Together and does caroling at memory care facilities.

Her 2024 goal is to lobby at the State’s capitol.

Angel Hoffman, Northern Colorado Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, says, “Her passion and compassion as a support group facilitator, community educator and committee member for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s has positively impacted so many people in our community. She is truly amazing.”