SUMMER ISSUE 2015
A Special Supplement to
‘Exergaming,’ anyone?
living
Fun with fitness: Seniors enjoy exercising with YMCA courses
O CNA photo by IAN RICHARDSON
Reffa Mayne, center, practices her bowling motion as she watches the ball on screen. Also pictured are AmeriCorps volunteers Maddie Skarda, left, and Lane Miller, right.
By IAN RICHARDSON CNA staff reporter irichardson@crestonnews.com
F
or three weeks, a group of senior citizens has been meeting two mornings a week at the Elks Lodge in Creston to play video games with the youngsters. But these aren’t your average video games. Or your average youngsters. Led by a group of AmeriCorps volunteers, these seniors are “exergaming,” or playing video games that require
ISU Extension’s intergenerational LIFE Program encourages seniors to get active using video games. ■
physical activity. It’s all part of the Living Well through Intergenerational Fitness and Exercise (LIFE) Program out of the Iowa State University Extension Office, which encourages seniors 60 and up to stay active through a variety of activities. Piloted by ISU Extension in 2011, LIFE accomplishes this goal through a variety of movement-related activities, which include video, card, memory and speak-
ing games. Creston’s program began June 3 and has continued every Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. Classes meet at the Elks Lodge, 403 W. Montgomery St. Haley Jones, Union County youth and outreach coordinator, and four volunteers teach the classes, which are free to Union County senior citizens. Please see LIFE, Page 2C
CNA photo by IAN RICHARDSON
Mandy Henderson and her daughter, Hope, lead resistance band exercises at the Silver Sneakers class June 17 at the Southern Prairie YMCA. Silver Sneakers meets 10:15 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
n Mondays and Wednesdays, several area seniors are getting active with fitness courses at the Southern Prairie YMCA. Some courses seniors are involved in include Anyone’s Fitness from 9 to 10 a.m., the Parkinsons and Limited Mobility class from 9 to 10 a.m. and the Silver Sneakers Class from 10:15 to 11 a.m.. These courses are all free with a Y membership. For more photos and information on these YMCA fitness courses, see page 4C.
CNA photo by IAN RICHARDSON
Mandy Henderson, left, leads the Parkinson’s & Limited Mobility class in warmup exercises May 27 during the Southern Prairie YMCA’s Senior Day.
Page 2c— Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, June 24, 2015
LIFE: Continued from Page 1C
“This is supposed to encourage the older citizens to move, to stay mobile and have fun while doing it,” Jones Jones said. Exergaming is the main way the program helps seniors get moving. Participants play sports video games like tennis, boxing and bowling using a Microsoft XBox Kinect. As the seniors take turns performing the actions in front of the Kinect sensor, the sensor reads those motions and uses them to control a digital character in its digital environment onscreen — no video game controllers needed. The rest of the participants perform the same actions
tual tennis balls, kicking virtual soccer balls and “This is supknocking down virtual posed to encour- bowling pins right along age the older cit- with them. “These are things I’m izens to move, to not tuned into, but I’m getstay mobile and ting there,” she said. Eighteen-year-old volhave fun while unteer Ericka Abell said although there was a bit doing it.” of a learning curve, the — Haley Jones participants have learned county youth and quickly. “The Xbox is new to a outreach coordinator lot of them,” Abell said. “They didn’t understand as they watch the screen. it at it first, but now they For many of the se- have so much fun. They niors involved, like Reffa don’t think of it as just exMayne, this was a brand- ercise.” new concept at first. While getting partici“I was almost like, ‘I pants moving is a large CNA photo by IAN RICHARDSON don’t know if I can do part of the program, an- Pat Parkins creates a representation of the state of Rhode Island using rope during an that,’” Mayne said. other is to connect those icebreaking game June 10, as Reffa Mayne, middle, and Maddie Skarda, left, look on But an enthusiastic at- in their teens and 20s with and try to guess which state it is. titude and the willingness those in their 60s, 70s and to catch on go a long way. above. After learning the ropes from her teenage coaches, Please see Mayne is now hitting virLIFE, Page 3C
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CNA photo by IAN RICHARDSON
LIFE class members perform creative moves as they introduce themselves during an icebreaking game at the beginning of the June 10 class period. Pictured, left to right, are AmeriCorps volunteer Maddie Skarda and LIFE participants Reffa Mayne, Pat Parkins and Carolyn Skarda.
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Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, June 24, 2015 — Page 3c
LIFE: Continued from Page 2C
Barb Fuller, ISU Extension’s human sciences specialist in nutrition and wellness for 15 southwest Iowa counties, said the program’s Fuller intergenerational approach provides an “interesting twist” to the program by having teens and young adults coaching those who are their grandparents’ age. “It’s set up to skip a generation,” Fuller said. “It’s intergenerational for younger adults who may not have much contact with older adults especially on a daily
basis, and the same for those older adults to have contact with younger adults.” That mix has been successful here in Union County — on both sides. Pat Parker, who joined for the first time last week, said she enjoys the youth’s enthusiastic and caring leadership. “They were full of energy and they really were enjoying their job,” she said. “They really were taking us into consideration.” Abell, who volunteers both at the LIFE program and at daycamps for children, she said she has enjoyed working with the seniors “It surprised me how much I’ve enjoyed doing them,” Abell said. Attendance at the program started small, but it has grown with each class, Jones
“It’s surprised me how much I’ve enjoyed doing them.” — Ericka Abell
said. And so far, those who have come seem to be enjoying it. “The feedback has been good,” Jones said. “It’s definitely something I can see doing every year.” Interested in giving the program a try? It’s not too late. Five weeks of class remain, and following the conclusion of the eight-week course, participants will receive biweekly health-related newsletters for a sixteen-week period.
CNA photo by IAN RICHARDSON
LIFE class members go through the bowling motions as Haley Jones, left, controls the character on the XBox Kinect game. Pictured are, left to right, Jones, Lane Miller, Maddie Skarda and Steve Hunt.
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Page 4c— Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Having fun at the Y ■ If you’re a senior citizen looking to get some more exercise
in your routine, the Southern Prairie YMCA has several classes that can help you reach your goals. Most are free with a Y membership. Non-members can also pay to join a course. Here’s a look at some of these classes and meeting times.
How to get involved
CNA photo by IAN RICHARDSON
Lynn Irr leads the Anyone Fitness class May 27 during the Southern Prairie YMCA’s Senior Day. Anyone Fitness is one of several classes attended by area seniors and is free with a YMCA membership.
For more information or to join a class, contact the Southern Prairie YMCA at 641-782-9622. For a complete schedule of courses, visit http://www.southernprairieymca.com/html/ schedules.html Monday and Wednesday class times are: • Parkinson’s and Limited Mobility: 9 - 10 a.m. • Anyone Fitness 9 - 10 a.m. • Silver Sneakers: 10:15 - 11 a.m.
CNA photo by IAN RICHARDSON
Jim Flowers (front left) and Carol McKee (front right) follow instructor Mandy Henderson and her daughter, Hope, during the Silver Sneakers class June 17. Silver Sneakers meets 10:15 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
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The Southern Prairie YMCA’s Silver Sneakers course performs exercises during its June 17 class. Pictured, left to right, are Peg Anderson, Marilyn Bohnker, Carol McKee and Jim Flowers.
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Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, June 24, 2015 — Page 5c
5 simple, time-tested tips for aging well She notes that adequate sleep can positively influence cognitive ability, mood, weight loss and skin rejuvenation, so it should be a top priority for an aging-well routine. While the right amount of sleep will vary between individuals, the goal for most adults is around 7 to 8 hours a night.
(BPT) - A health renaissance is taking place in America as more people are embracing aging well and being proactive rather than reactive about their well-being. Prevention has become the focus, and many aging Americans are turning to time-tested methods for keeping their bodies and minds healthy so they can live longer, higher-quality lives. Kristen Johnson, certified personal trainer, registered dietician and nutrition expert at www.ontargetliving.com points out five time-tested strategies for aging well:
Social activity
Daily exercise “Daily movement is the real fountain of youth. It keeps us healthy from the inside out,” says Johnson. She notes that quality over quantity is what really matters. “When it comes to improving overall fitness, high-intensity exercise for a short amount of time may be much more beneficial than low intensity for a long amount of time,” Johnson says. “Research suggests that fat-burning hormones like human growth hormones and testosterone are stimulated by high-intensity exercise, while fat-storing hormones like cortisol may be lowered. Try increasing the intensity and frequency of your exercise, while decreasing the time spent.”
Superfoods
ent-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, ancient grains, healthy fats and lean proteins,” says Johnson. “These foods naturally contain high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which all contribute to healthy aging.” A few to focus on: • Carrots, squash and sweet potatoes are extremely beneficial for eye and skin health, thanks to high levels of beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A. • Any brightly colored fruits and vegetables will have an abundant amount of antioxidants, and these help prevent oxidation and cell damage. Examples: raspberries, kale and cabbage. • Carbohydrates like healthy grains, beans and potatoes help you produce serotonin, a calming and satiety hormone that helps fight stress and anxiety’s negative effects.
The foods you eat influence how you look and feel, from glowing and confident to lethargic and sick. Selecting foods that people have eaten historically as nutri- Nutrients tional powerhouses can help Supplements help fill boost overall wellness. nutritional gaps, especially “Superfoods are nutri- as the aging body requires
greater amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. Johnson points out the importance of omega-3s for aging well. “Omega-3 fats are essential for getting you healthy from the inside out, all while helping improve hormonal balance, brain health, weight loss and metabolism,” she says. “Omega-3 fats are also extremely helpful for healthy skin, hair and nails.” Her favorite? Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil. “This contains EPA and DHA, both of which contribute to a healthy heart and brain,”
Human interaction can decrease as people age, but it’s more important than ever to form and maintain bonds with others. Participating in social activity is a fun way to enjoy life and reap real health benefits. “The American Medical Association has noted that stress is the basic cause for she says. “Cod liver oil also more than 60 percent of all helps improve cellular func- human illnesses and diseastion, energy and mood. Did you know cod liver oil can actually taste good? Try their delicious orange flavor.”
Sleep “Chronic lack of sleep is one of the fastest ways to age the human body,” Johnson says. “Lack of sleep can have a huge impact on the appearance of skin, causing fine lines, wrinkles and dark under-eye circles. Not getting enough sleep can also cause your body to release a stress hormone called cortisol.”
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es,” says Johnson. ‘”When you are socially active and surround yourself with people you enjoy, you may be less likely to feel lonely, unhappy, or unfulfilled, all of which can cause unwanted stress.” Finally, there’s no need to become overwhelmed; start an aging-well routine by taking one small step and building healthy habits over time. This is what will lead to long-term success. “Remember that it’s never too late to start living a healthy and happy life,” Johnson says. “Give yourself more reasons to smile and laugh! Did you know research suggests that happy people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives?”
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Page 6c— Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, June 24, 2015
How men and women experience retirement differently Women report more positive experiences in retirement than men, yet also say they are more likely to experience negative emotions. ■
(BPT) - What’s retirement like? The answer may depend upon whether you’re a man or a woman. Women report more positive experiences in retirement than men, yet also say they are more likely to experience negative emotions, especially stress, according to a study conducted by MassMutual. The study’s findings have implications for retirement planning, both financially and emotionally. “Women often experience high levels of stress before retirement as they juggle both professional and family responsibilities,” says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual Retirement Services. “We are learning that the stress women feel often carries over into retirement, but we’re also hearing that women often make more of their retirement opportunities and experiences than men.” The study surveyed 905 retirees within 15 years after retirement and 912 pre-retirees within 15 years before retirement. The re-
“Spend time with retirees to gain insights and better prepare both financially and emotionally for retirement.” — Elaine Sarsynski executive vice president, MassMutual Retirement Services
sponses for both groups were evenly split between men and women and respondents had a minimum of $50,000 in retirement savings. One in five women (20 percent) is at least moderately stressed in retirement compared to 15 percent of men, the study finds. Women also are more likely to feel frustrated, sad, lonely and nervous. Before retirement, women are much more likely than men to report being stressed. The study finds that 49 percent of women
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pre-retirees say they are at least moderately stressed compared to 38 percent of men pre-retirees. Though whether you are a man or a woman, saving for retirement contributes to positive emotions and experiences in retirement. Those who have a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan were more likely to report experiencing positive emotions as compared to those who did not. Of the retirement plan participants, 74 percent say they
are “extremely” or “quite a bit” happy compared to 68 percent who did not participate in a retirement plan and 70 percent of retirement plan participants say they are “extremely” or “quite a bit” relaxed compared to 61 percent who did not have a plan. “Overall, positive emotions for both men and women tend to increase and negative emotions tend to decrease in retirement,” says Mathew Greenwald, president of Greenwald & Associates, whose firm conducted the study on behalf of MassMutual. “People also tend to exaggerate expectations for retirement, especially women, partly because it’s difficult for many people to envision what life in retirement will actually be like.” In the years before retirement, women have markedly higher expectations than men for enjoying the social aspects of retirement and somewhat lower expectations for their financial fortunes. During retirement, women report having less free time than men and yet are more likely to have new experiences, find more time for friends, and enjoy more opportunities. Men’s expectations tend to be more in line with their eventual experiences, which are typically less fulfilling than women, according to the study. Sarsynski recommends
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that pre-retirees take steps to help themselves gain a more concrete understanding of what their lives may be like once they retire. “Spend time with retirees to gain insights and better prepare both financially and emotionally for retirement,” Sarsynski says. “We
also suggest that pre-retirees track all of their purchases, especially when on vacation or participating in activities they enjoy. That will help them better understand how costly, and therefore how feasible, the lifestyle they envision will actually be.”
Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, June 24, 2015 — Page 7c
Iowa White House Conference on Aging Event to spark statewide conversation about helping older adults maintain independence mented as part of a report our service area,” said Barb that will be shared with the Morrison, CEO of Connec2015 White House Confer- tions. “We encourage anyence on Aging. one who is interested in “We are honored and attending to secure their proud to host and help fa- seat by registering either Iowa, Alzheimer’s Associa- cilitate this important dis- by phoning LifeLong Links tion – Greater Iowa Chap- cussion at two sites within or enrolling at the website ter, The Hale Group, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans, Iowa Area Agencies on Aging, Iowa CareGivers, Jewish Family Services, The Iowa Area Agencies on Aging are proud to host the Office of the State Longstatewide community conversations for “Join the ConverTerm Care Ombudsman and Older Iowans Legis- sation: Iowa White House Conference on Aging Dialogue” lature to present “Join the June 26, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is free and open to the public, but seating at each Conversation: Iowa White House Conference on Ag- location is limited and registration is strongly encouraged. ing Dialogue” on June 26, Des Moines from 10 a.m. to noon. The event comes on the Iowa State Bar Association Building heels of Iowa Public Tele- 625 E Court Avenue vision’s airing of the hour- Des Moines, Iowa 50309 long documentary “Car- Cedar Rapids ing for Mom & Dad” at 7 Kirkwood Community College p.m. June 25, and follow-up Heritage Area Agency on Aging panel discussion entitled 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW “Iowans Caring for Mom & Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406 Council Bluffs Dad: What’s Next?” With community conver- Connections Area Agency on Aging sations taking place in Des 300 W. Broadway, Suite 240 Moines, Council Bluffs, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Mason City Mason City, Sioux City and Elderbridge Agency on Aging Waterloo, “Join the Con- 22 N. Georgia Street, Suite 216 versation” aims to spark a Mason City, Iowa 50401 statewide discussion about Sioux City issues like the changing American Red Cross Building dynamics between gener- 4200 War Eagle Drive ations; the challenges of Sioux City, Iowa 51109 caregiving; the financial Waterloo considerations of elder Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging care; and the realities of 2101 Kimball Avenue, Suite 320 aging, both physical and Waterloo, Iowa 50702 Davenport mental. As Iowans share their Milestones Area Agency on Aging rd thoughts, their concerns 935 E. 53 Street and opinions will be docu- Davenport, Iowa 52807
The conversations aim to begin a statewide discussion about several issues regarding aging and elder care. ■
COUNCIL BLUFFS — Iowans are living longer than ever before, with one out of every five residents now aged 60 or older. That number is expected to grow over the next few decades, with the vast majority of individuals stating they would prefer to age in place, in their homes and communities of choice. To ensure that option is a viable one, a comprehensive network of long-term supports and services will have to be available statewide, and older Iowans will need to know how to access those resources. Are Iowa communities equipped to offer the wide range of services aging individuals will need to maintain their long-term independence? Do older Iowans and their families know what types of services they need and which ones are available locally? And how will Iowa adapt to ensure its aging population will be able to maintain the highest quality of life possible? Those questions and others will be the topics of discussion during a special statewide event later this month when Connections Area Agency on Aging partners with the Iowa Department on Aging, AARP
www.iowaaging.gov/converstions.” The event is free and open to the public, but seating at each location is limited and registration is
strongly encouraged (see sidebar for a complete list of locations). For additional information or to register, call LifeLong Links at 866-468-7887
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Page 8c— Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, June 24, 2015
3 costly mistakes baby boomers make with Medicare (BPT) - Each day, thousands of people in the U.S. turn 65, and they’re faced with making choices about the Medicare program. Unfortunately, many people’s missteps mean they end up paying too much for healthcare coverage. “A study published by Health Affairs, a peer-reviewed healthcare journal, estimated that more than 20 percent of people are paying at least $500 too much each year for their prescription drug Part D plans,” says Tricia Blazier, director of the Allsup Medicare Advisor. Blazier says the study found that only five percent of Medicare beneficiaries chose the lowest cost Part D plan. Researchers also found that many people overpaid for a Medicare plan, missing out on other plans that would better
meet their needs at less cost. “You may have 20 or more plans to choose from with different features. These plans come with a wide range of costs, and the highest premiums are sometimes double the lowest.” If you’re a baby boomer, here are three costly and common mistakes you might be
making with your Medicare coverage. You make hasty choices because you’re employed. “Often people automatically signed up for Medicare at 65 even if they were still working,” says Blazier. “But health benefits are becoming more complicated and this is less common.”
For example, more baby boomers are using high-deductible health plans (HDHP), which carry restrictions for people who want to use Medicare, too. There also are penalties for improperly delaying enrollment in certain parts of Medicare. “Making these choices quickly can carry some unexpected costs,” says Blazier. “You don’t want to miss your first-time enrollment period without taking a closer look.” You sign up for traditional Medicare for convenience. Traditional Medicare includes Part A, hospital services, and Part B, medical services. Many first-time enrollees also buy a prescription drug Part D plan and supplemental insurance, or Medigap. “You may think it’s easier to just enroll in the traditional package of Medi-
care benefits, but your costs can really add up.” Nearly 16 million people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2014, an increase of almost 20 percent since 2012, according to data provided by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Medicare Advantage plans offer an alternative to traditional Medicare. They can replace several plans with one form of healthcare coverage. “You can see some incredible cost savings by taking a look at Medicare Advantage plans,” says Blazier. You can find services and resources to compare Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare plans at websites such as Medicare. Allsup.com. You look for shortcuts by choosing a family member or friend’s Medicare plan. “It’s easy to enroll in Medicare,”
says Blazier. “Maybe a little too easy.” But it’s not uncommon to have buyer’s remorse once the coverage begins and it’s clearer how much or how little the plan covers. Some of the biggest mistakes happen when individuals turn 65 and enroll in Medicare for the first time. It can be challenging to find accurate, up-to-date information in order to make fair comparisons among all the options. But doing some research, especially with the help of a Medicare specialist, can mean big savings that more than makes up for the extra effort. Experienced Allsup Medicare specialists help individuals, family members and caregivers with Medicare plan selection at (866) 521-7655. Find more information at Medicare.Allsup.com.
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