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Ways to give to the next generation Still keeping up with fashion trends Smartphones for the senior market Home health care helps independence 5 ways to be your best at any age

Well Ahead

Park Centre launches new healthy lifestyle program

Senior Lifestyles

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 2

Happy NewYear!

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My husband, Veryl, and I at 76 years of age researched a location to retire that believed in giving back. Knowing that Park Centre is a continuing care retirement community and we will never be asked to leave, regardless of our finances gave our family peace of mind. And, the sense of community and maintenance free lifestyle was just what we were looking for. When Veryl passed away, I knew we had made the right decision. This caring community lifted me up and provided the support I needed.

We, at Park Centre, are typical of all who live in Newton. We are teachers, business people, factory workers, farmers, raise flowers and gardens,

is President of the Park Centre Resident’s Association

woodworker artisans, artists, students, etc. We give back in numerous ways in Newton including through civic groups such as The Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and our different churches.

Here at Park Centre we have the Park Centre Resident’s Association comprised of ten active committees. Yes, we at Park Centre thrive on giving back to our community. We, the residents at Park Centre, embrace our strong history and dedication to the greater community.

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 3

Giving to the Next Generation

60-plus? Smart fashion tips to keep you looking stylish and fabulous Brandpoint

Family Features From self-expression to self-direction, there are countless ways to age out loud. Some of the most rewarding ways for older adults involve passing on experiences, wisdom and skills to others.

Everyone has some-

thing to share, and these ideas from the Administration of Community Living can help you get started.

Mentor. Use professional or personal experiences to guide a child, young adult or peer. Example: Visit Senior Corps at nationalservice.gov to learn

about becoming a foster grandparent.

Volunteer. Put skills to use while giving back to your community. Example: Sign up to collect food or clothing donations, serve meals at a local soup kitchen or help older adults with daily tasks at home, such as paying bills.

Teach. Impart expertise via formal or informal education and tutoring opportunities.

Example: Check with local schools that may need reading, math or science tutors.

Speak. Sign up for speaking engagements,

Muumuus and mom jeans or spangled capris and Aloha shirts — is this really all the fashion world has to offer women over the age of 60? Do mature women who desire to dress fashionably for summer really have to choose between “frumpy and fogey” or “too young and trendy?”

Not at all, says Catherine Brock, who blogs about style on thebudgetfashionista.com.

“Reaching a certain age doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of fashion, or that you can’t be stylish,” Brock says. “In our youth-obsessed society, many fashion trends are geared for young women, but truly stylish clothing can work for women of any age.”

Joyce Williams (name changed to protect her privacy), a resident of Brookdale Belle Meade Senior Living Community in Nashville, Tennessee, agrees. Williams didn’t leave her lifelong love of fashion behind upon moving into the senior community.

Instead, she remains an avid reader of fashion magazines, and designs and makes her own jewelry to accessorize her wardrobe. She happily shares fashion advice with other residents who seek to remain stylish after 60.

GENERATION | 9

FASHION | 9

Smartphone market responds to senior users Brandpoint Smartphone technology may seem complicated and flashy, but don’t believe anyone who says it’s only for the young. In fact, 73 percent of those 50 to 59 years old now own a smartphone, according to a 2016 survey from AARP. Going one step further, a re-

cent study of smartphone user habits by the Pew Research Center concludes that 92 percent of those aged 50 and above now use text messaging, 80 percent use their phones to access the internet and 87 percent use them to send and receive email.

Still, a significant smartphone generation gap exists

within the baby boomer set.

While smartphone owners 50 to 59 regularly perform common daily tasks and even occasionally play a game on their smartphones, AARP’s study noted adults 60 to 69 are far more likely to rely on a laptop or desktop computer for email or internet use, and tend to avoid apps and games

altogether.

Obstacles to smartphone enjoyment It’s no great mystery why certain baby boomers have been hesitant to fully embrace smartphone technology.

Traditionally, mobile phones have simply not been designed with seniors in mind.

Rather, they are designed for the larger share of the market represented by younger users, who grew up playing hightech games, surfing the web and using touchscreens.

Software interfaces are often not particularly senior friendly. Small content size PHONES | 11

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 4

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 5

Home health services help maintain senior independence Brandpoint Staying healthy and out of the hospital is a top priority for the majority of seniors. However, as you age, you may need additional care to meet your medical needs after an illness, injury or exacerbation of a chronic health problem. Fortunately, this doesn’t necessarily mean a long hospital or rehab stay, thanks to home health service options.

For Yoko and Kenneth Gilbert, both age 84, home health services provided important care when they needed it the most. After an injury caused by a fall Yoko needed nursing care for her wounds. She also needed physical therapy to regain her ability to get around. Her husband’s help could only go so far, but he could not provide the professional care that she required, so at her doctor’s advice, she de-

cided to get home health services.

What is home health care?

According to Medicare.gov, “Home health care is a wide range of health care services that can be given in your home for an illness or injury. Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient and just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF).”

Every home health plan of care is individualized based on the person’s unique medical needs and abilities. The goal is to treat the person’s medical condition at home so that he or she can enjoy a high quality of life while receiving professional services designed to restore health, self-sufficiency and independence.

For Yoko, this gave her important peace of mind.

She decided to work with Brookdale Home Health

for her specific needs.

“They came every week, changed my dressing and catheter,” she says. “Everything was just great.”

When are home health services used?

For seniors residing at home or in a senior living community, both medical and non-medical home care are options. The people most likely to need home health services are those recently diagnosed with a new illness, those who have been injured in a fall or other event, and those who have experienced a major change in health condition such as the worsening of a chronic disease process.

To provide these services, a health care professional will come to your place of residence.

This may include a nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a home health aide or a medical social worker. Be-

cause these professionals come to you, you’re able to remain in the comfort and security of your own home. Receiving care at home enhances your physical and mental well-being and promotes dignity and independence.

For Yoko, part of her home health care services were provided by a physical therapist named Barbara. “Barbara was wonderful,” she says.

“She took care of me, she pushed me and because

of her I can move around better.”

Yoko’s husband, Kenneth, says the services were more than just health care. “Brookdale Home Health helped her a lot. Her therapists really lifted her spirits,” he adds.

How can you get home health services?

Before Yoko could receive home health care, she got a referral from her doctor. A doctor is in charge of determining whether you are a can-

didate for home health services. If you think you are a candidate, it’s important to have an honest conversation with your physician to see if home health is the right option for you.

If your doctor decides that home health is right for you, begin to research options in your area. With a doctor’s prescription, the Brookdale Home Health team of experts can provide HOME | 9

Tips to help save money on prescription drug costs Brandpoint Modern medications can work wonders, improving quality of life, curing illness and even saving lives. However, those miracles can come at a high cost, as anyone who’s had to pay for branded prescription medication knows. In fact, spending on prescription drugs has increased 73 percent in the past seven years, according to a new report from the Blue Cross

Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).

What’s driving the increase The Health of America Report found prescription drug spending by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) members increased 10 percent annually since 2010. High costs of patent-protected drugs account for the lion’s share of the total increase.

Generic drugs account for

82 percent of total prescriptions filled, but account for just 37 percent of total drug spending.

By contrast, patent-protected prescription drugs comprise less than 10 percent of all prescriptions filled but account for 63 percent of total drug spending, the report found.

“Experience and past price trends suggest drug costs will continue to rise in the future,” says Maureen Sullivan, chief strategy and innovation officer

for BCBS. “The need for more affordable generic alternatives to costly patent-protected brand-name pharmaceuticals is urgent. As prices continue to rise, more consumers will be looking for ways to curb the cost of their medications.”

What you can do It is possible to lower your drug costs while still taking the medications your doctor has prescribed to help your health.

BCBSA offers some guidance: • If your doctor prescribes a costly name-brand medication, ask your physician or pharmacist if a generic version is available. Generic drugs are identical to their brand-name equivalents in dosage form, safety, strength and quality, how you take them, performance and intended use, according to the Food and Drug COSTS | 10

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 6

Park Centre launches Well Ahead Program

By Kayla Langmaid Newton Daily News

N

ewton residents won’t have to travel far to experience what life is like in a Blue Zone. Park Centre WesleyLife is launching a Well Ahead Program, which will be offered to residents as well as older adults in the community to encourage a healthful lifestyle.

Designated blue zones are places around the world where it’s proven that residents live a longer and healthier lifestyle due to following certain life choices.

Alayna Bailey, lifestyle director at Park Centre, said a few blue zones include countries, like Greece, Costa Rica and cities nationally like, Loma Linda, Calif. Cedar Falls is also a designated blue zone in the state of Iowa.

“Researchers went to all of these blue zones and studied their cultures and lives to figure out how they live a healthier lifestyle,” Bailey said. “The things they came up with included moving naturally, they are incorporating movement into their already busy lifestyle, they are religious and they are eating a plant-based diet or healthy diet.”

Bailey said the program was created to assist in keeping the mind and body happy.

“We have seen our program grow, the exercise classes have grown, and we work really hard to

reach out to all the new residents who move in,” Bailey said. “Now we are reaching out to the community to come join us.”

Bailey said she currently holds two to four classes per day Monday through Friday.

“All classes focus on maintaining your strength, building strength, your cardiovascular endurance and balance — balance is a big component to our classes,” Bailey said. “We do offer personalized programming for those who might not be comfortable in a class-sized format.”

Bailey said community members interested in signing up will first complete a fitness assessment and which will indicate the appropriate class and fitness level.

“We want to keep everyone safe and at the same pace to provide a better class for them,” Bailey said.

Margot Voshell, director of Park Centre, said the program is a way to also make connections and provide socialization.

“It seems as though when people move in they say, ‘No I’m not going to exercise.’ Then I see new residents come down.

So Alayna is really good about promoting a wellness option,” Voshell said.

Bailey said the program will also offer a few special outings and presentations.

There are several resident committees that drive what types of activities are chosen.

WELL AHEAD | 7

Lifestyle Director at Park Centre Alayna Bailey assists Ernie Dieleman at the wellness center.

Submitted Photo

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 7

Well Ahead Continued from Page 6 “We want to make sure we are providing them with what they need or want and then we want to challenge them a little bit,” Bailey said.

Bailey said one Park Centre resident, Ernie Dieleman, did just that by trying a new activity.

“We took a group of residents to the local bowling alley and she has never bowled and she said, ‘I’ll try something new today,’” Bailey said. “She tried bowling

with us and she bowled a strike that day.”

The Well Ahead Program also promotes mental health.

“Even after a loss, whether that’s a spouse, or a friend or family member, we really feel as though they are more likely to talk about their grief and heal in their own way, and with time of course, if they are connected spiritually as well,” Voshell said. “We have many residents who say they are grateful they have friends here or live here and they are able to have residents wrap their arms

around them when they are going through loss or a difficult time.”

They also share the good times.

“We had a resident who turned 80 and the amount of residents that came to her party was a big deal,” Voshell said.

“The resident said, ‘here I am 80, if I lived at home I wouldn’t have 50 or 60 people come and wish me happy birthday.’”

Classes available to join are the seated strength and stability class, a regular strength and stability class and a total body fitness class.

“The saying is that if

you don’t use it you, lose it,” Bailey said. “There is some truth to that, and exercise is a way to keep your bones strong and your mind strong too.”

The membership is $20 a month and includes three or four additional activities besides fitness.

“We are inviting people who don’t live here to come check us out,” Bailey said. “Whatever we can do to help Newton become healthier is a good thing.”

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com

Submitted Photo Alayna Bailey, left, a Lifestyle Director at Park Centre, sits with Ernie Dieleman, right, outside of Park Centre.

Ernie Dieleman and Dwight Stanfield pump some iron at the wellness center at Park Centre. Alayna Bailey, a Lifestyle Director at Park Centre leads the class.

Submitted Photo

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 8

You CAN Affo rd McCa n n!

McCann Village Apartments are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Housing assistance is available. Those who qualify do not pay more than 30% of their annual adjusted income for rent and utilities (except for telephone, cable services and internet). You may apply if you are 62 years of age or above, mobility impaired and age 18 or older, and within HUD established income limits.

Call 641-792-3018 for information and current income guidelines.

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 9

Fashion Continued from Page 3 Here are some of Brock’s and Williams’ favorite tips and insights for senior women: • Senior women can have trouble finding fashion images that feature women who could be their peers, Brock says.

Because most clothing is marketed with images of younger models, many older women may worry about their clothes being “age-appropriate.” Don’t be limited by that kind of thinking, she advises. The age of the model wearing the fashion is far less important than whether the style will work for you.

• Look for garments that have a defined shape. You don’t have to wear form-fitting clothing, but do avoid overalls or baggy, pull-on pants and maxi dresses with no waistline, Brock advises.

• Find your colors, Williams suggests. Ev-

eryone has certain colors that complement their skin tone, hair and eyes, and others that are less flattering.

Determine which ones are yours and emphasize those colors in your wardrobe.

Brock also counsels against putting too many colors in a single outfit, and says avoid wild color patterns. Instead, pick one piece in an outfit to make a color statement and use muted, comple-

Generation Continued from Page 3 paid or unpaid, as well as storytelling events. Example: Open-mic events, often at theaters and libraries, welcome speakers of all ages.

Engage. Visit a senior center or organize a gathering focused on connecting with others. Example: Book clubs attract participants of all ages and encourage the exchange of ideas.

Write. Pen an article, oped or even a book to communicate wisdom and lessons

mentary colors in the rest of the outfit to create a backdrop for your statement color.

• Just as important as knowing your best colors, you should also know the visual line that looks best for your body type, Williams says.

For example, if you’re pear-shaped, a line that draws attention to your shoulders can be flattering, Brock adds. Apple-shaped women may

learned. Example: Start with something you know the most about, such as a career, hobby or historical event, and submit a column to your local newspaper.

Create. Pick a medium and use art to express yourself and share your perspective. Example: Paint, draw, sculpt, play music, dance, make crafts — whatever suits you.

These ideas and many others can help amplify the voices of older Americans and raise awareness of vital aging issues in communities across the nation. Find more ideas at oam.

ACL.gov.

find an A-line skirt flattering since it creates an angle from the shoulder to the waist.

• Stay true to your own personal style, regardless of your age. “If you had a well-established personal style when you were younger, it doesn’t need to change just because you’re older,” Brock says.

“If anything, as you age, you can pay more attention to your personal style and be less of a slave

Home Continued from Page 5 care based upon your unique medical needs in the privacy of your home. Learn more by visiting www.brookdale.com.

Is home health covered by insurance?

Home health services are often covered by health insurance, but you should verify the details with your particular plan provider. Many plans offer 100 percent coverage if certain conditions are met. For example, Brookdale

to the season’s trends.”

Adapt your younger style to your more mature place in life by focusing on creating outfits that make only one statement at a time, she advises. For example, wear that big, chunky turquoise necklace that you’ve always loved and pair it with an outfit that’s simple and straightforward like a pair of tailored jeans and a white blouse.

• Some styles work particularly well for senior women, Brock says.

Blazers and cardigans pair well with V-neck tops, sheath dresses, shift dresses and button-down shirts. “In warmer months, V-neck tops with elbow-length sleeves are the new T-shirt for seniors,” she says. “Just add a necklace for a little sparkle.”

Plus, every senior woman should have wardrobe staples such as a black blazer, white button-down shirt, darkwash jeans, straight-leg trousers, neutral-colored

Home Health services may be covered by 100 percent of your Medicare Part A benefit if your doctor determines that you are homebound and that home health services are medically necessary to treat your illness, injury or change in medical condition.

Yoko saw great improvements in her condition through home health services. However, she eventually experienced additional medical complications that require 24 hour care. Her husband could not keep up with the demands and sought respite care in a Brookdale

cardigans, a collection of dolman-sleeve tops and T-shirts with varying sleeve lengths and necklines.

• Never underestimate the power of great accessories, Williams says. The right jewelry can turn an ordinary outfit into something stunning, and you can change the entire look of an outfit simply by switching around your accessories.

“It’s never too late to discover your personal style,” Brock says. “Start by creating a Pinterest board and saving looks you love (get a fashion-minded younger friend to help if you’re not tech-savvy). Then reacquaint yourself with your body type and go shopping with a friend.

Try on different cuts of pants, skirts and dresses until you both agree on which are the most flattering. Find the cuts that look good on you and then start experimenting with colors and textures.”

community. After receiving respite services, they have decided to move in to a Brookdale Senior Living community full-time.

“My wife got sick and there was no way I could take care of her,” says Kenneth.

“We moved into a Brookdale community on Valentine’s Day and we’ve been here ever since.”

Today they are permanent residents of Patriot Heights in San Antonio, Texas, where they receive the full-time care they need, enjoy a full social calendar and have made many new friends.

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 10

Costs

Continued from Page 5

641-792-7900

to ask your doctor to write your prescription for a 90-day supply so that you will get a three-month supply of the medication for the price of one co-pay.

• Finally, review your prescriptions with your doctor at least every six months to ensure you’re not taking any more medicines than you absolutely need. However, never skip doses of medicine, avoid refilling a prescription or stop taking medicine altogether without first consulting your doctor.

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Administration. Generics typically cost less than name-brand medications. The BCBSA report shows how costs for medicines like Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Avapro (irbesartan) plummet when generic alternatives become available.

• It may be possible for your doctor to prescribe a higher strength than you need of a particular medication and allow you to split the tablet or pill to get the lower dose you need at a lower cost. In fact, many pills that can be safely split come pre-scored with an indentation that makes it easier to cut them in half. However, not all prescription medications can be safely split, so be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether it’s safe to split your medications.

• Ordering prescription medications through the mail could lower drug costs, but it’s important to ensure you’re buying from your pharmacy benefit manager, typically listed on the back of an insurance card. The FDA recommends you only pur-

chase drugs from organizations located in the U.S. and licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the company operates (find a list of state boards of pharmacy at www.nabp.info). The mail order pharmacy should have a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions, require a prescription from your doctor in order to sell you medication, and have someone you can talk to directly if you have questions or problems.

• Another way to reduce drug costs is

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 11

5 simple steps to be your best at any age Brandpoint They say you’re only as young as you feel, and if you’re an older American, the ability to feel young a little while longer is always appealing. Having a youthful state of mind goes a long way toward accomplishing this goal, but you can’t ignore the importance of solid physical health.

To improve your physical and mental health and prove age is just a number, apply these five tips from Mayo Clinic today.

Find the perfect interval. If you’ve never participated in high-intensity interval training before, here’s a compelling reason to start. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found high-intensity aerobic exer-

1.

Phones Continued from Page 3 and busy screens can be difficult to read and comprehend. The challenge of navigating multiple menu levels is simply not intuitive for many older users.

The small physical size of many devices, and the even smaller size of things like number keys and icons, present challenges that can make smartphones frustrating for seniors to use, and sometimes even seem a little intimidating.

Growing choices to satisfy senior needs Fortunately, the wireless industry has responded, and the gap is

cise actually reversed some cellular aspects of aging. The research also found that the exercise improved muscle proteins, enlarged muscles and increased energy levels.

The benefit of brain games. A sharp mind is every bit as important as a healthy body, and exercising your brain can be a lot of fun. Spend time learning new things on the internet, enroll in a class for that craft you’ve always wanted to master, go out with friends or sit down and play a board game. All of these activities can greatly improve your mental health. For example, a Mayo Clinic study found playing games decreased a person’s risk of mild cognitive impairment by 22 percent making this enjoyable activity healthy as well.

2.

quickly being filled. Savvy manufacturers and specialized carriers have recognized the potential of the senior market, resulting in more and better choices than ever.

Samsung’s Android smartphones, for instance, include a simplified version of its operating software designed to make navigation more convenient.

Called “Easy Mode,” this optional setting is found in nearly every modern Samsung device. Easy Mode enlarges the size of text and icons, and allows users to put everything within easy reach on a single screen.

Most Android and iPhone models also offer options within the Settings menu that allow

3.

Supplementing your health. Health supplements should never completely replace whole food offerings, but they may offer you real health value as well. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, supplements may be ideal for vegans and vegetarians or those who consume less than 1,600 calories per day. People with a condition affecting the way their body absorbs nutrients and those who have had surgery on their digestive tract should also speak with their doctor about supplements that may improve their overall health.

The importance of sleep. A good night’s sleep offers health benefits at any age, but getting enough rest can be

4.

users to adjust things like font size and screen brightness to tailor the user experience to their specific needs. With any Android smartphone, users also have the option of downloading a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store, which provides big pictures and text to simplify navigation.

There’s even a growing segment of the carrier market focusing on seniors. Known for its affordable rates and excellent customer service, Consumer Cellular is a full-service, no-contract carrier that offers a range of specifically senior-friendly smartphones for any skill level. Other carriers have gained popularity

more difficult as you get older. To get a better night’s sleep, review your medications with your doctor to see if anything is impacting your rest. You should also try to limit your daytime napping (just 10 to 20 minutes per day is best) and avoid alcohol, caffeine or even water within a couple hours before bedtime.

Focus on your sexual health. This topic may not be as widely discussed as your physical or mental health, but it is no less important. Men should talk to their doctors about their lessening testosterone levels, which drop about 1 percent per year after age 30. Women may experience a similar drop in estrogen levels as well and should consult their doctor for treatment options. Don’t

5.

among older users by offering simplified smartphones with convenient emergency calling features.

Opening up new worlds Beyond a slight learning curve, there’s no longer any reason for seniors to feel left out, or even limited, by smartphone technology. By integrating new, senior-oriented designs and features, today’s smartphone experience can be as simple and user-friendly as they need it to be.

The Pew study reveals just how integral smartphones have become to

be shy about discussing sexual health issues with your doctor, from STDs to annual checkups, having a thorough understanding of your current sexual health - and what you need to do to protect or improve it - will benefit every other part of your life.

With aging comes new challenges and the need to be more vigilant in maintaining your overall well-being. By incorporating some of the tips above from the experts at Mayo Clinic, you’ll make sure the best years of your life are still to come. You can learn more about improving your health at any age through the advice offered in Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging, or visit www. mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle for more healthy lifestyle ideas.

the lives of users over 50.

Going beyond standard uses, 39 percent in this age bracket also use their phones to access information about health conditions; 34 percent use them to do online banking. Fifty-five percent

use smartphones for social networking, and another 55 percent use their phone’s features for entertainment.

There are truly almost no limits on what can be done with a smartphone.

No longer a mere toy or gadget, it has evolved to become an indispensable modern tool. The good news for older users is that it is also now more accessible than ever.

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 12

“What’s on your check list? Here is ours!”

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