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GIVE BACK TO MILITARY, VETERANS AWARDS DINNER LZ PEACE MEMORIAL

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Digital, virtual ways to give back to military, veterans

Volunteer and donate virtually Volunteering doesn’t have to be in-person these days. Soldier’s Angels has numerous virtual ways to make an impact in a service member’s life – from supporting deployed service members by collecting and sending care packages to adopting a family for the holidays and hosting virtual baby showers. It’s never too late to donate your quarantine wardrobe and de-clutter the house. Organizations like Vietnam Veterans of America accept gently-used clothing and household items and will even pick up donations safely from

your home. Providing reliable transportation is another way to help. Programs like Vehicles for Veterans and Recycled Rides provide donated cars and vehicle maintenance and repair assistance for veterans in need of a ride.

Give a gift the gives back The next time you need to buy a birthday gift or stock up on household essentials, make a purchase you can feel good about. American-made apparel company Oscar Mike donates 100 percent of their proceeds to help injured military members stay active. Boss Dog provides tasty and nutritious food and treats for your four-legged companions while giving back to disabled veterans and service dog organizations like Victory Service Dogs and Pets for Vets. Providing a fun night out for service member families is a way to boost mental health and well-being. Non-profit organization Vet Tix provides

Veterans, servicemen deserve the full support of the community. STATEPOINT PHOTO Living Senior

tickets to concerts, sporting events and more to families in need of a little fun.

Take honor flights to the next level The Honor Flight Network enables veterans to visit war memorial monuments and museums at no cost, but for veterans unable to travel to Washington D.C., T-Mobile and virtual reality mental fitness solutions company Healium are bringing a virtual Honor Flight experience to veterans where they live. Veterans can tour the Washington D.C. war memorials from the comfort of their own homes using virtual reality goggles and a hotspot, powered by T-Mobile’s 5G network.

living S E N I O R

How your business can help Large or small, your business can make an impact. Offering a veteran or military discount at your business will not only show appreciation and support, but will also drive business. Companies like T-Mobile offer discounted military smartphone service plans and support programs like Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce initiative to help provide military members and their families with meaningful employment opportunities. Those who serve in the Armed Forces have given so much of themselves. These are just a few ways we can continue to show our gratitude. (STATEPOINT)

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LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

While there are certain holidays and events each year dedicated to members of the U.S. military, the need to support veterans and activeduty military members and their families is an ongoing effort. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can give back all year long from your smartphone:

LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

Harlem-Roscoe Fire trustees host 2020 Awards Dinner Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustees hosted their 2020 HRFD Appreciation Awards Dinner on June 29. The dinner is usually held earlier in the year, but it was delayed due to COVID. It was shortened and held at Fire Station #1. Numerous awards were presented along with special recognition for years of service. Special Recognition was given to Mike Sherbon for 30 years of medical service, Capt. Mike Huffman for 20 years of medical and fire service, and Paramedic John Morgan and Dispatcher Harry Wagner for 20 years of service. Other Fire Years-ofService Recognition: 15-year pins to Joe Koeninger, Rob Lukowski and Lt. Jordan Stark; 10-year pin to Photographer Marcia Soppe; and 5-year pin to Lt. Sam McNames, Andrew Wichmann, Chris Witcik, Steve Rosander, and Brandon Sherbon. Other Medical Years of Service Recognition: 10-year pins to Joe Koeninger and Greg Wernick, and 5-Year pin to Steve Rosander. Recognition was also given to: New EMS Paramedic Kevin Raymer, Brandon Sherbon, Cecilia Ster and Chris Witcik. And new EMTs BC Kevin Briggs and Tyler Ebany. Other Awards: The Firefighter Good Service Award this year was presented to all personnel. Each Fire Station voted on a Most Valuable Member Award: Station 1 – Lt. Sam McNames; Station 2 – Greg Wernick; Station Fire Prevention Ken Kelley received the Fire Prevention Member of the Year Award. SHERYL DROST Living Senior

• CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Devon Betts of Beloit and Ian Isely of South Beloit were honored to see the actual Huey Helicopter that is on permanent display at the Memorial site at Midway Village. SUBMITTED PHOTO Living Senior

By Margaret Downing REPORTER

Twelve Vietnam veterans were honored on Sept. 25 at the LZ Peace Memorial at Midway Village on Guilford Road in Rockford. As noted by Vietnam Veterans Honor Society Chairperson Todd Burd, “These veterans have died within the past couple of years.” Turnout for the event was tremendous. The additional names of Agent Orange victims who were added honoring those already listed on the memorial are: Michael E. Baxter Kerby Beehler Stanley A, Brengel Kenton Ellison David Graves Gregg Nelson Roger G. Parrish Joseph Sola Dale “Doc” Spurlock Dennis D. Steinhoff Robert “Bob” Wood

Donald F. York These names will join the names already on the Memorial, which are listed as: John Charles Alberts, Army, South Beloit James Allan Ascher, Army, Winnebago Melvin Ballard, Army, Rockford Ralph Anthony Barcelona, Army, Rockford Norman Elmer Beck, Marines, Rockford Larry Dean Bell, Marines, Rockford John H. Berg, Army, Rockford Wayne Valgeen Blake, Marines, Rockford Alan Lee Boyer, Army, Rockford George Richard Butler, Marines, Durand Arnoldo J. Cardenas, Army, Rockford Curtis Paul Challberg, Army, Loves Park Eldon Dean Coldren Jr., Army, Rockford Daniel Coleman, Marines, Rockford Michael Lee Collins, Army, Rockford John C. Davis, Army, South Beloit Earmon Ray Derrington, Army, Rockford Martin John DiMarzio, Army, Rockford John Paul Didier Jr., Army, Rockford

Curtis Lee Duckett, Army, Rockford George N. Fanis Jr., Army, Rockford Patrick Dale Finch, Army, Rockford David Eugene Flaningam, Marines, Rockford Thomas Duane Glawe, Marines, Rockford Thomas A. Goebel, Marines, Rockford Ray Lonnie Gonce, Marines, Loves Park David Arlin Gulrantson, Army, Rockford Richard F. Hawks, Marines, Rockford Ronnie L. Hawks, Marines, Rockford Daniel Robert Hoffman, Army, Rockford John R. Hornsby, Army, Rockford Michael Joseph Ingrassia, Army, Rockford John Jeffrey Jensen, Army, Rockford Daniel Gene Johnson, Army, Rockford Gerald Dennis Kiesling, Army, Rockford Larry William Knight, Navy, Rockford Terry Lee Larsen, Army, Rockford Steve Donald Lee, Army, Rockford J. L. Lyles, Army, Rockford • CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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LZ Peace Memorial has 12 names added of those who died of Agent Orange effects

AGENT ORANGE EFFECTS Notley Gwynn Maddox, Air Force, Rockford Larry Dale McGhee, Army, Rockford Michael John McGlothlin, Marines, Pecatonica Michael James McKinson, Marines, Pecatonica Donald L. Meehan Jr., Army, Rockford Gary Lee Mizner, Army, Rockford Philip Gwyn Nichols, Army, Rockford David Donell Nicholson, Marines, Rockford Lawrence E. Orsborn, Navy, Rockford James H. Owens Jr., Army, Rockford Stanley F. Patterson, Army, Loves Park Wallis Gilbert Patterson, Army, Rockford Robert Verner Pearson, Army, Rockford Feliz Perris, Marines, Loves Park Roderick James Rodenbeck, Army, Rockford Henry Clyde Sanders, Marines, Rockford Kris Edward Shaw, Army, Rockford Lora William Snyder, Marines, Rockford Gordon William Stark, Army, Rockford Charles Stanley Tarbert, Army, Pecatonica A. W. Tripplett, Marines, Rockford Ronald A. Van Wambeke, Marines, Rockford Marcelino Vargas Jr., Marines, Rockford John Wesley Vowles, Marines, Cherry Valley Harold Francis Werle, Marines, Rockford Kenneth Leroy White, Army, Rockford Jerry Wayne Wickam, Army, Rockford Lonnie Williams, Army, Rockford Robert Earl Williams, Marines, Rockford John Wayne Woolbright, Marines, Rockford Kurt Frederick Zimmerman, Marines, Durand Lester “Lek” Vance, Army, Rockford Craig Walter Anderson, Navy, Rockford David Lawrence Lyons, Navy, Rockford Ronnie Albert Hecker, Army, Rockford The memorial is sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans Honor Society, which is described on the organization’s website as: “The LZ Peace Memorial is a place

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This Vietnam War era “recoilless cannon” brought interest from attendees at the LZ Peace Memorial in Rockford on Sept. 25. SUBMITTED PHOTO Living Senior

of honor for those veterans who served our country, in war and in peace. This memorial stands as a testimony to those soldiers from Winnebago County who made the ultimate sacrifice at a time of great conflict.” The LZ (Landing Zone) Peace Memorial is located at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, in Rockford. It stands adjacent to an actual Huey Helicopter from the Vietnam War era. The Memorial lists all of those local veterans who have died as a result of

exposure to Agent Orange. The site is a beautiful and peaceful place and these veterans deserve the honor the Memorial brings to their memory and for their service to our country. Rockford veteran Nick Parnello founded the Vietnam Veterans Home Society in 1989 and it is under the auspices of the Vietnam Veterans Honor Society. If you wish to make a donation to this endeavor, please send a check to the Vietnam Veterans Honor Society, P.O. Box 4304, Rockford, IL 61110.

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Roscoe Historical Society elects president Roscoe Township Historical Society elected a new President at their monthly meeting on Sept. 20. Board member Laura Zwart was elected by the RTHS Board of Directors. Laura replaces Bernard Sundstedt who was the organization’s founding President who retired this past summer. Laura McAffee Zwart is a life-long resident of the Roscoe area, attending Roscoe schools and Hononegah High School. She lives east of Roscoe with her husband Brian and their two boys. Currently serving as Senior Financial Analyst with OSF HealthCare, she has worked for the past 25 years with a focus on hospital reimbursements and budgets. She was previously a member of the North Boone School Board of Education for

eight years where she chaired the business committee and community involvement committee. She is a charter board member of the Roscoe Township Historical Society. On her mother’s side, Laura is a Laura Zwart descendant of the Ransom/Worden/Schoonover family. On her father’s side, Laura is the third-greatgranddaughter of Robert J. Cross, Roscoe Township’s first settler. Robert J. Cross came to this region in 1835, becoming the first non-native,

permanent settler of what is now Roscoe Township. He helped establish Roscoe’s schools, and Methodist Church. He was a member of Winnebago County’s first governing body, serving as its treasurer. He represented Winnebago County at the State’s first constitutional convention, helping craft the bill of rights. He served several years in the Illinois General Assembly, and helped write the State’s current constitution. The fundraising campaign to renovate Mr. Cross’ homestead can be found at https:// roscoehistory.org. The Roscoe Township Historical Society is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is the study, preservation, and dissemination of Roscoe Township history.

AWARDS DINNER • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Sergeant retires Left: Fire Chief Don Shoevlin recognized Mike Sherbon for his 30 years of Medical Service. Right: Dispatcher Harry Wagner was recognized for his 20 years of service. SHERYL DROST PHOTOS Living Senior

Congratulations on your retirement Winnebago County Sergeant Steve Roberson. We appreciate your many years of dedicated service to our department and to the citizens of Winnebago County. We wish you well in your retirement. WINNEBAGO COUNTY SHERIFF PHOTO Living Senior

LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

3 – Andrew Wiechmann. Chaplain of the Year went to Chaplain Paul Meyers; Fire Bureau of the Year went to Ken Kelley; Most Trainings Award went to Tyler Ebany. And the CERT Volunteer Member Award went to John Huddleston. Chief Shoevlin also recognized Administration Professional Colleen Bloyer and Trustees Bart Munger, Al Bach and John Donahue. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustees John Donahue, Bart Munger and Al Bach also recognized Chief Don Shoevlin for being elected President to the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

Elvis tribute artist spectacular ‘birthday edition’ tour coming to Rockford One day prior to what would have been Elvis Presley’s 87th birthday, the enormously popular Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular “Birthday Edition” Tour celebrating the music of Elvis Presley era-by-era returns to the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford, Ill., on Friday, Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. The concert includes highlights from Elvis’s early rockabilly years, the military years, the movie years, the ’68 “Comeback Special” in black leather and closes with the Las Vegas concert years. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com, in-person at the Coronado Performing Arts Center box office and by phone at 815-968-5222. The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular show stars Elvis Tribute Artists Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, and Ryan Pelton, with special guests The Blackwood Quartet, all backed by The Fabulous Ambassadors Show Band & The Nashville Dreams. Shawn Klush – Elvis Presley Enterprises named Shawn the 1st ever “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.” Shawn was also named the “World’s Greatest Elvis” by the BBC. Shawn was also just named “Worldwide Ambassador of Elvis” and “The Closest Thing to the King in Concert” in Las Vegas. Cody Ray Slaughter – The new “Prince of Rock N Roll.” Elvis Presley Enterprises named Cody the 2011 “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.” As America’s young and sexy heartthrob, Cody exudes the Elvis Charisma in black leather. Ryan Pelton - Back by Popular demand! Ryan Pelton is an international award-winning ETA. Ryan played the lead role in the movie “The Identical.” Entertaining audiences all over the world, there is no doubt that Ryan is one of the rarest performers living up to his billing time & time again. The Blackwood Quartet – Elvis’s favorite gospel group. This eight-time Grammy award-winning vocal group have been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

Roscoe VFW Poppy Displays winner to be on exhibit at Memorial Hall

Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford, has a temporary winning poppy exhibit featuring VFW State Convention award winning Poppy Displays created by VFW Roscoe Post 2955 and Roscoe VFW Auxiliary. The exhibit consists of three different displays. The first display, created by the Roscoe VFW Auxiliary represents the six branches of the military and has over 6,150 poppies on it. This display took 1st place in category 2 (displays with over 1500 poppies) at the state convention held in Springfield this past June.

The second display was also created the Roscoe VFW Auxiliary and represents Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it features over 3425 all white poppies. This display took 2nd place in Category 3 (displays with decorative themes) at the state convention, and also won the Max and Betty Snook award in the VFW 6th District of Illinois. The Roscoe VFW Auxiliary Poppy Displays were created and assemble by Auxiliary members Cathy Suchoski, Anne Stenberg, Pat Ward, and Vicki Suchoski. The third display, created by VFW Roscoe Post 2955 has 1,750 poppies, and took 2nd place in Category 2, it honors

Gold Star Families and was created and assemble by Ruben Hernandez VFW 2955 Post Commander and Bill Graves VFW Post 2955 Senior Vice Commander. This is not the first time the Roscoe VFW has taken first place for a poppy display, they won first place at the National Convention 2012 in Reno Nevada with a display representing USS Cole. The exhibit runs thru October at Veterans Memorial Hall. The displays will also be shown at the 80th annual Veterans Dinner, Nov. 6 at the Embassy Suites in downtown Rockford, Ill.

Dick Dahlstrom, of Rockford, won a Judge’s Choice Award at the Greenwich Village Art Fair on the grounds of Riverfront Museum Center in downtown Rockford on Sept. 18.

Greenwich Village Art Fair Peter Swanson, of Rockford, was awarded an Honorable Mention.

LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Living Senior

Stateline Mass Transit District announces new location in Roscoe SMTD has moved. Sharon Hecox, Executive Director, announces SMTD has moved to a new office at 11722 Main St., Roscoe IL 61073. “The new office allows even better service to our SMTD community of riders and patrons, and is in the heart of the service area,” stated Hecox. For more information about the new SMTD location, visit www. smtd.biz or call 779-771-6778.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Living Senior

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Older adults shouldn’t delay preventive health care

Annual wellness visit

Covered by Medicare, this is a great way to develop a personalized annual care plan. Among other things, the doctor will ask the patient to fill out a health risk assessment to help determine the services likely needed in the year ahead. The doctor will assess how the patient is feeling physically and emotionally, since mental health often impacts physical health. It’s important for the patient to be open about their feelings, current condition, and medical history.

Mammogram

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every woman is at risk, but risk increases with age. Fortunately, breast cancer is often treated successfully when found early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women 50 to 74 at average risk get a mammogram every two years.

Colorectal screening

Like breast cancer, colorectal cancer

risk increases with age. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps early so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. The USPSTF recommends screening for adults age 45 to 75. Medicare covers the cost of a screening colonoscopy once every two years for those at high risk or once every 10 years for those at lower risk. Though colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test, providers can help determine the best option for individuals.

Bone density scan

USPSTF recommends women aged 65 and older be routinely screened for osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become weak and brittle. According to the agency, routine screening should begin at 60 for women at increased risk. Screening may facilitate treatment that helps prevent fractures.

Eye exam

A routine eye exam is important to identify early signs of eye disease that are more likely as people age. People with diabetes are particularly prone to retinopathy, which leads to vision loss, and it’s recommended they have annual retinal screening exams.

Vaccinations

While the COVID-19 vaccine is certainly a top priority, especially for older adults, there are other important vaccines, including flu, pneumonia and shingles. Patients should ask their doctors about current recommendations as autumn approaches and risk potentially increases. “Even in the best of times, health screenings and vaccinations are often a missed opportunity and the pandemic has only made matters worse,” says Dr. Conflitti. “But with these services, individuals can take control of their health in partnership with their doctors. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” To learn more, visit https://www.cigna. com/medicare. The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

It’s important that older people continue to see their doctor and get preventative care.

(STATEPOINT)

LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

Many older adults have been delaying preventive health care during the pandemic because of fear of visiting the doctor’s office. As more people get vaccinated for COVID-19, now may be a good time to make up for gaps in care, according to Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer for Medicare Advantage at Cigna. “Delaying preventive care can catch up with us, especially as we get older,” says Dr. Conflitti. “As people age, preventive care becomes increasingly important in helping prevent or manage chronic conditions. Doctors’ offices have nationally accepted, evidence-based COVID-19 safety protocols in place and many preventive services are covered by Medicare or Medicare Advantage at no extra cost when visiting a participating or in-network provider.” Each person’s doctor should determine the right services based on age, gender, medical history and health status. Among those to consider are:

STATEPOINT PHOTO Living Senior

LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

Wurster family farm celebrates sesquicentennial status

Celebrating the 150-year sesquicentennial of the Wurster Family Farm in Elizabeth, Illinois, State Representative Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) recognized the years of hard work and dedication by the Wurster family in serving as consecutive caretakers of the 80-acre parcel first purchased in 1864 by Samuel Wurster after immigrating from Dettingen, Germany in 1852. Chesney met with Marilyn Wurster, the matriarch of the Wurster Family, along with her son, Tom, on Thursday, Sept. 23 to visit the 150-year farm and observe the new centennial & sesquicentennial farm signs next to the Wurster rock, long in

place at the end of the farm’s driveway. The farm, now 120-acres, include 40 acres purchased by Marilyn and her late husband, Dennis Wurster. “The tradition of our family farm mattered a great deal to my husband, Dennis. While he passed four years ago, we passed that tradition down to our sons, Tim and Tom. Dennis would be proud to know our family name and family farm will carry on to the next generation,” said Marilyn Wurster about what the farm’s heritage means to their family. “The Wurster Family Farm is a proud piece of Northwest Illinois’ agricultural heritage. Marilyn still lives in the original

farmhouse and the Wurster family serves as a testament to our shared northwest Illinois values,” said Rep. Chesney after visiting the family farm on Thursday. “157 years shows such incredible faith and perseverance.” Since being enacted 50 years ago, the Illinois Sesquicentennial Farms program has recognized over 1,200 family farms through the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The Wurster Family Farm in Elizabeth had previously been recognized as a centennial farm. Marilyn Wurster hopes the farm stays in the family to be recognized as a bicentennial farm next.

Rep. Andrew Chesney met with Marilyn Wurster, the matriarch of the Wurster Family, along with her son, Tom, on Thursday, Sept. 23 to visit the 150-year farm and observe the new centennial and sesquicentennial farm signs next to the Wurster rock, long in place at the end of the farm’s driveway. SUBMITTED PHOTO Living Senior

Each year, an estimated 60,000 Americans get the devastating news that they have Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Symptoms usually develop slowly, and can include tremor, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), limb rigidity, and gait and balance problems. Parkinson’s disease can rob a person of the ability to do everyday tasks that many of us take for granted. There’s no cure, but treatments ranging from medication to surgical therapies can help. One surgical treatment that has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on many PD patients is deep brain stimulation, or DBS. DBS is commonly referred to as a “brain pacemaker.” Two small wires, called leads, are placed deep within the brain to disrupt abnormal signals causing symptoms of the disease. A battery is implanted in the chest, and the device can be adjusted to improve symptoms over time. Dr. Kavya Moravineni, a movement disorder specialist with at OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute (INI), explains how DBS impacts the brain of a PD patient. “The whole circuitry is abnormal in some way, and that causes your symptoms in Parkinson’s disease,” she says. “DBS is

really affecting that circuit. So the electricity that is passed on from the lead into the circuit will stop abnormal signaling and help improve symptoms.” Dr. Andres Maldonado is a neurosurgeon at OSF INI. He specializes in functional neurosurgery, including DBS. According to Dr. Maldonado, patients often see their symptoms greatly diminish, or even disappear, immediately after surgery. He says the difference is dramatic and often surprising to both the patient and their families. “You can observe that in the patient after surgery. Many patients have no symptoms whatsoever, or their symptoms have improved significantly to the point of being invisible.” A recent study on DBS in Parkinson’s patients found these results can (and often do) last longer than 15 years after implant. In fact, researchers found that patients continued to demonstrate significant improvement in motor symptoms during that time, greatly impacting their quality of life. Drs. Maldonado and Moravineni agree; watching Parkinson’s patients thrive after their treatment is extremely gratifying for them and their colleagues. “Patients who were not able to do their daily life activities, now they’re able to do it.

Patients who were not able to walk because of significant balance issues, significant rigidity, now, they’re able to walk. Patients who were not able to ride a bike, now they’re riding bikes. They’re able to drive. They’re able to do things in their garden,” Dr. Maldonado says. “They say, ‘My quality of life has significantly improved. My life has changed. I have it back.’” “After DBS they don’t have to take as much medication,” adds Dr. Moravineni. “They don’t have to have a lot of fluctuations that can happen with the medications, and the symptoms by themselves, because of DBS, improve as well. So definitely a significant impact on their quality of life.” The success of treatments like DBS is more important than ever. The Parkinson’s Foundation estimates nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease, more than those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. This is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. Dr. Maldonado and team use the latest robotic technology for DBS, which offers great precision during surgeries. Learn more about DBS and other Parkinson’s disease treatment options at OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute.

One surgical treatment for Parkinson’s Disease that has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on many patients is deep brain stimulation, or DBS. OSF PHOTO Living Senior

LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

The dramatic impact of brain stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease

LIVING SENIOR - FALL 2021

Closing the technology gap for older adults matters

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a rapid acceleration of telehealth as people looked for ways to access care safely. While technology kept many in the United States connected to care and loved ones, many low-income older adults were left behind by the sudden need to understand and access technology and internet services. However, among those who could stand to benefit the most from these services are 22 million older adults (ages 65 and above) in the United States who don’t have broadband access at home. What’s more, older adults (ages 62 and above) with an income below $25,000 are 10 times more likely to be offline at home. Many older adults lack the technological literacy needed to leverage digital resources for health and social support. New efforts are helping to address these

inequities. CITRIS Health, an organization dedicated to advancing the well-being of older adults and family caregivers with enabling technology, recently launched “Lighthouse for Older Adults.” This project is offering one-on-one training, in-language support and peerbased technical support to equip older adult residents of affordable housing communities with high-speed broadband access, user-friendly devices and digital literacy training. Following an initial pilot, participants reported both an increase in device usage as well as confidence in using their devices. Technology helped to connect them to loved ones they were isolated from, and improved their overall health and wellbeing by reducing social isolation and loneliness. When asked about their favorite part

(STATEPOINT)

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that technology literacy and access are more crucial for older adults than ever before. When it comes to improving the health and well-being of communities, addressing this gap is essential. STATEPOINT PHOTO Living Senior

of using a Google device, one participant stated, “Being able to connect visually with family and friends. And visually means a lot.” Those at the helm of the project say they hope its success will serve as a model for other such programs. “Older adults have so much to gain from the connections and health care opportunities available with internet access and a basic understanding of technology,” says CITRIS Health director and Lighthouse project lead David Lindeman. “We’re eager to see this program replicated to improve equity in telehealth.” For resources that can help other organizations implement similar programs, visit the Lighthouse project page on the CITRIS Health website, citris-uc.org.

Reduce your risk of falling by taking these simple steps A fall can result in unwanted outcomes, including injury, loss of independence, and a decreased ability to do the things that are most important to you or a loved one. Each year, 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Even falls that don’t lead to injury can provoke a fear of falling that causes you to avoid the activities that keep you healthy, strong, and ultimately less likely to fall. While falls are dangerous, the good news is that experts say they’re largely preventable. “While many factors can contribute to our chances of falling as we get older, falling is not a normal part of aging,” says physical therapist and American Physical Therapy Association spokesperson Greg Hartley, PT, DPT. “Working with a physical therapist can empower you or a loved one to regain balance and strength.” The American Physical Therapy Association offers the following tips to help you reduce your risk of falling: 1. Get moving. For older adults, physical activity reduces the risk of falling and fall-related injuries. Stay active to maintain the strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance needed to

prevent falls. From swimming to yoga to walking, take part in a variety of physical activities that you enjoy. Talk to your physical therapist to determine which activities are safe for you. 2. Know your risks. A physical therapist can help you assess your risk factors and develop a plan to address them so you can remain independent. Tell your doctor or physical therapist if you have any dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble seeing. Be sure to tell them whether you fell in the last year. 3. Check your medications. Many drugs can cause dizziness, loss of balance, blurry vision, and more. If you have any of these symptoms, review your medications with your pharmacist or doctor. 4. Assess your home’s safety. Assess your home to fix or remove anything that could cause trips or slips, such as throw rugs, clutter, poor lighting, and wobbly furniture or handrails. It’s also a good idea to install a secure grab bar in the shower and next to the toilet for sturdy support on slippery floors. If you can’t make these safety improvements yourself, ask a friend or family member to help. Check with your

doctor, physical therapist, or area agency on aging for local programs that offer home safety assessments. 5. Work with a physical therapist. Physical therapy (with exercise) focused on balance, stability, and the ability to perform common tasks is recommended and can prevent falls, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Physical therapists are able to help you avoid a fall in the first place, as they are movement experts who can work with you to assess your fall risk factors and develop a plan to address them. They will advise you on making your home safer, educate you about medical risk factors linked to falls, and design a safe balance training program specific to you. To learn more about the hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement that a physical therapist can provide, visit ChoosePT.com, where you can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit ChoosePT.com/FindaPT. With the right resources and support, you can reduce your risk of a fall and maintain your quality of life. (STATEPOINT)

The pandemic has changed our lives in numerous ways. As a result of all the upheaval, many people are reassessing their priorities and thinking about early retirement. According to Pew Research, 28 million baby boomers retired in 2020 and a recent study found 39% plan to retire by 65, while 18 percent said they plan to retire by age 59. Before taking that step, here are four questions to ask yourself. 1. Can I afford to stop working? Look at your retirement savings, your life expectancy, your projected income and annual expenditures in retirement. You’ll want to consider unforeseen circumstances down the line that could be costly, such as the need to reside in a nursing home. Use the free retirement calculator and resources available at fidelity.com to help you make a realistic determination as to whether you can afford to retire now, or whether you need to keep earning your full-time salary for a few more years. 2. Do I need life insurance after retirement? There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. However, those carrying debt into retirement, such as mortgages

and personal loans, should consider a life insurance plan. Today, many baby boomers are financially supporting children and grandchildren and have significant debt. According to the National Council on Aging, the median consumer debt for households headed by someone aged 65 or older is 4.5 times higher now than in 1989. Paying off a mortgage is one of the most common reasons to purchase a life insurance policy. Doing so can help ensure your family is able to enjoy the home they love without the burden of outstanding payments. “You would do anything to ensure your family has a bright future and having insurance is a simple and affordable way to protect them,” says Louis Colaizzo, senior vice president of Erie Family Life. “Life insurance can help loved ones maintain the standard of living they are accustomed to.” So, how much would you need to leave behind? Calculate your needs with the life insurance calculator available at erieinsurance.com/life-insurance or contact an independent Erie Insurance agent to discuss options. 3. How will I get health insurance?

The current Medicare eligibility age for most people is 65, so if you plan retire before then, you’ll need to find another way to get health insurance. Even after you’re covered by Medicare, health care expenses can add up, especially if you’re on a fixed retirement income. Some insurance companies, including Erie Insurance, offer Medicare supplemental insurance to help pay the portion of expenses not covered by Medicare. 4. How will I spend my time? Retirement can come with ample newfound free time you may not be accustomed to. While that can sound amazing to those working full-time, the transition can be jarring. Whether it’s volunteering, taking up new creative hobbies or traveling, planning now for how you will spend your time is a good idea to stave off boredom. As you consider when to stop working, first ask yourself these four questions so you can take the appropriate steps to help ensure your retirement reality matches your retirement dreams. (STATEPOINT)

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Looking to retire early? Ask yourself these four questions first

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