Spring flings color everywhere. Gallery pages 2-3
Vol 41 • No. 6
www.theactiveage.com Kansas’ Award-winning Top 55+ News Source
May 2020
Stepping up, staying safe
Pandemic effects will linger, health expert predicts
Volunteers deliver help as residents abide restrictions
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By Joe Stumpe and Leslie Chaffin Normally this time of year, Jim Unruh would be puttering around the house, traveling with his wife or working part-time for a funeral home. “Just a very relaxing lifestyle,” he says. The coronavirus pandemic has thrust him into a new role: Two mornings a week, the retired banker volunteers to shop for and deliver groceries to Wichitans who are either homebound or have difficulty getting out. The Roving Pantry program is run by Senior Services, Inc., where a good friend of the Unruhs works. “She happened to mention that they were short on help during this vi-
Photo by Fernando Salazar
Valerie Phillips delivers to a Meals on Wheels client. rus situation,” Unruh said. “I thought I critical that the vast majority of people abide by stay-at-home orders and might just help out temporarily.” observe social distancing requirements Unruh is one of many area residents who are giving their time during See Virus, page 25 the crisis. Health officials have said it’s
By Joe Stumpe The lifting of stay-at-home orders caused by the coronavirus — whenever that happens — won’t signal that things are back to normal, a health expert says. “The world’s going to look different even after the peak of this epidemic has passed,” said Dr. Garold Minns, an infectious disease specialist who serves as Sedgwick County’s health officer. “There will probably still be a need for us to observe social distancing. We’ll still need to emphasize hand hygiene. And we will need to See Futrure, page 6
A good fit
Readers reveal how they keep active
You walk, bike, stretch, garden. Lift weights, swim, do yoga and water aerobics. Team up with neighbors, friends and spouses. Turn for help to physical trainers and therapists. Age is no barrier, and you’re not letting the coronavirus slow you down, except for maybe those trips to the gym. Readers of the active age shared the many ways they keep fit and feeling good in their responses to a survey in last month’s issue. The common denominator is that physical activity is a regular part of their lives and one they thoroughly enjoy. Turn to page 24 to find some of
Questions about services?
Courtesy photo
Pickleball is one way Renai Harrison, second from left in front, stays fit. Here she’s shown with fellow players at the YMCA. For more ideas on staying active, see page 24. the responses we received. If you’re to change up your routine, these ideas looking to become active again, or just are a great place to start.
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging or call your county Department on Aging: 1-855-200-2372
Butler County: (316) 775-0500 or 1-800- 279-3655 Harvey County: (316) 284-6880 or 1-800-279-3655