Autumn is often seen as a season of change—the air turns crisp, the colors shift, and nature reminds us that transformation is both natural and beautiful. For older adults, this season can be an inspiring reflection of life itself: a chance to embrace change, to step into new experiences, and to savor moments that bring connection and joy.
Living well in this stage of life is about more than comfort—it’s about staying engaged, curious, and open to opportunities. Attending events, whether large community gatherings or intimate programs, offers the perfect way to connect with others, share stories, and continue building memories. Every outing can be a spark of energy and a reminder that discovery never has an age limit.
Events also provide a renewed sense of belonging. Sharing a meal, attending a concert, or joining a seasonal celebration creates meaningful interactions that strengthen community ties. These moments remind us that while seasons shift, friendships and human connection remain at the heart of a fulfilling life.
Just as autumn encourages us to slow down and notice the beauty around us, it also invites us to welcome change with courage. Trying something new—whether it’s attending a lecture, taking part in a workshop, or simply exploring a different social activity—can open doors to joy and purpose. Growth doesn’t end with age; it continues when we say yes to life’s invitations.
This autumn, let’s lean into the season of change with open hearts. By embracing new events, new people, and new possibilities, older adults can continue writing vibrant chapters filled with warmth, purpose, and joy.
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WStay Active During the Cold Days
hen the weather outside is frightful, staying active certainly becomes less delightful. From furious blizzards, blistering winds to shivering temperatures, the list of forecast-related excuses for not exercising can quickly start to pile up during the winter season. If you’re struggling for ways to stay active in the cold weather, here’s a few suggestions to consider to stay healthy and stimulated during the winter season:
Home exercise equipment
If the thought of going outside in the cold to head to the gym seems daunting, why not bring the gym to your house? Having home exercise equipment available can provide you with the necessary means to get a great workout in during the winter, and doesn’t leave you with any excuses not to stay active. You should invest in types of workout machines that cater to your favorite activities, such as a stationary bike for those who love cycling or a treadmill that’s ideal for solid cardio exercise. You can also increase any athome workout by including the usage of dumbbells, which should be a staple accessory to any home gym.
Join an activity
While the weather may not be ideal for going on a jog around the neighborhood or taking your usual bike trek, one way to stay motivated and active during the winter is to sign up for a gym or enroll in local classes. Once you’ve gone through the process of signing up and paying for a membership, you’ll feel more incentive to utilize this service, channeling the motivation to get out of the house and get the exercise you need during the winter. Enrolling in various workout classes or sessions is also a great way to meet new people, and with more friends comes added pressure to stay true to your winter workout routine.
Relish the outdoors
Just because there’s snow everywhere you look doesn’t mean there isn’t ample opportunity to get some exercise in. Take advantage of all the physical activity options you can take part in that involve the snow. For starters, skiing is an excellent activity that not only requires working up a little sweat, but also has been regarded as being one of the most senior-friendly hobbies during the wintertime. Researchers from the University of New Hampshire state that one of the best ways skiing benefits aging is through the strengthening of your bones and joints with each step you take while sliding on the snow. This will help improve your flexibility, as well as work to protect you from further injuries later on in life. If downhill skiing seems a little intimidating, consider flat-surfaced cross country skiing, or even go snowshoeing in a scenic park.
Get dancing
No matter what the weather is like outside, it’s always a good time to go dancing! Whether you’re going out for an evening on the town or simply putting on a record at home next to the cozy fire, it’s always easy to find a place to dance the night away. Best of all, dancing has been proven to be one of the most beneficial exercises for seniors. The AARP reports that dancing can enhance your body in a variety of ways, ranging from strengthening bones and muscles, improving posture and balance as well as lowering blood pressure. www.captel.com
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A Health Plan to Build Momentum
Taking care of your physical health
While scientists continue to actively research how to slow or prevent age-related declines in physical health, they’ve already discovered multiple ways to improve the chances of maintaining optimal health later in life. Taking care of your physical health involves staying active, making healthy food choices, getting enough sleep, limiting your alcohol intake, and proactively managing your health care. Small changes in each of these areas can go a long way to support healthy aging. Daily life keeps us so busy that we can lose energy and motivation to work out and eat healthier. It happens so gradually that we hardly take notice. We start off strong, then things happen and we promise to get back on track and we may but not as frequently and then not at all and we fall back into old habits. If we reflect over the past few weeks… have you been a little more lax with what you eat? Do you feel a little more discouraged? The further behind you get the harder it is to revamp and start again.
If you are in a slump, this is a perfect time to break free. It may be as hard as it was at the first of the year, but once you get moving again and taking positive steps, you quickly will get your forward momentum to fitness and health.
Two quick tips to start the positive motion:
Schedule some exercise time into your day today. You don’t need to schedule 60 minutes or 45 minutes, it can be 15 minutes. Just start moving. The biggest predictor of whether you work out tomorrow is whether you work out today. Beginning is always the tough part as we know. Take a walk, walk the stairs at work; do simple calisthenics: squat; push-up(wall push-up); lunges; high knee marches.
Decide on your eating plan: One of the best things you can do to get back on track is draw a line in the sand and don’t step over it. Make healthy choices today, tomorrow and in the future. Eat for energy and vitality not habit or senseless eating.
Taking the first step is hard but the next one is a little easier and the next one and the next one. Make the second half of 2015 the best half!
For those who have been sticking to their plan since January congratulations! You have the wellness bug and it feels good! Have you increased your activity? In our enthusiasm and feeling good energy we may have forgotten a few key points that need to be brought up:
Burnout: If we exercise too much with no breaks, you may experience burnout. This can be a negative to your goals. Burnout leads to loss of motivation and can lead to increase in injury. A sign of heading toward burnout is you begin to have a change in attitude toward working out, instead of enjoying it you start to dread it.
Injury risk: Overtaxing your body with too much exercise and insufficient rest can lead to injuries. During exercise your body naturally experiences stress, strain and micro-injuries. When you rest your body has the chance to heal these micro-injuries, which leads to improved strength and overall endurance. But if the micro-injuries don’t have a chance to heal you potentially are at a higher risk for injury. Moderation is the key and that involves rest and relaxation.
What to Take on Your Next Trip
Be prepared and confident on your next trip with this helpful guide. Knowing what to pack on your next trip will make it that much more enjoyable.
adobe.stock.com/luengo_ua
When you’re preparing for your next vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning where to go and what to do. Having a good packing list can save you from the stress of realizing you’ve forgotten something essential. Whether you’re setting off on a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, packing the right items can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some key things to include in your suitcase to ensure a relaxing and worry-free trip.
Medication and Health Essentials
One of the most important things to bring on a trip is any medication you take. Make sure you have enough for the entire length of your trip, plus a few extra days’ worth in case of unexpected delays. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of your medications and dosages with you in case you need that information. If you’re traveling via airplane, keep these with you in a carry-on item so you have access to them as needed.
Additionally, consider packing over-the-counter remedies for common travel issues, such as motion sickness, digestive discomfort, or headaches. Staying on top of your health during a trip will allow you to focus on the fun.
Spare Charger or Portable Battery Pack
Staying connected is important, especially when you’re traveling. Your phone is your link to navigating a new city, staying in touch with family, finding reservation confirmations, and capturing memories. To avoid the frustration of a dead phone battery, make sure to pack a spare charger for your phone and other electronic devices. A portable battery pack is also a lifesaver if you’re out exploring all day without access to an outlet.
Choose a charger with enough capacity to fully recharge your phone at least once, and be sure to charge it before you leave. If you use assistive hearing devices, look for portable chargers specifically designed for them or bring extra batteries if the device uses them. You don’t want to miss important calls or directions just because you ran out of battery. If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you have a travel adaptor that will work for your targeted country.
Comfortable Clothing and Layers
Travel often means long periods of sitting, whether you’re on a plane, bus, or in the car, so comfort is key. Pack clothing that allows for easy movement and doesn’t wrinkle easily. Layers are essential since temperatures can fluctuate drastically, especially when you’re moving between different climates or spending time in air-conditioned spaces.
TRIP continued on page 38
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Wisconsin Apple Orchards Worth The Pick This Fall
Fall is finally here, and you know what that means: vibrant colors, a crisp autumn breeze, time spent with family and friends and a warm slice of apple pie. And what better way to have it all than by getting in the fall spirit with a trip to a Wisconsin apple orchard?
These orchards have so much more than just apple picking — there are fresh bakeries, cider tastings, wineries, hayrides and more for the entire family. Here are seven orchards worth the pick this fall.
Erickson Orchard – Bayfield
A warm, fluffy apple cider doughnut is in your hand and extra sugar is stuck to your lips — that’s when you realize that you’re not dreaming, you’re at the Erickson Orchard near Bayfield. Share one with a sibling, parent, or friend (or each get your own) and enjoy them together with some fresh apple cider straight from the tree. The Erickson bakery has been making these now-popular sweets for decades, earning a well-deserved reputation as having some of the best around.
For an even bigger taste of Northern Wisconsin autumn, plan your visit during the annual Bayfield Apple Festival for an apple-solutely perfect family day including music, a parade, an apple-peeling contest, and the crowning of
the Apple Festival Queen.
The Elegant Farmer – Mukwonago
Have you ever tried an Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag? This Mukwonago seasonal staple is worth the hype, and you can even take some home to share with family and friends. People come to the Elegant Farmer for the pie but stay for the lively atmosphere around the orchard: pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, a corn maze, hot sandwiches, pony rides, and tractor-pulled hayrides.
Oneida Nation Apple Orchard - Oneida Mix fall fun with a meaningful cultural experience you won’t soon forget. The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin purchased this property outside of Green Bay in 1994 in a continuing effort to reunite the Tribe with their land. Since then, it has become a prosperous orchard that both sustains the Tribe and acts as a way to share Oneida culture with visitors. Stop by with friends or family to load up on apples and tour the traditional longhouse. For extra fun, plan a visit during Oneida Apple fest for a petting zoo, barrel race demonstrations, a cider press, and best apple pie contest.
Sunrise Orchards – Gays Mills
Journey to the bluffs of Southwest Wisconsin to find picturesque Sunrise Orchards with over 300 acres of apple trees to pick from. Kids will love the horse-shaped tire swings and lawn bowling and adults will love the Sunrise Apple Slush and local produce stand. There’s even a dog walk park so your furry friends can come along! Be sure to check the orchard’s schedule and stop by for their popular cheese curd weekend and community chili dinner at the end of the season.
Apple Holler Family Farm – Sturtevant
This family farm south of Racine is open year-round, but visitors flock in the fall season to pick their own apples, feed the goats, enjoy brandied cherry French toast at the onsite café and spend hours with friends in the Hard Cider Bar and Biergarten. The quintessential farm store, bakery, and restaurant are housed in an old dairy barn and the grounds are so gorgeous they also serve as a popular wedding venue. www.travelwisconsin.com.
I KNEW It Was A Mistake
Many years ago, during a holiday celebration we were invited to a neighbor’s house after visiting some relatives. We were having dessert with them. Chocolate layer cake was on the menu. It looked a little odd. It had a very thin to non-existent chocolate coating on top. I’d never eaten a bald-headed cake.
It was time for the home movie made earlier in the day. My friend was coming toward the camera with the cake on a plate that I thought was kind of tiny for the cake. Sure enough, the toe of her of shoe caught on the edge of the rug. The cake went sailing and landed Topsy-Tuvey. You could hear every one gasp. She flipped the cake back on the plate and went back to the kitchen.
Scraping off the frosting she said, “just don’t tell our company that’s coming it fell.” “I knew that plate was a mistake.”
How often have you tried on clothing that you couldn’t get off? And didn’t listen to the voice in your head. Remember culottes? I didn’t know it was like wide leg shorts. With both legs stuck in one leg, I started wheeling around like a bowling pin in the dressing room. Then I had a laughing fit.
Looking back, I should have dropped the bread instead of the bottle of molasses. Get the hot water and towels to mop it up. I knew it was a mistake not to have read the canned ham instructions to remove the plastic wrap around the ham. It melted tight and the ham looked like a bowtie.
Who is so dumb as to give a baby blueberry fig Newtons? All her diapers turned a disgusting shade of gray. The voice rapping on my brain- hello you’re so dumb. (Please note: real cloth diapers.)
Baking often jangles the bell – did you measure correctly? That works unless you can’t tell the difference between baking powder and baking soda. Or as my daughter grabbed sugar instead of flour for beef stroganoff. Or losing a ring (my friend, not me) in a cake. I said tell them there’s a prize in the cake.
The “I KNEW it was a mistake” prize goes to me reading a magazine while making pumpkin pie. I was leaning on the counter and glanced over to the sink. What’s in that bowl? How about the sugar for the pies? The pies were already setting. I scraped the filling out, beat in the sugar and threw them back in oven. “Why are the pies lumpy, mom?” “It’s a French recipe.”
My Autumn gift to you. One of my very favorite casseroles. Enjoy and share some cooking stories with your family.
Corn Bread Casserole
Ingredients: 1/4-pound butter, melted,1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, combine butter, whole corn, cream corn, corn muffin mix and sour cream. Fold all ingredients together, pour into 2-quart casserole dish. Bake for 1 hour.
Doreen Giesfeldt
Step Into the Spotlight: Why You Should Enjoy Theaters and Events This Fall
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, fall becomes the perfect season for older adults to step out and experience the richness of local theaters, concerts, and community events. Beyond the sheer enjoyment, attending performances and gatherings offers meaningful benefits for both mind and body.
Enriching the Mind and Spirit
Theater productions, concerts, and lectures provide more than entertainment—they offer opportunities for lifelong learning. Watching a play, listening to live music, or engaging with cultural events stimulates the mind, sparks imagination, and keeps creativity alive. For many older adults, these experiences can rekindle past passions or even inspire new interests.
Building Social Connections
Attending events is also an excellent way to connect with others. Whether
it’s enjoying a performance with friends, meeting new people in the audience, or sharing a discussion afterward, these shared experiences strengthen social ties. Strong social connections are proven to boost mental health, reduce loneliness, and even promote overall well-being.
Supporting Community and the Arts
Choosing to attend local theaters and events helps sustain the cultural heart of the community. Many theaters and performance groups rely on audience support to continue bringing high-quality productions to the stage. By showing up, older adults not only enrich their own lives but also help preserve the arts for generations to come.
A Perfect Season to Get Out
Autumn offers a cozy, inviting backdrop to enjoy cultural outings. Cooler temperatures make it comfortable to attend events, and the seasonal atmosphere adds to the charm of the experience. From fall festivals to holiday shows beginning to appear on the calendar, there’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy.
Health Benefits You Might Not Expect
Attending live events can also provide health perks. Getting out of the house, walking into a theater, and engaging with others all encourage gentle physical activity. Studies show that staying active and socially engaged contributes to better cognitive function and a stronger immune system—two important factors for healthy aging.
Nostalgia and Joy in the Arts
For many older adults, attending a show brings back fond memories of earlier times—perhaps of date nights at the movies, afternoons at the symphony, or family outings to holiday performances. Revisiting those traditions, or creating new ones, is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and stay connected to what brings joy.
Making Memories That Last
Perhaps most importantly, attending theaters and community events creates lasting memories. Sharing a laugh during a comedy, feeling moved by a powerful performance, or simply spending time together with friends and loved ones can bring joy and fulfillment that lingers long after the curtain closes. Photo credit: Caiaimage/PeopleImages
Social Networks Boost Happiness in Retirement Years
Retirement is often viewed as a time of relaxation and freedom—a welldeserved break after decades of hard work. However, as the pace of life slows down, it’s crucial not to let social connections fade away. Staying socially active during your retirement years is not only enjoyable but also essential for your overall well-being.
In fact, maintaining a vibrant social life can significantly impact your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional happiness. Friendships and social networks provide emotional support, reduce stress, and create a sense of belonging.
Health Benefits of Social Interaction
Numerous studies have shown that staying socially engaged can lead to better health outcomes in retirement. Regular interaction with others has been linked to a lower risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. Social activities encourage movement, whether it’s walking with a friend, participating in group exercise, or dancing at a community event. This physical activity helps keep your body strong and your mind sharp.
Moreover, social engagement stimulates your brain. Conversations, group activities, and even the act of making plans require mental effort, which can help preserve cognitive functions as you age. Seniors who maintain strong social ties are often better at problem-solving, memory retention, and staying mentally agile.
October 25, 2025 Cabaret Baroque
• November 22, 2025
Bella Voce
• January 17, 2026
Trio Mediæval
March 7, 2026 ALBA Consort
• April 18, 2026 Music From China
• May 9, 2026 eConsortNewberry
Our 39th season of concerts performed in landmark Milwaukee venues
One of the greatest risks for retirees is social isolation. Without the daily interactions provided by work or raising a family, it’s easier to feel lonely. Staying socially connected can combat these feelings.
Engaging in social activities can also boost your mood. Laughing with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying group outings can release endorphins—your body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. These positive experiences not only improve your outlook on life but also create a buffer against the challenges that aging can bring.
Building a Sense of Purpose
Retirement can sometimes lead to a loss of identity or purpose, especially if much of your self-worth was tied to your career. Staying social helps you rediscover new passions and roles in your community. Whether it’s volunteering, joining a club, or mentoring others, these activities provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Contributing to your community, whether through volunteer work or simply being a good friend, gives you a reason to get up each day. This sense of purpose can be incredibly rewarding and can help you feel that your retirement years are just as meaningful as any other stage of life.
Opportunities for Lifelong Learning
Social interactions in retirement aren’t just about maintaining old friendships— it is also about making new ones and continuing to learn and grow. Joining groups, attending classes, or participating in community events exposes you to new ideas, skills, and perspectives. you can make for your retirement.
Thallis Hoyt Drake, Founder | Charles Grosz, Executive & Artistic Director
Reducing Stress Can Be as Simple as ABC
By Kalpana (Rose) M. Kumar, M.D.
Over the past three decades, the stress level in our world has escalated. Research has shown stress to be an underlying risk factor for most of the common diseases in our society, in fact, 75 to 90% of all doctor visits have been shown to be for stress related complaints. Stress impacts both our mind and body in unhealthy ways. Understanding the mechanism of the stress response is the first step towards mitigating its negative impact on our bodies. Then, when we learn skills that have been shown to intercept its negative impact on our mind and body, we can reap the lasting benefits that can restore our health and well-being.
What is stress? Stress is defined simply as ‘a pressure or tension exerted on an object.’ This can be physical, mental or emotional in nature. The response generated by a stressor in our body, triggers a physiological cascade of reactions designed to help us survive. The stressor or threat, can be either real or perceived. Both will trigger the same response in the body. When an external event is perceived as a threat, we react automatically or unconsciously to it, in the same way as we do in the presence of a real threat. Our brain perceives either kind of threat as a threat to our survival. Our response against a real threat can save our life, but against a perceived threat will often create disharmony in our mind and body. This is why a skill set to decipher a real from a perceived threat can be so helpful. Learning how to reduce perceived stress can also be lifesaving in the long run, so learning the skills described below, can be an important addition to your tool box for promoting health and well-being.
The biological pathway of the stress response is fascinating. When our senses perceive danger, they send a signal to a part of our brain called the amygdala. This is an area of the brain where emotional processing takes place. The amygdala interprets images and sounds. When it perceives danger, it sends an instant distress signal to the hypothalamus, another part of the brain located in its vicinity. The hypothalamus functions like a command center, and communicates with the rest of our body through the involuntary or autonomic nervous system. This happens without our awareness or control. The amygdala and hypothalamus comprise the limbic system, the part of our brain that reacts and responds to stress.
The autonomic nervous system has two components, sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is like an accelerator in a car. When it is triggered, the autonomic nerves send messages to our adrenal glands to pump out adrenalin. Adrenalin increases our blood pressure and heart rate and sends out a burst of energy through our nervous system that helps increase blood flow in our large muscles that helps us to ‘fight or flee.’ This is commonly known as the ‘fight or flight’ response. The parasympathetic nervous system is like the brakes in a car. It calms the body down after the threat has passed. It is the ‘rest and digest’ response of our body. If our parasympathetic nervous system is not strong and healthy, our body will stay activated long after the stressor has passed.
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When the stress response is prolonged or chronic, our adrenals glands pump out the hormone cortisol, in addition to adrenalin. When the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated repeatedly (as in a stressful job or relationship), cortisol levels remain elevated. Chronically elevated cortisol can wreak havoc in the body, and is thought to be a contributor to many of our chronic diseases. In fact, it also acts as an immu-
STRESS continued on page 13
istock.com/ Yaroslav Astakhov
nosuppressant, causes weight gain, heart disease, ulcers, microbiome disruption and inflammation, anxiety, depression and sleeplessness and many others, independent of lifestyle choices.
When our limbic system is activated, it reacts within nanoseconds, high jacking our gray matter, the executive function of our brain. This nanosecond response is meant for survival only, and nothing more. It triggers us into fighting or fleeing from danger, as described above, rather than offering us the ability to respond in a level headed, conscious manner. In contrast, when our parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it assists us to respond more consciously rather than react by fighting or fleeing. With this engaged, we have more access to consciousness, reason and logic, because unlike the nanosecond sympathetic response, this response takes milliseconds, which is 1x109 times slower. This gives our nervous system time to access our executive function.
The parasympathetic response is so much better for our health than the repeated fight or flight response, that that a company called Heart Math (6), founded by Doc Childre in 1991, developed a scientifically based system to empower people to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and to intercept the impact of the stress response on health. The results of their interventions ranged from the resolution of anxiety and panic, to the resolution of life-threatening arrhythmias. 300 studies have documented the benefits of Heart Math’s protocol for resolving emotional and physical health conditions caused by stress.
Herbert Benson, a prominent Harvard trained cardiologist, also demonstrated the powerful impact of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, in his technique termed the ‘Relaxation Response.’ This too, was a skill set he has taught for the past four decades to intercept the stress response and promote relaxation instead.
Given that we know that the parasympathetic nervous system can be lifesaving and healthier for us, how can we stimulate it more often? I have created a set of tools that can easily intercept the stress response mechanisms and promote a healthier way to encounter a perceived threat. I call it the A, B, C’s, of reducing stress, where A stands for Awareness, B for Breathing and C for Consciousness.
As stated earlier, our sympathetic response highjacks our connection to executive
function, so becoming Aware that we are triggered is a critical first step. In this moment of awareness, we can evaluate if the threat we are feeling is real or perceived. This momentary pause can be enough to short circuit the fight or flight response, and prevent our body from dumping adrenalin and cortisol into our bloodstream. Awareness can buy us enough time to slow down our nervous system from reacting in nanoseconds to responding in milliseconds, enough to engage our executive function. If we realize during this time, that the threat is perceived and not real, we can take the next step to assist us, by engaging conscious Breathing.
Breathing consciously from our abdomen , is an age-old technique known to promote relaxation and centeredness. When we are stressed, our breathing becomes shallow and rapid, but when we breath consciously from our abdomen, (expanding it when we inhale and contracting it when we exhale), we can stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system.
Breathing this way requires practice. When our abdomen expands outward as we inhale, our diaphragm moves downward into the abdomen, stimulating vagus nerve. This stimulates the parasympathetic neurotransmitter, present in the vagus nerve called acetylcholine, which triggers relaxation. In addition, the downward movement of the diaphragm enlarges the chest cavity, increasing oxygen delivery to the heart and vital organs, which supports and relaxes our cardiovascular system. Acetylcholine intercepts our limbic circuitry, allowing greater access to executive function. This offers us the ability to respond more Consciously, offering us access to our maturity and wisdom, by engaging our problem-solving abilities rather than our desire to fight or flee.
So next time you are triggered by a stressor, try using the A, B, C skill set to bring yourself back from an adrenally charged and reactive, fight or flight, adrenalin triggering reaction, to a more centered and conscious response to mitigate the perceived threat. You will be amazed as to how much easier this gets with practice. An added benefit of cultivating this response pattern is that it adds an additional measure of respect towards ourselves and also from others towards us. We unknowingly mentor others around us with our mature and conscious responses to stress which creates a healthy environment around us. I think we could all use a more conscious way of responding during these uncertain times of transformation.
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I’m Gina Ensslin, a licensed sales agent in Southeastern Wisconsin. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Make the most of my knowledge and experience to:
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Healthy routines not only promote well-being but also help older adults remain independent for as long as possible. Maintaining independence is key for dignity and quality of life, while also easing the caregiving burden on family members. By supporting positive habits early, you can help reduce the likelihood of your loved one needing intensive support due to chronic illness or disability later on.
So what are some ways to help the older adults in your life stay healthy, active, and engaged as they age? Read on to discover four strategies that promote both longevity and quality of life.
Stay physically active
Movement is one of the most powerful tools for aging well. Activities like walking, light strength training, or yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Even dancing or drumming to music can be
a fun way to stay active while boosting mood. Research shows that rhythmic activities such as drumming can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve immune function. Encouraging older adults to explore enjoyable movement makes it more likely they’ll stay consistent.
Support brain and memory health
Just as muscles need exercise, so does the brain. Reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or even taking up a musical instrument can help keep the mind sharp. Group drumming circles, for example, have been shown to improve focus and coordination while providing a stimulating mental challenge. These activities foster creativity and can protect against cognitive decline over time.
Encourage social connections
Loneliness and isolation can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Staying connected to others reduces the risks of depression, heart disease, and memory loss. Encourage regular phone calls, community involvement, or participation in group activities. Music is a powerful connector — joining a choir, drumming group, or dance class can help older adults find community and joy through shared experiences.
Manage stress and nurture joy
Chronic stress weakens the body and accelerates aging. Finding healthy outlets for stress is essential. Mindfulness, spending time outdoors, laughter, and music all provide restorative benefits. Group drumming, in particular, combines social engagement, movement, and rhythm, which can be deeply grounding and uplifting. Creating regular moments of joy and calm supports resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
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Food and Mood
In an individual’s lifetime, there are occurrences that lead to stress. Whether it’s due to relationships, work, financial situation, or other stressors, people spend time worrying. At times, stress can feel like a constant.
It’s easy to turn to food when feeling down. This is called emotional overeating, or eating to squash feelings of sadness, fear, anger, boredom, loneliness, and/or stress. It often comes in a form of binge eating, eating whatever is around, sometimes without even realizing it.
Not only is emotional overeating harmful when trying to lose weight, but it can quickly become a pattern that’s hard to break. For example, you feel stressed, so you turn to junk food. Then you feel guilty about it, and that leads you to emotionally overeat. The whole cycle starts over again. So how do you break free?
The following suggestions are from TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy that encourages its members to make lifestyle changes that last a lifetime.
Keep a food and mood diary
Start writing down what you eat, when you eat, and how much you eat. Also jot down how you felt before, during, and after you ate. As this becomes a habit, you may start to notice patterns between food and your mood. For example, you might see a common pattern of eating poorly after a long day at work.
Check in with yourself
Before you reach for that bag or chips or bowl of ice cream, wait a few minutes. While you wait, be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. What’s going on emotionally? This allows you to recognize why you’re eating and might help you to think twice.
Substitute eating for healthier habits
One cause of emotional overeating is boredom. To nip boredom in the bud, try another activity to keep you busy. Read a book, go for a walk, call a friend, listen to music, or play with your pet.
Give yourself grace
If you slip up and overeat, forgive yourself and begin again the next day. Think about how you might try to avoid a similar situation but be sure to focus on the steps forward you’ve already made. Give yourself some credit for trying to establish better eating habits.
Join a support groupLean on family and friends when you’re feeling down. Most TOPS members feel supported by their fellow peers and attribute their weight loss to the support of their fellow chapter members.
Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable, starting at $49 per year in the U.S. and $59 annually in Canada, plus nominal chapter fees. Join TOPS, visit www.tops.org, or call 800932-8677 to learn more about TOPS and to find a local chapter.
istock.com//Albearto van Herckenrode
Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community
Home Care Services!
Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community, a trusted name in the Muskego area for over 40 years, is now offering Home Care Services to area residents!
Tudor Oaks Home Care Services provide a variety of supportive options to assist seniors who wish to remain in their own home.
Some Myths About Nutrition & Physical Activity
Are you overwhelmed by daily decisions about what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat, and how much physical activity you need to be healthy? If so, don’t be discouraged because you’re not alone. With so many choices and decisions, it can be hard to know what to do and which information you can trust.
This information may help you make changes in your daily eating and physical activity habits so that you improve your well-being and reach or maintain a healthy weight.
Food Myths
Myth: To lose weight, you have to give up all your favorite foods.
Fact: You don’t have to give up all your favorite foods when you’re trying to lose weight. Small amounts of your favorite high-calorie foods may be part of your weight-loss plan. Just remember to keep track of the total calories you take in. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in through food and beverages.
TIP: Limiting foods that are high in calories may help you lose weight. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 External link have estimated daily calorie needs based on a person’s age, sex, and physical activity level.
Myth: Grain products such as bread, pasta, and rice are fattening. You should avoid them when trying to lose weight.
Loaf of whole-wheat bread Substituting whole grains for refined-grain products is healthier and may help you feel fuller.
Fact: Grains themselves aren’t necessarily fattening—or unhealthy–although substituting whole grains for refined-grain products is healthier and may help you feel fuller. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommend consuming grains as part of a healthy eating plan External link. At least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains. Examples of whole grains include brown rice and whole-wheat bread, cereal, and pasta. Whole grains provide iron, fiber, and other important nutrients.
TIP: Try to replace refined or white bread with whole-wheat bread and refined pasta with whole-wheat pasta. Or add whole grains to mixed dishes, such as brown instead of white rice to stir fry. Check out ChooseMyPlate for more tips to help you add whole grains External link to your eating plan.
Myth: Choosing foods that are gluten-free will help you eat healthier.
Fact: Gluten-free foods are not healthier if you don’t have celiac disease or are not sensitive to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. A health care professional is likely to prescribe a gluten-free eating plan to treat people who have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten. If you don’t have these health problems but avoid gluten anyway, you may not get the vitamins, fiber, and minerals you need. A gluten-free diet is not a weight-loss diet and is not intended to help you lose weight.
istock.com/Jacob Wackerhausen
TIP: Before you decide to avoid a whole food group, talk with your health care professional if you believe you have problems after you consume foods or drinks with wheat, barley, or rye.
Myth: You should avoid all fats if you’re trying to be healthy or lose weight.
Fact: You do not have to avoid all fats if you’re trying to improve your health or lose weight. Fat provides essential nutrients and should be an important part of a healthy eating plan. But because fats have more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates, or “carbs,” you need to limit fats to avoid extra calories. If you are trying to lose weight, consider eating small amounts of food with healthy fats, such as avocados, olives, or nuts. You also could replace whole-fat cheese or milk with lower-fat versions. Read about food portions and how much food is enough for you.
TIP: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommend consuming less than 10 percent of your daily calories from saturated fats. Try cutting back on solid-fat foods. Use olive oil instead of butter in cooking.
Myth: Dairy products are fattening and unhealthy.
Fact: Dairy products are an important food group because they have protein your body needs to build muscles and help organs work well, and calcium to strengthen bones. Most dairy products, such as milk and some yogurts, have added vitamin D to help your body use calcium, since many Americans don’t get enough of these nutrients. Dairy products made from fat-free or low-fat milk have fewer calories than dairy products made from whole milk. Learn more about the dairy group External link.
TIP: Adults should have 3 servings a day of fat-free or low-fat dairy products, including milk or milk products such as yogurt and cheese, or fortified soy beverages, as part of a healthy eating plan. If you can’t digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, choose fortified soy products, lactose-free or low-lactose dairy products, or other foods and beverages with calcium and vitamin D: Calcium—soy-based beverages or tofu made with calcium sulfate, canned
salmon, or dark leafy greens such as collards or kale, vitamin D—cereals or soy-based beverages.
Myth: “Going vegetarian” will help you lose weight and be healthier.
A couple cooking vegetables Some research shows that a healthy vegetarian eating plan may be linked to lower obesity levels.
Fact: Some research shows that a healthy vegetarian eating plan, or one made up of foods that come mostly from plants NIH external link, may be linked to lower levels of obesity, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of heart disease. But going vegetarian will only lead to weight loss if you reduce the total number of calories you take in. Some vegetarians may make food choices that could lead to weight gain, such as eating a lot of food high in sugar, fats, and calories.
Eating small amounts of lean meats can also be part of a healthy plan to lose or maintain weight. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020 have more information about including meat as part of a healthy eating plan External link.
TIP: If you choose to follow a vegetarian eating plan, be sure you get enough of the nutrients your body needs to be healthy. Read Healthy Eating Tips for Vegetarians External link for more information.
Not all vegetarians are the same.
The types of vegetarian diets eaten in the United States can vary widely. For example, vegans do not consume any animal products, including milk and eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat milk and eggs along with plant foods. Some people have eating patterns that are mainly vegetarian but may include small amounts of meat, poultry, or seafood. Speak with a registered dietitian External link or health care professional if you are concerned about whether your eating plan is providing all of the nutrients you need.
Physical Activity Myths
Myth: Physical activity only counts if you do it for long periods of time.
MYTHS continued on page 39
MDs Offer Tips to Protect Your Vision at Every Age
By Carolyn Vescio & Cheryl Dejewski
Did you know that a human embryo’s eyes begin to develop at week seven? By week 28, a baby’s eyelids are formed and partially open. And, as soon as he or she is welcomed into the world, they will begin taking in vast amounts of visual information. While much of what happens to a person’s eyes over the course of a lifetime is dictated by genetics, there are many steps that can be taken to protect your vision as you age.
Childhood
At birth, an infant’s eyes are checked as part of a comprehensive newborn exam. A baby’s eyes should also be evaluated by his or her pediatrician at six months of age and between the ages of three and four. The doctor will confirm proper development and alignment of the eyes to rule out strabismus (commonly called “crossed eyes,” a condition where the eyes look in different directions) and amblyopia (also known as “lazy eye,” a condition in which vision develops properly in one eye but not the other). Any unusual findings should prompt an immediate referral to an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Since up to 80 percent of learning occurs visually, parents should schedule an eye exam for their child prior to entering kindergarten. The most common eye problem found during these exams is myopia (or, “nearsightedness”)— the inability to see letters or objects at a distance.
As children become more active in sports and other activities, injury prevention becomes increasingly important. Be sure to buy toys that are age appropriate and avoid those that fly or shoot. And, be certain to enforce (and model yourself) the use of proper eye protection, such as safety glasses, swim goggles, sunglasses and hats.
Finding and removing hazards from a child’s environment and providing proper supervision can go a long way in protecting his or her vision. Be sure to keep sharp objects out of reach, lock up poisonous chemicals (like cleaning solutions), and make sure play areas are safe from hard sharp edges. If your child does sustain an eye injury, seek immediate medical attention.
In Your 20s
People in their 20s need to be mindful of many of the common sense things they were told to do as children, such as using proper sun protection. “Ultraviolet (UV) rays can burn your cornea, which is the clear outer layer of your eye,” notes Brett Rhode, MD, senior partner at Eye Care Specialists, one of the state’s leading ophthalmology practices. “UV rays can also lead to the development of cataracts (a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye), and age-related macular degeneration or AMD, (an eye condition in which the
EYE continued on page 22
specialized area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision and color discrimination is damaged). Make sure to wear lenses that are rated to block out 99%-100% of UVA and UVB light. A dark lens does not automatically mean you are getting proper UV protection.”
Safety glasses should be used when working in a hazardous environment, doing activities like wood- or metal-working, and when participating in sports, such as basketball, soccer or skiing. If you wear contact lenses, remember that proper handling, cleaning, storing and wearing habits are essential. Do not sleep with your contact lenses in. If you develop an eye infection (signs include redness, burning or excessive tearing), remove your contact lenses and discontinue use until you see your eye doctor.
“One of the most important things you can do for your eyes, as well as your overall health, is to not smoke. Smoking has been proven to increase the risk and severity of AMD, which is the leading cause of central vision blindness in older Americans, by up to 3-4 times. Smoking has also been linked to cataract development and dry eye disease,” adds Freedman, who is also a continuing education instructor for local physicians.
In Your 30s
Most of us are still lucky enough to have healthy eyes when we reach our 30s, however, the strains of everyday life can take a toll on how our eyes feel. If you are on a computer much of the day, you may notice eye fatigue, difficulty focusing and discomfort. “Computer monitors don’t actually damage vision, but they might cause eye strain,” says Daniel Ferguson, MD, an eye care specialist who sees patients from all walks of life at several locations in the Milwaukee area. “Rearranging your work-station, frequently staring away from the screen, blinking more often, and/or getting proper glasses can often relieve these symptoms. Selecting a high-resolution, anti-glare computer screen and adjusting the text size, contrast, and brightness settings can also improve readability and visual comfort.”
For women, hormonal fluctuations can affect vision. While this is usually temporary and nothing to worry about, you should discuss any changes with
your eye care specialist. Pregnant women may experience dry eyes, puffy eyelids, and migraine headaches that cause light sensitivity. Menopause, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can also affect the moisture and comfort of your eyes. As described later, there are treatment options for dry eye problems.
With family, career and other obligations, it can be challenging to get the rest you need. A good night’s sleep is not only good for your overall health; it can also give you a refreshed “outlook” on the day.
In Your 40s
As you approach your mid-forties, you may develop “presbyopia”—an agerelated decreased ability to focus on near objects that is typically corrected with the use of reading glasses or bifocal lenses.
If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to have a baseline dilated eye exam performed now and every 1-2 years thereafter to examine the overall health of your eyes and check for any developing problems such as glaucoma (a sight-threatening condition typically related to abnormally high fluid pressure inside the eye) and the previously mentioned AMD.
A visit to the eye doctor is essential if you have diabetes to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of high blood sugar levels that damages the blood vessels in the retina and can cause blurring of vision and permanent visual impairment. Keeping blood sugar under control and scheduling regular eye exams with an eye care specialist are two of the best means of protection. “When treatment is necessary, we have been very pleased with the success of medications (like Avastin, Eylea and Lucentis) that can be painlessly injected directly into the eye to decrease leakage from blood vessels and decrease the growth of new abnormal vessels—thus staving off progression of the disease,” states Daniel Paskowitz, MD a skilled ophthalmologist with credentials from both Harvard and Johns Hopkins. “We have seen some amazing results, including not only stabilization of vision, but in some cases, improvement in sight.”
In Your 50s and beyond
EYE continued on page 38
Why Move to a Older Adult Living Community 5 Compelling Reasons
Your loved one deserves to take advantage of new opportunities during their retirement years and live with the peace of mind that they will receive the care they need. Senior living communities offer ease, opportunity and support for an enhanced life.
“We hear from many seniors who struggle with the question, When is it the right time for senior living? Sometimes it is helpful to ask instead, How can a senior living community enhance life right now? At Charter Senior Living, we seek to inspire and support seniors to live their lives to the fullest,” said Tammy Sunderman, Charter’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Some older adults face the choice of either moving in with family or moving into a retirement community. While it can be appealing to live with family members during this time, there are benefits of a senior living community that they might be missing.
Life of Choice and Freedom
Living with family or having a caretaker in the home could help alleviate some of the necessary household chores and responsibilities, but relying on family can feel different than being offered standard services at a senior living community. Many times, feelings of obligation or guilt can strain a relationship.
At most senior living communities, residents can rely on services like exterior and interior home maintenance, meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation. In this way, senior living could provide just what your loved one needs. Whether they are having difficulty completing these kinds of tasks or just want to free up their time to experience the benefits of retirement, these services could vastly improve their lives.
Social Engagements and Recreational Programs
While there is no substitute for living close to family, living in another’s home or having a family caregiver can make it difficult to preserve the traditional roles you play in one another’s life.
Healthy relationships can be pivotal for your loved one’s continued health and happiness. Senior living can help sustain relationships between family members. It can introduce new ways for you to engage with your loved one – and maybe even reintroduce old methods you used to connect. It will also offer your loved one new and varied ways to engage with new people.
Myriad opportunities at a senior living community range from informal gatherings to regularly scheduled fitness classes, craft workshops and outings. Senior living can be whatever your loved one wants – laid-back living
MOVE continued on page 34
Are you in need of new assistive technology, such as an iPad, smart phone (iPhone or Samsung), and want to learn how you can purchase them at a reduced cost with the TEPP Voucher? Visit our state-of-the-art, beautifully renovated Assistive Technology Center and meet at no charge with technology experts to determine your needs for the latest assistive devices. Appointment is preferred. Walk-ins Welcome! Call or visit us today or get more information at hearwi.org We are conveniently located on 102nd and National Ave. Address: 10243 W. National Avenue, West Allis, WI 53227 Phone: 414-604-2200 • Email: info@hearwi.org
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Improving Energy Naturally & Energy Boosting Supplements
If you are experiencing a lack of energy, you do not have to accept it. We encourage people to find the root cause of their lack of energy because energy boosting supplements sometimes don’t even help. Additionally, there are many ways to naturally increase your energy without the consumption of harmful energy drinks or too much caffeine and/or sugar. One of the most common complaints I get from clients is the lack of energy they are suffering from. I often hear, “I only have the energy to get my daily tasks done, and then I’m spent.” Unfortunately, most of my clients just assume that they are getting older and that this is just a part of the aging process. Well, I’m here to tell you that this is the furthest thing from the truth. I have a client who just turned 80 and says her energy is better now than it was 20 years ago!
Improving Energy Naturally & Energy Boosting SupplementsCommon Root Causes for
a Lack of Energy
A lot of times with a lack of energy there is also: the nagging body or muscle fatigue, yawning between 1:00-3:00 in the afternoon, sugar cravings, a lack of focus, disruptive brain fog, and an overall decreased quality of life. This is not the way to live! As a clinical nutritionist and naturopathic practitioner, my first thought when I hear someone complaining of these symptoms is to find the root cause issue of what is going on. Some of the most common root cause issues I find that lead to a lack of energy includes nutritional deficiencies, food allergies or sensitivities, adrenal gland imbalance, an underactive thyroid, and heavy metal or chemical toxicity. At Total Health, we have a variety of tests we use to discover these root cause issues, and how to fix them.
Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies
When it comes to nutritional deficiencies and a lack of energy, the most common nutritional deficiencies I see are B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin C. Sometimes it can be tricky to identify exactly what a person is low in without the proper testing or analysis. For example, you can be iron deficient from a lack of iron, vitamin B12 and/or vitamin B6. Or, you may get blood work done for vitamin D, and be within the medical range and told that your vitamin D levels are just fine. However, the medical range is typically 20-100 ng/mL, while the optimal range of where a person feels best is 60-80 ng/mL. As you can see, you may be told everything looks normal, but that does not mean that you have ideal levels and are functioning optimally.
Addressing Food Allergies or Sensitivities
Food allergies or sensitivities can also play a huge role in energy, or lack thereof. Food allergies or sensitivities may not always show up as a digestive issue; instead, it can affect your energy, cause brain fog, disrupt your sleep, and/or affect your mood. Food sensitivities can take up to 72 hours after ingestion to show symptoms, so identifying them can be difficult. Some of the most common food allergies or sensitivities I see in the clinic are wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, corn, pea protein, and eggs. Identifying your specific food allergies or sensitivities can make a huge difference in not only your energy but also your digestion and overall health.
.Please give the clinic a call for a complimentary 10-15-minute consultation at 262-251-2929 to talk with me or one of the other practitioners.
The CapTel® Captioned Telephone shows word-for-word captions of everything a caller says, letting you read anything you cannot hear over the phone. CapTel is a NO-COST, federally funded technology available under the Americans with Disabilities Act To qualify, users need:
Hearing loss
• Internet connection
• Landline telephone service
New Flower Homes Brings A Fresh Approach to Community Based Residential Living
By Carmen A. Murguia
When you think of a place for you or your loved one to be cared for during a time that you need it the most, what comes to mind? Is it that home-like setting and warm and inviting? Is it having a feeling of being supported as a member of the elderly community or as a person with physical challenges who needs care?
That’s exactly who New Flower Homes is -- complete with a caring team who offer an individualized approach in a supportive atmosphere. New Flower Homes is a comfortable and private 8-bed Community Based Residential Facility new to Grafton with years of experience assisting individuals with daily living activities, medication management, and specialized programs.
New Flower Homes is a home away from home and fosters meaningful connections among residents and staff. At New Flower Homes dignity and respect are key to maintaining a peaceful, relaxed and meaningful lifestyle for everyone. We offer a range of services including assistance with daily living activities, nutritious dining options, recreational activities, and most of all comfortable and clean, living spaces.
New Flower Homes is a State-licensed CBRF compliant with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services regulations and Emergency Preparedness, complete with a unique staff who are compassionate, experienced, attentive, certified, empathetic and licensed caregivers.
Call or write New Flower Homes today to schedule a tour at (414) 5536443 and info@andeyllc@gmail.com.
Also, join us for an Open House on Saturday, September 20th, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 28th, from 1 – 5 p.m. New Flower Homes is conveniently located in Grafton at 1951 1st Avenue.
New Flower Homes – where dignity, care, and purpose bloom EVERY day!
istock.com/iZinkevych
Daily Habits To Keep Your Brain Sharp as You Age
We hear often that keeping our brain sharp as we age is important for maintaining overall health and cognitive function. But what exactly is cognitive function? It’s the mental processes our brains use to think, learn, understand, remember, and solve problems. These functions include attention, perception, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. “In simpler terms,” says Jon Bain, Owner/GM of Right at Home Milwaukee-Waukesha, “cognitive function is the way our brain helps us make sense of the world, process information, and interact with our surroundings.”So, the more often we do things that truly engage our mental abilities (read: avoiding couch potato syndrome), the better off we are as we age. Bain offers these 10 daily habits that can
help protect and promote brain health as you age.
1. Exercise. Engage in regular physical activity to improve blood flow, release endorphins that enhance mood and cognitive function, and promote neuroplasticity. Think of neuroplasticity as the brain’s natural way of adjusting and reshaping itself to help us better navigate and interact with the world.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, for example, have both been linked to better brain health. “It may be better to think of both of these types of eating as just that—eating plans rather than ‘diets,’ per se,” says Bain. “The emphasis is more on healthy eating and less on weight loss.” (Although a healthy lifestyle may lead to weight loss.)
3. Get enough sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to allow your brain to consolidate memories and repair itself. And do what you can to ensure you get both enough sleep and quality sleep.
4. Stay socially active. Engage in social activities and maintain strong relationships to reduce stress, boost mood, and promote cognitive health. Many studies have proven both the negative effects of isolation and loneliness on our mental health and the opposite: the positive impact of being sociable.
5. Challenge your brain. Participate in mentally stimulating activities such as learning a new skill, teaching, or volunteering. People of all ages enjoy problemsolving puzzles such as crosswords or sudoku, but that’s just a start. Beyond problem-solving, seek out activities that involve learning, critical thinking and judgment, and memory skills. Think of balancing your checkbook or making a budget, volunteering on a nonprofit board, taking a class, or joining a discussion group (such as a book group). “An added brain boost with these types of activities is that they often involve connecting and talking with others,” notes Bain.
6. Manage stress. Stress can have a life-changing impact on our mental and physical well-being. Practice healthy stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation or yoga to protect your brain from the negative effects of
SHARP continued on page 39
istock.com/simonapilolla
Living Well, Aging Well
Research has found that individuals who experience a well lived life report a more positive attitude toward aging. Later life can offer greater freedom to be who one is, express oneself and choose what is personally meaningful.
This search for personal meaning is at the heart of a well lived life. Living well means searching for and discovering our unique gifts and interests. It’s traveling that long, sometimes tangled path to develop those gifts and realize our full potential. Living well and aging well is about leaving our unique mark on this world and contributing to other’s well-being.
Making a positive impact, helping others, sharing one’s experiences, making a difference in one’s environment, shows a person that their own life mat-
ters. Living well is discovering and understanding that what we do, even the small, everyday things, really matter and add up to a life that is personally meaningful.
Creating a positive impact, creates a positive outlook on life. Past research has always found a link between an upbeat mental state and improved health, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels, and longer life.
Even though research had suggested an association between positive emotions and health, it didn’t reveal the underlying mechanisms. Now, by using brain imaging, neuroscientists have found that positive emotions can trigger “reward” pathways located deep within the brain, including an area known as the ventral striatum.
In contrast, negative emotions, light up the brain region known as the amygdala, which plays a role in fear and anxiety. Research showed that there was a big difference among people in how quickly or slowly the amygdala recovered following a threat. Those that recovered more slowly were more at risk for a variety of health conditions compared to those who recovered more quickly.
, 2025
Among those who appear more resilient and better able to hold on to positive emotions were people who have practiced various forms of meditation and mindfulness and self-reflection (thinking about the things you find important, that make your life meaningful), which suggests that people can develop the skills needed to make positive, healthful changes.
This is tremendously important. Typically, when given health advice, such as telling couch potatoes to get more active, inactive adults become defensive and come up with reasons why the message doesn’t apply to them. Brain imaging found that if people reflect on things they value before they receive the health message, then their brain’s reward pathways are activated and they are more receptive to the message, i.e. the couch potatoes were much more
WELL continued on page 31
Pet Memorial & Cremation Services
At Treasured Tails Pet Memorial & Cremation Services, we understand the special bond between an owner and their pet can be unlike any other. As pet owners ourselves, we know the importance and we ensure that your pet NEVER leaves our care. Most of the animals we have the honor of caring for are truly considered as a part of their family, as we consider our pets as part of ours as well. We saw the need of this pet service within our neighborhood, and we are honored to be able to provide this with the upmost dignity and care.
When a pet, who is a beloved family member passes, we understand that this can be an extremely emotional and stressful time. For this reason, choosing the right pet crematorium for you and your family is so important. Families are choosing to take care of arrangements in advance to relieve some of this stress. Cremation is becoming an extremely popular option for pet owners. It can be a meaningful way to honor your pet and create a unique legacy to honor the end of a beautiful life. Pet owners can choose to customize a special funeral for their pets, with a prayer service if desired.
At Treasured Tails, pet owners can bring their animals directly to our center. We have a private family area where you can say final goodbyes. We do also offer pick-up services to homes or your vet, charges based on mileage. We do NOT offer euthanasia services within our facility, but we will be happy to work with your vet to ensure a private, dignified transfer to our facility or recommend you to private and/or in-home euthanasia services.
There are countless ways of memorializing a furry friend using nose prints, paw prints, lockets of fur, jewelry and many other options of pet memorial products we offer. We have a wide variety of urn options, including personalized pieces. People often choose cremation for their furry loved ones so they can be kept in the home within an urn that can be specifically designed for cats, dogs, or any pet that you may wish to keep close to you. Alternatively, a pets’ remains may be kept so that in the end they may be mixed with your own, allowing you to be buried together or scattered together to spend eternal rest with each other.
Cremation enables many people to feel as though they were able to properly remember their beloved pet, and this can play a key role in the mourning process. We are honored to be able to provide these services to the Southeastern Wisconsin area.
Treasured Tails Pet Memorial & Cremation – 225 Eagle Lake Ave. Mukwonago, WI 53149 . www.treasuredtailsmukwonago.com
Rozga Funeral & Cremation – Established in 1898, www.rozgafuneral. com
WELL from page 30
likely to get moving! This research has shown that we can open the brain to positive change and help people achieve their health goals.
Being open to positive change is a key to emotional wellness. It’s easy to feel that emotions just happen, kind of like the weather. But now research suggests that we can have some control over which emotions we experience. And research has shown that having a positive mindset can help improve our physical health.
As we grow older and gain life experience, it’s helpful to focus on what is important to us to help motivate us to change our daily habits.
No Matter Our Age:
Eat Better, Move Better, Feel Better
Most people have heard about the study that came out last year from the Center for Disease control and Prevention. Only 1 in 10 adults are eating enough fruits and vegetables.
The report highlights that very few Americans eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables every day, putting them at risk for chronic disease like diabetes and heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity and other conditions.
Our specially trained staff will ensure your loved one is treated with dignity and care, AND as a family member you can look forward to your visits because of all the fun things you can do together right here on our campus!
Complete Care specializes in short term rehabilitation to get you back home safely, and long term care. Be at peace knowing your loved one is receiving outstanding care with the amenities of home in a serene setting.
Complete Care specializes in short term rehabilitation to get you back home safely, and long term care. Be at peace knowing your loved one is receiving outstanding care with the amenities of home in a serene setting.
Find a Complete Care center near you to learn more and schedule a tour!
Find a Complete Care center near you to learn more and schedule a tour!
GLENDALE CARE AND REHAB CENTER
6263 N Green Bay Avenue, Glendale, WI 53209
414.351.0543 | glendalecrc.com
GRANDE PRAIRIE CARE AND REHAB CENTER
GLENDALE CARE AND REHAB CENTER
10330 Prairie Ridge Blvd, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
HALES CORNERS CARE CENTER
262.612.2800 | grandeprairiecrc.com
OUR CARE SERVICES
• Inpatient Dialysis
OUR CARE SERVICES
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
• Inpatient Dialysis
• Wound Care
• Behavioral Health
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
• Respite Care
• Wound Care
• VA Contracting
• And Much More
• Behavioral Health
• Respite Care
• VA Contracting
RIDGEWOOD CARE CENTER
3205 Wood Road, Racine, WI 53406 262.554.6440 | ridgewoodcarecenter.com
SOUTHPOINTE CARE AND REHAB CENTER 4500 West Loomis Road, Green�ield, WI 53220
RIDGEWOOD CARE CENTER
414.325.5300 | southpointecrc.com
6263 N Green Bay Avenue, Glendale, WI 53209
9449 W Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners, WI 53130
3205 Wood Road, Racine, WI 53406
414.351.0543 | glendalecrc.com
GRANDE PRAIRIE CARE AND REHAB CENTER
KENSINGTON CARE AND REHAB CENTER 1810 Kensington Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188 262.548.1400 | kensingtoncareandrehab.com
414.529-6888 | www.halescornerscarecenter.com
10330 Prairie Ridge Blvd, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
262.612.2800 | grandeprairiecrc.com
KENSINGTON CARE AND REHAB CENTER
1810 Kensington Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188
262.548.1400 | kensingtoncareandrehab.com
VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS CARE AND REHAB CENTER W173 N 10915 Bernie’s Way, Germantown, WI 53022 262.509.3300 | virginiahighlandscrc.com
262.554.6440 | ridgewoodcarecenter.com
SOUTHPOINTE CARE AND REHAB CENTER 4500 West Loomis Road, Green�ield, WI 53220 414.325.5300 | southpointecrc.com
VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS CARE AND REHAB CENTER W173 N 10915 Bernie’s Way, Germantown, WI 53022 262.509.3300 | virginiahighlandscrc.com
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Building a Timeline for Moving into a Senior Living Community
For an aging parent, making the transition to move into a senior living community can be challenging, especially if that person lived in the same place for many decades. But with the proper planning, the experience can go very smoothly. Senior living communities offer beautiful living accommodations, delicious meals, great amenities, and engaging activities.
As you think about the physical logistics involved in moving an older parent to a senior living community, here are some helpful ideas about breaking the process into a timeline.
8 Weeks Before
Most seniors have accumulated many possessions over the years, and one of the most important steps in the moving process is to pare down your loved one’s belongings as much as possible by eliminating unwanted or unneeded items. Focusing on downsizing is also the perfect time to recall and share many wonderful family memories. Reminiscing about past experiences together will help your parent lessen any anxiety that they might be feeling.
6 Weeks Before
Contact family members to come pick up any items that they want to keep from your parent’s home. Because you will be on a tight time schedule, it’s important to give them a deadline, so you can continue the moving process in an orderly fashion. For items that are leftover, arrange for them to be donated to a local consignment or thrift store, as they are bound to be useful to someone else.
This is also a good time of change your parent’s mailing address, as well alert their doctor, cable company and utilizes about the move.
No matter your need, we have the right community for you. Get started finding the perfect new home for you or your loved one today!
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4 Weeks Before
By this point with the move only a month away, you should know exactly where your loved one’s living space will be in the community. Get the dimensions of their new apartment so you can plan for what furniture, art work, electronics and other items to bring. Decorating ideas can be considered during this time as well.
1 Week Before
With only one week to go, be sure to gather all important documentation that your parent will need such as wills, medical records, power of attorney documents, financial records, birth certificates, military records or passports. Also, be sure to pack an “essentials” bag with everything that they will need upon arriving at the new community. This should include several days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, medication and other important items that they will want to access right away.
Welcoming Them to Their New Home!
When your loved one arrives at their new home at the senior living community, you can rest assured that they will be warmly welcomed by everyone, including staff members and fellow residents.
from page 24
with a few social engagements or an active pursuit toward personal growth and fulfilling relationships.
Peace of Mind for the Whole Family
In some cases, families have had to rearrange their schedules or adjust their lives to provide essential home care to their loved one. This arrangement is only ideal in the short term, especially when a family member steps up as caregiver. Caregiver burnout can be detrimental to both the one providing care and to the relationship between loved ones.
Assisted Living or Memory Care within a retirement community can provide personalized care that prioritizes dignity and choice and allows your loved one to live with as much independence as possible. The security this gives families cannot be overstated. Relationships can continue as they’ve always been, and family members can rest assured that their loved one is being cared for and treated with respect.
A Focus on Wellness
Depending on the needs of your family member, keeping them healthy can feel like a full-time job. You may be scheduling appointments with their health care team or managing medications. You may be serving them completely different meals than the other members of your family. You might even need to arrange transportation to doctor’s appointments for them.
Imagine if those responsibilities could be lifted from your shoulders! When your loved one moves into senior living, they can access wellness opportunities, exercise classes and healthy dining options right there on campus. Senior living staff can also oversee medications and appointment transportation as needed.
Access to Senior Care Services
There are limits to the kind of support a caregiver can offer. At some point, the drawbacks of administering care in a setting that is ill-equipped for these services will reveal its drawbacks.
Many senior living communities offer a continuum of medical care that is customizable to your loved one’s changing needs. They can enter Independent Living and enjoy the multitude of amenities and activities, and at the point at which they require more support, they can then access the care provided by Assisted Living or Memory Care.
You can be sure that your loved one has what they need and is living a more fulfilling life, and you can rest assured that you are doing the right thing for them. Sometimes the best choice can actually increase the independence of all parties involved. Moving your loved one to senior living certainly falls in this category!
The Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Walking Daily
By: KURU Footwear
While it might seem trivial, walking plays a pivotal role in enhancing our overall well-being. From those who stand and move around all day at work to those who carve out time for a deliberate evening stroll, every step counts towards better physical, emotional, and mental health.
Discover the myriad benefits of walking with our comprehensive guide on the top ten reasons to walk daily. Not only will it boost your fitness levels, but it will also uplift your mood and improve your overall health. So, why wait?
Lace up those shoes and step towards a healthier you!
Key Takeaways
Regular walking enhances cardiovascular health, supports weight loss, and improves mental well-being by reducing stress and boosting mood.
Walking requires no special equipment or planning—just comfortable shoes—and can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine for longterm health benefits.
Choosing supportive, well-fitted shoes can make your walking routine more comfortable, reducing strain on your feet and improving your overall experience.
1. Walk for Weight Loss
Considering effective weight loss strategies? Walking is a low-impact way to burn calories and shed pounds. A brisk 30-minute walk at 3.1 mph can burn approximately 150 calories, depending on your weight and pace. Over time, these calories add up, making walking an effective tool for weight management.
Tips for Weight Loss Through Walking
Increase Your Pace: Gradually increase your speed for a brisk walk that challenges your cardiovascular system.
Incorporate Intervals: Alternate between slow and fast walking to boost calorie burn and engage more muscles.
Track Your Steps: Use a pedometer or fitness app to set daily step goals. for 10,000 steps a day can significantly improve your fitness levels.
Among all aerobic exercises, walking stands out for its convenience. It can be done almost anywhere, whether you’re at home, traveling, or working. No special gear or planning is needed—just put on a comfortable pair of shoes, and you’re good to go.
Incorporate Walking into Your Day
Take short walking breaks during work to refresh your mind.
Choose stairs over elevators for extra steps.
Park farther away from your destination to sneak in a mini workout.
Enjoy Autumn living in your
istock.com/ Valerii Apetroaiei
3. Walk for a Stronger Heart
Walking is synonymous with cardiovascular health. Regular walks can effectively reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and boost HDL (good cholesterol). The Stroke Association even highlights that a daily 30-minute walk can cut stroke risks by up to 27%.
Heart-Healthy Walking Tips
Aim for a brisk pace that slightly increases your heart rate.
Incorporate inclines or stairs to further challenge your cardiovascular system.
Stay consistent—make walking a daily habit for long-term benefits.
4. Walk To Ward Off Diseases
Did you know? Consistent walking can slash your chances of type 2 diabetes by a whopping 60% and decrease risks of colon, breast, and womb cancer by around 20%. It also improves insulin sensitivity, helping regulate blood sugar levels.
How Walking Helps Prevent Disease
Walking strengthens the immune system, reducing the likelihood of infections.
It lowers inflammation, a key contributor to many chronic illnesses.
Regular walks support a healthy metabolism, crucial for overall disease prevention.
5. Walk To Shield Your Brain
Walking isn’t just great for your body—it also benefits your brain. Studies reveal that people who walk at least six miles per week are less likely to experience brain shrinkage as they age. Walking also improves memory, focus, and cognitive function, making it a powerful tool for maintaining mental sharpness.
Walking for Cognitive Health
Walk outdoors to combine physical activity with mood-boosting effects of nature.
Engage in mindfulness during your walk, focusing on your breath and surroundings.
Try “brain games” while walking, like counting your steps backward or solving puzzles in your head.
6. Walk To Tone
Walking engages multiple muscle groups, including your legs, glutes, and core. Over time, regular walking helps tone these areas, improving muscle definition and posture. If you walk with proper form, you’ll also strengthen your lower back and pelvic muscles.
Ways to Maximize Toning
Walk on different terrains, such as hills or trails, to activate more muscles.
Add light hand weights or a weighted backpack for extra resistance. Focus on engaging your core while walking to improve balance and tone your midsection.
7. Walk To Soak Up Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immunity, and overall well-being, yet many people are deficient due to spending too much time indoors. A walk in the sunshine helps your body produce vitamin D naturally, promoting stronger bones and better immune function.
Smart Sunlight Exposure Tips
Walk during morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin while still reaping the benefits of sunlight.
Combine your walk with other outdoor activities, like gardening or playing with your pet.
8. Walk For More Energy
Feeling sluggish? A walk might be the perfect remedy. Unlike caffeine or energy drinks, walking provides a natural energy boost by increasing blood flow and oxygen to your cells. It also enhances the production of endorphins, leaving you refreshed and invigorated.
Stay Consistent: Make walking a non-negotiable part of your day by incorporating it into your routine. www.kurufootwear.com.
A Senior Living Community with a Continuum of Care
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan on the East Side of Milwaukee, Ovation Communities offers independent and assisted living apartments as well as skilled-nursing, rehabilitation, and a new state-of-the-art memory care community, allowing residents to age in place while living every day to the fullest!
TRIP from page 6
Lightweight jackets, cardigans, and scarves can be easily added or removed as needed. Comfortable shoes are another must—make sure they’re broken in and suitable for the activities you have planned. Whether you’re strolling through a museum or navigating cobblestone streets, you’ll want shoes that support your feet and keep you comfortable.
Important Documents and Money
When traveling, having your important documents in order will give you peace of mind. Ensure you bring your ID, passport (if traveling internationally), insurance cards, and copies of your travel itinerary. It’s also smart to keep a copy of your passport and other vital documents in a separate location, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
In terms of money, it’s a good idea to carry a mix of payment methods. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, it’s still useful to have some local currency on hand, especially for small purchases or in more remote areas. Keep your cash, cards, and ID in a secure, easy-to-reach place, like a money belt or neck pouch, to prevent theft or misplacement.
Assistive Listening
Devices and Accessories
For those who wear assistive listening devices like hearing aids, traveling with the necessary components is a must. In addition to packing extra batteries or a charging station, you may want to bring a protective case for your device or a dehumidifier to protect them from moisture if you’re traveling to a humid or rainy destination. Don’t forget a compact cleaning kit to keep your devices functioning optimally throughout your trip!
Travel Insurance and Emergency Information
While we hope for smooth travels, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Travel insurance can cover a variety of situations, from trip cancellations to medical emergencies. Travel insurance may offer you peace of mind if anything unexpected were to happen.
Also, make sure you have emergency contact information handy. This should include local emergency services, the contact details of your hotel, and a list of family members or friends you can reach in case of an emergency. Many smartphones allow you to store emergency information on your lock screen, which can be accessed even if your phone is locked.
Entertainment and Snacks
Whether it’s a long flight or a quiet evening in your hotel, having some form of entertainment can make your trip more enjoyable. Download books, podcasts, or movies to your tablet or phone ahead of time so you’re not dependent on spotty Wi-Fi or expensive data charges. A puzzle book, knitting project, or travel-sized game can also keep you entertained during downtime.
Don’t forget to pack some snacks for the journey. Having healthy options like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit can help keep you energized without having to rely on airport or convenience store food. Staying hydrated is just as important, so pack a refillable water bottle to ensure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout your travels.
With the right preparation, your next trip can be both enjoyable and stress-free. By packing the essentials, you’ll feel confident and ready to handle whatever comes your way.
EYE from page 22
This clouding may take years or just months to progress.” Six out of 10 people over age 60, and almost everyone over age 80 has or has had a cataract. The only effective treatment is to make an opening in the eye, surgically remove the cloudy lens (cataract), and replace it with an intraocular lens implant to once again focus light rays onto the retina.
Raciti adds, “These steps and regular exercise are all beneficial to your ability to see life to the fullest—now and in the future.”
For FREE handouts on the eye conditions mentioned in this article (amblyopia, strabismus, cataracts, dry eyes, AMD, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, vitamins for your eyes, or eye safety) call Eye Care Specialists Community Education hotline at 414-321-7520 ext. 207. More information is also available at www.eyecarespecialists.net Photo from page 23 istock.com/piksel
MYTHS from page 19
Fact: You don’t need to be active for long periods to get the amount of regular physical activity recommended in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition External link, (PDF, 14.2MB) which is at least 150 minutes, or 2 hours and 30 minutes, of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. An example of moderate-intensity activity is brisk walking. You can spread these sessions out over the week and even do short, 10-minute spurts of activity 3 times a day on 5 or more days a week.
TIP: Find ways to build short bursts of physical activity into your day. While at work, take a 10-minute walking break or have a “walking,” rather than a “sitting” meeting, if work and schedule permit. Use stairs instead of an elevator or escalator. Get off the bus one stop early. Meet a friend for a walk, instead of a meal.
Myth: Lifting weights is not a good way to improve your health or lose weight because it will make you “bulk up.”
A woman using hand weights Do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.
Fact: Lifting weights or doing other activities 2 or 3 days a week that may help you build strong muscles, such as push-ups and some types of yoga, will not bulk you up. Only intense strength training, along with certain genes, can build large muscles. Like other kinds of physical activity, muscle-strengthening activities will help improve your health and also may help you control your weight by increasing the amount of energy-burning muscle.
TIP: Using large rubber bands, or resistance bands, or doing sit-ups or household or yard chores that make you lift or dig, may help you build strong muscles. Don’t just sit there!
SHARP from page 29
documented.
7. Prioritize mental health. Managing stress isn’t the only element of protecting brain health. Anxiety, fear, sadness and depression all take a toll—in fact, it’s easy for these negative feelings to accumulate over time. Seek help from a professional to maintain your cognitive function.
8. Stay organized. Create routines and use tools like calendars or lists to keep your mind decluttered and focused. Staying organized reduces the amount of mental effort required to remember and track tasks, appointments, and other daily responsibilities. This allows your brain to focus on more important cognitive tasks and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. What’s more, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment that, in turn, can boost your self-esteem.
9. Limit alcohol and tobacco use. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking have been linked to cognitive decline, so it’s important to consume alcohol in moderation and avoid smoking altogether. “In fact,” says Bain, “the most recent research is telling us that no amount of alcohol is healthy for us.”
About Right at Home of Milwaukee - Waukesha
The Right at Home Milwaukee – Waukesha office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC. For more information, contact Right at Home at www.carerah.com, at 262-347-3005 or by email at info@ carerah.com.
Stair Crest
S67W14765 Janesville Road Muskego, WI
414-367-2400
StairCrest.org
Fairway Knoll
N112W17500 Mequon Road Germantown, WI
262-735-7900
FairwayKnoll.org
Avalon Square
222 Park Place Waukesha, WI
262-446-9300
AvalonSquare.org
Kirkland Crossings*
700 Quinlan Drive Pewaukee, WI
262-695-5800
KirklandCrossings.org
Dickson Hollow W156N4881Pilgrim Road Menomonee Falls, WI
