209 Senior Living #32

ISSUE #32 - OCTOBER 2021

FRIENDSHIPS Building new ones

SAFETY IN THE HOME

ISSUE #32

●

October 2021

PUBLISHER / OWNER Hank Vander Veen EDITOR Kristina Hacker ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman SALES & MARKETING

THE SPIRIT OF

Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Corey Rogers

Premier Senior Living

Karen Olsen Melody Wann

in the heart of Modesto

Charles Webber

To advertise in the next Senior Living, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141

Schedule your tour today!

(209) 528-0942 www.stratfordbp.com

121 S. Center St. 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380

©Copyright 2020. 209 Senior Living All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Senior Living is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Senior Living are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Senior Living management or owner. 209 Senior Living assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

3529 Forest Glenn Dr. Modesto, CA 95355

RCFE# 50702509

OCTOBER 2021

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C O N T E N T S

Hospice Palliative Care

BATHROOM SAFETY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Pediatric Care

CHARITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Alexander Cohen Hospice House

Your community’s nonprofit hospice, embracing individuals and families facing life-changing journeys, enhancing quality of life for all since 1979.

SAVING MONEY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Grief Support Hope Counseling Crisis Response

NEW FRIENDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Camp Erin® of the Central Valley

Friends of Community Hospice

PET CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Admissions 7 Days a Week

FINANCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 THINKING ABOUT FITNESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Designer decorated trees and wreaths will be on display in the windows of participating Merchants of McHenry Village from

November 3-29, 2021.

GIFTING IDEAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

TREE AND WREATH AUCTION WILL BE OPEN NOVEMBER 3-29 ON HANDBID. Search: Fantasy of Trees 2021.

STAYING HEALTHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Educational Classes and Resources Hope Chest Thrift Stores 209.578.6300 hospiceheart.org

VALLEY OAK DENTAL GROUP Serving the community since 1979 General Dentistry Dr. Bonnie Morehead Dr. Ron Joseph Dr. Rudy Ciccareli

Dr. Daman Saini Dr. Elizabeth Grecco

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Mark Grecco

Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Mohammad El Farra

Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence. Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children. We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite. Our Oral Surgery Department provides general anesthesia and I.V. sedation in a safe, professional environment.

(209) 823-9341

www.valleyoakdentalgroup.com

Members of • California Dental Association • American Dental Association • San Joaquin P.P.A.

1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca • Between Airport and Union OCTOBER 2021

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MINOR SETBACK. EPIC COMEBACK.

Comprehensive care for joint pain can get you moving again.

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON SUPPORT Life can be so much better with less joint pain. At Emanuel Medical Center and Doctors Hospital of Manteca, we have treatment options from pain management and physical therapy to minimally invasive surgery. Our caring teams are here to help get you back in motion for the life you want to live.

Find an Orthopedist EmanuelMedicalCenter.org (833) 330-7398 DoctorsManteca.com (888) 901-0858 OCTOBER 2021

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209 SENIOR LIVING | BATHROOM SAFETY

How to prevent slips and falls in the bathroom

Bathrooms can serve as sanctuaries, providing a warm tub to soak in after a long, weary day or a private place to retire for a few minutes of peace and quiet.

Bathrooms also can be dangerous places, as various groups warn that most slip and fall accidents that occur at home will happen in the bathroom.

The combination of hard surfaces and moisture from sinks and showers can create dangerous conditions. Furthermore, bathrooms tend to be small spaces, so should a fall occur, it’s more likely a person will hit various surfaces on the way down.

The risk of falling in a bathroom increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors over age 65 have a 25

percent chance of falling in the bathroom.

Seniors generally have less flexibility and balance than younger people, meaning falls can be life-threatening. Bones easily can become fractured and internal bleeding may occur in serious cases. Bathrooms can be made more safe in a few simple ways.

• Keep the bathtub clean. Soap residue or other grime can contribute to slippery conditions in the shower and tub.

Cleaning these surfaces frequently can improve traction.

• Declutter the space. Remove extraneous items from the bathroom that can pose as tripping hazards.

• Choose the right bath mat. Bath mats can contribute to slips and falls. For those OCTOBER 2021

who cannot live without them, choose a mat with slip-resistant backings and add double-faced tape for added security.

• Limit moisture. Use a weighted shower curtain or install shower doors to prevent water from getting on the floor. Mop up any water or additional condensation to help dry the bathroom. Install an exhaust fan to help vent moisture that can condense and accumulate on the floor and fixtures.

• Improve bathroom lighting. Make sure lighting in the bathroom illuminates all areas.

• Wear non-slip shoes. Wearing nonslip shoes when in the bathroom can reduce the chances of slipping on wet floors.

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• Install a walk-in shower or bathtub.

These lipless fixtures can assist those who have difficulty entering a standard tub or shower. Grab bars also can help with maneuvering in and out of the shower area.

• Use a raised toilet seat. A raised toilet, or one with a special seat that reduces the distance one has to go to reach a seated position, may help prevent falls.

Any individual with a health condition that causes vision disturbances or difficulties with balance should work with a doctor to find a resolution. These conditions may contribute to falls. vering in and out of the shower area.

209 SENIOR LIVING | CHARITY

How to include giving in your estate plan

Charitable giving is the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations. The generosity of donors helps charities meet their missions and provide vital services to people facing disease, financial hardship and other situations they cannot overcome on their own.

Many donors make sacrifices to support their favorite causes and charities. Forgoing certain luxuries so money can be donated to charity illustrates the selfness nature of charitable giving, which can even continue after death. Estate planning is a complicated process that details exactly how a person wants their assets divvied up after death.

But an estate plan also can go into effect while individuals are still alive.

Each year, millions of people across the globe choose to include charitable giving in

their estate plans, and that can benefit charities and donors. The following are a handful of the many ways charitable men and women can incorporate giving into their estate plans.

• Bequest giving in a will or living trust.

Perhaps the most widely known way to include charitable giving in an estate plan is to bequeath money in a will or living will.

The Community Foundation Alliance notes that bequests typically allow donors to define how their donations will be spent or utilized. That benefits charitable organizations, but surviving family members also can benefit from such arrangements.

According to LawDepot.com, individuals may be able to lower the estate taxes on their estates at their time of death if they bequeath money to an eligible charitable OCTOBER 2021

organization in their wills.

• Consider a charitable rollover. The Internal Revenue Service notes that individuals with an IRA, SEP IRA, Simple IRA, or retirement plan account generally must begin withdrawing money from these accounts when they reach age 72. These withdrawals are called required minimum distributions and they are considered taxable income. However, individuals who want to give to charity can opt for a Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. A QCD counts toward the minimum distribution from retirement accounts and individuals will not be taxed on the money they donate to charity. That’s a win-win for charities and individuals 72 and over who do not need to withdraw money from their IRAs to meet daily living expenses.

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• Donate via a charitable remainder trust. A charitable remainder trust, or CRT, allows individuals to set up a trust that benefits both a designated beneficiary and a charity or charities of their choosing. When a CRT is set up, a beneficiary will receive annual payments from the trust until it terminates, at which time the remaining funds in the trust are donated to charity. The philanthropy experts at Fidelity Charitable note that individuals can name themselves as the beneficiaries of the trust, which ensures they will have an income during retirement and that their favorite charities will be supported when the trust expires.

Individuals who want to make charitable giving part of their estate plan can do so in various ways.

PRESTIGE is Here To Help Caregivers

What We Offer: Assisted Living Memory Care Dementia Care Post-rehab Care Hospice Care

FREE WEBINAR: Caring for the Caregiver with Laura Vaillancourt TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 · 10:00 AM PST Here at Prestige Assisted Living at Manteca, we know the challenges that come with caring for a loved one in their senior years.

In a highly-staffed, family-like environment SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! 209-595-1028

From the practical standpoint of working their care and medical appointments into your already busy life, to the emotional toll of watching your loved one go through the aging process, it can be a lot to deal with.

It can be particularly difficult for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Not only are you trying to balance their daily needs and appointments, but doing so while watching their cognitive decline advance and chip away at the person you’ve always known.

www.assistedlivingmodesto.com

Locations in Modesto, Riverbank and Oakdale

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), in 2020 there were nearly 42 million American adults providing caregiving to a senior in their life, an increase of nearly eight million people in just five years. As the Boomer generation ages, it’s a number that is projected to continue growing.

• Security • Scheduled Outings • Library • Laundry & Linen Service • Salon • Indoor Pool • Scheduled Activities • Fitness Classes • Bible Studies

At Prestige Assisted Living at Manteca, we’re here to help. If you’re a caregiver struggling with the physical and emotional stress, we have an upcoming webinar you won’t want to miss.

On Tuesday, November 16 at 10 a.m. Pacific time, Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Geriatric Mental Health Specialist Laura Vaillancourt will be hosting a free webinar entitled: “Caring for the Caregiver; How to Find Your Ground, Even When You Feel Lost.” In it, she will be offering advice and guidance to people acting as caregivers for a loved one.

You can also hear more from her in her podcast, “Life on Repeat”, which is for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.

“ There’s a lot to love at Bethany.”

To sign up for the free webinar, visit PrestigeCanHelp.com

We invite you to come visit and see for yourself why so many people love Bethany Home. But the very best things at Bethany can’t be seen. They are experienced by our residents every day.

OCTOBER 2021

Prestige Assisted Living at Manteca 1130 Empire Ave. Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 239-4531 www.PrestigeCare.com

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License No.: 397004125

209 SENIOR LIVING | SAVING MONEY

Ways to cut costs during retirement

The average person will spend more than 50 years in the employment sector. As retirement draws closer, many professionals begin to daydream about giving up the commute and having more time to pursue their personal interests.

Even if planning for retirement has been many years in the making, it can take some time for a person to become acclimated to having less income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “older households,” which are defined as those run by someone age 65 and older, spent an average of $45,756 in 2016, or roughly $3,800 a month. That’s roughly $1,000 less than the monthly average spent by typical American households. Housing, transportation, health care, and food are some of the biggest bills retirees will have to account for. Aiming to have savings in addition to any other retirement income or government subsidy coming in to cover that amount is a step in the right direction.

Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible.

• Know where your money is going. It’s impossible to save without knowing what your expenses are each month. Many people are surprised to learn how much little things add up over the course of a month.

For example, spending $4 for a take-out coffee each day can quickly become an expensive luxury. Add all expenses and see where you can trim, especially if there’s a deficit each month.

• Consider extra health care. In the United States, Medicare participants can choose Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to help reduce out-of-pocket health

care costs. Medicare Parts A and B only cover some of your health care costs.

Supplemental insurance can cover some of the costs not covered by original medicare, like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance, according to AARP. • Pare down on possessions. Take inventory of what you have and scale back where possible. If you are no longer commuting to work, you may be able to become a one-car household. Downsizing your residence can help seniors avoid spending too much of their retirement time and money maintaining their homes.

• Take advantage of senior discounts.

Take advantage of the many discounts that are offered to seniors. Retirees can usually save on restaurants, travel, groceries, and much more by simply shopping on specific days or verifying their age when checking out.

• Purchase less expensive life insurance.

According Cheapism, a site that advises consumers about how to be more frugal, the chief purpose of life insurance is to replace income to ensure the financial security of dependents in the event of death.

Retirees may have no dependents and little income. Therefore, a large life insurance policy may not be necessary, especially if you’ve already set aside funds to cover funeral costs.

• Pay off a mortgage. Housing is many people’s most substantial expense. Paying off a mortgage can free up more money each month and allow retirees to spend their golden years doing as they please.

As retirement nears, adults can employ various strategies to reduce their monthly expenses.

OCTOBER 2021

SEVA HOSPICE

A COMMUNITY OF PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU AND THE ONES YOU LOVE.

PROVIDING PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES. CALL US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SERVICES.

5330 PIRRONE ROAD SUITE 303 SALIDA, CA 95368 INFO@SEVAHOSPICE.COM PHONE: 209-846-9488 LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED 8

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A family you can rely on.

The Allen family has been providing family-centered care for more than 69 years.

We are proud to be the only family-owned funeral home in the Turlock area.

247 N. Broadway-Turlock 209.634.5829 www.allenmortuary.com 209-634-5829

FD 432

OCTOBER 2021

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209 SENIOR LIVING | NEW FRIENDS

How to build friendships in your golden years

Making friends as a child or even as a parent to school-aged children is relatively easy. Classrooms and school functions facilitate the building of friendships. Even as one gets older and enters the workforce, it’s not uncommon for people to become friends with their coworkers.

As people near retirement age, their situations may have changed considerably.

Children have moved out, careers are coming to an end and friendships may be hard to maintain due to people relocating or traveling. Older adults may aspire to make new friends, but they may not know how.

According to Irene S Levine, Ph.D., The Friendship Doctor and contributor to Psychology Today, it is not unique for

seniors to want to make new friends. Age can be a barrier because there are stereotypes that pigeonhole people of certain ages. But Levine notes that state of mind and physical ability is not directly tied to chronological age. Making friends is possible at any age. These guidelines can help along the way.

• Explore online connections. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Gerontology found seniors (even those in their 80s) who stay connected with friends and family using social media report feeling less lonely and better overall.

Connected seniors also demonstrated higher executive reasoning skills. There are plenty of ways to meet new people online by joining social media groups that OCTOBER 2021 10

cater to your interests. In person meetings in particular cities or regions of the country also can make for great ways to make new friends. Exercise caution when meeting people in person after contacting them online. Bring another person along, whether it’s a spouse or an adult child, to ensure that you are safe.

• Volunteer your time. One way to meet new people is to get involved with causes or activities you love. This serves the double benefit of getting you outside and active and puts you in touch with people who share your passions and interests.

• Attend alumni events. If you have an interest getting in touch with someone from your past and reconnecting, make SENIOR LIVING

the time to attend school reunions and other alumni activities. It can be fun to reconnect with friends from high school or college.

• Join a gym. The local gym isn’t just a great place to get physically fit. Group exercise classes also can be ideal places to meet other people who enjoy working out.

Strike up a conversation with another class participant you see on a regular basis.

Once you develop a rapport, schedule lunch dates so your friendship grows outside of the gym.

Making friends is not just for the young. Men and women over 50 also can find ways to build new friendships.

209 SENIOR LIVING | PET CARE

H o w t o m a ke a g i n g pets more comfortable

Pets are valued members of many families, and their owners typically do everything they can to ensure their furry friends live as comfortably as possible.

Care becomes even more important as pets get older. Just like people, aging pets may eat less and sleep more. They may have reduced stamina and even experience stiffness when getting up from sleep.

Certain pets may experience failing eyesight, hearing loss and/or incontinence.

According to an American Pet Products Association survey, 67 percent of U.S. households have a pet and will have to cope with that pet becoming a senior at some point. Senior animals might need a little extra help as they age, particularly with regard to comfort. These tips can help.

• Visit the vet more often. Senior pets

may need to see the vet more frequently than they used to. Pets typically visit the vet every year. Senior pets may require two visits per year. Speak with a veterinarian about how often your aging pet should come in for checkups. Checkups can help identify illnesses earlier and ensure any aches and pains are addressed immediately.

• Invest in comfort devices. Pets may need items that can accommodate aches and pains or other conditions. For example, aging pets may benefit from a high quality orthopedic pet bed. Pet strollers and raised food bowls also can make aging pets’ lives a little more comfortable.

• Address mobility issues. Aging pets may need help getting around. Non-skid carpet runners in high-traffic areas can help pets walk around securely. Steps or

ramps can make it easier to get on or off beds or in and out of vehicles.

• Install doggie doors. Senior pets may need to relieve themselves more frequently. A doggy door can allow for faster access to the outdoors. Similarly, a litter box with a lower opening makes it easier for aging cats to use the litter box.

• Ensure ample protection against the elements. Aging pets may feel the weather more than younger pets. They may need sweaters and coats or booties to protect their paws from the snow and ice. Cooling or heating mats may improve comfort indoors.

• Purchase animal diapers. Some senior pets may not be able to control themselves. Diapers and absorbent pads can keep them dry and prevent soiling around the house.

• Help the animal lose weight. Pets should maintain a healthy body weight, which can relieve pressure on joints and reduce risk for certain illnesses, including difficulty breathing and skin irritations.

Speak with a veterinarian about the right foods and types of exercise for your pet to keep its weight in check.

Aging pets need extra patience and care. Pet owners can improve comfort and accessibility for their senior pets.

With pre-planning, you will help minimize your family's financial and emotional burdens.

ST. JUDE CARE CENTER Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

“Care with Dignity”

• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing Services • Secure Memory Care Unit

Ashley Vella, Managing Partner, FDR 3639, Jack and Joanne Deegan, Ambassadors

5 out of 5 Stars Rated Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Ripon (FD987) 111 S. Palm Ave. 209-599-3413

Call and schedule a tour Today! 209-823-1788 469 E. North St., Manteca, CA 95336 • stjudecarecenter.com OCTOBER 2021 11

Escalon (FD932) 1441 San Joaquin St. 209-838-7321

www.deeganfuneralchapels.com SENIOR LIVING

209 SENIOR LIVING | FINANCES

Evaluating seniors’ biggest expenses New parents may not be able to visualize that one day their largest expenditures won’t be centralized around providing necessities for their children.

Adults go though many years of paying for diapers, toys, clothing, food, and education for their children. Yet, when the children have flown the coop, spending patterns change, and even more changes await come retirement.

According to a 2020 survey from the financial services firm Edward Jones, 68 percent of workers soon to retire said they had no idea how much they should be setting aside for expenses, particularly health care and long-term care.

Professionals approaching retirement would be wise to analyze the Consumer Price Index - Elderly (CPI-E). It is a good reference to estimate which future expenses will cost the most after retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at consumer spending and uses various data to determine the rate of inflation in key areas that apply to older adults starting at age 62.

Individuals may be surprised to learn about where they’ll be spending the bulk of their money when they get older.

Here’s a look at some key categories.

• Housing: According to data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available, housing accounted for roughly 49 percent of all spending for seniors. Focus should be centered on

lowering those costs when a fixed income is imminent. The possibilities include paying off a mortgage; downsizing a home to have a lower rent or mortgage payment; refinancing a home to a fixed-rate loan so that costs are predictable; and taking on a tenant to offset costs.

• Food: The cost of food will not change dramatically, but it can eat into your budget. Even though food costs may decline when there’s only two mouths to feed, food and beverage spending may go up due to more leisure time and dining out. Utilize senior discounts by shopping on days when stores offer percentages off purchases. Save money on restaurant spending by eating out at lunch instead of dinner, splitting plates or skipping appetizers.

• Healthcare: Experts warn that while many expenses decline in retirement, health care spending increases.

According to Fidelity, the average 65-year-old couple retiring in 2020 in the United States needed roughly $295,000 just to cover their retirement health care expenses. Those with family histories of severe illnesses or those with preexisting conditions will need even more. It’s also important to realize that roughly half of the population will need long-term care at some point, offers The Motley Fool, and that requires advanced budgeting as well. Many people find that Medicare supplement plans can bridge OCTOBER 2021 12

the gap in expenses that governmentrun plans will not cover. Saving through a health savings account (HSA) when employed also can create extra cash on

hand for retirement expenses.

Understanding which retirement expenses will be high can help people plan better for the future.

P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home

Katie Vera-Cruz Advanced Funeral Planner

(209) 244-5283 #FD637

katieclemons92@gmail.com

QUALITY FUNERAL SERVICE SINCE 1932

“Planning ahead for the future gives us peace of mind in the present.”

209-239-1242 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, CA 95336 # FD637 • www.plfryandson.com SENIOR LIVING

Award-Winning Care We put you first in everything we do, which is why we’ve won the “Best in Manteca for Senior Living” award for the fourth time running.

The Commons at Union Ranch is a well-appointed senior living community of lush grounds, spacious apartments, a continuum of exceptional care, and friendly, attentive staff. Residents enjoy an active lifestyle with our fitness program, MBK Cuisine’s all-day dining, and a robust calendar of activities for an engaging life full of possibilities.

2241 N. Union Rd., Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 463-9100 • CommonsatUnionRanch@mbk.com ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

License #392700366

Make your mark.

Some businesses are content to have no other online presence than a Facebook page, and never think of how that looks to customers. While Facebook is a wonderful complement to a company website, it is by no means a realistic replacement. And not everybody has a Facebook account anymore.

Web Design OCTOBER 2021 13 SENIOR LIVING 209MULTIMEDIA.COM

San Joaq u Only Life in’s P Commun lan ity!

Experience the Difference at O’Connor Woods

Proud member of the

family

O’Connor Woods, a gated Life Plan Community situated on 34 park-like acres, has provided high-quality senior living and services for over 30 years. Our award-winning community offers a full continuum of services on one campus, alongside resort-style amenities and a vibrant lifestyle of choice and social connection.

Experience our community today!

209-278-0656 • oconnorwoods.org O’Connor Woods A Life Plan Community: Independent Living with Services, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing 3400 Wagner Heights Road, Stockton, CA 95209 License #390314809 COA #283

Equal Housing Opportunity OCTOBER 2021 14

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209 SENIOR LIVING | THINKING ABOUT FITNESS

How seniors can approach exercise

Exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. By making exercise part of their day-to-day routines, people of all ages, including men and women over the age of 65, can greatly improve their overall health.

The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that seniors should aspire to be as active as possible.

Exercise is a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine and has been linked to reduced risk for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Though adults with chronic illnesses may be hesitant to exercise, the AAFP notes that it’s possible for men and women who have been diagnosed with such conditions to exercise safely. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes

that regular physical activity is one of the most important things seniors can do for their health and can potentially prevent many health problems associated with aging.

FREQUENCY OF EXERCISE

Seniors, particularly those who have not exercised much in the past, may not know how much exercise they need to reap the full rewards of physical activity.

Though it’s best to discuss exercise with a physician prior to beginning a new regimen, various public health agencies advise seniors to get at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise each week.

Brisk walking is one example of moderate aerobic exercise. Seniors who want to sweat a little more when exercising can replace moderate aerobic OCTOBER 2021 15

exercise with one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as jogging, each week.

IS STRENGTH TRAINING SAFE FOR SENIORS?

The CDC advises seniors to incorporate muscle-strengthening activities into their weekly fitness routines twice per week. Lifting waits, working with resistance bands, heavy gardening, and even some forms of yoga qualify as muscle-strengthening activities. Exercises that use your body weight for resistance, such as sit-ups and push-ups, also can help build strength.

Always speak with a physician before beginning a muscle-strengthening exercise regimen and, if possible, work with a personal trainer, especially if SENIOR LIVING

you’re a novice.

WHEN TO STOP A WORKOUT

It’s imperative that seniors recognize when to stop working out. Exercising more than is recommended by your doctor can increase the risk of illness or injury. In addition, stop exercising if any of the following symptoms appear: • Dizziness or shortness of breath • Chest pain or pressure • Swollen joints • Nausea • Tightness in muscles or joints • Pain anywhere in the body • Throbbing or burning sensations Exercise can help seniors stay healthy and feel more energetic throughout the day. Before beginning a new regimen, seniors should discuss physical activity with their physicians.

209 SENIOR LIVING | GIFTING IDEAS

Great holiday gifts for retirees who can’t wait to travel

Retirement provides a chance for adults who have worked throughout their lives to take a step back, relax and enjoy the fruits of their labors. Though the most indelible image associated with retirement might once have been a rocking chair, modern retirees like to get up and go, and holiday shoppers can take that joie de vivre into consideration as they look for the perfect gift for retirees who can’t wait to fly the friendly skies or hit the open road.

• Maps: It might seem simple, but roadmaps can be an ideal gift for retirees.

A recent poll from RBC Wealth Management found that 63 percent of Americans age 50 and older say travel is an important retirement goal. Roadmaps of their own country or a foreign country

can help seniors plan their dream vacations. Seniors can study maps and create their own routes as they visit popular tourist attractions and find lesser known locales along the way.

• Vouchers/gift cards: Airline vouchers can inspire retirees to take to the skies and visit locales that have long taken up real estate on their bucket lists. If seniors prefer to take to the open road, hotel vouchers or Visa gift cards that can be spent anywhere that accepts credit cards can help pay for gas, meals or entry to popular parks and tourist attractions.

• Projector and portable screen: Retirees may want to get away from it all, but that doesn’t mean they have to leave everything behind. A projector and portable screen can let on-the-go seniors OCTOBER 2021 16

enjoy movie night under the stars or watch their favorite teams even when they’re far from home. This can be an especially good gift for retirees who are anxious to gas up their RV and leave home behind for a few weeks.

• Lifetime pass to world-renowned parks: All United States citizens or permanent residents are eligible for the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass, which provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites across the country. Those sites are managed by federal agencies like the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation, among others. A similar system is in place in Canada, where adults age 65 and up can gain SENIOR LIVING

unlimited admission for a full year to more than 80 Parks Canada locations across the country.

• Tablet: Of course, retirees may still want to enjoy some of the comforts of home while they’re off in parts unknown.

A new tablet can help traveling retirees read the latest bestsellers and stay in touch with family and friends via video conferencing apps like Zoom. Many campgrounds and hotels now provide free WiFi to guests, so a tablet can be just what on-the-go retirees need to stay connected to life back home.

Holiday shoppers can make the season bright for their favorite retirees who can’t wait to spend their newfound free time traveling the world.

DON’T MISS ALL THE FUN!

Move into Cogir of Manteca today and spend the holidays with us! With independent, assisted and memory care services available, your new home awaits you at Cogir of Manteca.

Now offering onsite occupational and physical therapy through our partner ONR.

430 North Union Rd., Manteca, CA 95337

• Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care

Lic # 392700473

(209) 823-0164

CogirSeniorLiving.com

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9/20/2020 10:16:51 AM

209 SENIOR LIVING | STAYING HEALTHY

How often to see the doctor Routine health checkups are a key part of staying healthy. Older adults may feel like they’re always visiting one doctor or another. But what is an acceptable frequency for doctor appointments?

The answer isn’t always so cut and dry, and many health professionals have mixed feelings even among themselves over the magic number. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults over the age of 65 visit the doctor more than twice as often as 18- to 44-year-olds. According to Paul Takahashi, a physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., adults should see their primary care physicians at least once a year to make sure diseases are being properly managed and to stay current on preventative screenings.

Visiting the doctor more frequently does not necessarily add up to better health, and it actually can do the opposite. Dr. Peter Abadir, an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says frequent visits to health facilties where sick people congregate puts one at a higher risk of illness or infection. Visiting the doctor only when necessary is one way to avoid risky exposure.

Doctor visit frequency is not a one-size-fits-all answer.

A yearly physical or checkup is a given, even for people who are healthy. People with a family history of certain conditions, like sleep disorders, cancer, high blood pressure, and other conditions, may need to see a doctor more frequently than those with no such histories. In addition, patients may need referrals to certain specialists who work together to provide an overall health plan. That can increase the number of appointments and shorten the intervals between them. Johnson Memorial Health offers some statistics.

• People visit the doctor four times a year on average.

• Studies show that poor or uninsured people prolong the time between doctor’s visits.

• Individuals with high blood pressure may need to see the doctor four times a year to ensure medications are working properly.

• Patients on dialysis see the doctor several times a week.

Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family physician and assistant professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ, says too often people visit the

doctor only when they are really sick. That works to their disadvantage because the appointment will focus only on treating the illness instead of addressing other preventative care and screenings. Balance is necessary in regard to health care.

Patients can work together with their doctors to develop screening schedules that are customized to their particular profiles. These schedules can be modified as health history information changes or as patients age.

Doctors can dial back or increase health visits as needed.

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