Veterans Workshop Planned

As citizens of the United States, we have many freedoms people of other countries do not have. We have luxuries, both materialistic and untouchable, making our lives and our children's lives so very much better. We have the power to choose, to state our thoughts and ideas and to move freely within our own country. We have the right to protest, vote and purchase our own homes. We can protect our families and ourselves. However, these luxuries did not come without a price. Many U.S. Military men and women encountered some of the most gruesome battles, triumphing over some of the biggest nations to maintain the very freedoms we have today. As U.S. Soldiers, they left the soil of their own country to save the solid ground we walk on today, forever changing their lives and that of their families. Sadly, many soldiers paid for our freedom with their own lives. As U.S. Citizens, we all owe much gratitude to those who have fought for us and our country, because we treasure the peace and freedom we have. Slightly less than half of all Americans who ever served during wartime in our country’s history are alive today and nearly 80% of all of today’s veterans served during a war. The largest group of veterans fought in World War II. You might (or might not) be surprised to know that there are approximately 28,000 veterans in Niagara County according to the census. The wellbeing of our Niagara County veterans is a priority. The public is invited to: “Veterans’ Forum 2016” being offered for our veterans and their family members on May 19, 2016 by Senator Robert Ortt, Niagara County Office for the Aging, and The Dale Association. There will be a panel discussion about Understanding Veterans’ Benefits, from 1:00 – 3:00pm featuring Senator Robert Ortt; Nina Cabrera and Al Thompson from Niagara County Veterans Service Agency; Joe Jastrzemski, Niagara County Clerk; and Susan Engel, VA Healthcare. Topics include benefits, VA Healthcare, Thank a Vet Program, pension, dementia care and burial. There will also be a Veterans’ Resource Fair featuring vendors and service agencies with resources for veterans and their families from 12:30 – 1:00pm and 3:00 – 3:30pm. You will have an opportunity to meet one on one with representatives from each of these agencies to answer your questions and fulfill any needs you may have. The Veterans’ Forum will take place at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario St, Lockport. Veterans of all ages and their family members are encouraged to attend this informative, free community event. For more information or to RSVP, please call 433-1886 or visit www.daleassociation.com. What better way to honor the vet in your life, than by attending the workshop that may prove beneficial for them. Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Senator Robert G. Ortt; Niagara County Office for the Aging; Evans Bank; Dana R. Dee –Long Term Care Insurance Specialist; BAASE Family Chiropractic; ClearCaptions; and Brookdale Senior Living Solutions

Brain Food, Brain Fitness

A new poll asked people ages 42 and older about their brain health concerns. What they learned from the poll was surprising and encouraging. The data challenges us to consider how we as a nation should approach brain fitness going forward and what each of us might do, starting today, to take good care of our own cognitive capacities. It is exciting that discoveries in the science of brain health could hold great promise for improving the quality of life among older adults while enhancing the prospect that later years can be an era for continued personal growth, productivity and satisfaction. Do Americans think brain health can be improved? Do we use what we know to stay mentally fit? Is there more we can do to keep our brains in the best possible condition? These were the questions that the survey set out to answer in regard to brain health. The results may change how you think about brain health, too. As a starting point, it helps to know what is meant by brain fitness. For the majority, it is defined in terms of functional abilities — what we can do with our brains. For nearly two-thirds of respondents, good brain fitness is defined by abilities such as: Just over one-third (34%) of people interviewed think in terms of the presence or absence of disease as the defining characteristic of brain health. For example, the most frequently mentioned health aspect was not suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (9%). What does “brain fitness” mean? 18% Being alert/sharp 18% Keeping your brain active/Exercising the brain 16% Good mental health/Not senile 14% Good memory/Ability to remember 14% Ability to function normally 11% Ability to think/think clearly 9% Not suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease An overview of the National Brain Health Poll findings follow: 1. We are optimistic about brain health. Nearly nine out of ten people think that it is possible to improve brain fitness. • 53% believe it can improve a lot • 35% believe it can improve a little AND: An overwhelming majority says that thinking abilities should be checked routinely, just like a physical checkup. • 59% say it is very important to get a checkup • 32% say a checkup is somewhat important BUT: Brain health is a low priority compared to other health issues. • Only 3% rate it the most important health subject for people their age • Another 7% consider it the second most important topic 2. Our memory is good today, but we have doubts about tomorrow. We give ourselves high scores on our current brain fitness, regardless of age. • 34% rate their current memory as excellent • 62% rate their current memory as good BUT: The younger we are, the sooner we anticipate that most people will begin to worry about their memory. • People age 42-49 perceive that worries begin at age 52 • People age 50+ identify age 59 as the time when worries typically begin 3. We know about activities that are good for brain health. Most people recognize that many activities are very useful for improving mental fitness. • At least 60% say to avoid tobacco, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, do puzzles, reduce stress, limit alcoholic drinks, spend time with family and friends, and see the doctor regularly AND: Eighty-four percent report that they spend time, usually daily, in activities that are good for brain health. • 68% choose some kind of art or creative project, including 48% who spend time reading • 44% keep physically active • 35% play games and do puzzles • 25% work • 22% spend time with others 4. Doctors are our preferred source for information about brain fitness. More than 70% think that most people their age would go to a medical professional to find out about the brain and how to keep it fit. • 76% of women and 68% of men identify doctors as the best resource for information • People in their 40s and 50s are more likely than those 65+ to choose the Internet for brain health news AND: We encourage others who are concerned about their memory to see a doctor. • More than 74% would advise close friends or family to talk to a doctor BUT: We do not do what we think is best. • Only 58% say they have talked about their memory or brain fitness with anyone • 47% talk with family and 42% turn to friends • Just 37% speak with a medical professional: 13% with a nurse and only 24% with a doctor Most Americans rely on their cars to take them where they need to go each day. We expect that there will be some wear and tear with steady use—and we also expect to get years of good service from our cars. We know it will not happen unless we take care of them. That’s why we schedule regular tune-ups and rotate the tires as needed. It is the same with our brains. We depend on them, and we have to take care of them. Today, brain science has moved light years beyond outdated concepts such as mental decline is inevitable once our brains reach maturity or we are just passive containers for a complex organ. Tremendous advances in laboratory research and demonstration studies point the way to a revolution in what we know about staying mentally fit at every age. What we know and do about brain health varies widely. Most of us have ongoing brain fitness routines. Many seek out the newest information about staying mentally fit. Some of us talk with those we trust about our concerns, and a few worry in private. All of us, however, hope our brains will last as long as our bodies. Locally, the public is invited to learn about foods for brain support to supplementation and exercises you can do to keep your mind strong. The presentation will be conducted by Kelly Cardomone, Registered Dietician, Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY on March 21st at 10:30am at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario St., Lockport. This is part of Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY ongoing health and wellness programming offered free of charge to the community. Please RSVP by calling 433-1886. Other free health events that are open to the public include: Free hearing screening: by Audiology on Demand, March 8th and April 12th from 1:30 – 3:30pom. Screening will be provided by Pamela Fleming, Audiologist. Please call 433-1886 to make your free appointment. Hearing screenings will take place at The Dale Association’s Centre, 33 Ontario St, Lockport. Free Bone Screenings: An osteoporosis screening uses an ultrasound device called a bone densitometer. The device measures the bone mineral density of your heel. The heel is measured because its bones are similar to the bones found in the hip, where fractures most often occur. The Dale Association is pleased to host healthcare professionals from Catholic Health on March 23rd from 10:00 am – 2:00pm for this free, easy and painless procedure. Space is limited, please register by calling 433-1886. Free Bone Screening will also take place at 33 Ontario St, Lockport.

Bingo Volunteering

If you are one of the loyal bingo players who visit your favorite bingo center regularly, we have some great news for you! Scientific studies are revealing that bingo can have some not-so-obvious benefits. Winning is a great joy, but most seniors don’t only play to win. They actually enjoy the excitement and social atmosphere! Recent research has shown that playing bingo stimulates the following health benefits: • Cognitive strength: in a recent study, tests measured mental speed, memory and capacity to absorb specific kinds of information. The results concluded that bingo players are quicker and more accurate than non-bingo players. Research also found that older players outperformed younger players, so if you think our brains go into a steady decline as we age, think again. • Social well-being: Bingo gives seniors a fun and safe environment to connect with new and old friends while enjoying a game they all love to play. It brings seniors together while providing them a sense of belonging in the community. • Physical health: If you have ever attended a bingo event at one of our seniors clubs you may have experienced the laughter and excitement. Simply relaxing while playing a game with friends helps reduce stress and depression amongst seniors improving their physical health. In another separate but similar study, a survey of over 13,000 people and their bingo habits show the main reasons people are involved in Bingo include: chance to win, entertainment, like playing, socializing with friends, and support worthy causes. If you are looking for the opportunity to socialize and be with friends, have you considered playing bingo? Or perhaps you’d like to combine your desire to volunteer with Bingo. The Dale Association operates Bingo every Friday and is looking for volunteers. Volunteer as many or as few Fridays as you want. There are many different aspects of volunteering at Bingo – but all have the benefits of volunteering and being with others. For more information, contact Sherry Livergood at 433-1886 ext 109 or email her at sherry.livergood@daleassociation.com.

Eye and Vision Health

January is “Eye Health Month”. If a family member or friend is experiencing vision loss, you are in a position to provide much needed support. But, you may need support as well. You, too, may feel overwhelmed by questions, concerns and emotions that arise as a result. It can be hard to know where to begin, or how to get information and resources. Vision loss is not a normal part of aging, but the majority of Americans has limited knowledge about vision loss and aging and assumes – mistakenly – that older people become visually impaired as part of the normal aging process. The likelihood of vision impairment, however, does increase with age and will affect more and more families in the future. Among Americans age 65 and older, one in five reports some form of vision impairment, even when wearing eyeglasses. By age 75, this statistic jumps to one in four. In addition, most middle-aged and older Americans fear blindness more than other physical impairments. But, most people with impaired vision do not become totally blind. Armed with the right information, you can help identify serious vision problems, encourage your relative to seek professional care and be better prepared to help during the adjustment process. As we age, some vision changes are normal and some are due to eye disease. Normal changes usually can be corrected with a new eyeglass prescription or better lighting. But vision problems resulting from age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract or diabetic retinopathy, can cause permanent impairment or “low vision”. Low vision, however, does not mean “no vision”. And, although vision loss may be permanent, much can be done to maximize remaining vision and improve quality of life. Everyone – and most especially, older adults – should have regular eye exams to maintain eye health and for the early detection of conditions that cause low vision. People who become visually impaired later in life experience a range of feelings, including sadness, anger, worry, frustration, and fear. These feelings are common and understandable – and should not be ignored. Research has shown that family members can ease the adjustment to vision loss by listening to their relatives’ feelings and offering help when it’s needed. It’s often hard for family members to know when or how much to help. Take time to talk with your relative or friend about the things he/she can and cannot do, and ask what kind of help is needed.

Mourning

Ann Morrow Lindbergh in her "In Hour of Gold, Hour of Head" said, “I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, then all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable. For those who cannot grieve or mourn, depression often is the end result. The depression assists the person by acting as a defense. The defense system includes denial of loss, separation from other activities that demand openness and vulnerability. In depression nothing is working to assist the person to grow through their grief and mourning. Those who use depression as a defense increase their risk of losing potential support of their social network. This risk is particularly true for the older widow. Widows tend to experience painful social relationships when her life is strongly tied to multi dimensions of her husband’s life. The more involvement the more his death will effect her life. The big question is what can a widow do to assist herself through her grief while being supported by a social network. What does it take to be open and vulnerable? Who is her support network? Children and lifelong friends can provide support, but they may become impatient with the time needed to mourn. Often it is only others who are newly widowed themselves that can understand the depth and breadth of pain caused by the death. So it is important not to push into the fast lane by well-meaning family and friends. By expressing feelings a widow is being open and vulnerable to those feelings. For the moment the feeling hurts, but they will not become depression. Eventually, the widow can live with her memories and undertake new activities, which are rewarding. Friend making, network building, finding new purpose are part of the way to mourn. This type of mourning is far healthier than using depression as a defense. The Dale Association’ Senior Centre can be reached at 433-1886. Other communities offer senior activities.

"Happy" New Year?

Happy New Year! For reasons that are not always apparent, you may sometimes feel a little down or fatigued. The cause, or combination of causes, may be anything from a recent emotional upset or a major change in your life to a stressful period of time in your life. Sometimes, a mixture of emotions may sneak up on you when you least expect it. Even enjoyable activities can be stressful and demanding. Research indicates that maintaining good health throughout stressful times is directly linked to a positive attitude. To keep a positive flow of energy in your life, try these simple strategies. Improving your mood need not be time consuming or expensive – learn to appreciate simple pleasures, such as a matinee movie or a long chat with a friend can do wonders to brighten your day. Make sure you are well rested. According to the National Institute on Aging, an estimated 30 percent of middle aged Americans don’t get enough sleep. Factors that can help you get a good night’s sleep are sticking to a regular bedtime, sleeping in a cool and dark room and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine after mid-afternoon. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Moderate exercise is an activity that leaves you feeling warm, but still able to talk. And don’t forget routine activities like mopping the floor and raking leaves are considered moderate exercise. Music has the ability to alter your mood. If you want to relax, listen to slow, soothing classical music. To energize yourself, pick something that is faster such as jazz or pop. Or consider making your own music by playing a musical instrument. Taking up a new hobby provides you with feelings, which can improve your sense of well being. Bringing a little creativity into your life can mean something as simple as trying a new recipe or a more involved project like woodworking or landscaping. The important thing is to develop a new interest. By making a difference in the lives of others and becoming active, you generate positive feelings in your own life. Volunteering will fill your heart and let goodness shine in your life. Studies show that people who volunteer as little as two hours per week improve their own health. Worries drift away when you focus on others. Try one of these strategies to distract your attention from the hectic pace of life around you and restore the energy you need to live a full life. If the new year is a time for you to reflect and want to make a change in your life – it is as good a time as any to try something new!

New Year, New Resolve

New Years means resolutions! The top 10 New Years resolutions are: o Lose weight o Getting organized o Spend less, save more o Enjoy life to the fullest o Staying fit and healthy o Learn something exciting o Quit smoking o Help others in their dreams o Fall in love o Spend more time with family If you want help tackling number one above – let’s think about making simple changes to what you eat and your level of activity. I also offer the following healthy eating tips for people age 65 and older: Drink plenty of liquids: With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst. Drink water often. Low-fat or fat-free milk or 100% juice may also help you stay hydrated. Limit beverages that have lots of added sugar or salt. Make eating a social event: Meals are more enjoyable when you eat with others. Invite a friend to join you or take part in a potluck. Join our senior center or your place of worship for a meal with others. There are many ways to make mealtime pleasing. Plan healthy meals: Find sensible, flexible ways to choose and prepare tasty meals so you can eat foods you need. National Institute on Aging has advice on what to eat, how much to eat, which foods to choose based on the dietary guidelines. Know how much to eat: Learn to recognize how much to eat so you can control portion size. When eating out, pack part of your meal to eat later. One restaurant portion is often enough for two meals or more. Vary your vegetables: Include a variety of different colored vegetables to brighten your plate. Most vegetables are a low calorie source of nutrients. Vegetables are also a good source of fiber. Eat for your teeth and gums: Many people find that their teeth and gums change as they age. People with dental problems sometimes find it difficult to chew firm fruits and vegetables, or meats. Don’t miss out on needed nutrients. Eating softer foods can help. Use herbs and spices: foods may seem to lose their flavor as you age. If favorite dishes taste different, it may not be the cook! Maybe your sense of smell, sense of taste, or both have changed. Medicines may also change how foods taste. Add flavors to your meals with herbs and spices. Keep food safe: Don’t take a chance with your health. A food related illness can be life threatening for an older person. Throw out food that might not be safe. Avoid certain foods that are always risky for an older person, such as unpasteurized dairy. Other foods may be harmful when they are raw or under-cooked, such as eggs, fish, shellfish or poultry. Read the Nutrition label: Make the right choices when buying food. Pay attention to important nutrients to know fats, sodium, and other items on the label. Ask your doctor if there are ingredients you might need to limit.