in this issue: pawling senior friendship center open · pdf file• pawling senior...
TRANSCRIPT
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Pawling Senior Friendship Center Open House (Thursday) • Successful Aging Presentation in Rhinebeck Saturday (05/11) • Hawaiian Luau (06/05) • Golden Age Singers Looking For New Members • Senior ID Cards Available (05/08) • Senior Health & Fitness Day at St. Simeon (05/29) • Rally to End Alzheimer’s (05/14) • Fountains at Millbrook May Lecture Series • Blood Drive (05/15) • Gardening Workshop (05/8) • Starr Library Delivery Service • Weight Loss Surgery Options (05/8) • Free Balance Assessment (05/18) • More Senior News Online
We hope you can join us for the grand re-opening of the Dutchess County Office for the Aging’s Pawling Senior Friendship Center this Thursday (5/9)! There will be an Open House between 11: 00 AM and 1:00 PM with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 AM. A light lunch will be served at 12 noon. Call 486-2555 to register.
Pawling Senior Friendship Center to ReOpen Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro and New York State Senator Greg Ball are pleased the Dutchess County Office of the Aging will reopen its Senior Friendship Center to serve Pawling, Beekman and surrounding area senior citizens. The Senior Friendship Center will be located at the Town Hall Annex at 154 Charles Coleman Boulevard in Pawling and will be open each Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.
Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens
Mary Kaye Dolan-Anderson, Director
Dutchess County Office for the Aging
SUCESSFUL AGING IN RHINEBECK What are the things that concern you most about advancing age? The group known as Aging in Place America, has found the top five things seniors fear most are: losing independence, moving to a nursing home, loss of family and friends, giving up driving and death. Each of us can probably add several of our own fears to that list. And while these are the fears, there are many positive aspects associated with age, and seniors bring many valuable plusses to our community. In fact, many of the negative aspects of aging can be
addressed, avoided or delayed significantly by taking steps now to age more successfully. It’s never too late to start making the choices and doing the planning that will help you live a longer, healthier, enjoyable life. The Dutchess County Office for the Aging has assembled a research based outline of overlapping strategies to age successfully. You are invited to learn more at a presentation on Successful Aging at the Archcare at Ferncliff, 21 Ferncliff Drive in Rhinebeck on Saturday, May 11th at 1:00 PM. The program will also include information on the programs and services offered by the Office for the Aging. Light refreshments will be served. To register, please call Michelle at (845) 516-1673 by May 9th.
SENIORS TO HULA ON JUNE 5th The Dutchess County Office for the Aging Senior Friendship Centers will hold their annual Hawaiian Luau celebration Wednesday, June 5th between 10 AM and 2 PM. The festive day will include traditional Hawaiian music and a lunch of Hawaiian ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, and coconut cookies. Grass skirts, leis, Hawaiian shirts and other island or beach wear are encouraged. Make plans to bring a few friends and enjoy the warm weather as we begin to think about summer! Everyone is invited, but there is a suggested donation of $3.00 for lunch for those 60 and over and a $4.00 charge for those under the age of 60. Reservations are required and should be made before Thursday, May 30th. Dutchess County Senior Friendship Centers are located in Beacon, East Fishkill, Millerton, the City of Poughkeepsie, the Town of Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, and South Amenia. For information about the Senior Friendship Center nearest you, call the Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555, toll free at (866) 486-2555 or email us at [email protected]
SINGERS UNITE! Are you a male over the age of 60 who loves to sing? If so, the Golden Age Singers are looking for you to become a member of their chorus. The group rehearses every Monday afternoon at the Admiral Halsey Senior Complex in Poughkeepsie and performs an average of three times each month, usually on Thursday afternoons, for a variety of mostly senior organizations and groups. Experience is a plus, but certainly not a requirement. For more information on joining the Golden Age Singers, please call Ron at (845) 462-1617. Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, 27 High Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601, telephone 486-2555, email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> website: http://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm
SENIOR IDENTIFICATION CARDS AVAILABLE Residents of Dutchess County 60 years of age and older may obtain Senior Citizen Identification Cards on Wednesday, May 8, at the Dutchess County Office for the Aging’s first floor conference room, 27 High Street in Poughkeepsie. The cards will be issued between 9:30 AM and 11 AM. To obtain an Identification Card, you should bring proof of age in the form of a driver’s license or birth certificate. There is a suggested $2.00 voluntary contribution for this service. Call (845) 486-2555, toll free at (866) 486-2555 or email us at [email protected] for more information. Visit our website for details on all of our services and programs: www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm. NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY "Think Healthy, Eat Healthy, Act Healthy...Be Healthy!" On Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 9:00am-4:30pm, St. Simeon Properties will host its annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day event. The event’s goals are to promote the importance of health awareness, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and to showcase what local organizations are doing to improve the health and fitness of older adults in our community. There will be demonstrations, lectures and screenings as well as a lunch served for all seniors who attend the event ($5.00 for non-residents). St. Simeon is located at 24 Beechwood Ave. Call 471-0171 for information and to register. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS St. Simeon Second Mile 9:00am – Walk the Property St. Simeon II 10:00am - Hearing Loss (Presented by St. Francis Audiology) St. Anna 11:00am – Zumba Gold (Presented by Linda Thomas) 12:00pm – Healthy Cooking Demo and Lunch (Presented by Division of Aging Services Chef Fred) 1:00pm – Meet and Greet with community resources St. Simeon II 2:00pm – Healthy Eating for the Person with Diabetes (Presented by Dutch. Co. Dept. of Health) St. Simeon Second Mile 3:30pm – Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke (Presented by Vassar Brothers Medical Center)
FREE Hearing Test 10:00am-12:00pm St. Simeon Second Mile 1:00pm-3:00pm St. Anna Library FREE Blood Pressure Readings 9:00am-10:00am St. Simeon II 10:00am-11:00am St. Anna Library A Rally to End Alzheimer's - May 14 Alzheimer’s isn’t an “old person’s disease,” it impacts so many. Over 320,000 New Yorkers suffer from Alzheimer’s. One million New Yorkers have a partner, a parent or a friend who is caregiving. Use your voice to help a cause that affects all of us. Together, we can change how Albany view Alzheimer’s. Join us for the RALLY TO END ALZHEIMER’S, May 14, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. “The Well” of the Legislative Office Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY. A $10 fee includes attendance, lunch and bus transportation. Bus pick up from several locations. Register by emailing Michele at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or call 800-272-3900. For more information visit the Alzheimer's Association Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter on Facebook or online at www.alz.org/hudsonvalley <http://www.alz.org/hudsonvalley> Marist College Center for Lifetime Studies to Present ‘Power of One’ Lectures in May Millbrook, NY – In May, Marist College Center for Lifetime Studies will present its spring lecture series entitled "The Power of One - People Who Make a Difference." The series will spotlight three area citizens whose extraordinary projects have impacted the world in a positive way. Lectures will take place the first three Mondays in May at 2:00 p.m. at The Fountains at Millbrook, 79 Flint Rd. Attendance is free and open to anyone age 62 and up with advance reservations. To reserve a seat, call 845-677-8550. On May 6th, Sue Osterhoudt, retired librarian and volunteer founder of the Madagascar Literacy Project, will talk about the importance of reading to education and how her project helped a remote village greatly improve literacy and test scores. On May 13th, Andrew Meade will discuss his Vassar Haiti Project, a collaborative, all-volunteer organization that has engaged hundreds of student and community volunteers in the support of artists in Haiti, and of education, health, and sustainable development in the mountain village of Chermaitre.
On May 20th, Dr. Andrew Dahl, ophthalmologist and founder of Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons Research Foundation, will talk about his groundbreaking work in diabetes research and education spanning 35 years. For more information, call The Fountains at Millbrook at 845-677-8550. Library & Hudson Valley Ski Club Co-Sponsor Blood Drive Check out a book and donate a pint! In an unusual but interesting partnership, the Poughkeepsie Public Library District and the Hudson Valley Ski Club co-sponsor a blood drive on Wednesday, May 15, from 1:30 to 6:30 pm. The donation center will be in The Auditorium, located at 105 Market Street in Poughkeepsie (immediately south of Adriance Memorial Library). This blood drive is a Hudson Valley Ski Club 75th Anniversary community project. According to Liz Dollinger, Account Manager for the American Red Cross in Dutchess County, 99% of all the blood used in county hospitals comes directly from the American Red Cross. Community blood drives like the one scheduled for May 15 depend on local blood donors to ensure that the needs of area hospitals are met. Interestingly, only 4% of people eligible to donate blood actually participate regularly. We are counting on first time donors as well to help change those statistics! Although walk-ins are welcome, it is very helpful if potential donors schedule a donation appointment. The entire donation process takes about 45 minutes. Donors meeting the requirements for a double red cell donation should plan on an additional 20 minutes. Donors may schedule an appointment on-line at www.RedCrossBlood.org. Persons with questions about donor eligibility should contact their physician or call the American Red Cross at 1-800-Red-CROSS. Your donation could save up to 3 lives. Be a hero for a day! Make your appointment today. Keeping the Garden Green Whether you’ve got container gardens, your own home garden plot, or are looking into community garden plots, it’s great to arm yourself with Best Practices for Caring for Your Garden Plants. This is the focus of a free workshop hosted at Adriance on Wednesday, May 8, from 7 to 8:30 pm. The gardening program is a collaboration of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project, the Fallkill Partnership Gardens, and the Poughkeepsie Public Library District. The presentation will focus on vegetable and herb gardens, with basic plant care tips for beginning gardeners. Veteran gardeners are welcome to share some of their best tips and advice. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and challenges. In addition, there will be information about community garden plots available for city residents. Seeds may be available for sale for a nominal fee.
The gardening workshop is scheduled for the Charwat Meeting Room at Adriance Memorial Library, 93 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. Register at 834-384-3445 x 3702 or www.poklib.org Starr At Home Program Starr Library is introducing a new outreach program called Starr At Home for Rhinebeck Town residents who are housebound. Our plan is to deliver books to those community members who, for whatever reason, cannot leave home. Starr At Home hopes to focus on each patron’s reading habits. Participants will be able to request specific titles and/or a particular genre of books that they enjoy. Given permission, we can also deliver our recommendations based on the individual’s reading history. In keeping with each readers pace, volunteers will deliver and pick up books at home once or twice monthly. If you are interested in participating in this program or you know someone who would benefit and like to participate, please contact Nan Jackson at Starr Library: 876-4030, email: [email protected] or visit the front desk for a Starr At Home application. WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY OPTIONS - Dr. Dominic Artuso, Director of the Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss program at Saint Francis Hospital, will discuss options that are available for those who are dissatisfied with other weight loss programs. The Seminar date is Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 7:15 to 9:15 PM. Please call 845-483-5140 for more information and to make a reservation. Saint Francis Hospital’s Center for Balance and Mobility invites you to join us for a FREE balance assessment Saturday, May 18th, 2013, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m., Medical Arts Building, Suites 101 & 102, 243 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY (at the foot of the hill near the Saint Francis Hospital main entrance) This free screening by various Saint Francis Hospital health service departments will help you determine how you may be at risk:
• What contributes to good balance? • Balance screening by Saint Francis Hospital Physical Therapy
Department • Suggestions for improving your balance • Safety tips & more
Space is limited. Please register at 845 431-8159. www.sfhospital.org
MORE SENIOR NEWS ONLINE: Scam Warning Helping Seniors Learn New Technology - NYTimes.com By PAULA SPAN Computers and the Internet can open up new worlds for the elderly.
IN THIS ISSUE: • Absolute Last Call for Celebration of Aging Tickets. • Senior Picnic Schedule Announced! • CarFit Program in Rhinebeck (5/19) • Health Insurance Counseling in Dover Area • Red Cross Blood Drive (5/15) • Hudson Valley Cancer Survivorship Summit (6/8) • Nutritional Health Seminar (5/21) • Aging in Place Forum (5/21) • Senior Health News • More Aging News Online
Last call for $35 seats for the Celebration of Aging on Monday, May 20th at the Villa Borghese in Wappinger. Your check must be received by Wednesday in order to be included in the seating chart. Tickets at the door are $50. Call 486‐2555 for more information.
Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens Mary Kaye Dolan‐Anderson, Director Dutchess County Office for the Aging
SUMMER SENIOR PICNIC SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The annual Office for the Aging Senior Picnic Program will kick‐off this year on
June 12th. Residents age 60 and over are invited to come out and socialize with
their friends and neighbors at the event designated for their hometown and learn
more about the programs and services offered by the Office for the Aging. Other
County departments as well as several non‐profit organizations of interest to
seniors will also be on hand. All picnics begin at 12 noon.
The Senior Picnic Program has been held annually since 1993 and last year served
thousands of Dutchess County seniors. The program is made possible through
private/public partnerships with support from many local municipalities &
businesses. Special thanks to the Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP),
Wingate Healthcare, Toll Brothers, Hudson Cadillac Buick GMC, Digestive Disease
Center of the Hudson Valley, Visiting Nurse Service of New York Choice Health
Plans, and the Dutchess County Department of Social Services – Protective
Services for Adults who are our major sponsors. Additional sponsorships are still
available for businesses who would like to reach out to the senior community by
sponsoring one or several of the picnics. Volunteers are needed at each picnic to
help with set‐up, bringing meals to the handicapped attendees and clean up. Call
the Office for the Aging for more information.
Ten senior picnics are scheduled throughout the summer at various parks in the
county. They are open only to senior citizen residents and their guests of the
village/town(s) specified for each event. Space is limited; therefore reservations
and proof of residency are required. There is a $4 charge for anyone 59 or
younger or non‐resident guests.
The 2013 Senior Picnic Schedule is as follows:
June 12 Towns of Northeast, Pine Plains, Washington & Stanford –
Pine Plains Lions Club Pavilion, 82 Beach Road, Pine Plains.
June 19 Towns of Pleasant Valley, Hyde Park & Clinton –
Fran Mark Park, 337 Clinton Hollow Road, Clinton
June 26 Rhinebeck & Red Hook & Milan –
Tivoli Memorial Recreation Park, 1 Katherine Lane
July 10 Town of Wappinger –
Recreation Park, 95 Robinson Lane, Wappinger
July 18 Village & Town of Fishkill
Sarah Taylor Park, 17 Old Main Street, Fishkill
July 24 Beacon
Memorial Park, 298 Fishkill Ave, Beacon
August 1 City of Poughkeepsie
Waryas Park, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie
August 7 Town of Poughkeepsie
Bowdoin Park, 85 Sheafe Rd, Poughkeepsie
August 14 Towns of Dover, Pawling, Amenia & Unionvale
Boyce Park, 6423 Route 55, Dover
August 21 Towns of LaGrange, East Fishkill & Beekman
Freedom Park, 212 Skidmore Rd, LaGrange
Reservations are required. To make a reservation for the picnic corresponding
with your municipality, call the Office for the Aging at (845) 486‐2555.
Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, 27 High
Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601, telephone 486‐2555, email:
[email protected] website:
http://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm
CarFit Program in Rhinebeck WHAT: CarFit is coming to Northern Dutchess Hospital to offer area senior
drivers a free opportunity to check how their cars “fit” them.
Developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) partnership, CarFit’s trained professionals take older drivers through a 12‐point checklist with their vehicle, recommending minor adjustments that help make their cars “fit” better for comfort and safety. An occupational therapist is also on hand to provide information to seniors on how to maintain and strengthen driving health.
WHY: By 2030, there will be an estimated 58.9 million people age 65 and
older ‐that's 1 in 5 people. They're expected to represent 1 in 4 licensed drivers at that time. Personal mobility is critical for healthy aging, but as our bodies change as we age, ill‐fitting vehicles can make it uncomfortable and unsafe to drive. Additionally, due to fragility, older drivers have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone except teenagers. CarFit is a tool that can work to help keep seniors safer behind the wheel.
WHO: Northern Dutchess Hospital and Driver Rehabilitation of the
Hudson Valley WHEN: 1pm – 4pm, Sunday May 19, 2013 WHERE: West Parking Lot at Northern Dutchess Hospital
CONTACT: The Physical Medicine Department at Northern Dutchess Hospital
for reservations. (845) 871‐3427
Health Insurance Counseling in the Dover Area
The Office for the Aging now has volunteers providing Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program (HIICAP) services/appointments in the Eastern Dutchess area at the Dutchess County Community Action Partnership. They are located at 3414 Route 22 in Dover Plains, and an appointment is necessary. Call 845‐877‐9272 for more information.
Red Cross Blood Drive
There will be a Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday May 15, 1:30 to 6:30 PM, in the auditorium of the Mid‐Hudson Library System, at 105 Market St in Poughkeepsie, next door to the Adriance Memorial Library.
To schedule your 40 minutes appointment, available at 15‐minute intervals from 1:30 to 6:30 PM, please contact the American Red Cross at 1‐800‐733‐2767. Both the registration and the donation are easy and quick.
We all know of the life giving importance of a steady supply of blood, but are also aware that for a number of reasons many people do not qualify to donate. If you are one of them you can still help effectively by recruiting a neighbor, friend, colleague, relative, etc.
This first annual drive is cosponsored by the Hudson Valley Ski Club as a 75th
anniversary community project and by the Poughkeepsie Public Library.
Cancer Survivorship Summit – June 8th
Who the Summit is for and what it’s all about: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you know the challenges of the cancer journey. The Cancer Survivorship Summit is Hudson Valley’s first conference devoted entirely to living life during and after cancer. This conference will provide you with innovative tools and practical resources to help you through cancer and back to living and loving life after cancer. For more information click here: http://www.hudsonvalleycancer.org/cancer‐survivorship‐summit.aspx
Nutritional Health
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:00 ‐ 4:30 PM Saint Francis Home Care, 26 IBM Road, Poughkeepsie, NY Presented by Angela Russo, M.S., CNS, CAN, CSA Certified Nutritionist Call for reservations: (845) 483‐5560 This is a FREE presentation, however space is limited.
Angela Russo is passionate about helping people regain their health and empower them to adopt a healthier life style. She has been in practice as a certified nutritionist for over 15 years and has written many articles on health topics which have been published in various journals. Learn how to decrease your dependency on pharmaceutical drugs and assist your body’s own healing process by emphasizing healing foods, life style changes and nutritional support. Allergies, anxiety and depression, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, blood sugar disease, cardiovascular disease, weight issues, hormonal imbalances and toxicity can all be treated successfully with nutritional counseling and changes in your lifestyle.
AGING IN PLACE FORUM
If you have been wondering how you will stay in your home as you age and
out of an assisted living facility or nursing home either altogether or for as long as
possible, you aren’t alone. The overwhelming majority of seniors hope to be able
to remain independent and “age in place,” but many will need some assistance
with tasks like transportation and home maintenance in order to achieve this
goal.
The good news is two local Aging in Place organizations are teaming up to
present a free public forum on the topic at the Wallace Center in Hyde Park on
Tuesday, May 21st from 3:30 to 6:30 PM to help attendees understand what they
do and how to plan. The keynote speaker will be gerontologist Rosemary Bakker,
who will speak on: “Planning Ahead for Bumps in the Road; Simple Things to do to
Live Your Best at Home.”
All seniors, their adult children and caregivers are invited to the program
which is presented by Hudson Valley Home Matters, serving the greater
Poughkeepsie area, including Hyde Park, Pleasant Valley, Wappinger and
LaGrange and the newly formed Rhinebeck at Home which serves the Rhinebeck
area. Reservations may be made by calling 452‐4846 or 876‐4663.
For a membership fee, Aging in Place organizations generally provide
services like small handyman jobs, assistance with electronics like computers,
regular social events and referrals to screened service providers. You can learn
more about each organization online at: www.hvhomematters.org or
www.rhinebeckathome.org
Exercise May Help Slow Alzheimer's‐Related Loss of Physical Abilities
THE QUESTION Might regular exercise have a mitigating effect on the physical decline that generally accompanies Alzheimer's disease? THIS STUDY involved 210 people with Alzheimer's who were 78 years old on average, had shown a decline in mobility and were living at home with a spouse. Most had moderate or severe Alzheimer's, and nearly all were taking medication for the disease. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups that exercised for an hour twice a week or to a third group that did no organized exercise. One group exercised at home with the help of a physiotherapist, with the exercises tailored to each person's specific needs and abilities. The others exercised in groups of 10 at an adult rehabilitation center day‐care program, with a mix of endurance, balance and strength‐training exercises supervised by physiotherapists. The non‐exercisers were given advice by nurses on nutrition and exercise. After a year, physical abilities had deteriorated in all groups, but the decline was slower among those who exercised, especially those who exercised at home, than it was for those who did not exercise, based on standardized scales. Also during the year, more falls were recorded for those who did not exercise than for those who did. The authors noted that less physical decline means less need for help day to day. WHO MAY BE AFFECTED? Anyone with Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder that robs people of memory and mental functioning but also leads to mobility and functional deterioration as the dementia progresses. No cure has been found and no medication can slow or prevent the disease, but various drugs have been approved to treat symptoms. Today, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, a number that is expected to reach 7 million by 2025 and nearly 14 million by 2050, unless ways are found to prevent, slow or stop the disease.
For source and to read the study, click here.
New Clues to Dietary Defenses Against Vision Loss with Aging
Want to protect your eyes against the leading cause of blindness in older Americans? Eat more fish high in omega‐3s. That's the conclusion of a new study of 38,022 participants in the Women's Health Study, linking regular consumption of fish and the omega‐3 fatty acids found in fish (DHA and EPA) to reduced risk of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).
Over 10 years of follow‐up, 235 of the women were diagnosed with AMD. Based on food questionnaires at the start of the study, those eating fish at least once a week were 42% less likely to develop AMD than women eating fish less than once a month. "This lower risk appeared to be due primarily to consumption of canned tuna fish and dark‐meat fish," according to researchers William Christen, ScD, of Harvard University, and colleagues. Consumption of dietary omega‐3s was also specifically associated with lower risk, with the highest intake of DHA, for example, linked to a 38% lower likelihood of AMD. Similar results were observed for higher intake of EPA and for higher consumption of both omega‐3s together.
Christen and colleagues characterized their results as the "strongest observational evidence to date in support of a possible role for intake of omega‐3 long‐chain fatty acids and fish in the primary prevention of AMD."
Read Full Article
Olive‐Oil Lovers at Lower Risk of Strokes
A key component of the so‐called "Mediterranean diet," olive oil may help protect against strokes caused by blocked arteries. French researchers report that people who used the most olive oil for cooking and salad dressings were 41% less likely to suffer an ischemic stroke. The results, the scientists concluded, suggest olive oil may be "a major protective component" of the Mediterranean diet. Cécilia Samieri, PhD, of Université Bordeaux, and colleagues followed 7,625
people age 65 and older without a prior stroke in the French cities of Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpelier. At the study's start, 22.8% reported not using olive oil at all, 40% used it moderately for cooking and in dressings, and 37.2% were classified as "intensive" olive oil consumers." Those users consumed olive oil "always or most often" for cooking and in dressings. Samieri notes, "In this large sample of older subjects, we could not assess the actual quantities of olive oil consumed." A second study group of 1,245 people were tested for blood levels of oleic acid, an indirect marker for olive‐oil consumption, and then also followed for incidence of strokes. Those with the highest blood levels of oleic acid were 73% less likely to suffer a stroke than those with the lowest levels.
Read Full Article
No Link Between Folic Acid Supplements and Colorectal Cancer
A new American Cancer Society study concludes that there's "no evidence" folic acid from fortified foods or supplements increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Earlier research, including a 2007 Tufts study, had suggested that an excess of folic acid‐such as that contributed by the 1998 federal mandate to fortify flour and cereals‐might increase colorectal‐cancer incidence. Folic‐acid fortification has helped reduce spina bifida birth defects, but some experts wondered whether the body might react differently to folic acid, a synthetic form, than to natural folate. Victoria Stevens, PhD, and colleagues looked at data on 56,011 women and 43,512 men, ages 50‐74, participating in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort. Over eight years, 1,023 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed. Neither high intake of folic acid nor of natural folate was associated with a greater risk, and high total folate was actually associated with a 19% lower risk. Publishing their results in Gastroenterology, researchers concluded, "Our findings are consistent with... results from the only trial to assess colorectal cancer, rather than adenoma [benign tumors that may progress to cancer], as the endpoint,
suggesting that folate intakes in the range of 800 micrograms [mcg] per day should not be expected to increase risk of colorectal cancer."
Read Full Article
Whole‐Diet Changes May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk
Previous research has suggested various links between what you eat and your risk of developing dementia that proceeds to Alzheimer's disease. But trials of specific foods for defense against dementia have mostly proven frustrating. Now a small, relatively brief clinical trial might point to a different kind of answer: Overall dietary changes, not just adding or subtracting a single food, could affect the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. In particular, the study found that in healthy people, a diet low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates improved biomarkers associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
"A more promising approach to the study of dietary factors in Alzheimer's disease might entail the use of whole‐diet interventions," noted Jennifer L. Bayer‐Carter, MS, from Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, and colleagues. "Our study supports further investigation into the possibility that consumption of a diet high in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates may contribute to pathologic processes in the brain that increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Conversely, diets low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates may offer protection against Alzheimer's disease and enhance brain health."
Bayer‐Carter and colleagues evaluated effects of two different diets in 20 older adults who were healthy and 29 older adults who had amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), meaning they experienced some memory problems‐ a condition often considered a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. One regimen, dubbed the LOW diet, was low in saturated fat and simple carbs (such as those with a high glycemic index). The alternative "HIGH" diet emphasized foods high in saturated fats and simple carbs.
Read Full Article
Strenuous Exercise Linked to Fewer "Silent Strokes" in Elderly
To reduce your risk of stroke, really break a sweat. In a new study published in Neurology, researchers report that older people who engaged in moderate to intense exercise were 40% less likely to suffer "silent strokes" than those engaging in no leisure‐time physical activity.
"These 'silent strokes' are more significant than the name implies," says study author Joshua Z. Willey, MD, MS, of Columbia University, "because they have been associated with an increased risk of falls and impaired mobility, memory problems and even dementia, as well as stroke. Encouraging older people to take part in moderate to intense exercise may be an important strategy for keeping their brains healthy." Dr. Willey and colleagues looked at 1,238 participants in the Northern Manhattan Study Cohort who had not been diagnosed with a stroke. Participants completed a questionnaire about how often and how intensely they exercised at the beginning of the study. They then had MRI scans of their brains an average of six years later, when they were an average of 70 years old.
Read Full Article
Insufficient Vitamin D Could Boost Arthritis Risk
Vitamin D's important role in bone health, already linked to protection against osteoporosis, may extend to joints and prevention of the most common form of arthritis. A new study reports that men with insufficient vitamin D levels were twice as likely to have hip osteoarthritis as those with normal vitamin D. R. Krishna Chaganti, MD, of the University of California at San Francisco, and colleagues analyzed data on 1,104 older men in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. Participants, who averaged almost 78 years old, had their blood levels of vitamin D measured and then, about 4.5 years later, underwent pelvic
radiography to look for signs of arthritis in the hips. Just as low vitamin D levels (15.1‐30 ng/mL) were associated with greater likelihood of arthritis, men with higher vitamin D levels (above 30 ng/mL) were less likely to have arthritis in the hips. The results were adjusted for age, season of the year and site of the clinic where testing was done.
Read Full Article
More Aging News Online:
Video Game May Help Keep Aging Brains Sharp 05/01/2013 05:00 PM EDT
Older gamers may gain more mentally than crossword puzzle solvers, study suggests.
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Benefits of Delaying Retirement • Transportation Options in Dutchess County • Walking Groups Still Walking • Diet Changes Affect Alzheimer’s Risk • Free Cancer Screenings • Learn a Musical Instrument at DCC • Nutritional Health Lecture (05/21) • Chagall in High Falls Lecture (06/4) • SALT: Good or Bad?
Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens
Mary Kaye Dolan-Anderson, Director
Dutchess County Office for the Aging
BENEFITS OF DELAYING RETIREMENT In today’s economy, many senior citizens are faced with delaying retirement. While we have traditionally thought of 65 as the typical retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration, early retirement is anytime before 62 while delayed retirement is after age 70. Before choosing where on the spectrum you should be, consider some of the financial benefits of delaying retirement. A recent Wells Fargo survey shows that one third of Americans plan to postpone retirement until their 80s. This may sound surprising, but the fact of the matter is many seniors end up not having enough to support their golden years. Local financial advisor, Keith McLaughlin of the Merrill Lynch Poughkeepsie office, spoke about issues people face when planning for retirement: “We live in a time where you have to be responsible for your own retirement plan. You have to consider both your fixed and variable expenses as well as your current savings,” which may seem like common sense, but 50 to 60 percent of retirees suffer because they fail to account for unexpected expenses. According to McLaughlin, the two biggest variable costs people forget to factor into their retirement calculation are the rate of inflation and medical expenses. A financial advisor can help, but there are many other variables that are not as easy to plan for.
Accounting for these unanticipated costs increases the amount needed to retire, so delaying retirement may be the only way to ensure financial stability. This is in addition to the current climate of uncertainty regarding the future of Social Security and Medicare. Staying in the workforce and deferring Social Security increases your monthly benefits. By retiring at age 70, you receive up to 30 percent more each month than if you retire at 62. Staying at work also means that you will have more money to enjoy when you retire. Not only will you increase your net earnings, but you will also have to budget these savings for a shorter timeframe—giving you more money to spend per year than if you had chosen to retire earlier. “Continuing to work,” says McLaughlin, “helps you avoid cutbacks or decreases in your standard of living—every year counts.” According to the Center for Retirement Research, 70 percent of workers who retire at 68 expect to have enough money to live comfortably, while only 50 percent of those who retire at 66 expect to be able to maintain their standard of living. If you are worried about outliving your money, but working for someone else does not appeal to you, another option is self-employment. According to the Kauffman Foundation, entrepreneurs ages 55 to 64 have launched more start-ups than any other demographic. On average, these businesses are twice as successful as those created by people ages 20 to 34. Applying your decades of human capital to an interest or hobby may not only turn out to be one of your most lucrative investments, but it can also help boost your mental and emotional well being—a topic we will explore further in next week’s Golden Living.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS What Transportation is available in Dutchess County for someone who does not drive, or cannot afford a taxi?
• If the person is eligible for Medicaid (and s/he might well be), Medicaid will cover the cost of medical transportation and medical services. Transportation for a medical appointment may be found by calling 1-866-244-8995. The person to call for information on Medicaid eligibility is Lance Bixby at 486-3184. There are several programs that may work for this person.
• If the person is over 60, a student, a veteran, or a person with a disability, s/he would pay $.75 on the fixed route (LOOP) service. (People with disabilities who wish to use this service must register at http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Planning/adaapplication.pdf .)
• The City of Poughkeepsie reduced fare is $.50.
• If the person is over 60 or a veteran, s/he would pay $1.00 on Dial-A-Ride
if it is available in his/her town. The phone number for Dial-A-Ride is 473-0171 and the person can register at http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/MassTransit/darapplication.asp .
• If the person is over 60, Friends of Seniors has a volunteer driver program
that may be able to help for medical trips. The phone number is 485-1277 and the website is http://www.friendsofseniors.biz/
• If the person lives near a pharmacy that offers delivery, s/he may try that,
or use a pharmacy that is in a grocery store and combine trips for food and pharmacy to save time and money. Sometimes, doctors can give samples of medicine in the office. S/he should ask while s/he is at the doctor’s office.
• If the person belongs to a church or synagogue, s/he should call them to
ask if there is a volunteer driver program through the church. It is usually free. Catholic Charities sometimes offers bus passes to those who need them. Their phone number is 1-888-744-7900 and their website is http://www.catholiccharitiesny.org/news-and-events/news/index.cfm?i=16144&m=4&y=2010 .
• There is also Flex service available most days. It is curb to curb and $5
one way for one town, and $6 one way for two towns. For more transportation options, click here: http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndextrans.htm
SENIOR WALKING/BIKING GROUPS The Office for the Aging’s Senior Walking & Biking Groups meet every Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM. Everyone is invited to join any of the groups – there is no need to register, just show up and walk or bike at your own pace. Either way you’ll enjoy the many health benefits that come with regular exercise. The walks are cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Volunteers are needed to be co-leaders at each of the walks. If you are interested, please call (845) 486-2555. The weekly schedule will be as follows: Mondays - Harlem Valley Rail Trail (Meet at the Amenia Trail Head) Tuesdays - Walkway Over the Hudson (Meet at the Washington St. entrance) Wednesdays - Dutchess Rail Trail (Meet in the rear of Gold’s Gym parking lot) Group meets at 9:00 AM. Thursdays - Dutchess Rail Trail (Meet at the Hopewell Depot Trail Head) Fridays – Dutchess Rail Trail (Meet at the Morgan Lake Trailhead) ***The Morgan Lake Parking Lot is closed for paving this week – the group will be meeting in the parking lot behind Stop & Shop on Love Road.
WHOLE-DIET CHANGES MAY REDUCE ALZHEIMER'S RISK Previous research has suggested various links between what you eat and your risk of developing dementia that proceeds to Alzheimer's disease. But trials of specific foods for defense against dementia have mostly proven frustrating. Now a small, relatively brief clinical trial might point to a different kind of answer: Overall dietary changes, not just adding or subtracting a single food, could affect the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. In particular, the study found that in healthy people, a diet low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates improved biomarkers associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's. "A more promising approach to the study of dietary factors in Alzheimer's disease might entail the use of whole-diet interventions," noted Jennifer L. Bayer-Carter, MS, from Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, and colleagues. "Our study supports further investigation into the possibility that consumption of a diet high in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates may contribute to the pathologic processes in the brain that increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Conversely, diets low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates may offer protection against Alzheimer's disease and enhance brain health." Bayer-Carter and colleagues evaluated effects of two different diets in 20 older adults who were healthy and 29 older adults who had amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), meaning they experienced some memory problems- a condition often considered a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. One regimen, dubbed the LOW diet, was low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates (such as those with a high glycemic index). The alternative "HIGH" diet emphasized foods high in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates (examples are sugar, white pasta, white flour baked goods, etc.).
CANCER SCREENINGS FREE Head & Neck Cancer Screenings at Saint Francis Hospital, Thursday, June 21, 2013 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon at the Herb & Sue Ann Redl Center for Cancer Care. The center is located at Saint Francis Hospital, Medical Arts Pavilion Suite 101, 19 Baker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. Dr. Michael Yao will conduct free head & neck cancer screenings. Please call to arrange an appointment at 845-483-5997. Space is limited. Preference will be given to the uninsured. www.sfhospital.org
LEARN A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Many seniors take music lessons for personal enjoyment and mental stimulation. The Music School at Dutchess Community College offers music lessons in all instruments and voice throughout the year. Perhaps you would enjoy returning to an instrument you played years ago or trying something new. The Music School also offers group classes during the summer months in guitar, vocal techniques, violin, drumming and ukulele. There are ensembles for chamber music and jazz and group classes in reading music, all open to adults. Call 845-431-8916 for more information or go to www.sunydutchess.edu/assets/Summer2013MusicSchool.pdf for the summer Music School catalog.
NUTRITIONAL HEALTH Saint Francis Hospital & Health Centers presents a FREE workshop titled Nutritional Health, Tuesday, May 21, 2013 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM at Saint Francis Home Care, 26 IBM Road, Poughkeepsie, NY Presented by Angela Russo, M.S., CNS, CAN, CSA, Certified Nutritionist. Angela Russo is passionate about helping people regain their health and empower them to adopt a healthier life style. She has been in practice as a certified nutritionist for over 15 years and has written many articles on health topics which have been published in various journals. Learn how to decrease your dependency on pharmaceutical drugs and assist your body’s own healing process by emphasizing healing foods, life style changes and nutritional support. Allergies, anxiety and depression, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, blood sugar disease, cardiovascular disease, weight issues, hormonal imbalances and toxicity can all be treated successfully with nutritional counseling and changes in your lifestyle. This is a FREE presentation, however space is limited. Please reserve by calling (845) 483-5560. This program is funded in part by the U.S. Administration on Aging, New York State Division of Aging Services and Dutchess County Government.
CHAGALL IN HIGH FALLS A lecture at Starr Library on Tuesday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. will provide a glimpse into a little-known period of the renowned painter Marc Chagall’s life, which was spent in Ulster County, New York. The evening event will include an opening reception with refreshments. “Chagall in High Falls” documents the years 1946 to 1948 when Chagall (b.1887-d.1985) lived and worked on Mohonk Road in High Falls with his companion, Virginia Haggard, and their son, David. During his time in High Falls, Chagall created more than 90 works, including lithographs from “Arabian Nights: Four Tales from a Thousand and One Nights.” The famed 20th century artist’s life in High Falls will be told through rarely seen pictures, music and videos. In addition to the lecture, an exhibition of images—many of which were taken by Belgian photographer Charles Leirens—will be on
display at the library throughout the month of June. The program is presented and curated by Sevan Melikyan, executive director of the Wired Gallery in High Falls and a founding member of the “Chagall in High Falls” exhibit, which originated in 2011. The exhibit first ran at the D&H Canal Museum and Chapel in High Falls in fall 2012. Most recently it was on display at the Kingston Library and Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz. For more information about “Chagall in High Falls,” visit www.chagallinhighfalls.com. No Benefit in Sharply Restricting Salt, Panel Finds By GINA KOLATA Health experts for the government say there is no good reason for many Americans to keep sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams a day, as national dietary guidelines advise.
IN THIS ISSUE: • Celebration of Aging News • Health Benefits of Working Longer • Medicare 101 in Rhinebeck (6/3) • Nutrition News & Letter (June) • Not All Fats Are Bad • Health Quest Lecture Series • Easing Brain Fatigue • More Aging News Online
If you missed the Celebration of Aging, details on all of the honorees can be found at the link below. Pictures will be added shortly. Celebration of Aging: http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/21487.htm
Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens Mary Kaye Dolan‐Anderson, Director Dutchess County Office for the Aging
HEALTH BENEFITS OF WORKING LONGER
In last week’s Golden Living, we discussed the economic benefits of
choosing to work longer and retire later in life. There are also considerable health,
social, emotional and psychological benefits to delaying retirement.
Remaining active at work helps keep our minds engaged, which is key for
maintaining our mental health as we age. Dr. Kenneth Glatt, Commissioner at the
Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene, recently spoke about retirement
and the mental aging process. “Some people,” says Glatt, “look forward to
retirement; it’s an opportunity to live the life that they couldn’t live while they
were working. However, inactivity during retirement can cause people to fall out
of shape physically and mentally.” Constant challenges at work do more than
simply keep you busy; they help maintain higher cognitive functions and overall
psychological wellness.
Choosing to remain in the workforce also provides social engagement and
a sense of purpose in life, particularly if you enjoy your job. Local attorney, Robert
Ostertag of Ostertag, O’Leary, Barrett & Faulkner described his experience
working at the age of 81. “My job definitely gives me a purpose,” says the lawyer,
“What I do is helpful to people, and I like doing that so it’s a good enough reason
for me to keep at it.” When asked if Ostertag wants to retire, he responded, “If I
stopped I’d just be sitting around all day. I enjoy what I do and I’m healthy so why
change? Plus, it keeps me moving and in contact with people.”
Staying in the workplace offers the consistent human interaction that is
vital for maintaining our emotional health. Retirees who are not active in
organizations or groups do not get the basic social activity that we take for
granted during our working life. Fulfilling these fundamental social needs is critical
in supporting psychological health as we age.
Not only does social interaction lead to increased self‐esteem, but it can
also help prevent cognitive degeneration. According to Glatt, depression often
hits those who have lost a spouse, are unemployed, and do not have meaningful
activity in their life the hardest. “Sometimes,” says the doctor, “retirement and
inactivity give us too much time to pay attention to the minor aches and pains of
aging.” It is for this reason that elderly males who are unemployed and living
alone are at a higher risk for suicide and alcoholism.
The most important non‐financial aspect to consider when planning for
retirement is how you are going to stay active. A major issue for many retirees is
that they do not have hobbies or interests outside of work to expand upon.
People need to have a variety of rewards that make living enjoyable, says Glatt,
whether it’s volunteer work, a life‐long hobby, or continuing to work–anything
that gives you satisfaction is important for maintaining your mental and
emotional health so you can live a long and happy life.
With technology today, it is easier than ever to work from home. Working
at home provides would‐be retirees with many of the mental and emotional
benefits of staying in the workforce, but in a flexible and relaxed environment.
Golden Living was prepared by Vassar College Field Work Student Michael
Gambardella for the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, 27 High Street,
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601, telephone 486‐2555, email:
website:
http://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm
Dear Friends, Summer is quickly approaching, so why not consider picking up some of these nutritious and seasonal foods the next time you are in the supermarket: Iced Tea on a hot day is not only refreshing, but it’s also rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant that can lower your risk of Alzheimer's Disease and diabetes and strengthen your bones. Stay away from bottled teas with high sugar content. Corn has two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which filter out damaging rays from the sun and may help lower your risk of developing age‐related macular degeneration—the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which works to protect your skin from sunburn. However, it is still important to reapply sun block throughout the day if you are going out into the sun. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so eating this fruit actually helps you stay hydrated. Raspberries are a great source of fiber, such as pectin, which helps lower cholesterol and aids in weight loss. Blueberries are not only rich in fiber, but they also contain antioxidants that help lessen muscle fatigue by removing free radicals caused by muscle activity. Eating a cup‐full can make you feel more energized and ready to enjoy summer activities! Sincerely, Mary Kaye Dolan, Director Dutchess County Office for the Aging
NOT ALL FATS ARE BAD
Did you know not all fats are created equal? There are bad fats, such as saturated and trans fats, that increase your cholesterol and risk of heart disease and there are also good fats, known as essential fatty acids or EFAs, which help protect your heart and improve your overall health. Studies show these good fats are not only vital for maintaining
physical and mental wellbeing, but they also slow down the production of fat molecules, break down existing fat, and increase energy levels in the body. Unfortunately, the human body does not naturally produce EFAs so we have to obtain them from our diets. There are two types of EFAs: omega‐3 fatty acids and omega‐6 fatty acids. Omega‐3 fatty acids work to prevent and reduce the symptoms of depression; protect against dementia; reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer; ease arthritis pain; and support healthy pregnancy. To get a sufficient amount of Omega‐3, add foods such as spinach, flaxseed, sesame seeds, walnuts, salmon, and albacore tuna to your diet. Omega‐6 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining healthy brain function, sustaining normal growth and development, fighting cancer cells, treating arthritis, and improving skin health. You can obtain Omega‐6 by incorporating foods such as pistachios and chicken into your diet. Cooking with olive or flaxseed oil instead of butter can also help you get an extra dose of essential omega‐6 fatty acids. Deficiencies in Omega‐6 and Omega‐3 fatty acids can lead to blood clots, decreased memory, worsened vision, and a weakened immune system. As always, contact your doctor before making any major dietary changes.
MEDICARE 101
The Office for the Aging will be presenting a program for people interested in learning more about Medicare and related insurances on Monday, June 3rd from 4pm‐5:30pm at the Center for Healthy Aging in Rhinebeck. Call 486‐2555 to register.
HEALTH QUEST LECTURE SERIES
Health Quest is proud to announce a free community lecture series schedule for Northern Dutchess Hospital, the NDH Center for Healthy Aging and Vassar Brothers Medical Center. A variety of topics will be covered on issues including stroke and stress reduction to knee replacements and vascular disease. The lectures are conducted by physicians and staff of Health Quest, and include both a talk and time for Q&A. Reservations are required by calling 1‐877‐729‐2444.
Please click here for the complete list of seminars, including topics, dates, times and locations: Spring Community Lecture Series
Week of May 19, 2013
Easing Brain Fatigue With a Walk in the Park
Scientists have known for some time that the human brain's ability to stay calm and focused is limited and can be overwhelmed by the constant noise and hectic, jangling demands of city living, sometimes resulting in a condition informally known as brain fatigue. With brain fatigue, you are easily distracted, forgetful and mentally flighty. But an innovative new study from Scotland suggests that you can ease brain fatigue simply by strolling through a leafy park. The idea that visiting green spaces like parks or tree‐filled plazas lessens stress and improves concentration is not new. Researchers have long theorized that green spaces are calming, requiring less of our so‐called directed mental attention than busy, urban streets do. Instead, natural settings invoke "soft fascination," a beguiling term for quiet contemplation, during which directed attention is barely called upon and the brain can reset those overstretched resources and reduce mental fatigue. But this theory, while agreeable, has been difficult to put to the test. Previous studies have found that people who live near trees and parks have lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in their saliva than those who live primarily amid concrete, and that children with attention deficits tend to concentrate and perform better on cognitive tests after walking through parks or arboretums. More directly, scientists have brought volunteers into a lab, attached electrodes to their heads and shown them photographs of natural or urban scenes, and found that the brain wave readouts show that the volunteers are more calm and meditative when they view the natural scenes. But it had not been possible to study the brains of people while they were actually outside, moving through the city and the parks. Or it wasn't, until the recent development of a lightweight, portable version of the electroencephalogram, a technology that studies brain wave patterns.
For source and to read the study, click here.
MORE AGING NEWS ONLINE:
Sleep Apnea in Seniors Tied To Alzheimer's in Study 05/19/2013 02:00 PM EDT
Connection appeared strongest among thinner people, researcher says
Source: HealthDay
Age Amplifies Damage from Obesity, Study Finds 05/17/2013 02:00 PM EDT
By 50, arteries stiffen, increasing risk of death from heart disease, researchers say
Source: HealthDay