Mar 2
2011

Clearing House!

By admin

What to do with all that ‘stuff’.

submitted by Heather Knittel

As we head into our senior years, most of us would prefer to live at home for as long as possible. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. And if we have to move out of the family home, not only are we faced with decisions on the where’s and how’s but, also on what to take and what is best left behind or given to others.

Selling the family home evokes many emotions and discussions. Clearing a home of a lifetime’s collection of documents, possessions and their associated memories, is often wrenching for us. Our adult children may not live nearby or have the time to assist through the relocation process. However, these necessary activities can prove to be less stressful with professional help. A dose of non-judgemental support, especially for those of us who have recently experienced loss of a life partner or a change in health status, may just what we need.

A Professional Senior Realtor specializes in guiding families and the ‘senior client’ through the complete relocation process. It’s important to choose one who is compassionate, patient, and a clear and diplomatic communicator, as well as being a skilled salesperson to get the property sold for the best price.

The discussion with the PSR usually starts with exploring all the different types of housing options available, taking into account critical factors such as loneliness, loss of mobility, problems with memory, nutrition, deterioration of the neighbourhood, expenses of maintaining the house, or loss of driving ability

Once the ‘where to’ is resolved, the discussion should move on to the sales issues: When should the house be sold? What needs to be done to get it ready for sale? Are the adult children and the senior client all in agreement?

Readying the family home for sale.

How many years of stuff do you have in every room, on every floor? Wonderful memories for you, but for prospective buyers, not so great! The fact is … neat and organized homes move much more rapidly on the market. Clutter makes it harder to sell because it interferes with the buyer’s ability to use their imagination to see themselves, and their things, in that space.

De-cluttering can be a huge and ominous task, exhausting most even before the work has begun. Many of us just don’t know where to start and we feel uncomfortable about imposing on family and friends.

Professional organizers can help. And even more appropriate, are organizers like Practically Daughters™, a service which works with families to smooth out housing transition for aging relatives. “We are downsizing experts who understand how difficult it is to move from a long-time residence. We help clients sort out and distribute what goods should be given to relatives or charities, sold at garage sales, on-line or consignment or sent to recycling”, says Heather Knittel, a lead organizer for the service. “A professional organizer can also aid in selecting the furniture and treasured belongings that will fit best in the new surroundings plus oversee the organization of the new residence for maximum efficiency, comfort, and safety. They will often coordinate the details of the actual move, as well.”

The most important issue relating to a move in our senior years should be our health considerations. By working with professionals, and allowing them to be a part of the decision-making process as well as take on some of the necessary tasks, we can reduce stress and stay healthier throughout the whole housing transition process.

Heather Knittel is a personal organizer for Practically Daughters ™, a division of Good Riddance Personal Organizing Solutions. All views presented here are that of the author. Comments and questions to Heather Knittel at www.goodriddance.ca or by calling 604.421.9512

Posted in Family Matters | No Comments »

Jan 27
2011

Brain Health

By admin

A Lifestyle for Brain Health

submitted by Nigel Brown

This year boomers will start to turn 65 years old and many have the likelihood of living well for several more decades. This reality of living longer has led to a surge of interest in remaining active and physically fit, eating well and engaging in a purposeful life.

Now, brain health is a burgeoning trend within this realm of positive aging.

We used to believe that the brain is a fixed and rigid entity with a limited window of development opportunity. Traditional thinking taught us that this critical period occurred early in life and new skill development could not happen beyond that point. Similarly, the ideas that brain disease is inevitable with advanced age, and that once the brain is damaged it cannot be treated or healed – was generally accepted.

Well, not so; in recent years these ideas have been challenged by research and new learning. Indications are that a proactive approach to brain health and fitness can be implemented at the earliest stage of life and continued throughout the entire life span. Brain health experts believe we can shape our brains for health by exposing ourselves to a specific environment and by engaging in distinct activities as often as possible.

Research indicates there are five critical areas in maintaining our brain health, or cognitive capacity. These are: socialization in community; physical activity; mental stimulation; spirituality; and nutrition. These areas, when integrated, have been documented to foster brain health and to reduce the risk of dementia. These five areas define an optimum “brain health lifestyle” and each of us has the opportunity to enhance our commitment to nurturing and enhancing these aspects in our daily lives.

When it comes to physical activity, many boomers are engaged in aerobic fitness and strength training; we can feel and see the difference this effort delivers. However, we pay far less attention to our brain muscle – “exercising” it less often, if at all. It’s as if we believe it will continue to perform optimally without conscious new and complex exercises.

Studies into brain stimulation confirm that we need to present the brain with ongoing and unfamiliar challenges. Despite some benefits, doing crossword puzzles or games like Sudoku do little to provide on-going stimulation because the brain soon adapts to these repetitive challenges.

Stimulating the brain can literally generate new neurons and strengthen their connections which results in better brain performance and in having a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s symptoms. Studies suggest that people who exercise their mental muscles throughout their lives have a 35–40% less risk of manifesting Alzheimer’s

In today’s world there are several advanced technology companies developing brain training software that is scientifically researched and proven for the cognitive benefits they provide. Some of the software products focus on auditory or visual brain skills while others include specialized programs that promote driver safety through on-line activities to quicken reaction time to potentially reduce crash risks.

Whether aided by technology or accessed in more traditional ways, learning a new language is also known to be one of the best ways to boost your brain’s functioning and resilience.

Today, brain health has become correctly acknowledged as an inherent benefit of overall physical fitness. Experts better recognize the link between physical activity and brain stimulation and activities like dancing are particularly noted as providing both physical and cognitive benefits. The complexity of learning new steps such as in ballroom dancing, in particular, is accepted as great for both body and brain fitness.

When it comes to the other three important aspects of positive brain health: community, spirituality and nutrition – books and web resources abound with recommendations, tips and recipes! Bottom line: immerse yourself in formal and informal groups that bring positive interactions and experiences helping you build connections to others. Explore, nurture and build your spirituality whether through main stream religions, meditation or practices such as yoga or walking at peace in nature. Overhaul your diet to include brain boosting foods including rainbow coloured vegetables and fruits, nuts, omega three fats…and, oh yes, current wisdom suggests that glass of Okanagan Merlot is a “good-to-have” too!

Nigel Brown is a Kelowna-based coach and facilitator. He is an advocate for brain health education, involved in elder issues, and helps individuals who are within thinking distance of leaving their primary careers to explore and plan for what comes next. The views expressed are those of the author and are provided as a general source of information only. Comments or questions: email info@healthybrainmatters.com, call (250) 860-5408 or visit www.healthybrainmatters.com

Posted in Better Health, Central Okanagan | No Comments »

Jan 19
2011

submitted by Robina Palmer, Certified Vestibular Therapist

It is estimated that one in five people will develop vertigo
in their lifetime. What’s more notable, is that over 50%
of vertigo sufferers will be over the age of 60. 

The most common cause of vertigo is a condition in the inner ear known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when there is ‘debris’ or more specifically, a calcium carbonate crystal, which has been displaced within the inner ear. The presence of this displaced crystal within the inner ear can disturb one’s balance and equilibrium, and sense of motion. This disturbance is created when the crystal over stimulates or influences hair cells that are responsible for relaying head movement to the brain, thus resulting in vertigo. 

Most of my patients with BPPV report having episodes of dizziness with certain positions. Most commonly, it is lying flat in bed, rolling over in bed, getting up in the morning, looking up to the ceiling, and bending forward. They also report that avoiding these positions allows them to function pretty well during the day. Some say they have experienced previous attacks, either months or years prior.

Treatment for BPPV is very effective. It consists of ‘repositioning’ the crystal in the inner ear. This is done through a series of head and body positions, which will move the crystals away from the sensitive hair cells within the inner ear. Improvement is almost immediate following the repositioning treatment. 

Although BPPV accounts for a large percentage of vertigo, it is not the only cause. Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist certified in vestibular rehabilitation if you have these symptoms or think you may have BPPV. 

Robina Palmer is a Certified Vestibular Therapist with the Sun City Physiotherapy Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic in Kelowna, BC. The views expressed are those of the author and are provided as a general source of information only. Comments or questions –rpalmer@suncityphysiotherapy.com, call (250) 861-8056 or visit www.suncityphysiotherapy.com

Posted in Better Health, Central Okanagan | No Comments »

Dec 15
2010

A Day in the Life …
    of a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog!

Submitted by Sylvia Wedepohl

Rusty - a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Click image to view brochure
 Gracie - a St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog

December 10th, 2010

Hi! My name is Ambro, I’m a St John Ambulance Therapy Dog and today, donning my scarf and accompanied by my wonderful handler, Steve, I am visiting my 5 sweethearts in a nursing home.

Staff and residents greet me warmly as I make my way to room 228 – Reg’s room. Reg is 94, blind and confined to a wheelchair, but as sharp as a tack. He hears my footsteps and greets me before I even enter his room. We have grown close over this past year of visits. He knows just where to scratch my coat to make me squirm with delight. He always has a stash of special treats for me and Steve, allows me to have two at each visit. I must, of course, earn them by sitting and shaking a paw with Reg.

Having done with the preliminaries, I cuddle up at Reg’s feet. Welcoming his hand stroking my neck, I listen to the animated conversation between two good buddies. Reg’s intellect amazes me. He and Steve are football enthusiasts. Every pass and every fumble from Saturday’s game is laid out for discussion. Steve has taken the time to emboss a drawing of a controversial play that he now presents to Reg to ‘feel’. Reg’s eyes glow with appreciation as the drawing helps him understand the complex play. He laughs and teases Steve as the two recall similar plays from past games.

Too soon, our time with Reg elapses and we must visit our next shut-in. Reg knows the routine and accepts the need to share us with other residents. A fond farewell and a promise to return next week, and we are away.

Room 233 – Rachel – a sweet lady in her 80′s and a dog lover of the first order. I can’t wait to see her. But… the room is empty, so we go looking for her. The resident nurse approaches us with the news that Rachel was taken to emergency during the night – a heart attack. She passed away quietly a few hours ago. I am unable to grasp the loss but I am quite disturbed by Steve’s sadness. He instinctively reaches out for me, and feeling his need, I cuddle close to him. Rachel had been quite special to Steve. She was so much like his own mother. The nurse offers him a coffee and a gentle chat to ease him through this setback. Steve will need to grieve this loss. He will depend on me to help him so I must be strong.

A deep breath, a firm resolve and we are down the corridor again.

Room 237 – Janet. Janet is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer. Her ‘reality’ is that of a 30 year old mother of 2. The past 50 years of her life have vanished. The loving husband who comes to visit her every day is, to her, just a ‘funny old man’. She finds it amusing that he calls her sweetheart. In her narrowed world, her husband is a vibrant young father who spends hours playing and teaching his children. Steve has adapted to Janet’s reality and, as we enter, he greets her warmly and brings me to her side. Her face lights up as I approach. She had a dog ‘just like me’, she repeats, when she was a girl. My visits are the highlight of her week. It is a good thing that I am so big because her hugs would choke anything smaller than I am. From the time I arrive to the time I leave, Janet’s arms embrace me. She had a dog ‘just like me’…

Steve brought some photos of his own children in the hope that they might evoke Janet’s memories of happy times with her children. A brief chuckle rises from the octogenarian as she tries to describe a happy moment shared with her child. The words are confused and disjointed, but Steve hangs onto her every word, acknowledging the joy she feels – however brief that memory may be. Steve is thankful for that small success as he watches the light fade from the old woman’s eyes and slumber overtake her consciousness. It’s time to move on. A gentle tug on my leash and we slip slowly out of Janet’s room. She had a dog ‘just like me’…

Another deep breath and a walk to room 312 – Kathy’s room. Kathy has been bedridden for quite a number of months. Without family to visit, her days are long and lonely. A small crucifix above her bed gives some insight into the woman’s strength of character.

I rush into her room, excited to see the poor darling. She reaches out to me and asks Steve to let me place my front paws on the bed to allow her to scratch my head. I can only hold that position for a short time but I do my best. This is the only time when I wish I were a tiny dog, like Fluffy, who can get right up on people’s beds. But Kathy’s loving strokes make the awkward position worthwhile. She asks Steve for treats to give to me. Kathy strains to reach in my direction. I very gently take the treat from her hand.

Again Steve has chosen something special to cheer Kathy. She had, on a previous visit, indicated a love of musicals. Steve has brought her a simple recorder with a CD of Oklahoma. He shows her how to operate the hand-held machine and plays a few minutes of music for her. Tears well in her eyes and her gnarled hand reaches out to Steve in gratitude. He promises to find other CD’s for future visits. The conversation moves to Kathy’s brief stage experience. She had a great voice at that time. The memories flood her countenance and her eyes glow once more.

Another jump to the side of the bed, another delicious treat and we bid farewell to a lovely lady.

Room 325 – Charlie. Charlie is a gruff old guy but I love him. They say that the only time they see him smile is when he sees me. I find that hard to believe. He is always so kind to me.

Today he hobbles to the door to meet us. Steve knows how easily someone of Charlie’s instability can fall so he invites Charlie to join us at the lounge for a juice and biscuit. The offer is accepted and I am at last able to greet my good friend. I lay my massive head on his lap and relish the gentle strokes offered.

Charlie’s list of complaints is legendary. Steve patiently listens, acknowledges and tries to move the conversation along more positive lines. When this fails, he offers to take Charlie for a stroll in the garden. A gruff snort is the old man’s acquiescence. As we slowly make our way into the warm sunshine, Charlie’s spirits rise and his complaints cease. He wraps his arm around my bulk and disappears into a gentler world of his own.

Our visits have come to an end for the day. In the hour or so spent in the nursing home, we hope to have brought a few moments of joy to the people we visited.

Both Steve and I are weary and in need of some fun. We head straight to the park to play frisbees for an hour before returning home.

I love being a St John Ambulance Therapy Dog, and I love my special Steve, and I love the people I visit.

Sylvia Wedepohl is the Kelowna Facilitator for the Therapy Dog Program of the St. John Ambulance, British Columbia and Yukon Council – Kelowna Branch. The views expressed are those of the author and are provided as a general source of information only. Comments or questions –Sylvia.Wedepohl@bc.sja.ca, call (250) 762-2840 or visit www.sja.ca/bc

Posted in Central Okanagan, Resources | No Comments »

Nov 13
2010

Salmon Arm

By admin

Welcome!

by Marty Bootsma
MAYOR – City of Salmon Arm, BC
Marty Bootsma - Mayor of Salmon Arm, BC

I’m Marty Bootsma and I have the privilege of being Mayor of Salmon Arm. This has always been a great place to visit and is becoming more and more popular with retirees. Salmon Arm provides an extensive array of services tailored to meet the needs of those entering the retirement years. Recreation, health care, retirement housing at various levels, professional services and retail providing excellent service and products are often within walking distance.

We are proud of our City and whether you live here or are just visiting, we are pleased to have you here.

We extend a warm welcome to Experience 50+ Living — a publication providing Salmon Arm and area 50+ residents with a most valuable and comprehensive resource – indeed a Community Guide to Better Living.

Best regards,
Marty Bootsma
MAYOR – Salmon Arm, BC

www.salmonarm.ca
Visit www.salmonarm.ca

Posted in North Okanagan Shuswap | Comments Off

Nov 8
2010
by Wayne Lippert
MAYOR – City of Vernon, BC
Wayne Lippert - Mayor of Vernon, BC

On behalf of City Council I would like to extend my sincerest welcome. I would also like to congratulate Experience 50+ Living for their informative resource guide for Vernon and area residents.

Vernon is known for its gentle climate, spectacular vistas and relaxed lifestyle. With abundant recreational and cultural amenities, the City has developed an international reputation as one of the most desirable areas to live and do business in Canada.

Centrally located in Canada’s renowned Okanagan Valley, Vernon is easily accessible by air, rail and road networks. The Kelowna International Airport is located a very convenient 25-minute drive from downtown Vernon, offering domestic and international connections for goods and services as well as passenger travel.

Our City offers its residents an assortment of different activities and cultural experiences from outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, skiing, boating to attending a performance by a popular artist at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. There is something for everyone to participate in and enjoy.

Make sure to check out Experience 50+ Living website and their print publication for a multitude to valuable information.

Warm regards,
Wayne Lippert
MAYOR – Vernon, BC

www.vernon.ca
Visit www.vernon.ca

Posted in North Okanagan Shuswap | Comments Off

Nov 5
2010

by Sharon Gaetz, Boomer Vintage 1956
MAYOR – City of Chilliwack, BC
Sharon Gaetz - Mayor of Chilliwack, BC

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2nd annual edition of this fantastic resource guide for Baby Boomers and seniors in Chilliwack. It is our hope that you will find everything you are looking for (and perhaps information you didn’t even know you were looking for) in this handy, one-stop guide.

If you can recall Woodstock, the Beatles and the peace sign and it seems only yesterday you were ironing your hair or, conversely, sporting an ‘afro’, chances are you are a Boomer. We Baby Boomers are a unique group, unlike any other generation before us and it is not just in numbers! We lead active lives and we know what we want out of life. We ask questions and we will continue to do so in our senior years. We have already had a profound effect on our world and really, we are just getting started!

In 2011 the first baby boomers will be turning 65 and officially entering their senior years. If we are fortunate enough, it is coming for us all at some point, so why not celebrate our longevity? Use this guide to start planning to enjoy tomorrow with happiness and appreciation for the chance to be the best senior citizen ever.

I think you will be surprised be the large number of resources and services available in Chilliwack. All this information is now at your fingertips, so take advantage of all our City has to offer while you are living life to the fullest!

Warm regards,
Sharon Gaetz
MAYOR – Chilliwack, BC
www.chilliwack.com

Posted in Family Matters | No Comments »

Nov 2
2010

Locking up

submitted by John Dorricott, Price’s Lock and Safe

It’s a sad fact that we no longer live in a society where people feel confident leaving their doors unlocked and their property unguarded. Unfortunately more and more houses, patio homes, condos and apartments have become the target of today’s thieves who are not just content with stealing your belongings but now target your I.D as well.

Tips for preventing home theft

Home invasion is a fact. The most effective way to protect yourself and your belongings against it is simply don’t open the door unless, of course, you know who is on the other side.

Install a 180 door viewer (door peep hole) and you have the ability to see who is at your door before opening it. It’s not a good idea to rely on a safety chain as the moment you open the door you provide access to your home.

Install a good quality deadbolt. Many varieties are available, including some locks that have digital, finger print and card access.

A digital lock has a keypad that you can program and reset the combination at your convenience. This is really handy if you have drop in guests or caregivers, as you can give them their own code and delete it when they leave.

You can also purchase a key box with a digital pad that is mounted outside you home, this way you can give your neighbour or caregiver access to your key.

There are other locks that will allow you to change the combination of your lock at your home while you are on vacation by means of the internet. A side benefit of this type of lock is that you can also adjust your thermostat, turn lights on and off and view your home while you are not there.

Always lock your front and back doors when you are in the house. A smart theif will spot you out in the back garden and try the front door. It only takes a moment for your purse, wallet or jewellery to be gone.

Purchase an in-home safe: safes are no longer found only in banks or businesses. More and more people are buying a small safe for their home, this way they can store their valuables and i.d. and still have immediate access to them if necessary. Even a small safe secured or bolted down will usually deter the average thief.

Finally consider the questions “Who has keys to my home?” and “Have we ever had our locks rekeyed?” These are good questions to ask yourself. If you can’t answer these simple questions then it’s time to do something about it.

Posted in Home Security, North Island | No Comments »

Nov 2
2010

North Okanagan Falls Prevention Program

submitted by Pat Black
North Okanagan Falls Prevention Program Coordinator

The North Okanagan Falls Prevention Program is funded by the Interior Health Authority’s Home and Community Care Division and administered by the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan.

The North Okanagan Falls Prevention Program operates in the Greater Vernon Area and is a free service for seniors.

The goal of the Falls Prevention Program is to reduce the risk of falls in the senior population through prevention, education and direct action.

Information and prevention education for seniors and the community is carried out by staff and volunteers through workshops and presentations.

Home safety checks are also conducted by senior volunteers and this is a free service on request.

Identifying safety issues and facilitating action to make change is another important initiative – such as the downtown Vernon Sidewalk Safety Survey and the upcoming Pedestrian Safety Symposium.

If you would like more information on this program, please call us at 250-545-8572 or email us at nofalls@socialplanning.ca

Pat Black is the Program Coordinator for The North Okanagan Prevention Program which is located in People Place in the Seniors Information and Resource Bureau office in Vernon, BC. The views expressed are those of the author and are provided as a general source of information only. Comments or questions –nofalls@socialplanning.ca, call (250) 545-8572 or visit www.socialplanning.ca

Posted in Better Health, North Okanagan Shuswap | No Comments »

Oct 19
2010

Salmon Arm’s Blue Bottle Program

submitted by:
Marilyn Bjorkman, Seniors’ Resource Centre, Salmon Arm, BC

Situation: Someone has a health emergency and calls 911 for help. When the emergency personnel arrive, the person is unconscious or unable to communicate effectively.

Knowing that timing is critical in providing appropriate treatment, the emergency people need vital information such as what the health conditions are, any known allergies, name of the persons doctor, what medication(s) they are on, emergency contact info, and their care card number. In some situations, even if the patient is conscious, it can be a very traumatic time and to think clearly and be able to tell the emergency personnel all that they need to know can be very tough.

This is where planning ahead is so important.

The information that would be needed in an emergency situation should be written down and put in a convenient place where it can be easily accessed. One way is to have a form with the vital info readily available. Place this information sheet into a pill bottle and place it into the refrigerator freezer compartment so it is easily accessible. Have a sticker on the refrigerator door showing that the bottle is inside and the same design of sticker on the entry door to the home. That way the emergency personnel will know right away when they come that they can go to your refrigerator and access this information quickly.

Blue Bottle Program at work

In Salmon Arm we have such a program and call it the Blue Bottle Program. Remedy’s Rx, a local pharmacy, provides us with the pill bottles which just happen to be blue. We preprint forms for people to fill out. We also have a magnet for the entry door (or a sticker in case the door isn’t metal) plus a magnet for the refrigerator. If there is more than one person in the household, then each person’s information sheet can be put into one bottle. We encourage everyone to have one of these bottles in their refrigerator freezer.

Most people don’t plan ahead for these things to happen, but if they do, they can be prepared and help the situation by having the information needed by emergency personnel ready. A lot of valuable time could be saved.

In Salmon Arm, we have blue pill bottles, but you may find another provider with a different colour bottle for your use. The magnets are printed up through a local printer and the labels are printed on our printer. We find it important to have a magnet or label on the entry door in case the person is in a room other than the kitchen. The emergency personnel will be alerted upon entry that they can obtain your information quickly. Some new refrigerators do not have a magnetic door, so you may want to put a label on the door or tape it to the door instead. Our magnets say, “Blue Bottle – In Case of Emergency”.

We have had great support for this program from Remedy’s Rx, Salmon Arm Savings & Credit Union and the RCMP. This is a very worthwhile program to have in your area and to have your local ambulance, police and fire departments aware of the program. Have the bottles available at your Seniors Centre, doctor’s offices, or anywhere that people will see them and be able to pick one up. Some seniors may need help with filling out the information. Remind people to update the information as changes are made in medications, etc.

If you would like more information on this program, please contact the Seniors’ Resource Centre in Salmon Arm at 250-832-7000. www.seniorsresourcecentre.org

The views expressed are those of the author and are provided as a general source of information only. Comments or questions – call (250) 832-7000 or visit www.seniorsresourcecentre.org

Posted in Better Health, North Okanagan Shuswap | No Comments »

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