Bethany Village

To demonstrate our support for the Miami Valley Alzheimer’s Association, Bethany Village–Graceworks Lutheran Services is once again a benefactor-level sponsor of the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 

Bethany’s involvement has grown steadily since we first participated in the walk. Last year, 29 Bethany employees and residents signed up for the event. This year’s 1.5-mile walk takes place on Sunday, September 25, at Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park. Registration/check-in is at noon, with the walk kicking off at 1:30 p.m. (Click for registration details.)

The Walk to End Alzheimer's, which is held annually in the fall in nearly 600 communities nationwide, is the country’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, education and research. Since 1989, this all age, all-ability walk has mobilized millions to join the fight against Alzheimer's disease, raising more than $347 million for the cause. Money raised in each community goes to the local association chapter.

The Alzheimer's Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Today, more than half of all Americans know someone with Alzheimer’s.  Write a comment about your level of awareness of Alzheimer’s and why you want to see an end for this disease.

After the sizzling summer most of the country has experienced, it’s hard to believe that we’ll soon be complaining about how cold it is, how much snow we have to shovel and how treacherous those ice-glazed sidewalks can be. With autumn fast approaching, now is a good time for seniors and their families to give some thought to future living arrangements. Is home becoming too much to handle? Are safety and the everyday demands of upkeep and yard work becoming issues? Is selling the house and relocating to a retirement community beginning to look like a smart move?

Having counseled many seniors and their adult children who are exploring Bethany Village as an option, I can share with you three guiding principles for families making this very important life decision:

·  Don’t wait until you are in the midst of a crisis to start looking at retirement communities. You won’t have the time, clarity and peace of mind needed to make an informed decision. It’s much better to start exploring before you feel the pressing need to act. Just because you are investigating choices doesn’t mean a move is immanent; it simply means you are investing some time and thought in deciding the next step in living arrangements.

·  Put your feelings on the table. Adult children often approach talking to their parents about selling the house with some trepidation. It can be difficult conversation wrought with emotion. Sometimes, however, an older person may have already been thinking about making the move and welcomes some assistance in sorting out feelings and coming up with a strategy. Sit down together and make a pros and cons list. What are the benefits vs. drawbacks – financial, social, lifestyle, health, safety and mobility – of selling the house and moving to a retirement community? Visit some retirement communities to learn more about amenities and costs. Keep an open mind and be honest about your fears and concerns.

·  Be realistic about selling your house. There’s no denying that the economy has been rough on real estate sales. Sometimes, older people may resist selling in today’s depressed market, choosing instead to “wait until things get better” so they don’t lose a penny of the equity they always planned to leave to their children. Recently, an adult child visiting Bethany Village told me that she explained to her parents that waiting to sell was not their only option. If they really wanted to give her a meaningful gift, they could give it to her right now by moving into a place where she had the comfort of knowing every day that they were safe, active and relieved of the burden of maintaining a house.

Ultimately, you may conclude that staying put is the best choice, at least for the time being. Having fully explored the options, however, means that everyone involved in the decision-making process will be that much ahead of the game if and when moving into a retirement community starts looking like the next logical step in safe and happy senior living.

What is your main concern about moving to a retirement community? Please make a comment below.

If you feel like you’re sitting on the sidelines while the communications technology parade marches by, listen up. One of the most popular video/voice calling technologies – Skype – may be all it takes to get you in on the fun.  It’s popular here at Bethany Village where the first resident used Skype two years ago to video conference with her family reunion that was in the Rocky Mountains.  To get started, you’ll need:

• Access to a desktop, laptop or tablet-style (like an iPad2) computer
• A high-speed internet connection via your cable service or telephone provider or a wi-fi connection, which is offered in many public places
• A webcam (a video camera that now comes built in to most computers)
• Skype software, which is free and also provides free, unlimited telephone calls to Skype members, so you can talk face-to-face with live video

Some seniors may think this set-up sounds too complicated, but it’s really easy to get started. (Isn’t this what tech-savvy grandchildren are for?) You can also use Skype on a smart phone – Blackberry, iPhone or Android, for example.

Skype has a number of great features, but the one most seniors will enjoy most is video conferencing – that is, making a telephone call directly from your computer to someone else’s computer and establishing a connection that allows you to both talk to and see each other in real time. It’s free to other Skype members and doesn’t matter how long you talk or the distance of the connection, including international calls. Here are just a few of the things seniors can do using Skype:

• Communicate with family and friends in far-away places
• Share in special moments and celebrations with children and grandchildren
• Tell grandchildren a bedtime story
• Join in a meeting – for example, a book or garden club

I use Skype daily to chat with my five grown and college-age children. For example, my son is coaching kids soccer now. I used to coach him, so it’s fun to talk about his team. We are urging my mother, age 82, to get an iPad so she, too, can join in the fun.

One caution: When you set up Skype, you will be asked to create a profile, which will be available to anyone using the service. Remember: Don’t list your home phone number in your profile and take advantage of all the privacy settings Skype offers.

To learn more about Skype, their free services and their premium options that require subscription expense, go to:  www.skype.com

Tell us about how you use Skype to communicate with your family.
 

In our blog two weeks ago, we wrote about our favorite ways to celebrate the July 4th Holiday. We wanted to follow up and share with you the menu from the annual picnic celebration that the residents at Bethany Village enjoy so much. 

Residents bring assorted desserts potluck-style to share a sweet ending for their meal of fried chicken, potato salad, rolls and "Angie’s Famous Baked Beans." Angie is a member of the Bethany Life Enrichment staff where she plans and presents many events, such as the picnic. Rachel Abshear, Life Enrichment manager, says, “The residents love her baked beans and request this favorite dish year after year.”

Thanks, Angie, for sharing your recipe:

Angie’s Baked Beans
2 (16 oz.) cans pork & beans (drain beans)
1 Cup salsa (any type)
½ Cup tomato ketchup (any type)
½ Cup light or dark brown sugar
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon mustard (any type)
1 Tablespoon molasses (any type)
¼ Cup B.B.Q. sauce (any type)
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and cover.
Preheat oven and bake at 375 for 1 hour or until
beans thicken; stir occasionally.
(Yields 6 or 8 servings)

What’s your favorite Baked Beans recipe?

Many veterans call Bethany Village home. These brave men and women served our country in all branches of the military and continue that service here at Bethany. An official veterans group is active on campus and recently coordinated a donation drive for the Blue Star Mothers. The drive collected things like socks, batteries, eye drops, candy and much more that our enlisted men and women need while stationed away from home.

During July, Americans remember the anniversary of our independence. At Bethany, residents celebrate just the same. There are cookouts, summer concerts and other activities to stay engaged. If you don’t like the heat, no worries: everything at Bethany is connected, meaning you can still workout in the Fitness Center, have lunch with friends in the Bistro and take an art class all in the comfort of air conditioning.

If you are ready to proclaim your independence, you should first call 937-436-6850 to make a personalized appointment. A senior living counselor will work with you to make sure you get the most out of your visit and help determine if Bethany is the right place for you.

Remember, while your neighbors are working on the lawn in the August heat, you could be sitting on your new patio, sipping iced tea. Or playing bridge with new friends. Or enjoying an art show. Our move-in coordinator can provide advice and help with the downsizing process.

Are you planning to visit communities like Bethany Village over the summer?

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19. The blog writers at Bethany Village share their personal and favorite tips about how they honor their dads on Father’s Day. What are your plans to celebrate Father’s Day? Please include your comments. Click on the bloggers’ names to see their photos and read their biographies.

Karen Kuhn says:

If your Dad is living, make every effort to visit him on Father’s Day. My Dad died at a young age, but my family would always have a summer picnic-style meal to honor him.

Bring the tackle box and go fishing for a few hours. Take along some lemonade too.

Take time to select a card for Dad with a message that will make him smile or laugh out loud.
  
Take a picture of your Dad with your family gathered around to mark the day.

Robyn Nelson says:

When my dad was still living, he loved to go for rides in the car out in the country. My dad had Alzheimer’s disease so this was one of the activities that we could do together that he really was able to participate in and enjoyed so much-- we would drive by all the old places that he remembered from his childhood and I loved to hear his stories. Of course, before returning home, we always made a stop at the ice cream stand for a chocolate malt! I really miss those rides!

Allyson Crawford says:

Every Father’s Day, I like to invite my dad and dad-in-law up to my home for a cook out. I’m a strict vegetarian, but that doesn’t mean I force that on my male meat eaters! To the contrary, my husband likes to grill steaks for everyone to enjoy.

After the cook out, there is usually dessert – perhaps an ice cream cake, or something else special. Then presents. Both dads like to work outdoors, so the gift is usually something to do with gardening or tools. Then the entire family sits around and enjoys the day together. It’s a low key time, and a great afternoon together.

Rachel Abshear says:

Use a website such as blurb or shutterfly to create a picture book of memories of you and your father.

Send (in the mail) a letter to your dad telling him how important he is. Everyone likes to get that isn’t a bill!  And a personal letter is so unusual nowadays.

Create an experience for your dad—take him to a new exhibit at the discovery or art museum or try a fun entertainment locale (like the aquarium, zoo, or Entertainment Junction in West Chester).

Plan an overnight trip to his hometown and let him drive (or ride) around telling you stories about the good old days and his favorite hangouts.

Jenita Sullenger says:

I take all the time in the world and do it early to find just the right Father’s Day card. My dad is very sentimental and I am the only girl of three boys so I relish the opportunity to find just the perfect "Daddy’s girl" card. I have been so blessed that it takes me more time to only decide on one (so he usually gets two or three) since he fits all the Hallmark cards.

Arlene formerly served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA). Currently, she consults with organizations serving older adults on issues of aging and strategic planning. She developed her exhibit while still at COA as a meaningful way to celebrate a milestone. As her 25th anniversary with COA approached, the staff wanted to give Arlene a gift; instead, she asked them to let her think about a way she could give back to them. That led her to create her exhibit. In 2003 she did her first portrait, which is called “Simply Red.” She continued to photograph older adults in various places, capturing the essence of aging and life through their expressions.

She says, “I feel a personal bonding with the people in the portraits. Some of them stay in touch with me. So I wrote a coffee table book with their stories and portraits which was published and released in 2009 in Westminster, London, and then the book was released in the USA in January 2011.” The book is also on display at Bethany’s Art Center. She appreciates the value of the Art Center, giving Bethany residents opportunities to create, engage in, and view art, and the friendliness of the Bethany community during her visits.

In addition to opportunities in the Cincinnati area, Arlene has displayed her photographs in Boston, Washington, DC, Montana, Great Britain, the Middle East, and Sri Lanka. Many of her photos were taken in those areas as well. Last year she exhibited in Switzerland at their national aging conference.

Arlene hopes that through her art people realize that the emotions attached to aging are universal and powerful. She says, “It does not matter where in the world you are; we have the same feelings and commonality of aging. Feelings about the fears and joys of aging cross all cultures.”

To sum up her exhibit—the product of her passion for serving older adults and taking pictures—Arlene notes: “People are drawn to beauty, and this exhibit shows the beauty of aging.”

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8

The blogger team at Bethany Village shares their favorite tips and advice about how to honor Mother and celebrate her special day.

Larry Ramey says:

Call mother and say "I love you." Send flowers with a card included.

Karen Kuhn says:

Take a picture of your Mom and yourself together: priceless.
Give fresh cut flowers. No cooking for Mom on Mother’s Day; you take care of her meal---go out to her favorite restaurant or get her favorite carry out.
Take time to select a card for Mom with a beautiful message and add your own personal sentiment. If your Mom is living, make every effort to visit her on Mother’s Day.


Robyn Nelson says:

Unfortunately, my mom is no longer with me, so part of what I do to honor her memory on Mother’s Day is to reminisce with my children about wonderful memories we have of her. When my mother was living we would prepare a special meal to take to her and spend the day visiting. My mom loved lilacs and tulips, so I always make sure I have a bouquet for my table. The scent of lilacs always reminds me of my mother.

Cathy Bourquin says:

Think as adult children: our Mom’s often have most of the "material" things they need or want. So when my Mom was alive, I would take a day and devote to her and what she wanted done or wanted to do. It may be planting flowers, going shopping or cleaning out a closet….something that made her feel good.

Artie Taylor says:

Invite the rest of the family to be at mom’s house and cook out and have her just mingle with everyone visiting.
Go to the garden center and select some items to plant at her house.
Go to church.
Call her the morning of Mother’s Day and pick her up, and take her to breakfast.

Pam Blumensheid says:

Give her the best gift of all -- your time and conversation!
Spend time together over coffee or a cool drink on the deck or porch.
This is a great idea for a daughter: Schedule a pedicure or manicure for mom – and go with her and have one yourself! Then you can be pampered together.
If you can’t be with her in person, schedule a group Skype call and include as many of our siblings as possible. Make sure to account for different time zones.
If you live near your mom, fix brunch and share it with her. Make sure you call ahead to tell her what the plan is. Then go to her kitchen with all the fixings and cook brunch. Include a small bouquet for the table.

Allyson Crawford says:

For Mother’s Day, every year I select my mom a special gift, take her to lunch and get her some flowers. She doesn’t like flowers that die – rather – flowers that she can plant in the yard and grow all summer long. Now that I’m married, I do the same thing for my mother-in-law.

Meg Wulfeck says:

Post on Facebook…"Top 5 Reasons Why I Love My Mother".
As a child, I would write her poems.
Send her a card.
Take her out to dinner.
Pay a visit.

Barbara Wells-Seay says:

I lost my Mom in April. I’d like to say "Hug your Mother and hold her tight and most of all tell her that you love her."

Rachel Abshear says:

Take her out for an experience—i.e. spa day (both of you getting facials or massages), a tour of the current exhibit at the art museum and lunch, a trip to the zoo or museum of discovery if she’s an animal lover, a make your own pottery day, etc.
Send her a gourmet food basket with her favorite treats.

Jennita Sullenger says:

With my Mom no longer alive, I LOVE planting a perennial in my butterfly garden to honor/ remind me of her or add to my garden statuaries.

My three brothers have started calling me since she died and we reminisce so I get the best of both worlds: being honored by them as a mom and smiling with them because of the blessing my mom was in our lives.

Deb Dicus says:

Go out and have ice cream together.
Go to church with her.
Buy her a new outfit to wear on Mother’s Day.
Coordinate for her to get her hair done.
Call Mom and thank her for everything she has done for me and my siblings.
I send a card with money for my sister to buy flowers for her garden as she lives out of state.

What are some of your favorite tips to honor mom?

There is positive news to report in the battle against Alzheimer’s: the discovery of five new genes that are possibly linked to the disease. American investigators analyzed the genes of 54,000 people, some with the disease and others without. This lead to the discovery of four new genes. British researchers found an additional gene. Together, the teams are working to figure out the correlation of genes on the development of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a form of degenerative dementia. Scientists now believe the disease is 80% genetic.

"Through our ongoing research, we are finding genes that increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, allowing us to pinpoint what may be going wrong, biologically, in the brain," Cardiff University's Julie Williams said of the study and its findings.

The five newly discovered genes impact the body in the way the brain processes cholesterol, lipids, the removal of toxic amyloid-beta protein from the brain and even the immune system.

According to researchers, there are now ten known genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Experts estimate that just being able to treat the effects of those 10 genes would reduce Alzheimer’s cases by 60%.

Researchers say finding these five new genes is a positive step in the right direction when it comes to completely understanding what causes Alzheimer’s disease. Experts say it could take 15 years for treatments to result from this most recent, promising study.

Have a family member or loved one with Alzheimer's disease? Bethany Village's Courtyard Park is a state-of-the art memory supportive care center. Our staff is dedicated to helping residents face the challenges of living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

The new research is published in the journal Nature Genetics.

ABC News recently launched a series called Elder Care: Families on the Brink hosted by Diane Sawyer. The roundtable discussions focus on topics for adult children, specifically, having difficult conversations with mom and dad.

Have you ever wondered how to handle sensitive subjects involving aging parents such as driving, medication management, will creation and more? The ABC News series promises to help.

Panelists include Martha Stewart, Dr. Neil Resnick, Virginia Morris and Dr. Marie Bernard.

Watch the debut of the series below.




Are your parents thinking of moving to a continuing care retirement community like Bethany Village? Get your questions answered one-on-one by scheduling a personalized appointment with a senior living counselor. Just call 937-436-6850 or click through our website.

Spring is in the air, and "for sale" signs are popping up on lawns all over the country. If you are thinking about making the move to a retirement community like Bethany Village, now is the time to do some planning. The more you know before you start visiting prospective communities, the smoother your decision-making process will be. Here are a few tips:

1. Contact your Area Agency on Aging to find retirement living options in and near your locale. If you are uncertain about the different types of housing available – for example, independent vs. assisted living – check  for definitions.

2. If you have access to a computer, visit some websites associated with retirement communities in your area. Look for the kinds of housing available, amenities and services. Some websites will offer a virtual tour of housing and grounds. This step will show you what is possible in retirement living; you can decide what appeals to you.

3. Make a list of lifestyle priorities. How much living space do you want? What kind of home appeals to you – a high-rise condo, townhouse, free-standing house? What recreational services and amenities are important to you? Will you have a pet(s)? Do you want a full continuum of care available? Think about what you don’t like about where you live now. Can you change any of those things when you move?

4. Think about your financial commitment. For example, do you want to purchase or rent? Retirement communities have professionals on staff who can walk you through your options, but it’s a good idea to know your budget before you start visiting places.

5. Call ahead to make an appointment. Prepare a short list of questions so you can easily eliminate places that don’t meet your basic requirements.

It’s important to remember that your search for a retirement community is just that – yours. While you’ll want to consult with your family and close friends, the ultimate decision rests with you. When you visit, invite a trusted advisor along, but avoid bringing lots of friends and family. You’ll want to concentrate on your needs – not theirs.

Expect the community representative who is showing you around to give you the time you need (usually 60–90 minutes), focus on your needs and answer your questions straightforwardly. Choosing a retirement community is choosing a lifestyle. The representatives you meet with should be as interested to in your happiness, comfort and safety as you are.

Are you planning to visit retirement communities this spring? Do you have other questions?

If you have enjoyed yoga in the past, you are well aware of the benefits this ancient Hindu discipline offers. You may also know that even though yoga is synonymous with serenity, tranquility and relaxation, it can be a rigorous and demanding practice.

So what do you do when your spirit is craving the deep stretch of a "downward facing dog" yoga pose, but your body says it just can’t move that way anymore? The answer is chair yoga. The following three chair yoga exercises are favorites of residents at Bethany Village who come to the Fitness Center. Give it a try!

Warm up with a few shoulder rolls and shake out your arms and hands. Sit in a simple straight-back chair and try these basic moves:

• Forward Bend for easing upper back and neck tension. Sit facing forward. Breathe in then bend forward while breathing out. Let your head and arms hang over your knees. Relax into the position and hold for a few seconds while breathing normally. Breathe in while slowly returning to a seated position.

• Side Stretch for increasing flexibility in the spinal column, improving breathing and reducing waistline. Sit facing forward with your feet slightly apart, breathe in and raise your arms out to the sides. Breathe out and bend to the left, reaching toward the floor with your left hand and toward the ceiling with your right hand. Breathe in and return to the starting position. Repeat with your right side.
  

• Knee Squeeze for relaxing the lower back and improving breathing. Sit facing forward. Breathe out completely then breathe in. While holding your breath, place both hands around the front of one knee and pull it to your chest. Lower your head to your knee, hold pose for a few seconds and release slowly while breathing out. Repeat with your right side.

Remember: Never push your body to the point that causes pain. You will still benefit from chair yoga, even if you are not very flexible. If you practice on a regular basis, your flexibility and strength will likely increase.

To find an Arthritis Foundation-certified chair yoga class in your area, contact the foundation chapter in your area. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise practice, especially if you have any special health concerns.

Tell us about your experiences with yoga below! 

Food: We celebrate with it. Bond with it. Mourn with it. Experiment with it. Impress with it. Reach out with it. Heal with it. Love with it. Who doesn’t long for the taste of dishes like mom’s meatloaf and grandma’s apple pie – with a big dollop of all the memories they evoke?

Bethany Village resident Elinor Thomas, 89, felt that tug of nostalgia and she did something about it. In 2003, Elinor collected some of her family recipes in a 248-page spiral-bound book. The book’s oversized-type makes it easy to read for those who, like Elinor, have macular degeneration.

Then Elinor took her book one step further: she used the on-demand publishing company Friends and Family Cookbook Publishers to edit, format (with photos!) and print her book, The See-Easy Large Print Cookbook, which now sells for $19.95 on the tools for independent living website MaxiAids. Because Elinor prints only the number of books she needs at any given time, her costs remain manageable. Elinor reports that she has another recipe book waiting in the wings. First, however, she wants to market The See-Easy Large Print Cookbook to Walmart and local bookstores.

Last year, Friends and Family produced Bethany Cooks, a collection of favorite recipes from Bethany residents and staff ($15 in the gift shop). And who helped organize the 150+ recipes and pictures for publication, plus run a contest to name the cookbook? None other than Elinor Thomas and several other residents.

"Of course, you don’t have to sell your cookbook to enjoy making one," Elinor says. "A legacy cookbook can be as simple as a collection of your recipes or family recipes in a three-ring binder, or you can have pages reproduced and spiral bound at any copy store. Your family will love it, as my two children and my husband Ray’s five children do."

Here are a dozen tips to consider when thinking about your family cookbook:

1. Choose a time frame. Are you going to look back several generations or focus more on your immediate family and the recipes they would remember?

2. Pick a theme. Do you want to include the full gamut of recipes from appetizers to desserts? Perhaps you want to focus only on holiday recipes? The name of your cookbook will probably flow from your theme.

3. How many recipes do you want to include? Becoming too ambitious might take away from the fun of creating the book, so be realistic.

4. Do you want to include pictures, past and present, of family and friends?

5. Do you want to write a short paragraph about why you have included each recipe – perhaps recall some of the memories attached to the dish?

6. As you pull together recipes, check to be sure you have all the ingredients that are used listed and that all the ingredients listed are in fact used in the instructions. Ingredients should be listed in the order in which they are used.

7. Don’t forget the cooking temperature and time as well as the suggested number of servings.

8. Check some of your favorite cookbooks and food magazines to see how recipes are written and pick a simple format you like. You can also look at books such as The Recipe Writer's Handbook for guidance.

9. Don’t be shy about offering cooking and serving tips.

10. If you are writing to family members to ask for recipes, include a sample recipe format for them to follow and ask them why they chose the recipe they are sending you. Be sure you include the name of the person who contributed the recipe in your book.

11. If the you or the person you are asking for a recipe doesn’t have an email account, send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your request. Set a reasonable deadline for getting recipes back.

12. Be sure to send everyone who contributed a copy of the finished product.

How does your family share recipes and pass them along from one generation to the next? Share your comments.

Everybody has a story. Just ask retired political science teacher and Bethany Village resident Jeremy Curtoys. With some editing help from his wife, Linda, also a retired teacher, Jeremy, 69, has devoted mornings over the last two years to writing his memoir, The Waters Always Parted (named from a snippet of dialog in the novel Gilead by Marilynne Robinson).

"I thought I might be finished by the time I am 70," Jeremy remarks, " but I am writing chronologically, and I’m only up to 1967 – the year I came to America from Rhodesia." Jeremy has also written two short biographical stories about childhood adventures, both of which won awards in an annual arts competition sponsored by Advocate of Not-For-Profit Services for Older Ohioans.

Jeremy began his memoir for his two sons and future generations of the Curtoys family. "I started as if I were writing a long letter," he says, "but now I don’t care if anyone reads it! I simply enjoy the process. The more I write, the more I remember." When we asked Jeremy for his best advice for would be memoirists, his answer came easily: "Just start!"

We have also collected a dozen additional tips for capturing your story:

As you pursue writing a memoir, you will find that storytelling is a fun and fulfilling life-skill. Bethany Village has offered a well-received memoir writing class in the past. If there is enough interest, we’ll do it again. Respond to this blog to let us know if you are interested.

For older adults, falling can lead to serious injury, disability and loss of independence. Last week we talked about fall-proofing your home. Now let’s look at another very important step you can take to lower the risk of falling: EXERCISE.

Once you have made sure your home is safe, have talked to your doctor about medications that may cause dizziness and, if you have osteoporosis, are taking your calcium and vitamin D supplements, the next item on your agenda should be developing a regular exercise regimen. If you live in an assisted living community or CCRC like Bethany Village, chances are there is a certified exercise professional/trainer on staff who can help you design a program. Otherwise, ask your doctor for a referral to an exercise physiologist who understands the needs of older adults. If you are a beginner, you may feel more comfortable in a group class.

Exercise not only makes you stronger, it also helps improve balance, endurance, flexibility and mood. A program of regular strength and balance training as well a cardiovascular routine are the backbone of a good exercise plan. Even 15 minutes of activity, such as walking or swimming, done every other day can make a difference. Add yoga and tai chi for an extra dose of balance training.

If your doctor says it’s okay to begin exercising on your own, take a look at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) general strength training program for older adults. The CDC recommendations are comprehensive – and to some, perhaps overwhelming. Begin by focusing on just a few exercises that work the lower body and are specifically designed to help prevent falls. But don’t overdo it! For example, recent research suggests that strength training (often done using weights) should be done only three times per week to get fall-prevention benefits. Muscles need time to rest between sessions.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

For strength

• While standing at the kitchen sink, rise on your toes, then lower your heels to the   ground, and then rock back on your heels and lift your toes before lowering again. (Hold on to the counter!)
• From a seated position, lift and straighten alternating legs.
• Carefully try easing into and out of a sitting position without using your hands.

For balance

• Stand on both feet and focus on a point on the wall for 30 seconds. Try not to move your body to steady yourself.
• Try to do the same thing while balancing on one foot. Do this next to a sturdy piece of furniture or counter that you can grab if need be.

• Work up to 30 minutes of walking most days of the week.

Although exercise isn’t a surefire way to prevent falls, it can make a big difference – and it has many other health benefits. Before starting any exercise program, however, be sure to check with your doctor. People who have had hip replacements, for example, are restricted from certain movements.

Do you exercise regularly? Write a comment about your exercise activities.

Falls are the primary cause of accidents in people over the age of 65 and also the main cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths in older people. Two-thirds of those who fall will fall again within 6 months. Even older people who appear strong and healthy can fall. If an older person falls and is injured, their ability to live independently can be temporarily or permanently affected.

• Remove clutter that you can trip over (like books, papers, clothes, shoes).
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
• Arrange furniture so that it's easy to walk around it.
• Keep electrical and telephone cords out of the way.
• Store items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
• Keep the path from bed to bathroom clear and install a nightlight.
• Install grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower. Don't use the soap or towel holdeer for a grab bar or handrail.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.

• Check carpeting to make sure it is firmly attached along stairs.
• Avoid placing throw rugs or scatter rugs at the top of bottom of stairways.
• Install handrails on both sides of the stairways.
• Be sure stairways have high-wattage lighting. Install on/off switches at both the 
  top and bottom of stairs.
• Watch out for single steps; they are easy to overlook.
• Outside, repair cracks and rough edges in sidewalks and driveways.

• Pay attention to where you are walking and don't hurry.
• Avoid standing up too quickly from a seated position.
• Have an annual eye exam.
• Don't carry large loads the obscure your line of sight.
• Wear "sensible shoes" - both inside and outside the house.
• Be aware of medications you are taking that might affect balance or cause 
  dizziness.
• Limit intake of alcohol as it may interact with medications.
• Exercise regularly to preserve bone density and muscle strength.
• Use a cane or walker if needed.

Preventing Falls at Home
AARP Preventing Falls Checklist
NIH Senior Health: Falls and Older Adults

Are you retired and looking to make a move to a senior living community like Bethany Village? Maybe you’re an adult child and you are planning for both your parent and yourself. As we get ready to usher in a new year, give yourself some time to reflect on the past…and what you would like to happen in the future.

If you want to start 2011 off right, you’ll need a plan. Here are some popular resolutions for seniors:


 

1. Consider your living arrangements. Is it time to move to a senior living community and leave the life of maintenance and housework behind?
2. Get (or keep!) moving every day for optimal physical fitness. Bethany Village exercise physiologist Christy Trittschuh reminds all of us to start small and do mild exercises like walking.
3. Clean out your dressers, drawers, closets and donate what you no longer want or need. Think of the feeling of accomplishment when you have all that free closet space!
4. Make plans to get together with a friend or neighbor at least once a week. This forces you to keep a social schedule and strengthens your non-familial relationships.
5. Be indulgent. That’s right! You’ve earned that extra (occasional!) cookie or extra hour of sleep. Drop the guilt, enjoy life more.

All those resolutions are well and good for people who are already retired. But what if you are a Baby Boomer and thinking about retiring in the next decade or so? There are some important resolutions you should be considering as well. Here are a few key points:

1. Get your financial house in order. Baby Boomers Retirement Network has an entire checklist regarding your finances and future retirement goals. The top of their list? Stashing enough money in your 401(k) to get your employer match and don’t keep all your investments in one company’s stock.
2. Get moving everyday. Just like mom and dad, you need to move it…or lose it! Hit the gym or grab a friend and go walking. Staying healthy cuts down on doctor bills.
3. Take good care of your aging parents and plan for both your futures.
4. Hire a lawyer and get a will…and a living will, too.
5. Travel to different destinations and consider where you’d like to spend retirement. 

So that’s what the experts say should be on your resolution list for 2011. Do you have any other resolutions not listed here?

Bethany Village, a nationally accredited Continuing Care Retirement Community, has been providing quality senior living to the Dayton community for more than 60 years and was recently recognized as the retirement community of choice in the Dayton, Ohio area. Since 1946, Bethany has devoted itself to faithfully caring for the needs of older adults. Bethany Village is sponsored by Graceworks Lutheran Services, an organization incorporated in 1926 with a mission to help people of all faiths experience dignity and wholeness.


Come and See
For information on our wide range of residential choices or to take a tour of our community, call the Bethany Marketing Department at 937-436-6850 if you're exploring a new living experience for yourself or your parents.

Bethany's 100-acre campus, with tree-rich walking paths and a lake, includes:

• Contemporary new villas with expansive floor plans 
• Cottage homes of a variety of sizes, accessories and affordability
• Spacious new apartments with convenient parking garage and a large deck for outdoor gatherings and fun events
• Comfortable, convenient apartments to suit
• Assisted living
• Long-term nursing care
• Memory-supported care with beautifully landscaped enclosed courtyard and life enrichment activities
• Short-term rehabilitation services with nursing care and therapy services
• New Village Center with an up-to-date fitness center, art center, casual dining bistro, classroom, Grand Room reception facility and lounge areas

Take our virtual tour to see how we've transformed senior living with a new Village Center, 30 new villas, 30 spacious apartments and a new Memory Support Center. It's a life full of enriching activities in beautiful surroundings with caring staff. If you'd like to visit us in person, call 937-436-6850 to schedule an appointment.