transitions fall 2012

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4 FUN WAYS TO CHALLENGE YOUR MIND

POWER FOODS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU

Making Strides:

IMPORTANT ADVANCEMENTSIN ALZHEIMER’S

™TransitionsMaking the Most of Retirement Living

A Publication of Life Care Services™

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What’s In This Issue

News & Notes Easy conversation starters to try during the holidays, sneaky financial fees you’ll want to avoid, handy kitchen gadgets, and more.

First in the Pack There’s no stopping Timber Ridge at Talus resident Bill Weertman, who stepped up his running routine to beat his previous best times at the Issaquah Salmon Days run/walk.

Don’t Fall Victim to a Scam As con artists’ ploys get more sophisticated, it can be difficult to discern offers that are real from those that are phony. In this story, you’ll learn how to protect yourself from scams.

Eat for Your Health Reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy delicious and nutritious meals with these tips for choosing nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods.

United Against Alzheimer’s As the number of older adults in society increases, experts are working together to end Alzheimer’s disease. Check out the impressive advancements being made.

Making a Difference Volunteering opportunities abound within Life Care ServicesTM communities and within the larger community. Meet two resident volunteers who are dedicated to making others’ lives better.

To Your Health Learn how the Life Care Services Health Care Navigator program improves residents’ lives. Also, sleep more soundly tonight and get up-to-date on immunizations.

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AVOID HIDDEN FEESThe average American shells out about $750 each year in miscellaneous financial fees, according to Consumer Reports magazine. Even if you pay every bill on time, you still could be a victim of tricky hidden costs and information overload, says Brian Fricke, president of Financial Management Concepts in Winter Springs, Florida, and author of Worry Free Retirement: Do What You Want, When You Want, Where You Want.

Prevent sneaky fees from draining your wallet with these tips.

ISSUE: Mounting travel feesAlthough a recent federal law requires airlines to reflect all “extra” fees in the price of their tickets, you may still find your vacation budget taking a hit from hidden travel costs.

SOLUTION: Stay alertBook airline tickets online to avoid the $25 to $30 charge for booking over the phone or at the airport counter. Before signing collision-damage and loss-damage waivers for a rental car, talk with your car insurance provider and credit card company to see if you are already covered; this could save you $18 to $32 per day. When booking a hotel room, find out if the hotel offers free Wi-Fi; the average rate for guests to latch on to a hotel’s Internet is $13.95 per day.

ISSUE: Unexpected banking feesOne bank’s service charges can differ dramatically from the next, especially when it comes to ATM, overdraft, and checking account maintenance fees.

SOLUTION: Read the fine print“Go to your bank’s customer service department and ask how your account works,” Fricke says. If you switch to a different type of account, find out how the decision will impact your banking services. If you’re not happy with your bank, shop around. Compare banks at bankrate.com.

ISSUE: Cell phone bill overagesCompare your plan’s allotted minutes, text limit, and data usage to what’s reflected on your bill or you could face a pricey surprise.

SOLUTION: Monitor your accountLog into your account on your carrier’s website to track your usage. If you are charged for a first-time overage, ask your carrier to grant you an exception—some carriers will comply. Avoid potential overage fees altogether by opting for a prepaid plan; simply add additional minutes or texts when you’re running low. ■

news & notes

4 T R A N S I T I O N S | TransitionsLCS.com


The holidays are fast approaching. Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s important to make the most of valuable time spent with family. Create lasting memories with these ideas.

BREAK THE ICE. Get everyone talking at mealtime by bringing conversation starter cards to the table. (Buy cards of several themes at tabletopics.com.) You might learn something new about your grandchildren. Another way to jump-start a conversation? Share relevant fun facts, such as the U.S. Postal Service delivered 16.5 billion cards and packages from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve last year, or 1.8 billion candy canes were made for the 2011 holiday season.

SHARE YOUR LOVE OF COOKING. Prepare your most-loved recipe with your grandchildren and explain any memories or ancestral heritage associated with it. This is a great, kid-friendly way to discuss family history and start a new holiday tradition.

START A CONVERSATIONPLAN A GAME NIGHT. Bring your favorite childhood games to share with your grandkids. Regale them with stories about what games you enjoyed playing before video games and gaming systems were available.

FORM A BOOK CLUB. Plan a story-time session with your grandkids and take turns reading and discussing. Don’t let the fun end after the holidays—once everyone returns home, continue reading to your grandchildren via Skype.

REMINISCE OVER OLD PHOTOS. Dust off photo albums of your children as kids to spark a conversation about days gone by. Or, if you’re feeling crafty, carve out time to create a family scrapbook together. Enlist everyone’s help in creating pages with meaningful photos and journaling. ■


Anytime is Back-to-School TimeContinuing education can lengthen life spans, increase enjoyment, and even ward off dementia. Life Care ServicesTM communities take continuing education seriously, and residents have many opportunities to challenge their minds.

“There’s a tremendous value to having lifelong learning programs and continuing education,” says Kimberly Carlson, community life services director at StoneRidge.* “You’re never too old and never too young to learn.”

Great DecisionsBilled as “America’s largest discussion program on world affairs,” Great Decisions is a civic education program designed by the Foreign Policy Association. Meeting groups are organized all around the country, including at Life Care Services communities such as StoneRidge.

For several years now, many residents of StoneRidge have signed up for Great Decisions programs. A briefing book provides background and serves as a focus for discussion. The group watches a video, and a resident leads the discussion. It’s the community’s most popular program, Carlson says.

Residents gravitate to the diverse topics, which include cyber security, U.S.-Mexico border issues, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “The issues are wide-ranging, but they’re also global, and they have an impact,” Carlson says.

The Great CoursesAnother on-site education program that’s popular among residents of Life Care Services communities is The Great Courses, a series of nearly 400 college-level courses taught by professors from top universities via audio and video formats. Topics include science, literature, history, philosophy, business, religion, mathematics, fine arts, music, and better living. One of the most popular at StoneRidge, says Carlson, is the 36-lecture series “Understanding the Brain.”

Resident-led ClassesSome educational opportunities are designed and led by residents of Life Care Services communities. StoneRidge resident William Hooper, 92, teaches watercolor painting to residents at Avalon Health Center and The Cottage at Avalon, the memory care unit at the community.

William says he has no doubt of the program’s value to residents, many of whom are battling the effects of stroke or dementia. “The major part is that they have something good for themselves. And that’s a day they want to come back again,” says William, himself a stroke survivor. “It didn’t matter the ability they had; they had a finished painting. They’d look at me and have a big smile. They didn’t have a smile before.”

Field TripsFields trips to museums and other sites provide additional opportunities for learning. For example, residents of StoneRidge have formed an environmental committee that has visited a solar house, water-treatment plant, and recycling facility. On a recent outing, they learned about the ecology of Ninigret Pond, a nearby coastal lagoon. ■

*StoneRidge is a Life Care Services community in Mystic, Connecticut.

news & notes

6 T R A N S I T I O N S | TransitionsLCS.com


Kitchen Gadgets That Give You a HandReaching, stretching, and grasping can become more difficult as you age, but that shouldn’t keep you out of the kitchen. These stress-free devices make everyday kitchen activities easier and more pleasant.

Jar OpenerThere’s no need to waste time wrestling with difficult lids. This electric device removes lids quickly and easily, and can be adjusted to fit almost any jar size. Simply place the jar into the opener and press down on the handle to remove vacuum-sealed lids. Lids Off Delux Jar Opener ($99.99); Black & Decker; blackanddeckerappliances.com.

“Talking” Measurement ToolsVocal kitchen gadgets, such as this measuring cup, announce measurements clearly and audibly so you don’t have to squint to see small numbers or bend over to read them at eye level. This cup can be adjusted to measure ingredients such as flour or water by weight, volume, or density. Talking 3 Cup Measuring Cup ($59.95); Speaks Volumz; sears.com.

Long-handled GripperGrippers are great for opening hard-to-reach cabinet doors or fetching items at the back of shelves. This reacher allows you to pick up items as small as a dime and up to 4.5 inches wide. Its blue silicone cups prevent scuffs on surfaces, and the convenient Saf-T-Lok feature lets you lock onto items and release your grasp. Available in different lengths to suit your needs. EZ Reacher – Deluxe ($20–$23; price based on size); ArcMate; arcmate.com.

Ergonomic Knife and Cutting Aid

This knife has a handle that is located above the blade, keeping your hand and wrist at a natural, stress-free angle when in use. The convenient cutting aid, which allows you to control thickness, ensures you’ll have consistently sized slices. CUT + RELIEVE Cutting Aid & Knife ($69.00); Elderluxe; elderluxe.com.

Carton HolderSay goodbye to slippery milk or juice cartons. This device makes heavy cartons easier to handle. Simply place a carton in the holder—its easy-to-grasp handle allows you to pour with one hand. Milk Carton Holder ($5.99 for a quart; $9.99 for a half gallon); Easy Comforts; easycomforts.com.


Presidential elections shaped the U.S. political landscape in 1952 and 1972. In 1962, a senate election launched the long-standing career of the youngest Kennedy brother. These and other events made history 40, 50, and 60 years ago.

1972

THROUGH THE YEARS

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1952

October 26—National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger prematurely announces that “peace is at hand” in Vietnam.

November 7—President Richard M. Nixon is re-elected, defeating George McGovern with 60.7 percent of the popular vote.

November 14—The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes at 1,003.16, the first time ever over the 1,000 mark.

November 29—Atari founder Nolan Bushnell debuts the Pong arcade game, the first commercially successful video game.

December 16—The Miami Dolphins become the first NFL team to finish a season undefeated and untied.

October 1—Johnny Carson becomes host of The Tonight Show. He will remain host for the next 30 years.

October 5—The Beatles release their first single, “Love Me Do.”

October 28—The Soviet Union decides to withdraw its missiles from Cuba, ending the Cuban Missile Crisis.

November 6—Edward “Ted” Kennedy is elected a senator from Massachusetts, a position he will hold for more than four decades.

December 8—A newspaper strike begins in New York City; it lasts 114 days and prevents the printing of 5.7 million daily and 7.2 million Sunday papers.

November 1—The United States detonates the first hydrogen bomb as a test in the Pacific.

November 4—Dwight D. Eisenhower defeats Adlai Stevenson in the presidential election.

November 30—Bwana Devil, the United States’ first feature-length 3D movie in color, is released.

December 8—The first acknowledgement of pregnancy on television occurs in an episode of I Love Lucy. Before this, only the word “expecting” could be used.

December 14—The first separation of conjoined twins is performed at Mount Sinai Hospital in Cleveland.

news & notes


Consistent training and a desire to improve pay off for this Timber Ridge runner.

First in the Pack

By Kathy Dorff

There’s nothing like a little healthy competition to spark a new goal. Just ask Bill Weertman, who lives at Timber Ridge at Talus.*

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast—though not a runner—Bill is a regular participant in the monthly hikes that fitness instructor Tina McNeilly conducts for residents. In 2009, the hikers decided to participate in the Issaquah Salmon Days run/walk events as a team. Bill had no other plans than to walk the 5K (3.1-mile) course.

“I wasn’t concerned about times,” he says. “It was just a pleasant, brisk walk.” He completed the race in just over 57 minutes. The next year, he finished five minutes faster. Then he started looking at the race results.

“Both years, this other fellow in the 80–99 age group finished in about 42 minutes, so he must have run some of it,” Bill says. “I figured if he can do that, I probably could, too.”

To improve his time by 10 minutes, Bill joined the “Walk Around the Corner” training walks that McNeilly organized for race participants. He added more walks on his own, working up to daily run/walks.

By October 2, 2011, he was ready.

“I ran the entire first mile,” Bill says. “When I looked at my watch, it showed 10 minutes!” He alternated running and walking for the remainder of the race, and when he finished, he saw his time: 34 minutes, 47 seconds—almost 17 minutes faster than his previous best.

Timber Ridge’s Executive Director, Scott Doherty, congratulated Bill at the finish line, where Bill discovered he was the fastest competitor in his age group.

“I was as happy as can be!” says the 85-year-old about his accomplishment. “Timber Ridge is a place where you can set your own goals for fitness, and it offers opportunities for you to achieve them.”

Bill’s goal for this year’s race? “I’ll do the same kind of training program,” he says, “because some of those younger fellows—79-year-olds—will be moving into my age group soon.” ■

*Timber Ridge at Talus is a Life Care ServicesTM community in Issaquah, Washington.

prof i le m

planning ahead

Seniors are favorite targets of scam artists. Learn how to protect yourself from these smooth talkers and their big schemes.

By Kathy Dorff

Don’t Fall Victim to a Scam


A Desirable AudienceSeniors are particularly appealing to scam artists. Here’s why:

Polite and trusting demeanors. According to the FBI, people born in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s are reluctant to just say “no.”

Available assets. Many seniors have paid off their homes and have accumulated nest eggs, and scammers want to tap into that wealth.

Lack of stimulation. People want something to get excited about. “When they hear, ‘You’ve won!’ they get caught up in the moment,” Mathisen says.

Perceived memory issues. Scammers count on seniors to question their memories, and typically spew rapid-fire details in their pitches.

Embarrassment Over the ProblemStudies indicate seniors are less likely than other groups to report fraud because they’re embarrassed.

“Most people want to keep it from their adult children,” Mathisen says. “They fear they might lose their independence over the incident.”

But anyone is susceptible, says Pat Loftin, a retiree and trained Fraud Fighter in Mathisen’s center. When the group made a video about senior scams, she played opposite a former crook.

“For every legitimate question I had, he had a smooth answer,” Loftin says. “Even a person who is very smart and careful can fall for these schemes.”

When Mary’s phone rang, she heard a distraught voice. “Grandma?” the young man said. “I’m in big trouble and I need money now. Please don’t tell Mom!” Mary immediately wired him several thousand dollars, later discovering her grandson hadn’t called her. Mary had sent her money to a scam artist.

Every year, consumers lose billions of dollars to fraudulent offers, and seniors are considered especially vulnerable. An AARP study estimates that more than half of people victimized by scam artists are age 50 or older.

That’s no surprise to Jean Mathisen. As the Director of the AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center in Seattle, she hears stories like Mary’s every day.

“I’ve seen studies that suggest one in 20 seniors has been a victim,” she says. “With unreported incidents, that number may be closer to one in five.”

Since the group started in 2006, the Fraud Fighters have reached out to more than 500,000 seniors—many of whom have already been victimized.

“None of us wants to be exploited financially,” Mathisen says. “But these criminals are very good at what they do. Often, we can’t intellectually discern who is legitimate and who is a criminal.”


planning ahead

Evolving Scam ScenariosNo matter what the offer, scam artists continue to freshen up their games with slight variations.

“It’s almost the same scam over and over with tiny mutations,” says Monica Vaca, assistant director of the Division of Marketing Practices for the Federal Trade Commission. “And the scammers keep coming back.”

Here’s a sampling of recent scams:

• A “financial advisor” contacts veterans and tells them to put their assets in an irrevocable trust so they’ll qualify for veteran’s income. The outcome: The victims then can’t qualify for their true benefits.

• A scammer mails a bogus government check and asks the victim to pay a processing fee using a prepaid card. The “broker” captures details from the card and uses them to access the victim’s funds.

• A caller reports to be signing up seniors for a Medicare prescription drug plan, then asks for cash and a checking account number to “set up the plan.”

Red FlagsKnowledge is power when it comes to protecting yourself against scams. Watch out for these phrases:

Send me cash. Scammers ask for a cash equivalent, such as a wire transfer, instructing the victim to send the funds to a location outside the country.

What’s your number? Callers should never ask for information about your personal accounts—and you should never provide it.

Act now! Beware of high-pressure situations. Legitimate operators will allow you time to consider an offer.

Here’s a great deal. Steer clear of handymen who offer to do unsolicited home repairs at big discounts. They may deliver shoddy work—or simply take your money.

You’ve already won! These “prizes” come with a big catch: You’ll pay a “fee” for processing or taxes up front and receive no winnings.

The Bottom LineIf you’ve been victimized, don’t stay silent. Share your story with a trusted person or the authorities. “We can’t shut down scams unless people report them,” Vaca says. ■


Take a proactive approach toward thwarting scammers by following these precautions.

Speak up.Tell someone about the offers you’ve received. “I’m a firm believer that people should talk about the calls and offers they’re getting,” says Monica Vaca, assistant director of the Division of Marketing Practices for the Federal Trade Commission. “Just talking about the offers is enough to make people realize there’s something amiss.”

Identify a trusted resource.Have another set of eyes verify the offer, suggests Jean Mathisen, director of the AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center in Seattle. “Ask your Power of Attorney, adult child, or other trusted person to look over documents before you take action,” she says.

Don’t respond.If you haven’t verified the source of a direct mail or e-mail offer, don’t sign up. You could be inadvertently adding your name to a scam list. Don’t respond to salespeople who show up unannounced at your door. And be firm with callers: Just hang up.

Sign up for the Do Not Call Registry.Limit the access scammers have to your phone by registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Registration is fast and easy at donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx.

Get a secure mailbox.Some scammers will rifle through mailboxes to find bits of personal information. Stop them in their tracks by getting a locking mailbox for your home or renting a secure box at the nearest post office.

Be web savvy.If an e-mail or website asks for personal information, first make sure the seller or business is reputable. Check with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org).

Fight Fraud

Learn more about the AARP Fraud F ighters and what they’re doing to help you stay scam-free at Transit ionsLCS.com .


wellness


By Emily Anderson

The benefits of a healthy diet are undeniable. Paired with exercise, healthy eating habits can help you manage or prevent health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Healthy foods also fuel your body with the energy you need to enjoy retirement.

But with age, your nutritional needs evolve. “As a person’s metabolism slows down as they grow older, their caloric needs also decrease,” says Linda Merklin, food and beverage director at Wyndemere.* Even though you need fewer calories, your body still needs the same amount of nutrients—sometimes more.

Make the most out of mealtime. Fill up with a variety of low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods from these groups.

EAT FOR YOUR HEALTH

Maintain a healthy diet by focusing on foods that taste great and are good for you.


Vis i t Transit ionsLCS.com to learn how Li fe Care Serv ices™ communit ies make

heal thy foods even heal th ier.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLESFollow a “rainbow diet” when eating fruits and vegetables, says Greg Schwartz, food and beverage director at Ardenwoods.* Especially healthy are dark green, leafy vegetables, which are mineral-rich, immune-boosting, and important for bone health, says Janice Husk, community life services director at Ardenwoods. “The best way to get calcium is not through dairy, but through leafy, dark greens,” Husk says.

WHOLE GRAINSEasily incorporate unrefined grains into your diet by choosing whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals, or by eating more brown rice, quinoa, and popcorn. Whole grains are an excellent source of carbohydrates—for energy—and fiber, which is important for weight management, heart health, and digestive health. “Fiber is important to everyone, and especially seniors with cardiovascular challenges, because it helps remove cholesterol from the body,” Husk says. “Fiber is also one of the best ways to move toxins from the large and small intestines.”

LEAN PROTEINSEat a variety of foods for protein: unsalted nuts, seeds, beans, peas, eggs, soy products, seafood, and lean meats and poultry. Protein can improve skin health and ward off infection. Merklin also notes protein’s benefits for muscle dexterity and tone.

LOW-FAT OR FAT-FREE DAIRYCalcium and vitamin D in dairy help build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. To combine bone health with heart health, shop for low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese. If you are sensitive to dairy, look to lactose-free products and canned fish with soft bones, tofu, or dark- green vegetables to satisfy your calcium requirements.

HEALTHY FATSEnjoyed in moderation, fats can improve heart health, provide energy, promote healthy skin and hair, and help your body absorb certain vitamins. But not all fats are equal. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are your healthiest options. “Monounsaturated fat has the ability to encourage weight loss and reduce belly fat,” Husk says. “Additionally, it will help reduce cholesterol and correlate with healthy hearts and fewer strokes.” Both fats appear in varieties of nuts, seeds, and oils. Polyunsaturated fats are prevalent in some fish; monounsaturated fats in avocados and peanut butter.

wellness

WATERAs you age, your sense of thirst can weaken. This could lead to dehydration and digestive issues and could affect the amount of nutrients your body absorbs. Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. If you’re craving flavor, try milk or 100 percent fruit juice. Fruits, vegetables, and brothy soups also can help quench thirst.

SATISFACTION, GUARANTEED A healthy diet need not be bland and restrictive. When you know which foods to eat, you’ll discover plenty of nutritious and delicious options.

“There’s an ever-evolving list of super foods that do spectacular things for your immune system, disease prevention, and even disease reversal,” Schwartz says. By eating these foods, sticking to a healthy, satisfying diet can feel less like a chore and more like a choice. ■


For many, a healthy diet requires restrictions: cutting back on salt, eliminating sugar, going gluten-free. Here are efforts that Life Care Services™ communities have made to help residents enjoy tasty meals that satisfy individual nutritional needs.

• MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES EASY. In some communities, residents worried about sodium can find a number of meal choices available. Wyndemere*, for example, cut added salt entirely from its menus. According to Linda Merklin, food and beverage director for Wyndemere, this removes up to 2,000 milligrams of sodium from menus daily.

• CREATING OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES. Healthy entrees are always available to residents with special diets. Residents of Blakehurst* can choose menus created for no-added-salt or no-concentrated-sweets diets. Menus at The Heritage at Brentwood’s* on-site health care center feature 14 entree options offered weekly. Some of the dishes, such as gluten-free pastas, are available to everyone but geared toward residents with specific restrictions, says John Pietrangelo, food and beverage director for The Heritage at Brentwood.

• OFFERING ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING. Communities also work with residents individually to make sure their nutritional needs are met. At The Heritage at Brentwood, dietitians are a valuable resource for residents following special diets. “Our dietitian can help residents navigate current menus and make specific recommendations for what to eat,” Pietrangelo says.

• PROVIDING TOOLS, RESOURCES, AND EDUCATION. Communities offer seminars, food demonstrations, and programs aimed at teaching residents how to make educated decisions about the foods they eat. At Wyndemere, Merklin helps residents pick entrees best suited to their diets by listing the calorie, protein, fat, and sodium levels for every dish on the menu. Rich Yarish, food and beverage director at Blakehurst, is working on a similar computer-based concept called “Culinary Kiosks.” “The kiosk is a place where residents can come and access information regarding the nutritional values of foods we’re serving,” Yarish says.

* Wyndemere is a Life Care Services community in Wheaton, Illinois.

* Ardenwoods is a Life Care Services community in Arden, North Carolina.

* The Heritage at Brentwood is a Life Care Services community in Brentwood, Tennessee.

* Blakehurst is a Life Care Services community in Towson, Maryland.

GET RECIPES– FOR FREE!Fill out and mail the business reply card in this issue of Transitions to receive a FREE copy of The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook, Second Edition. The recipes are based on the Mayo

Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid—a valuable tool for eating well for better health.

The cookbook features 200 flavorful and nutritious recipes that prove foods that taste good can also be good for you. Mouthwatering photography of most finished dishes and James Beard Foundation Award-winning recipes make this a cookbook you’ll definitely want to add to your collection.

Local events are being scheduled on the topic of quick and easy ways to prepare healthy and delicious foods; see the reply card inside the front cover of Transitions for details.

HAVE IT YOUR WAY


trans i t ions


By Emily Anderson

The announcement of the National Alzheimer’s Plan, along with promising research and developments, has made 2012 a year to remember in Alzheimer’s history.

As many as 16 million people will develop Alzheimer’s disease by 2050, and the cost of care will rise to an estimated $1.1 trillion, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

But these dark figures could fuel a bright future for the prevention and treatment of this disease. “I think what has been going on in general across the country is a

growing awareness of the Alzheimer’s crisis,” says Robert Egge, vice president of public policy for the Alzheimer’s Association.

This awareness has prompted both public and private sectors to work harder than ever to develop ways to slow, prevent, and cure Alzheimer’s.


Making a PlanOn May 15, 2012, the Obama Administration released a plan to end Alzheimer’s by 2025. The National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease has five goals: Improving the quality of Alzheimer’s care, providing additional caregiver and victim support, enhancing awareness of the disease, improving methods for tracking progress, and developing effective treatments and preventions for Alzheimer’s.

Exciting StudiesThe plan has allocated an additional $130 million in 2012 and 2013 to fund Alzheimer’s research. Some of this money will go toward two studies aimed at treating or preventing Alzheimer’s in its early stages. That trend is typical of Alzheimer’s research today, says Marwan Sabbagh, MD, director of the Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona.

“What we worry about in Alzheimer’s research in general is that we recognize that by the time someone becomes symptomatic, they’ve had changes accumulating in their brain for potentially 20 years,” Sabbagh says.

One study will receive $7.9 million to test the effectiveness of an insulin nasal spray in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s. This research expands on an earlier study that found that normalizing insulin levels in the brain helped improve memory, cognition, and daily functioning in participants with mild dementia.

A second, international study will receive an additional $16 million to test the effectiveness of the antibody

crenezumab in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The study is significant because it is the first attempt to treat symptom-free individuals who are considered high risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

Viewing the BrainExperts also will soon have one more tool for making a more confident Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The recently approved florbetapir, also called Amyvid™, binds to the amyloid plaques commonly found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and makes them visible through positron emission tomography scans.

Sabbagh says florbetapir is significant because it allows medical professionals to visibly measure markers associated with Alzheimer’s, and can assist experts in making diagnoses of “inclusion rather than exclusion.” So instead of omitting other possible causes and then making a diagnosis, experts can see the signs of Alzheimer’s and make a diagnosis based on this and other symptoms.

More MedicationsCurrently, there are only a handful of drugs approved for Alzheimer’s, and they treat only its symptoms. But two drugs in stage 3 clinical trials could offer more hope to Alzheimer’s patients. Bapineuzumab and solanezumab are types of antibodies designed to remove amyloid from the body. “If they work, we’re talking about drugs specifically intended to slow Alzheimer’s disease,” Sabbagh says. “These could hugely influence how we treat Alzheimer’s disease starting this year.” ■

Stay SharpStudies indicate that keeping your body—especially your heart—and your brain healthy may help you maintain strong cognitive functioning. Here are possible ways to nurture your mind and memory.

ExerciseStudies suggest that regular exercise can improve your memory and other cognitive skills. Just keep this advice in mind: “Consistency over strenuousness leads to better cognitive outcomes,” says Marwan Sabbagh, MD, director of the Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona.

DietOne diet linked to cognitive health is the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, which limits red meat and focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, nuts, and oils. For more information about eating to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s, look for Sabbagh’s new book, The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook, this October.

Socialization and StimulationTake up chess, learn a new language, or dust off your old guitar. Even better: Have a friend join you. Studies point to a positive connection among cognitive health, brain-engaging activities, and positive interaction.

contentment


contentment

Sir Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”

Residents of Life Care Services communities embody that statement on a daily basis by giving back to their communities through volunteer work. They deliver mail to residents living in the on-site health centers, read to schoolchildren, and teach classes to fellow residents. And that barely skims the surface of their involvement.

See how two residents of Life Care Services communities share their talents and express their gratitude through acts of volunteerism.

Spreading Appreciation within Life Care Services CommunitiesWhen she moved to Timber Ridge at Talus* four years ago, Madelyn Parrett was quick to admire the beautiful flowers gracing the dining room.

The eye-catching arrangements made her smile—and inspired her to put smiles on others’ faces. Soon after, she was creating arrangements for residents at Timber Ridge’s Briarwood Health Center.

“I think it’s very easy to dwell on our ‘me-me-me’ needs,” Madelyn says. “If you think about how to solve others’ problems, it brings much joy to you and to them.”

Madelyn, 86, commits four hours a week to arranging flowers. She buys bunches of four or five types of flowers at her local grocery store every Thursday, when shipments

of fresh flowers arrive. On Friday mornings, she designs the arrangements.

Every week, she delivers bouquets to six or seven residents—and she makes sure no one is overlooked. “I try to space it out so everyone gets one as frequently as possible,” she says. “And I always give bouquets to new residents.”

Madelyn also makes residents’ families a priority. “If a resident is particularly ill, I’ll take flowers just for the family,” she says. “It’s important for the family to feel that people care. The families are so grateful.”

Madelyn appreciates the smiles she brings to people’s faces—and considers her work a small token of appreciation for the treatment she receives at Timber Ridge. “They’re so wonderful to us here,” she says. “Everyone goes out of their way to do something daily for all of us.”

Making a DifferenceResidents of Life Care ServicesTM communities lend helping hands in a variety of meaningful ways.

By Katie Rynard


Get InvolvedSharing your skills and talents with others not only benefits recipients. You, too, can reap the rewards of volunteer work. In fact, studies suggest that volunteering boosts mental and physical health, can ward off depression, and may even lengthen your life.

Opportunities for volunteering abound within Life Care ServicesTM

communities. Residents can help out at the on-site library, lead classes and programs, volunteer in the

health center, and assist with special events. Often, bulletins announcing volunteer opportunities are posted within communities. And residents always can reach out to their community life services director or therapeutic recreation director to see what’s available.

If you identify a need that’s not currently being filled within your neighborhood or greater community, follow the lead of Madelyn Parrett and determine if and how you might

be able to fill that role. “Think of something that needs to be done ... and get going,” she says. “Just ask if you can do it.”

Interested in volunteering within your greater community? Find a variety of opportunities geared to your interests by visiting the following sites:

• seniorcorps.gov

• serve.gov

• volunteermatch.org

Giving Back to the Greater CommunityRepairing historic vessels isn’t just a creative outlet for Wyatt Garfield—it’s something he does for the betterment of his community and his country.

Wyatt, a resident of StoneRidge*, has been volunteering at the Mystic Seaport Museum’s Preservation Shipyard since 2004. Repairing damaged ships and vessels allows him to put his finely honed woodworking skills to good use.

It also enables him to give back to an institution of which he’s been a member for the past 50 years—and where he and his family have spent much time together.

For the past three years, Wyatt, 87, has been hard at work on the Charles W. Morgan Whaleship, the last remaining wooden whale ship and the oldest American commercial vessel still around. The painstaking work involves making 270 pulleys by hand.

“It takes about six hours to make a pulley,” he says.

The whale ship and other artifacts wow the more than 300,000 people who visit the seaport annually—and give them critical insight into America’s maritime history. Best of all, visitors can watch the restoration work in action, through the workshop’s glass windows.

“The seaport is really one of a kind,” Wyatt says. “America’s maritime history is long-standing, and the seaport provides an interactive look at this history.”

Wyatt credits his career as a teacher with motivating him to give back to his community. “I spent most of my adult life teaching school and helping others get ahead in the world,” he says. “I didn’t want to quit giving back when I retired.” ■

*Timber Ridge at Talus is a Life Care Services community in Issaquah, Washington.

*StoneRidge is a Life Care Services community in Mystic, Connecticut

Photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport

MAKING LIFE EASIER FOR RESIDENTSResident Health Services Director Linda Robbins, RN, explains her role at StoneRidge* this way: “We do what it takes to enhance residents’ sense of well-being.” Here are just a few of the ways in which she’s helped residents:

• A resident asked Robbins to check on his wife. The woman had seen her doctor that day but didn’t seem well. Robbins convinced them to go to the ER. The next day, the man reported his wife had pneumonia

and heart problems, adding that Robbins might have saved her life.

• After spending weeks in the health center for back problems, a resident couldn’t be released until she purchased a lower mattress she could get in and out of safely. Robbins found a company that delivered a lower mattress that day before the resident returned home.

• A newly widowed man came to Robbins’ office almost every day to talk. He credits her encouragement for pulling him out of his grief. “He did all the work,” Robbins says. “I just listened.” Today, he still stops

by, but just to say “hi.”

“We do what we can to make things easier,” Robbins says. “We’re here to advocate for residents, whatever their needs might be.” ■

*StoneRidge is a Life Care ServicesTM community in Mystic, Connecticut. Robbins’ role corresponds to that of Health Care Navigator in other Life Care Services communities.

The Transitions magazine team talked with Judi Buxo, senior vice president and director of asset management for Life Care Services™, about the important role that Health Care Navigators fulfill in Life Care Services communities.

What is a Health Care Navigator (HCN)?

HCNs assist residents when they need preventative, urgent, or recuperative health care. They also identify on- and off-campus resources that can help residents maintain their independence in their own residences. HCNs work collaboratively with residents to craft individualized, specialized plans for health and wellness.

What are some services an HCN might provide?

The services vary between communities depending on available local resources, but HCNs typically can assist with medical appointments and preplanned hospital stays, discharge planning after a hospitalization, and assistance with medical equipment. They can help process insurance paperwork, follow up with health practitioners, and even arrange for a pet sitter if a resident is hospitalized for several days. In short, the HCN helps identify the support that residents need to live safely and independently before, during, and after a health care incident.

With whom do HCNs collaborate?

HCNs play a pivotal role in the Life Care Services HealthyLife™ Services program. HealthyLife Services promotes wellness through comprehensive offerings in the areas of active life, nutrition, fitness, and well-being. HCNs also serve as administrators for the care provided by Health at Home™, An LCS Company. Health at Home delivers licensed professional services in the residence—from medical management to homemaker and financial care assistance.

How do these services benefit residents?

When residents move into our communities, they are able to live independently, but as they age, they may experience health challenges. The resources available through HCNs, the HealthyLife Services program, and Health at Home care can often delay a move from independent living to a higher level of skilled care. The availability of these services also provides peace of mind for many residents.

When did Life Care Services introduce these services?

Components of the Health at Home care program have been in place since the late 1980s; Life Care Services introduced the HCN role seven years ago. Our wellness offerings have continued to evolve to become today’s comprehensive HealthyLife Services program. Life Care Services was one of the first senior living companies to introduce these types of innovative health and wellness services. ■

Read what th is ret i red physic ian says about the Heal th Care Navigator serv ices at her community at Transit ionsLCS.com .

Guiding Residents’ Health and Wellness

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SLEEP TIGHT TONIGHTThink sleep issues are a normal part of aging? Think again. A new study shows that seniors are much more likely to report better sleep than younger adults.

The study, published in the March 2012 edition of the journal Sleep, analyzed sleep disturbances and daytime tiredness in more than 155,000 Americans age 18 to 80+. Transitions magazine talked with lead author Michael Grandner, PhD, research associate in the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, about the implications of the study and what they might mean for you.

Get Your Best RestSleep more soundly tonight with these tips from Michael Grandner, PhD, research associate in the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

• Check your medication. Many medications have side effects that hinder sleep. Talk to your doctor about this, and ask if you should reconsider when you take your medications. “Medications are often overlooked,” Grandner says. “Taking them before bed may be part of the problem.”

• Limit fluid intake in the evenings. This will minimize middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom that interrupt peaceful slumber. Also limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as they all impact sleep.

• Use your bed exclusively for sleep. Head to another room to read, watch TV, or just think. “Spending a lot of time awake in bed essentially trains your brain that it’s not a place for sleep,” Grandner says.

The results surprised researchers“No group was less likely to report sleep problems than the oldest groups,” Grandner says. “We expected the opposite.” Retirement may take credit for this—if you now have more time for slumber, sleep disturbances may not bother you as much, Grandner says.

Another revelation: Study results were not linear across age groups—there was an increase in sleep disturbances and fatigue for middle-age men and women. This could be due to a generational effect—this group may be more likely to experience problems because of something they have in common, such as work stress, Grandner says. “Or maybe they’re more aware of their sleep issues than others, or see them as a priority.”

Older adults don’t necessarily sleep betterThey just report fewer overall problems. Seniors do tend to wake up more, Grandner says, but “They may be more likely to say, ‘Yeah, it’s fine.’” With other things going on in life, a little trouble with sleep may not be viewed as that big of a deal, he adds.

You should always be upfront about fatigueDon’t brush off insomnia or ensuing fatigue as merely a sign of growing older, Grandner urges. Discuss sleep disturbances with your doctor, who will help you find an effective treatment. “Sleep shouldn’t interfere with your life or bother you,” he says. “If it does bother you, something else may be going on.” ■

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IMMUNIZATIONS YOU SHOULDN’T SKIPMany of us get an annual flu shot. But medical authorities advise several other immunizations for people older than 65.

“Far too few adults are receiving the vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC],” says Erin D. Kennedy, medical officer in the Immunization Services Division at the CDC. “Your need for immunization doesn’t end when you reach adulthood. There are many vaccines that continue to be important as you age.”

Read up on these important vaccinations in this chart.

Your personal doctor is your best resource for the vaccinations you need. If you plan to travel to a foreign country, consult the CDC Yellow Book website (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-2012-home.htm) and then visit your health care provider. ■

VACCINATIONS FOR OLDER ADULTSInfluenza (flu) All adults should get an annual flu shot,

but, “It’s especially important for those over 65 years of age because they’re at higher risk for flu complications,” Kennedy says. Four different flu vaccines are available. Ask your doctor or nurse which is best for you.

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap)

Get a Tdap vaccine once, then a Td booster vaccine every 10 years. “It’s especially important for those who have close contact with infants, such as seniors who have grandchildren,” Kennedy says.

Varicella (chickenpox) You do not need this vaccine if you were born in the United States before 1980. However, some individuals with weakened immune systems may need the vaccine, Kennedy says.

Zoster (shingles) One dose for adults age 60 or older.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

If you were born before 1957, you are considered immune from measles and mumps. Talk to your doctor or nurse.

Pneumococcal (pneumonia), meningococcal, hepatitis A, hepatitis B

These vaccines are recommended, depending on risks due to travel, lifestyle, or occupation. Check with your doctor or nurse.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Recommended Immunizations for Adults”

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