All Posts in "The Senior Scene"

By Matt Rogers

Having a winter home in a southern climate can be an attractive alternative to spending months indoors as temperatures fall below zero and snow piles up. A second home also requires more maintenance, and because they are not at both of their residences year-round, snowbirds can discover that small issues have grown into big problems when they arrive at their winter homes this fall.

Extreme heat and high levels of rainfall that many southern states experienced last summer created ideal breeding grounds and increased insect activity. Ants, mosquitos, roaches, and other insects spent the summer growing their populations and finding cool, dark places inside snowbirds’ homes to build nests and thrive. Treating pest problems as soon as they’re discovered and taking proactive measures to protect against future infestations can help snowbirds ensure their homes remain welcoming to them but not for bugs.

First, inspect the home closely for any insect activity that has occurred while no one was living there. Check places that are particularly attractive environments for bugs, such as under sinks, in bathrooms, basements, and near any water sources. Use glue traps to trap any insects currently in the home. Seal the entry point where the bugs were entering the home. Clean and remove any insect droppings or nests from the area.

Even if no insect activity is detected, one of the first home maintenance chores should be safeguarding the home against future pest problems. Begin by checking window and door seals and screens to ensure there aren’t any gaps or breaks where bugs can enter. Insect the garage door seal, as well. Use a brush to remove any spider webs or other insect nests from window frames and under porches and rooflines. Check the foundation of the home for signs of termite activity, and if any tubes are spotted, contact a pest-control professional. Check plumbing for drips and repair them as needed.

Shrubs, trees, and grass should be cut short and away from the home, so no branches are touching the structure and creating easy access ways for bugs. Clean up any debris that might have collected in the yard and eliminate any fountains, structures, or grandchildren’s toys that can cause water to pool.

Finally, treat the perimeter of the home with a professional-grade insecticide. The most important feature to look for when selecting a pest treatment is a product that insects carry back to nests with them. Compared to a product that simply kills on contact, a treatment that insects carry back is more effective because the problem is being treated at the source. Also, always take care to only apply insecticides on the foundation of the home, around windows and doors, and on hardscapes. Avoid spraying flowering plants and shrubs to help protect pollinators.

Matt Rogers is chief executive officer of Pestie, a pest-control company.

The Senior Scene by — December 3, 2024 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures

COMMENTARY

By Nancy Newman Chapa

On any given day, step through the doors at any senior center in Tacoma and you will enter more than just a building. You will immediately feel welcomed. The volunteer receptionist at the desk will greet you warmly. As you are checking in, you get a sense that you might be home.

There may be several classes going on simultaneously, or it might be a quiet morning where folks are sitting in small groups, sharing coffee and conversation. The variety of class offerings is impressive and the participants are motivated. Strength and Balance, Stretch and Dance, Tap, Line Dancing, Art Classes, Music Lessons, Sing Alongs, Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi or Martial Arts. Instructors tailor their programs to the needs of their senior students.

You will see folks visiting, laughing, singing, and helping each other. There are jigsaw puzzles to be assembled; card and boxed games to play; and a library to peruse. There are seminars pertinent to older Americans’ health and safety. The Food Rescue Program offers food items seniors can take for home meals, and the Catholic Food Service Volunteers prepare and serve nutritious lunches in a warm and inviting environment.

More than the diverse offerings at Beacon, Lighthouse and Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Centers, it is the volunteers, instructors, and directors who have built a secure foundation balanced with caring, warmth, expertise and professionalism. They have nurtured a community.

We are a unique community. Our life experiences continue to help us grow, even as we add candles to our years. We know keenly the adage, “Life is short,” grows closer every day. As a community, we support each other. Health challenges, hardships, and loss occur in our community, more so than most. When one of our friends doesn’t show in our class, concern grows. We ask our group, Has anyone talked to…..? Imagine our grief when someone reports that a spouse died or that our friend fell ill or had an accident. Also, know our relief when we learn our friend will be okay. Cards are passed around and signed, and when she/he finally returns, we are, once again, complete.

We are family.

Our family is in jeopardy. The City of Tacoma has decided to close our precious centers. They are breaking up our families in order to address a $24 million deficit in the city budget. They think that by handing the job over to Metro Parks Tacoma, they will have the freedom to repurpose or sell buildings.

We only recently learned of this decision. It was made without the input of those most affected by their actions. In a short period of time, we have learned about the federal laws that protect us through the Older Americans Act. We believe that this law protects our right to the quality of life that our senior centers provide.

We’re running out of time. The city plans to close Beacon and Lighthouse in December. Saving our senior senters insures not just the quality of life left in our years; it preserves those of every future senior in Tacoma,

Please help all of us. Contact your City Council, state and national legislators. Speak or submit comments to the next council meeting. If you can contribute your talent or resources to our cause, thank you.

Nancy Newman Chapa is an advocate for preserving the Tacoma senior centers.

Your Representatives:

Ruston Senior Center

City Council District 1- John Hines

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2ac66d58a46a4ea58a31678e0bde8775

State legislators, District 27

Rep. Laurie Jinkins – https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/27/1

Sen.Yasmine Trudeau – https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/trudeau/contact/

Lighthouse Senior Center

City Council District 4- Sandesh Saldage

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2ac66d58a46a4ea58a31678e0bde8775

State legislators, District 29

Rep. Melanie Morgan – https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/29/1  Sen. Steve Conway – https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/29/0

Beacon Senior Center

City Council District 3 – Jamika Scott

State legislators District 27

Rep. Jake Fey – h ttps://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/27/2

Sen. Yasmine Trudeau – https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/27/0

Governor Jay Inslee –

https://governor.wa.gov/contacting-governor/contacting-governors-office/send-gov-inslee-e-message

Congress

Rep. Marilyn Strickland https://strickland.house.gov/contact/

Sen. Patty Murray – https://www.murray.senate.gov/write-to-patty/  

Sen. Maria Cantwell –https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form

The Senior Scene by — December 3, 2024 in News
Fermented or sweet: These are nutrition gold mines

(Kimchi, a fermented Korean dish, stimulates the immune system.)

According to the national Centers for Disease and Prevention, adults who eat a healthy diet live longer and have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Healthy eating can also help manage chronic diseases. Additionally, research published in the journal Nutrients reports that nutrient inadequacies can impair immune function and weaken immune response. Macronutrients, including vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc, help with having a healthy immune system. 

Focusing on adding some nutritional powerhouses to the diet can be a simple way to meet more nutritional needs without feeling like people are making big sacrifices or getting rid of foods they love. Nutritional powerhouses can add a lot by providing macronutrients and antioxidants to the diet. 

Here are five nutritional powerhouses to add this month:

  • Dark chocolate. Need we say more? Most people love chocolate, but they don’t realize that it’s a nutritional powerhouse when they opt for the dark variety. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa, compared to milk chocolate, which contains 10-50% cocoa. They report that it provides iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants, which may help protect the heart. Opt for dark chocolate that is 70% or more cocoa to get the most benefit.
  • Beans. Adding more beans and legumes to the diet can have some great benefits. A study published in the journal Nutrients reports that phytochemicals found in beans and legumes are considerably beneficial in improving blood cholesterol levels and glycemic status, providing vascular protection, and reducing markers of chronic inflammation. They help to improve the gut microbiome, which is linked to everything from losing weight to brain health.
  • Ginger. Adding ginger to the diet can help in various ways, and it can be as easy as making a batch of ginger shots once a week and consuming one daily or adding it to oatmeal or chia seed pudding. According to the National Institutes of Health, ginger root improves immune system action and acts as an antibacterial/viral agent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and anti-cancer agent.
  • Green tea. Tea, whether black or green, provides antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radicals. According to research published in the journal Chinese Medicine, the high amount of polyphenols and potent antioxidants in green tea may help reduce the risks of many chronic diseases. The researchers report that green tea may also help lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the risks of stroke and heart disease.
  • Kimchi. This fermented Korean food can easily be purchased in the produce section of most grocery stores. Keeping a jar in the refrigerator and eating a tablespoon or more daily can provide health benefits. A research study published in the journal Medicine reports that studies have shown that the biological compounds of kimchi stimulate immune function and reduce pro-oxidants, free radicals, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome risks, and aging.

“If you feel all five of these are simple enough to add, then go for it,” said Jennifer Scherer, a dietitian, medical exercise specialist, and personal trainer. “If you are not yet ready for something like that, pick one or two. Adding one or two of these to your routine will be beneficial, and you can always add more later.”

The Senior Scene by — November 26, 2024 in Food, People
It takes more than love to care for a loved one

(Pictured: Jason Erskine, AARP Washington’s communications director, says support and services are critical for people caring for their parents, spouses, or other loved ones.)

By Jason Erskine

Chances are, if you aren’t a family caregiver, you know someone who is. Every day, more than 820,000 Washingtonians help their parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, neighbors and other loved ones live independently at home – where they want to be.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to highlight the important work these folks do. But simply thanking them isn’t enough. Here in Washington and across the country, AARP is advocating for more support, services that are community-based or home-based, caregiver training, and more. We’re also working to connect caregivers and their loved ones with the resources and supports they need. 

Caregiving may start with driving your loved one to get groceries or going to doctor appointments. As time goes by, you may help prepare meals or handle bills, and you may find yourself taking time off from work to help. You may not think of yourself as a caregiver, but if you are helping someone with daily activities like getting dressed, managing medication and providing transportation to and from appointments, then you are a caregiver, and help is available. Check out the following resources:

Call 2-1-1.

AARP and United Way have teamed up to connect you with trained, compassionate people in your community who can help you find AARP caregiving resources and more. It’s called 2-1-1, it’s free, and you can talk to specialists who can help you find local resources for caring for your loved one, like driving to medical appointments, managing medications, or helping with finances or meals. You can also find resources that will help you navigate more specialized issues like home safety or veterans’ benefits. When you contact 2-1-1 and ask for AARP resources, you can get help for yourself, too, including support groups and counseling and employment and placement assistance. Call or visit www.aarp.org/211care

Caring for Caregivers.

Visit “Caring for Caregivers” at www.aarp.org/caregiverswa. You’ll find links to local resources and support, special events and activities for caregivers, and more.  Be sure to look for our video podcast series featuring discussions with local experts, community leaders, and caregivers just like you on a range of topics to help you along your caregiving journey.

Local Resources Guide.

If you are wondering where to turn closer to home, our state resource guide is here to help. Find local services for family caregiving, finances, legal support, health assistance, housing and care facilities, end-of-life care, and more. For more information, visit https://states.aarp.org/washington-211. A print copy is also available by calling 877-333-5885.

BenefitsCheckUp.org:

Operated by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), www.BenefitsCheckUp.org is a free tool that identifies services that can help pay for healthcare, medication, food, and utilities. For those needing long-term care or caregiver support, the platform can connect users to affordable aid and volunteer caregiver relief options. Additionally, the site assists with applications for over 50 programs, like Medicare’s Extra Help and state pharmacy plans.

No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a friend or family member,  in a home, a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having the right resources, information, and connections can make all the difference.  Understand that you’re not alone in this journey; your role is essential, and there are tools out there to help.

Jason Erskine is AARP Washington’s communications director.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

As part of National Family Caregivers Month in November, Pierce County Human Services, through its Aging and Disability Resources program, is inviting the public to share personal stories about caring for loved ones and how it has affected their lives. The stories can be submitted online at https://www.cognitoforms.com/PierceCounty2/FamilyCaregiverStories

The Senior Scene by — November 26, 2024 in Lifestyle, Home, Adventures