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AMES International Inc., a candymaker based in Fife, has been acquired by the Puyallup Tribe in a move described as benefitting the bottom lines of both entities.

Owning the company expands the tribe’s business ventures “into a $2 billion dollar functional confectionary industry and helps keep a local company in business” while also giving more employment opportunities to tribal members, the Puyallup Tribal Council, the tribe’s governing body, said in a formal statement.

AMES was founded more than 35 years by George Paulose, a Federal Way resident, and is perhaps best-known for its product line Emily’s Chocolates and Nuts, named after one of Paulose’s daughters.

In recent years, the company expanded into new retail channels and geographic markets. AMES also makes and sells gourmet tea and is one of the largest nut roasters on the U.S. west coast.

The tribe’s purchase of AMES through its economic development wing, Puyallup Tribal Enterprises, further diversifies the tribe’s revenue streams, and its financial investment in the company will allow Ames to continue expanding, tribe officials said. They added the acquisition, which is the tribe’s first manufacturing venture, combines AMES’ manufacturing experience with the operational and strategic advantages offered by the tribe.

The Senior Scene by — January 17, 2024 in Personal Finance/Consumers
Skin needs extra help during winter

By Kristen Rueb

The fall and winter seasons mean cold, harsh temperatures will be wreaking havoc on delicate, aging skin. Falling humidity levels kick off annual dry skin season—skin tends to have the same moisture level as the environment it’s in, therefore as the weather gets drier, we do, too. Dips in temperature can exacerbate the problem further and mature, sensitive, or acneic skin types are particularly affected by the changing weather. However, with the proper winter skincare routine, you don’t have to be stuck inside all day and fear the chill of the season. Here’s how to keep dryness at bay and maintain irritation-free skin, year-round:

Avoid harsh exfoliants.

If your skin has dried out during the winter months, take a step back from your harsh chemical or physical exfoliants. This doesn’t mean you need to stop using them completely—exfoliation is important for cell turnover—but pumping the brakes for a few days while your skin resets could prove useful. And if you’re still feeling dry, opt for a natural cleansing oil instead of your usual face wash, which can often strip the skin of natural oils.  

Use a low molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid.

This is recommended for its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps your skin retain moisture and assists in keeping its surface smooth and soft. It even helps calm redness or irritation from particularly harsh climates.  

Layer up.

In the winter, it’s all about layering—both clothes and skincare. Start with a serum equipped to handle your toughest skin concerns. For maximum TLC, use a regenerative serum after cleansing. Next up, opt for a cream that’s light enough to layer and calming enough to soothe your winter redness. To form a protective seal over the skin and lock in moisture, apply the cream after the serum.  

Apply morning and night.

Don’t forget to use the serum and cream combo in the morning, after washing your face and before makeup, and in the evening, when your face is clean and ready for bed.  

Don’t forget your eyes and SPF.

Our eyes are sensitive to the cold and dry climate of wintertime because the skin around them is particularly thin. Replenish your delicate eye area with a natural, non-irritating, fast-absorbing eye cream.  

Even though it’s cold outside, the sun’s rays are still powerful. A physical sunscreen, applied in the morning after your serums and creams should be part of your daily routine. Use an SPF of at least 30, and if you are out in the sun for long periods, reapply every two hours.  

Stay hydrated, check your diet.

Drinking enough water helps your skin look dewy, plump, and that just-walked-off-the-beach summer glow.  

Our skin is often a great indicator of what’s going on inside. Monitor what you eat and take notice if your skin flares up or feels extra dry after particular meals or food groups. Always consult a physician before changing anything about your diet.  

Kristen Rueb is a stem cell scientist and director of clinical research at Factorfive.

The Senior Scene by — January 10, 2024 in Health & Fitness
Reducing loneliness, one Senior Friend at a time

Social isolation is a term we’ve all become familiar with over the last three years. While lifting COVID-19 restrictions on gathering together has opened doors for some, others struggle with isolation, particularly older adults. In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called attention to what he called the nation’s public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection. He emphasized the importance of social connection and community.

According to the Murthy, the health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease, a 32 percent higher risk of stroke, and a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia. Additionally, lacking social connection increases the risk of premature death by more than 60 percent, and social isolation contributes substantially to mental health challenges. 

MultiCare Celebrate Seniority, based in Puyallup, is helping address the issue of senior social isolation through its involvement with Senior Friends, a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest. The program operated by LCSN, a non-profit social services agency that has several senior-oriented services, matches volunteers with lonely or socially isolated older adults throughout Pierce County.

Volunteers, also known as Friends, give their time to offer companionship to someone who otherwise may feel left out and alone. Friends provide opportunities to take walks, go for drives, and run errands, among other activities.

A Friends volunteer commits to 100 hours of service, with a weekly visit either in-person for two to four hours or a phone call to check in. Volunteers must be at least 21, pass a background check and interview, provide references, and be willing to take part in training.

Seniors looking to have a Friend visit them can complete an intake form. After the match of Friend and Senior is confirmed, they begin their regular visits. 

As a future participant shared, “The opportunity to have someone come and visit me or call will make a world of difference. Since my car was stolen and I can’t afford a replacement, I must use a rideshare company to get to the doctor or anywhere. Having someone who might be willing to take me would be a blessing.”

More information is available from Senior Friends at 253-722-5682 or Celebrate Seniority at 253-697-3005.

The Senior Scene by — January 10, 2024 in Food, People

By Ramsey Alwin

For three years in a row, more Americans 65 and older are living in poverty—robbed of their ability to age with dignity. This is simply unacceptable in a country as rich as ours. Nor does it bode well for the 4.4 million Americans turning 65 in 2024.

The latest U.S. Census numbers show that under the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), the older-adult poverty rate jumped from 9.5 percent in 2020 to 10.7 percent in 2021 to 14 percent in 2022. Alarmingly, poverty among children also shot up to 12.4 percent in 2022 from a historic low of 5.2 percent in 2021.

Yet, the latest numbers also point us to the solution—the tremendous power of government programs. Social Security alone moved 20 million older adults out of poverty. Combined, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), housing subsidies, and the Supplemental Security Income lifted 1.6 million older adults out of poverty.

We have the programs in place to alleviate poverty. Now we need the political will and resources to do so. 

Right now, 5 million older adults are missing out on SNAP alone, amounting to $6.3 billion each year. Overall, we estimate that eligible older adults are leaving $30 billion on the table annually because they’re not enrolled in public benefits. NCOA and 56 other national health organizations are urging House and Senate leaders to provide permanent, annual funding of $75 million for benefits outreach and enrollment efforts. 

Many Americans support these programs. In our recent survey of women ages 25 and older, respondents expressed strong bipartisan support for 13 policies to ensure a secure retirement, including making Social Security cost-of-living adjustments reflect the cost of housing and healthcare and increasing benefits above the federal poverty level. 

It’s time to stop this upward trend in poverty in its tracks—for Americans of all ages.

Ramsey Alwin is president of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a non-profit organization advocating for older adults. This article was originally released in September by NCOA as a statement from Alwin.

The Senior Scene by — January 10, 2024 in News