DeLand Senior Stuff
Vol. III, Issue 6 August, 2010
Seniors Need to Start Texting,
Using Facebook
If there is one clear need of seniors it is to be
able to connect with their families. This is
true for not just those in nursing homes, but
for those in condos hundreds of miles from
their closest relatives and former friends. But
look…
Among those who go online, around 37
percent of adults above 50 say they use
social networking sites like Facebook,
according to a survey by AARP.
“It connects you with your past. I’m on
Facebook,” said Jim Spencer, of
Northampton, Mass.
Seniors are also connecting with their
families via texting on their smartphones.
Soon, you might start seeing text messages
from grandma: “LOL did u see Jay Leno last
night?”
AT&T workers held free 20-minute sessions
in West Los Angeles to demonstrate basic
cellphone features to the elderly. Those who
signed up in advance got schooled on how to
send SMS messages, make phone calls, add
and edit contacts and manipulate settings.
Verizon Wireless has held similar training
sessions at senior centers. The telecom
company also boasts four-dozen hearingaid-
compatible cellphones and a line of
simple devices with giant buttons.
Last month we discussed communication
via videoconferencing and promised to
look into that issue come this fall. We also
need to address this issue as well.
__________________
Time Check
How could time have forsaken me?
I thought it was on my side
An hour seemed like eternity,
Now the years go flashing by.
My vision is much broader now;
Though my steel is not as strong.
Faces I’ve known don’t look the same.
I wonder why they went wrong.
Where are those dreams of long ago?
The ones I’ve held so dear.
Like brown leaves floating down a stream
They’re lost to another year.
Time ages exponentially,
But I want to slow it down.
I must stop and smell the roses,
Before I become the ground
The answer to the dire question,
Still remains for me to find.
Hence, how much longer do I have
Before I am out of time?
W.S. Saul www.poetrywssaul.com
(via Linda, a Facebook friend)
July Stuff
Group Formed to Help Veterans
Veterans, military personnel and their
families are invited to receive free relaxation
acupuncture treatments every Monday
evening from 6 - 9 p.m., at the DeLand Lions
Club, 400 North Garfield Ave. from the
Volusia Military Acupuncture Project. Please
arrive before 8 p.m. as treatments take about
45 minutes. No appointments are necessary.
The Volusia Military Acupuncture Project is
a nonprofit organization consisting of
volunteer acupuncturists who have come
together to provide free relaxation
acupuncture treatments to local veterans,
military personnel and their families.
The acupuncture treatment has shown great
results in treating post-combat fatigue and its
associated symptoms such as depression,
anxiety, anger, insomnia, nightmares and
hyper-vigilance. There are approximately
70,000 veterans living in the county.
According to the Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America, 1 in 3 soldiers
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will
suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
estimates that 13% of America’s veterans
suffer from PTSD and that, every day, 18
American veterans commit suicide.
The Volusia Military Acupuncture Project
was founded with the sole purpose of helping
our service men and women heal from the
trauma they have suffered while protecting
us.
For more information on this organization,
email VolusiaMAP@gmail.com or contact
MacKenzie Muir at (386) 848-0035.
News from the Senior Journal
Some articles in http://seniorjournal.com of
significance to seniors are highlighted below.
You are urged to check these out:
• Medicare turns 45 (7/30)
• Most seniors are unaware of the key
provisions of Affordable Health Care
Act (7/27)
• Social Security is 75, August 14 (7/27)
• Early treatment of Prostate cancer
extremely effective (7/27)
• Seniors more likely to be working
than teens (7/18)
• Seniors helped to get more pension
money (7/13)
• New program to aid seniors in “end
of life” issues (7/12)
• Seniors most likely group to support
Arizona immigration law. (7/6)
• Medicare free preventive services go
into effect January 1
Volusia County Primary Elections
August 24
Viet Nam Virtual Wall Revisited
I have been asked twice now (with this
publication that constitutes a multitude) to
reprint the www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm
website. I just did.
First click on a state, when it opens click a
name, then it should show you a picture or at
least a bio and medals earned. Beautiful site.
A Beautiful Message About Growing Old
I forgot what it was.
More July Stuff
Are You Living a Champion Life?
Did you awaken this morning as a champion excited
about this new day bouncing out of bed with arms
lifted high singing a joyous tune? Or did you follow
an old pattern of “oh no what now uugggghhhh….”
The way you start the day set’s the tone and energy
for living the champion life or not.
Now here’s the secret; even if you didn’t get started
as a champion, even if you have rarely lived as a
champion, you CAN change! Awesome!
Living a champion life requires living consciously,
choosing to live the champion life no matter what.
Living consciously in each moment allows you to
make decisions and take action based on what IS, and
not what you wish, or hope. Living consciously gives
you the added plus because your awareness enables
you to make the best choice in any situation.
At anytime during the day you can decide to change
your attitude from non-champion to champion. It is
not easy; it will take effort, especially if you’ve
developed a laissez faire attitude. Here are three tips
to changing your attitude to support a champion life.
First, acknowledge your feelings. Feelings are very
important; they are usually a way of checking in to
see what is out of balance. Being out of balance when
you start this process is really okay and lets you know
you’re on the path to champion living.
Second, make an agreement with yourself to change
the feeling to a champion one. Ask “what can I do
differently to support my new way of being?”
Third, honor your agreement; it might take longer
than you think, stick with it, even if something comes
along to validate the non-champion feeling.
Champions take responsibility for their life, they look
for and expect the positive and create joy from the
inside out. Living the champion life requires that you
become aware and that you live in the moment.
Inez Bracy, BS, MS, CNLP, CGC
Lifestyles Transitions Coach
Connect with her: www.facebook.com/inez.bracy
or www.InezBracy.com
Volunteering is the surest thing in
this issue to help you cool off.
Call: 736-5016. Or e-mail at: volunteers@deland.org
Say What?
“It’s a very encouraging fact that we can
expect to be happier in our early 80’s than we
were in our 20s.” –Andrew Oswald,
Professor of Psychology, Warwick Business
School, England.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Alzheimer Support Group meets August
2nd at 2 pm and August 24th at 6:30 pm at
Woodland Towers, 738-2700.
Book Sale
The super monthly book sale at the Library
will be held August 13 and 14, 9:30-4. 50
cents is the top price. 2 dollars a bag on
Saturday afternoon!
Dog Days of Summer Pet Festival
Bring your canine friends downtown for a
festival in their honor. The event will
feature vendors and displays catered to
them and their other furry friends. FREE
admission. 9 am – 1 pm, August 21. A
MainStreet DeLand production.
Cruisin’ Classic Car Show
Classic cars and rods, plus a DJ, Indiana Ave.
August 21, 4-8 pm. Call Bob for showing: 386-
624-5027. A MainStreet DeLand production.
Last Page of Stuff
Opera
1 & 15 —Norma (Bellini)
18 & 29—Eugene Onegine (Tchaikovsky
opera based on Pushkin’s novel)
Call the box office at 736-1500, W-F
noon-4, or night of performance, or go online
at: www.athenstheatre.org
__________________________________
Events at The Sanborn
M- Shuffleboard-1:30, Monday Dance 2-4,
Square Dance-6:00
T- Chorus Practice-2:30, Pinochle-
6:30, Ballroom Dance Lessons-6:30
W-Tai-Chi-8:30, It’s All About Art-9:45,
Charley Baker Bridge-12, Chess Club-12
Scrabble-12. Mexican Train-12:45,
T-Quilters-8:30, Canasta-11, Ballroom
Dance Lessons-2:30
F-West Volusia Artists-9, Shuffleboard
Open Play-1:30
The Monday Dance on August 23rd has a
“Luau” theme. Dress Hawaiian!
_____________________________________
The City of DeLand Senior Council is responsible for
generating this thing on a monthly basis. Council members
include:
Deborah Tolan, Chair Virginia Comella
Vivien Powis, Vice Chair George Sherman
Jack Allen Nan Smith
Ron Burgher ex officio members:
Kathy Knapp
Michael Pleus
August Calendar
At The Athens
Live entertainment:
1—Mark Hodgson-Chris Lee Blues Band
13-15, 19-22, & 27-29—Sands Theatre
Production of:
“The Unexpected Guest”
Film
6-7—Ondine (she came from the sea and
he caught her in his nets)
7& 19—The Secret in Their Eyes (How
about a beautiful rape/murder movie?)
20 & 27—Vincere (Mussolini’s secret lover
doesn’t fare too well after he takes over)
26—Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (kind
of says it all, doesn’t it?) Documentary
26 & 28—Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg (the
story of the first Emmy “Best Actress”
Award winner) Documentary
(For more information about the content of
each of these movies, as well as reviews, go to
www.imdb.com)
For information regarding times,
reservations, prices, etc. please call the
Box Office: 736-1500, or better yet, go to:
www.athenstheatre.org
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
SENIOR STUFF
You guessed it. This is May and that means it is our time. We know this is true because each year the federal agency, The Administration on Aging declares May to be Older Americans Month.
Each year the President signs a proclamation in May celebrating the contributions and achievements of the nation’s seniors.
And, for the third year, your DeLand Senior Council, through Stuff, pays tribute to the seniors of DeLand and affirms their skills as well as their accomplishments.
If you think this is a lot of hoopla for a bunch of old people—you’re wrong. I looked it up. “Hoopla” refers to an “unnecessary fuss”. This month is necessary. While we’re at it, let’s examine this year’s slogan: Age Strong! Live Long! Like it? It doesn’t really matter; it’s already been selected. Want a different
one? Wait ‘til next year. What does this one mean, anyway?
The theme recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s seniors who span three generations, who have lived through wars and hard times as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity, who have pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans.
These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, but the contributions are not only in the past.
Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And as they age they are
spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities. Indeed, seniors are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long!
FOUR BAD HABITS THAT AGE US 12 YEARS
Last year in this space, it was noted that the key to longer life was having friends. It was noted that those with a large circle of friends were 22% less likely to die as quickly as those with fewer friends. This year we bring you potentially more important data regarding living longer. While most of us are way past the place where we could gain its benefits, scientists last week revealed four bad habits that age us by 12 years.
If we have, over the past 20 years, eaten at least three vegetables per day, consumed fewer than two (women) or three (men) drinks a day, refrained from smoking, and engaged in at least two hours per week of physical activity, then you likely have increased your longevity by about 12 years. Now whether that means you’ll have twelve more years from now, or whether you’ve already used them up, it was, apparently, a good thing. Nice to know, huh.
In a somewhat related story, another group of scientists reported last week that having sex also increased longevity.
Now, before some of you head for the vegetable tray, throw away your cigarette, empty your liquor cabinet, and take off for the gym, these scientists report that“imagined sex” also is a life extender. No real explanation as to how this works was offered. It had something to do with blood pressure. I started to look it up, but instead, I just imagined how it might work. Age Strong! Live Long! Indeed!
OLDER POPULATION: A NEW ZENITH
According to the current census data, the population 65 and over has increased from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million (15% increase) in 2010, then it will increase to 55 million in 2020 (36% increase for the decade). By 2030, there will be over 72 million seniors in the U.S., almost twice the number in 2007 and 20% of the U.S. population.
Some of you people—those of you wise enough to eat your vegetables, stay away from the cigarettes and booze, go to the gym, cultivate many friends, and sit in your chair a lot and imagine things—could be around to see it happen.
Age Strong! Live Long!
________________________
Some Data on Older Americans
- 14% of persons are over 65
- There are 23 million senior women and
- 17 million senior men
- 72% of the men are married and 42% of the women; 42% of the women are widows
- About 31% of non-institutionalized older persons live alone
- The median income for males in 2008 was $25,500 for males; $14, 560 for females
- Social Security constituted 90% or more of the income received by 35% of the beneficiaries
- About 10% of the elderly were below the poverty line in 2008, about the same as 2007.
(Data from Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, National
Center on Health Statistics)
CarFit Program a Success
On April 23, the DeLand Senior Council, with the help of a couple of volunteer spouses, a superb supervisor from our State Department of Transportation, and a wonderful occupational therapist from DeLand Hospital conducted a CarFit program at the Earl Brown Senior Activities
Center.As the drivers came by, our crew conducted a series of “fitness tests” for them, and before they left, our therapist offered a variety of suggestions and tips to make their driving experiences safer. They also picked up a bag full of goodies. Missed it? Maybe next year.
______________________
The City of DeLand Senior Council is responsible for cranking out this thing on a monthly basis. Council members include: Deborah Tolan -Chair, Vivien Powis -Vice Chair, George Sherman, , Nan Smith
ex officio members:
Virginia Comella, Bob Goodwill, Kathy Knapp, Ron Burgher (Senior Stuff editor), Michael Pleus (whsu)
___________________________________
Book Sale
The super monthly book sale at the Library will be held May 14 and 15. Buy ‘em buy the sack. Believe it.
__________________________
Alzheimer’s Caregivers support groups meet the first Monday of every month at 2 pm and the fourth Tuesday at 6:30 pm at Woodland Towers, 113 Chipola Ave.
Volunteer!
Volunteering is the seventh thing in this issue that extends life. Call Pat: 736-5016
Or e-mail her at volunteers@deland.org
_______________________________
What If
What do you think would happen if you really turn yourself loose and lived the life of your design? Just the other day I was talking with a client and she said, “Inez it scares me to death to think of what I might do if I really turn myself loose and design my own life”. It’s not unusual to feel frightened when you think about the “what ifs.”
Be sure to make your fantasy land from the desires of your heart, from your authentic soul and from your
creativity. The following questions can help you get started creating your fantasy land. Don’t be anxious over any of them. You’re just having fun!
1. Why do I want to step into my authenticity?
2. What is the pay off for staying the way I am?
3. How can I learn what my heart really wants?
4. What’s keeping me from being my true self?
5. How can I feel fully, passionately vulnerable
and be okay with that?
When you can answer these questions you are ready to discover how to live the life you design.
Inez Bracy, BS, MS, CNLP, CGC
Lifestyles Transitions Coach
Connect with her: www.facebook.com/inez.bracy
_______________________________________
If you have some stuff you think belongs in Stuff, send your stuff to delandseniorstuff@yahoo.com and the odds are a little bit better than those you can get on Lookin’ at Lucky in the Derby that your stuff will appear in a subsequent issue of Stuff. (Or call Burgher, the editor--until he can find a replacement--at 736-8364, unless he is watching a ballgame, at the pool, imagining, reading a good book, or doing some other fun stuff that older people do.)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
PLAN TO ATTEND CARFIT APRIL 23
Seniors are invited to attend the CarFit Expo at Earl Brown Park, 751 S. Alabama Ave. DeLand, FL on April 23, from 10 pm to 2 pm. Trained specialists will be available to inspect your car for the best settings to make your driving experience safe and fun. Our volunteers are all people you know from the community who have been trained by the CarFit experts. CarFit has been presented in communities throughout Florida with great response from the drivers. Representative of the CarFit program will be present to oversee. If you would like to volunteer for the training call 386-740-6860 and ask for Suellen.
Our goal is to keep seniors driving to help them feel independent and interested in being with other people.
We will be giving handouts, water and refreshments will be available, and participants will have access to the Wayne Sanborn Center facilities. We will be able to evaluate 4 cars at a time (so there will be little or no waiting). Creators of this event and the CarFit program are: AARP, AAA, American Society on Aging, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Hosting the event are the members of the DeLand Senior Council. For more information about the Senior Council go to www.deland.org or the local CarFit blog http://delandseniorexpo.blogspot.com or email carfitsafetyexpo@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
SENIOR SAFETY EXPO FEATURES CARFIT
The SENIOR SAFETY CarFit
event is being held at the
Wayne Sanborn Center in Earl Brown Park
751 S. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, Florida
Friday April 23, 2010
10 am to 2 pm
The CarFit program is free. It takes about 20 minutes, while you sit in your car. A trained evaluator will check 12 points that make your driving experience as safe as it can be. The goal of CarFit is to help senior citizens keep driving and maintain their independence.
To make your evaluation more pleasurable we will be equipped to inspect 4 drivers with cars at one time. You won't have to wait or get in line. All evaluations will take place in the parking lot in front of the Wayne Sanborn Center.
INSIDE WAYNE SANBORN CENTER
YOU WILL FIND
YOU WILL FIND
HANDOUTS
REFRESHMENTS
SAFETY TIPS
AND MORE
All CarFit participants receive a Goodie Bag
chock-full of interesting and useful items.
chock-full of interesting and useful items.
A certificate of achievement will be given to each car and driver.
You may present this certificate to your insurance company
for a discount.
INFO
The CarFit event is being held at the
Wayne Sanborn Center in Earl Brown Park
751 S. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, Florida
Friday April 23, 2010
10 am to 2 pm
CONTACT
For more information phone Suellen Pope at 386-740-6860
or email carfitsafetyexpo@gmail.com
Please send our blog address to all your email friends and your lists on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Help us make this event a big success. This is our first year and we want to make it an annual
VOLUNTEERS?
We are also looking for volunteers to take the training to be CarFit evaluators. Anyone 18 and over is welcome to apply. Training will take place on April 22 in DeLand from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Representatives from the CarFit program will be here to train everyone.
ADVERTISING AND SALES
If you want to set up a display -- sign up now for next year.
As a sample of some of the important ideas you will learn at CarFit please read the Simple Six Steps you can take to make your driving more comfortable and safer.
Simple Six Steps
GIVE DRIVING YOUR FULL ATTENTION
Eliminate distractions
Stay mentally sharp
Talk to your doctor about medications that could affect your driving
Don't drink alcohol
MAINTAIN YOUR STRENGTH FLEXIBILITY AND ENDURANCE
Participate in physical activity and stretching
Check with your physician before beginning an exercise program
EAT HEALTHY FOODS, DRINK WATER, AND EAT SMALLER FOOD PORTIONS FOR A SHARP MIND AND EYES
Drink water throughout the day
Put foods of various colors on your plate to get a wide range of vitamins
GET PLENTY OF SLEEP AND REST
Loss of sleep hurts concentration and leads to mistakes
FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURES
Use your seat belt at all times. Make sure it fits snug and tight across your hips.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES
Wear sunglasses
Avoid smoking
Visit your eye care professional annually
CarFit is an educational program created by
- Volusia County Senior Council
- City of DeLand,
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- ASA (American Society on Aging)
- AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association)
-nss-
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