January 2014
Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 2
Guess Who Runs Newton Village? Our Tenants... ...All 107 of them. And....More to come in 2014 when Continuum Care is completed. Newton Village is devoted to making your life enjoyable. 641-792-0115 110 N. 5th Ave. W., Newton, Iowa
Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 3
RSVP Volunteer Work
Local seniors stay active by offering their services to the community through RSVP Page 4
Staying Healthy
Newton YMCA provides opportunities for local seniors to stay healthy Page 5
Taking Precautions
Tips for seniors when being solicited for donations Page 6
In the Workforce
Senior Dorthy Sherratt has been greeting YMCA patrons for 25 years Page 7
Volunteer Opportunities Variety of volunteer opportunities are available for seniors Page 9
Watch for Warning Signs Stay on the lookout for early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease Page 10
Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 4
RSVP is a great way for seniors to stay active, serve the community By Ty Rushing Daily News Staff Writer The Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Jasper County is preparing for another big year of providing its services to citizens. RSVP Coordinator Denice Fischer said the program is continuing to grow but could always use more bodies to increase the amount of free services it offers the community. There are currently 62 active members, and RSVP reported 4,832 hours of volunteerism in 2013. This was an increase of 33 percent from 2012. One of its most rapidly expanding programs is Jasper County RIDE. “It’s growing by leaps and bounds. With last year’s number, we had a 56 percent increase in the number Submitted Photo of riders we transported,” RSVP volunteers Butch Hedberg, Violet Bakalar, Verneil Knott, Sue Anderson and program coordinator Denice Fischer showcase the Fischer said. “Generally, we items RSPV collected as a part of its 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Service Day Project. RSVP members collected donations at local stores provide rides to medical or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 20. other general appointments, port someone through his and sometimes that might be a veteran, be elderly or dis- They do mileage reimburse- Affairs. the grocery store. We trans- abled or meet the low-in- ment for us, which is huge,” “On July 1, we started driver, he refers them to us.” Qualified ride seekers port in town or (around the) come standard. Fischer said Fischer said. “We would not collaborating the VA office, county — it just depends on they are currently averaging be able to continue the pro- because he (Chris Chart- may contact RIDE at (641) where the client needs to between 11 to 12 riders a gram without their support.” ier) only had one volun- 787-3078. go.” week. RSVP’s RIDE program is teer transporting for him,” RSVP In order to qualify for the “We get a lot of support also supported by the Jasper Fischer said. “We have a lot See Page 6 RIDE program, you must be from Skiff (Medical Center). County Office of Veteran’s more, and if he can’t trans-
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Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 5
YMCA continues to offer healthy activities for seniors By Zach Johnson Daily News Staff Writer The Newton YMCA is continuing to promote happy healthy living for seniors in the Newton area. The YMCA partners with two insurance companies, Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit, to bring many services and specials to seniors. The YMCA has a special discount rate for both membership and daily rates for seniors ages 62 and older. All day Thursday is Senior Dollar Day at the YMCA, which allows seniors to use the facility for only $1. “Many of the seniors who come to the YMCA enjoy racket ball and pickle ball as regular activities,” YMCA Marketing and Membership Director Jessica Lowe said. “We also offer water aerobics classes and line
dancing classes, which are a favorite of the seniors as well.” The YMCA offers many classes featured for seniors. Chair Yoga and Stretch is offered Mondays and Fridays from 10 to 10:45 a.m., in the aerobics room. The class is a special style of Yoga that adapts Yoga positions and poses through creative use of a chair. The chair replaces the Yoga mat and becomes an extension of the body. Poses are done on a chair, or the chair is used for support. The class is for all skill levels. The YMCA also offers a program called Silver Sneakers MSROM from 8:15 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the aerobics room. The program helps seniors move to the music through a YMCA See Page 6
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Daily News
Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 6
RSVP
Precautions seniors can take when solicited for donations
Continued from Page 4
Metro Creative Connection
Another one of RSVP’s big offerings is its free tax service, which starts on Feb. 4. “This year, we are changing things up and doing appointments-only this year,” Fischer said. “We did a survey, and (participants) liked having set times where they could come in and meet with a preparer. Plus, it’s less stressful on our volunteers. When you know you have 20 people out there waiting, you feel a little rushed when you are trying to do a return.” Tax services will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on the Newton DMACC Campus, with soon-to-be-announced dates in both Baxter and Colfax. To make an appointment, contact RSVP at (641) 792-6433. RSVP has a number of other services it provides, and it strives to be a program that can give seniors a chance to be active in their community. “We’re federally funded, and we receive a lot of local support too,” Fischer said. “We just hope the funding will continue and that we can continue to strive to keep expanding.”
Charities often target certain groups of people when soliciting donations. Those groups may include past donors and people who have recently attended charitable fundraisers. Such an approach can be very effective. It should come as no surprise that criminals posing as legitimate organizations tend to target specific groups of people as well. Anyone can be fooled by a fraudulent charity, but such criminals tend to target seniors more than others. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors often make attractive targets to con
YMCA Continued from Page 5 variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills. Hand-
Consider “Mini Dental Implants” for Denture stabilization.
artists because seniors are most likely to have substantial savings, own their homes and/or have excellent credit. But there are steps seniors can take to protect themselves from fraud: • Be skeptical of solicitors. If a solicitor or appeal letter claims that you donated in the past, don’t simply take it at face value, especially if you don’t recall making such a donation. Get specific information about alleged past donations, checking that information against your own bank records and receipts. SOLICITATIONS See Page 8
held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support. This class is for beginner to intermediate fitness skill levels. The Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program is of-
fered to seniors from 1 to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. AFYAP is geared toward those with arthritis and other joint or muscle problems. Exercises are done in the water to help alleviate pain and increase movement.
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Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 7
Kate Malott/Daily News Although it began as a temporary arrangement, Dorothy Sherratt of Newton now works five days a week at the Newton YMCA and enjoys being active during her time off.
Sherratt greets YMCA members for more than 25 years By Kate Malott Daily News Staff Writer If you’ve been to the Newton YMCA, then you know Dorothy Sherratt. She’s a loyal worker, full of jokes, and she cares about the people that come and go at the Y. Whether she’s answering the phone, working concessions or checking people in at the desk, she’s always taking care of members and always in good spirits.
Dorothy is originally from Sully and graduated from Sully High School in 1941. She moved with her parents to Newton shortly after graduation. Dorothy met her husband, Colfax native Robert (Bob) Sherratt, shortly after moving to Newton and has lived here ever since. Bob passed away in 1992. She and her husband had two sons, Glen and Tom, and one daughter, Sue, who
all continue to live in Newton. Dorothy also has five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren who she loves to spend time with. No matter what they’re doing, she and her family simply enjoy having a good time together. This month, Dorothy will start her 26th year working at the Newton YMCA. She works five days a week from 5 to 10 a.m. Dorothy started working for the organization in 1988 as
a lower desk secretary for what she planned to be a temporary arrangement, but she hasn’t left since. “I just enjoy meeting new people, and I’ve made a lot of good friends here,” Dorothy said. “She is a one-of-a-kind lady. I don’t think I’ll ever meet another individual like her,” YMCA Marketing and Membership Director Jessica Lowe said. “I hope that when I’m her age, I’m still feisty, funny,
active and impacting lives the way she does at the YMCA.” The respect, appreciation and sincerity between Dorothy and her co-workers is evident. “I like all the staff I work with. They’re truly wonderful,” Dorothy said. “They know better than to ask me to work nights or weekends, because I just tell them no,” she joked. SHERRATT See Page 8
Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 8
Sherratt Continued from Page 7 When she’s not working, Dorothy also enjoys reading at home, playing bridge and using the facilities exercise equipment. Every summer, from May to September, Dorothy goes to Minnesota, where she owns a lake house on the White Fish Chain Lakes. She and Bob got the house in 1969, and she has always enjoyed the weather there. One of Dorothy’s favorite activities is fishing, and she has the pleasure of fishing at her leisure through the entire summer from her home near Brainerd, Minn. On July 4, Dorothy will be celebrating a big birthday. She’s experienced a lot and seen numerous changes occur in her years.
“Things could always be worse,” Dorothy said about life in general. “No matter what you’re going through, things could always be worse.” Dorothy takes pride in working for the YMCA, the people she works with and the range of diverse programs it has to offer. Whether 3 years old, 30 years old or 103 years old, Dorothy enjoys the company of each guest that walks in and out of the YMCA’s doors, and it’s obvious they enjoy her company as well. “Dorothy? She’s the anchor,” YMCA member Jeff Maki said. Jeff starting go to the YMCA with his dad, Dale, and has known Dorothy for more than 20 years. “We check up on her, and she checks up on us, and she’s not afraid to dish it out. If I start slacking, I’ll come in and she’ll say, ‘Haven’t seen you
awhile,’” Jeff laughed. Dorothy still works, fishes, keeps an active social calendar and enjoys listening to live music, like one of her favorite polka bands at the Hessin Haus in Des Moines or a festival near her cabin in Minnesota. She lives by the motto, “You’re only as old as you allow yourself to be,” and that has kept her young. “I’ve always enjoyed life, you know what I mean. Sure, we’ve had ups and downs, but then again, everybody does,” she said. “She brightens everyone’s day at the Y with her welcoming personality and sense of humor. When she is gone in the summer, the Y just doesn’t seem the same in the morning without her.” YMCA member Nathan Unsworth said.
Solicitations Continued from Page 6 Though not all solicitors claiming a past history of donations are dishonest, this is one way that criminals attempt to create a rapport with potential victims. • Don’t feel obligated to reciprocate a gift with a donation. Many charities send gifts, be it mailing labels or holiday cards, to prospective donors as a token of appreciation for past donations and as a way of encouraging future donations. No matter if the people behind those mailing labels or holiday ornaments are legitimate charities or con artists, you should not feel compelled to reciprocate a free gift with a financial donation. • Send donations directly to the charity after independently confirming their address. When making charitable donations, those donations should never be given directly to solicitors. Donations should only be made after you have independently confirmed the charity’s address and mailed straight to the organization. • Request personal information not be shared. Many charities share their donors’ contact information with other charities. Such actions are legal as long as no sensitive information is shared. However, donors can ask to opt out of having their personal information shared upon making a donation.]
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Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 9
Volunteering opportunities for retirees Metro Creative Connection Today’s retirees recognize that an active retirement tends to be more rewarding than simply sitting around the house, and that attitude is reflected in the vast number of retirees who volunteer with various nonprofit organizations and other programs across the globe. The following are a handful of volunteering opportunities for those retirees who want to give back and make the most of their retirements. Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds and repairs homes for
people in need. It has a program titled “Care-A-Vanners” in which volunteers typically spend two weeks traveling around the United States and Canada in rented RVs (retirees who own RVs may be able to drive their own vehicles) building and restoring homes. Volunteers must pay their own way and bring along their own supplies, such as work shoes, gloves, tool belts, and some tools (power tools are typically provided by the local Habitat for Humanity chapter), and free or low-cost RV parking is provided by Habitat for Humanity. Adventurous retirees who enjoy hitting the open road may find “Care-A-Vanners”
matches their love of travel with their desire to give back. Work With Children Many retirees, especially those without grandchildren or who live far away from their grandchildren, find volunteering with children to be especially rewarding. The opportunities to work with kids are numerous, and retirees can choose a volunteering opportunity where their own life experiences come in handy. For example, retirees who worked in the medical field might want to volunteer their time at a local children’s hospital, where they can assist families as they cope with a child’s illness and spend time
with the children themselves, whether’s it’s tutoring sick children, reading them stories or helping them understand their illnesses. Retirees with considerable experience in the business world may want to work with a mentoring program that matches them up with careerminded youngsters.
national environments. Each activity aims to promote cultural awareness and promote sustainability in needy communities. Volunteers work to address issues identified by the host communities as particularly pressing, interacting with the local residents in ways that are often impossible on more traditional vacations.
Service Vacations Retirement is often seen as a time to travel and see the world, and many retirees have started to combine that love of travel with service opportunities. Globe Aware, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, develops short-term volunteer programs in inter-
Meals on Wheels Retirees tend to have their mornings and afternoons free, making them ideal candidates to volunteer with programs such as Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization devoted VOLUNTEERING See Page 11
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Newton YMCA 1701 S. Eighth Ave. E. in Newton (641) 792-4006 • www.newtonymca.org
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Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 10
Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease Metro Creative Connection Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks neurons and essentially robs people of their memory and language skills. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are therapies that can slow its neurological impact. Recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s can encourage people to begin treatments that can stave off some of the more debilitating symptoms of this disease. Though it’s most common among the elderly, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The Mayo Clinic says that the reasons behind the inception and progression of Alzheimer’s disease are largely unknown. It is believed damage starts a decade or more before problems become evident. Abnormal deposits of proteins begin to form the amy-
loid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain, and these formations are the hallmarks of the disease. Oncehealthy neurons gradually begin to lose their efficiency and ability to function and communicate with one another. As more neurons die, entire areas of the brain shrink. The hippocampus, which is the area of the brain essential in forming memories, may soon become compromised. Millions of people in North America are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease and many others will be diagnosed. The following are the most common early signs and symptoms of the disease. • Memory loss: According to the Alzheimer’s Organization, early memory loss can include forgetting important dates or repeatedly asking for the same information. Forgetting recently learned information and having to rely increasingly on ALZHEIMER’S See Page 11
Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 11
Alzheimer’s Continued from Page 10 memory aids is another potential indicator of Alzheimer’s. • Declining cognition: Impaired reasoning or judgment, trouble finding the right words and visual and spatial issues also may be early indicators of Alzheimer’s. • Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Those with Alzheimer’s sometimes have trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules to a favorite game. People who were once good with numbers may now have difficulty balancing their checkbooks, while those who love to cook may have trouble following recipes. • Time confusion: Another
indicator of Alzheimer’s disease is losing track of time. One may have trouble understanding something that isn’t happening in the present. Alzheimer’s sufferers often forget where they are and how they got there. • Misplacing items: Everyone loses something at a point in time, but those with Alzheimer’s may put items in unusual places. They may sometimes accuse others of stealing when they cannot retrace their steps and find items. • Decreased judgment: Decision-making abilities may be compromised. A person with Alzheimer’s may take unnecessary risks or give away sums of money. • Mood changes: People with Alzheimer’s may suffer from confusion, suspicious
feelings, depression and anxiety. A person may upset easily or become anxious outside of his or her comfort zones. Age and family history of Alzheimer’s disease are the biggest risk factors. The liklihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years after age 65, says the Alzheimer’s Organization. In addition, those with a parent, child or sibling who have developed Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than people with no such family history. A physical and neurological exam, which may include blood tests and brain imaging, will be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals can learn more by making appointments with their doctors.
Volunteering Continued from Page 9 to delivering nutritious meals to those with limited mobility who are unable to prepare their own meals. The program delivers more than one million meals per day across the United States, and Canada has its own meal delivery programs as well. Many Meals on Wheels volunteers are retirees, who can decide their level of involvement upon volunteering. Disaster Relief Disaster relief programs may be less predictable than more routine volunteer programs, but retirees often make great volunteers at disaster relief sites. Unlike working professionals who cannot travel to disaster relief sites without ample planning ahead of time, retirees often find the flexibility of retirement allows them to pitch in when an unforeseen natural disaster strikes and volunteers are needed seemingly overnight. Many disaster relief programs need volunteers who are certified in CPR or have other unique lifesaving skills, but even retirees without such skills can help by handling supplies or by comforting and assisting survivors of natural disasters.
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Senior Lifestyles:: Friday, January 24, 2014 – Page 12
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