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Better SENIOR LIVING December 2017 Inside This Issue Moments with Marvel...... Page 3 Accolades and Appreciation for our Board of Directors Legal Matters.................. Page 4 Events of 2017 – A Consumer Review Retirement FUND$.......... Page 5 Giving to Your Favorite Charitable Things In a Time of Tax Changes Leisure & Learning Activities ..................................... Page 6-14 Caregiver Corner........... Page 15 Tips for the Caregiver during the Holidays Fit & Active.................... Page 16 How to Maintain Fitness Routines during the Holidays Senior Romance, Sex, and Relationships.................. Page 18 Not Just for the Young Legalese........................ Page 19

Happy Holidays from SRC.

www.YourSRC.org

Randy Fyler, Part-Time Employee, Full-Time Giver Michelle Meier, Editor

December is a month that focuses on giving. It is when we take time for gifts of love, gifts of gratitude, and gifts of ourselves to those we care about and appreciate. Randall “Randy” Fyler, part-time driver for SRC’s Senior Wheels program, is one of those people. Born and raised in Wichita, Fyler moved to Lawrence when his wife wanted to move close to her family after they both started as young teachers in Newton, KS. Fyler landed a teaching position with Cordley Elementary School in 1980 where he had a 25 year tenure. After he retired from teaching, he spent two years doing projects around the house. After his wife’s “Honey Do” list was complete, he needed something to keep him busy, so he maintains several part-time jobs that offer him some level of income along with a flexible schedule that affords him the time to give back. Volunteer Girls Softball Coach Drawing from his own passion for the game and some experience coaching a few American Softball Association (ASA) teams in Newton early in his career, Fyler developed a fast pitch softball program in Lawrence in 1981. Since then, Fyler continues to coach the Lawrence Phenix, the oldest fast-pitch softball organization in Lawrence for girls 18 and under. Fyler ensures that the girls and their parents h a v e input on scheduling and does his best to keep costs

low so the girls can stay involved. A few times Flyer thought his coaching days might be over, and yet the girls keep coming, so he is still at it after 36 years, all on a volunteer basis. The other benefit of his ongoing involvement with softball is the youth factor. “My wife tells me ‘the more you work with kids, the more you act like a kid.’ I think there is something to that!” says Fyler. Hospital Volunteer Fyler started volunteering at Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH) in 2009 after learning of the opportunity from his mother-in-law. His primary role is as an escort, helping people with wheelchair transport, making deliveries to hospital departments, running errands throughout the main campus, and assisting visitors navigate from one area to another. He also serves on the Auxiliary Board as a Co-Chair of the LMH Auxiliary scholarship committee. As a scholarship committee member, Randy gets to attend the high school senior awards presenting scholarships and maintaining his ties to education and encouraging young people. According to Allyson Leland, Director of Volunteer Services at LMH, “Randy is such a caring guy. He is an amazing volunteer and we are lucky to have him with us.” (Randy Fyler, continued on page 20)

785-842-0543 • Temporary Location: 2920 Haskell Ave • Mailing Address: 745 Vermont St • Lawrence, KS 66044

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Better Senior Living

December 2017

Moments with Marvel

Accolades and Appreciation for our Board of Directors By Dr. Marvel Williamson, Executive Director, Senior Resource Center for Douglas County

On December 31, the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County (SRC) will say farewell to four Board of Directors members whose terms expire. Board members provide essential services to assure the success of nonprofit organizations in ways that are usually invisible to the public. I take this opportunity to shine a light on some aspects of their service to us and the seniors of Douglas County. Each has also served the community more broadly in other ways, making a complete list impossible in this column, so let me just enumerate some of their contributions to SRC. Judy Bellome: Judy has served as Vice-Chair of the Board and Executive Committee, as Chair of the Marketing and Development Committee, and even as an interim Executive Director of SRC at one point. Her devotion to improving the care of seniors extends to the state level, shown by her receiving the Kansas AARP Andrus Award last month. Kelly Calvert: Kelly has been the Chair of the Human Resources Committee and the Executive Director Search Committee. Her wisdom and professional expertise have guided us through the complexities of personnel issues to help assure a fair, legal approach to staffing. Her background has also provided valuable insight into local issues and trends. Dr. Dennis Domer: Dennis is a former SRC Board Chair. His diligence on the 2012 Task Force on Attracting and Retaining Retirees, that led to actions assigned to SRC, fit well with his passions for improving living conditions for seniors through universal design of housing. He has also championed intergenerational aging as society’s best answer to many of life’s challenges. He too served as interim Executive Director of SRC and on many committees.

December 2017

Dr. Ellen Paulsen: Ellen is involved in many organizations focusing on seniors. She served as Chair of SRC’s Governance Committee, assuring compliance with our own bylaws and policies, as well as state and federal laws regarding the proper conduct of nonprofit businesses. Ellen has also been quick to alert me to funding opportunities and local issues. I also appreciate Ellen’s long service as a volunteer for our Senior Meals program. One more person merits special mention at this time. As 2017 closes, Dr. Judy Wright is stepping away from her position as Chair of the Board of Directors, but she will continue as a Board member. She too deserves our gratitude. I have enjoyed observing her skillful leadership style as she kept a large Board on track with southern charm and humor. Her talent for strategic management of delicate issues to achieve desired outcomes is exemplary. SRC is fortunate to have a Board that cares deeply about the organization and seniors. I cannot adequately express how much their support has meant to me personally. Support doesn’t mean mindless rubber-stamping of requests and recommendations. It includes participation, involvement, taking on duties to assure success of projects, and asking the tough questions to keep me on my toes to assure that decisions are well vetted, logical, and properly aired. Thank you, Judy B., Kelly, Dennis, Ellen, and Judy W., for all you have done and will continue to do for the seniors of Douglas County. I am honored to have worked under your leadership.

Better Senior Living

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LEGAL MATTERS - A Letter From District Attorney Charles Branson

Events of 2017 – A Consumer Review I cannot believe another December is here and 2018 is knocking on the door. I want to use this last month of the year to look back at some of the topics we have covered this year and mention a few of the most prolific 2017 scams that we did not have the time or space to review. The somber reality is that the events of 2017 opened the door to many scam charities that angled to capitalize on our collective desire to help those throughout our country that were reeling with the devastation left by the multiple mass shooting events and the destruction left in the wake of the severe hurricanes. Remember to always do your due diligence and thoroughly check on any charity prior to giving donations. You will then feel confident that your monies are used for the purpose in which you intend. The topic of giving leads into another prevalent scam that has taken off with the increasing capabilities of technology. Be aware that you can no longer trust your caller ID to inform you who is on the other end of the line. With the ability of scammers to spoof other phone numbers, you can never be too careful that it is truly “XYZ Charity”

calling for your thoughtful donation. These scammers even spoofed the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Resources Center phone number. You can never be too careful in verifying whom you are actually speaking to. Some of the perennial favorite scams continue to crop up. The work-athome scams, low-cost trial offers, tech support scams, prize scams and the installation of credit card skimmers are all prevalently being used. In 2017 we also experienced extremely far reaching consumer protection incidents such as the Equifax data hack. Earlier this year provided me an opportunity to provide details on recognizing elder abuse and what can be done about it. We explored the issue of mandatory reporters in Kansas. Mandatory reporters are the individuals that are required as part of their profession to report suspected abuse.

SRC Board of Directors

A publication of Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. Better Senior Living is published monthly and is available online and via mail by subscription. Michelle Meier Dr. Marvel Williamson Minuteman Press, 1404 E 24th St B, Lawrence, KS 66044

For advertising, calendar listings, or other content submissions, contact Michelle Meier at [email protected]. Senior Resource Center for Douglas County is funded by the Douglas County Mill Levy • Older Americans Act through the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging • Kansas Department on Aging • Kansas Department of Transportation • special grants • project income • fundraising activities • and your donations. Senior Resource Center for Douglas County does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or size. If you think that you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint with Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. 785-842-0543 • TDD: 1-800-766-3777 • Toll free: 1-877-295-3277 • www.YourSRC.org

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The information in this article is not intended to provide legal advice. Legal advice can only be provided in an attorney-client relationship. This information must not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney.

I hope my articles assist you with arming yourself to fight back against those who want to scam you out of your hard-earned and well-saved money. If you find yourself in a situation where you are questioning if something is a scam, always take your time to research

Better Senior Living Editor: Executive Director: Printer:

and be 100% certain who you are dealing with. Never let yourself be rushed into a decision. Creating a sense of urgency is one of the primary tricks of the trade for the scammers, and if you have consumer questions, please contact our Consumer Protection Division at 785-330-2849. We are always ready to serve the citizens of Douglas County.

Better Senior Living

Dr. Judy Wright, Chair Judy Bellome, Vice Chair Doni Mooberry, Treasurer Steve Tesdahl, Secretary

Hank Booth, Carol Bowen Kay Brada, Kelly Calvert, Dr. Dennis Domer, Ernesto Hodison, Dr. Ellen Paulsen, Janet Prestoy, Dr. Maren Turner

Paid advertising from outside entities in Better Senior Living does not reflect the policies or views of or indicate endorsement by the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. December 2017

RETIREMENT FUND$

Giving to Your Favorite Charitable Things in a Time of Tax Changes By Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings. These are a few of my favorite things.” These Rodgers & Hammerstein’s lyrics from 1959 are indelibly linked to the spirit and joy of the upcoming holiday season. It is the season of giving. Charitable giving often is motivated by a “favorite thing.” Your focus may be on the environment (raindrops or roses) or on humane treatment of creatures (whiskers on kittens), or on safeguarding the wellbeing of humans (kettles & warmth). There are so many caring “packages” tied to the strings of your heart. Donors are motivated to give to their favorite causes for all sorts of benevolent reasons and one other driven by the familiar refrain of “Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.” Charities make year-end appeals because it is the season of giving, but also because tax season is right around the corner. This holiday season, we hear sweeping federal tax reform may be the “gift” everyone in the country receives. What is going to be unwrapped is as yet uncertain. Many charities are concerned their donations will diminish in future years due to the proposed tax reforms, even though drafters of the legislation promised to preserve the charitable donation deduction. Estimates show charitable donations may be reduced by as much as $13 billion a year if the proposed new rules are put into effect. Tax reform may discourage charitable giving, even if inadvertently. Currently, about 33% of taxpayers itemize their deductions on Schedule A tax forms. If the new tax reform package includes a doubled standard deduction, estimates are that only 5% percent will itemize and donations may drop accordingly as taxpayers may no longer benefit from the tax-deduction motivation. For 2017, if you hurry, you can still make charitable contributions and increase your benefits from the current itemized deduction rules. Below are a few of my favorite ways to give to charity that don’t rely wholly on a Schedule A tax deduction. You can use these tips now, and some should still be beneficial in future years. Of course, not all strategies fit all donors. Before undertaking one of these strategies, please visit with a tax or financial advisor to verify if any strategy fits your situation.

A. USE YOUR IRA: In 2015, Congress encouraged IRA holders to give to charity by making permanent a tax law to allow for qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). In a “chestnut” shell, this rule allows individuals age 70½ or older to make an IRA distribution directly to a public charity. By doing a QCD, the IRA distribution can be excluded for federal taxation donation and can count toward the required minimum distribution. The donor does not get to take an itemized charitable deduction but instead saves 100% of the tax that would have been due on the distribution. This method benefits nonitemizers. There are several additional rules. For example, the QCD limit is $100,000 annually (we all should be so lucky) and some charity types (like private foundations) are not eligible recipients. B. USE APPRECIATED PROPERTY: Highly appreciated property can be donated to charity. If you donate stock or mutual fund shares with long-term capital gains directly to a charity, when the charity sells the security, it is a non-taxable event to you and the charity. The donor avoids paying tax on the embedded gain and, in 2017 at least, the full market value of the security can be added to itemized charitable deductions. C. DONOR ADVISED FUNDS: A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a program of a public charity which allows donors to contribute in the current year, get the tax deduction and then recommend grants from the DAF to other charities in the future. These gifts are irrevocable. If you are a regular donor, this strategy may work especially well if you can afford to donate a larger charitable lump sum before year end and front load your charitable giving. Plus, if you use strategy B above, you may be able to combine the two strategies for extra tax savings. For more information, check with a local charitable foundation or for national DAFs established through mutual fund companies. D. IRA to ROTH CONVERSION with OFFSETTING CHARITABLE DEDUCTION: There are tax rules allowing IRA owners to convert their pre-tax IRA account to a posttax Roth IRA which are tax free at withdrawal. IRA to Roth conversions are taxable in the year of the conversion. One strategy to help offset the tax cost of a conversion may be to increase charitable contribution deductions in the same year as the conversion. (Charitable Things, continued on page 20)

December 2017

Better Senior Living

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Leisure and Learning Activities Senior Resource Center for Douglas County (SRC) offers programs for Douglas County residents in the second half of life. Classes and other activities sponsored by other groups are also listed here. • Register for SRC activities at the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County online at www.YourSRC.org or call 785-842-0543. • Register for Lawrence Parks & Rec Department (LPRD) activities online at www.lprd.org, or register at the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., Lawrence, or call 785-832-7920.

SUPPORT GROUPS

s SRC Caregivers Support Group

First and Third Mondays, December 4 & 18, 2:15 - 3:45 p.m. SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence Meet with fellow and former caregivers in a safe haven to discuss challenges and issues surrounding being a caregiver of a senior.

JAAA Caregiver Support Group

First Wednesday, December 6, 1 - 2 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 704 Eighth St, Baldwin City Support group for caregivers of individuals age 60 or older. Meet with other caregivers in your area that may be struggling with some of the same issues you face while caring for your loved one. Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging staff will be present to answer questions and provide assistance. For more information call 785-832-0754.

Grief Support Group

First and Third Mondays, December 4 and 18, 4 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St, Lawrence Facilitated by LMH Chaplain Angela Lowe. Meets in the LMH Chapel office, usually the first and third Mondays of each month. For more information, call 785-505-3140.

Better Breathers Club

Second Tuesday, December 12, 10 - 11 a.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Pulmonary Rehab Dept 330 Arkansas St, Lawrence Topic: “Year in Review” This free education and support group is for those with chronic lung conditions and their support persons. Meeting takes place in the LMH Pulmonary Rehab Department, 3rd floor. For more information, call 785-505-2850.

2nd & 4th Wednesdays Wednesday, September 13, 9 a.m. - Noon, and Wednesday, September 27, 1 - 4:30 p.m. SRC Consultation Room, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence Clint Olson from the KS Commission on Veterans Affairs Office will be available for senior veterans at the SRC offices twice a month. No appointment necessary. For immediate assistance, contact Clint directly at 785-843-5233 or clint. [email protected].

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Third Wednesday, December 20, 5:30 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Oncology Center 330 Arkansas St # 105, Lawrence Join representatives from Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s Oncology Center for a general cancer support group. Open to anyone with any cancer diagnoses and/or others affected by their cancer. Meets third Wednesday of each month in the LMH Oncology Center. For more information, contact 785-505-2807 or e-mail [email protected].

Look Good, Feel Better

Third Wednesday, December 20, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St, Lawrence “Look Good, Feel Better” is a non-medical public service workshop that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients to help manage any appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Services are provided at no charge by trained volunteer beauty professionals. Offered and supported by the American Cancer Society. Advance registration required. Call 785-505-2807 to enroll.

Stroke Support Group

Third Tuesday, December 19, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Conference Room D South 325 Maine St, Lawrence Join us in sharing experiences and ideas about life changes brought on by stroke. Monthly meetings include informal and formal presentations on treatments and services available for stroke survivors and their loved ones. For more information please contact Trena Triplett at 785505-2712 or [email protected].

ART

s Tuesday Painters

VETERANS AFFAIRS

s VETERANS AFFAIRS

Cancer Support Group

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - noon SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence Bring your own painting project and supplies. 785-8420543.

s Acrylic Painting

2nd & 4th Sat. each month, 9:30 a.m. - Noon. Clinton Place, 2125 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence Fee $20 per session. Drop in sessions for beginners and experienced painters. No registration required. 785-842-0543.

Better Senior Living

December 2017

Leisure and Learning Activities UPDATE YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS WITH ONE-DAY JCCC COURSES JCCC in Lawrence at Peaslee Tech, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence www.jccc.edu/ce or www.jccc.edu/Lawrence Enroll with one phone call! 913-469-2323

Introduction to Social Media (JCCC)

Monday, December 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Peaslee Technical Training Center $99 Introduction to Social Media Don’t get left out! Social media is great for keeping in touch with friends and family, staying involved in your community and world events. See and post pictures. Find and share information about your hobbies and interests. Receive an overview of social media and what networking sites are best to use for your specific interests. We’ll even help you set up the social media accounts of your choice. Prerequisite: Active email account

Introduction to Microsoft Office (JCCC)

Monday, December 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Peaslee Technical Training Center $99 This course will cover the basic functions in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You’ll learn how to enter and edit text, create, save, print documents, and insert graphics in Word. Moving to Excel, students will enter and edit text, values, formulas, and pictures, and they will save workbooks in various formats. The session will wrap up with learning how to create a presentation in PowerPoint. Class textbook included in course fee. Textbooks distributed in first course meeting.

Excel 2013 Fundamentals (JCCC)

Friday, January 19, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Peaslee Technical Training Center $199 Discover the fundamental concepts of Microsoft Excel 2013. Learn how to enter and edit text, values, and formulas. Work with simple functions, apply formatting techniques, and create and modify charts. This class can be taken as part of the Microsoft Office Essentials Certificate and the Excel Specialist certificate. Prerequisite: comfortable using Windows, keyboard and mouse. Class textbook included in course fee. Textbooks distributed in first course meeting.

Excel Intermediate (JCCC)

Friday, December 10, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Peaslee Technical Training Center $199 Manage workbooks and worksheets more efficiently with Excel Intermediate. Use workbook styles and themes, create outlines and subtotals, and sort and filter data. Learn to save workbooks as Web pages, insert and edit hyperlinks, and share workbooks via email. Prerequisite: Excel Fundamentals or comparable knowledge. Class textbook included in course fee. Textbooks distributed in first course meeting.

SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART SENIOR SESSIONS Spencer Museum of Art offers a series of informal gallery talks designed for senior citizens but are open to anyone. For more information on each session go to www.spencerart.ku.edu/ calendar/series/senior-session. Thursdays, 10 – 11 a.m. Spencer Museum of Art, 1301 Mississippi, Lawrence FREE

Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU

Thursday, December 14, 10 - 11 a.m. Delve into this exhibition celebrating our collection’s centennial with Curator and Director of Academic Programs Celka Straughn. Discover the collecting motivations of visionary philanthropist Sallie Casey Thayer and learn more how her ideas continue to inform teaching at Spencer Museum of Art today.

December 2017

Better Senior Living

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Leisure and Learning Activities PUBLIC EVENTS CHAMPSS Orientation

Monday, December 4, 2 - 3 p.m. Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 707 Vermont, Lawrence Come and learn how to have access to healthy meals by attending the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging’s CHAMPSS orientation. For questions about CHAMPSS, contact Beth Kinnan with Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging at 785-235-1367.

Senior Engagement Coordinating Council (SECC)

Every Third Monday, December 18, 1:00 p.m. Baldwin City Recreation Center, 705 High St, Baldwin City The SECC is a voluntary council guided by an elected chair and co-chair, meeting on a monthly basis to work on improving quality of life for Baldwin City seniors. Contact [email protected].

Beyond Red and Blue: Creating a New Political Party

Tuesday, December 5, 3 - 4:30 p.m. Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, 2350 Petefish Dr, Lawrence FREE Reed Galen will discuss the work of the Serve America Movement, a group dedicated to creating a new political party in the U.S. The chief strategist for SAM, Galen served as deputy campaign manager for John McCain in 2008 and Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. He has also held positions on both the 2000 and 2004 campaigns for President George W. Bush and served in the Bush administration.

SRC activities are noted with a s.

HEALTH & FITNESS

s Yoga for Every Body

Next session starts December 5 Tuesdays, 3 - 4 p.m. Carnegie Building, 200 W 9th St, Lawrence Fee $28/8 week sessions Gentle yoga improves joint movement and increases core and leg strength. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. This class runs in ongoing 8 week sessions. To register online, go to https://yoursrc.org/product/yogaevery-body/. For more information call 785-842-0543.

s Welcome to Medicare EVENING SESSION

Thursday, December 14, 6:30 p.m. Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont, Lawrence Fee: FREE New to Medicare? Join our Health & Human Services team as they present information on what to expect from the Medicare system at this informative session. Call 785842-0543 for more information.

Rhythm & Moves

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:20 a.m. Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence Class specifically designed for Parkinson’s patients. March, box, use drumming sticks, navigate obstacle courses and agility ladders, and pass and throw balls. To register, visit, www.lmh.org/parkinsons/.

Twist & Shout

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:20 a.m. Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence Stretch, twist, and perform other movements to challenge yourself physically and vocally in this class designed for Parkinson’s patients. To register, visit, www.lmh.org/ parkinsons/.

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AM Walking Club (LPRD)

Monday - Friday 7 - 9 a.m. East Lawrence Rec Center, 1245 E 15th St, Lawrence FREE Need exercise? Join others at two locations and get your heart pumping and have a great time building friendships with fellow walkers. For more information, contact Ross Schraeder at 785-832-7950.

Pickleball – Open Play (LPRD)

Monday - Friday East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E 15th St, Lawrence Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence FREE Pickleball free play is offered at East Lawrence Recreation Center, as well as Sports Pavilion Lawrence throughout the year. For times and information regarding free play or dates of scheduled tournaments please contact the Adult Sports office at 785-832-7920 or email at adultsports@lawrenceks. org.

Senior Supper and Seminar

No December Supper and Seminar Next Seminar, Second Tuesday, January 9; supper: 5:00 p.m., seminar: 6:00 p.m. Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auditorium 325 Maine St, Lawrence Fee: $5.50 Seniors are invited to come and dine at LMH for $5.50 and enjoy a healthy three course meal prepared by the Unidine chefs, plus conversation with others. After the meal, there will be a short educational program on a health or wellness topic of interest to older adults. Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Call 785-505-5800 or e-mail [email protected].

Better Senior Living

December 2017

Seasonal Feature

Need ideas for your Holiday Wish List? Here are a few that are both Fun and Practical! By Michelle Meier

As soon as Thanksgiving is over, your kids and grandkids will start asking, “What is on your Christmas list?” These days, most adults know they have plenty and have very few things we want, let alone need. In the spirit of the holidays, and to appease your family who just want to extend their love this holiday season with a gift or two, here are a few ideas that you can consider that include a few fun gift ideas, as well as a few practical gifts that will appeal to anyone. Grandparent Talk This fun portable game is a great conversation starter between grandparents and grandchildren and the perfect spark to uncover family stories that haven’t been shared in years or generations. The set includes a deck of 100 fun question cards attached to round carabiner clip for use anywhere – at home, at a restaurant, in the car, on vacation. This is a great way to start a lively conversation and

December 2017

give your grandchildren a fun way to realize that you were their age once and ignite a new level of connection and create some new treasured memories along the way. Available via Amazon. Price $9.99 plus shipping. Long Distance Touch Lamp Anyone can brighten your day, or you can send you love to the grandkids with these long distance touch lamps. When you turn one on with a simple touch of your hand, its mate emits the same ambient glow, no matter where it is and who is on the other end: Parent or grandparent, niece or nephew, or long-distance significant other. Each person sets up their lamp via Wi-Fi, then reaches out and touches the lamp whenever they want to let their loved one know they’re thinking of them. No need to choose (Gift Ideas, continued on page 10)

Better Senior Living

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Seasonal Feature

Gift Ideas

(continued from page 9)

a color: with every touch, the lamp cycles through a rainbow of them, one at a time. Lamps can be purchased in set of two or you can add an additional lamp to share the circle of light. Available at www.uncommongoods.com. Price $75 – 150. Atomic Digital Clock They say even a broken clock is correct twice a day. An atomic clock is a great way to capture more than just the time and ensure that the time is set correctly without updates for Daylight Savings time or time zones. And it will also tell you the date, the day of the week, the temperature outside all on one easy to read screen. There are many models to choose from that are available at most retailers such as Walmart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon. Price from $20 and up.

Digital Key Finder Who among us doesn’t need help finding their keys? The Sharper Image® Portable Electronic Key Finder will locate your missing keys with a touch of a button using the portable Electronic Key Finder. There are many options for similar products, but like this model most are quite reasonable and all will pay off by saving you the headache and time you might otherwise spend searching for those keys. This model available at JcPenny.com and Amazon, but you can readily find various models at various retailers. Price $20 or less. These are just a few ideas, but might be a little more fun and provide a few useful items that won’t get left in the box for months after the holidays over the standard slippers, housecoats and socks that seem to be many adult’s go-to request when they can’t think of anything for their holiday wish list. So whether you are needing ideas to give to your family or are searching for the perfect gift for an adult parent, these are a few fun and practical ideas that might fit the bill and won’t break the bank!

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Better Senior Living

December 2017

Leisure and Learning Activities EUDORA PARKS & REC (EP&R) Eudora Parks & Recreation Department (EP&R) strives to provide parks and recreational opportunities for the community of Eudora that will enhance and promote a healthy lifestyle for all ages. EP&R gives Eudora residents and others from surrounding communities the opportunity for family oriented activities.

Eudora Pickleball – Open Play (EP&R)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Wednesdays, 6 - 8 p.m. Eudora Community Center, 1630 Elm, Eudora Join others in groups of two, three, or four for open play for some Pickelball fun. For more information contact Eudora Parks & Recreation at 785-542-3434.

BINGO (EP&R)

First Monday of the Month, December 4, 1 p.m. Eudora Community Building, 1630 Elm St, Eudora Join fellow residents for a fun round of BINGO.

Checkers, Chess & Dominoes (EP&R)

Every Thursday, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Eudora Community Building, 1630 Elm St, Eudora In the mood for some board game play? Stop by for a quick game, or stay for several rounds! Stop

Brown Bag Lunch (EP&R)

GENEALOGY WATKINS MUSEUM OF HISTORY GENEALOGY GROUP

First Wednesday, December 6, 12 - 1 p.m. Eudora Community Building, 1630 Elm St, Eudora Bring your lunch and enjoy time with fellow residents and hear a presentation by our monthly featured speaker.

Genealogy Classes are taught by Alisa and Richard Branham. Richard Branham is a KU professor who has been researching his family history for 40+ years. Alisa is a KU staff member who caught the genealogy “bug” from her husband about 20 years ago; previously she worked for the Kansas State Historical Society. They have traveled across the U.S. and Great Britain to visit their ancestral homes and research in numerous genealogy libraries, historical museums, and local archives. Registration fees are $10 for Douglas County Historical Society members, and $15 for non-members. Register online or contact the Watkins Museum of History at 785-841-4109. Class size is limited.

Introduction to Genealogy, including Census and Vital Records

Saturday, December 9, 10:00 a.m. - Noon Watkins Museum of History, 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence This revised version of the popular introduction class will include more about Census and Vital Records, which are key starting points in family history research. There will be plenty of homework for those who register at least a week in advance and lots of useful handouts.

Understanding DNA Results for Genealogy

Saturday, January 13, 10:00 a.m. - Noon Watkins Museum of History, 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence This session will focus on case studies, figuring out what to do with all those matches, and learning how to use DNA results to find relatives and stories.

December 2017

Better Senior Living

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Leisure and Learning Activities HOLIDAY EVENTS

MUSIC

Festival of Lights in Baldwin City

Saturday, December 2 Enjoy a full day of festivities to kick off the holiday season in Baldwin City. Events include Holiday Art Fair, Holiday Homes Tour, Holiday Soup Supper, and the finale city tree lighting ceremony and Festival of Lights Parade at 6 p.m. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.baldwincitychamber.com.

Holiday Lights Hayride (EP&R)

Tuesdays & Thursdays, December 5 – 21, 6 or 7 p.m. Eudora Community Building, 1630 Elm St, Eudora Enjoy an old fashioned hayrack ride around Eudora to view the holiday lights around town. Rides last approximately one hour. Private group reservations also available. For more information call 785- 542-3434.

Santa Claus Express

Midland Railway, 1515 High Street, Baldwin City Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays thru December 10 Adults $22 - 36, Children $17 – 26 (1st Class and Coach Seating available) Take a train ride with Santa Claus on “The Santa Claus Express” See Santa in his own special decorated passenger car, take pictures of your kids with Santa in their Christmas attire!! Enjoy Hot Cocoa/Hot Cider and sugar cookies for each passenger!!!

LIGHT DISPLAYS

s New Horizons Band

Weekly Rehearsals, Fridays, 4 - 5 p.m. Rehearsals at Brandon Woods Smith Center, 4730 Brandon Woods Terr, Lawrence $5/yr. dues. Contact John Towner, 785-865-3519, or [email protected]. December 1, Performance, Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living (West) 4851 Harvard, Lawrence December 8, Rehearsal December 15, Performance Pioneer Ridge Health December 22, NO REHEARSAL December 29, NO REHEARSAL

s Intergenerational Choir

Rehearsals at Babcock Place 1700 Massachusetts St, Lawrence Tuesdays, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Sing with KU students. Led by music therapy students from KU. The Intergenerational Choir will rehearse and perform once or twice a semester. Contact Deanna HansonAbromeit at [email protected].

Junkyard Jazz

Every Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. American Legion, 3408 W 6th St, Lawrence Join the Junkyard Jazz Band every Thursday for an ongoing jazz jam session full of fan favorites and a full dance floor!

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Lawrence Lights Tour

This route is about 11.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes to drive, not including the time spent enjoying the displays. To add the homes in Eudora, take 23rd Street (K10) east and exit right at the first Eudora exit. View map at http://www. kansastravel.org/lawrence/lawrencechristmasdisplays.htm

Baldwin City Festival of Lights

Downtown Baldwin City, KS Visit downtown Baldwin City and enjoy the lights and stop in the local shops for shopping and fun.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

December 1 – 17, 2017 Tickets: $26.99 Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Dr, Lawrence Step into an enchanted world with a “tale as old as time” filled with spectacular costumes and settings for a classic story of loving and being loved. Songs include “Be Our Guest,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Audio Described Performances: December 3 (2:30pm), 9 (7:30pm) & 10 (2:30pm)

Historic Lecompton Christmas Display

Territorial Capital Museum, 640 E Woodson, Lecompton Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. FREE – Donations accepted The Territorial Capital Museum is the home of the largest indoor Christmas tree display with antique and vintage ornaments in the Midwest. The Territorial Capital Museum has over 120 Christmas trees with antique, vintage, and themed decorations. Many unique ornaments, plus a 15 foot live cedar tree in our beautiful chapel. Exhibit runs through January 1st. No admission, donations warmly accepted!

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Better Senior Living

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December 2017

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Leisure and Learning Activities HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

The Nutcracker, A Kansas Ballet

Holiday Vespers

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Friday, December 1, 7 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 3 or 6 p.m. Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence Seniors $12, Adults $15, Youth $10 In this hilarious Christmas tale based on the best-selling book of the same name, the annual Christmas pageant is taken over by the Herdman kids - probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on! Sunday, December 3, 7 p.m. Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr, Lawrence Adults $13.50, Youth $11 Presented by the KU School of Music, this treasured University of Kansas seasonal tradition includes a combined performance by the KU Choirs and KU Symphony Orchestra. Prior to both Vespers performances, a free, 30-minute Pre-Vespers performance will be held in Bales Organ Recital Hall, 1600 Stewart Dr, Lawrence. Buy tickets online at https://ticketweb.lss.ku.edu or call 785-864-2787.

December 8 - 17, Various Performance Times Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence Seniors $18, Adults $25, Youth $10 A winter family favorite, this ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s original story and set in Kansas during the civil war. Witness the magic and wonder of this story as Drosselmeyer and Clara defeat the Mouse King and liberate the Nutcracker from his enchanted form. This year’s production features the Lawrence Ballet Theatre and Free State Liberation Orchestra. Saturday, December 16, 2 p.m. Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr, Lawrence Adults $25 - 40, Youth $14 - 21 The classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation, featuring all of your favorite characters and the classic Vince Guaraldi score. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Candlelight Vespers

Sunday, December 3, 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. Baker University Department of Music & Theater Rice Auditorium, 404 8th St, Baldwin City FREE Traditional Christmas Candlelight Vespers event featuring Baker University choirs, orchestra, percussion ensemble, and special guests, the Celebration Ringers from Lawrence First United Methodist Church. Each performance is one hour in length.

There’s nothing like selecting your own live Christmas tree as a family event. A number of locally owned and operated farms provide hayrides, hot cocoa, gifts and other crafts to make your trip extra special.

ENTERTAINMENT O.U.R.S. Dances

Sundays, 6-9 p.m. Eagles Lodge, 1803 W 6th St, Lawrence $6 per person cover charge Dance to live country-themed music! Carry-in meal at 7:15.

s SCRABBLE Club – Open Play

1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays, 1 - 4:30 p.m. SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 1 - 4 p.m. Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont, Lawrence Mondays, 1 - 4 p.m. Clinton Place, 2125 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence

s Pool (Billiards)

Open for play Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. SRC, 2920 Haskell Ave, Lawrence

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LOCAL CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS

Prairie Elf Christmas Trees

765 E 750 Rd, Lawrence 785-748-0992 Open Weekends, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree Farm

794 Hwy 40, Lawrence 785-331-4422 Open Monday – Friday, 1:30 - 5 pm, Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 12 - 5 p.m.

Evening Star Pines

9820 Evening Star Rd, Eudora 785-542-1634 Open Weekends, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Better Senior Living

December 2017

CAREGIVERS CORNER

Tips for the Caregiver During the Holidays By Michelle Meier

Caregiving is a full-time job. Being a caregiver is 24/7/365. For the caregiver, there are no breaks or days off, particularly for the holidays. Planning for the holidays can be stressful on the best of days when holiday gatherings, special meals, and holiday shopping are not a factor in your regular routine of caregiving. As you prepare yourself as well as the loved one in your care for the holidays this year, here are a few tips to help you, your loved one, and even those visiting to help make the holidays special, while maintaining the all-important routines and even keeping expectations of all involved in check for the occasion. Ask for Help Although you may be the one who coordinates all the scheduling, the appointments, meals and bathing, you don’t have to be the one to take on all the holiday planning as well. This can be challenging when you were the one who always did all the cooking, or the one who brought fresh pies in three flavors, but you don’t have to do it all. Consider passing the cooking to the next generation, or starting new traditions. You may also want to consider having additional care support on hand during a big gathering if you can’t juggle caregiving and the details of the gathering. You don’t have to go it alone and both family and paid givers are more than happy to help you. Try to Be Flexible Although often the daily routine for the senior you are caring for is a vital tool in your wheelhouse, encourage all to be flexible to ensure that any holiday celebrations can be paired with your daily routine and/or are timed to fit with your loved one’s best time of day. If mornings are hard, look at a lunchtime gathering. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia, avoid early evenings when sundowning can peak and schedule your gathering earlier in the day.

the loved one in your care for visitors. This can be challenging with someone who is experiencing dementia or other memory loss. In the weeks leading up to the gathering, use pictures as reminders and spend some time preparing them for the visit. Discuss with them some of the traditions you will incorporate into the gathering and draw on their positive memories that bring them joy. This is also the time to remember keeping up their regular daily routine. A day that deviates from their daily routine may be a recipe for disaster as they may not remember what day is Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza. Consider setting aside a designated quiet place for your loved one so things don’t get too hectic for them if you are expecting a large gathering. Setting a schedule for one-on-one time with your loved one can also be useful so they don’t get overwhelmed or overstimulated with everyone wanting to talk with them all at once. Don’t Forget to Take Time for Yourself As a caregiver, self-care is vital on a regular basis. It’s easy to let this slip when you’re even busier than usual — just when you need it most. Keep it simple and incorporate it into your daily caregiving routine if possible. The added stress and responsibilities of the holidays can make it easy to skip over in the interest of creating a meaningful holiday gathering. If that means asking one or two family members to arrive early or making that last-minute run to the store to give you a little extra down time, do it. These are just a few tips that can help you prepare yourself and your loved one for holiday gatherings. There are many ways to ensure that the holidays can still be special and full of love and tradition for everyone. Most of all, give yourself permission to plan the holidays in a way that is meaningful and yet manageable for you and your loved one to enjoy.

Prepare Your Guests Knowing many families only gather a few times of year, there may be those who don’t realize just how much they have changed, or even a sliver of what you have been dealing with. If your loved one has been displaying new behaviors, share them with your family prior to their arrival. This is particularly important if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia who may be confused or exhibit unexpected or inappropriate behaviors. Share with your family when and why these new behaviors or outbursts happen and the best way to handle the situation if it arises so all can remain calm and not inadvertently escalate a situation and make matters worse. Preparing Loved Ones for Visits It is just as important to spend a little extra time preparing

December 2017

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FIT & ACTIVE

How to Maintain Fitness Routines during the Holidays By Gayle Sigurdson

The holiday season can be a difficult time of year to stay on track with your diet and exercise program. However, with a little planning, you can still enjoy celebrating with family and friends while still carving out time for yourself. During the holidays, our regular exercise routine can often get disrupted. This may include classes that go on hiatus or logistical limitations caused by winter weather. Don’t give up! This may be a good time to expand your interests and try a new class or new location. There are a number of indoor activities that can fit into a flexible holiday schedule. Indoor Walking If walking is your usual routine, you can get your laps using the indoor track at Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln. This facility is free to Lawrence residents and offers a 1/8 mile walking/jogging track to keep you moving regardless of the weather outside. Indoor Aquatics If you like to swim, you can keep that routine going even during the winter. The lap pool at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr, will be open during the holiday season as well, and offers daily open lap hours. They also have private dressing rooms and showers so you can dry off and change before heading home in the elements. Recreation Facilities Also, Lawrence Parks and Recreation centers will be open during the holidays, making it a great place to utilize indoor exercise equipment. If you find yourself short on time, you

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can break up your workout into small 10-minute intervals, which can be just as effective at maintaining overall fitness. These three additional facilities will ensure you can find a convenient location and a warm place to maintain your workout routines, even in small increments. Keep Up the Routine It is also important to maintain routine in other aspects of daily life. This includes your bedtime regimen. Being well rested is a powerful tool against fatigue and stress. Turn off technology at night and spend a few minutes doing a calming activity that you enjoy. Eating healthy can be the biggest challenge during the holiday months when faced with parties, treats, and comfort food. Skipping a meal to “make room” for a later indulgence makes it more likely that you will overeat. Building a healthy base by eating nutritious meals on regular nights at home, and eating a high-protein snack before parties, can help to curb your appetite. Sticking to your standard meal routine, especially breakfast, will keep your appetite and metabolism under control. Don’t forget to hydrate! While hydration is important year-round, in the winter it is even more so. Indoor heating and outdoor air create environments that draw the moisture from your skin, so when you reach for the lotion, be sure to grab a glass of water too! Many people mistake thirst for hunger, so leaning on liquids can also help to curb over eating. With just a few adjustments, you can enjoy your holiday season without giving up a healthy lifestyle!

Better Senior Living

December 2017

LEGALESE by Molly Wood, JD Q: I’m a fairly new enrollee to Medicare, and I’m trying to understand all the parts. Can you give me thumbnail sketch? A: Yes, but first I want to emphasize the critical role Medicare plays in preventing seniors and disabled folks from falling into desperate poverty. People age 65 and older are the folks who are most likely to need medical care and the least likely to be able to obtain health insurance under our old system where insurance companies could refuse to sell to you. Medicare beneficiaries like you are entitled to publicly financed health insurance; both Part A and Part B are supplemented by public funds – tax dollars. So when the various “tax reform” proposals cut $25 billion in 2018 from Medicare (according to Justice in Aging – www.justiceinaging.org), those cuts have a heavy impact on middle class and low income seniors... so that wealthy people (the top 0.1%) can have their taxes reduced by $100,000 per year (according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities— www.cbpp.org), your benefits are at serious risk. Medicare has four “parts” – Part A, Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Part C). No one participates in each of the four parts, but most people have A, lots of people have B, and D, and others elect to utilize Medicare Advantage plans.

and determining which policy is right for you is based upon where you live, what type of insurance your pharmacy accepts, and what medications you need. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ve opted out of original Medicare parts A and B. Most Medicare Advantage plans are offered by managed care organizations. They require you to receive care from hospitals, doctors, and other services within a network of providers. Just like Part D, all these plans are purchased exclusively through private insurance companies, so the premiums and coverage varies widely based upon where you live and whether you want to maintain your relationships with services providers who are not in the network. Selecting Part D or Medicare Advantage plans can be complicated, but the folks at our Douglas County Senior Resource Center can help you sort that out. Molly M. Wood is a partner at Stevens & Brand, LLP, in Lawrence, Kansas, where she confines her practice to Elder Law, especially seniors with long-term care issues. If you have a legal question or concern, call the Kansas Elder Law Hotline, a toll-free legal advice and referral service for Kansas Seniors, 888-353-5337. An Elder Law Project attorney is available in Lawrence at no charge by appointment at Senior Resource Center for Douglas County, 785-842-0543.

Part A is “original Medicare” and charges no premiums if you are age 65 or older and/or disabled. This part is financed by the health insurance contributions you or your spouse (or both) made through payroll taxes. Self-employed people make similar contributions through the “self-employment taxes” they pay. Part A pays for hospital care, rehabilitation from a hospital stay – both in a rehabilitation facility or other in-hope rehab options, such as visiting nurses or hospice. Part A has gaps – copayments and deductibles, but you can purchase Medicare supplemental insurance (sometimes known as “Medigap”) to cover those costs. Part B charges a monthly premium that most people have deducted from their Social Security checks. The “standard” premium is $134, but many people pay less because by law your premium cannot increase each year more than your Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA). Because we’ve had low inflation in the last decade or so, COLAs have been small, so many people pay a reduced premium. People with high incomes (greater than $85,000 for a single person and $170,000 for a married couple) pay more than the standard premium. Part B pays for things like immunizations, doctor visits, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment. Part D is prescription drug coverage and is purchased exclusively through private insurance companies. You need not enroll, but if you don’t buy this insurance at the earliest time you’re eligible, your premiums will be higher. The premiums vary widely from $20 per month to almost $100,

December 2017

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Better Senior Living

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SENIOR ROMANCE, SEX, & RELATIONSHIPS: ADVICE FOR GROWN-UPS Q: My wife says that sex is for the young, so we should start acting our age. Is she right? A: No, she is not right. It is impossible to know in this venue if your wife has some such underlying issue and is just using age as an excuse. Maybe intercourse hurts now or she never enjoyed sex much. Those are different topics for another day, but let’s look at the issue at face value. First, many people have bought into the myth that sex is just for the young. One of the positive results of advertising for erectile dysfunction treatments is the message that romance continues at least into middle age, if not beyond. Other than that, scenes in movies and television portraying geriatric sexuality are rare, are the brunt of jokes, or are described as “cute.” Serious descriptions by real people in their seventies and beyond who are still very much interested in sex are hidden and often deemed as inappropriate. Even the most blunt television shows about sexuality are typically hosted by millennials who use other millennials as examples. In this supposedly enlightened age of sexuality, why does the archaic view that sex is only for the young persist?

fashion supposedly reserved for the young, seeing them as sad caricatures trying to hang on to their youth. They don’t understand that the body is just wrapping paper for a mind that feels like it is decades younger. Sometimes our children, the health care system, or nursing homes even take away the sexual rights of seniors. When is someone too old for sex anyway? The fact of the matter is, we’re never “too old” because age does not determine sexual capacity or sexiness. Of course, we will have to accommodate physical changes in our aging bodies, so let’s allow ourselves to try new positions, products, timing, and so forth. The effort is well worth the joy of lifelong love and romance. Tell your wife how much sex means to you and that you still find her exciting. Send your questions to [email protected]. Names and identifying information will be removed. Questions may be edited. Answers are written by qualified licensed/certified health care professionals. Answers cannot be personalized for individuals and are intended for general information only.

We have been acculturated to believe that physical beauty and sexiness are synonymous with being young. In truth, though, perfect skin, toned muscles, and lustrous hair are not relevant to being sexy. The disturbing movement away from valuing every individual person as a whole being who has lifelong value and is physically attractive at every stage has created entire industries devoted to cosmetic surgery, fitness clubs, Spanx, makeup, and other ways to maintain transitory external mirages. This attitude not only sanctions the ridicule of sex for older folks, but society also laughs at sex for the ugly, the fat, the bald, the hairy, and the disabled. The lucky few who have the genes to look younger longer or the financial freedom to buy artificial remedies for the “disease” of aging are admired for how well they retain their sexual aura. The praise focuses on youthful appearance and physical health, ignoring the fact that sexuality is an inherent human quality and a right regardless of age. Sexiness is in the eye of the beholder, though. The world is full of people who find turn-ons in a scent or flirtatious behavior, which have nothing to do with physical appearance. Indeed, one of the biggest turn-ons for men is having a partner just show up naked. No amount of wrinkles or sagginess overcomes the excitement of being confronted with a willing unclothed partner. Many among the “youth and beauty culture” believe that older people simply cannot be sexy and shouldn’t even try to be. They berate seniors who act seductively or dress in

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Charitable Things

(continued from page 5)

In 2016, of the $390 billion dollars donated to charity, 72% came from individual donors! If continuing your charitable giving now or post tax reform is important to you, ask your tax, financial or legal advisors what might work best for you to assure you can continue gifting to your favorite things while maximizing your tax benefits and managing your personal resources for your life goals.

Note: All of the strategies have additional rules and complexities not covered above. Please seek advice from your trusted tax, financial or legal advisor. The information in this article is not meant to be personal financial advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining financial planning advice specific to your situation. Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA is a Vice President & Trust Officer with Central Bank of the Midwest. Contact Barbara at 785-865-1065 or [email protected]. Central Bank of the Midwest’s Trust Department is at 300 West 9th St. in Lawrence.

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Randy Fyler

(continued from page 1)

When asked what keeps him going giving of his time at the hospital, Fyler talks most about some of the other volunteers as much as the people he helps during his time at LMH. “There is a WWII veteran who is 95 who has been volunteering for 18 years. He takes care of his wife, he walks to the store and the Legion and still gives back. I work with some really good people. They make it fun and which makes it easy to go.” Part-Time Employee, Full-Time Giver What keeps him coming back and maintaining multiple part time jobs and this level of volunteering at 68? “There are days when there’s snow on the ground and the temperatures are pretty frigid that I wonder why I still deliver papers, but that job has taken care of my family for many years.” These days, Fyler spends more time volunteering each week than he does working his two part-time jobs, although he will tell you that his part-time job as a driver for Senior Wheels feels more like a community service than a job. He says, “It feels more like helping people than work.” Those who know and work with him knows he just has a very big heart!

Better Senior Living

December 2017

Many Thanks to our 2017 SHICK Volunteers Jane Bireta Sally Brandt Anita Burkhalter Judith Calhoun Robert Carnahan Lina Coulter McKayla Edwards Rebecca Jordan Evan Jorn Paige Lueker Marcy Mauler

December 2017

Gordon Montney Meredith Porter Kylee Pywell Sheila Reynolds Dian Stogsdill Criss Tomlin Linda Troxel Katy Winkel Larry Woydziak Farrah Zonoozi

Better Senior Living

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Better Senior Living

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