Are there R benefits to this

www.homage.org pandemic? 5 VOL. 47 NO. 6 | JULY 2020

Bob Drewel, seen here in March 2012, says he remains optimistic that controversial and divisive issues can be solved through civil discourse and mutual tolerance. (Photo by Michael O’Leary)

REFLECTIONS BY BOB DREWEL Advice to my younger self

By Adam Worcester “We thought we needs to families, children, seniors and persons Contributing Writer with disabilities. understood everyone who He is, perhaps, the most influential public figure uring Bob Drewel’s distinguished political in county history. career, he was hailed for uniting diverse was left out. We didn’t But listening to him now, one might think he factions. realize some people can’t was a failure. D “Drewel is known for his innate ability get involved because they “I was as inclusive and supportive as I could be, to keep participants focused on finding common but it clearly wasn’t enough,” Drewel said. “Some- ground and purpose,” wrote don’t have a car, or times your best works just aren’t good enough.” upon his 2013 retirement. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic that issues “He believed from the outset of every issue to be they are working their raised by Black Lives Matter protests can be inclusive so that all points of view came into play,” resolved through civil discourse and mutual friend and former Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling second or third job.” tolerance. said in the same article. — Bob Drewel His advice in that respect is the same for every- So it’s surprising to hear the advice the ex-Sno- one as for his younger self: be kind. homish County executive, Everett Community and Snohomish counties dedicated to improving “We need a place for kindness to surface,” College president and executive director of the long-term economic health. Drewel said, “to find a safe place to have these Puget Sound Regional Council would give his Drewel also headed resistance to an interna- conversations. younger self. tional airport at , championed Sound “We need to appreciate the fabric of our com- “If there’s one thing I could have done better, Transit, and led revitalization of Everett Commu- munity. That fabric needs to be woven tight it’s finding common ground,” Drewel said. “I nity College. enough that those left out can’t fall through the wish I’d put a little more emphasis on people who His name adorns the Snohomish County exec- weave. were left out over the years. We didn’t do a good utive building, as well as an honorary human “I was never one to shy away from asking, ‘what enough job letting them in.” services fund that distributes grants for basic else could we be doing?’” These include people of color, those with low incomes, and those with physical and mental disabilities. ATTENTION SENIORS AND EMPTY NESTERS Their exclusion stemmed from ignorance rather than neglect or meanness, Drewel explained. Are you thinking of selling a place you call HOME? “We thought we understood everyone who was left out. We didn’t realize some people can’t get involved because they don’t have a car, or they are working their second or third job,” he said. “There DON’T DO A THING! Until… you’ve read this report: were clearly some opportunities lost.” The 74-year-old Drewel would also advise the 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW to Pass a Home Inspection… 1992 Bob Drewel, who was starting the first of three consecutive terms as county executive, to BEFORE you list your home for sale… not after! become a better listener. Drewel said neither he nor his political col- leagues got the sense they provided an adequate A new report has been prepared which identifi es forum for “conversations being held now that the 11 most common problems, should have been held over the last 20, 30, 40, 50 years. and what you should know about them “We just didn’t grasp the significance of what people were telling us.” before you list your home for sale. Yet Drewel forged a reputation at both Ever- ett CC and in the political sphere for bringing all sides to the table. Many consider his crowning achievement a This report is courtesy of Authority Real Estate. 2004 Prosperity Partnership formed by the Puget *Not intended to solicit properties currently for sale. Sound Regional Council. The partnership is a coalition of more than 300 government, business, education, labor and GET YOUR FREE COPY TODAY! ext 3159 nonprofit organizations from King, Kitsap, Pierce, 800-344-0807 2 June 2020 Homage Commentary: Older adults need digital equity

By April Berg access to broadband inter- We can achieve this literacy, we should make Everett School Board of net so they can complete through innovative pub- internet literacy available Directors schoolwork and participate lic-private partnerships, to older neighbors, provid- in enrichment activities. where governments can ing skills and resources for The COVID-19 epidemic Yet for seniors in Snohom- work with existing provid- safe, confident, and pri- has exposed, or simply ish County who don’t have ers to purchase bulk assets vate enjoyment of online made worse, many ineq- reliable, stable broadband, for low income senior materials and tools. Again, uities in our society. Those there is no advocacy or living facilities, retirement partnerships with local without sufficient health support. This must change, communities, or for indi- community colleges, even care are at greater risk of especially as we enter into viduals— not unlike how apprenticeships for local not seeking medical atten- what looks to be a pro- bulk prescription pricing youth, could help bridge tion and treatment. Lower longed period of distancing has lowered costs of needed this gap. Let’s have young income neighbors face a and cautious re-opening. medicine. In areas where people teach the rest of us a greater risk of housing inse- Digital equity can be localized municipal broad- thing or two! curity or bankruptcy. Many achieved for both seniors band or other alternatives As we navigate these higher income earners can and students if we treat exist, similar low-cost uncertain and often iso- work from home with mini- broadband internet as pricing can be negotiated lating times, we need to mal disruption or exposure, April Berg a basic utility and not a to make sure everyone has redouble our efforts to help while working class people luxury. This public health access and connectivity. everyone get the tools to either lose work, or face speed internet and comput- crisis has shown that local, Hooking up is not often stay connected, stay safe, greater risk behind check- ing resources to learn, and state and federal leaders enough, especially for those and keep learning and out stands, in hospitals, or seniors for whom tech- must advocate for universal unaware of latest technol- growing. With the right construction sites. nology is often a lifeline to broadband access through ogy tools, how to keep safe leaders, and a little cre- Access to technology telemedicine, shopping and policy changes and legisla- from scams and exploita- ativity, we can address the has also become more delivery, and checking in tion. Seniors— and people tion, and even managing digital equity gap— for all important than even in with friends and loved ones. of all ages— need a cham- basic technical issues. of us. these months of distancing As a school board direc- pion to make sure we all That’s why just as we teach April Berg serves on the and closure, especially for tor, I work tirelessly to get have access to the online young people and strug- Everett School Board. She students who need high students in our community tools needed to thrive. gling family’s financial lives in Mill Creek. Commentary: Everett school bond invests in our students By Caroline Mason are badly out of date and in such as Healthcare, Aerospace Everett School Board president deteriorating condition. Almost all Manufacturing, and Information elementary schools are overcapacity, Technology. These programs will Voters in Everett, Mill Creek, and with students learning in 141 help our students compete in the surrounding communities will have a portable classrooms across the global economy and become industry chance to vote on a proposed Capital district. Meanwhile, another 1,484 leaders helping build a vibrant School Bond in the August Primary. students are expected in the Everett economy in Snohomish County. For many older adults, it’s been years School District by 2030. Voting yes In addition, this bond will create since setting foot inside a classroom, addresses overcrowding with 58 new, hundreds of new construction and the needs of students today permanent classrooms across the related jobs which will contribute to aren’t the same as they used to be. In district. the economic recovery and growth addition to safe and well-maintained The jobs of today and of the future of our communities. Everyone buildings, students need science demand schools be built for STEM benefits from a strong economy, and technology equipment to meet (Science, Technology, Engineering, well-trained healthcare workers, and modern education demands. and Mathematics) education. To be safe neighborhoods. Every student We know good schools build prepared for those jobs, students need deserves a good school. Please strong communities. Here’s why we career readiness programs in the high consider voting yes on the Everett Caroline Mason encourage you to vote YES. schools. Voting yes creates STEM School Bond. Several of Everett’s oldest schools programs in high-demand industries — Citizens for Everett Public Schools

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This service is especially important when the owner or family is in transition, personal belongings need to be handled, and home repairs are necessary. Distribution: Over 12,000 papers are mailed Lamoureux Real Estate handles everything to households and senior-friendly business- es;1,900 papers are distributed at drop-off necessary as the concierge. The seven stages can locations including senior centers, retirement be offered a la carte or as a full-service bundle. communities, libraries, etc. Published by Also distributed monthly in The Daily Herald. Homage Senior Services Contact Josh O’Connor at 425.339.3007 or at Barb Lamoureux, SRES www.homage.org [email protected]. As a designated Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Barb Lamoureux has 116275026 Airport196th St. Rd. SW, Suite Lynnwood, B, Everett, WA WA 98036 98204 been helping Seniors with their unique real estate needs since 1988. 425-513-1900 Advertising: The existence of advertising Call anytime at 425-356-7975 or stop by our lovely offi ce. Friendly Published monthly with a readership of 100,000+, (including political advertisements) in this conversation and coffee is always free! the Homage Senior Services educates and enter- publication is not meant as an endorsement tains readers (seniors, family caregivers, service of the individual, product or service by anyone providers and other interested persons) with news except the advertiser. and information that reflects the diverse interests For more information, contact Jacqueray Smith, and needs of the senior community. Signed Multimedia Consultant, at 425.339.3023 or at articles are the opinon of the writer and not the [email protected] 1904 Wetmore Avenue • Everett, WA 98201 • 425.356.7975 opinion of Homage Senior Services. www.LamoureuxRealEstate.com Homage June 2020 3 Homage volunteer opportunities: The troops overseas can use our help By Michelle Frye from: Sanitizing If you feel you can our elected officials for their these resources. Homage Volunteer Manager wipes — hand help these soldiers votes and support in secur- Consider giving a gift or kitchen (they during these times ing funding for the Older to the program that has Homage, in conjunc- need lots!); bottles of reduced ame- American’s Act, Meals on special meaning to you: tion with Heroes Café, has of hand sanitizer nities, they would Wheels, and emergency Earmark a donation to the been sponsoring a troop in (tape tops, place greatly appreciate meals for vulnerable adults. program of your choice Afghanistan. We recently in zip lock bags); it. Please send items Raise awareness: Help at Homage or leave it as learned that their PX was any brand bug care of: spread the word about Hom- unspecified gift and we can closing, so now they are left bite itch reliever; age and receive the most give it to the program most with no place to re-supply hand soap/body Michelle CPT Paul Hartfield updated news about our in need of support. everyday needs. Our support wash; toothpaste; Frye A/2-22IN programs, follow us on Face- Write a letter to our is extremely important with foot powder or FOB Fenty, Camp book and Twitter. troops: Through our con- COVID on their base. They lotion; hand lotion; Dyer Volunteer at Local Food nection with Heroes Café we need all the hand sanitizer fly paper rolls; car tree air APO AE 09323 Banks: Many of you are con- are sending letters of appre- and hand or kitchen disin- fresheners; freeze pops in United States cerned that our clients have ciation and support to a fecting wipes that we can leak proof bags; single drink adequate food. Until we Troop stationed in Afghan- send. A box of all one item is mixes; fruit cups/dried fruit; Other volunteer opportu- can use your skills directly, istan in an area rampant good with so many troops in pocket size nut packets; nities at Homage include: please consider volunteering with COVID 19. Address is need. protein bars; and/or current Advocacy and outreach: with our area food banks. shown above to c/o Capt. Suggested items to pick magazines. Take a moment to thank Many of our clients utilize Hartfield.

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Sponsored by Catholic there aren’t too many opportunities and many other behind the scenes Community Services, RSVP available at this time. tasks started about this time each is America’s largest volunteer That got me to thinking. Like summer. It’s a nice break but it does network for persons over 55 and the line from that old song, ‘you leave us all with a bit more time on the ONLY program where the don’t know what you’ve got ‘till our hands for the next two months. collective contribution of the it’s gone…’ I want to hear from If you have volunteered at the senior volunteer is recorded. RSVP you, RSVP member or otherwise, Fair for RSVP, thank you. We could exists to help volunteers 55+ find about why you volunteer. If not manage that event without your fulfillment in their volunteer work. you’ve been a regular volunteer help. If you have any Fair stories Volunteer opportunities exist all and are now at home and unable you’d like to share, please send over Snohomish County. due to Covid, tell me what you them my way. I think I could write Hello again from Covid-19ville! miss the most. Are you keeping another column using those and As I write this we are about to have in touch with the places you you telling me what you miss most mask wearing become mandatory volunteered for? Touching base about volunteering. outside the home. We are still with other volunteers? Have you Here is hoping by August we will practicing social distancing and found other ways to support have a better understanding of how hand washing more frequently. those organizations while under to manage our day to day lives in We are still seeing new cases of RSVP quarantine? What have you been the midst of a global pandemic. the virus at a rate unacceptable to doing to keep busy? Give me a call or send me an the health care professionals. We As you probably know, the email and we can discuss the 60 are still optimistic this pandemic VOLUNTEER Evergreen State Fair is cancelled some organizations that we work will be brought under control and for this year. The Fair was a major with and find you something to do. eventually day to day life will return ACTIVITIES event for RSVP. The RSVP Director, Call me today! to the way things were. More or BY JOHN McALPINE Paulette Jacobson and I put in If you have any questions about less. many prep hours gearing up for RSVP, volunteering or any of the Volunteers are still needed that project. The scheduling, the agencies you see listed here please in the community. For those you just have to be able to abide by coordination with the Fair, getting contact RSVP at 425-374-6374 or organizations open, or re-opening, the Covid guidelines. Unfortunately equipment and the booths ready email me at [email protected]

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By Christine Vervitsiotis to accept that things attack — get them tolerance for frustration is low, Homage Mental Health and Wellness are not always going to before they get us — and seek support. Sometimes Programs Manager go our way. When our or we can avoid the this is as simple as carving out frustration tolerance situation entirely, some time in the day to sit and One of the unexpected benefits is low, we are more sticking our heads in reflect. Sometimes this means of the pandemic is that it seems likely to respond to the sand and waiting making a “would-love-to-do” like it’s finally as “okay” to talk setbacks in a reactive for it all to be over. list and ranking items in order of about depression as it is to talk rather than proactive Both choices, however, importance. Sometimes it means about diabetes. You can hardly manner. Reactive ultimately undermine asking those around us for help. watch the news without a segment response seems to our ability to make Our Older Adult Mental Health highlighting mental health and occur without thinking a decision that will Access line offers support to how normal it all is for us to feel — someone raises a best allow us to, for people who need a confidential anxious. hand and we strike lack of a better term, and non-judgmental ear. Our It irritates me every time. them before they Christine Vervitsiotis get what we want. services are always provided free The last thing I want to hear can hit us. But we When we have low of charge, and we are excited when I’m struggling is some “we’re are always thinking frustration tolerance, to announce that we have all in this together” garbage. I — it’s just that our brains are we relinquish what control we do received additional funding from want to crawl into a hole. I want so quick that we don’t always have over our situation. Snohomish County to expand to go about my day like nothing is notice the thought. Reactive We are at a heightened period supports to individuals under 60 happening. I want to eat, drink and responses generally occur when of frustration, and all of us are during this COVID-crisis. sleep — all to excess. I get snappy. we perceive a threat. We overreact somewhat diminished in our To be connected to supports Judgmental. Resentful. Bitter. because we have decided, on ability to deal with it. What we and services, please call us at Frustration is normal. We don’t some level, that we would rather can do is recognize when our 425-290-1260. always get what we want, what we be safe than sorry. We perceive need, or what we feel we deserve. every frustration as an attack. As kids, we learn more or less how Sometimes we fight. Sometimes to tolerate this frustration; after we hide. What we struggle with all, the efficacy of tantrums vastly during times of stress is taking the diminishes the older we get. We time to see each frustration as an learn to reevaluate our desires, to individual actor rather than a part channel our energy into socially of a larger conglomerate boogey- appropriate activities, to redefine man conspiring to take us down. our goals. How easy or difficult This is a tempting view, this is for us depends on our especially when we are feeling frustration tolerance, our ability overwhelmed. We can go on the Are you providing help for a loved one? We are here for you! Tailored Services for Family Caregiver Kinship Caregiver Older Adults Support Program Program Providing services and Helps unpaid caregivers The Kinship Caregiver supports for eligible with free consultations, Program links Kin- individuals age 55+ to connecting them with Families to resources help them continue to community resources, unique to their • Companionship & Homemaking live independent and care options, and individual needs. • Physical Assistance & Hygiene healthy lives at home. supports. • Wellness & Peace of Mind A “caregiver” is a helper. This can be any unpaid person who provides supports, even minimally, and does not need to be a spouse or family member.

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If you instance, social distanc- them and their families. have PTSD, you may ing, and social isolation Information overload, have stronger stress during the pandemic rumors and misinfor- reactions than normal. can lead to stressful mation can make their Raymond Miller lives feel out of control and make it unclear depression if you what to do. experience emotional These feelings of or behavioral symp- mental stress can result toms that develop Barry M. Meyers* in what is known as sit- within three months David M. Neubeck uational depression. of a stressful life event. Certifi ed Elder Law Attorneys by the National ■ You feel more stress Elder Law Foundation since 2003 Named a Super Lawyer annually since 2007* than normal during What is these traumatic life Sara LC Hulford, Attorney at Law situational events. 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Continued from previous page talk with someone daily, either by phone or through social New from Social Security: A redesigned are making it difficult for you media. to take care of your everyday Keep reading: Find that retirement benefits portal that works for you responsibilities and activities. book that you have been Treatment can help you better meaning to read and join an Social Security Regional ■ Learn how to manage your personal cope with stressful events. online reading club. Public Affairs Office my Social Security account online. Maintaining a healthy Please seek the help of We made our redesigned retirement balanced lifestyle can help a professional if you are We are excited to tell you about our benefits portal more user-friendly and with situation depression and involved in a crisis event or redesigned retirement benefits portal easier to navigate, whether you are ready improved health. witness an event and have at www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement. to learn about, apply for, or manage your Make sure you are exercis- symptoms of situational Keeping you informed about our retirement benefits. You’ll find the new ing regularly, getting exercise depression. products and services, and helping you portal eye pleasing, informative, and 3 – 5 times a week for at least prepare for making decisions that will optimized for mobile devices. We also 30 minutes affect your benefits is very important improved how we list our information ■ Establish healthy sleeping Sources of help to us. Preparing for retirement is one of on search engines to make it easier for habits, go to bed at the same are available the most important decisions you can you to find outside our website. time every night. make. The new Retirement Benefits portal ■ Get more rest and relax- You can find a Mental Our website has helped millions is just the first of several steps we are ation, develop a hobby or work Health or Psychiatric Ser- of people get ready for and apply for taking to improve your experience on in the garden, or watch a favor- vice Agency, Social Service retirement. But we heard your feedback our website. Visit our new retirement ite TV show. Programs, Victim Assistance that you also want to: benefits portal today at www.ssa.gov/ ■ Eat more healthfully, taking Centers, Employee Assis- ■ Find the information you need benefits/retirement to Learn, Apply, a cooking class and planning tance Programs (EAP) Veteran without reading through too many pages. and Manage your retirement benefits well balanced meals. Administration Hospitals and ■ Learn about the benefits in a clear and and subscribe to receive retirement ■ Strengthen your social sup- Vet Centers, if you are a Vet- concise way. information and updates. port system by reaching out eran and Disaster Response ■ Be better prepared to apply for Stay tuned for more exciting to your family and friends and Agencies. retirement online. improvements and services.

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LEISURE

learningKNOWLEDGE AWAITS…

sno-isle.org/leisurelearning LIBRARIES 8 June 2020 Homage ADVOCACY CORNER Protecting the health of Washington’s most vulnerable By Cathy MacCaul “These cuts would limit options and 37 other states. Caring for people at Advocacy Director, AARP home when that level of care fits their supports, making it harder for seniors to needs reduces Covid-19 exposure In response to Washington’s bud- and keeps other state health expendi- get shortfall due to COVID-19, state age in place and would exacerbate the tures down. agencies have proposed devastating long waiting list for services currently We all want the security of know- cuts to long-term care services — $220 ing that we, and our loved ones, will million under the worst-case scenario faced by people with developmental or have the care we need when we need – which would kick 1 in 3 current intellectual disabilities.” it most. Our long-term care system recipients off of various support is already under strain. We cannot programs. — Doug Shadel, meet the needs of the most vulnerable Long-term care services keep AARP Washington State Director Washingtonians if we shred the long- seniors and people with disabilities term care safety net when we need it healthy by assisting with daily activ- options to remain at home amidst the Sixty-one percent of Washington the most. ities like eating, bathing, and taking COVID-19 pandemic. State’s COVID-19 deaths are nursing The Long-Term Care Coalition is medications. Without these services, A Coalition of Long-Term Care home related, a whopping 20% higher an alliance of family members, aging people will not have the support they advocates has assembled to fight than the nation’s average as of early and disability advocates, businesses, need to maintain a dignified quality these cuts to critical care. Our organi- July. Cutting long-term services will long-term care providers, labor, and of life. Their conditions may worsen, zations represent a broad spectrum of hobble our ability to respond to a sec- consumer rights organizations formed making them even more vulnerable services and supports for more than ond wave of the pandemic. to prevent cuts to services. Mem- to COVID-19 and less likely to have 70,000 clients and their caregivers. We Dan Murphy, with the Washing- bers include: AARP, Adult Family the resources to care for themselves serve and represent the most vulnera- ton Association of Area Agencies on Home Council, Casa Latina, Catho- should they fall ill. ble populations. Aging, worries about what will hap- lic Community Services, Consumer “These cuts would limit options and Long-term care is essential for pen to people if they lose long-term Direct Care Network Washington, supports, making it harder for seniors discharging patients from hospitals care services. “People turn to Wash- LeadingAge Washington, National to age in place and would exacer- and preventing readmissions. Clients ington’s Medicaid Long-Term Care MS Society, Office of Developmental bate the long waiting list for services receiving long-term care services they system as a last resort after they have Disabilities Ombuds, Puget Sound currently faced by people with devel- need are much less likely to require exhausted all other options. Remov- Advocates for Retirement Action, SEIU opmental or intellectual disabilities,” hospitalization. Cuts will inevitably ing their last resort for support would 775, Washington Association of Area said Doug Shadel, AARP Washington lead to lower-quality care, resulting be a disaster.” Washington State leads Agencies on Aging, Washington State State Director. “Vulnerable adults in more health complications and the country in providing long-term Senior Citizen’s Lobby, Washington served through these programs would more state health care costs in other care at home and in the commu- Health Care Association, and Wash- experience less support and fewer programs. nity at a per-person cost lower than ington Home Care Coalition.

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To request care, call 425.553.0937 Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. We accept most insurance, including Medicare. Homage June 2020 9 Study shows certain personality traits may be linked to dementia By Kiersten Willis predictors of behaviors like depres- continued. functioning — are damaged. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution sion and indicators of response In the current study, 524 adults age Overall MCI or amnestic MCI were to stress and anxiety,” the authors 65 years and older were followed for not found to be linked to any of the A study published recently shows wrote. “A previous study found that an average of three years. Among personality traits. that certain personality traits may depression diagnosis was associated them, 38 participants developed “While more studies are needed, affect the risk of pre-dementia. with higher neuroticism and lower MCR and 69 developed MCI, some our results provide evidence that In findings published in the extraversion in older adults, and that of which also had memory loss or personality traits play an indepen- Journal of the American Geriatrics the effect of openness was mediated amnestic MCI. dent role in the risk for or protection Society, researchers analyzed five by level of education. A 6% reduced risk of developing against specific pre-dementia syn- personality traits — neuroticism, “Adjusting for depressive symp- MCR was associated with open- dromes,” said lead author Emmeline extraversion, conscientiousness, toms did not affect the association ness, while a 6% increased risk of Ayers, MPH, of the Albert Einstein agreeableness and openness — and between neuroticism and non-am- non-amnestic MCI was associated College of Medicine in a press their associations with motoric cog- nestic MCI, but it attenuated the with neuroticism. Memory remains release. “From a clinical perspective, nitive risk (MCR) and mild cognitive effect of openness on MCR, indi- undamaged in non-amnestic these findings emphasize the impor- impairment (MCI) syndromes, cating that depressive symptoms MCI, but one or more other cogni- tance of accounting for aspects according to a Wiley press release. may drive the effect of openness tive abilities — such as language, of personality when assessing for “Personality traits are considered on reducing risk of MCR,” they visual-spatial skills, or executive dementia risk.” Here are five of the most beneficial exercises for older adults

By Kiersten Willis ways. It’s a good cardiovascular that simple bodyweight exercises and affordable way to maintain The Atlanta Journal-Constitution workout while also being low like chair squats, wall pushups or healthy muscles and prevent impact for joints and bones. stair climbing can be an effective weight gain as you age. Staying physically active comes Yoga: Doing yoga can help with a whole host of health benefits with core strength, balance and for older adults from maintaining building muscle. Yoga can not only healthy bones, muscles, and joints be good for your physical health, to potentially helping to reduce but can improve general wellness high blood pressure, according by relieving stress and improving to the Atlanta-based Centers for emotional health, sleep and Disease Control and Prevention. balance, the National Institute of “Older adults can obtain Health notes. significant health benefits with You don’t have to pay big bucks a moderate amount of physical or leave your home to do yoga. Just activity, preferably daily,” put on something comfortable and according to the CDC. pull up YouTube. Some popular However, the CDC also notes channels include Yoga With that those beginning to exercise for Adrienne, Yoga By Candace and the first time should start slowly. Body Positive Yoga. And some exercises may be better Walking: One of the easiest suited for older adults than others. exercises to start, especially right Dr. Barbara Bergin told now amid social distancing, is SilverSneakers that she simply getting outside for a walk or recommends older adults focus a hike. workouts meant to build strength Cycling: Similar to swimming, and improve balance rather than cycling offers a low-impact high-impact exercises like running. workout option. It can also help 425.339.1046 Some of the best exercises for with cardiovascular health. This older adults include: can be true either on a bike ride Swimming: While it may not be outside or on an indoor stationary as readily available amid social bike. distancing efforts, swimming can Bodyweight workouts: Dr. be an ideal exercise option in many Victoria Shin told SilverSneakers

Last Chance for Last Chance for Eligible Seniors to getEligible $40 Seniors to get $40 worth of worth of FREE fresh fruits and vegetables!FREE fresh fruits and vegetables!      dŚĞ^ĞŶŝŽƌ &ĂƌŵĞƌƐDĂƌŬĞƚEƵƚƌŝƚŝŽŶ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ Ɛƚŝůů ŚĂƐ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ǀŽƵĐŚĞƌƐ ƚŽ ŐŝǀĞ TheĂǁĂLJƚŽĞůŝŐŝďůĞ Senior ^ŶŽŚŽFarmersŵŝƐŚŽƵŶƚLJ ƐĞŶŝŽƌƐMarketŽŶĂĨŝƌƐƚĐŽŵĞ͕ĨŝƌƐƚƐĞƌǀĞĚďĂƐŝƐ͘ Nutrition  ProgramůŝŐŝďůĞůŽǁ ͲŝŶstillĐŽŵĞƐĞŶŝŽƌƐƌĞĐĞŝǀĞΨϰϬǁŽƌƚŚŽĨĐŚĞĐŬƐƚŽƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞĨƌĞƐŚĨƌƵŝƚƐ has limited vouchers to give away to eligibleĂŶĚǀĞŐĞƚĂďůĞƐĂƚĂƵƚŚŽƌŝnjĞĚĨĂƌŵĞƌƐŵĂƌŬĞƚƐŽƌĨĂƌŵƐƚĂŶĚƐ Snohomish County seniors͘ on a  fi rst come, fi rst served basis.  ŐĞϲϬнĨŽƌŶŽŶͲEĂƚŝǀĞŵĞƌŝĐĂŶƐ  ŐĞϱϱнĨŽƌEĂƚŝǀĞŵĞƌŝĐĂŶƐ Eligible >ŽǁŝŶĐŽŵĞ low-income seniors receive $40 worth oofhƉƚŽ checksΨϭ͕ϵϲϳͬŵŽŶƚŚĨŽƌ to purchaseϭƉĞƌƐŽŶ fresh fruits and o hƉƚŽΨϮ͕ϲϱϴͬŵŽŶƚŚĨŽƌϮƉĞŽƉůĞ o &ŽƌůĂƌŐĞƌŚŽƵƐĞŚŽůĚƐ͕ĂĚĚΨϲϵϭƉĞƌƉĞƌƐŽŶ vegetables at authorized farmers markets or farm stands.  ƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐĐĂŶďĞĨŽƵŶĚŚĞƌĞ͗ ŚƚƚƉƐ͗ͬͬǁǁǁ͘ƐŶŽŚŽŵŝƐŚĐŽƵŶƚLJǁĂ͘ŐŽǀͬϭϬϬϮͬEƵƚƌŝƚŝŽŶͲWƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ  dŽƌĞƋƵĞƐƚĂŶĂƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶŝŶƚŚĞŵĂŝůĐĂůů;ϰϮϱͿϯϴϴͲϳϯϵϯ  Together, We Can: • Age 60+ for non-Native Americans • Age 55+ for&ŽƌĂ Native AmericansƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞĐĂůů ✓ Expand affordable healthcare and • Low income prescription access o Up to; $1,967/ϰϮϱ monthͿϱϭϯ for 1Ͳ personϭϵϬϬ o Up to $2,658/month for 2 people ✓ Reduce tax burden on fixed income households o For larger households, add $691 per person ✓ Protect health and safety during pandemic recovery • Applications can be found here: “As a Mill Creek Planning Commissioner and https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/1002/Nutrition-Programs • To request an application in the mail call (425) 388-7393 Everett School Board Member, I’ve worked to address the challenges of a growing community. Now, I’m running for State Representative to For assistance call bring that experience to Olympia and keep our region special by standing up for affordable, (425) 513-1900 vibrant communities. I hope I can count on your vote.” – April Berg

Paid for by Friends of April Berg PO Box 14893 | Mill Creek, WA 98082 (425) 200-4668 | [email protected] | aprilberg.com 10 July 2020 Homage Savvy Senior: Video calling solutions for the tech-challenged By Jim Miller is not required. calls to those who have their own however, cannot initiate video calls Ready to go right out of the box, device, or who have the Alexa app from their ViewClix. Home Wi-Fi is Q: Can you recommend some GrandPad provides a simplified menu installed on their smartphone or also required. simple devices that can help tech-chal- of big icons and large text for only tablet. Available in two sizes — 10-inch for lenged seniors with video calls? My essential features, providing clut- Once you set up her contacts, to $199, and 15-inch for $299 — you can 80-year-old mother has been isolating ter-free, one-touch access to make and make a call your mom could simply learn more about this product at View- herself for months now in fear of the receive video calls, send voice emails, say, “Alexa, call my daughter” And Clix.com. coronavirus and I haven’t been able to view photos and videos, listen to per- when you call her, she would ask Alexa Facebook Portal: If your mom is see her face-to-face in quite a while. sonalized music, check the weather, to answer the call (or ignore it). There’s a Facebook user, a voice-command A: Video chatting is a great way to play games, browse the Internet and also a feature called “drop-in” that Facebook portal (see portal.facebook. stay connected and keep tabs on an more. would let you video call your mom’s com) is another simple way to stay elder parent when you can’t be there, A GrandPad tablet costs $250 plus device anytime without her having to connected — home Wi-Fi is needed. but it’s even more important now $40 monthly service fee and is sold answer it. Portals, which come in three sizes during this pandemic as many isolated through Consumer Cellular at Grand- Available at Amazon.com, the Echo — the original 10-inch Portal ($179), seniors are also suffering from chronic Pad.net or call 888-545-1425. Show also offers thousands of other the 8-inch Mini ($129) and the mas- loneliness. Amazon’s Echo Show: With its features your mom would enjoy like sive 15-and-a-half-inch Portal Plus Here are four devices to consider. built-in camera and screen, the voice-activated access to news, weather, ($279) — are like Echo Shows, except GrandPad: This is a top option for voice-command Echo Show also pro- her favorite music and much more. they connect through Facebook. With simple video calling, and much more. vides a simple way to have face-to-face ViewClix: This is a smart picture a Portal, your mom can video call The GrandPad is an 8-inch tablet chats with your mom, but she’ll need frame specifically designed for elderly your smartphone or tablet (and vice specifically designed for seniors, ages home Wi-Fi installed. seniors that lets family members make versa) using Facebook Messenger or 75 and older. It comes with a stylus, a Echo Shows, which come in three video calls, send photos and post vir- WhatsApp. charging cradle and 4G LTE built-in so screen sizes — 5-inch ($90), 8-inch tual sticky notes with messages to their Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC it works anywhere within the Con- ($130) and 10-inch ($230) — will let loved ones ViewClix from their smart- Today show and author of “The Savvy sumer Cellular network — home Wi-Fi your mom make and receive video phone, tablet or computer. Seniors, Senior” book.

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