Never Too Late Para información en Español ver páginas 21 - 23
July 2022 What’s News • Aging in Our Community • Dementia Capable SoAZ: Memory Café Events • Medicare & SMP • Rights & Benefits • Caregiving: New Workshops • Healthy Living: Classes Happening Now! • PCOA Puzzle • Ending Life Well • Neighbors Care Alliance • Visibility Matters • Advocacy • CareGiver Training Institute • PimaCare at Home
Healthy Vision Month
PUBLICATION OF PIMA COUNCIL ON AGING, HELPING PIMA COUNTY AGE WELL SINCE 1967
Independence. Vitality. Respect.
Inside • Aging in Our Community 3 • Dementia Capable Southern Arizona 4
• Ending Life Well 24 • Advocacy 25
• Medicare & SMP 5 - 6 • Rights & Benefits 7 - 8 • Caregiving 9 - 11
• Senior Companion Program 26 • Neighbors Care Alliance 27 - 28 • Visibility Matters 30 • Featured Artist 34 • CareGiver Training Institute, Healthcare Education by PCOA 35 • Introducing TheKatie.org & PimaCare at Home, In-Home Care by PCOA 36
PCOA Helpline: (520) 790-7262 Administration: (520) 790-0504 Donate: givepcoa.org E-mail: help@pcoa.org Website: pcoa.org Mail: 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710 Never Too Late is published by Pima Council on Aging, the Area Agency on Aging, Region II. Material from Never Too Late may be reprinted when permission is given and attribution is used along with ©PCOA 2022. Editor Adina Wingate, (520) 790-0504 awingate@pcoa.org Editorial Assistant Jan Baker, (520) 790-0504 jbaker@pcoa.org Advertising Adina Wingate, (520) 790-0504 awingate@pcoa.org Design Consultant Lori Lieber, Lori Lieber Graphic Design lori@lorilieber.com
• Community Lunch Program 12 • Volunteer: Take YOUR Shot 13 • Healthy Living 14 - 18 • PCOA Puzzle 19 - 20 • Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde 21 - 23
On the Cover: Detail from Gates to Nirvana by Kim McKay, The Drawing Studio. (Story, full image on inside back cover) Help from PCOA During the Pandemic Due to the prevalence of the coronavirus in our community, we encourage the public to access our services by phone or email whenever possible. Our building at 8467 E Broadway is open for those requiring in-person assistance. We encourage you to call and make an appointment to ensure the right staff are available to assist you. Our building at 600 S Country Club is not currently open to the public. Please call or visit our website frequently for updates, as availability is subject to change as the public health crisis evolves. The best way to access our services, including making an appointment for in-person assistance, is by calling our Helpline between 8:30 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday at (520) 790-7262 or emailing help@pcoa.org.
Editorial and Advertising Deadline for Next Issue JULY 1 2022
Please include a contact person name and phone number with all submitted material. All articles are subject to editing in accordance with technical and policy guidelines but will not be altered in content without permission of the author. Publication of submissions is not guaranteed. Ads are not to be considered as PCOA endorsements of products, services, or individuals.
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
TWITTER@ PCOAging
EMAIL help@pcoa.org
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ pimacouncilonaging
Read Never Too Late online at nevertoolate.pcoa.org
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Pima Council on Aging
Aging in Our Community A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO
Vision for a New Year
implement new technology at CareGiver Training Institute, which will enable us to both educate more students and to produce better data about how this training impacts the workforce issue locally. Every few years, PCOA does a community needs assessment to inform our planning, service delivery, and understanding of the issues and concerns relevant to older adults and caregivers in Pima County. This fall, we’ll be conducting surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions to gather this valuable data. We’re grateful for funding from the Vitalyst Foundation to support our expansion of this effort to help us better understand the impact of the pandemic on older adults and look at this information through a health equity lens. Through Dementia Capable Southern Arizona, anchored at PCOA, we are stepping up our efforts to support those with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and their caregivers. We will continue our work with Pima County and the Elder Alliance to create a dementia friendly Pima County plan, which will act as a roadmap for our community for years to come. We will also work to expand memory cafés and dementia screenings to ensure that we reach people who are experiencing dementia and their care partners. Of course, our longstanding services to support older adults in aging in place will continue, including in-home assistance with activities like bathing, dressing, and housekeeping, as well as Pima Meals on Wheels, home repair for lower-income homeowners, support for family caregivers, and much more. We will continue to work with our Members of Congress and state legislature to advocate
for additional funds to better support our growing older adult population. A significant focus continues to be working to make our services more equitable, accessible, and targeted to meet the needs of all older adults in our community. This work of inclusion has been a key focus of PCOA’s almost since our inception, especially as it relates to older adults. Our recently launched Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee has a host of actions planned to integrate IDEA principles into everything we do. These include internal improvements, such as evaluating the need to make changes to internal policies and processes and developing ongoing training and expectations for staff, as well as assessing how to better serve our diverse community. We know that there is still much to do to make ours a more inclusive organization and community, and we are actively doing that work. As we kick off the new year, I want to thank the board and my colleagues at PCOA for their tireless work over this past year on behalf of older adults and those who love and care for them. These have been challenging and unprecedented times, and I continue to be amazed and so grateful for the ingenuity and industry of the staff who provide the services, day in and day out, that make such a difference to the people who turn to PCOA for help and support. I look forward with great excitement to the honor of serving our community alongside each of them again in the months ahead.
Pima Council on Aging’s new fiscal year began on July 1, launching not only a new annual budget, but more importantly, a set of goals and overarching vision for how we will work to meet the needs of our community in the coming twelve months. Two significant challenges I’ve discussed here in the past that will require our attention this year and beyond are affordable housing, and a direct care workforce shortage. As a community, we need a host of responses to address the affordable housing crisis facing older adults and other vulnerable people in our community. And PCOA is committed to working collaboratively to identify and put those responses into place. Over the past year, with partnership from the City of Tucson and Pima County, we’ve developed a pilot home sharing program, which is aimed at providing alternatives for economical housing solutions for older adults. Looking into the future, we need to continue to be bold and work towards reforms and programs that will make housing more attainable and affordable for older renters and homeowners. The shortage of workers to provide skilled, compassionate care is one of the seminal challenges of our time, not only for those of us working in the aging space, but for the 70% of us who will someday need their assistance. The PCOA family of nonprofit companies, including PimaCare at Home and CareGiver Training Institute, will continue to recruit Direct Care Workers and provide a series of training programs to improve the career path for frontline healthcare workers. We are exceedingly grateful to have recently received a generous grant from the Margaret E. Mooney Foundation to
W.Mark Clark President & CEO
July 2022, Never Too Late | Page 3
Pima Council on Aging
Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na
While vision changes can occur naturally with aging, dementia may also cause changes in vision. The eyes may be otherwise healthy, however, a person living with dementia may still experience vision changes, and these changes can affect
Memory concerns? Call the PCOA Helpline at 520.790.7262 or visit our website to complete a referral form online https://pcoa.org/dementiareferral/
vision differently depending on the type of dementia. A person with dementia may find it difficult to:
• Distinguish colors • Determine depth • Shift where they are looking • Detect movement • Describe what they see • Differentiate images on TV from real life • Remain calm, becoming agitated or restless because of visual overstimulation, especially lights that are too bright or too many patterns on wallpaper What can you do? • Get regular eye exams, keep prescriptions current, and make sure the correct glasses are worn • Use adaptive equipment, such as audio books, magnifiers, audio or large print labels, motion activated lighting, phones with large numbers and voice activated dialing • Seek support and guidance from vision professionals and occupational therapists What changes can you make? • Improving lighting, reducing glare, and providing good contrast in your environment • Evidence suggests that using a bright red plate, utensil and cup might help your loved one recognize the food and encourage them to eat • Avoid reflective surfaces, shiny or reflective floors or tabletops can cause confusion because they create a glare and shadows • Avoid many patterns, as they can make things harder to see and can increase confusion • Stand straight in front of your loved one before speaking. Loss of peripheral vision causes them to see only things right in front of them.
Are you looking for a safe, fun environment for
you and your loved one? Come share space with us at one of our Memory Cafés in the community! Find more
information at: dcsa.pcoa.org
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Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner Understanding Medicare Presentation Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
Come learn about:
Medicare basics – difference between Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage Medigap Policies (Supplementary coverage) Coordination of Benefits (Medicare and VA coverage, COBRA, Retiree Plans, AHCCCS, etc.)
How to enroll How to make changes Medicare Savings Programs for low-income beneficiaries Medicare hot topics
Location:
PCOA Lupu Building 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710 July 6
PCOA - The Katie 660 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 8571616 July 21
Zoom Presentation
Date
July 6 & 21
Day/Time: Registration:
Wed/Thurs 10am -1pm umvirtual22.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, 10am-1pm lupumedicareip.eventbrite.com
Thursday, 10am -1pm katiemedicareip.eventbrite.com
For more information, contact PCOA Medicare department at (520) 546-2011 or email medicare@pcoa.org
This project was supported, in part, by grant number 90MPRC0002 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
Medicare Marketing Violations (continued from page 6) How the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Can Help?
The local SMP is ready to provide beneficiaries and others with the information they need to PROTECT themselves from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT concerns. SMPs and their trained volunteers help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud. The SMP can help with questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also can provide information and educational presentations. To reach Pima Council on Aging’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) call 520-546-2011 Visit www.smpresource.org This project was supported, in part, by grant number 90MPRC0002 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
July 2022, Never Too Late | Page 5
Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner
Medicare Marketing Violations Tips for Protecting Yourself and Medicare
• Receiving an unsolicited home visit – i.e., “door-to-door cold call” • Receiving information such as leaflets, flyers, door hangers, etc. on their car or at their residence from a company with whom they did not have an appointment • An agent initiating a discussion about other insurance products, such as life insurance or annuities, during a visit or meeting about a Part C or Part D Medicare product • An agent returning uninvited to a residence after missing an earlier appointment • Requiring attendees to provide contact information as a prerequisite for attending a marketing event • Marketing event attendees are later called without permission • Prospective enrollees are called to confirm receipt of mailed information • An agent signing a beneficiary up for a plan that is supposed to cover specific prescriptions or services but the beneficiary learning later that those prescriptions or services were actually not covered by the plan because they received a bill
Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (MA, Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) are administered, marketed, and sold by private insurance companies. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has guidelines for marketing Part C and Part D insurance that protect Medicare beneficiaries from manipulative and deceptive sales and enrollment tactics. Please note, these guidelines primarily focus on activities and materials related to agents, brokers, and direct plan communication, as opposed to television and radio commercials or advertising. Plan sponsors and their representatives, including agents and brokers, must follow these guidelines when marketing to beneficiaries. Marketing is seen as equivalent to “steering” beneficiaries toward a plan. What are Examples of Medicare Marketing Violations? • Receiving an unsolicited phone call from a plan with whom they have no prior relationship or from which they disenrolled • An agent or broker representing themself as though they come from or were sent by Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid
less (or $75 in total, per person, annually) to beneficiaries, provided the gift is given regardless of whether a beneficiary enrolls in the plan • Include information about rewards and incentives programs in their marketing materials • Provide refreshments and light snacks, but not meals, at marketing/sales events • Make unsolicited contact with potential enrollees using conventional mail and other print media (e.g., advertisements) and by email provided it contains an opt-out function • Conduct marketing/sales activities in common areas of health care settings (i.e., waiting rooms, common entryways, vestibules, cafeterias, or community, recreational, or conference rooms) What About Medigap Policies? Marketing of Medigap, or supplemental insurance, policies is regulated by each state’s department of insurance restrictions, which may or may not be as strict as federal rules that govern the marketing of Part C or Part D plans.
What Can Plans and Agents Do? • Call a beneficiary who has expressly given advanced permission • Offer nominal gifts valued at $15 or
(continued on page 5)
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Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information ALTCS Workshop Presents
Learn about the Arizona Long Term Care System, including what it is, what it takes to be eligible for the program, and what kinds of services are available once a person becomes eligible. A great place to start when you are considering ALTCS for yourself, or for a loved one.
2022 Series Details Where: The Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center Memory Care Support Series This 6-month series is designed for caregivers who are caring for a loved one with memory loss. We will walk through many aspects of this journey with you, from learning the basics of memory loss and dementia, to end of life planning. We will help you understand the changes that are occurring with your loved one without forgetting about your own self-care! 600 Country Club Rd. When: Thursdays - July 28, August 25, September 22 Time: 1:00 – 2:30pm Memory Loss: Progression, Behaviors and Interventions Part 2 August 25 Caregiving Assists: Clever & Practical Tips and Tools Sept. 22 Transitions & Life Changes: Supports for the Journey Class size is limited Register through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ pcoa-memory-care-support-series-190859 For more information or to register, contact Donna DeLeon at 520.790.7573 ext. 1750 or ddeleon@pcoa.org July 28
Please join us on Zoom from your computer, tablet or phone. Topic: ALTCS Workshop Time: July 14, 2:30 pm MST Join Zoom Meeting
https://bit.ly/PCOAALTCS22 Or call +1 669 900 9128 US Meeting ID: 897 2167 3847 Passcode: 700090
To register , go to: https://altcsjul22.eventbrite.com, or call Donna DeLeon at 520.790.7573 ext 1750. The ALTCS workshop is held every month on the Second Thursday. Participants who would prefer in-person you are invited to register for our August training held on Thursday, August 11, 2022.
July 2022, Never Too Late | Page 7
Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information
Survivor Benefits: Four Tips Widows Need to Know By Cindy Hounsell , President, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement
Months before the first Social Security check was issued in 1940, lawmakers made changes to the planned benefits. Instead of the retired worker’s benefit ending when he died, his widow could collect a survivor benefit for her lifetime. Since then, the eligibility rules for survivors have improved. The age requirements are lower, surviving ex-spouses are eligible, including surviving spouses and partners of same-sex relationships. One thing that hasn’t changed is that the surviving spouse is often unsure how to start claiming their survivor’s benefits. We have some information to assist you in applying for benefits as a surviving spouse. If you are a widow (or your ex-spouse died), you may be eligible to receive benefits on your late spouse’s, or ex- spouse’s, Social Security record. How much you receive will depend on your age, the amount of benefits you may receive on your own record, and whether you have dependent children. You may be entitled to receive a survivor’s benefit under the following circumstances: • At age 50 if you have a disability. • At age 60 (the benefit amount will be reduced).
• At any age if you have a child under your care who is under age 16 or who became disabled before age 22. • If you were widowed and remarried after age 60. If you’re entitled to retirement benefits – but haven’t applied yet – you have an option. You can decide to apply for either the retirement or survivors benefits first. You can switch to the other (higher) benefit later. To help make this decision, it’s important to know your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Your FRA is when you can start receiving your full retirement benefit amount. For instance, if you were born between January 2, 1943 through January 1, 1955, your FRA is 66. If you start receiving benefits before your FRA, your benefits will be reduced, generally for as long as you continue to receive benefits. There are many variables involved. Contact Social Security (https://www. ssa.gov/agency/contact/) to discuss which benefit to take first – before applying for either benefit. You want to be sure you’re choosing the option that best fits your financial circumstances. All the information you need is on the Social Security website (https://www. ssa.gov/benefits/ ). You must apply for survivors benefits over the phone
or make an appointment to apply in person. You will also need to provide certain original documents. Local Social Security offices are helping people in person with or without an appointment. This means staff will take applications in person and they will be available to help and answer any question you may have. I encourage you to call and schedule an appointment in advance to save time and so you have all the documents we need to help you in one visit. Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media. Our posting of this blog does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any non- Social Security organization, author, or webpages.
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Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
“According to studies, 45% of caregivers reported chronic conditions, including heart attacks, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.” It is undeniable that caregiver stress can have a detrimental impact on a caregiver’s health. In this interview, Kevin a Health Coach from the Wellness Council of Arizona sheds some on light on stress and shares that stress management is key to providing better care for your loved ones and changing this statistic. What is stress? Stress is an evolutionary response. In some cases, it is meant to be a good thing if you think how our bodies respond to acute or short-term stress. Essentially, when there is a threatening event that occurs, cortisol (i.e. stress hormone) is released in our bodies. This creates a stress response that heightens our senses and prepares us for the fight or flight response. Our heart rates go up and we become more alert. In the short term, this arousal increase is okay. After the threat is removed, our body can then return to baseline and relax. However, in terms of caregiver health, we typically see more chronic or long-term stress. When you are under chronic stress, it is difficult to reduce that arousal level. Think about a car, if you slam on the gas to pass that semi on the highway, all is well. However, if you slam on the gas for days and weeks at a time a) you will run out of gas and b) your car will break down. Fight or Flight By Coach Kevin Dahl, Wellness Council of Arizona
Over time, stress wears our system down causing different physical and emotional health issues. What does stress look like? Stress is an individual experience. It might come on as headaches, bouts of sadness, increased heart rate, increased irritability, stiff muscles, and/or high blood pressure. Individuals under chronic stress tend to have more compounding medical concerns. It puts you at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases. It can cause us to be nervous or anxious, which effects our digestive system causing things like stomach cramping, diarrhea, etc. What are some stress management techniques that caregivers can utilize when they have a hectic schedule? Stress management does not have to be overly complex. You can reduce stress during bathroom breaks, during TV commercials, before going to bed at night or after waking up in the morning. Make it a simple practice of centering yourselves to then provide the highest quality care you can. • Physical activity does not necessarily need to be outside. Simply marching in place or stretching in your home can get the blood pumping. • Utilize your senses. What is pleasing to our five senses can give us an immediate response to acute stress. You might try aromatherapy with essential oils or listening to a favorite song.
• Reach out to people through text, emails, and phone calls. Make sure to build or connect to a support network to prevent isolation. What are some tips that you would provide to caregivers under stress? • First, you need to recognize and admit that you are stressed in order to address your stress. • Look up resources. PCOA has different helpful resources for caregivers. • Stay in communication with your physicians especially if you are under chronic stress. Get regular blood work and testing done under the guidance of your physician. • Eat a well-balanced diet. • Understand what your needs are and then seek out the appropriate services. • Build a useful tool kit of stress management techniques. • Practice utilizing your stress management techniques for daily annoyances. This can help you prepare for the challenging stresses that arise. • For chronic stress, focus your coping skills and seek medical attention as necessary for serious symptoms. • Find something to do outside of caregiving that you can derive pleasure from. Try new hobbies. Caring for yourself will make it easier to care for your loved ones and prevent diseases caused by over-stress. If you are in a position where your stress levels are increasing over time, then you are unlikely to be at your best. This draws away from your capacity to provide care for your loved ones. Therefore, continue being healthy, use your coping skills, and do things that bring you joy.
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Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
PCOA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – JULY Five are currently being held by Zoom plus six in person.
To protect the confidentiality of the group sessions, access information will only be given to registered participants. Emails are sent out on Fridays with updated schedules and additional information. If you participated in the groups before COVID, and have not been receiving the emails, please check your junk or spam folder. Questions or to RSVP : call the Helpline at (520) 790-7262. Participation in the groups can be in person (6 groups), by telephone or by computer/tablet/smartphone w/ video.
Support groups are a way to connect with others who are walking the journey of caregiving like you are. You get to SEE (if you use the video option) that you are not alone. You get to hear other’s challenges and successes, learn about helpful resources, know that your story matters and that you have been heard. Support groups are facilitated by a professional and are a safe place for you to express your concerns, frustrations, etc. and learn that others feel this way too. 7/14, 2nd Thursday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person 7/18, 3rd Monday, 1–2:30pm (Midtown) In Person 7/19, 3rd Tuesday , 9–10:30am Virtual ON ZOOM 7/21, 3rd Thursday, 1:30–3pm Virtual ON ZOOM 7/25, 4th Monday, 11am–12:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 7/26, Last Tuesday , 9–10:30am (Southwest) In Person
JULY
“When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others” — Eda LeShan
7/5, 1st Tuesday , 12–1:30pm (Oro Valley) In Person 7/7, 1st Thursday, 1–2:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM
7/11, (Rescheduled from Independence Day on 7/4) Monday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person 7/11, 2nd Monday , 1–2:30pm (Green Valley) In Person 7/12, 2nd Tuesday, 5:30–7pm Virtual ON ZOOM
*NOTE: There will be no meetings on days where holidays are observed PLEASE RSVP for all groups. At all in person meetings we continue to social distance and mask wearing is optional. To reserve a space or if you have any questions, please contact the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262.
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Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
Free training for informal, nonpaid family caregivers Caregiving Essentials: First Steps Training Schedule 2022
Wednesday, October 12 Monday, November 7
Wednesday, July 13 Tuesday, August 9 Friday, September 16
Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center 600 S. Country Club, 85716 If staying for both, bring your own lunch. Coffee and water available.
Workshop 1: Steps to Resilience (9 am – 12:30pm)
Workshop 2: Physical Care and Safety (1:00 – 3:30pm)
• Stress Management & Grief • Communication • Dementia Behaviors & Issues • Finances & Legal Resources • Lifelines for Support: Respite & Support Groups • Nutrition Support • Phone and Technology Use • Grief & End of Life Resources
• Activity Planning, Outings and Car Etiquette • Infection control and providing Personal Care
• Proper Body Mechanics • Home Environment Safety & Fall Prevention • Planning for an Emergency • Understanding Assistive Devices • Proper Walking /Transferring techniques • Re-positioning with reassessment
Register on Eventbrite: https://caregivingessentials22.eventbrite.com or call Pima Council on Aging, 520.790.7573 ext. 1750; ddeleon@pcoa.org
For questions, call Kelley Hansen 520-790-7573 ext. 3413; khansen@pcoa.org For possible respite during training, call Arizona Caregiver Coalition 888.737.7494 or our Helpline 520-790-7262. This training does not provide certification or CEU’s for employment. *Events subject to change due to health precautions. See page 31 for details.
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Pima Council on Aging
PCOA Community Lunch Program
Do You Know... • Someone who could benefit from a lunch program that also provides an opportunity to make new friends. Let’s face it, eating alone, at home, is no fun. • These programs are typically open from Monday – Friday (except as noted and holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 1pm. • There are fun activities available during these hours. Depending on the site, activities include games, movies, crafts and even field trips. • A transportation subsidy may be available to get someone to these lunch programs. Transportation is provided via Sun Van, to individuals with disabilities with a current ADA Eligibility Card issued by the City of Tucson. • That these lunch programs are open to all individuals 60 and older and their spouse regardless of age. Once you register at a meal site, you will be required to reserve your meals each week. That way, we know you’re coming and your lunch is waiting for you. A suggested donation of $2–$3 is requested. Community Center Lunches are a program of the Pima Council on Aging in collaboration with sub-contracted agencies: Catholic Community Services, and the City of Tucson Parks & Recreation Department. Have Lunch and Make a Friend
Check it out here: www.pcoa.org/ways-we-help/ meals-nutrition.html/ Click on “View Monthly Menu” This Month’s Menu
COMMUNITY LUNCH CENTERS NEAR YOU
Ajo Community
290 W. Fifth St., Ajo 85321
520-387-5040 520-791-4353 520-791-4070 520-889-0928 520-837-8210 520-887-9786 520-791-4969 520-791-3247 520-791-2509 520-485-7413 520-791-5787
Archer Neighborhood Armory Park Senior *
1665 S. La Cholla Blvd., Tucson 85713 220 S. 5th Ave., Tucson 85701 101 W. Irvington Rd., Tucson 85714 1390 W. Speedway Blvd., Tucson 85705 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson 85705
El Pueblo Neighborhood Center El Rio Neighborhood Center
Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells Community Center **
Freedom Recreation Center
5000 E. 29th St., Tucson 85711 2160 N. 6th Ave., Tucson 85705
Donna Liggins Center
780 S. Park Centre Ave., Green Valley 85614 520-393-6814
Posada Life Community Center Quincie Douglas Senior Center
1575 E. 36th St., Tucson 85713
Saguaro Christian Church William Clements Center
8302 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson 85710 8155 E. Poinciana Dr., Tucson 85730
Please call in advance to reserve a meal and for days and hours of operation. Funded by: Federal Older Americans Act through AZ DES/DAAS, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, City of Tucson, and Individual Contributions * Dinner meal only ** Open Mon., Wed., Fri.
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Pima Council on Aging
Information
It’s Time to Plan for Your PRIMEtime!
These past several months, older adults in our community have been diligent about getting their booster shots to keep themselves and their families and friends safe. This spring the CDC approved a 4th booster shot for people 50 years of age or older or for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Take YOUR FOURTH Shot!
The premier Active Adult Living and Assisted Retirement Living resource guide. Get your copy today! Available at PCOA’s offices at 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. & 600 S. Country Club Rd. and online at Tucson.com/PrimeTime2020
It’s easy with the pandemic restrictions beginning to lift to forget what a threat COVID-19 still poses for us and our communities. Our single best bet to stopping new variants and ensuring the safety of ourselves and others is to make sure you are up to date with your vaccines. And that means to take the latest booster shots as you become eligible. Visit covid19.pcoa.org for the most up to date information about the COVID-19 vaccine and for information on how you can receive your COVID-19 booster shots.
July 2022, Never Too Late | Page 13
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
Small steps. Positive changes. Healthier living. At least 91% of older adults have at least one chronic condition and 77% have two or more. Diabetes affects 23% of older adults, and 1 in 3 older adults fall every year in the U.S. Most falls can be prevented.
EnhanceFitness®
Our current schedule for EnhanceFitness® classes (1 hour class) is:
NEW Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays • Randolph Recreation Center, is 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 , 9 – 10 am • El Pueblo Recreation Ctr., 101 W. Irvington Rd., Activity Center, Bldg. 9 , 11am – 12pm • El Rio Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd. – 11am – 12 pm • Clements Regional Ctr., Fitness Center 8155 E. Poinciana Dr. , 8:30 – 9:30am • Udall Park, Carol West Senior Center, 7222 E Tanque Verde Rd. , 11am – 12 pm
The Katie PCOA Dusenberry Building 600 S. Country Club Rd., (Fitness Room) Mon., Wed., Fri.
In-Person : 10:30 – 11:30 am Remote: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Tucson Estates (TENHN), 5900 W Western Way Circle
Mondays – 10:30 – 11:30 am, Recreation Hall Wednesdays & Fridays – 10:30 – 11:30 am, Multi-Purpose Hall
The contribution fee is $36/month per participant.
Community-based health promotion programs help individuals gain self-confidence in controlling symptoms; manage the progression of long-term and chronic, age-related conditions; and lead an active and productive life that most strive for.
Pre-registration is required through Eventbrite (located on the PCOA homepage), https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/enhancefitness-classes-176939 . For assistance, call us at (520) 305-3410.
Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W Ruthrauff Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri. – 10:30 – 11:30 am Picture Rocks Community Center, 5615 North Sanders Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri. – 10:30 – 11:30 am Drexel Heights Community Center, 5220 South San Joaquin Ave. Mon., Wed., Fri. – 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Pre-registration for these classes is through the Pima County Parks and Recreation website at https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one. aspx?portalId=169&pageId=391 Chose the center of your choice from the
Call Jennie at (520) 305-3410 for more information.
*Event subject to change due to health precautions. See page 31 for details.
list and go their class listing, look for EnhanceFitness to register.
Learn Practical Skills • Gain Self-confidence • Manage Fall Risks • Positive Changes & Healthier Living
Page 14 | July 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
A Matter of Balance Offered in Person
Sept., 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29* Tuesdays & Thursdays | 1 – 3 pm Tucson Estates 5900 W Western Way Circle (Multi-Purpose Hall)
July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, Aug. 1, 3* Mondays & Wednesdays | 1:30 – 3:30 pm
600 S. Country Club Rd., Fitness Room
Contribution Fee: $30.00 (covers your book and supplies) Many older adults become concerned about their balance and falling as they age. They may experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. It includes 8 two-hour sessions for a small group of 8-15 participants led by a trained facilitator.
The program enables participants to achieve significant goals. They gain confidence by learning to: • Overcome the fear of falling and learn to view falls as controllable • Set goals for increasing activity • Recognize fall hazards • Make changes to reduce fall risk at home • Exercise to increase strength and balance What do participants learn?
Who should attend?
The program is designed to benefit older adults who: • Are concerned about falls • Have sustained falls in the past • Restrict activities because of concerns about falling • Are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength
• Are age 60 or older, community-dwelling and able to problem solve
For more information and to register, contact Jennie at (520) 305-3410.
*Events subject to change due to health precautions. See page 31 for details.
July 2022, Never Too Late | Page 15
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
The Aging Mastery Program (AMP) classes in person Tuesdays, September 13 – November 15, 2022, 1:30 – 3:00 pm* The Aging Mastery Program (AMP) classes will explore: ® ®
• Advance Planning • Healthy Eating and Hydration • Medication Management • Fall Prevention • Community Engagement
• Navigating Longer Lives • Exercise and You • Sleep • Financial Fitness • Healthy Relationships
A comprehensive approach to aging well. The program combines classes with expert speakers, group discussion and goal setting to help you gain new skills to make small meaningful changes in your life. Registration is payable in advance for all 10 weeks of the program. Limited spots available: Sign up now! Fee: $89/person if registered and paid by Tues., August 16. After Aug. 16, fee is $99/person Registration and Fee (payable in advance) by Tuesday, August 16, 2022 (No refunds after Tues., August 16, 2022 ) Location: Offered in person at The Katie PCOA Healthy Aging Center (TEP Room), 600 S Country Club
*Event subject to change due to health precautions. See page 31 for details.
Join the adventure!
For more information and to REGISTER, call Pima Council on Aging, 520-305-3409
Page 16 | July 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home Can Be Tricky: Here’s How to Do It Right American Heart Association News -- Knowing your blood pressure is a basic part of good health. But monitoring it at home can get complicated. "It sounds easy – you buy a device, smack the cuff on your upper arm and push a button, right? It's not so easy," said Dr. Daichi Shimbo, co-director of the Columbia Hypertension Center in New York. High blood pressure is a common condition in adults that's associated with "really bad consequences," such as heart attacks, strokes and dementia, Shimbo said. To diagnose and track it, doctors often ask people to check it at home. But even professionals can get tripped up on the proper procedures for The top number in a reading measures systolic pressure, the force against artery walls when the heart beats. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures that same force between beats. Dr. Karen Margolis, senior research investigator at HealthPartners Institute in Minneapolis, puts it this way: "The top number is when your heart is squeezing. The bottom number is when your heart is relaxing." If you're using a stethoscope, where a heartbeat sounds like "lub-dub," the "lub" is the squeeze, and the "dub" is the relaxing. The original measuring devices used mercury-filled tubes, delineated in millimeters. So blood pressure is expressed in millimeters of mercury. Modern digital monitors don't use mercury, but the principle is the same: A cuff around your arm cuts off blood flow in the artery inside your elbow. As the cuff is loosened, the "whoosh" of blood starting to flow again provides the systolic reading. When the noise stops, that's the diastolic number. home blood pressure monitoring. Here's help with some of the basics. What exactly do those numbers mean?
Looking for a Fun Way to be More Active?
Come join us for this fun, engaging and healthy activity! A FUN, AFFORDABLE WAY TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Bingocize (offered in person) The Katie , 600 S. Country Club Rd., (Fitness Room)
Aug. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, Sept. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, Oct. 4, 6 Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9 – 10 am Donation Fee: $40 (covers your supplies) for a bi-weekly class for 10 weeks (20 classes total) To Register: https://bingocizeaug22.eventbrite.com or call Jennie, 520.305.3410
Bingocize® is an evidence based program that combines exercise and health information with the familiar game of bingo, which has shown to be a great, fun way to get seniors moving and socializing. Your participation can lead to improved and/or maintained mobility and independence as it is adaptable and beneficial for all ranges of physical and mental ability. The overall goals of the program are to help older adults improve and/or maintain mobility and independence, learn and use health information
focused on falls reduction to promote wellness, socialization and connectedness.
This program is offered by the Healthy Living Department of PCOA
(continued on next page)
July 2022, Never Too Late | Page 17
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home (continued from previous page)
Cuffless devices, including smartwatches, sound cool, Shimbo said. But few have been validated, so he considers them "not ready for primetime." How do I prepare for a measurement? This is "surprisingly hard," Margolis acknowledged. Before taking a reading, you should avoid caffeine. Don't exercise for 30 minutes beforehand. If you smoke, don't smoke. Go to the bathroom. "Ideally, you want to wait until 30 minutes after you've had a meal." Then sit quietly without any distractions for five minutes, Margolis said. "And when I say no distraction, I mean don't watch TV. Don't listen to a podcast. Don't read a book. Definitely don't read the newspaper or listen to the news." What else is important? According to guidelines from the AHA and ACC, sit in a chair that supports your back. Keep your feet flat on the ground. Don't cross your legs. Position and support your upper bare arm at heart level. Keep your palm up and your arm muscles relaxed. Don't talk. Take two readings at least one minute apart. Not following these steps can throw a reading off significantly. A reading taken over clothing, for example, can be off by 5 to 50 points. Does timing matter? Blood pressure tends to be highest in the morning, decreases through the day and is lowest during sleep. To account for that,
when diagnosing high blood pressure, you'll be asked to take two readings in the morning and two in the evening over the course of a week. "I would follow the advice of your doctor for how often to monitor," Margolis said. For example, people whose readings are consistently normal wouldn't need to check so often. What if the reading doesn't match what's in the office? That's one of the things home monitoring hypertension," which is when readings are high in a doctor's office but not outside the office. Others experience "masked hypertension," where readings are normal in a doctor's office but high outside the office. Put another way – a reading in a doctor's office will say what your blood pressure was during the brief time you're in the exam room, Shimbo said. "But you spend all of your life outside the doctor's office. Don't you want to know what your blood pressure is in the real world?" is looking for, Shimbo said. Some people get "white coat American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. If you have questions or comments about this story, please email editor@heart.org. By Michael Merschel, American Heart Association News American Heart Association News CONSUMER NEWS
The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recognize five categories of blood pressure in adults. A reading of less than 120/80 is considered normal. Where do I start? Margolis and Shimbo agreed that proper self-monitoring of blood pressure starts with a validated device. Both co-authored a 2020 policy statement from the AHA and American Medical Association about home blood pressure monitoring. Many devices tout Food and Drug Administration clearance. But the FDA does not validate the accuracy of devices it clears to be sold on the market, Shimbo said. To find a validated device, start with the AMA website validatebp.org. An international consortium also lists validated devices at stridebp.org. What kind of device should I use? Upper arm cuff devices are preferred over wrist devices, according to the AHA/AMA report. "I just find them really difficult to use," Margolis said of the wrist devices. "They're touchy. Your arm has to be in exactly the right position." Still, people with medical issues that preclude compressing the arteries of both upper arms might need a wrist device, she said. And cuff size matters. A "universal" cuff will work for most people, she said, but if you have a very slender or large arm, you'll need an alternate.
Page 18 | July 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
PCOA Puzzle
July Puzzle
50 "Mamma Mia" mamma 53 Fidgety 55 Pursue ardently 56 Ascends 58 Worn out 62 Limb 63 Repast 64 Medical prioritization 65 National boys' gp. 66 Corrosive 67 Confer 68 Male offspring 69 Directed 70 Fall flowers Down 1 Grotto 2 Are you out ---? (Poker) 3 Nudge 4 Cops in general 5 Intention of 6 Baloney 7 Postal delivery 8 Anticipate 9 Cold comforts? 10 Control board 11 Aloft 12 Burdened 14 Heptathlete's specialty 20 Little lady 23 Pulverize 25 Lots of things to do
Answers: following page 37 Is profitable 40 Coordinate 43 Rising current of warm air 47 Each 50 Gun-barrel cleaners 51 Trunk 52 One of the old empire builders 54 Fast rabbit relatives 57 Stated 59 Deceased 60 "Prince ---", Borodin opera 61 Tidings 64 Uninformative schedule info. 26 Pairs 27 Cuss 28 Former Yugoslav dictator 33 Sires 35 Zilch 36 --- the crack of dawn
26 Large handbag 29 Noah's boat 30 Dumped in Boston harbor 31 Homeless child 32 Thick slice 34 First light 38 Bart Simpson's driver 39 Cheryl --- of "Suburgatory" 41 Wine valley 42 Terse 44 Aflutter
Across 1 Statue of Liberty material 7 Got together 10 Buddy 13 Dry gulch 14 Cab 15 Lawyers' grp. 16 Flower of Rhode Island 17 Rends 18 Affirmative signal 19 Call the whole thing off 20 Very strong winds 21 First lady 22 Stand-up guy 24 "Thanatopsis" poet William --- Bryant
45 Operation Overlord 46 Half a Latin dance
48 Wetland 49 Snitches
July 2022, Never Too Late | Page 19
Pima Council on Aging
Information
Aging and Your Eyes
As you age, it is normal to notice changes in your vision. A few common changes for older adults include: • Losing the ability to see up close • Having trouble distinguishing colors, such as blue from black • Needing more time to adjust to changing levels of light These problems are often easily corrected. Glasses, contact lenses, and improved lighting may help and enable you to maintain your lifestyle and independence. Your risk for some eye diseases and conditions increases as you grow older, and some eye changes are more serious. Keep your eyes as healthy as possible by getting regular eye exams so any problems can be spotted early. What can you do to protect your vision? Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye care professional — either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Finding and treating any problems early can help protect your vision and prevent vision loss. Make a list of your questions and concerns to share with the doctor. Tell them which medications you are taking. Some can affect your eyes. Normal changes in the aging eye usually do not harm your vision. However, sometimes they can be signs of a more serious problem. For example, your eyes may leak tears. This can happen with light sensitivity, wind, or temperature changes. Sunglasses and eye drops may help. Sometimes, leaking tears may be a symptom of dry eye or sign of an infection or blocked tear duct. Your eye care professional can treat these problems. Many people don’t notice any signs or symptoms in the early stages of eye diseases. A dilated eye exam performed by an eye care professional is the only way to find some common eye diseases while they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss. Everyone over age 50 should have a dilated eye exam every year or as recommended by your eye care professional, even if you have good vision and don’t wear contacts or glasses. After age 60, you should get a dilated eye exam every year or two. Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated exam at least once a year. During this exam, the eye care professional will put drops in your eyes to widen (dilate) your pupils so that he or she can better see inside each eye. Your vision may be blurry after the exam, and your eyes may be more sensitive to light. This only lasts a few hours. Make plans for someone else to drive you home.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, get your prescription checked, too. Even small changes in sight can increase your risk for falls and injuries. It’s important to use the proper prescription glasses or contact lenses. See your primary health care provider regularly to check for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases can cause eye problems if not controlled or treated. Tips for healthy eyes at any age There are things you can do to take good care of your eyes and help keep them healthy as you age: • Protect your eyes from sunlight by wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a hat with a wide brim when you are outside. • Stop smoking. • Make smart food choices. • Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
(continued on page 32)
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Page 20 | July 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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