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MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM Health Matters
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
AGING MINDSET Thriving Through Time
INSIDE THE CONSCIOUS
In simple terms, conscious aging (also known as “conscious eldering”) is a philosophy that looks beyond traditional beliefs and stereotypes of people of a certain age, encouraging them to embrace where they are in life and pursue their passions. The goal is to engage in activities and a lifestyle authentically yours — not defined by the expectation of what an older adult should be or do. Naturally, the application of conscious aging is as varied as the individuals who embrace it. For example, researchers in Japan have noted the positive effects of “forest bathing” — taking a walk in the woods with friends — on an older person’s mood and overall health. In another instance, an episode focusing on conscious aging by the internet talk show “Limestone Lens” mentioned a 92-year-old woman who found joy in reupholstering her RV. No matter how you apply it to your everyday life, conscious aging is a great tool to help inspire your mind and body to keep moving forward at any stage of life. In an essay on the conscious aging phenomenon, writer Cynthia Bourgeault encourages readers to “honestly accept the journey into physical diminishment as
the new learning curve in [their] life and embrace it with curiosity and beginner’s mind.” Although conscious aging is a process meant to bring greater physical well-being and peace of mind to the practitioner, Bourgeault cautions that overextending yourself in the process is counterproductive and potentially harmful. “Don’t push beyond the limits of what you can responsibly sustain — not routinely, anyway,” she says. “Above all, [don’t] ‘prove you can still do it’ through some heroic overexertion. Binge exertion becomes increasingly costly as you age.” Above all, conscious aging should be fun , as maintaining a positive attitude is essential at any age. Although we live in a divisive and often stressful world, it will continue to spin regardless of its problems. I encourage you to find new ways to embrace your position in life and reenergize your spirit and sense of self- worth. If you develop successful new goals under the conscious aging philosophy, I’d love to hear about them! No matter what stage you’re in, it’s never too late to live it to its fullest.
“Too many people, when they get old, think that they have to live by the calendar.” —John Glenn It’s impossible to slow time, but that doesn’t mean we must allow it to work against us. It’s hard to believe, but time has ushered us quickly into another year. As many of us finally unwind from our holiday schedules, we begin to set our course for the new year. While January is often viewed as a time to focus on achieving positive goals for our physical and mental health, it can be a challenging — and even debilitating — time for folks over 65. New Year’s Day and the preceding holidays may remind them of absent friends, loved ones separated by distance, and their mortality. This mindset may lead them to feel depressed and isolated and give many the sense that their remaining years are slipping away — especially in a society that places such a high value on youthfulness. Of course, how you feel mentally will impact how you feel physically. If you’ve been feeling down lately, I’d like to share a concept I recently learned about that may help: conscious aging.
—Tim Hanbury
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One of the great things about living in South Carolina this time of year is that we don’t have to shovel sunshine! Aside from a few cold days here and there, our state avoids much of the bad weather blues that affect northern and midwestern states. Our relatively mild winters put us in a great position to stay in shape — outside in the fresh air or indoors where it’s nice and cozy. Here are two quick tips to help you stay fit throughout the season and beyond. Sunny Winter Fitness Tips MILD SEASON, MAXIMUM HEALTH
What Our Clients Think!
“You are super helpful and make the changes needed each year during the enrollment period. Thank you!” –Robin Aleksinas “Jason is a very personable and professional person! I find him very knowledgeable and efficient, warm and friendly.” –Gerhard Brass “Tim and his team have pointed me in the right direction each and every year.” –James Murdock III
GLOWING HEALTH IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS It’s amazing what the simple act of walking outside in the sun can do for our bodies. In addition to helping us avoid airborne illnesses by not being stuck indoors — where germs love to roam — spending time in natural sunlight is a fantastic source of vitamin D, which helps support our immune systems. Pro-tip: Including leafy greens, dairy, and fish in our diets can help us protect our bone strength and prevent them from becoming brittle as we age. If your diet restricts one or more of these items, supplements high in calcium or vitamin D are a great alternative. Of course, you should always consult your physician before making significant changes to your diet to ensure your body receives the right amount of nutrients. INDOOR MUSCLE MOVES If you want a more intense workout than walking may provide but don’t have the resources to invest in a gym membership or in-house exercise equipment, your home already offers everything you need to keep your muscles moving. To give your cardiovascular system — as well as your calves, abs, and glutes — a nice wake-up, take a few minutes every day to perform repetitions on a set of stairs. If you’re looking for a more aesthetically pleasing way to feel better, reserve household chores — such as vacuuming or rearranging furniture — for times during the day when you typically begin to feel sluggish. A plan to do more around the house will keep you active throughout the day and ensure a more restful night.
—Tim Hanbury
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A NEW PATH TO PERFECT HEALING ROUTINE MEDICAL CARE REIMAGINED
Health care may be a business, but that doesn’t mean a patient should be treated as a number instead of a name. From our experience, many elderly clients are reluctant to seek primary medical care because they fear being rushed through an appointment as their overburdened doctor pushes through their daily schedule. To help address this valid concern, Medicare has agreements with organizations that receive a “capitation rate” — a flat amount per month per patient — to ensure every visitor gets a higher level of personalized care than at traditional centers by limiting the number of patients participating physicians can see on a given day. This system offers a new way of looking at medical treatment and provides an alternative to the corporatized structure of elder care. Here
are two examples of how this structure reimagines the health care system
on average, 50% more one-on-one time with patients than at typical centers. The organization’s Home Health division creates “personalized care plans to help patients confidently manage their condition or recover from a hospital stay from the comfort of home.” Details on locations in your area and other services are available at CenterWellPrimaryCare.com . Senior health care is often complex, and a solution that works for you may not be the best answer for someone else. Please contact us for more information on these and other alternatives to traditional primary care. —Tim Hanbury
OAK STREET HEALTH Part of CVS Health, Oak Street Health follows “a personalized preventive care model” that ensures new patients receive 40 minutes with their physician for their first two visits, with monthly checkups added to their schedules going forward. An AARP-endorsed primary care provider, Oak Street offers “personalized wellness plans, integrated health services, and educational and social activities to support overall health and well-being.” More information, including locations in South Carolina, is available at OakStreetHealth.com . CENTERWELL SENIOR PRIMARY CARE Operated by Humana, CenterWell Senior Primary Care prides itself on providing,
CITRUS-HERB PORK ROAST
WORD SEARCH
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 boneless pork sirloin roast (3–4 pounds) • 2 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp pepper •
DIRECTIONS
2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges 1 cup plus 3 tbsp orange juice, divided
1. Cut roast in half. In a small bowl, combine oregano, ginger, and pepper; rub over pork. In a large skillet coated with oil, brown roast on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker; add onions. 2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup orange juice, sugar, grapefruit juice, steak sauce, and soy sauce; pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat and onions to a platter. 3. Transfer cooking juices to a small saucepan. Add orange zest and salt. Bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and remaining orange juice. Gradually stir into the pan for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pork and noodles.
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• • • • • • • •
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp grapefruit juice 1 tbsp steak sauce 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tsp grated orange zest
BEGINNINGS BLANKETS CARNATION CAPRICORN GARNET HEALTHY
ICICLE PENGUIN PLANNING
RESOLUTION SNOWBOARD SOUPY
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp cornstarch
Egg noodles, cooked
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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LIVING LIMITLESSLY
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INSIDE AND OUTDOOR WELLNESS WINS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK
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SOLVING THE PERSONALIZED CARE PUZZLE
CITRUS-HERB PORK ROAST
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A DEAF DOG’S REMARKABLE JOURNEY
THE SILENT HEALER Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives
At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also
introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. He may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.” Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As a society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring and as open-minded as a dog can be.”
Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort. “Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.”
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
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