Never Too Late - January 2022

Never Too Late Para información en Español ver páginas 19 - 21

January 2022 What’s News • Aging in Our Community • Dementia Capable SoAZ • Medicare Presentation & SMP Info • Rights & Benefits: ALTCS Workshop • Caregiving • Healthy Living • PCOA Puzzle • Advocacy • Neighbors Care Alliance • Visibility Matters • CareGiver Training Institute • PimaCare at Home • What is HomeMatch Pima?

Happy New Year!

P U B L I C AT I ON O F P I MA COU N C I L ON AG I N G , H E L P I N G P I MA COU N T Y AG E WE L L S I N C E 1 9 6 7

Independence. Vitality. Respect.

Inside • Aging in Our Community 3 • Dementia Capable SoAZ 4 • Medicare Presentation & SMP 5-6 • Rights & Benefits 7 - 8 • Caregiving 9 - 11 • Healthy Living 13 - 16 • PCOA Puzzle 17 - 18 • Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde 19 - 21 • Ending Life Well 22

• Advocacy 23 • Senior Companion Program 24 • Neighbors Care Alliance 25 - 26 • Visibility Matters 28 • What is HomeMatch Pima? 29 • Featured Artist 30 • CareGiver Training Institute, Healthcare Education by PCOA 31 • PimaCare at Home, In-Home Care by PCOA 32

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 2021. 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 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. Editorial and Advertising Deadline for Next Issue JANUARY 3 2022

On the Cover: Detail from Oak Creek, watercolor by Tad Lamb 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.

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Pima Council on Aging

Aging in Our Community A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO

participate and receive help. We also offer training for family caregivers and professional care providers, including hands-on caregiving skills training, first aid and CPR, and our Visibility Matters LGBTQI+ sensitivity training. Among our newer offerings is the work being done by our Dementia Capable Southern Arizona project, anchored at PCOA and delivered in collaboration with a variety of community partners to expand our community’s capacity to support those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and their caregivers. We now offer free memory screenings, are working with partners to host memory cafes for people with dementia and their caregivers, and are developing workplace supports. This year, we will take a lead role in conjunction with Pima County government to develop a Dementia Friendly Community plan, with the intent of making the whole County a more inclusive, understanding and supportive place for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Also this year, with support from the Pima County Board of Supervisors and the Mayor and Council of the City of Tucson, PCOA is launching a pilot home sharing program, HomeMatch Pima. The program will match home owners who have space to share with people seeking affordable housing solutions. Older adults who may be house rich but income poor will benefit from the increased cash resources of

As the new year begins, I’m excited about the opportunities PCOA has to offer our community. The amazing support we have received, and continue to receive, has made it possible for us to be responsive to the diverse and urgent needs of older adults during these past couple of challenging years. I’m immeasurably proud of the work we have done, and looking forward to what we are poised to do in 2022. And we are humbled and in awe of your support. In March of 2020, at the outset of the pandemic, we and our community partners collectively suspended the community lunch program that was at the time operating in 12 sites across Pima County. Since that time, we have offered grab and go freshly prepared meals for curbside pickup at many of those sites to ensure continued access to nutritious food for older adults who were relying on those lunch programs for daily meals or otherwise needed assistance to meet their nutritional needs. We are now making plans to re-open the community lunch programs, and I’m optimistic about doing so sooner than later. We continue to expand our virtual and in-person opportunities to engage, learn, connect, and receive assistance. Our Healthy Living Programs, Family Caregiver Services, End of Life Initiatives, Medicare Program, and so many other services offer a variety of in-person and remote ways to

home sharing, as well as increased social contact, and as a community, we can put existing housing stock to use housing people who are struggling in our current high-rent environment and also seeking social connection. That program is currently in the planning and building phase and is not yet making matches, but interested home owners can visit HomeMatchPima. pcoa.org and complete an interest form, and will receive more information once the service is up and running later in the year. Please note that home owners must be age 60 or older for participation in HomeMatch Pima. I know the board, staff and volunteers of PCOA, PimaCare at Home and CareGiver Training Institute echo my sentiment when I say we enter this new year with renewed energy for and a deep commitment to the very important work before us. Older adults in our community want and deserve the experience of aging well, in an environment that supports them, respects their contributions, and provides for their needs. As advocates and providers of information and services, PCOA enters 2022 with revitalized resolve to lead the way in making the communities of Pima County stellar places to age well.

W. Mark Clark President & CEO

January 2022, Never Too Late | Page 3

Pima Council on Aging

Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na

Have you ever heard the phrase, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”? Many times, caregivers are so wrapped up in providing care for others that they neglect caring for themselves. According to the National Institute on Aging, caregivers are more likely to have physical and emotional health problems,

Memory Cafés A Memory Café is a warm, welcoming environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. They are designed to include family members and caregivers as well (if they are involved), for a shared experience. Additionally, they can be helpful for people with all forms of mild cognitive impairment. They are a place to talk with others who understand what you are going through, to forget your limitations and instead focus on strengths, socialize, and explore something new. All cafés have a shared goal – to help guests feel comfortable and to know that they are not alone. Let It Be – Memory Café is hosting a virtual concert series, each month a different local band or musical will come and provide musical entertainment for your enjoyment! The next café will be Sunday January 16 , 2022, from 1:00–2:00pm via Zoom (click here) Zoom Meeting ID: 869 9389 8633 Passcode: 225829 Contact: Marven Page – (520) 477-2389 or MPage@ichd.net

the risk of which heightens when adding holiday stressors. Some common signs of stress are a change in eating or sleeping habits, difficulty concentrating, fatigue or restlessness and irritability. If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to hit pause and evaluate what you can do to care for yourself. While self-care is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver it can be difficult to prioritize in the midst of caring for others. Staying connected with family and friends, focusing on your mental and physical health, engaging in relaxing or entertaining activities and creating a calming, pleasant environment are some ways to self-care. Where does self-care start when you are living with memory loss? Whether you have a care partner living with you or you are living alone, a support system is vital. Engaging socially is important, whether it is getting together for coffee, talking on the phone, video chatting or attending a Memory Café. Being able to stay connected with your support system and focus on things that are not dementia related is essential. Activities, movement, and exercise can be beneficial for both a caregiver and person living with dementia. Research suggests that a delay or slowing decline in thinking skills, reduced stress, and increased symptoms of depressions may result from mild-to- moderate activity. Going for short walks, doing a puzzle, listening to a podcast, or painting are all things that you can try to both engage your body and mind. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel about what is happening. Creating a support system and space for you and your loved one to be safe and cared for will help you as you go through this journey.

Memory concerns? Call the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262 or visit our website to complete a referral form online https://www.pcoa.org/dementiareferral/

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Pima Council on Aging

2022 Understanding Medicare - What You Need to Know Events Medicare Corner

In-Person

The Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center, 600 S Country Club Registration required

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0049, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), 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 ACL policy 02/05/21 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment January 1 – March 31 This applies only if you are enrolled in an Advantage plan as of January 1st. You may: • Switch between Advantage plans • Leave your Advantage plan to enroll in Original Medicare and a standalone Part D plan Coverage begins July 1st Those going back to Original Medicare may be subject to underwriting for a Medigap plan Fri. 1/14 1–4 pm Limited seating https://umjan22.eventbrite.com All participants in this in-person event will be required to wear masks and adhere to PCOA distancing and safety guidelines, regardless of vaccination status. To assure your safety and that of others, depending on the situation with COVID-19 in our community, this event may be canceled or changed from an in-person event to a virtual event. Once registered, you will be notified regarding any such changes, should they occur, and provided with information about how to join the virtual event and additional options.

January 2022, Never Too Late | Page 5

Pima Council on Aging

SMP Corner

By Tina Marie Higdon, PCOA Medicare Program Coordinator The Louisiana Department of Insurance recently published a story of scammers posing as insurance agents hoping to get commissions from booking beneficiaries into new plans. Unfortunately, this is not new to Pima County. The annual open enrollment period ending in December with the flurry of ads, calls, and increased confusion has opened beneficiaries up to these types of scams. We are in the General enrollment period which runs from January 1 to March 31, and this is the time to review your Medicare Advantage plans that started January 1st and decide if this is the best plan for your needs. This is also the time for increased vigilance. What can you do to protect yourself? • Do not engage with unsolicited or cold calls from anyone that wants to talk about Medicare insurance. • Do not give these callers your name, Medicare number, Social Security number, or any personal information. • If you receive one of these calls and answer, ask for their name, license number, then call your local Scammers posing as Insurance agents

SHIP or SMP program (PCOA) to report the call. • If you discover your plan has been switched without your knowledge, call your local SHIP program at PCOA so we can assist with having your plan switched back. • If you have questions about Medicare, contact a trusted and

unbiased community partner like PCOA’s SHIP and SMP programs. PCOA SHIP 520-546-2011 SMP 520-790-7573 x2017 SLAM THE SCAM BEFORE IT SLAMS YOU

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Pima Council on Aging

Rights & Benefits Information ALTCS Workshop

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.

Join us by computer, tablet or phone. Topic: ALTCS Workshop Time: January 13, 2:30 p.m. MST. Every month on the Second Thursday. Please join ALTCS Presentation on Zoom from your computer, tablet, or phone. Join Zoom Meeting https://pcoa-org.zoom.us/j/81343452577?pwd=ZjM3NG dzVHA0MXhwMXBaYmNxaHBGQT09

Entertainment by MS. SENIOR ARIZONA

Bronze Sponsor

Or call +1 669 900 9128 US Meeting ID: 813 4345 2577 Passcode: 118666

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To register , go to: https://altcsjan22.eventbrite.com, or call Donna DeLeon at 520.790.7573 ext 1750.

January 2022, Never Too Late | Page 7

Pima Council on Aging

Rights & Benefits Information

Tax breaks for older adults

There are three types of tax programs for which you may be eligible:

• Applications made after October 1st , 2022, may only be eligible for a reduction to the second half of 2022 property taxes. • Additional restrictions may apply, contact the Pima County Assessor Valuation Relief team for more information. **These amounts are taxable income (non-taxable Social Security and Railroad Retirement are not included as taxable income) Call PCOA Central Intake at (520)790-7262 or the Tax Assessor’s office at (520)724-8630 or AsrValRelief@pima.gov in Tucson for written information and application locations. The Senior Property Valuation Freeze Option may be filed if you meet the following criteria: • At least one of the owners must be 65 years of age by September 1 of the current application year. • The property must be the primary residence of the taxpayer (primary residence is defined as “that residence which is occupied by the taxpayer for an aggregate of nine months of the calendar year”). A taxpayer can only have one primary residence. Rentals, mixed use properties, and properties over 10 acres do not qualify. • The owner must have lived and owned the home for at least two (2) years prior to applying for the option. • The household’s (owner/s and residents) total income from ALL sources, including non-taxable income, cannot exceed $40,368 for an individual property owner or $50,460 for two or more property owners. • The annual application period is from February 28 (or after receipt of annual property valuation) until September 1, 2022. Under the terms of the Senior Property Valuation Protection Option, the evaluation of the older adult’s home can be ‘frozen’ at the current year’s valuation so that the value does not increase. The Pima County Board of Supervisors may still levy additional taxes. For more details about this program, Call PCOA Central Intake at (520)790-7262 or the County Assessor’s office at (520)724-8630 in Tucson. 3

The Arizona Property Tax Refund Credit, also known as the 140PTC, may be filed if you meet the following criteria: • Arizona resident for the entire year of 2021. • Age 65 or older by 12/31/2021 or a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). • Limited household income. Call PCOA Central Intake at 520-790-7262 for income guidelines. • You paid property taxes and/or rent in 2021.

Call PCOA Central Intake at 790-7262 in Tucson for 140PTC forms, or to make an appointment for assistance in completing this form. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE PIMA COUNTY ASSESSOR OR TREASURER OFFICES REGARDING THIS FORM. This program is available during normal tax season from January through April 15, 2022. PCOA will be providing telephone appointments and some in-person appointments for assistance beginning the last week in January. Qualifications for widow/widower and disability exemption applicants: • The applicant must be a widow, widower, or 100% disabled as of January 1 of the year you are filing for exemption. • The applicant must be a permanent Arizona Resident. • The applicant must be over the age of 17. • Income limitations ** o $34,901 for applicant, including spouse’s income and/or income of children over the age of 18 who reside in the home o $41,870 for applicant with dependent children under the age of 18 residing in the home o $41,870 for applicant with a disabled son or daughter over the age of 18 residing in the home (must be certified by a licensed Arizona medical authority as totally and permanently disabled) • The Assessed Value limitation is $28,459 Residential Property for each owner. • Applicants must have owned the subject property as of January 1 of the year you are filing for exemptions. • Applicants can file for current tax year only and not for any prior years. 2

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Pima Council on Aging

Caregiving

Finding Meaning and Hope is designed for full-time, part-time, or long-distance informal caregivers of loved ones with dementia or other conditions where the care recipient is physically present but psychologically absent. The term coined by Dr. Boss to describe this is “ambiguous loss.” It gives a name to the caregivers’ ongoing experience of loss and grief. The video series is the basis for structured weekly conversations led by a trained facilitator from the Pima Council on Aging (PCOA), Family Caregiver Support Program, to help equip caregivers with tools to reduce stress and build resilience. A 20-minute video with Dr. Boss and Family caregivers is shared at each class followed by discussion on the topic in the video. Here are the topics of what will be discussed. Week 1 – The Ambiguous Loss of Dementia: How Absence and Presence Coexist Week 2 – The Complications of Both Loss and Grief Week 3 – Stress, Coping, and Resiliency Week 4 – The Myth of Closure Week 5 – The Psychological Family Week 6 – Family Rituals, Celebrations, and Gatherings Week 7 – Seven Guidelines for the Journey, Part I Week 8 – Seven Guidelines for the Journey, Part II Week 9 – Delicious Ambiguity Week 10 – The Good-Enough Relationship These classes are offered in a safe and confidential environment in which to share, develop friendships and build support for being a resilient caregiver. Register through Eventbrite at https://findingmeaningandhopejan22.eventbrite.com For more information or to register in person, contact Deb Waring at PCOA 520-790-7573 ext 3407, dwaring@pcoa.org. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required.

Join a group of fellow caregivers as we discuss the complexities of ongoing loss associated with caring for someone with dementia and what to do about it. You will learn skills to help you stay strong, healthy, resilient, and positive so you can navigate the journey with healing and hope. This discussion series features videos based on the groundbreaking book, Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Stress and Grief by Pauline Boss, Ph.D., the nation’s leading expert on caregiver grief. Finding Meaning and Hope Video Discussion Series Details: Where: The Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center 600 S Country Club Rd., Tucson, 85716 When: Wednesdays, January 5 through March 9* Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Thanks to our community partners

*Event subject to change due to health precautions. See page 29 for details.

January 2022, Never Too Late | Page 9

Pima Council on Aging

Caregiving

PCOA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – JANUARY Three are currently being held by Zoom plus seven 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 Sam in Caregiver Support at 520-305-3405 Participation in the groups can be in person (7 groups), by telephone or by computer/tablet/smartphone w/ video. 1/3, Monday , 1–2:30pm (East) *IN PERSON 1/4, Tuesday , 12–1:30pm (Oro Valley) *IN PERSON 1/6, Thursday , 1–2:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 1/10, Monday , 1–2:30pm (Green Valley) *IN PERSON 1/11, Tuesday, 5:30–7pm (Midtown) *IN PERSON

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. In–person support group participants are required to wear masks and social distance. 1/13, Thursday, 1–2:30pm (Midtown) *IN PERSON 1/18, Tuesday , 9–10:30am Virtual ON ZOOM 1/20, Thursday, 1:30–3pm (Midtown) *IN PERSON 1/24, Monday , 11am–12:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM

JANUARY

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only robs today of its joy.” — Leo Buscaglia

1/25, Tuesday , 9–10:30am (Southwest) Tucson Estates *IN PERSON

*Event subject to change due to health precautions. See page 29 for details.

To reserve a space or if you have any questions, please contact Sam at PCOA Caregiver Support, sbandiera@pcoa.org, (520) 790-7573 Ext. 3405

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Pima Council on Aging

Caregiving

True Strength is Knowing Your Limits

By Selina Linn , PCOA Aging and Caregiving Specialist

started to become a hoarding situation. [persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions] What was something stressful that you were surprised by? Small tasks somehow become more stressful. I love to cook. She would refuse to eat. I would frantically try to make meals she would like. My day became preoccupied with coming up with new recipes. I started to make meal plans. Cooking was no longer something My mother-in-law wanted everything to be very quiet. If I brought people over, she would yell for them to leave or say something unpleasant. I just stopped bringing people over. I couldn’t leave her alone, so I stopped going anywhere. How did it affect your marriage? that brought me joy. Did you feel isolated? My husband did not understand her symptoms or behaviors, so it made a wedge in our marriage. I got a nanny cam. The camera was so I could watch her in another room and, so I could play it for my husband to keep the peace. When she would tell him that I denied her food or tried to hurt her, I would not argue, I would just show him the video of her day. When did you know you could no longer be the primary family caregiver? One day, I was trying to mop. She grabbed the mop and began to dump water on the floor. She began to walk in the puddle of water and was losing

her footing. I tried to pull her out of the puddle. Once she was out of danger, she ran straight for the door, out into the streets, screaming that I was hurting her. I broke down in tears. I had reached my limit. Where is your mother-in-law now? She is with my brother-in-law. I can see that he is overwhelmed, I can see in him what I was going through, but he will not take any help at this time. What do you want other family caregivers to know? That it is not weak or shameful to ask for help. I thought I was prepared. Being a family caregiver is a full-time job 24/7 and everything else goes by the wayside. What would you tell family members and friends of the family caregiver? Not to give up on us! To keep calling and asking if we are okay. I had friends and family who would ask me daily, “Are you Okay? Do you need help? We are here for you!” I needed their words! If you are a family caregiver or know a family caregiver that needs help, please reach out to us. Call the PCOA helpline at (520) 790-7262 and ask to be put in contact with an Aging and Caregiving Specialist.

Here is Peggy’s caregiver story. Peggy is a middle-aged married woman with an active life. She works full time and has many friends. She appears to be someone who can do it all, but there comes a time in everyone’s life when true strength is knowing your limits. Why did you become a family caregiver? My mother-in-law was always independent but when she turned 84, she had an accident that caused her memory to change. She was diagnosed with dementia and was no longer able to function as she did before. After a few weeks, with her being in the home with my husband and I, I realized that I was not able to work full-time and care for her. I realized I had to resign. It was very hard to resign from a career that I was proud of. What type of behaviors did your mother- in-law have that were caused by her dementia? She would become angry. When my husband came home from work, she would tell him that I was abusing her. She had “sundowners”, which means that her dementia symptoms became more severe at night. She would become more aggressive and more agitated by noises. What type of behavior did she develop that you were not expecting? She became fascinated with plastic bags. She would collect plastic bags and find anything she could to put in the bags. It

January 2022, Never Too Late | Page 11

Pima Council on Aging

Information

We are excited to launch a new phase of our Take YOUR Shot campaign to encourage community members to get their COVID-19 vaccine, boosters, and flu shot. This new iteration of the campaign is multifaceted and focuses on both community organizing and media, including print, TV, radio, and social media. In December, we sent canvassers to neighborhoods to speak directly with residents about why it’s important to get vaccinated and to help unvaccinated residents find vaccination sites near them. This community outreach is essential to increasing the access people have and the accurate information they receive about vaccines, and it cannot be accomplished without community members like you. We need YOUR help! We are currently seeking volunteers and will provide all the training and talking points required, so there is no experience needed. If you are interested in helping your community get vaccinated and providing Tucson residents with updated information about vaccines, please reach out to Leah Marty at lmarty@ pcoa.org and (520) 790-7573 ext. 1768.

The CDC is now recommending COVID-19 booster shots for people 16 years of age and older. If you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, you should get your booster shot at least 2 months after. If you received Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine, you should get your booster shot at least 6 months after your second dose. COVID vaccines, booster shots, and flu shots are all available at multiple locations throughout Pima County. Please visit covid19.pcoa.org for the latest recommendations and current resources. Be sure to like and share our videos, and talk to your family and friends about getting their vaccines. To get your questions answered and to schedule a free at-home vaccine appointment for a COVID vaccine, booster shot, or flu shot, please call (520) 222-0119.

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Pima Council on Aging

Healthy Living

The Aging Mastery Program (AMP) classes Tuesdays, February 15 – April 19, 2022, 1:30 – 3:00 pm*

The Aging Mastery Program (AMP) classes will explore: ®

• Healthy Relationships • Healthy Eating and Hydration • Medication Management • Fall Prevention • Community Engagement

• Navigating Longer Lives • Exercise and You • Sleep

• Financial Fitness • Advance Planning

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., Feb. 1. After Feb. 1, fee is $99 Registration and Fee (payable in advance) by Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 (No refunds after Tues., Feb. 1, 2022 ) Location: Offered in-person at The Katie PCOA Healthy Aging Center, 600 S Country Club

Join the adventure!

*Event subject to change due to health precautions. See page 29 for details.

For more information and to REGISTER, call Pima Council on Aging, 520-305-3409

January 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.

Healthy Living with Ongoing Health Conditions offered in-person

*Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10 Thursdays from 10:00 – 12:30 pm

Healthy Living with Ongoing Health Conditions , also named the Chronic Disease Self- Management Program (CDSMP), was developed for people with ongoing health conditions - those who want to restore the feeling that they are living “with” a condition rather than letting “it” control them. Participants and their caregiver/support person learn practical skills for managing their chronic health problems such as tools to communicate effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, problem solving and relaxation techniques which result in improved health status and proper utilization of the health care system.

600 S. Country Club Rd. What: A six-week program for 2.5 hours once a week Registered participants receive a copy of the Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions . Contribution: $30 per couple (covers your book and supplies)

EnhanceFitness®

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.

Our current schedule for EnhanceFitness® classes (1 hour class) is: • Mon/Wed/Fri: 9:00 am in-person at the Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center, 600 S. Country Club Rd.* • Mon/Wed/Fri: 10:30 am in-person at the Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center, 600 S. Country Club Rd.* • Mon/Wed/Fri: 10:30 am offered remotely via Zoom • Tues 10:30 am/Thurs 1pm/Fri 11am one hour class in person at Tucson Estates* Pre-registration is required through Eventbrite (located on the PCOA homepage, https://pcoa.org/ways-we-help/enhancefitness.html/ ). For assistance, call us at (520) 305-3410. The contribution fee is $36/month per participant. Masks are required for all participants and class size is limited to enable social distancing. *Events subject to change due to health precautions. See page 29 for details.

Call (520) 305-3410 for more information.

*Event subject to change due to health precautions. See page 18 for details.

Learn Practical Skills • Gain Self-confidence • Manage Fall Risks • Positive Changes & Healthier Living

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Pima Council on Aging

Healthy Living

By Marty Twichell , EnhanceFitness Program Coordinator, PCOA’s Healthy Living Department Happy New Year! Did you make a resolution for the coming new year?

A Matter of Balance offered in-person

J an. 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31, Feb. 4* Mondays and Fridays 1:30 – 3:30 pm St. Mark’s United Methodist Church 1431 W. Magee Rd., Tucson, AZ

January 25, 26, Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15,16* Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1:30 – 3:30 pm Posada Life Community Services 780 S. Park Centre, Green Valley, AZ

3. Get the equipment and expertise you need to succeed. If you plan to walk – good walking shoes. For exercise, find an instructor, trainer who can help. For healthy eating, consider buying pre-cut or “steam in the bag” veggies. 4. Invest in yourself but avoid breaking your budget! Make decisions that are healthy for you and your finances. You are worth the investment! 5. Consider a support system. Many people have an exercise buddy, you both are responsible to one another. Making a commitment to a class helps you show up when you don’t really feel like it. Online and in-person programs have great support systems to help. Documenting your progress may be helpful and motivating. 6. Consider meditation and relaxation techniques to help with overall stress and self- compassion. It’s easier to make healthy choices when you care about yourself. 7. Start where you are. Being grateful for what you have and where we are is a good place to start. View “improvements” as a gift you can give yourself! 8. Make 2022 a healthy, fun year for you!

Most of us make resolutions this time of year. It is good to think of things we’d like to improve or change, and it can be a time of reflection on our past year. However, change is hard, which is why less than 8% of us stick with our resolutions. According to the National Institutes of Health, (NIH), 50% of us make the resolution to exercise more and 43% of us resolve to eat healthier! If you are one in that larger group of people, consider a few suggestions to help with your changes: 1. Be specific, small, and realistic. Rather than just a general “eat healthier” goal, think about eating vegetables at every meal, limit fast food to 1-2 times a week, or switch from soda to sparkling water – just a small change. If you are not exercising, consider a 20-minute walk 3x’s a week and schedule it on your calendar. Here is a simple resolution that is realistic, easy to accomplish and can affect your overall health – drink about 1 oz. of water for each pound you weigh every day. 2. Check your motivations. Make these changes for you and be kind and patient with yourself.

Contribution Fee: $30.00 (covers your book and supplies) A Matter of Balance is being offered remotely and all you need to participate is a computer, laptop or tablet with a video camera, microphone and speakers. Many older adults 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.

What do participants learn?

Who should attend?

For more information and to register contact Jennie at 520-305-3410. • Recognize fall hazards • Make changes to reduce fall risk at home • Exercise to increase strength and balance 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

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

*Events subject to change due to health precautions. See page 29 for details.

January 2022, Never Too Late | Page 15

Pima Council on Aging

Healthy Living

Step It Up! Get Active for Your Health

A Step in the Right Direction Walking is an easy way to get moving. But some places make that easier than others. Studies have found that your neighborhood can affect how active you are. Scientists have asked what makes a neighborhood “walkable.” “We found that things like having destinations close by to where you live certainly encourages more walking,” says Dr. Brian Saelens of the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. “Walkable neighborhoods also have more connected street networks,” he says, “so it’s easy to get from point A to point B without taking a long route around.” Strategies to Get Moving Some people find that using wearable devices or phone apps to track progress can be motivating. Other people may benefit from joining a group that does physical activity together. Making physical activity social can make it more fun and feel less like a chore. Try to find someone you enjoy being active with. That can be particularly important for kids, who are more likely to be active with others. If low energy is keeping you from being active, schedule exercise for a time of day when you have the most energy. Tell yourself that physical activity will increase your energy level. It usually does. “Any activity is better than no activity,” says Jakicic. “Don’t look for the magic bullet. Look for what works in your lifestyle, look for what works for you, and then try to build on that every day.” Source: Adapted from NIH News in Health, National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, July 2021

It’s easy to sit more than you should. Many people sit at desks during the day, where we’re inactive for long periods of time. Moving more and sitting less can have major health benefits. Getting regular physical activity is one of best things you can do for your health. Experts recommend adults get at least 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of moderate physical activity a week. That means doing activities that get your heart beating faster. If you do more intense exercise like running, aim for at least 75 minutes a week. Adults should also do activities that strengthen their muscles twice a week. But only about 20% of Americans meet these physical activity goals. The good news is that any physical activity is better than none. Getting active has both immediate and long-term benefits. Benefits for Everyone Physical activity has powerful benefits for almost everyone. “If we could bottle up what physical activity does for us, we would probably have the most powerful pill ever developed,” says Dr. John Jakicic of the University of Pittsburgh. Jakicic is an expert on physical activity and weight control. Physical activity can help you feel and function better. It can improve your sleep, energy level, focus and can help you stay at a healthy weight. It also helps prevent many diseases, including heart and blood vessel disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression, and those already diagnosed with these conditions. It can work immediately to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.

For older adults, physical activity can lower the risk of falls. It also helps reduce injuries if you do fall. It reduces the risk of dementia and improves cognition, or your ability to learn, remember, and think. And staying fit enough to perform everyday tasks can help you live independently for longer. Children benefit, too. Physical activity helps the body to grow and develop. Studies show that being active improves bone health for young children. It also improves brain function for older children. How to Move More Physical activity doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. Getting more active can include simple things like carrying your groceries or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. “People mistakenly think that you have to do it a certain way,” says Jakicic. “That you have to get your heart rate into a certain zone, you have to work really, really hard, and you have to go to a special facility and wear special clothes.” But little choices to be more active can still have big effects. Meeting the 150-minute goal may seem overwhelming. But you can start with a few minutes at a time. “If time is a barrier, you can still gain benefits by breaking your exercise sessions into smaller periods of time,” says Jakicic. For example, you could take three 10-minute walks throughout the day to meet a 30-minute goal. Recent research suggests you can benefit from even a couple of minutes of activity. Every minute counts when it comes to movement.

Page 16 | January 2022, Never Too Late

Pima Council on Aging

PCOA Puzzle

January Puzzle

57 --- Cong 58 "Della and the Dealer" singer --- Axton 60 Adores 63 Energize 65 The world of scholars 67 Sinatra's record label 68 Arcadian 69 Concur 70 Perceive 71 Explosive used as a measure for others Down 1 Martial arts actor Jackie --- 2 Drill 3 Spans 4 Expurgator 5 Label 6 Mulligan, for example

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12

19 20

26 27

36 37 38

7 Northern neighbor 8 Disney TV network 9 Unwilling 10 Shave 11 Tupelo "King" 12 Course launch pads? 14 Hindu dress 15 "Trinity" author --- Uris 20 Bumpkin 23 Repetitive practice

52 53

25 Very cold 26 Oh dear! 27 Place 29 Tibetan priest

61 62

65 66

32 Middle-age spread 34 Seduced by a swan 36 He started the Teddy Bear story 37 --- bene: pay attention 38 Coke 41 "Delta ---", Tanya Tucker hit

44 And not 48 Bidding 50 Comfort 52 Prongs 53 Facilitates 54 Top-of-the-line 56 Extinct Mauritian native 57 N Y C fashionista --- Wang 59 Checks 61 The "NewWorld" symphony was written in this (Abbr.) 62 Religious faction 64 French wine 66 Signal

30 Deed 31 Medium for Old Masters

Across 1 Truckers' radio sets 4 Some coins (Abbr.) 7 Chew out 13 Difficult position 15 Singer Patti --- 16 Place in order 17 Enclosed territory 18 Approaches 19 Stop! 21 French part of U S? 22 Christian ---, couturier 24 Stock market measures 26 Advanced in years 28 Turn over

33 Lofty 35 Tales

39 Chirrup 40 Implant 42 High time 43 A lazy one just goes round and round 45 Verdi's Ethiopian princess 46 Dorothy's dog 47 Fleece 49 Statutes 51 Adage 52 Part of concluding question in "To Tell the Truth" 55 Network junction

Answers: following page

January 2022, Never Too Late | Page 17

Pima Council on Aging

Information

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Cu r i o s i t y

N e v e r R e t i r e s

Puzzle Solution from previous page

C 1 B 2 S 3 C 7 A 8 R 9 P 10 E 11 T 12 H 13 O T S 14 E A T L 15 A B E L L E A 16 R R A N G E E 17 N C L A V E N 18 E A R S W 19 H 20 O A U 21 N I S D 22 I O R 23 I 24 N D I 25 C E S O 26 L 27 D R 28 O L 29 L A 30 C T O 31 I L S 32 T 33 A L L 34 Y 35 A R 36 N 37 S 38 P 39 E E P E 40 M B E D 41 N 42 O O N S 43 U S A N 44 A 45 I D A T 46 O T O R 47 O B 48 L 49 A W S 50 S 51 A W T 52 H 53 E R E A 54 L N 55 O D 56 E V 57 I E T H 58 O Y T 59 L 60 O V E 61 S 62 C 4 T 5 S 6 E 63 N L I V 64 E N A 65 C 66 A D E M E R 67 E P R I S E B 68 U C O L I C A 69 S S E N T S 70 E E T 71 N T

Named Best Hospice Care for 3rd consecutive year

Lighting the way, sharing the journey

During this pandemic, as during all challenging times, Casa de la Luz is committed to providing seriously ill individuals and their families the highest level of patient centered care in the safety of home.

casahospice.com 520.544.9890 Hospice Palliative Care Bereavement

Page 18 | January 2022, Never Too Late

Pima Council on Aging

Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde ¡Saca esta práctica sección de 3 páginas para que te acompañe!

entre otros muchos servicios, ofrecen una amplia variedad de oportunidades presenciales y virtuales para participar y recibir ayuda. También ofrecemos capacitación para cuidadores familiares y para cuidadores profesionales, incluyendo capacitación interactiva, primeros auxilios y RCP, así como nuestra capacitación sobre sensibilidad LGBTQI+. Entre la nueva oferta de servicios está el trabajo que se realiza por medio de nuestro proyecto Dementia Capable Southern Arizona. El proyecto está anclado en POCA y se lleva a cabo en conjunto con varios colaboradores comunitarios para expandir nuestra capacidad comunitaria de apoyo a quienes padecen de Alzheimer u otras enfermedades de demencia y a sus cuidadores. Ahora ofrecemos evaluaciones gratuitas de la memoria y trabajamos con nuestros colaboradores para organizar reuniones para personas con demencia y sus cuidadores. También estamos desarrollando apoyos para las áreas de trabajo. Este año, en colaboración con la autoridad del condado Pima, empezaremos a trabajar en un plan comunitario en apoyo a personas con demencia a fin de que nuestra comunidad sea más inclusiva, comprensiva y solidaria con las personas que padecen de Alzheimer y otras enfermedades similares. Este año PCOA lanzará también un programa piloto de vivienda compartida llamado HomeMatch Pima. Este programa unirá a propietarios de casa que disponen de espacio para compartir con personas que buscan vivienda a bajo costo. Los adultos mayores que cuentan con una

Ahora que inicia el año nuevo, me siento entusiasmado por las oportunidades que ofrece PCOA a nuestra comunidad. El excelente apoyo que hemos recibido, y que seguimos recibiendo, nos ha permitido

casa amplia, pero cuentan con un ingreso bajo, se pueden beneficiar de un ingreso extra al contar con un inquilino y con más interacción social. Juntos, en comunidad, podemos poner las viviendas a disposición de personas que sufren por el alto costo de la renta. Ese programa está en la fase de planificación y desarrollo y aún no está en operaciones; sin embargo, los dueños de casa que estén interesados pueden visitar la página HomeMatchPima. pcoa.org y llenar un formulario para recibir más información cuando el servicio esté activo más adelante. Conozco al consejo directivo, al personal y a los voluntarios de PCOA y PimaCare at Home y expreso el sentimiento de todos cuando digo que iniciamos este año con una renovada energía y un profundo compromiso con el trabajo que nos espera. Los adultos mayores en nuestra comunidad buscan y merecen la oportunidad de envejecer dignamente en un entorno donde se les apoye, donde se respete su aportación y que les proporcione lo que necesitan. Como impulsor y proveedor de información y servicios, PCOA inicia este 2022 con el propósito renovado de encabezar el rumbo para que las comunidades del condado Pima sean un lugar ideal para envejecer dignamente.

responder a las necesidades diversas y urgentes de los adultos mayores durante los difíciles años que acaban de pasar. Estoy sumamente orgulloso del trabajo que hemos realizado y me alegra contemplar lo que viene para este 2022. A principios de la pandemia en marzo de 2020, junto con nuestros colaboradores en la comunidad suspendimos el programa de almuerzos comunitarios que en aquel momento operaba en 12 lugares en el condado Pima. Desde entonces, hemos ofrecido alimentos recién preparados para llevar en muchos de estos lugares a fin de garantizar el acceso constante a alimentos nutritivos para adultos mayores que dependen de estos programas alimenticios, pues de lo contrario necesitarían ayuda para satisfacer sus necesidades nutrimentales. Hoy estamos haciendo planes para reabrir los programas de almuerzos comunitarios y confío en que lo haremos muy pronto. Seguimos expandiendo nuestras oportunidades virtuales y presenciales que permitan la participación, el aprendizaje, los vínculos y la entrega de apoyos. Nuestros programas de vivienda sana, los servicios de cuidadores familiares, las iniciativas sobre el final de la vida y el programa de Medicare,

W. Mark Clark Presidente y Director General

January 2022, Never Too Late | Page 19

Pima Council on Aging

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