Take a look at our latest newsletter!
A Second Season in the Garden ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Agents For Life
Spring is back, which means our family is knee-deep in compost and dirt and looking forward to another productive season in the garden. Last year, we joined a community garden for the first time, and it quickly became the best part of our summer. The entire experience was so rewarding that we knew we’d be back at it in 2025. A family friend started this garden. He’s a professor and behavioral therapist who saw the potential to create a therapeutic environment through farming. And it’s amazing to see the power of the space. Sure, it’s a place to grow vegetables, but so much more is happening. Families get the opportunity to build skills, learn from each other, and celebrate one another’s successes. From our experience, we’ve learned that community gardens cultivate plants and relationships. From Seeds to Life Lessons Every participating family at the garden has full ownership over a bed, and everyone gets to choose what to plant and how we’ll care for it. We all start the same way in early spring: prepping the soil, composting, and starting seedlings in upcycled containers. This is when the magic begins. There’s something special
about seeing seeds sprout and knowing the tiny plants will turn into fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers. For our family, gardening has been a learning experience, but it’s also brought out unexpected passions in each of our kids. Our oldest has found his entrepreneurial spirit through the farm’s egg business. By collecting, washing, and selling eggs, he’s learning about responsibility and profit margins. Another son discovered a love for pumpkins last year and is putting all his effort into making this year’s patch even more successful. We also have a son obsessed with watermelons, dreaming of growing the biggest, sweetest ones yet. And then we have our daughters. True to form, our teenage girl just wants to grow pretty flowers and fill the world with color. Even our 3-year- old has found her role in the garden. She spends her time there chasing goats, playing with dirt, and getting a firsthand experience with nature in the most hands-on way possible. A Community Built in the Garden Beyond the plants, our garden has become a social space that allows our family to connect with people
Kevin Bennett (502) 966-7810 kevin@seniorhealth.pro
Sierra Bennett (502) 966-7804 sierra@seniorhealth.pro
Continued on Page 2 ...
1
May/June 2025
(502) 966-7810
New Challenges, New Growth This year, we’re trying a few new things. We’re growing heirloom tomatoes, candy cane radishes, and vertically trained zucchini. Our family is excited to see how everything turns out — just like we’re excited to see how another season spent in the community garden will continue to shape us. For us, this isn’t just about food. The digging, planting, and harvesting have taught us the value of being part of something bigger than ourselves and that the best things in life — like friendships, fresh tomatoes, and strong roots — take time to grow.
... continued from Cover
so we share techniques and encourage each other. Once the produce starts rolling in, we also share group meals, tossing veggies onto homemade pizzas baked in the farm’s outdoor oven. Of course, gardening comes with its fair share of surprises, and we’ve all learned together through experience — sometimes the hard way. Last year, one of our kids spent months nurturing a corn crop, only to have a storm wipe it out in a single day. We’ve had pests ruin tomatoes, rogue goats destroy plants, and coyotes wreak havoc on the chicken coops. However, these setbacks only strengthen the community and deepen our family’s appreciation for all the work that goes into growing food.
in ways that feel rare today. Our community of fellow gardeners includes adults and a few dozen kids ranging in age from babies to teenagers. We are in this together,
–Kevin and Sierra Bennett
Why We Resist Change — And How to Rewrite the Script
Change is never easy. Our brains have been wired to prioritize safety and predictability, but humans are adaptable creatures, capable of learning new things at any age. The key to embracing change is understanding why we resist it and how to make it work in our favor.
Fear of failure and the unknown is also at play. When our shortcomings feel threatening to us, we resist change to avoid failure. Whether the perceived shortcomings are real or imagined, self-doubt can leave us locked into the familiar, even when we know change could be beneficial. Small Shifts, Big Breakthroughs The trick to expanding our comfort zones is to start small. Making incremental changes gives our nervous systems time to adjust and learn to tolerate new things. So, if technology feels overwhelming, practice one new feature at a time. If you’re trying to improve your diet or general health, swap out one food or add 10 minutes of activity to your day. Small steps create momentum.
Before long, you’re adapting to change without realizing it.
Positivity is also vital. Instead of letting fear hold you back, look at change and challenges as opportunities. When you feel the fear, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” Engaging positively with the unknown rather than avoiding it helps you shift your mindset about new experiences. Finally, don’t get caught up in seeking perfection over progress. Some days will be easier than others, and we all experience setbacks when trying new things. However, the more we embrace change, the easier it becomes to adapt. And it’s never too late to start.
Comfort Zones and the Fear Factor
If you’re like the rest of us, you have habits that feel like second nature. From how we start our mornings to the foods we eat and the routes we always take to the store, our habits arise from our desire for security. Our brains perceive anything that disrupts our routines as a threat, which keeps us locked into old ways of doing things.
2
kentucky.seniorhealth.pro
Stay Strong New Research Backs Creatine for Aging Adults
be unfounded when healthy people take the supplement in recommended dosages. The study also found no support for the idea that creatine causes hair loss, dehydration, muscle cramping, or increased fat mass. Creatine can improve performance. Research has found that taking creatine supplements in recommended amounts benefits older adults’ musculoskeletal tone and physical performance, especially when combined with exercise. A 2019 study found that creatine can combat sarcopenia, or age- related decreases in muscle mass and strength, helping prevent falls and fractures. Use creatine as directed. Based on limited research, creatine does not appear to affect liver or kidney function negatively. However, sticking to recommended dosages is essential. Experts recommend small doses of 0.1 gram of creatine monohydrate per kilogram of body mass. This translates to 5.4 grams of creatine for a 120-pound person or 6.8 grams for one weighing 150 pounds.
What aging athlete or weekend warrior doesn’t wish for a safe nutritional supplement to improve performance and strengthen muscles and bones? A growing body of research on a popular supplement, creatine monohydrate, supports its use to preserve muscle and extend older adults’ healthy years. Studies show that when coupled with exercise, creatine can benefit men and women alike. The supplement has long had detractors who fear it will cause them to retain water, lose their hair, or cause kidney damage, but research dispels those myths. Creatine is safe. A 2021 research review shows that a widespread fear that creatine is linked to kidney dysfunction appears to
Taken together, the potential benefits of creatine suggest it is worth a try.
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
... continued from Page 4
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
regular walks help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Aim for 150 minutes of walking weekly to get the most physical benefits. Whether it’s a peaceful morning stroll or a sunset wind-down, getting outside at dawn or dusk can do wonders for your mind and body. So, take some time this evening to enjoy the sunset — it’s good for you!
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
3
(502) 966-7810
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7801 Pine Ridge Rd. Louisville, KY 40241 (502) 966-7810 kentucky.seniorhealth.pro
Inside This Issue 1 Life Lessons From the Community Garden 2 Making Change Work for You 3 Warding Off Aging: New Research Shows Benefits of Creatine 3 Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups 4 Sunrise, Sunset, and a Healthier You
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNRISES AND SUNSETS Golden Hour, Golden Health
We’ve all experienced the dazzling beauty of the rising or setting sun, but did you know the sunrise and sunset can offer health benefits? More than just a photo opportunity, the golden hours just before dawn and after dusk are a great time to be outside if you’re looking for an easy way to boost your physical and mental health. Researchers at Exeter University in England recently conducted a study and found that watching a sunrise or sunset can significantly impact your mental well-being. Specifically, watching these natural phenomena elicits “substantial bumps in awe,” a
feeling that can induce a sense of calm and stillness. Witnessing the beauty of a sunrise or sunset can also release the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain, helping to improve mood and motivation. Adding a little physical activity to your sunrise-sunset routine offers more benefits. Even a short walk at sunrise improves your mood for the day ahead, and exposure to the natural morning light helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Morning walks also boost energy and serotonin levels and support a healthy metabolism.
Walking at sunset provides similar benefits. The beautiful colors of the sunset, combined with physical activity, can help you unwind and de-stress at the end of your day. This leads to a more peaceful evening and better sleep. Additionally, regular sunset walks naturally boost vitamin D levels, supporting a healthy immune system. Making time for sunrise-sunset walks is also good for cardiovascular health, but consistency is key. When combined with a healthy lifestyle,
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com Continued on Page 3 ...
4
kentucky.seniorhealth.pro
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator