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Peace of Mind Post
MARCH 2022
WE COULD ALL SLEEP BETTER
CONFESSIONS FROM A NAPPER WHO CAN’T GO TO BED EARLY
However, it would behoove me to improve my sleep patterns. As someone who works with aging populations and helps families plan for future care, I’ve learned just how valuable sleep can be to aging. I’d like to share a few of those benefits in honor of Sleep Awareness Week this March. For starters, a good night’s rest sets you up for the next day. In the simplest terms, it improves your mood, memory, and balance. In 2021, Harvard Medical School released a report that found quality sleep can also reduce your risk of developing dementia. Researchers discovered that those who slept less than 5 hours every night were twice as likely to have the ailment than those who slept for six hours or more. Another study with more participants found a 30% increase in those who slept for six hours or less each night.
I will always advocate for the power of a good nap. I take one almost every day after lunch. They usually last about 20 minutes, but there are days when I snooze longer than that. Doing so really does help me throughout the day! It helps me refocus my energy on the tasks ahead for that afternoon. I wish I had treasured those naps we were forced to take in kindergarten instead of refusing to sleep. (The National Sleep Foundation encourages naps, too!) Despite my affinity for naps, I’ll admit I’m not the best sleeper. There are plenty of nights when I fall asleep on the couch or don’t go
my poor bedtime habits, I have found a few tricks that readily work, and experts seem to agree. It’s best to create an environment that is conducive to sleep. Do something relaxing before bedtime, like solving a puzzle or reading, and keep your room at a comfortable temperature. (The cooler, the better!) Exercise, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and establishing a regular schedule can also be helpful habits to try. For those whose family members have dementia, it’s beneficial to keep walkways and floors clear at night, lock up medications, and secure dangerous areas, like the top of a staircase. As always, consult with a medical professional if you believe you have a sleep disorder or if a dementia diagnosis is impacting your sleep. But no matter how you try to improve this March, I hope you do spend a few moments examining the ways in which you can sleep better. Your body and your mind will thank you.
My four- legged family members have also mastered
the art of napping!
Perhaps I should listen to these researchers!
What’s more, the Harvard study cited that it has long been known that those with dementia struggle with restful, full nights of sleep. They may already have an underlying sleep disorder, like sleep apnea, and dementia can inhibit a person’s ability to sleep well. This can result in yelling, confusion, wandering, and injury if caregivers are not properly prepared.
to bed until 11 p.m. This makes waking up at 3:30 a.m. much more difficult, but I really would prefer to be up that early. I’m the only morning person in my house, and I enjoy the quiet of a morning. I love watching the sun come up. I always say I would prefer the Dolly Parton schedule — bed by 9 p.m. and waking up by 4 a.m. I just have to get the “going to bed” part down!
And for what it’s worth, try a nap!
Sleep can be a vital part of the aging process, but it can also be a difficult one. Despite
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Good ‘Luck
5 WAYS TO DEAL WITH ANNOYING ROBOCALLS
2 STORIES TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY Whether you clutch a rabbit’s foot or toss salt over your shoulder, everyone knows it can’t hurt to have a little luck. But as the following stories show, good luck isn’t found in the charms we carry or the superstitions we believe; sometimes, good luck comes from our actions. Reunited With ‘a Friend’ — and Dozens of Others In 1960, newlyweds Bill and Wilhelmina Zandbelt left their life in the Netherlands to immigrate to Canada, leaving behind family, memories, and Bill’s beloved 1950s DKW motorcycle. Bill tried to trace his bike’s ownership for a number of years before losing track of the one thing he desperately had wanted to bring to his new Canadian home. It finally arrived in 2020. After hunting down Bill’s original DKW motorcycle and spending countless hours on restoration with an expert, Bill’s son, Vince Zandbelt, gifted his father the “friend” he “left behind” for Bill’s 90th birthday and his 60th anniversary with Wilhelmina. Sadly, Wilhelmina had passed just three weeks prior, making the occasion that much more emotional for Bill.
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITYAND KICK SCAMMERS TO THE CURB According to the latest data, scammers and telemarketers make 1,528 robocalls to Americans every single second. No wonder they’re driving us all crazy! Some of these calls are legitimate reminders about doctor’s appointments and payment plans, but around 55% of them are just nuisances — and we can’t rely on the government to stop them. If you’re sick of hearing about “your car’s extended warranty” or the “student loans” you paid off 40 years ago, try these five tips to cut down on robocalls and outwit scammers. 1. Explore your carrier’s free tools. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all offer services to cut down on scam calls. Some of them are free and/or come with your phone, but others you have to pay for or activate. If you have Verizon, for example, you can download the “Verizon Call Filter” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Visit your carrier’s website or call them to learn about the tools they offer. 2. Download an ad blocker. For extra protection, you can download a separate ad blocker from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Hiya is a free app that will give you caller ID and block spam calls, and Nomorobo is an award-winning option that’s free for landlines and costs $1.99 per month for cellphones. 3. When in doubt, let it ring out. If you don’t recognize the number calling, don’t answer. You can always call back if they leave a legitimate voicemail. 4. Suspect spam? Hang up. So, you accidentally answered a spam call. Whether it’s a person or a robot on the line, hang up immediately! Even saying your name or the word “yes” could set you up for identity theft. 5. Handle voicemails with care. If you get a suspicious voicemail, never call the number or visit the website given by the caller. Instead, Google the company or agency they claimed to be with and call that number. If the real agency has no idea about the call, you’ve just escaped a trap. By taking all five of these steps, you can protect yourself and your wallet from Ponzi schemes, identity thieves, and annoying telemarketers. For even more specific advice, visit AARP.com and search “The Definitive Guide to Reducing Robocalls.”
Puzzle Time!
Answers:
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k’ in the News
The Zandbelt’s story became one of the top good news stories of 2020, after Bill’s grandson, Reid, posted a video on TikTok. Garnering millions of views, the video fostered connections between the Zandbelts and others who understand the power of re-capturing memories. A Degree 42 Years in the Making On Nov. 20, 2020, Melody Ormond walked across the stage at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), graduating with a degree in psychology. Her then-74-year-old grandmother, Pat Ormond, followed her next, earning her degree in anthropology 42 years after starting it. In 1978, Pat began classes at Kennesaw State University, but she dropped out to move to Chattanooga, Tennessee, raise a family, and work as an accountant. While her family always encouraged Pat to earn her degree, it wasn’t until her granddaughter began at UTC as a sophomore that Pat finally agreed. With her anthropology degree in hand, Pat made it clear she wasn’t done. A December 2020 CNN report stated she was going back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in history!
3 BOOKS ABOUT SENIORS YOU’LL WANT TO READ
Plus, We Have a Bonus Suggestion!
Your English teacher was right — you do need to read! Reading has been linked to better memory, improved sleep and cognition skills, stress reduction, and many other aging benefits. To get started, check out these books with senior protagonists. (And don’t forget to pick up our book!) ‘The Housekeeper and The Professor’ by Yoko Ogawa, translated by Stephen Snyder What happens when you have a brilliant mind, but your brain can only hold 80 minutes worth of information before it dumps it? That’s the question examined in Yoko Ogawa’s international classic “The Housekeeper and The Professor.” Tasked with caring for a brilliant man with this specific devastating brain injury, a housekeeper and her 10-year-old son form an unlikely bond with the professor. Connecting three generations together, Ogawa’s story offers a powerful glimpse into the ways our memories can bind us together — even when they disappear. ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman If you love a mystery or have a habit of being too curious, then you’re going to love “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. Each Thursday, the four residents of a “peaceful retirement village” meet to discuss the unsolved murders in the area. However, they find themselves discussing far more than cold cases when a local developer is found dead and the death count continues rising. Does this group of 80-year-olds have what it takes to catch a killer? ‘Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand’ by Helen Simpson Retired Major Ernest Pettigrew is content to live a quiet life in the English countryside, when his brother’s death sparks an unlikely friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, a local shopkeeper who is Pakistani. The pair find their relationship growing, but can two cultures successfully blend together? Find out when you travel to the English country with Helen Simpson’s debut novel, “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.” Bonus: Have you read “You’re Not Alone” yet? You just might know the author … Julie Anderson and our firm created this book to help families and patients living with Alzhiemer’s. The book has two editions — one for caregivers and one for those who have been diagnosed — providing resources, support, and a road map for dementia. Contact our team today to receive your copy for “You’re Not Alone.”
If you want more feel-good stories, check out Reader’s Digest’s collection at RD.com.
EASY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS
Ingredients
• • • • • •
6 tbsp butter
• • •
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup peanut butter 2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 and 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts, divided 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup flour
•
1/2 tsp baking powder
Directions
1. Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. 2. Add the brown sugar and peanut butter to the butter bowl. Stir to combine. Then mix in the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of peanuts. 3. Pour the batter into a greased, 8-inch, microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes. Then, adjust to high and microwave 3–6 more minutes or until the top of the mixture appears almost dry. 4. Top off the mixture with chopped chocolate. When it melts, spread it evenly over the bars and top with the remaining peanuts. 5. Cool for 15 minutes, cut into squares, and serve!
Inspired by SouthernLiving.com
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INSIDE This Issue
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Good Sleep Is Aging Well!
Handle Robocalls Like a Pro Good Luck? Try This Good News Instead! Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars 3 Books All Seniors Will Enjoy (Plus a Bonus!) Meet ‘Dr. Peyo’ — France’s Only 4-Legged Doc
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‘DR. PEYO’ THE THERAPY HORSE WILL SEE YOU NOW!
Meet France’s 4-Legged Doctor
BY DIALING 911 Imagine you’re sitting in a French hospital, minding your own business and waiting for a doctor to see you. Suddenly, the elevator doors slide open and a full-sized horse clip-clops out into the waiting room! That might sound like something out of a children’s book, but it’s actually a regular occurrence at Calais Hospital. There, a therapy horse named Peyo visits sick and dying patients to help ease their anxiety, bring them comfort, and distract them from their pain. Peyo — affectionately known as “Dr. Peyo” by the staff at Calais — wasn’t always a therapy horse. In his early life, he competed in dressage, but it didn’t take long for his trainer to realize Peyo was more interested in the crowd than the competition. In a moving article about Peyo, The Guardian reported, “After shows, he would pick out people in the crowd, approach them, and choose to stay next to them.” This was the first sign of Peyo’s secret talent: Like a bomb-sniffing dog, it appears Peyo can detect cancerous tumors. In the hospital, he uses a raised hoof to point his trainer toward rooms he’d like to visit. Inside, he comforts the dying patients and their families.
“What really pushed scientists to take an interest in him and open the health establishment doors to us was this [seeming] ability to greatly reduce [the patients’ dosage of] all hard drugs and thus allow a more peaceful departure,” Peyo’s trainer, Hassen Bouchakour, told The Guardian. Peyo has been working as a therapy horse since 2016 and stood vigil by the bedsides of more than 1,000 people, bringing them comfort and letting their children ride him through the hospital halls. It’s an amazing achievement for a 15-year-old horse! Of course, Peyo is far from the only animal visiting hospitals to bring people comfort. Here in the U.S., Johns Hopkins partners with more than 15 volunteer therapy dog teams that make patients smile, lower their blood pressure, improve their mood, and reduce their pain. At least 45 hospitals in the country have similar programs.
Want to know if your local hospital employs therapy animals? Visit their website to find out. You might be surprised by what you learn!
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