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July 2022
5274 Scotts Valley Dr., #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-430-0616 229 Reindollar Ave., Suite E Marina, CA 93933 831-392-0876 www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast
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By Talking to Your Elders Learn Something New and Create Stronger Relationships
My grandparents both retired around 65 years old, and for a decade after that, they traveled in their mini- motorhome, visiting many places in the U.S. After they reached their mid-70s, they had less energy and more health issues and, frankly, didn’t have the desire to travel any longer. What I noticed was how their world became smaller and smaller. Without going to work each day or traveling with new experiences to share, they had a harder time carrying a conversation and often repeated some of the same stories over and over. They also seemed less energetic and lived quite a mundane life. I realized they had many experiences and stories about their lives, and I decided to navigate our conversations around certain subjects — and, boy, did I learn a few things! We talked about their childhood memories and how different life was for them growing up. We also talked about how they met, fell in love, got married, and raised a family and the
rich experiences they encountered along the way. I learned that my grandpa’s sister was my grandma’s best friend, and that’s how they met each other. Both of my grandparents lived through the Great Depression, and I learned about the harsh struggles of that time period. Have you ever heard the saying “borrowing a cup of sugar”? My grandma told me the origin of this quote and how it started during the Great Depression. She would borrow something from her neighbors and vice versa. My grandfather also fought in World War II, and while he told me about some of his experiences, other stories were too painful to talk about. I’m grateful for what my grandparents shared with me. Their experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for what times were like back then. It also gave me a better understanding of my family and where we came from and helped me connect with them on a deeper level.
I wouldn’t have known any of this information if I didn’t engage with them. I noticed that they loved talking about themselves and seemed to have more energy and life in them. If you choose to engage with your family members and ask questions, you may learn something new about your family that you never heard before. If you’re a caregiver, you might find something you have in common with the seniors and form a bond with them. Maybe you both share a hobby that you can now do together.
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Leaving the nest can be tough for young adults. There are so many things to remember, like making sure they have all the right supplies and remembering to keep important paperwork. So, before your child heads off to college, help them strengthen these three skills. How to Ask for Help Being capable starts with understanding what you need and asking for it. By having your child order their own food at a restaurant, make medical and dental appointments for themselves, and check out at the supermarket alone, you’ll be helping your child develop independence while encouraging them to take the lead. How to Seamlessly Get From Point A to Point B When your teen leaves the house, they’ll be traveling on their own on a bus, on a plane, by car, and by foot, so they’ll need to understand how to navigate airports, subway stations, bus hubs, and roads. Ask your child to give you directions when describing how to get to the mall or have them even drive you there if they are licensed. This will reduce stress during solo travels, and they’re less likely to feel overwhelmed if plans unexpectedly change. How to Handle Emergencies When children are fairly young, they learn how to call 911 in the event of life-threatening and serious emergencies. But other emergencies tend to pop up in life that don’t necessarily warrant a call to the police. Show your child how to put on a spare tire, turn off utilities, patch a hole in clothing, and other basic but necessary skills so they don’t panic when something goes wrong in their dorm room or on the road. As a parent, it’s your job to teach your children the right skills to set them up for success and independence so they can take care of themselves when they finally go off on their own.
Ready to Succeed 3 Important Life Skills to Teach Your Teen
Explore This Summer! Top 4 Travel
Destinations for Retirees
St. Martin/St. Maarten If enjoying the tropics by day and hitting the casinos by night sounds fun, St. Martin/St. Maarten is perfect for you! Both sides of the island offer many tours and views as well as beaches to relax and catch some sun. Jekyll Island, Georgia If you’re looking to stay within the country, Jekyll Island is a perfect place to get away while still feeling at home. The beaches, fishing, biking, golf, tennis, and Sunday dinner dances will keep you busy.
Travel is near the top of most people’s bucket lists once they reach their golden years. With summer in full swing, it’s time to plan a vacation to remember at one of these must-see spots. Barbados Barbados is a fantastic option for a gentle and laid-back tropical vacation with easy-to-access attractions. Relax beside the sparkling turquoise waters or explore the soft, white sandy beaches. The island is relatively small with flat terrain and many guided bus tours, so it’s easy to navigate and explore. Tuscany, Italy Visiting the countryside of Italy is a less expensive way to see the beautiful and historic country. Tuscany offers stunning art, architecture, and more. Try taking a train or bus tour, and use Tuscany as a home base to visit larger cities and attractions such as Florence or the Leaning Tower of Pisa without the expensive price tag of lodging nearby.
Regardless of your destination, remember to pack your sunscreen and check the weather. Bon voyage!
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You Can Still Exercise Your Brain!
Forgetfulness can be a normal part of getting older, but this brain change can interfere with your memory and make it harder to learn new things. It can become frustrating if you are constantly forgetting where you placed something, overlooking errands, or having issues recalling fond memories.
Try solving puzzles. Different puzzles provide various mental, physical, and emotional benefits depending on what you’re working on. If it’s sudoku, you’re training the logical area of your brain when determining what numbers will complete the puzzle. For crossword puzzles, you use creative thinking, recalling, and knowledge-building skills. In word searches, you increase your vocabulary and improve your concentration skills to find different words. With more time on your hands, you can relax, socialize with others, and exercise your mind simultaneously. If you or your loved ones show signs of memory loss, seek consultation with a medical professional. If you need help assisting your loved ones with their daily activities, allow Visiting Angels to help!
Luckily, there are some exercises you can do to help sharpen your mind!
Play bridge. Card games are always a great way to socialize with others while stimulating your brain. The University of California Berkeley conducted a study on the card game bridge and found that it has positive effects on seniors’ intellectual and social well-being. The game provides a cognitive workout by strengthening concentration, organization, and problem- solving skills as well as short-term and working memory. Release your inner child — with coloring! Coloring isn’t just an activity for kids; seniors can also get in on the fun! Studies have shown that coloring can improve different motor skills beneficial to your everyday life, such as hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Coloring will also help strengthen your ability to focus while determining what color to use, how to shade the drawing, and staying within the lines. You can also use this activity to spend time with your grandchildren!
Craving a healthy dog for National Hot Dog Month? We’ve got you! Follow our recipe for a dog packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. (Serves 8) Healthier Hot Dogs With Slaw
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One of our caregivers told me a story about a senior she cared for who used to be a quilter. The caregiver just picked up the hobby, and it was something she and the senior did together. Not only do these conversations help seniors engage and develop relationships, but they also make older adults feel useful and valued — this can give them purpose. My grandparents passed away a few years ago, and some days, I find myself thinking, “I wish I would’ve talked to them more.” So, don’t wait until it’s too late to hear an elder’s story and all of the knowledge they’ve obtained over the years. Whether you are an adult child, grandchild, another family member, neighbor, or caregiver, take some time to talk to the seniors in your life. You can ask about the senior’s childhood, family, hobbies, good and hard times, lessons they’ve learned, travels, friendships, changes over the years, and career. You never know what you might learn.
Ingredients • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 green apple, peeled and diced • 1 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 small head red cabbage, cored and shredded • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 tbsp grill seasoning • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 8 organic chicken sausage links • 8 whole-wheat hot dog buns, toasted
Directions 1. In a large skillet over high heat, warm the vegetable
oil. Sauté the apple, onion, and cabbage and toss until wilted. Season with cumin and grill seasoning and cook for 10–12 minutes, until tender. 2. Add the vinegar and maple syrup, then toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute and set the slaw aside. 3. On the grill, cook your chicken dogs according to the package instructions. 4. Assemble the works, starting with the bun and piling in the chicken dog and slaw. 5. Dig in! For an extra health boost, serve with grilled summer vegetables.
Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Inspired by RachaelRayMag.com
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5274 Scotts Valley Dr., #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 24/7 831-430-0616
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Scotts Valley Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday
www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast Home Care Organization #444700002
Inside
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Show Interest in an Elder’s Life
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Teen Life Skills
Travel Destinations for Seniors
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3 Activities That Sharpen Your Brain
Healthier Hot Dogs With Slaw
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It’s National Ice Cream Month!
NOTHING IS MORE REFRESHING THAN … ICE CREAM ON A HOT SUMMER DAY July is National Ice Cream Month, so celebrate the holiday with a cool sugary treat at these three places!
Marianne’s Ice Cream 1020 Ocean St. MariannesIceCream.com
The Penny Ice Creamery 913 Cedar St. ThePennyIceCreamery.com
Carousel Cones 400 Beach St. WhitingsFoods.com
In 1947, Lenore and Tom Becker needed a way to help pay for their daughter’s college tuition, so they created Marianne’s Ice Cream, named after their children, Mary and Anne. They never thought their mom-and- pop business would become one of the most loved and well-known ice cream parlors in Santa Cruz seven decades later. Since its formation, Marianne’s went from offering 13 flavors to more than 75. So, each time you come to grab a snack, you can try a different flavor! They also have catering options if you’re looking for a delicious treat for any of your events.
Founders Kendra L. Baker and Zachary E. Davis share a deep passion for food. Together, they created a unique opportunity to allow their visitors a behind-the-scenes view of their daily production. You can watch them make their delicious treats in front of your eyes! The owners pride themselves on using organic and homegrown ingredients and combining various culinary methods to create modern and whimsical flavors that are fun and unique. If you suddenly have a late-night treat craving, The Penny Ice Creamery is open until 11 p.m. every day. There’s never a wrong time for ice cream!
It all started in 1953 when a local milkman and his father opened up a few frozen custard stands on the Boardwalk. This idea soon led to a business enterprise where they now have over 25 concessions on
the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Carousel Cones’ legacy is based on making a positive impact in their community and the amusement park industry. So, if you find yourself on the Boardwalk and needing something sugary after walking around in the hot sun, Carousel Cones has got you covered!
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