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A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers www.valcomnews.comSeptember 2010
Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior Lifestyle
Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
Hand-crafted quilt continues to raise money forAlzheimer’s AssociationBy Susan LairdEditor, Valley Community NewspapersA beautiful, hand-crafted opportunity quilt hasraised nearly a thousand dollars for the Alzheimer’sAssociation 2010 Memory Walk, and is on trackto raise even more funds to promote awareness,support and research into this devastating disease.Some 950 was raised for the Alzheimer’sAssociation by the residents of the CarmichaelOaks Senior Living community. The valuable quilt, which is crafted in pinks, blues andgreens, was won by the Michael Trainor familylast July in a raffle held by Carmichael Oaks.The family was delighted when administrators at Carmichael Oaks contacted them tonotify them that they were the lucky winners.When they heard about the impressiveamount of money that had been raised by thesale of raffle tickets at the facility, they werevery impressed. So much so, that they generously donated the quilt back to the facility sothat even more funds can be raised for theAlzheimer’s Association. Proceeds from bothraffles will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association 2010 Memory Walk.The opportunity quilt was crafted with love bythe late Sunny Johnson, who was a member ofthe Carmichael Oaks community. Sunny was acrafter and quilter for over 30 years. In her lifetime, she created over 35 quilts, all gifted to herfamily members. Each of her quilts is an originaland unique in design, and was lovingly created.The opportunity quilt is hand quilted and issized for a full bed. It was Sunny’s last completed project.“Sunny had a brother-in-law who passedaway from Alzheimer’s disease. We are sureSunny would be honored that we have donated one of her quilts for the cause,” said DeniseEvans, executive director of Carmichael Oaks.“You, too, may know someone who is personally affected by this crippling disease.”Photo courtesyThis beautiful opportunity quilt has raised nearly 1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association 2010 Memory Walk. The residents of the Carmichael Oaks Senior Living community hope it will continue to raise even morefunding to help fight the disease. Left to right, Kenn Johnson, Lola Chan and Marian Hotvedt.The raffle of the opportunity quilt providesthe entire community with the chance tomake a difference for families dealing withthis disease. Funds raised for the MemoryWalk support programs and services of theAlzheimer’s Association and fund importantresearch to find a cure. There are 5.3 millioncurrently living with Alzheimer’s, and thatnumber is expected to triple to 16 millionby 2050 if we do not find a way to stop thecourse of this disease.The Carmichael Oaks Senior Living provides the finest in senior living with three lifestyle options: independent living, assisted living and memory care. Located in Carmichael,California the expert trained staff providesresidents with the highest standards of seniorcare services. It is operated by Integral SeniorLiving, which manages independent, assistedliving and memory care properties. ISL isfounded on a care philosophy that fosters dignity and respect for residents and promotestheir independence and individuality.For more information about CarmichaelOaks, or to purchase a raffle ticket for the opportunity quilt, call (916) 944-2323. Online,visit www.carmichaeloaks.com.To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior Lifestyle
Set goals, prepare forGolden Age Transitions By John WoodallSpecial to Valley Community NewspapersMore than 60 percent of “seniors” in the U.S.– defined as those over 55 years of age – ownat least one piece of real property, often thefamily home, and many have substantial equity. And thankfully, more and more seniorsare living long and productive lives into retirement. While this is indeed good news, seniorproperty owners face special considerationsas they age. This article briefly explores someof what I call the “Golden Age Transitioning”issues of seniors.Grow your equityProperty owners in the early stages of “seniorstatus” – say 55 to 70 years of age – often donot know how to use their equity to becomewealthier. If this is your situation, consider leveraging a small part of that equity to buildwealth; i.e., give yourself more choices in yourlater years. With historically low interest ratesand property values, it’s a good time to consider buying a rental property that could appreciate over the long term. Let someone elsemanage it (it’s cheaper than you think) andlet someone else (a renter) pay the mortgage.You reap the benefits. Learn too about taxdeferred exchanges. They can be an excellentvehicle to build substantial wealth in a 10 to20 year period.For older senior property owners, transitionissues become more complex. It’s often dif-ficult to determine exactly when the familyhome has become just too much to handle.Physical limitations or declining cognitioncan also play second fiddle to emotional influences, causing seniors to stay in a homedespite being unable to properly maintain it.This can result in declines in quality of lifeand property value. In addition, other factors such as mistrust, loneliness, insecurity,or even (perish the thought) elder abuse cancome into play. But eventually a change willneed to be made.Set some goalsThe choices and decisions can seem overwhelming to sort out. But as with manycomplex issues, by working within a simpleframework of goals, and equally importantby getting objective help from others, youcan break down these issues into manageablepieces.Once a decision is made, where will yougo? Is downsizing right for you? Would yoube happy in a retirement community? Whatabout family, recreational, social and medicalneeds? Are you ready for independent living,for assisted living or for licensed care? Areyou familiar with each of these types of care?A good way to deal with golden age transition issues is to prepare a “personal transitionsplan.” This can be as simple as an informalchecklist of what matters most to you – staying close to family or friends, or freedom totravel, for example. You should work with atrusted family member in concert with professionals such as your doctor, an accountant,attorney, a seniors’ counselor and, yes, a REALTOR . Think of it as your “Golden YearsCareer Planning.” It’s really not that difficultto think thorough what you want to do, thendevelop a reasonable and flexible outline foraccomplishing it. Just start on it while you canstill exercise control of it.As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, (SRES)John counsels and assists senior clientsthrough major lifestyle transitions includingrelocation, refinancing or selling the familyhome. He also can refer clients to other professionals such as CPAs, counselors and attorneys who work with senior issues. ContactJohn at (916) 421-5421, jwoodall@golyon.com or visit www.JohnWoodall.com. With a little planning, you, too, can land some of the best golfing tee times, even on the busiest weekends.Photo copyright Fotolia.comGolfers: How to get the besttee times on a busy weekendStatePoint – No matter if you are new tothe sport or an old pro, most golfers havethe same complaint: finding time to hit thegolf course. That’s why for most of us, getting in a round of golf is relegated to weekends or vacations.Unfortunately, the weekends are the busiest times for most courses and securing agood tee time can be tough.By arming yourself with some tricks ofthe trade, however, there are several ways toland the best tee times, even on the busiestweekends.“It’s all about knowing how to stay a stepahead when competing with other golfersfor tee times,” said Ron Ward, general manager of ActiveGolf.com, a part of ActiveNetwork, a Web site that allows users tobook tee times at hundreds of golf coursesacross North America. “This way, you canbook the best times before others get tothem, or can choose to play during lighterperiods.”Here are some tips from Ward on how toget those prized tee times:Beat them to itMost golfers book tee times 2.4 days inadvance for most courses, according to sta-tistics from ActiveGolf.com. So book yourspot on Monday or Tuesday for the comingweekend, instead of procrastinating untillater in the week. You’ll have more choicesof courses and tee times and lower pricesavailable.Heat it upGolfers tend to book tee times more inadvance during months when there is moresunshine. Be willing to play in the heat andsun, when others are retiring to the clubhouse.Book lighter timesAccording to Ward, most golfers crowdonto the course at the same times -- typically between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on mostcourses. So, the early bird or late risers usually can get a tee time, even when bookinglater in the week.Tap the WebBy going online to book your time, youcan move quickly and avoid hassles. Forexample, ActiveGolf.com enables users tobook tee times at hundreds of golf coursesand even offers last minute tee time specialsand daily emails offering discounted times.Booking online also enables you to securetee times even in the middle of the night,when other golfers are sleeping.Take a driveGo off the beaten path. Drive a bit outof your way to find less-crowded courses.You’ll broaden your horizons and vary yourgame. And you might even improve yourgame by tackling new challenges.Pony upWhen all else fails, shell out a little moregreen to get on the green. The best times attop courses will cost more than other teetimes.So dig deeper if you really want that certain spot on a busy weekend.“Just like knowing what club to hit off thetee, being educated on the best ways to booka tee time gives you an edge over the restof the field,” Ward added. “And once you’velanded a choice tee time, make sure to giveyourself ample time to stretch out, warm upthe swing and get a feel for the greens.”Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior Lifestyle
Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior Lifestyle
10Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
Did you know?Grandparents Day is comingS P M Wi re – It ’s o n ly b e e n a ro u n d s i n ce 1 9 7 9 , b u t a s k a ny g ra n d p a o rg ra n d m a a n d h e o r s h e w i l l l e c t u re yo u o t h e r w i s e. G ra n d p a re nt s Day,w h i c h i s o ff i c i a l ly ce l e b ra t e d o n t h e f i rs t Su n d ay a f t e r L a b o r Day, i s a nyd ay w i t h t h e g ra n d k i d s .Th i s ye a r, t h e “o ff i c i a l ” d ay f a l l s o n S e p t . 1 2 .Fo r m a ny k i d s , e v e r y d ay re a l ly i s G ra n d p a re nt s Day, a s t h e y n ow a re l iv i n g w i t h t h e i r g ra n d p a re nt s . In f a c t , 6 . 4 m i l l i o n g ra n d p a re nt s n a t i o nw i d eh av e g ra n d c h i l d re n u n d e r 1 8 l iv i n g w i t h t h e m , a cco rd i n g t o t h e C e n s u sB u re a u .Fo r t h e m , t h e b i g d ay i s a b o u t m o re t h a n j u s t a ke e p - i n - t o u c h ph o n ec a l l o r f u n o u t i n g . It i s f i t t i n g , h ow e v e r, t h a t t h e re’s a n o ff i c i a l f l ow e r fo rG ra n d p a re nt s Day : t h e fo r g e t - m e - n o t .To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior Lifestyle11
12Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior Lifestyle13
14Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
The Importance of Senior FitnessFamily Features – According to the NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH), exercise andphysical activity are some of the best thingsolder adults can do to stay healthy. Evenmoderate exercise can improve the health ofthose who are frail or who have age-relateddiseases.Some seniors are concerned that physical activity or exercise may be too strenuous or maydo them more harm than good. In fact, it’s aninactive lifestyle that proves to do more harmthan exercise does.Without physical activity, older people tendto grow weaker in four areas important forstaying healthy and independent: strength,balance, flexibility, and endurance. The NIHmaintains that: Increasing strength and endurance make iteasier to climb stairs and carry groceries. Improving balance helps prevent falls. Being more flexible may speed recoveryfrom injuries.Exercising regularly can also have a positiveimpact on the immune system, blood pressure,cardiovascular system and it can decrease therisk of heart disease and help with depressionor anxiety.The American Senior Fitness Associationhas some recommendations for those wanting to start a fitness program. Get medical clearance to exercise. Don't exercise if you are injured, sick, orrunning a temperature. Always warm up and always cool down. Drink plenty of water before, during andafter exercise. Avoid heavy meals for about two hours before energetic exercise. If fatigue and/or discomfort last longerthan one or two hours after exercising, cutback the next day but don't stop completely.Comfort ranges can change daily, so don’tget discouraged if you can't do the sameamount of exercise as you did the day before. Concentrate on exercises that improve andmaintain your range of motion, lubricate thejoints and keep muscles flexible. Everyday activities will be easier to carry out and you'llhave less pain, too.Stop exercise and consult your physicianimmediately if you experience any of the following: chest pain or tightness in the chest, neckor throat considerable difficulty breathing abnormal heart rhythm; nausea' dizziness,light headedness, or visual interruption excessive cold sweat extreme or lasting weakness or fatigueFor a good, overall exercise program, consider tai chi. Tai chi is a self-paced system of gentle physical exercise. It involves standing andperforming a series of movements in a slow,graceful way. Each movement smoothly flowsinto the next. Studies suggest that tai chi mayimprove balance and knee joint stability, bothof which help balance.Staying active does the body and the minda world of good. Find exercise and activitiesthat you enjoy and you’ll be able to stick withit and improve your quality of life.Exercise is important. In fact, studies show that an inactive lifestyle can do more harm than good.To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior LifestylePhoto courtesy15
Ways you can improveyour local communityStatePoint – If you are like most Americans, you like your neighborhood and community but think it can beeven better.While many citizens are concerned about the direction in which the country is heading, local communities arefacing challenges concerning education, jobs, healthcare and neighborhood safety.However, there are many ways you can improve your community, say experts.“One person can make a difference, especially when it comes to common sense solutions to things like strengthening neighborhood schools and improving local communities,” said Jim Houtz, author of the new book,“Saving America: Common Sense Solutions to Washington Nonsense.”“Major problems across America that should have simple solutions have become complicated by politics and business as usual. It doesn’t have to be this way and you can start fixing things in your own hometown,”he added.Here are some ways you can get involved to make your community stronger: Shop Locally: Do your family’s shopping at neighborhood stores, whenever possible.These businesses createlocal jobs, advertise locally and pay taxes that help the community. So support local entrepreneurs by purchasing food, clothing and home and car supplies close to home. Buy American and buy locally when faced withchoices. Get Involved in Local Elections: Learn about all the candidates, whether they are Democrats, Republicans,Tea Partiers or Independents. Learn what each supports and consider working for a local campaign or even running for office yourself. Get involved in fixing problems by learning where your local tax dollars are going and getinvolved to help funnel them to the right causes, such as education, jobs, health care and energy programs. Fix the Schools: You can become part of the solution to the education problem by getting involved with yourchild's school.Volunteer for parent committees or get involved with the local school system, to participate in howeducation dollars get spent. Encourage local schools to get involved with online learning initiatives that keep kidsstudying at school and at home.“Ask the principal or superintendent if teachers are rewarded based on merit for student performance andadvocate for such compensation,” Houtz said.“I believe the best way to increase teachers’ salaries is by putting lessmoney into school facilities and more into incentive-based compensation.” Create Job Opportunities: Whether you own a business or work for a local one, you can help create jobs.Influence the decision-makers to hire veterans.When hiring, local employers might consider splitting jobs whereappropriate, so they can hire two part-timers instead of one full-timer. Or hire additional salespeople on commission. Since local entrepreneurs are the backbone of our nation, with the right job and tax incentives they canhelp put the economy back on the right track.For more ideas from Houtz on how you can make a difference, read the new book,“Saving America,” availableat Amazon.com, or visit www.jimhhoutz.com.“We have no greater obligation to our children than to preserve our communities by actively shaping them forthe better,” he said.16Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior Lifestyle17
18Senior Lifestyle September 2010 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers To advertise, call 916-429-9901
A Retirement CommunityProviding 5 Star ServiceEvery Morning is.EggCEPTIONALand Every Evening is.Creative CulinaryCreationsRestaurant StyleServiceFresh SeafoodAnytime DiningGourmet SoupsAmazingHomemadeDessertsÊÊan Epicurean%XPERIENCE The Plazasof SacramentoÊÊIndependent, Assisted Living& Memory Care1-800-CARLTONLic.# 347002787 & 347004156(227-5866)1075 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento www.carltonseniorliving.comM T A R C D E T !To advertise, call 916-429-9901 A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers September 2010 Senior Lifestyle19
The Carmichael Oaks Senior Living pro-vides the finest in senior living with three life-style options: independent living, assisted liv-ing and memory care. Located in Carmichael, California the expert trained staff provides residents with the highest standards of senior care services. It is operated by Integral Senior Living, which manages .
