POLISHED The official publication of the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging
MAGAZINE
Features: Taste of Baton Rouge Event Thanksgiving Dinner & Dance Senior Brain Teasers Flashback: What things cost in 1950
QUARTERLY PUBLICATION JANUARY 2015 (2ND QUARTER)
inside this issue q TOP NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS 04 q BEING ACTIVE ALL YEAR 10 q THE ART OF AGING GRACEFULLY 14 q HEALTHY RECIPES 18
Capital City Bingo NowpagOe 16.pen! see
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contents
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featured 03 06 12 14 18 20
CEO’S Message / Staff Credits 9 ways to boost energy 2014 Dinner and Dance Forever Young: The art of aging Healthy Recipes / Excercise Tips Taste of Baton Rouge
16 fun stuff for seniors
Seniors Activity Spotlight 05 Brain Teaser: Crossword Search 09 Fun Tips: Being active all year 10 Senior Comic Strip 15 Exercise & Type 2 Diabetes 19 Brain Teaser: Crossword Search 22
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Chief Executive Officer’s Welcome
Happy New Year!
In keeping with the message of renewal, I would also like to announce the re-opening of the Homewood Aquatics Center! This fully functioning senior center houses a full-size Olympic swimming pool! At this center, seniors from all over the parish will be given an opportunity to learn how to swim, perform water aerobics, and a wide array of beneficial aquatic exercises. The family here at the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging would like to welcome back all the Homewood seniors, we are truly blessed and honored to be able to serve the seniors of this parish. Happy New Year, From the EBRCOA staff and myself.
Tasha Clark-Amar CEO, East Baton Rouge Council on Aging
POLISHED
MAGAZINE 2nd Quarter Jan 2015
PUBLISHED BY EBRCOA Resource Development Team STAFF Tasha Clark-Amar Chief Executive Officer Shontell LeBeouf Chief Operations Officer Eva B. Pratt Chief Financial Officer
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et’s make 2015 a true celebration of the spirit of fellowship and renewal! As we all continue to move forward, we should each pledge to renew our commitment to the seniors of East Baton Rouge Parish, especially those that live daily in isolation and with essential needs often left unmet. With this in mind, I encourage everyone to include in their New Year’s resolutions a desire to become more active in the lives of the Seniors of this parish. Remember that the smallest acts of kindness on your part may mean so much more to someone less fortunate.
Corey Williams Director of Resource Development Charlotte Turner Director of Senior Centers Trudy Bihm Marketing / Communications Coordinator
PHOTO© RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jermaine Proshee, M.A. ADVERTISEMENTS: Want to advertise in our next issue? Contact Trudy Bihm Email: tbihm@ebrcoa.org GENERAL INQUIRIES 5790 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: (225) 923-8000 Fax: (225) 923-8030 Email: info@ebrcoa.org Website: www.ebrcoa.org SOCIAL MEDIA Agency Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ EBRCOA
EBRCOA Chief Executive Officer surprises a well deserving senior with a new walking chair.
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BINGO HALL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ EBRCOACapitalCityBingo COPYRIGHT Polished is published quarterly by the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging (EBRCOA). Polished features news and information of interest to senior citizens as well as caregivers of the aging. The EBRCOA reserves the right to determine the suitability of materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted material for clarity and space. The EBRCOA does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or content nor does the EBRCOA or Polished staff take responsibility should such advertising or editorial material appear in any issue. For inquiries regarding submissions and advertising, please contact Trudy Bihm. The EBRCOA is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization.
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Top Ten News Years Resolutions Source: http://new-life-resolution.com
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ne of the best ways to not fail your new year’s resolution is to pick one with a big support network. Selecting a popular new year’s resolution will not only give you access to many on-line resources but also the support you need to be successful in 2015. If you can rely on friends, co-workers and groups on the internet to keep you on track then you will find that your 2015 new year’s resolution won’t be over before the Christmas decorations are taken down. So lets take a look at the top new year’s resolutions for 2015: 1. Lose Weight Losing weight is always a challenge and many decide to choose it as a new years resolution, if you decide to make 2015 your year to shed unwanted pounds then check out our guides and products which will help you get the body you want. 2. Get Fit Nearly everybody could benefit from doing a bit more excercise or just the right exercise, whether your goal is to lose weight or to tone those abs then getting fit in 2015 is a good resolution. 3. Save Money With the pressure on finances that we are all feeling, getting control of your finances and reducing debt might be the best life resolution that you can make.
4. Quit Smoking With increasing numbers of places banning smoking ban and the high cost of cigarettes, quitting quitting might be the best decision you make this year. 5. Drink Less Alcohol With the dangers of binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption becoming ever more apparent it might just be the time to cut back. 6. Learn a New Skill Whether learning a new language, public speaking or business skill, new skills will enhance your life and improve your prospects both in family and work life. 7. Get a Better Job Bored of your current job? hating the 9-5 or the long comutes, maybe 2015 is the year to find that dream job or start that business you always wanted? 8. Volunteer Helping others can be the most rewarding use of your time and volunteering your time not only gives something back to those you help but also increases your social circle. 9. Eat Healthy Food Getting your 5-a-day or eating less fried food can be a challenge, but making it a resolution might help you stick to the foods you know you should. 10. Relax more, be less stressed
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Seniors at EBRCOA Florida Blvd. Senior Center hard at work during a sketch activity PHOTO© RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
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9 ways seniors can boost energy in the morning SOURCE: WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
According to researchers from the University of Sydney, those aged of 45+ who sit more than 11 hours a day, increase chances of death by 40 per cent, compared to those who sit 3 hours or less. Indeed, retirees have been known to lead sedentary lives. However, the case should be quite the opposite.Sitting down has proven to decrease energy, cut off blood circulation to the legs, and increase chances of cardiovascular disease.I know. It’s scary stuff. However, sitting down isn’t so frightening when you discover a few tips which help reduce sedentary positioning. Below, the Uptown Retirement Life Lease Collection lists 9 ways seniors can prevent low energy activity, ultimately improving health using these following methods. Drink Green Tea Start your morning with something soothing and healthy. Whether hot, iced, or with honey, brewed green tea is packed with health benefits. It is made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea has a high concentration of powerful antioxidants called, polyphenols and tea flavonoids known as, catechins. These antioxidants help combat free radicals — substances that can alter and even kill cells in your body which causes premature aging, cancer, and other dreadful diseases — by neutralizing them. Green tea also fights free radicals; making it an excellent preventive drink for anyone. Early Morning Walk Enjoy the fresh air and early
morning breeze admiring beautiful sceneries while giving your body a boost of energy with an early morning walk. Walking has proven to energize and awaken the body while relaxing the mind. The movement in your legs releases good cholesterol in your blood, opening up some of the channels of energy. By constantly moving your joints, you increase blood circulation in a way that can only be completed with your daily morning walk. Aquatic Activities Aquatic exercises shouldn’t be stressful. This does not require someone to be athletic or to be a pro to enjoy the healthy benefit aquatic exercise can give. Just take the time to learn how your body feels under water. Since water lifts weight, you’ll be able to execute various exercises that you normally couldn’t do on land. Whether you are working on cardio, strength, flexibility, and toning, a time in the pool can definitely help. Experiment with the resistance by pushing and pulling against the water with your limbs. Flex your feet and hands to feel the difference it makes in the amount of drag. Walk or jog through waist or neck deep water and feel how your body pushes and pulls against the “9 Ways” CONTINUED ON PAGE 8.
HOMEWOOD GRAND OPENING
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The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging is proud to announced its partnership with UnitedHealthCare. The newly renovated Senior And Aquatic center. We would Iike to thank UnitedHealthCare and the Homewood Civic Association. The facility will offer unique programming such as senior wellness, water safety, swimming lessons and will also serve hot meals daily.
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Director of Resource Development Corey Williams with SparkHound Associates PHOTO© RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Director of Resource Development Corey Williams with SparkHound PHOTO© RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Thank You!
EBRCOA would like to thank Sparkhound for their generous donations. 728 cans (approximately $1221 worth of Ensure/Boost.
“9 Ways” FROM PAGE 6.
water. Gardening Gardening is great for seniors who are looking for ways to increase daily movement. Studies show that gardening promotes physical health, mental health through relaxation, and satisfaction. Furthermore, researchers point out that there is a natural motivation in gardening, when seniors nurture another living thing. It is also rewarding and provides a sense of accomplishment. Spending time outdoors under the sun has also shown to improve mood, sleep, and decrease feelings of sadness. Tai Chi This low impact and relaxing form of exercise ensures revitalization rewards. This internal Chinese martial meditative form of exercise consists of 19 movements and one pose. This has been very appealing to seniors looking to boost their energy early in the morning. Among the benefits of Tai Chi to seniors are: Promotes deep breathing; Helps with arthritis pain;
Relieves physical aspect of stress; Promotes faster recovery from strokes and heart attacks; Reduces blood pressure; Enhances mental capacity and concentration. Eat Healthy Breakfast We have heard from our parents never to skip breakfast as it is the most important meal of the day. For seniors, it is not just eating breakfast, but it’s also eating the RIGHT food and supplement in the morning to tell your body to “wake up” and go through the rest of the day with boost energy. Do Some Chores If exercising is too tedious or if you think no exercise suits you well for some reasons, it is not enough reason to stay inactive. Move around by doing some chores around the house, facility, and center or wherever you are. This is the simplest form of workout/exercise. Moving means to encourage your body to work, flex muscles, contributing to well-toned, and healthy body. Social Interaction If you want to get rid of your
sleepiness or break away from being isolated in a corner, take time to socialize. Boost energy level by socializing amongst your neighbours. Daily interactions with friends and family improve mental health and can add years to your life. Take Vitamins & Supplements Couple a few vitamins and supplements with your meals and maximize your daily energy boost. A good multivitamin each day can provide nutrients that aren’t found in the daily diet. Amino acid and other herbal supplements are available that increase energy and alertness. It is important that you’ve consulted your doctor about your vitamins and supplements for safety. These are just some of the ways you can boost seniors energy from a good night sleep. And there you have it folks! If you’re finding that your body is struggling to muster up energy to get up in the morning, we recommend you apply any one of the simple tips listed above.
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BRAIN TEASERS
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A TIME TO GIVE T
he East Baton Rouge Council on Aging held it’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Dance at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel on Tuesday, November 25, 2014. The agency partnered with Peoples Health and Amerigroup of Louisiana to sponsor this year’s event. Seniors 60+ and residents of East Baton Rouge Parish were invited to attend. The event featured great food and live entertainment and also chances to win door prizes. For the second year, the agency held a Health Fair as part of the event. In 2013, EBRCOA provided Thanksgiving Meals to approximately 1,000 Senior Citizens. In 2014, the agency provided meals for more than 1,200 seniors. For more information on this event and how you can participate in the 2015 event call (225) 923-8000. We would also like to extend a special ”Thank You” to the Southern University Laboratory School who donated Thanksgiving baskets to our seniors as well.
EBRCOA Chief Executive Officer Tasha Clark-Amar poses with representatives from People’s Health, a premier event sponsor at the 2014 Thanksgiving Dinner & Dance.
” The Council on Aging is thankful for the support we received from our corporate partners, and the East Baton Rouge community. As an agency we believe that no senior in East Baton Rouge Parish should go hungry or forgotten during the holiday season.” - Tasha Clark-Amar EBRCOA Chief Executive Officer
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8 tips for aging FOREVER YOUNG. Gracefully.
SOURCE: WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM/11/THE-ART-OF-AGING-GRACEFULLY
In the last two decades, people have not only been living longer but they also have been staying much healthier later in life, according to a recently released study. Previously, researchers found that very poor health usually hits people in the last several years of life. But now, thanks in large part to medical advances, poor health is more likely to occur only just before death. So what can you do to make sure you are among those who live longer, healthier lives? We asked Peggy Buchanan, coordinator of vitality/wellness programming for Front Porch, this question. (Front Porch is a large notfor-profit provider of retirement living communities in southern California.) She responded with her top 10 tips for healthy aging. Here they are below. Have your own ideas? Let us know in comments. 1. Fight afternoon fatigue –- Fatigue is a common problem among older adults, especially after lunch. Having a glass of water and a high-antioxidant food like a prune can revitalize the body and stimulate the mind. 2. Exercise from the neck up -– Keeping the brain active and fit is imperative to the health of older adults. Not only
does it stave off meory-loss illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia, but it also fosters executive function. Try word games and recall exercises. For example, find 5 red objects during a walk in the neighborhood and recall them when back home. 3. Pole walk -– Walking poles allow for more balanced mobility than walkers or canes. Walking with poles engages the muscles of the upper torso, which increases upper-body strength and cardiovascular endurance. Consult a physician before making the switch to poles. 4. Dine in duos -– Those who share meals with others eat less than those who eat alone. This is an easy weightloss tactic and one that fosters social interaction and engagement. While this is easy for those aging in community, older adults aging at home can plan to have meals with family or friends at least several times a week. 5. Break routine -– Routine limits brain stimulation. Introduce new foods or new ways of eating the same food. For example, replace canned peaches with freshly sliced ones. Also, try taking a different route to the grocery store or shopping center.
6. Sole Support -– As people age, the fat pads on the bottom of their feet compress, creating fatigue and pain. Consider wearing supportive shoes or inserting foot pads for better stability and comfort or socks that have extra padding and a wicking agent to keep feet dry and comfortable. 7. Balancing act -– In addition to exercises that build strength and improve flexibility and cardiovascular endurance, make sure to add balance activities to the daily routine. Good balance requires maintaining a center of gravity over the base of support. Tai chi, yoga, walking on challenging surfaces and water exercises all enhance overall balance. 8. Dance like there’s no tomorrow -– Older adults getting regular physical exercise are 60 percent less likely to get dementia. Exercise increases oxygen to the brain and releases a protein that strengthens cells and neurons. Dance involves all of the above plus the cerebral activity present in learning and memory.
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Senior Comics
Cold, flu meds risky for senior citizens with high blood pressure
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t is the season for colds and flu. Most of us seniors do not hesitate to seek quick relief from an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Not so fast, says the American Heart Association, most senior citizens also have hypertension. Some medications taken over the counter can have a negative impact on blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension increases with age and is a problem for about 65 percent of Americans age 60 and older.
The First Step
“The first step is for people with high blood pressure to know which products could cause variations in blood pressure,” says Willie E. Lawrence, Jr., M.D., a spokesman for the American Heart Association and chief of cardiology at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. “Cold medicines, painkillers and energy pills or drinks are a few products to watch out for if you have high blood pressure. “Patients should be aware of the list of things that we know can cause an elevation in blood pressure,” Dr. Lawrence said. He advised that these products should be avoided, used with caution, used only for a short amount of time or used after a discussion with a medical professional.
Tips on Using OTCs Chat with a doctor Be a label reader Skip the salt Avoid highly caffeinated products Ask before using painkillers Know the numbers Learn more online at www.heart.org/HBP. Merck Consumer Care, maker of Coricidin® HBP, is a sponsor of the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure website.
For a list of more senior discounts visit: www.seniordiscounts.com
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FLASHBACK • • • • • • • • • • • •
House: $14,500 Average income: $3,216 Ford car: $1339-$2262 Philco model 1403 TV: $199 12” records: $4.85 10” records: $2.85 Milk: $.82 Gas: $.20 Bread $.14 Postage stamp: $.03 Pumpkins : $.02 /lb Sirloin steak: $.77 lb
Capital City Bingo Grand Opening!
What Things Cost in 1950
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The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging would like to extend a special ”Thank You” to Amerigroup for their generous donation to our agency. It is our goal to ensure the seniors of this great parish are cared for daily and your contribution aides our mission of ‘‘Supporting Independence, Serving Seniors.’’
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4 Best Exercises for Older Adults
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or older adults and seniors who want to stay healthy
and independent, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend four types of exercises: Strength exercises build older adult muscles and increase your metabolism, which helps to keep your weight and blood sugar in check. Balance exercises build leg muscles, and this helps to prevent falls. According to the NIH, U.S. hospitals have 300,000 admissions for broken hips each year, many of them seniors, and falling is often the cause of those fractures. If you are an older adult, balance exercises will help you avoid problems ar you get older. And if you are a senior, balance exercises can help you stay independent by helping you avoid the disabilities that could result from falling. SOURCE: SENIORLIVING.ABOUT.COM/OD/EXERCISEFITNES1/A/4SENIOREXERCISE.HTM
ICS P M Y L O R IO N E S 5 201 N. O O S G IN M O C S IL A DET
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Every donation helps. visit us on the web: www.ebrcoa.org/support
The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging would like to extend a special ”Thank You” to BI-LO Holdings Foundation for your $10,000 grant award. Your monterary award will aide our agency in making our community stronger and ensuring that the needs of well deserving seniors are met. We look forward to a continued partnership with your foundation.
COA Birthday Spotlight: Mrs. Lula Randolph
Join the Team!
East Baton Rouge Council on Aging
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“Impacting lives through your time, dedication and support”
Senior Activities • Senior Olympics • Meals on Wheels • Fundraising Events
225-923-8000 ext. 323 EBRCOA Director of Senior Centers, Charlotte Turner poses with EBRCOA Senior Lula Randolph in celebration of her 104th Birthday.
104 Years Young!
We would like to thank the Jack & Jill youth volunteers who assisted us during the 2014 Thanksgiving Dinner & Dance.
Our Senior Centers Baker Senior Center Site Coordinator/Davelyn Martin 3334 Jefferson Street Baker LA, 70714 Phone: 225-366-6432 Baranco- Clark YMCA Site Coordinator/Alice Toombs 1735 Thomas Delpit Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Phone: 225-344-6775 Central Senior Center Site Coordinators/Ann Watts & Sherry Walker 6923 Oak Cluster Drive Central, LA 70739 Phone: 225-615-8339 Chaneyville Senior Center Site Coordinator/Bridget Franklin 13211 Jackson Road Zachary, LA 70791 Phone: 225-286-4101 Dumas House Senior Center Site Coordinator/Sharon Poydras 1313 North Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815 Phone: 225-389-4990 Florida Blvd. Senior Center Site Coordinator /Cynthia Smith 5790 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Phone 225-923-8000 Foster Road Senior Center Site Coordinator/Pauline Gaines 11333 Foster Road Baton Rouge, LA 70811 Phone: 225-227-2562 Greater King David Senior Center Site Coordinator/Daria Robertson Butler 131 Elmer Ave. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807 Phone: 225-775-4996 Homewood Aquatic Center 3654 Granada Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Pearl George Senior Center/MLK Community Center Site Coordinator/Patrice Bryant 4000 Gus Young Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Phone: 225-389-5611
www.ebrcoa.org
Zachary Center Site Coordinator/Cynthia Renee Johnson 3541 Highway 19 Zachary, LA 70791 Phone: 225-335-4948
Nutritional Sites Catholic Presbyterian Apartments Site Coordinator/Maude Davis 655 North St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Phone: 225-383-5551 Delmont Community Center Site Coordinator/ Henry Stewart 3535 Riley St. Baton Rouge, LA 70815 Phone: 225-389-5464 Sharlo Terrace Site Coordinator/Sandra Hodges 4915 Alvin Dark Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70820 Phone: 225-346-0215 Turner Plaza Apartments Site Coordinator/Janis Williams 4546 North St. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: 225-923-8114
Capital City Bingo Hall & Event Center 6955 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 302-7347
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