Visiting Angels - March 2020

Visiting Angels - March 2020

March 2020

5274 Scotts Valley Dr., #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-430-0616 www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast 229 Reindollar Ave., Suite E Marina, CA 93933 831-392-0876

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Art and Soul

The Untapped Creativity of Seniors

M any years ago, I visited one of our seniors, and I was greeted by a house full of stained glass. These were gorgeous pieces scattered all throughout her home. There were so many of them, and they were all so lovely that you would have thought this woman had been creating stained glass for decades. In reality, she hadn’t tried making stained glass until she was already in her 80s. She’d never been an artist before, but one day, she took a class on how to make stained glass. That led to another class, and another, until she was making stained glass all the time. She had so many she didn’t know what to do with them all! But you could see how much she loved making them. After a lifetime, this woman had found her creative spark, and she didn’t want to waste a second. In my experience, this isn’t an unusual story. I’ve met many seniors who have found their creative side later in life. Some of these men and women never considered themselves to be artistic until they decided to take up painting, sculpting, or singing, and they discovered how much they loved it. I’ve also met seniors who were artists all their life but didn’t tap into their full potential until they were much older. There’s a lot of research that shows how engaging in the arts helps seniors’ mental and physical health. For example, research from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., found that art therapy can help improve cognition, increase self-esteem, and reduce depression and anxiety in older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. These are all wonderful things, but what’s interesting

is that seniors who embrace their creativity rarely do so for

the health benefits. They do so because they have free time, they no longer feel inhibited by past insecurities, or they just want to.

I’m not sure what inspires seniors to embrace their creativity, but I’m so glad to see it. Often, once someone turns 60, they start to believe they’re “too old” to try new things. They think they’re too old to learn about technology, pick up painting again, or join a theater group. Nothing could be further from the truth! Learning and creativity have no age limit, and that’s something our Visiting Angels strive to help our seniors realize. Maybe a senior wants to start painting again, but they need someone to drive them to the art supply store. Our Angels can help with that. Or maybe a senior is interested in taking a dance class, but they don’t know where to find one. Our Angels can help look up fun local classes, too. Wherever your creatively lies, our Visiting Angels want to help encourage it — it just might lead to a house full of beautiful stained glass.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Feel Like You Can’t Do DIY Projects Anymore?

Dremel 7300-N/5 4.8V MiniMite Cordless Rotary Tool Getting the amount of precision needed for smaller projects like engraving, polishing, and finish work with older rotary tools is near impossible. Fortunately, this handy power tool is perfect for polishing, cutting small-scale copper piping, engraving, or even spot-grinding a nasty weld. It also weighs only 1.1 pounds, so it’s perfect for intricate engravings or polishing your favorite set of wheels. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw For bigger DIY projects, it might not be realistic for you to work with the heavy, corded, and bulky saws that you used to use. When it comes to home renovations or those bigger DIY projects, there is nothing better than this BLACK+DECKER saw. With a tool-free depth of cut and easy-to-use bevel, it’s so much easier to get the type of cut you need. At 6.1 pounds, it’s painless to manage and less risky when you need to stretch to get a longer cut. Costa Rica If it’s a textbook paradise you’re looking for, look no further than Costa Rica. Thanks to a 1948 decision to abolish their military and direct all of those funds to health care and education, Costa Rica is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America.” Known for its stable democracy, safety, and socialized health care that’s only available once you’ve obtained residency, Costa Rica also offers climates for just about everybody — from the lush jungles of the south to the hot, dry beaches of Guanacaste in the northwest. Expect to find large communities of expats to help you acclimate. Mexico The first things that come to mind for most people when you mention Mexico are margaritas and beach umbrellas, but this country offers a lot more than that. For starters, Mexico features an enticingly low cost of living. International Living estimates a couple could live in Mexico on anywhere from $1,500–$3,000 per month, depending on location, including health care expenses. Once you’ve obtained residency status, you can sign up for national health care plans that offer full coverage for just a few hundred dollars annually.

As you age, it can be harder to tackle the home projects you once did without a second thought. That said, just because they appear harder doesn’t mean they’re impossible to do. And, luckily, with age comes experience; you know how to get a job done faster and more efficiently than any 20-year-old would — you just need the tools to do it right. Here are three of the best power tools you can use to turn your home project dreams into reality. Makita DT01W 12V Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Drill Previous drill models were built out of hard plastic and steel, which made them heavy, hard to maneuver, and difficult to grip. However, Makita drills are designed Check Out These 3 Power Tools

with soft grip handles, making them easier to use if you have arthritis or other joint conditions. In addition, they weigh only 2 pounds, so they’re

safe and easy to handle in the tightest of spaces. That said, don’t let the size fool you: This drill can deliver 800 pounds of maximum torque, making it an ideal drill for your heavy-duty projects.

RETIRE IN STYLE

3 Places to Retire Internationally

Even if you’ve always planned for a comfortable retirement in the United States, choosing to live internationally could be a smart alternative to improve your standard of

living in retirement. International Living Magazine’s Retirement Index has tracked objective retirement metrics — like the cost of living, democratic stability, and health care — for the last 40 years. They also take into account reports of correspondents actively living abroad. Here are some of their top picks for international retirement destinations. Panama Panama ranks No. 2 in International Living Magazine’s list of best places to retire internationally. With its tropical climate, proximity to the United States, excellent health care, and low tax burden, it’s easy to see why. In Panama City, you can expect to pay at least $2,600 a month in living expenses, but housing costs are substantially lower outside of major metropolitan markets. Panama also offers excellent discounts, up to 25% off of things like airline tickets, hotels, and energy costs through its Pensionado program.

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3 Local Art Classes for Seniors

Make Today the Day!

Has it been years since you last picked up a paintbrush? Is there a song inside of you ready to be shared with the world? Have you always wanted to try your hand at pottery? Well, what’s stopping you? There are plenty of local art classes for adults of all ages to discover their creative side! Here are a few you can sign up for today. Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center There are many ways to express yourself through the arts. The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center (SCMAC) invites you to embrace your creative side with a wide array of adult art classes. SCMAC offers classes in painting, ceramics, sculpture, music, and more. Whether you want to practice your skills or try something entirely new, you’ll find your inspiration at SCMAC. Call 831-336-3513 or visit MountainArtCenter.org to learn more. Scotts Valley Art Center Painters of every age and skill level are invited to hone their craft at the Scotts Valley Art Center. New and advanced

students alike can come together to learn aspects of sketching and line art, pastel drawing, and watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting. With group classes and private lessons available year- round, you can start your artistic journey however you are most comfortable. Visit ScottsValleyArtCenter.com or call 1-831-566-5741 for more information. Garden Art Mosaic Class — Santa Cruz County Parks Ready to unleash your creative side this spring? Try your hand at garden mosaics! An instructor will teach you how to turn glass tiles and ceramic pieces into a beautiful work of art. You’ll even be able to take home your new masterpiece. Space is limited, so register soon to save your spot.

Sign up by going to SCParks.com/Home/RecreationPrograms. aspx or by calling 831-454-7901 today.

Don’t put off your creative journey for one more day. Find a local art class and discover your artist potential!

Directions 1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. In a colander, toss eggplant, zucchini, and salt. Let sit for 30 minutes and pat dry. 3. In an ovenproof pot, heat 1/2 cup olive oil. Add half of eggplant mixture, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Remove vegetables from pot. 4. Tie thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine. 5. In the same pot, heat remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, Ingredients • 1 eggplant, peeled and chopped • 1 large zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds • 2 tsp salt • 3/4 cup olive oil, divided Ratatouille

SUDOKU

and cook onion, pepper, garlic, and thyme for 8–10 minutes. 6. Add half the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. 7. Stir in original eggplant and zucchini mixture and top with remaining tomatoes. Do not stir. 8. Transfer pot to oven and bake mixture for 15–20 minutes. 9. Remove pot from oven and remove thyme bundle before serving. • 5 sprigs thyme • 1 large onion, halved and sliced 1/2-inch thick • 1 red bell pepper, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 2 pints cherry tomatoes

Inspired by Bon Appétit

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Personalized Homecare ... When You Need It ... From People You Trust!

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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Find That Creative Spark

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Best Power Tools for Older Folks

3 Places to Retire Internationally

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Don’t Put Off Your Artistic Dreams

Ratatouille

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Local Events

Canines and Easter Bunnies THERE’S PLENTY OF SPRING FUN TO BE FOUND

Top Dog Film Festival Where: New Leaf Community Markets, Santa Cruz When: Friday, March 13; 7–9:30 p.m. Admission: $15 Website: RioTheatre.com/events For countless generations, dogs have stood by our side, offering strength,

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean missing out on delicious meals. Join Chef Laura Casasayas-Pala and learn how to craft tasty, healthy Mediterranean meals with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and olive oil! Learn the basics of a healthy Mediterranean diet and get hands-on instructions for cooking a full Mediterranean dinner, from the appetizers all the way to dessert! Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt Where: Capitola Beach, Capitola Venetian Hotel, Capitola When: Saturday, April 11; 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Admission: Free Website: CapitolaChamber.com The Easter Bunny is coming to town, and he’s making a special stop in Capitola! Get the family together for a one-of-a-kind egg hunt on the beach. Kids 12 and under are invited to collect candy-filled eggs and take pictures with the Easter Bunny himself. Come enjoy a beautiful spring day on the beach with your family!

support, and unconditional love. Celebrate our amazing canine companions at the Top Dog Film Festival. This festival features a selection of films by independent filmmakers from around the globe. Get your tickets now to enjoy inspirational, heartwarming, and entertaining stories of the bond between man and man’s best friend. Vegetarian Mediterranean Kitchen Where: New Leaf Community Markets, Santa Cruz When: Friday, March 27; 6–8:30 p.m Tasting Kits: $40–$45 Website: Eventbrite.com/e/vegetarian-mediterranean- kitchen-tickets-90378014073

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Art by Shane Mann