Visiting Angels April 2019

Visiting Angels April 2019

April 2019

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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Don’t Give Up R eading was one of the greatest joys in my grandmother’s life. She loved her books and was heartbroken when macular degeneration left her unable to read small print. She didn’t want to give up books, so she got a device that magnified the print of the pages and started listening to books on tape. It wasn’t the same as curling up with a book, but she found alternatives to hold onto the things that made her happy in life. As we get older, life changes in ways we aren’t always prepared for. This can be especially difficult for seniors who want to maintain their independence. I have talked to many of our clients who told me they don’t “feel old,” but they suddenly find themselves unable to play tennis, climb the stairs of their home, or read the small print of their favorite books anymore. When it feels like your body has turned on you, you may feel tempted to give up. I watched this happen to my own parents. When it got harder for them to do the things they loved, rather than find alternatives, they became very sedentary people who just sat on the couch and watched TV. This is when they got old — not because of their age, but because they stopped engaging with life and started acting old. Alternatives exist for seniors to continue engaging in life. If you can no longer play tennis, try pickleball. If a hip replacement means you can’t go running anymore, there’s road biking or walking groups. If cold winters are rough on your joints, maybe it’s time to visit somewhere warmer. It can be difficult for seniors when they aren’t able to do the things they used to love, but finding alternatives for those hobbies to stay active and maintain your independence leads to a healthier, happier, and longer life. The Importance of Finding Alternatives in Life

“Alternatives exist for seniors to continue engaging in life.”

Our caregivers at Visiting Angels know the importance of independence. We’re here so seniors can continue to enjoy that independence in their own homes. Our philosophy is to let our clients do things themselves as long as they are able to do it safely. If a senior is a fall risk or has balance concerns, reaching up for something on a high shelf may be dangerous, and our Angels will step in. But if they love gardening and are able to do it safely, there’s no reason for them to have to give that up. Our Angels are there if our seniors need them, but their primary goal is to encourage seniors to stay active. This may include bringing puzzles or brain games to keep their minds stimulated, setting up video chat so they can see their grandkids across the country, or arranging transportation to the grocery store or senior center. When I got involved with caring for seniors, my whole mission was to help people live a full life. I’ve learned the best way to do that is to find new ways to keep doing what you love. The hobbies may be a little different than they were before, but alternatives exist. The key is not giving up.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Yorkie Doodle Dandy

Smoky the World War II Canine Hero

Considering the stress of combat, it’s no wonder military dogs tend to be tough breeds known for their size and strength. German shepherds, boxers, and various bully breeds are well- acquainted with the battlefield. But in

Smoky’s most famous act of heroism occurred when she went where no man could go at an air base at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. The engineers needed help, so Wynne tied a strand of telephone wire to her collar and Smoky ran through a 70-foot-long pipe in a matter of minutes. Without Smoky, it would have taken three days to lay the wire. Her work kept over 250 ground crewmen and 40 fighter and reconnaissance planes out of danger from enemy bombings. In addition to saving lives on the battlefield, Smoky is also considered to be the first recorded therapy dog. She learned a number of tricks to cheer up troops and would visit injured soldiers at the hospital in New Guinea. After World War II, Smoky and Wynne visited veteran hospitals across the United States. “Corporal” Smoky lived for another 10 years after the war before dying on Feb. 21, 1957, at approximately 14 years old. Wynne would go on to write a memoir about his time with Smoky titled “Yorkie Doodle Dandy.” Almost 50 years after her death, a life-sized bronze statue of Smoky was erected at her final resting place in Lakewood, Ohio. Her statue is dedicated to the bravery of all war dogs, and it is a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

Courtesy Bill Wynne

World War II, the most famous military dog weighed only 4 pounds and stood a mere 7 inches tall. Smoky the Yorkshire Terrier wasn’t exactly what most people associated with Shakespeare’s “let slip the dogs of war,” but her small size is part of what made her such a hero. In 1944, after being discovered beside a foxhole in the jungles of New Guinea, Smoky met Corporal William A. Wynne, an American soldier from Cleveland, Ohio. The two quickly became inseparable, and she stayed by Wynne’s side the entire time he was stationed in the South Pacific. Smoky is credited with going on 12 combat missions, surviving 150 air raids, parachuting 30 feet, and earning eight battle stars. Smoky’s sensitive hearing allowed her to alert Wynne and other soldiers of incoming air raids.

The 2 Most Common Ways Criminals Steal From Seniors

And How to Spot Them

Scamming older adults has become big business. According to the American Journal for Public Health, an estimated 5 percent of seniors are hoodwinked by criminals every year, and that statistic is thought to be a steep underestimate since so many scams go unreported. To stem the tide of seniors unknowingly giving $36 billion to scammers annually, it’s important for retirees and their loved ones to get savvy on the subject.

something. And it’s vital to understand that it is never safe to give out financial information over the phone or via email.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE SERVICE FRAUD This type of scam is slightly more sophisticated. First, a hacker will call a victim and claim to be a member of a tech support team or an employee from a trusted company like Microsoft or Apple. Then, they’ll tell the victim there is a problem with their phone or computer and that if they cooperate with the “tech support” representative, they can sort it out. They may also ask you to install a piece of software on your device or provide credit card information to “validate your software.” The fact is that well-known tech companies will never send unsolicited emails to ask for your personal or financial information, and they definitely won’t ask you to install some shady software on your computer. If you ever receive a call out of the blue from “Microsoft,” hang up the phone immediately. The first step to stopping these criminals in their tracks is to be aware of their tactics. With these tips in your arsenal, you’ll be able to defend yourself and your bank account effectively.

Here are the two of the most common scams older folks fall prey to — and how to avoid them.

ADVANCED FEE FRAUD The most common con in 2017 and 2018 was the classic “You’ve won a sweepstakes!” scam. Victims are told they’ve won some exorbitant amount of money, but they must pay a fee to receive the prize. After the “fee” is paid, victims receive a fake check in the mail, but by the time it bounces, the scammers are gone and they’ve taken the money. If you ever receive a contract from an unknown entity out of nowhere, you should start seeing red flags. Unless you remember entering a contest, there is no chance you’ve won

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NEVER TOO OLD FOR PLAY 3 WAYS SENIORS CAN MAKE LIFE MORE FUN

When did “play” become a bad word? Children use play to entertain themselves and learn about the world. Playing is a crucial part of human development and life in general! Unfortunately, as we grow up, play starts to mean “unproductive.” Things we once did just for fun are cast aside and forgotten. However, play has a lot of physical and psychological benefits. Enjoying a fun activity can boost cognitive ability, release endorphins, reduce memory loss, and even lower blood pressure! Here are a few ways older folks can welcome play back into their lives. Play outside. When’s the last time you skipped rocks at the lake or flew a kite? There is so much fun to be had outside that doesn’t require too much effort. Pull out your phone and try your hand at nature photography or invite a friend over for a picnic. The outside is still the ultimate playground — you could even go to an actual playground!

Find a team. Does a bad elbow keep you off the tennis court? Your local pickleball league would be thrilled to have you! Maybe you used to love putting on plays in high school, so rediscover that passion by participating in local dance troupes, improv classes, or community theaters. If you don’t know where to find a team, start by checking out your nearest community center. Break Out a board game. If physical activity is out of the question, try playing a fun board game. Never been a fan of chess or poker? That’s okay! Don’t be embarrassed to pull out a childhood favorite like Battleship or Chutes and Ladders. There are also countless new board games available today. Check out Qwirkle, Dixit, or Ticket to Ride for some fun new challenges. What counts as play? It’s simple! As long as you’re having fun, you’re doing it right. Roasted Radishes With Radish Greens

SUDOKU

Radishes start showing up in droves during the spring and summer months, but all too often we only eat the bulbs raw on salads and discard the greens. This recipes bucks both of those trends, with the radishes being roasted alongside their green tops.

Ingredients • 3 bunches radishes with greens attached • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Directions 1. Heat oven to 500 F. While heating, trim radishes and wash greens. Pat both dry using a paper towel. 2. In a large ovenproof skillet,

• Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Transfer entire skillet to oven rack and roast for 15 minutes. 3. Once removed from oven, return skillet to stove. Over medium heat, stir in butter and add greens. Cook until they are wilted, about 2 minutes. 4. Finish with lemon juice and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.

heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Season radishes with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

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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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The Key to Lifelong Independence

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Never Judge a Dog by Her Size

2 Tactics Criminals Use to Steal From Older Adults

Why Do We Stop Playing?

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Roasted Radishes With Radish Greens

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Local Events

Sunshine and Good Company SPRING INTO FUN WITH THESE LOCAL EVENTS

CAPITOLA VILLAGE EASTER EGG HUNT WHERE: Capitola Beach, Capitola Village WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. ADMISSION: Free WEBSITE: CapitolaVillage.com/events This Easter, there’s one more reason to love the beach. Capitola Village is hosting their annual Easter Egg hunt! Hundreds of candy-filled eggs will be hidden in the sand, and kids 12 and under are invited to come find them. The Easter Bunny himself will be there to say hi and take pictures. The hunt starts at 11 a.m. sharp, so don’t be late! SOQUEL VILLAGE SIP & STROLL WINE WALK WHERE: Soquel Village, Soquel WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 1–5 p.m. ADMISSION: $35 WEBSITE: SoquelSipAndStroll.com Eleven of the area’s finest wineries are gathering together to put on a tasting tour through the idyllic Soquel Village. Enjoy a glass of wine, go antiquing, and

spend the day with your best friends. You might even make some new friends along the way. Tickets include a commemorative glass, map, and complimentary bites from Soquel Village Merchants. The event sold out last year, so make plans to attend with your friends and grab your tickets soon! WILDER RANCH: LIFE ON THE RANCH WHERE: Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rediscover a simpler time at Wilder Ranch State Park’s Gardening and Wool Day. To celebrate the return of spring, Wilder Ranch invites guests to help plant their heirloom vegetable garden with techniques ranchers used in the early 1900s. There will also be composting demonstrations, gardening information, garden crafts, and, weather permitting, sheep shearing at noon. See how wool is processed from “sheep to shawl” and enjoy a beautiful spring day with your family at the ranch. ADMISSION: Free WEBSITE: Bit.ly/LifeOnTheRanch

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