Visiting Angels December 2017

Visiting Angels December 2017

December 2017

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

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Orange Coffeecake Fills the Air Cherished Memories and Holiday Traditions

When I think of my favorite holiday traditions, I am reminded of the delicious smells as I entered my grandmother’s kitchen on Christmas morning. This was the one day during the year that Gram made her special orange coffeecake. When Gram passed away, I knew I had to carry on the tradition of baking her special cake on Christmas morning. After searching through every cookbook and every recipe card, I said, “Gram, if you’re there, I really need to find that coffeecake recipe.” She must have been listening, because when I checked her favorite cookbook again, I found the recipe waiting for me. Even though she hasn’t been with us for several years now, it’s like Grandma is there with us celebrating. The warm, sweet smell of orange coffeecake brings me back to Christmas mornings when I sat beside her while my grandpa made us all hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows

Over the years, we continue family traditions through

the generations, and we incorporate new ones as new members join our families. These traditions are a part of

who we are. They keep us connected no matter how much time has passed; they unite

us as a family. Memories and stories are triggered by these traditions, which enable us to share details of our family’s history with the younger generations, keeping those past generations alive and present during the holidays. As we head into the holidays, it is important to be mindful of how others will spend the season. While the holidays can be a time for wonderful memories and laughter, for many people, the holiday season is stressful and filled with anxiety. For those who live alone, especially seniors, this time of year can be lonely. It’s important to encourage the elders in your life to share their stories and traditions. The holidays are the best time to connect the past to the present as we all come together in love and celebration. Whatever traditions you enjoy this year, know that all of us at Visiting Angels wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season!

— talk about a sugar rush! We would all sit around to eat a delicious breakfast and share stories of holidays past. These memories come flooding back to me now as I continue Gram’s tradition of making her special cake on Christmas morning.

“The holidays are the best time to connect the past to the present.”

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

831-430-0616 | 1

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The Benefits of Ride-Sharing for Older Adults

According to the Community Transportation Association, 26 million older adults rely on others for transportation. Between the lack of autonomy and the fear of being a burden,

up the app, reach out to a tech-savvy friend or family member. Odds are they’ve used these services themselves.

If you need help getting in and out of the vehicle, Uber even offers a special service called uberASSIST. Drivers in this program have special training and offer door-to-door assistance. Newer companies designed specifically for seniors, like SilverRide and Lift Hero, are expanding into new regions all the time. Ride-sharing offers a number of benefits to older adults who don’t want to rely on a friend or loved one for transportation. Have a medical appointment? Getting there has never been easier. Looking to take a walk somewhere that requires a short drive? You can ride-share there and back. Going out for a bite to eat? With the touch of a button, you’ll soon be on your way. Ride-sharing offers increased independence, security, and efficiency, which far outweighs most other transportation alternatives. You might think of mobile technology as an industry aimed largely at younger generations who live their lives on their phones. Ride-sharing services, however, can offer just as much benefit to you as to those rowdy 20-somethings. If you need a quick, affordable ride, give these apps a shot. certainly doesn’t have to be as grim a process as it sounds. You don’t need to give up the things you love to do or purchase. It simply means taking a hard look at your surroundings, your possessions, and your spending. Are you sticking around in a house much larger than you need, simply because it’s full of old stuff? It might be time to jettison the junk lying around and give your mind — and your budget — some wiggle room. What do you actually need in your life? And how much of your spending is simply to impress others? These are tough questions, but if you want to have a fulfilling, 20-year retirement, they’re absolutely essential things to consider. If you really want to zero in on your expenses, use an app like Mint or iFinance that imports your banking >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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