Visiting Angels - December 2019

Visiting Angels - December 2019

December 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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The Best Present Ever

How Do You Give the Gift of Time?

M any years ago, I sat down with one of our clients who was on hospice. He was dying, but he was able to enjoy his last days in the comfort of his home. And what a lovely home it was! When I went to visit him one day, I was amazed by this beautiful house with a view of the ocean, classic cars in the garage, and a personal movie theater. But when I complimented him, he shook his head. “I worked hard my whole life,” he told me. “And I have all these wonderful things, but none of this really matters in life. What really matters is the relationships you have. My greatest regret is that I never spent more time with my son.” Recently I was thinking about Christmas presents. My girls are grown and sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to buy them for Christmas. Then I remembered what that man told me on his deathbed. The best gifts in life aren’t things you can order with two-day shipping and have wrapped under the tree; they’re the time we spend with our loved ones. The gift of time is the most precious thing we can give to those we love. I took this lesson to heart when planning presents for my girls, so I called them up and planned some time to spend one-on-one with each of them. I already got to enjoy some wonderful quality time with one of my daughters this year when she chose a spa day. Together, we went to this place in Carmel that doesn’t allow technology or talking. It was complete silence. Of course, we did lots of talking on the drive over, and then we enjoyed a day of massages and relaxing by the pool. The experience was great, but what made it more special was sharing those moments with my daughter.

Quality time doesn’t have to be a big trip or a spa day. We can have rich time with our loved ones by just making a point to be with them. When my grandmother was alive, we’d watch “It’s

a Wonderful Life” every year around the holidays. This was my grandmother’s favorite movie. We’d put it on and just sit to watch the movie together. We didn’t talk; we shared the experience. I know that time meant a lot to my grandmother, and I still cherish those memories. To this day, I make a point to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” at least once during the holidays and remember all the lovely times I shared with her. Companionship and the gift of time are necessary components to everyone’s life, especially for seniors who often have little interaction day to day with other people. One of the most important gifts that our Visiting Angels caregivers offer their clients is their time. Time to sit, talk, and listen to a client about what’s important in their life is just as valuable, or more so, than completing the daily tasks at hand. The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with our loved ones. If you’re still trying to find that perfect gift, I recommend giving the gift of your time instead. When we make time for someone, we show them how much we care. Happy holidays from all of us at Visiting Angels! We hope you have plenty of opportunities to spend time with the people you love.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Do You Have a Story to Tell?

Share Your Wisdom in a Memoir

The urge to leave behind a legacy is an inherent human instinct. Whether you accomplish this by raising children, building a successful company, or starting a charitable organization, the desire to share your wisdom should not go unfulfilled. If none of these options work for your lifestyle, writing a memoir may be a good option. A memoir not only tells your story but also passes on the wisdom you’ve gained from your many experiences and offers a unique perspective to inspire future generations. Writing can be a therapeutic exercise at a time when your life may be changing due to retirement or your kids growing up and leaving the house. And because personal reflection is a natural occurrence with age, writing a memoir can be the perfect way to spend your time. As you gain enough distance from life events to grow useful perspectives, the stage is set for self-discovery and transformation.

why biographies and memoirs are such popular genres — reading about real people helps others understand the world and how they can live in it.

To get started, pick a theme. Ask yourself these

questions, “What message do I want to leave with my readers? What do I want them to feel or understand by reading my words?” From there, select anecdotes that support your theme. Make sure they’re clear and cohesive. Then, write like you would a fictional novel or story. Show, don’t tell, and keep readers invested by having a narrative arc, whether it flows chronologically or jumps back and forth in time. Remember, this is not a time to air dirty laundry; it’s a time to reflect, grow, and share your experiences with the world.

Even more so, your life experiences can give valuable insights to readers of all ages and circumstances. That’s

There’s No Expiration Date on Entrepreneurship

The Joys of Starting a Business After You ‘Retire’

As a nation, America is getting older. By 2030, 20% of Americans will be 65 or older. With people living longer than ever before and the baby boomers approaching retirement age en masse, older adults will continue to have a massive impact on the American economy at large. Normally, we think of seniors as people who cash in on the hard work they’ve already accomplished. Many young people even worry Social Security will be wiped out by the time they reach retirement age. But who’s to say older adults can’t contribute to the economy?

Unlike younger people, who often become business owners in an attempt to make a fortune, older entrepreneurs can be content with small, sustainable micro-businesses. They also approach their businesses with a wealth of experience that can’t be purchased. As a result, 70% of ventures founded by older entrepreneurs are still open five years later, more than double the rate of the general population. With so much potential to be found in senior-run businesses, it’s no surprise that organizations are rushing to empower older adults with the tools they need to succeed. Senior Planet, a coworking space for seniors with outposts nationwide, teaches classes on skills like website creation in a space that makes older learners feel welcome and comfortable. On top of being an important economic driver, entrepreneurship can be a wonderful way for seniors to generate meaning and value in their lives. It’s never too late to start the business of your dreams.

If you’ve ever tried to change jobs late in your career or pick up some part-time work after retirement, you know it’s hard to be hired as a senior. Quartz recently called seniors “the economy’s most underused natural resource.” Until more employers understand the value and potential of older workers, entrepreneurship remains the most viable avenue for seniors wanting to work after their primary career has ended. There are a number of reasons why seniors find creating their own business to be rewarding and why they tend to succeed when they do.

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Resolutions That Matter 3 TIPS FOR A TRULY HAPPY NEW YEAR

We’re just about to start a new year. Rather than make another New Year’s resolution that you’ll forget about by March, what if you resolved to spend your time better this year? There are plenty of ways to make your time more meaningful. Take a class in person. Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Are you thinking about taking a yoga class? Do it this year! There are plenty of classes or articles online you can turn to, but why not look for opportunities to grow outside your home? Attending a class in person can shake up your routine and give you the chance to make new connections. Give back to your community. Pick a cause you’re passionate about. It could be helping kids, animals, or the environment. Then, find a local organization dedicated to that cause and lend them a hand. You could

volunteer at the animal shelter, collect books for school libraries, organize a fundraising event, or donate to the cause. There are so many opportunities to make a lasting impact on your community. Spend time with the people who matter. Think of the people you love the most, who make you happy to be around, and reach out. Get coffee with that friend who you always promise to catch up with. Call your favorite cousin who you haven’t seen since the last family wedding. Do you have relatives who live out of state? Make plans to see each other in person. If traveling isn’t an option, download a video chat app so you can talk face to face. Once a week, make a point to connect with someone you love.

Time is the most valuable thing we have. This year, look for opportunities to spend your time wisely.

Roasted Cauliflower ‘Steaks’

SUDOKU

Ingredients • 1 large head cauliflower • 2 cups Roma tomatoes • 1 red onion, quartered • 1/2 lb green beans, ends trimmed

• Kosher salt • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 cup balsamic vinegar • 1/4 cup brown sugar • Parsley leaves, for garnish

Directions 1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. Trim the leaves and stem from cauliflower, but do not break down further. (It should sit like a dome.) In the center of a large baking dish, place the cauliflower and surround it with tomatoes, onion, and green beans, and season with salt and olive oil. 3. Meanwhile, heat a small saucepan to medium-high, and

whisk together vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then turn down to low simmer, letting sauce reduce for 15 minutes. 4. Coat cauliflower in glaze and reserve extra for basting. 5. Roast for 1 hour, basting every 15 minutes. 6. Quarter cauliflower and serve with veggies.

Inspired by Delish

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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

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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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You Can’t Wrap the Perfect Gift

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Tell Your Story and Share Your Wisdom

The Power of Senior Entrepreneurship

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How We Make Our Time More Valuable

Roasted Cauliflower ‘Steaks’

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Local Events

What Are Your Plans? LOCAL EVENTS THAT MAKE THE HOLIDAYS BRIGHT

Boardwalk Holiday Ice Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz When: Nov. 16, 2019, to Jan. 5, 2020 Admission: See website for pricing Website: BeachBoardwalk.com Ice skating on the beach? Now that’s some holiday magic! The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is bringing your family a winter wonderland with a new covered ice rink that will be open, rain or shine, all season long. Enjoy a full day of holiday fun with classic holiday movies, festive crafts,

For over 60 years, “The Nutcracker” has been a beloved holiday tradition around the world. Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is proud to be part of this tradition and feature the only production of “The Nutcracker” in Santa Cruz with a live orchestra! See the ballet you love with live music that will make your heart soar. Be sure to arrive early for the Sweet Treats event, where kids of all ages can meet their favorite characters from the ballet and take home a commemorative ornament.

Mindful Eating: Finding Peace With Food Where: Alliance Physical Therapy, Aptos When: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020; 6–7:30 p.m. Admission: Donation Website: AlliancePTSantaCruz.com/events

delicious treats, and all your favorite boardwalk rides and games. This is how Santa Cruz celebrates the holidays!

Start the new year with a new, healthier relationship with food. Dietitian Laura Casasayas will share her own struggles with food and eating disorders and talk about how mindful eating helped her develop a healthier relationship with her body. This session will focus on emotional eating and breaking bad food habits. If your New Year’s resolution involves healthy living, this workshop can help you get started.

‘The Nutcracker’ With Live Orchestra Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz When: Dec. 21 and 22 Admission: See website for tickets Website: SCBT.org

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