Visiting Angels June 2019

Visiting Angels June 2019

June 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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A Story Worth Telling W hen my grandmother died, I inherited so many of her things, like jewelry, pictures, and even her house. There were many sentimental items I kept to remember her by. However, her stories are what I truly wish I had more of. My grandmother was a collector, especially of fabric and art supplies. In fact, she could have opened her own craft and sewing store. Grandma had a forbidden room that she wouldn’t let anyone in, though it was mainly because it was so disorganized and cluttered with craft supplies that she was embarrassed for anyone to see it. After she passed away, I went in to clear things out, and I found this amazing poem with illustrations she had written for my grandfather. How We Capture a Family Legacy

journal. Once a day, take a moment to write down a memory you want to share. You could also record your stories

with a video camera or even use something simple as an audio recorder on a smartphone. Children or grandchildren who want to preserve the stories of their elders could also take time to record interviews with them. There are also numerous programs that make collecting these stories easy. • The website StoryWorth.com is an amazing resource that will send questions to a loved one once a week, and at the end of the year, it will compile all the answers into a beautifully bound book. • Workbooks with “Grandma, Tell Me Your Story” or “Grandpa, Tell Me Your Memories” have questions and prompts on each page to help dig up old memories. • If you need help capturing stories on video, FamilyLineVideo.com offers packages with everything you need to create video memoirs or legacy videos. I treasure the heirlooms my grandmother passed down to me, but I would trade it all for one hour of hearing her tell me stories again. When we’re gone, all that will be left are the stories our family will tell about us. I think it’s so important to share those stories while we still can.

It was a tongue-in-cheek poem all about how she was going to leave him if he kept bringing home stray animals, something my grandfather was guilty of. It was extremely funny, and in the margins around the poem, there were pictures and colored pencil illustrations she drew herself. I was so surprised! I thought I knew my grandmother well, but I had never seen this creative, artistic side of her. We were really close, but I wish I’d recorded or written down the stories she told me. My grandmother lived an incredible life, and I only saw small pieces of it. With Mother’s Day having just passed and Father’s Day coming up, I’ve been thinking a lot about family stories. We all have them; some are funny, and others are sad. Each person’s story makes up who they are today and who future generations will be. I know many people would love to hear the love stories, pieces of wisdom, triumphs, cautionary tales, and even medical history of their grandparents or great-grandparents. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to share or capture your family stories.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The simplest way to share a story is by writing it down in a

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Why Tai Chi Is Cooler Than You Think

Better Balance With the Internal Martial Art

When you think about martial arts, a few images come to mind: Mr. Miyagi, possibly nunchucks, and people breaking objects using impressive disciplined strength.

it provides a powerful punch of health benefits and also why less than 5 percent of people stick with it. Some teachers say it takes three years to learn the basic movements of tai chi — and more than a lifetime to master. Physical training, combined with the internal meditative aspect of tai chi, are the reasons martial arts legend Jet Li has turned to the exercise in recent years, even campaigning to make it an Olympic event. In an interview, Li explained his push to make tai chi a more widely recognized and accepted exercise: “In our attempts to push ourselves, we’ve lost sight of an important part of the sporting mindset: balance.” For anyone setting out on a mission to age gracefully, tai chi can help reduce your risk of falling with its focus on posture. An ounce of preventive tai chi may be worth a pound of cure; the Center for Disease Control reports that people pay an average of $35,000 in health care costs every time they fall. Many community centers and health and wellness facilities offer opportunities to learn tai chi, from free community classes to entire tai chi facilities. Go see for yourself why this is the martial art everyone should practice.

But one of the most powerful martial arts you may not immediately picture is tai chi. This ancient Chinese form of combat in slow motion is an internal martial art that works from the inside out by developing the body’s internal energy, known as qi, or “chi.” In Chinese medicine, balanced qi is essential to good health. Hundreds of studies demonstrate the mental and physical benefits this quiet martial art provides. Because of its focus on posture, tai chi is particularly helpful for balance. In Harvard’s analysis of 20 different studies, tai chi was shown to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of dementia more than other forms of exercise.

While the movements appear mild, the practice of tai chi requires discipline and strength. That’s part of the reason why

Why Seniors Are Flocking to Home-Sharing Platforms An Opportunity for Easy Money and Social Engagement

The freedom of retirement certainly comes with its perks, but challenges of post-work living exist as well. Chief among them, for most elderly folks, are fears of social isolation and financial insolvency, as having coworkers and a regular income are not as common in retirement. Perhaps this is why so many retirees are flocking to home-sharing platforms like

all kinds of people you might never otherwise meet, prompting dynamic social interactions and meaningful connections. The rating systems on Airbnb and similar platforms almost entirely prevent would-be troublemakers from entering your property, and users report that when a rare negative experience does occur, the company typically has your back. It’s a great way to stay socially engaged while staving off loneliness.

Airbnb or its seniors-only cousin, The Freebird Club. Airbnb reported last year that the 60-plus age bracket is its fastest- growing demographic worldwide, with the number of senior hosts as much as doubling every year. Home-sharing platforms can be a tremendous boon to a tight retirement budget. It’s an especially attractive option to elderly folks who find themselves rich in assets but struggling with liquid finances. Home-sharing allows them to tap into these resources. According to Priceonomics, U.S. Airbnb hosts bring in a monthly average of $924. But home-sharing can do more than boost your income. By opening a room in your home to travelers, you’ll encounter

Best of all, running a modestly successful Airbnb usually doesn’t take much work. It simply requires you to set up a neat, welcoming space, keep in contact with your guests, and ensure the check-in and check-out processes are as straightforward as possible. In fact, senior hosts seem to have a leg up on their younger counterparts, as elderly hosts earn the most consistently positive ratings across the globe. Airbnb and The Freebird Club won’t make you rich, but they’re relatively low-effort enterprises that come with some massive benefits. If you’re looking for a little busywork, some extra cash, and a little social interaction in your retirement, hosting may be your best bet!

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20 QUESTIONS TO HELP CAPTURE YOUR STORY

9. Who was your role model? 10. When did you first fall in love? 11. How did you meet the love of your life? 12. What was your favorite job? 13. What’s a memory that always makes you smile? 14. What’s your biggest regret? 15. What’s something you are most proud of? 16. How did you get through the hardest time in your life? 17. What is your favorite story about our family?

How do you capture an entire life? It’s a difficult task. There are countless moments and memories we experience throughout our lifetime. Every one of them deserves to be preserved. Whether you’re trying to help a family member tell their story or you’re trying to capture your own legacy to share, here are some great questions to help get the story started. 1. What is your full name and the names of your parents and siblings? 2. How did your parents choose your name? 3. Where were you and your family members born? 4. Where did you grow up?

18. Who do you miss the most? 19. How has the world changed? 20. How do you want to be remembered?

5. What’s your earliest memory? 6. What was your childhood like? 7. Did you have any pets growing up? 8. Who was your best friend? SUDOKU

Every story deserves to be told. We hope these questions help you capture stories for future generations to enjoy.

Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts

With raw zucchini, toasted hazelnuts, and a robust Parmigiano-Reggiano, this early summer salad is a delight of different textures and flavors that will make a great side at your next cookout.

Ingredients • 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped Directions 1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice.

• Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish

3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.

Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

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Inside

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Tell Me Your Story

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Why You Need to Add This Exercise for Better Balance

Why Seniors Are Flocking to Home- Sharing Platforms

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How to Tell Your Story

Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts

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Local Events

A Taste of History

FINDING FUN IN THE PAST

25TH ANNUAL WOODIES ON THE WHARF WHERE: Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf WHEN: Saturday, June 22; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADMISSION: Free WEBSITE: SantaCruzWoodies.com Nothing says classic California style like a woodie car. The wood bodywork of this iconic station wagon conjures memories of cruising down the coast on a beautiful summer day. Santa Cruz Woodies, a chapter of the National Woodie Club, invites you to celebrate the proud history of the woodie while soaking up the sun. Enjoy music, raffle prizes, games, and great food while 200 pre-1950s woodies line the Santa Cruz Wharf. THE MEN OF BIG BASIN – A FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL EVENT WHERE: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Boulder Creek WHEN: Sunday, June 16; 1–2:30 p.m. ADMISSION: $10 parking fee WEBSITE: SantaCruz.org/upcoming-events Make Father’s Day really special with a trip back in time! Living history reenactments will introduce your family

to pioneer settlers, early park rangers, and remarkable men who lived in,

worked in, and fought for Big Basin. This magnificent stroll through the

Redwoods is wheelchair- and stroller- accessible, so your whole family can enjoy Father’s Day together.

WILDER RANCH: OLD-FASHIONED INDEPENDENCE DAY WHERE: Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz WHEN: Thursday, July 4; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADMISSION: Free WEBSITE: Bit.ly/OldFashioned4th

Return to a time when America was young, and celebrate an old-fashioned Independence Day at Wilder Ranch State Park. This family-friendly, historic event captures Fourth of July celebrations of the early 1900s, complete with live big- band music, flag raising, crafts, games, a family parade, and hand-churned ice cream. Celebrate Independence Day at this memorable event.

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