Mount Carmel Takes the Lead in Raising Stroke Awareness

Stroke Coordinators from the Mt. Carmel Hospital family including Janie Wheeler from St. Ann's(pictured above) and Janet McNaughten from Mt. Carmel West joined us on 1/23/14 to discuss stroke facts including but not limited to causes, symptoms, risk-factors, prevention, treatment options and rehabilitation. Listen to complete interview here.  Mt. Carmel takes the lead in community outreach and education when it comes to stroke.  

The importance of recognizing symptoms and taking prompt action cannot be over-emphasized.  Stroke is said to be the 4th leading cause of death in this country. According to the CDC, strokes kill almost 130,000 Americans each year - accounting for 1 out of every 19 deaths. View statistics here.  It is closely associated with high blood pressure also known as the "silent killer" and most people report no pain during a stroke.  

We have long relied on F.A.S.T. to help identify the signs and symptoms of stroke.  

F  Face Drooping Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? 

A Arm Weakness Is one arm weak or numb? 

S Speech Difficulty Is speech slurred? 

T Time to call 911 Time is of the essence.  

Visit the National Stroke Association to learn more.  

Visit the American Heart Association here.

Strokes are 80% PREVENTABLE.

Strokes CAN BE TREATED.
 Knowledge is the Key!

Active 90-Year-Old is Loving his New Holiday Retirement Community

Donald Swift, pastor of 60 years, during interview on Senior Agenda.

Sheryle and Ann from The Worthington. 

Donald Swift, Pastor Emeritus/Presbyterian Church, was interviewed on 1/16/2014 on Senior Agenda to discuss taking the big step and transitioning from his single family home of 49 years to a senior retirement community.  We were a little concerned about Don's ability to make the full flight of stairs at the studio and the inclement weather we are experiencing here in Ohio so we suggested that he do a phone interview instead of an actual studio visit.   Don wouldn't hear of it! Team members from the community made the trip possible and also joined to share additional details about their Holiday Retirement Community.

Don moved into The Worthington about 90 days ago and he reports that it is "just wonderful."  He celebrated his 90th birthday with his new friends and recalls that day with great fondness.  "And The Worthingon celebrates your birthday - real big.  I got three big balloons, and an ice cream sundae - a banana split.  And the people sang to me,"  he said.  The smile on his face tells the story but follow this link to hear the complete interview.  Don spoke of the benefits of making new friends to combat loneliness, the opportunity to appreciate three balanced meals a day and other aspects of the community he enjoys including activities.  Don is an absolute delight!  You are sure to enjoy the interview.

The Worthington is an independent living retirement community in Gahanna, Ohio. It is a beautiful community with many distinguishing features including a set of on-site managers that live in the community, all-inclusive pricing, three meals a day, and life enriching activities that include spiritual, physical and intellectual components.  Visit The Worthington website here to learn more.  Call 614-656-4020 and ask for Sheryle to schedule a tour.

At Senior Agenda, we celebrate seniors and when we run across senior living communities that are doing it right - we are happy to celebrate them too. 

3rd Affordable Housing Community for LGBT Seniors Opens

LGBT elders are more likely to live alone and experience isolation and loneliness.  

"Why should people, who were the pioneers of the community, not live with dignity?  It's outrageous.  We have to take care of our own-nobody else is,"  said Mark Segal,  chairman of the fund that spearheaded the development.

Indeed!  This statement mirrors the sentiments of Senior Agenda for all seniors - not just for those who have historically been marginalized - but for all seniors because what society-at-large fails to acknowledge is that getting old in this country means being on the receiving end of discriminatory practices and attitudes.   It means residing in the outer margins.  Albeit, that marginalization is amplified when membership in multiple minority categories intersects.  Those seniors end up residing in the outer-outer margins. 

Anti-discrimination law prohibits gay-only housing, but communities can be identified as LGBT-friendly  through marketing and location.  When the leasing office in Philadelphia opened last fall, would-be tenants sat in a block-long line waiting to drop off applications.  The 56-unti complex follows Los Angeles and Minneapolis as locations with gay-friendly affordable housing for seniors.  Two more communities are under construction in Chicago and San Francisco.  (The Associated Press: Read complete story here. ).

We Should Know Better Than to Stereotype Seniors

It was widely reported today that federal and state regulators have shut down a multimillion-dollar scam targeting seniors.  Bravo!!! That is awesome news.  What left me shaking my head was this comment offered by the Federal Trade Commission regional director:  "You call enough older consumers and you will find someone with dementia or Alzheimer's.  These people knew they were dealing with people who weren't all there and they took their money."  Really?  Did you just say that aloud? Seniors were targeted for the same reasons that seniors are always targeted;  They have resources, strong credit ratings, live alone and are generally too trusting. By the way, do you know why they are too trusting?  It's because they are trustworthy. That's not quite the same as because they are demented now is it? This comment was as stereotypical as it gets.  One might also argue that it hinged on the verge of victim blaming but we will save that for another discussion.  The report goes on to say that the scammers operated under more than a dozen corporate names, employed more than 100 people and "appeared organized specifically to evade law enforcement."  Read the full story here.  In fact, the Better Business Bureau warned consumers about the scam six months ago, so it took the police at least that long to shut it down. Read full story here. .  That being said, I am hoping this was indeed a sophisticated operation that did not need to rely on seniors suffering with dementia and Alzheimer's to be successful.  

Ageism has been defined as the tendency to regard older people as debilitated or unworthy of attention.  It also includes stereotyping and discrimination based on age.  Popular messages about aging lead to disrespectful behavior towards seniors and the marginalization of seniors.  All seniors are not the same.  Moreover, most seniors are mentally and physically capable with much to offer.  Please stop assuming you know everything there is to know about a person based on their age.  

Top Twenty Volunteer Opportunities in Central Ohio for Seniors

Here is a list in no particular order of the top twenty volunteer opportunities for seniors according to Senior Agenda: 

1. Military Appreciation Follow this link for details and direction.
2. American Red Cross Call the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus at 614-253-2740  ext 2355 or Follow this link for national details and direction.
3. RSVP This is the nation's largest volunteer organization for seniors 55 + and specializes in matching seniors with volunteer opportunities that tap individual talents and passions.  Follow this link to learn more.
4. The Salvation Army Follow this link for details and direction.
5. Catholic Social Services Friendly Visiting Program Volunteer to visit a senior experiencing loneliness and social isolation in Franklin County.  Visit this link to learn more.    
6. Hospice Organizations  One of our favorites is Gentiva at 1-888-GENTIVA Follow this link to learn more.  
7. LifeCare Alliance  Volunteer opportunities are endless with this incredible local organization including delivering Meals on Wheels to local homebound seniors. Visit their website for details.
8. Mid Ohio Food Bank Help fight hunger by volunteering today.  Follow this link to learn more.
9. Volunteers of America/ Greater Ohio Volunteer to help the less fortunate today.  Follow this link to learn more.
10. COLUMBUS COALITION for the HOMELESS Volunteer to fight homelessness in our city.  Follow this link to learn more.
11. Good Neighbor Picnic 2014 Volunteer to participate in organization for 2014 effort to provide a day of family fun for the homeless in our city.  Visit their website to learn more.
12. Columbus Recreation & Parks Department Volunteer to help with park clean up and more. Follow this link to find a park near you.
13. Volunteer Guardian Program Volunteer to be a guardian to a senior.  Free training and supervision offered through COAAA.  Follow this link to learn more.
14. Ohio Department of Aging Volunteer to help seniors through COAAA - Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-589-7277 Follow this link to learn more.
15. Hands On Central Ohio Foster Grandparent Program Volunteer to mentor a child in need.  Call 614-221-6766 or Follow this link to learn more.
16. Ohio Historical Society Volunteer to help preserve our state's history.  Follow this link to learn more.
17. Employment for Seniors  Volunteer to help other seniors find employment.  Call 614-863-1219 or Follow this link to learn more.
18. Columbus Metropolitan Libraries Volunteer opportunities range from clerical duties to participation in the HomeworkHelpCenters where you can tutor children. Call 614-849-1055 or Follow this link to learn more.
19. PAWS Ohio: Public Animal Welfare Society Volunteer to love a pet through adoption, fostering or other agency duties.  Follow this link to learn more.
20. VolunteerMatch.org   For a list of over 400 local individual volunteer opportunities. Follow this link now!

Remember to listen to Senior Agenda for local opportunities through the year. As I often say on the radio program, you don't have to go it alone!!! 

Senior Adventures from Dog Sledding to Pole Dancing to Bee Keeping

"Happiness is one step outside of your comfort zone."   Michele Rapp

Michele Rapp, founder and Chief Explorer Officier of Columbus Explorer Club, shared her empowerment philosophy and an incredible array of adventure opportunities for seniors (55 +) as a guest on Senior Agenda on 1/9/2014. Listen to the complete interview by clicking on Listen to Senior Agenda at the top of the blog.  

According to Michele, happiness is just one step outside of your comfort zone which can start with a simple phone call to her adventure concierge club to discuss your next out-of-the-box experience.  "It's a new year.  Let's stop being afraid.  Take a step outside your comfort zone and start checking off some of those bucket list items," said Michele.  

The Senior Explorer Club is a branch of the Columbus Explorer Club that offers unique "adventures" for seniors that boost social ties, confidence and life fulfillment.  They provide hands-on opportunities for small group adventures including but not limited to: 

• Michigan Dog Sledding 
• Exotic Pole Dancing 
• Bee Keeper for the Day 
• Candle Making with Happy Hour at Rivage Atlantique 
• Stock Car Racing
• 2014 New Orleans Jazz Festival 
• Buzzard Festival at the Hinckley Reservation (Medina, Ohio)
• Cincinnati International Wine Festival
• Pilot or Artist or Pie Maker for the Day Adventures 
• Hot Air Ballooning 
• Sedona Arizona Wellness Retreat (Grand Canyon) 
• Wyoming Cattle Drive 
• Zip-lining & White Water Rafting Adventures 

The Senior Explorer Club operates on the premise that seniors should live and be understood as part of the "Not Nearly Done Yet Crowd."  This organization makes it possible for seniors to meet new people, build new friendships and discover and explore new side of themselves.  

Learn more by visiting their website at www.columbusexplorerclub.com.   
Like them on facebook.  

Email them at Michele@ColumbusExplorerClub.com.  

Contact them by phone at 614-516-3325.  

We Decide What It Means to Grow Old

While I was researching for a recent program about loneliness among seniors, I kept running across statements that seemed to reinforce the notion that aging equals gloom and doom. The assumption seemed to be that aging naturally leads to loneliness. Consider the following question posed in an article called The Aging of Loneliness:  "But why does the loneliness of old age seem somehow different, sadder and more painful?  Is the social isolation that so often accompanies it, or perhaps the physical wear and tear of the twilight years?"  In fairness to the author, I believe the question was posed in an attempt to mirror popular perceptions about aging.  

Why do we assume that loneliness is inevitable as we age?  Is it because we do not celebrate and esteem our seniors?  Is it because we devalue aging and attempt to steer clear, shun and stay away from it at all costs?  Is it because we allow our seniors to be abandoned, swindled, mistreated and neglected?  I wonder why we make these assumptions and what other underlying assumptions we might uncover if we ever get brave enough to work towards redefining what it means to grow old in this country.  

Surveying the Senior Landscape - Popular Messages about Aging Promote Discrimination

The following is taken from an excerpt delivered at the top of the hour on Senior Agenda on 1/16/14.  The views and opinions expressed here represent those of talk show host Lisa Stockdale.  Lisa is a senior advocate and is committed to addressing all issues that effect seniors. Your comments are welcomed.  We reserve the right to remove comments which utilize excessive profanity or hate speech.  

Strike One - While I was researching for a recent program about loneliness among seniors, I kept running across statements that seemed to reinforce the notion that aging equals gloom and doom. The assumption seemed to be that aging naturally leads to loneliness. Consider the following question posed in an article called The Aging of Loneliness:  "But why does the loneliness of old age seem somehow different, sadder and more painful?  Is the social isolation that so often accompanies it, or perhaps the physical wear and tear of the twilight years?"  In fairness to the author, I believe the question was posed in an attempt to mirror popular perceptions about aging.  Why do we assume that loneliness is inevitable as we age?  Is it because we do not celebrate and esteem our seniors?  Is it because we devalue aging and attempt to steer clear, shun and stay away from it at all costs?  Is it because we allow our seniors to be abandoned, swindled, mistreated and neglected?  I wonder why we make these assumptions and what other underlying assumptions we might uncover if we ever get brave enough to work towards redefining what it means to grow old in this country.  

Strike Two - Earlier this week, I blogged about a commercial that perpetuates age discrimination but very few people seem to care. That particular blog has received about 80% fewer views than our typical posts.  The commercial depicts a man searching for a hotel deal on his laptop while riding his mother's stairlift because he "can't afford to waste a second" looking for hotel deals. Meanwhile, his elderly mother struggles to climb the stairs as he whizzes by without demonstrating a hint of concern.  His wife apparently shares in his callous attitude as she stands at the top of the stairs conversing with him without any regard for the elderly woman's safety. When did it become socially acceptable to ridicule the disabled? Do you suppose more people would take an interest if the person stranded on the stairs was a disabled veteran or a quadriplegic child?  I certainly hope that those depictions would draw criticism. But it is only an old woman whose mobility has been compromised and so it goes unnoticed.  

Strike Three - It was widely reported today that federal and state regulators have shut down a multimillion-dollar scam targeting seniors.  Bravo!!!  That is awesome news.  What left me shaking my head was this comment offered by the Federal Trade Commission regional director:  "You call enough older consumers and you will find someone with dementia or Alzheimer's.  These people knew they were dealing with people who weren't all there and they took their money."  Really?  Did you just say that aloud? Seniors were targeted for the same reasons that seniors are always targeted;  They have resources, strong credit ratings, live alone and are generally too trusting. That's not quite the same as because they are demented now is it?  The report goes on to say that the scammers operated under more than a dozen corporate names, employed more than 100 people and "appeared organized specifically to evade law enforcement."  Read the full story here.  In fact, the Better Business Bureau warned consumers about the scam six months ago, so it took the police at least that long to shut it down. Read full story here. .  That being said, I am hoping this was indeed a sophisticated operation that did not need to rely on seniors suffering with dementia and Alzheimer's to be successful.  

Ageism has been defined as the tendency to regard older people as debilitated or unworthy of attention.  It also includes stereotyping and discrimination based on age.  Popular messages about aging lead to disrespectful behavior towards seniors and the marginalization of seniors.  All seniors are not the same. Moreover, most seniors are mentally and physically capable with much to offer.  

Let's Dance the Generation Gap Away Together

 

Check out these youngsters shagging the night away! 
Check out these sexy seniors shagging the night away!
Check out this couple in their 80's shagging the night away!

Life is good!  It is a journey worthy of anticipation, excitement, joy and celebration at each and every age.  

Enjoy watching these three generation of Shag dancers.  The Shag is a swing dance that originated in the 1920's where partners mirror each other's footwork.  It is said to be idea for beginners because it involves eight basic steps which are simple and easily mastered. Those steps can be elaborated on to create more complex and impressive dance.  Learn how to shag dance here.

Kayak Commercial Mocks the Elderly with Disabilities

By Lisa Cayton Stockdale

Ageism has been defined as the tendency to regard older people as debilitated or unworthy of attention.  That just about sums up the negative attitudes and perpetuation of stereotypes around aging and the elderly portrayed in Kayak's latest commercial.  Allow me to rephrase, Kayak isn't bashful about poking fun at the frail, elderly, vulnerable or disabled as long as it helps them turn a profit.

The commercial depicts a man searching for a hotel deal on his laptop while riding his mother's stairlift because he "can't afford to waste a second" looking for hotel deals.  Meanwhile, his elderly mother struggles to climb the stairs as he whizzes by without demonstrating a hint of concern.  His wife apparently shares in his callous attitude as she stands at the top of the stairs conversing with him without any regard for the old woman's safety.

I realize that some will say that I am being hyper-sensitive and that I should learn to take a joke and that I need to lighten up and on and on it will go.  Tell you what!  I'll stop being hyper-sensitive when Kayak stops behaving like insensitive jerks. These are the same folks that just last year drew immense criticism for a commercial that made light of brain surgery and was deemed highly offensive to the point that it was actually banned in the UK. I'll learn to take a joke when Kayak learns that there are boundaries.  Let's raise up a standard and refuse to allow anyone to demean, humiliate or degrade our elders.  I'll lighten up when Kayak shapes up.  Till then, let's boycott and refuse to utilize their services!!!

DAVE ALLEN-GETTING OLDER very funny.

From Woody Hayes to Jim Tressel and beyond...

Dr. Norm Burns, side-line photographer for the Ohio State Buckeyes from Woody Hayes to Jim Tressel, was interviewed on Senior Agenda on 12/19/13 for one of our Slow Down, Listen and Learn segments.  Listen to the complete interview here.  The Slow Down, Listen & Learn segments are reserved to allow seniors in our community an opportunity to come on and tell their stories.  We know there is much to be gained when we simply slow down, listen and learn.

"I'm on the sidelines year after year, coach after coach, and taking pride in the fact that hey look at me - I'm 80... now I'm 83 - hey fellows I'm the oldest - I'm the only octogenarian on the sidelines. I'd flex my muscles because of my age." Burns laughed.

Burns graduated from the Ohio State University of Dentistry and worked for OSU primarily as a student recruiter in the College of Dentistry for more than three decades.  During the interview he reflected on a more modest way of life during the Great Depression, family life including a discussion about his marriage, and finally life at the university.

"The experiences in the press room with Woody Hayes, well that's a story in itself," he said.

Of the thousands of photos he took in his 38 years on the sidelines. he described his favorite as a black and white from 1978.  " It's homecoming.  Ohio Sate is playing Iowa...   Bob Hope is the grand marshal of homecoming...It's halftime...and Bob Hope is dotting the "I."  And the legendary drum major -  Dwight Hudson...maybe the only drum major to receive permission from the Board of Trustees to come back a second time as drum major - he was that spectacular - so at any rate Dwight Hudson leads Bob Hope out to dot the "I" and at that moment out of the locker room comes Woody Hayes running at fill speed" to embrace Bob Hope.

Burns is now retired.  He continues to share his experiences and photographs from OSU through a series of on-going speaking engagements around town where he displays his personal collection of football photographs.  He is also a member of the German Village Society where he acts as a tour guide weather permitting.  If you would like to schedule a presentation with Burns, please email us at senioragendawithlisa.com.  GO BUCKS!

Seniors Can Volunteer to Beat Loneliness

Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty.

Mother Teresa

What is loneliness?  According to Wikipedia, "loneliness is a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation or lack of companionship."  It "typically includes anxious feelings about a lack of connectedness or community with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future. As such, loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by other people...Loneliness has also been described as social pain - a psychological mechanism meant to alert an individual of isolation and motivate him/her to seek social connections."

Aging presents new sets of challenges for all of us which can include being more at risk for loneliness. There are obvious explanations like the loss of a spouse.  There are social explanations like the fact that older people tend to value connectedness more than younger people. And then there are more clandestine explanations like ageism.  I will be offering perspective on each of these explanations soon, but for now let's focus on what I believe to be one of the most viable solutions to combat loneliness - volunteerism.  

Volunteering your time to help others is like a hot bowl of homemade chicken soup on a blustery winter day; it warms, replenishes, satisfies, comforts and soothes. Other benefits include: 

• The opportunity to increase your personal connectedness in your own community.  Participating in your community gives rise to a sense of belonging which works against loneliness on all levels. 
• The opportunity to make friends with and socialize with the kind of caring, open, positive people who volunteer.  This is a chance to make new friends and grow relationships.  
• The opportunity to reap the benefits of altruism.  We have all heard that it is better to give than receive and research confirms the old adage.  Studies have shown that altruism is good for your emotional well-being and can measurably enhance your peace of mind.  See About.com Stress Management.
• The opportunity to share your own talents and expertise which naturally increases feelings of self-worth.  As a mature adult with a lifetime of experience, you have much to offer. Volunteering gives you a captive audience which is often missing after children have grown and gone and once retirement has been realized.  
• The opportunity to tap in on a greater sense of gratitude.  It is easier to count your blessings when you are exposed to the less fortunate.  I know that sounds brash but remember we are talking about how to combat feelings of loneliness through volunteerism.  Besides, I am convinced that exposure benefits everyone.  Too many people walk through life oblivious to the pain and suffering of others in part because they insulate themselves from the less fortunate.  
• The opportunity to stay busy which gives you less time to be lonely and dwell on negative feelings and emotions. 

At this point, hopefully you are wondering where to sign up!  You can contact any community agency that you believe in including homeless shelters, boys and girls clubs, clinics, military organizations, civic and/or religious groups, hospitals or your local community to explore volunteer opportunities.  Don't forget about your local schools.  They are often looking for volunteers to read to students and more.  You might also consider your local assisted living, senior center or hospice organization in an effort to participate in the notion of seniors helping seniors.  

Here is a list of national and local organizations in no particular order that we believe in here at Senior Agenda: 

1. Military Appreciation Follow this link for details and direction.
2. American Red Cross Call the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus at 614-253-2740  ext 2355 or Follow this link for national details and direction.
3. RSVP This is the nation's largest volunteer organization for seniors 55 + and specializes in matching seniors with volunteer opportunities that tap individual talents and passions.  Follow this link to learn more.
4. The Salvation Army Follow this link for details and direction.
5. Catholic Social Services Friendly Visiting Program Volunteer to visit a senior experiencing loneliness and social isolation in Franklin County.  Visit this link to learn more.    
6. Hospice Organizations  One of our favorites is Gentiva at 1-888-GENTIVA Follow this link to learn more.  
7. LifeCare Alliance  Volunteer opportunities are endless with this incredible local organization including delivering Meals on Wheels to local homebound seniors. Visit their website for details.
8. Mid Ohio Food Bank Help fight hunger by volunteering today.  Follow this link to learn more.
9. Volunteers of America/ Greater Ohio Volunteer to help the less fortunate today.  Follow this link to learn more.
10. COLUMBUS COALITION for the HOMELESS Volunteer to fight homelessness in our city.  Follow this link to learn more.
11. Good Neighbor Picnic 2014 Volunteer to participate in organization for 2014 effort to provide a day of family fun for the homeless in our city.  Visit their website to learn more.
12. Columbus Recreation & Parks Department Volunteer to help with park clean up and more. Follow this link to find a park near you.
13. Volunteer Guardian Program Volunteer to be a guardian to a senior.  Free training and supervision offered through COAAA.  Follow this link to learn more.
14. Ohio Department of Aging Volunteer to help seniors through COAAA - Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-589-7277 Follow this link to learn more.
15. Hands On Central Ohio Foster Grandparent Program Volunteer to mentor a child in need.  Call 614-221-6766 or Follow this link to learn more.
16. Ohio Historical Society Volunteer to help preserve our state's history.  Follow this link to learn more.
17. Employment for Seniors  Volunteer to help other seniors find employment.  Call 614-863-1219 or Follow this link to learn more.
18. Columbus Metropolitan Libraries Volunteer opportunities range from clerical duties to participation in the HomeworkHelpCenters where you can tutor children. Call 614-849-1055 or Follow this link to learn more.
19. PAWS Ohio: Public Animal Welfare Society Volunteer to love a pet through adoption, fostering or other agency duties.  Follow this link to learn more.
20. VolunteerMatch.org   For a list of over 400 local individual volunteer opportunities. Follow this link now!

Remember to listen to Senior Agenda for local opportunities through the year. As I often say on the radio program, you don't have to go it alone!!!