GC Masthead
February 2014

Words of Wisdom 

"It was 50 years ago today Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play." We baby boomers all remember where we were on February 9, 1964 when the Fab Four appeared on Ed Sullivan. What does that have to do with successful aging, you may ask?   The answer is: everything.

 

In my communication about aging I always say that there are 3 ways to measure aging. The least effective of those ways is the date on your birth certificate. The more effective ways are attitude and function. All the literature on aging points to the benefits of remaining active, passionate and engaged as we age. It encourages holding on to our interests like music, art, poetry and any pursuit that gave us joy as younger people, including jamming out to The Beatles!

 

As we move into our 60's and beyond, do not forget the things that gave you pleasure and purpose as a younger person. Resurrect them, re-energize those passions, seek new ones and see for yourself how that positively affects the aging process. The Long and Winding Road of our journey as we age can remain robust and exciting if we hold on to these pursuits

G. Richard Jackson, MPA, CSA

Executive Director, Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health 

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Golden Guidance
women_laughing_cookling.jpg The kitchen is the heart of home, and we all spend much of our time in this hub of activity. However, as we age, the kitchen can present health and safety risks that we may not have considered. Here are some simple tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe in the kitchen.

 

Lighting

  • Make sure there is enough light over the range, sink and counter top areas.
  • Install night lights.
  • Remove any shiny work surfaces.

Appliances

  • Unplug counter appliances when not in use and ensure they are away from sink areas.
  • Ranges are located where no objects can touch burners (such as curtains) and the area around the range is kept clear.
  • The range exhaust vent should discharge outside the home.
  • Gas ranges should have a pilot light and automatic shut-off.
  • Controls for the oven should be easy to use, clearly marked and located on the front of the oven/range so there is no reaching over burners.
  • If you have an exhaust hood for the oven, make sure it has easily removable filters for proper cleaning. Clean filters as needed.
  • Only use the microwave when there is food in it.

Counters, Cabinets and Work Areas

  • Keep all cabinet doors and drawers closed when not in use.
  • Ensure there is plenty of counter space and keep regularly used items there.
  • Install a lever-handled faucet.
  • Keep counters clear of unnecessary items.
  • Cabinets should be easily reachable and/or have pull-down shelves.

Cooking and Food Preparation

  • Keep knives and other sharp objects properly stored.
  • Keep handles on pots and pans turned away from the edge of the range and other burners.
  • Keep hot pad and pot holders near the stove.
  • Don't wear clothes that are very loose fitting or have long, loose sleeves.

General Tips

  • Disconnect the garbage disposal.
  • Install non-slip, anti-glare flooring.
  • Always wipe up spills quickly and ensure everything has been cleaned properly.
  • Do away with any drawers or cabinets used to collect junk.
  • Store flammable liquids outside.   

Source: www.ageinplace.com 

Golden Getaways
Canada &
Island of Coudres
August 15-23, 2014
  
   

Start planning now for this trip of a lifetime!  Your motor coach trip includes nine days and eight nights of exploration with three consecutive nights on the island. Must have passport or passport card for this trip. For more details and to reserve your spot, call Jeannine's Tours at
(757) 877-8799.
 
GoldenClub Price:
$944/double

Two Shows & Amish Country
November 5-7, 2014

This overnight excursion begins with "Moses" at the Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA. The hits continue with the musical "Crazy For You" at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. Enjoy several tours and much more included with this unforgettable trip! Contact Jeannine's Tours for details and to reserve your spot:
(757) 877-8799 or jtstours57@gmail.com.
  
GoldenClub Price:
$359/double
2014 Day Trips 
April 30 
Agecroft Hall & Gardens in Richmond - $60

June 18
"West Side Story" at the Riverside Dinner Theater in Fredericksburg - $93

July 12 
MYSTERY TRIP - $64

August 6
"The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church" at the Hanover Tavern Theater - $79

December 3 
Holiday tours at Mount Vernon - $97

For questions, contact Jeannine's Tours at (757) 877-8799 or jtstours57@gmail.com.  

 
Learn to Live Well and Stay Well
with Help from Riverside
 Diabetes & Chronic Disease Management
*FREE Workshops*  
  

Ongoing Diabetes and Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops are scheduled from Williamsburg to Hampton. Morning, afternoon and evening classes available. 

 

See all the new workshops scheduled for January through March and register online here.


A Workshop Success Story: 

"I was pretty upset when [a] nurse called back in October and told me that my sugar count was 6.7 and I was considered as pre-diabetic. She also told me that I needed to start a low carb diet. This means no sugar, sodas, candy, cookies, cakes, potatoes, pasta, rice, white bread or basically anything that tastes good...I joined a Diabetes Education and Support Program...I have learned how to read food labels, what diabetes is, healthy eating/nutrition, fitness/exercise, stress management, relaxation techniques just to mention a few things. I have started a fitness program and I am walking 1 ½ miles 6 to 7 days a week. I have lost 30 lbs to date and at this time I am adding a few items to my diet to maintain my present weight. I am anxious to have my A1C test in February. I am sure my level will be down. Also, I enjoyed meeting my class members and enjoyed time spent with them every week."

 

Start writing your success story today! 

Riverside Care Transitions  

Coaching

 

If you or a loved one is admitted to any Riverside hospital, you may be eligible to receive a FREE Care Transitions Coach.  Riverside Health System and other community organizations are working to empower older adults to better manage their care after discharge from a hospital or rehabilitation facility, resulting in fewer unnecessary hospital readmissions. Together we will assist you in making a smooth transition from hospital to home or other care setting.

 

Creator of Care Transitions, Dr. Eric Coleman, recently spoke at Riverside. Read more here.

 

 

For more information, contact Kim Weitzenhofer, Director of Community Relations at Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health, at  

(757) 220-4751

.  

 





 
Save the Dates
doctor is in 
  The Doctor is In
Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Riverside Doctors' Hospital, Williamsburg
Main Conference Room
Topic: "Moving Free and Easy: An Update on Joint Health for Active Women"
Missed a lecture? Now you can view past discussions here!

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Free Fitness Friday
GoldenClub members can enjoy a free day of membership at Riverside Wellness & Fitness Centers on the first Friday of every month.
Your next Fitness Friday is March 7!
Peninsula: 12650 Jefferson Ave., Newport News
Middle Peninsula: 7516 Hospital Dr., Gloucester
  
 
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Caring For You, Caring For Me 

What: Caregiving Education Sessions: 5 weekly seminars designed to address the needs of those engaged in elder care

Who: Family, professional and volunteer caregivers of older adults

Cost: $35.00, including refreshments and materials (a limited number of scholarships are available)

 

 

Upcoming Course:

Thursdays, March 13 - April 10 at Williamsburg Landing. Sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
For details and to register, contact Christine Jensen, PhD at (757) 220-4751.