The holidays are here, and many of us are dreaming about turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie!  It’s a time to take stock of our blessings and to reach out in the spirit of giving to our neighbors.  At Aging Resources, we feel fortunate to operate in a community where neighbors still help neighbors, and grateful to be able to fill in with our services when a little extra assistance is required. 

One obstacle members of our community may be facing this year is food insecurity, defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food to support a healthy, active life.  It can result from a tight financial budget, mobility issues, or even lack of transportation.   According to AARP and Meals on Wheels America, nearly 10 million older adults face the threat of hunger, meaning they’re at some level of food insecurity. 

A lack of access to sufficient, nutritious food can have serious consequences.  Older adults facing this challenge are 60 percent more likely to suffer from depression, 40 percent more likely to experience congestive heart failure, and are 65 percent more likely to be diabetic.  They may find their sleep and mobility disrupted.  In addition to this human cost, the annual health care costs associated with malnutrition in older adults is $51 billion.  That’s more than the medical costs accruing from older adult falls every year. 

At Aging Resources, we have partnered with SECOR Cares (a nonprofit free food market) to help our older neighbors struggling with access to weekly groceries. We've delivered 1965 boxes of food throughout the county in the last year.  These boxes provide a week's worth of nutritious groceries at no cost. They include shelf-stable products, frozen meats, and fresh in-season produce.

​Another way we help combat food insecurity is by providing rides to the grocery store through our transportation program. And if a rider needs a little help in the store, our volunteers will be happy to assist with the shopping!  
​
If you or someone you know is struggling, please refer them to Aging Resources for assistance. Or, if you'd like to volunteer to help, give us a call - you'll provide a much-needed service to an older neighbor and make a friend in the process!

After reading this article, we were inspired to reach out to the Aging Resources community in search of similar stories and wisdom, and were delighted to discover that our very own member Patricia Montano, a painter, had much to share.  We spoke to her recently about her life in art
​
Aging Resources (AR): When did you start painting?
Patricia Montano (PM): Very young – probably sixth grade.  I was one of three that were known as the artists of the school. 

AR: How has your painting evolved over time?
PM: Well, I gave it up after I got out of school.  I married at 19 and had children soon after.  I couldn’t afford to paint.  Then, years later, I decided to go to Opportunity School and take a class.  They gave us a list of supplies and books we would need for the course, and I was concerned about the expense, but I thought, if I don’t start now I won’t paint again.  So, I got the supplies I needed and started painting.  

Little by little I explored different techniques and different mediums, and met a great teacher who gave me private lessons. From there, I kept looking for classes I could go to and that I could afford.  I’ve probably had 35 different teachers.  I’ve learned something from all of them. 
Now, I myself give private lessons.  I started with my grandchildren and their friends, and then their friends’ parents and their friends. 

I’ve just always painted.  You can always learn when it comes to painting.  Every day is a lesson in art – you always see something beautiful that you can paint or that sparks your imagination.

AR: Are there any memorable experiences your art has opened to you?
PM: I’ve had four one-person shows, and those were exciting.  Now, I’ve got two paintings at St Andrews Methodist Church, and then I’ve got about eight or nine paintings in shops out west of where I live.  The one-person shows have really helped me, and I’ve become remembered by some of the classes and shows that I’ve given.

AR: Maybe this is too general a question, but - why do you paint? 
PM: I think that it’s an exciting outlet. I feel like I can create and share beauty through my painting.  I’ve been very fortunate – every time I paint, I create something that’s very personal to me. 

For some time now, organizations and institutions - like Aging Resources of Douglas County - that serve older adults have been examining with the issue of social isolation. 

In recent years, social isolation has gained recognition as a public health concern.  We know that social connection improves our sense of well-being and is linked to both maintained cognitive function and improved health outcomes.  Studies consistently demonstrate that, conversely, the negative ramifications of social isolation are comparable to the health risks associated with high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and smoking.  One study by the A.A.R.P. and Stanford University has found that social isolation adds nearly 7 billion dollars a year to the total cost of Medicare. 

The pandemic has complicated this already tricky situation, giving rise to a problem called the COVID-19 Social Connectivity Paradox.  The idea is that the same actions and strategies that folks have undertaken to reduce the risks of COVID-19 exposure – staying at home, physical distancing, etc. – simultaneously increase the risk of social isolation and disconnectedness. 

So, what’s to be done?  Members of the social services network supporting older adults are experimenting with a variety of innovative solutions and technologies to help mitigate social isolation.  In some states, aging departments have distributed “Joy for All” robot pets.  These cuddly companions are making a difference – a study last year found that older adults who engaged with their new pet for two months reported feeling a greater sense of purpose and more optimistic.  Other social robots being tested with older adults include EllieQ and Jibo.  You can read more about those in this interesting article from the New Yorker. 

Here at Aging Resources, we’re trying out new programs, too.  We continue to explore how to best fit our companionship services to the present moment and to your needs.  We now offer hybrid companionship programming.  If you and your companion are both vaccinated and are comfortable meeting in person, great!  If a more virtual model seems better right now, we’re more than happy to provide you with a device that allows you to connect with your companion, family, and friends remotely.  We’ll also provide personalized training to make sure you’re getting the most out of your device.  Technology training is also available from our good friends at Douglas County Libraries. 

We want to hear from you.  What strategies do you use to deal with loneliness?  Have you found any technologies especially useful?  Is there more that we could be doing to help older adults stay connected and socially engaged?  Share your thoughts in the comments, and thanks for reading! 

Sources:
Engelhart, Katie. “What Robots Can—and Can’t—Do for the Old and Lonely,” The New Yorker, May 24, 2021. 
Smith, Matthew, Steinman, Lesley, and Casey, E.A. “Combatting Social Isolation Among Older Adults in a Time of Physical Distancing: The COVID-19 Social Connectivity Paradox,” Frontiers in Public Health, 8.403.

We continue our Share Your Story series with a conversation with supporter Paula Conger.  Paula and her husband Jeremy recently became the first individual donors to top $100,000 in giving to Aging Resources - we could not be more grateful for their extraordinary support.  Recently, we sat down with Paula to discuss her connection to the organization, the future of Aging Resources, and the challenges and opportunities facing today's (and tomorrow's) older adults.  

Aging Resources (AR): How did your relationship with Aging Resources start?
Paula Conger (PC): I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and I want to say it was nine years ago that I found [Aging Resources Executive Director] Karie, when she was still in an office that only had 2 cubicles. Over time, we kept brainstorming, and networking, and finding that we needed to recruit more volunteers.  We were soon getting so many clients that the organization needed to hire more staff and from then on it grew exponentially. 
 
AR: What attracted you to Aging Resources’ mission in the first place?
PC: I’ve always had a heart for seniors, I just feel called to help them in any way I can.  And then I met Karie, and she’s exactly the same, and then we met other volunteers, and it just built upon itself. 
 
AR: What made you decide to make your first gift to the organization?
PC: That was a no brainer.  My husband and I feel called to give – the first year when it was time to decide where our giving would go, it was immediately apparent to us that so much good could be done with our gift to Neighbor Network.

We know that the organization spends the money wisely - Karie and the staff are so resourceful.  We feel like every penny we give is stretched as far as it can go.  When I started, Aging Resources didn’t have even a single vehicle, and now there’s a fleet!  The staff and volunteer growth – that’s just been thrilling to see.
 
AR: What motivates you to stay involved?
PC: Selfishly, I get a lot of joy out of it.  I’ve heard a saying that if you do all you can to bring others happiness, you will be the happiest person you can be.  That is so appropriate to Neighbor Network.  The more we give, the more we get back, in spades.  It’s not our goal to get back, but we do.  It really makes our hearts feel good. 
 
AR: Is there an aspect of our programming that you particularly connect with? 
PC: Well, I’m in a unique position in that I am a client of Neighbor Network.  I have to use oxygen, I have to use a wheelchair outside the home, so for many years people have been helping me with rides to doctor’s appointments or to special appointments and activities.  I also have had the unique opportunity to serve as a volunteer, as well – like when I served as the organization’s board chair.  It’s just such a worthy cause. 
 
AR: What excites you about the organization’s future?
PC: The fact that there’s a Parker office – I can envision that Parker will need everything the Castle Rock office has.  And who knows where else – what other locations might be needed. 

And then there’s the potential kitchen and meal delivery project.  Well, cooking meals for myself can be a challenge – I’d love to see some good meals come out of an Aging Resources Kitchen. 
 
AR: If you could send a message to other Aging Resources supporters, what would you say? 
PC: They say it takes a village to raise a child.  But it takes a community of caring volunteers and advocates to give older adults the life that they deserve, that they’ve earned.  We all have a responsibility to do so, because they’ve given their lives for all of us. 
 
AR: Is there anything you wish everyone knew about AR or the older adult population?
PC: I wish everyone knew how rapidly our country is aging – the statistics bear out that we’re all going to need an Aging Resources before we know it.  And one thing that I want to point out is that the pandemic really brought this to the fore – older adults without resources can struggle with “failure to thrive” – being isolated, without socialization, with unmet needs – this can be fatal.  The pandemic brought into the open just how much our seniors need us, and how much we miss them, as well.  We miss the love and joy and laughter of our parents and elderly friends and family. 

I love to the see the videos where grandparents finally get to see their grandchildren after a year, a year and half – that seems to bring so much joy to everyone.  If we could bottle that up, I think that could change the world. 
 
AR: Thank you so much.  Is there anything else you’d like to share?
PC: There’s such a dynamic group of people now at Aging Resources that I can see endless opportunities for it to grow.  Everyone is gifted in a particular way that just makes them perfectly suited for the tasks they’re doing.  They all seem so kind and warm – I bet the older adults love them. 
 

As part of our Share Your Story series, we’d like you to meet Bill Monroe, Aging Resources volunteer!  Bill has been part of our amazing volunteer team since April 2019.  Whether driving the Aging Resources van or delivering food boxes during pandemic stay-at-home orders, Bill truly exemplifies dedication to our mission and we couldn’t be more grateful to have him on our volunteer team. We hope you enjoy Bill’s story as much as we do.

Aging Resources (AR): What’s your why?  Everyone has a reason why they choose to give back to their community and volunteer.  Tell us why you chose to become a volunteer for Aging Resources!
Bill Monroe (BM): I retired in 2019 and needed some activities to take the place of work.  I had always done some volunteering even when working.  Driving for Aging Resources allowed me to give some of my time while at the same time providing the flexibility to keep my schedule of travel and other activities.   
AR: What keeps you coming back as a volunteer with Aging Resources?
BM: Primarily it's because I enjoy the clients I provide rides for.  I've got some regulars on Monday and Friday and occasionally I take others during the week.  The clients are all very appreciative and I enjoy hearing their stories.  The staff at Aging Resources is also very helpful and friendly.
 
AR: Did you have a role model growing up?
BM: I'd have to say that both of my parents were my role models.  They both worked hard, provided well for the family and emphasized the value of a good education.  It paid off for me because I had a rewarding 45-year career in the retail petroleum business and have a great family including my wife, Cindy, two sons, their wives and a grandchild.   I also have another grandchild due in early July in Singapore.
 
AR: Do you have any hobbies?
BM: My primary hobbies are athletic.   I like to play pickleball and I ride my bike a lot.  I will do at least 200 miles during most months.  I have a four-day mountain bike trip planned for early October at Bears Ears National Monument near Moab, Utah.  I'd like to continue all this as long as I am able.

AR: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
BM: I'd like to be able to fly and not in a plane.  That would make travel much easier.  

AR: What is one thing you have yet to cross off your bucket list?
BM: I'd really like to tour Europe.  We've been there a couple of times on cruises, but I'd really like to see more of the countries and spend more time there.

AR: What’s the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
BM: Travel more.  The world is full of interesting people, places and experiences.   I've been to all 50 states in the U.S., but the rest of the world has a lot to offer.  This is a picture [above] of me and my pilot Jorge on my gyroplane trip in Costa Rica last January.

In honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we thought we’d share some common tips and tricks to improve your body and your mind.  Studies persistently demonstrate that adopting these key lifestyle habits can help reduce older adults’ risk of cognitive decline.  It’s never too late to make a change and start including these activities in your daily routine! 
 

• Exercise!

 Exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body.  The CDC recommends that older adults engage in two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity per week, and muscle strengthening activity twice per week.  Studies have shown a link between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. 

• Activate your mind!

Challenge yourself with a jigsaw puzzle, sudoku, or a crossword.  Play games that make you think strategically, like bridge.  Pushing yourself in these ways may have long and short-term benefits for your brain.  Talk to us about our Aging Mastery Kits, which we’re able to offer free of charge for a limited time.
 

• Eat right!

Eating a diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.  There’s some evidence that following a Mediterranean-style diet may lower your risk of developing dementia. 

• Get enough sleep!

It’s a common myth that older adults’ need less sleep than the rest of the population.  Actually, not getting enough sleep can produce difficulties with memory and cognitive function. 

• Quit smoking!

Smoking increases your risk of cognitive decline, and quitting can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.  If you need help, talk to the Colorado QuitLine today!
​

• Stay socially engaged!

Staying involved in meaningful relationships and connected to your community supports brain health.  Find activities that are meaningful to you.  If you’re able, consider volunteering, either with Aging Resources or for another cause that you connect with.  If you’re feeling isolated, talk to us about our companionship services. 
 
Sources: CDC; National Institute on Aging; Alzheimer’s Association

We’re excited to unveil our new Share your Story series.  In it, we’ll be interviewing the members, volunteers, and staff who make every day at Aging Resources so special.  For our first feature, we spoke with member Dee Myslik.  Dee is a true example of grace, elegance, and good cheer, and we feel sure you’ll enjoy the conversation as much as we did.  Read on!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.  

​Aging Resources: Did you have a role model growing up? 
Dee Myslik: I guess my mom – she was such a strong, resilient lady.  I lost my dad when I was only 12, and she was amazing helping us through that.  He had his own business, and she had to dispose of that and go back to work herself.  After I was married, she got to enjoy our three boys, and she always craved a granddaughter.  By the time I was pregnant with our daughter – we lived in Connecticut at the time - she was terminally ill, but she got to spend several months with our daughter, and I’m grateful for that. All through her illness, she never complained – she was just like that. 
 
AR: Do you have any hobbies?
DM: I love to read - I'm an avid reader. I also like to keep in touch with people from my past.  I have two friends that I started high school with, and I’m still in touch with them and enjoy their friendship.  I’m a people person; my working years were spent working with people and I still enjoy that, either on email or by phone.

AR:  Do you have a favorite book, or a favorite author?
DM: I love mysteries - James Patterson and David Rosenfelt – he’s a dog person, and I love dogs. I've read all of Patterson's Women's Murder Club, and I'm waiting for the next one to come out now.  I have a tablet, and I use that to listen to audiobooks, and a Kindle as well. 

AR: Do you have a favorite musical artist or type of music you prefer?  
DM: I have to say, I don’t care for most contemporary music.  My favorites are the big band era.  My husband and I used to dance a lot to that music.  I still like to hear it, although there’s some that makes me sad, too.  I do also love piano music. 
 
AR: Do you have a favorite movie or television show? 
DM: I’m not much of a movie person.  I’m really hooked on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mysteries.  In particular, I love the Christmas movies on Hallmark - I can watch those year-round.  When we went into lockdown, that was a bit disconcerting for me – I found the news concerning, and so I started watching more of the programming on Hallmark and I found that soothing. 
 
Oh, I also love Blue Bloods on Friday evenings – it pains me to miss that!
 
AR: What’s your favorite cuisine or meal?
DM: I love Italian food, and I’m learning to like Mediterranean.  And I love seafood.
 
AR: What’s your dream travel destination?
DM: My husband and I had the pleasure of going to Oahu and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Many years ago, we went to St Croix and loved every single minute of it.  It was heaven on earth – I had never seen water that color blue before – it was like something out of a painting.  Yes, I would say St. Croix.
 
AR: Do you have dream time travel destination?
DM: Wherever we went in my twenties and thirties, I’d like to go back there.  I was as healthy as anyone could be and as active as anyone could be.  I loved traveling with my husband and my four children. 
 
AR: Do you have a favorite season?
DM: Spring, for the simple reason that you look around and everything is starting to be new again. I was just looking at the tree in my backyard, and every day it's getting fuller and greener. Spring holds the promise that things are going to get better.
 
AR: How long have you been a member of ARDC?  Do you have a special story about ARDC you’d like to share?
DM: However long it’s been, they’ve been some of the best years.  They have provided transportation for my husband and me since I was unable to drive.  I have never found anyone more dedicated to helping me in whatever way they can.  Kevin and Jeffrey are my lifeline to wherever I need to go.  Kevin and I have become really very good friends.  We have wonderful discussions – he’s fun to be with.  When he brings me home, he always checks my mail – I appreciate that.
 
I’ve really enjoyed the barbeques, as well.  I’ve gotten to meet many volunteers, clients, and staff.  As I say, they have been really good years. 
 


​

The holidays are officially in full swing! It’s time for merriment, quality time with family and friends, and fun activities that we can all enjoy—especially seniors. 

This holiday season, Aging Resources of Douglas County wants to help make this year one to remember. In that effort, we’re offering up these five ideas for things seniors can do to get the most out of the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. 

Activity #1: Holiday Arts and Crafts
There’s no stopping you when you’re armed with a colorful stack of construction paper, some sharp scissors, and a little creativity! The possibilities for creating something fun and festive are endless; here are some great crafting ideas to get you started: 

• Christmas wreaths. Nothing spreads a little holiday cheer quite like a unique Christmas wreath hanging on the front door or above the fireplace. Consider adding some sprigs of fir, spruce, or pinecones that can be found in wooded areas throughout the front range.
  
  
• Fun, funky stockings. When Santa comes, he’ll be on the lookout for colorful, decorative stockings hung on the mantle with care. Search out your local thrift store for just the right stockings, and then make them your own through the addition of sequins, lettering, or embroidery.
  
  
• Tree ornaments. Crafting tree ornaments are a simple, creative way to provide a fun activity for seniors of all ages and abilities. Get some green, red, or white ribboning, and let your imagination run wild! 

Activity #2: Sing Holiday Songs
When you’re ready to really ramp up the holiday spirit, why not break out in song? Holiday classics are always in season after Thanksgiving, so get some hot apple cider to whet your whistle, and organize a singing session with the entire family. 

Choose from timeless classics like those on this YouTube playlist, including such unforgettable tunes as: 

• Deck the Halls
• Jingle Bell Rock
• Feliz Navidad
• White Christmas
• Frosty the Snowman

Singing Christmas songs are a fantastic way to recollect those great holiday memories from times gone by. 

Activity #3: Check Out Local Light Displays
The Denver Parade of Lights is always a great time, and seniors can relax by sitting in the grandstand sections. Tickets for these seats are reasonable, too—often costing less than $20 each. 

Also, the Denver Zoo runs an ongoing holiday lights event that is well worth visiting. Tickets for this fun event range from $15-$20 per person. 

And then, there is always the option of driving around suburban neighborhoods near you, admiring the handiwork of those who’ve toiled so hard to transform their homes into lit-up works of art! 

Activity #4: Watch a Classic Holiday Movie
Holiday Movie Night is a surefire way to share the joy of the season. Have a chuckle or two watching the eponymous movie, “A Christmas Story”, or relive holidays past by running a screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, with James Stewart and Donna Reed. 

Need more movie ideas? Here’s a big list of some of the best movies to watch this holiday season. Grab some popcorn, corral the grandkids, and settle in for an evening of laughs and good times. 


Activity #5: Have a Card-Writing Party
Thoughtful, hand-written holiday greeting cards are a real treasure these days, especially when so much of our communication has moved towards electronic forms. This holiday activity idea is simple, affordable, and a ton of fun!

And remember, you don’t have to rush out to your local Hallmark store and spend a lot of money to do a great job with holiday cards this season. Start with the basics—some plain white paper and a few colored pencils—and create whatever you feel. There are no rules, and sometimes, the best holiday cards are the ones that are made personally, with the sender’s authenticity and uniqueness baked right in. 

What other fun, festive holiday activities can you think of? Let us know! 


Most Importantly: Enjoy Life!

At Aging Resources of Douglas County, we’re passionate about empowering seniors to live their best lives. This holiday season, take some time out with the senior in your life, and spend some of your holiday season appreciating them as they continue to add more and more value and character to your life every day. 

Seniors love being included in holiday activities. Hopefully, this list of holiday activity ideas gives you some food for thought as you go about planning festivities with friends and family. Have a great holiday season this year, and we’ll see you in 2020! 

​