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!
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• 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. 
 


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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! 

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It’s probably not surprising to hear that, on average, humans are living longer now than they ever have throughout recorded history. This continuing trend of increased life expectancy has been a part of modern life for at least the past 75 years, which leads many to ask the question, “What does the future of longer living look like?

In this week’s blog post, Aging Resources of Douglas County is offering up some things to consider when thinking about life expectancy in the future. While no one has a crystal ball they can use to see into the future, there are some exciting technological developments that very well may contribute to an ever-increasing human life expectancy. 

Survival vs. Living Healthier

Before we dive into what science is doing today to help us live longer tomorrow, let’s look at the many reasons why we’re doing so well as it is. 

If we look back to where humanity was just 200 years ago, we find a very different picture of human mortality rates compared to where we are today. For example, if you were five years old in 1841, you were only expected to live to be about 55 years old. Why? 

The most explanatory answers are vaccination, improved civil hygiene, and more ready access to medicine and medical services. 

Vaccination

Vaccination can be said to be the single most important reason why diseases like measles, Rubella, and polio haven’t been killing millions of young children every year for the past hundred or so years. Because vaccinations actually prevent the onset of devastating illnesses, young children stand a much higher chance of achieving their longest life expectancy. 

Remember that lifespan and life expectancy are two totally different data points. When children get vaccinated, their lifespan averages only increase when they continue to live longer lives. Life expectancy, however, for all of them improves immediately upon vaccination. 

Civil Hygiene

We take for granted things like running water, industrial air filters, and antiseptic cleaners like Purell. They’re all around us, and they’re just part of our everyday lives. 200 years ago, however, this was not the case. The proliferation of disease-causing germs significantly contributed to the spread of fatal illnesses, especially in areas of dense human population. 

Today, because we understand so much about Germ Theory, we’re able to avoid an early end to our lives at the hands of devastating infections and viruses. 

Access to Medicine

Our infrastructure dedicated to rapidly responding to medical emergencies has meant that those who need critical medical attention can actually get it. Especially in the United States, most people know that if something happens that seriously harms or disables them, they can call an ambulance using 911, and within a few minutes, a medical team will arrive to assist them. 

What’s more, the tools, techniques, medicines, and healing modalities have improved across the board, resulting in better diagnoses for whatever ailments humans present at the emergency room. 

What Does the Future Hold for Aging?

For all of us, there is a genetically encoded length of our lives. The ways that our bodies break down over time are most would agree, unavoidable if given enough time. Things like cancer and heart disease will, at least for the foreseeable future, continue to cause ‘natural’ deaths for human beings based on their nature and what we know about how these diseases manifest. 

With as many impressive technologies that exist today—things like the internet, Maglev trains, and Artificial Intelligence—one might think that science has a lot in store for us in the aging department. So, are scientists ready to start giving us super pills that make us live to 500 years old? Not quite. 

Instead, what modern scientists and healthcare professionals are suggesting for a longer life is a lot of what we’ve already been hearing for the past 50 or so years. As it turns out, these three categories continue to be most important when determining how long we’ll live: 

• A healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Healthy body weight maintenance

So, it’s best not to hold out for some marvel of medicine that is going to make us live forever. Instead, you have a better shot at living longer by saying no to the pizza, taking walks regularly, and watching your weight. 

Although these lifestyle choices can add years to your life, there will eventually come a time where you'll need the assistance of others. When that time comes, contact Aging Resources of Douglas County to help get you started.

Anyone can fall prey to identity theft or a financial scam. Older adults, however, rank as one of the largest demographics targeted by scammers. The FTC's 2017 report documented that seniors aged 60 years and older accounted for 35% of fraud and 18.9% of ID theft complaints.

The FBI Promotes "Fraud against Seniors" Awareness

The FBI attributes several factors to senior vulnerability when it comes to identity theft and other types of fraud.

• Financial security: seniors typically own their own home, have a significant savings account, and excellent credit
• Too polite to simply hang up the phone or cut someone off
• Increased need for caregivers and others with easy access to personal and financial information
• Fear that reporting identity theft may trigger concern for senior's ability to care for self
• Not sure how or where to report a crime
• Feelings of embarrassment or shame
• Lack of clarity to recall what transpired

Types of Scams that Target Seniors and How To Protect Yourself
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Medical Identity and Insurance Theft
A caregiver or family member may steal the senior's Medicare number to obtain prescription drugs or file fraudulent claims. Because the Medicare and Social Security numbers have been one and the same, gaining access to such has had far-reaching effects.
The inaccuracy of the individual's medical record may lead to ineffective or life-threatening diagnoses and treatments. On a purely financial level, your loved one is charged for services not received. While the situation can be corrected with proper documentation and diligence, it takes considerable effort to work through such a quagmire of deception.
How to Protect Yourself

• A 2015 bill signed by President Obama required Medicare to reissue cards with new numbers unique to the individual. Medicare had four years to make the transition. If you or your loved one is still carrying an older card, make a copy of it and block out all but the last four digits of that number. Carry that copy until you receive the replacement.
• Verify any offers that require you to give your insurance information. Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to check the company's legitimacy.
• Review your insurance statements. Check the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) in particular for any questionable charges.
• Shred all unnecessary documents that contain personal and financial information. Also, destroy prescription labels.
• Thanks to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you have the right to limit the information that's shared. Check with your providers to find out who has access to your records.

Email Scams
Older adults are often less proficient with technology, which makes them much more vulnerable to online scams. Clicking on an email link that appears to be from a friend, relative, bank, or government entity can create an in-depth web of identity and account theft.
It may appear to be a relative asking for help or an organization asking you to confirm your account number. Once you click on the link, you're redirected to a fraudulent site that steals the information you enter.
How to Protect Yourself

• Don't wire money until you've checked with the person requesting it. Whether you need to call the family member or bank, it's best to be safe.
• Do not click on email links until you verify them. Call the friend who sent it, or the agency requesting records.
• Confirm that a website is secure before you enter your personal or financial information. A secure site either has a padlock next to the URL, or the address begins with https.​​

Phone Scams
While everyone has probably received a telemarketing or spam phone call at one time or another, seniors are particularly susceptible to specific types of phone scams.
Receiving a call that asks for up-front money or expresses a sense of urgency is an immediate red flag. Some of the wording may sound like the following:

• This offer is only good right now.
• You've won a prize but need to pay postage and handling.
• We need your bank or credit card number.
• There's no need to check with the BBB or your attorney.

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not give any personal or financial information, such as credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers to a stranger over the phone. Get the caller's personal and company name as well as the phone number. Confirm it with the BBB or a consumer protection agency.
• Hang up if you feel pressured to act.
• If you conclude the call is a scam, add the number to the National Do Not Call Registry.

​Whether you're concerned about your own safety or that of a loved one, it's always in your best interest to educate yourself for protection and prevention. Because seniors are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and other types of scams, helping to educate as a volunteer is a worthwhile opportunity to serve.

It’s an exciting time to be aging! So many new technologies and services are emerging: from robots that help seniors communicate with family members who live across the country, to wearable devices that monitor health conditions. There have been great strides in improving the quality of life as we get older. But sadly, in the middle of all these innovative designs, isolation is one of the biggest threats to the health of America’s seniors. And, although this health risk is not often discussed, at least 25% of seniors over 65 are impacted. The devastating effects can be felt physically, mentally and emotionally. A study done by AARP revealed that social isolation is as detrimental to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
Being isolated means you may be cut off from certain benefits and resources that you are eligible for, and that would greatly benefit you. If you can’t drive, you can’t get to the organizations that can help. Isolated seniors may not visit their doctor regularly or get to the grocery store as often as they’d like due to lack of transportation. Recent Medicare studies show that isolated seniors have an increased risk of high blood pressure, depression, dementia, malnutrition and other harmful health issues. Loneliness carries a higher overall risk of mortality for both men and women in their older years.
How can you help combat isolation? Reach out and ask — there are many wonderful organizations right here in Douglas County that serve the older community. Connect with your local senior center — there is one in Castle Rock and another in Parker that host a wide range of activities. If you need additional services or don’t know who can help with a specific issue, Aging Resources of Douglas County (ARDC) is a resource center that provides not only programs and services for seniors but also offers information on aging issues and referrals to other professional agencies. The mission of this nonprofit is to help seniors stay independent, in their homes, and engaged in living. Recently ARDC has partnered up with the nonprofit, SECOR Cares, to bring a mobile food market to the rural parts of the county. Rural outreach efforts also include providing education and information on aging issues, while meeting seniors where they are. Not everyone has access to get into the urban centers where most services are located. And with 82% of Douglas County being rural, this outreach has been very well received.
One of Aging Resources’ newest projects surrounding senior isolation has been to develop an inter-generational program that connects home bound seniors with elementary school classrooms. Teachers sign up to have their students receive a presentation on what it means to get older, and afterward, the children write letters and cards and send artwork to seniors throughout the school year. And the seniors are writing back and forming pen-pal bonds! Kelsey Thiessen, ARDC’s program manager, states, “Human connection is one of the most important services we provide.  Having a friendly voice on the phone when you call our office for assistance and having the opportunity to form new friendships goes a long way to battling senior isolation.”