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Adventures for Active Adults

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Whoever said that youth is wasted on the young had no idea about the joys of travel, adventure and making new friends in “the golden years.”Those joys aren’t lost on senior centers and Parks and Recreation Departments in Placer, El Dorado and Sacramento Counties, however. That’s why they’re arranging all manner of tours and travel options for seniors, ranging from short day trips to overnight and week-long excursions.  “We really try to plan trips we think people would enjoy,” says Tracie Colamartino, community services program assistant for the City of Rocklin. “Moreover, these trips are ideal for people whom might not feel comfortable traveling alone.”The Rocklin group’s next trip is an overnight casino and snow trip, “The Amtrak to Reno,” on March 3 and 4. That’s followed by an excursion to the Flower and Garden Show in San Francisco on March 21, and a day trip to Sonora to see Fiddler on the Roof on April 1. Other trips include the stage show Wicked on April 29 in San Francisco, followed by a return to the City for the “Sculptures and Fountains of San Francisco” in May 16.Trips costs vary depending on the destination and amenities. A typical day trip runs about $80, for example, and includes transportation, admission to an event, lunch and a driver tip.  More information is available at rocklin.ca.us/parks or by calling 916-623-5223. Be sure to get added to the “Trip Interest List” to receive regular notices of upcoming excursions.  Out toward Folsom, El Dorado Hills and Placerville, the senior centers in Folsom and El Dorado Hills organize occasional Tahoe trips. The El Dorado Hills center, for example, has trips to Harrah’s and Harvey’s planned for March 5 and April 2. The cost is only $35, and includes a $20 cash voucher and an $8 food voucher. For details, call 916-358-3575.Beyond those trips, however, the senior centers in Folsom and El Dorado Hills frequently refer seniors to Celeste Cooney, senior activities coordinator at the Placerville Senior center. “We have some wonderful trips coming up, from ‘Petals and Perfume’ in the Dry Creek area to ‘The Treasures of Idaho and Montana,’” Cooney says. “All folks need to do is pack their bags. We take care of the rest.” The rest includes much more than travel and hotel accommodations. Trips also include “escorts” whom come along to help out “if anything comes up,” and detailed itineraries, as well as admissions and meals.  Several upcoming tours are headed to San Francisco, for such events as stage shows (Wicked in March) and special exhibitions (Faberge in April). More information is available by calling Cooney at 530-621-6158, or subscribing to the County’s monthly bulletin, the Senior Times, for just $5 per year.   Finally, although these adventures are designed for and marketed to seniors, they are open to anyone. “If mothers want to bring their daughters or grandchildren  – that’s perfectly okay,” Cooney says, adding with a chuckle, “we never make anyone show their AARP card at the door.”

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Aging Gracefully

Oct 31, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

If you thought the “golden years” meant slowing down, think again. Just ask Barbara Terry. A very young 86-year-old, she holds the same job she’s had for nearly 40 years as a tax preparer for H&R Block, actively takes care of her spacious garden, cooks elaborate meals for family members, and completes a crossword puzzle every day. “It keeps my mind sharp,” she says of her daily routine. It’s not that life in the last couple decades has been completely smooth sailing. For her entire life she’s struggled with a serious asthma condition; in the mid-‘90s, she successfully fought off a bout with breast cancer; a year later she cared for her ailing husband who suffered from heart problems, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. But, even after his untimely passing, Terry never wavered. She went on with her job and usual activities, remaining a truly independent and inspirational force for all who know her.We will all face different hurdles as we age, from sudden stressful occasions to plain old genetics. But, there’s one element we can control, our attitude…and a good one goes a long way. Here are a few tips on staying younger and healthier well into your 60s, 70s and 80s....The Energetic 80sDon’t forget that a little exercise can make all the difference whether you’re a sprightly 60-year-old or an athletic 80-and-young. Especially in later years, the virtues of regular physical activity cannot be argued more strongly. Whether a brisk walk, a few laps in the pool or a short chase with your grand or great-grandkids, movement is key to a happier heart, healthier bones and more joyful joints. Just be aware of your limitations to help prevent unnecessary falls and exhaustion.Above all, remember to enjoy every single moment. No fight need be unbeatable, no obstacle too great to overcome, and certainly, no memory worth missing. So keep positive, keep active and show your “90s” who’s boss. For more about Aging Gracefully, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Roseville Granite Bay Rocklin edition. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.

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Aging Gracefully

Oct 31, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

If you thought the “golden years” meant slowing down, think again. Just ask Barbara Terry. A very young 86-year-old, she holds the same job she’s had for nearly 40 years as a tax preparer for H&R Block, actively takes care of her spacious garden, cooks elaborate meals for family members, and completes a crossword puzzle every day. “It keeps my mind sharp,” she says of her daily routine. It’s not that life in the last couple decades has been completely smooth sailing. For her entire life she’s struggled with a serious asthma condition; in the mid-‘90s, she successfully fought off a bout with breast cancer; a year later she cared for her ailing husband who suffered from heart problems, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. But, even after his untimely passing, Terry never wavered. She went on with her job and usual activities, remaining a truly independent and inspirational force for all who know her.We will all face different hurdles as we age, from sudden stressful occasions to plain old genetics. But, there’s one element we can control, our attitude…and a good one goes a long way. Here are a few tips on staying younger and healthier well into your 60s, 70s and 80s....The Sensational 70sAccording to the WebMD, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years after age 65. And while many scientists believe genetics is one of the factors behind the disease, it’s unlikely to be the only one. However, there are many ways to combat this illness and have a great time doing it. It looks like Terry is pretty on track with her daily crossword puzzles. In fact, activities like board games, cooking, reading, playing an instrument and even dancing can help reduce your risk of dementia. They may seem like simple pleasures, but they do a lot more for your health by keeping you on your toes.For more about Aging Gracefully, be sure to pick up this month's copy of FoothillStyle. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.

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Aging Gracefully

Oct 31, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

If you thought the “golden years” meant slowing down, think again. Just ask Barbara Terry. A very young 86-year-old, she holds the same job she’s had for nearly 40 years as a tax preparer for H&R Block, actively takes care of her spacious garden, cooks elaborate meals for family members, and completes a crossword puzzle every day. “It keeps my mind sharp,” she says of her daily routine. It’s not that life in the last couple decades has been completely smooth sailing. For her entire life she’s struggled with a serious asthma condition; in the mid-‘90s, she successfully fought off a bout with breast cancer; a year later she cared for her ailing husband who suffered from heart problems, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. But, even after his untimely passing, Terry never wavered. She went on with her job and usual activities, remaining a truly independent and inspirational force for all who know her. We will all face different hurdles as we age, from sudden stressful occasions to plain old genetics. But, there’s one element we can control, our attitude…and a good one goes a long way. Here are a few tips on staying younger and healthier well into your 60s, 70s and 80s.The Spectacular 60sFor many, entering their 60s may reveal that anticipated milestone - retirement. Others may choose continuing to work well into their 70s or longer. Either way, it’s important at this phase to keep stress under control. If you’ve been spending long hours at the office, consider cutting back a bit. Those extra minutes under pressure could be doing irreversible damage to your health and make you a stronger candidate for heart disease or stroke. Take off some steam and bring the grandkids to an amusement park, or take your spouse on a favorite getaway. You’ll all be better for it.You may also find your eyesight isn’t what it used to be. If you’re straining to read the daily paper, think about getting your eyes checked regularly. Even if you’ve had 20/20 vision all of your life — it’s never too late to invest in a cool pair of specs....For more about Aging Gracefully, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Folsom El Dorado Hills edition. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.

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Senior Citizens

Jul 31, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

Folsom has itself one tight fix, thanks to Seniors Helping Seniors – a unique peer-assistance program that has put several members of the community back to work. Sponsored and managed by the City of Folsom Redevelopment and Housing Department, the primary purpose of this handyman-inspired program provides minor health and safety repairs to Folsom homeowners age 65 and older without the financial resources to seek outside assistance, and also aids seniors aged 55 and older with a verifiable disability. If the City has provided its seniors with the tools of a truly unique trade-off, then the workers putting them to good and active use are equally as impressive; all program-affiliated workers are qualified senior tradesmen. According to Nelia Dyer, residential program specialist with the City of Folsom, Seniors Helping Seniors started approximately 10 years ago with the intent to correct “health and safety deficiencies” in senior-owned homes located within the City’s borders. Corrections include minor plumbing and electrical repairs, hard-to-reach light bulb replacements, door lock restoration and repair, etc. To be eligible for assistance, applicants must have an income that falls under state income guidelines established by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Seniors requesting services can do so by telephone – a valued courtesy considering that many individuals of an advanced age are immobile or do not have access to transportation to make the trip to City Hall. After initial contact is made, the program coordinator will ask the applicant questions to determine his or her program eligibility. Once eligibility is confirmed, a qualified senior tradesman is then sent to the applicant’s home to verify that the work required falls within program guidelines. If it does, the tradesman will complete the necessary repairs at no cost to the homeowner.Because the City of Folsom actively caters to seniors, it differs from other communities of similar size. Indeed, local residents seem to understand and recognize the valuable contributions of seniors and thus eagerly support programs and organizations designed to enhance their quality of life. In such a citizen-centric community, it is of little surprise that a program like Seniors Helping Seniors exists; it is, by all intents and purposes, an extension of the generosity that the community feels towards its own. Dyer feels that a senior-affiliated program is important to help members of Folsom’s older generation remain in, and keep their homes. “The City is pleased to offer this important service, as well as additional programs offered through the Senior Center at 48 Natoma,” adds Dyer, who counts the sincere thanks and joy the program receives as her biggest source of pride.Individuals affiliated with Seniors Helping Seniors, like Dyer, are pleased with the success and services of the program, which they hope will continue as is. (If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right?) While there are no events currently associated with Seniors Helping Seniors, interested parties can find out more information by calling 916-355-7356.

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Staying Active

Jun 30, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

OK, I need to provide full disclosure here. Most, if not all of the “seniors” I know, in particular my parents and in-laws, have more energy and a more vibrant social life than those of us of a younger generation. They travel around the world, attend countless social events, and can traipse off to Hawaii at the drop of a hat.Let’s face it, today’s 70 is the new 40. Those “experienced in life” are taking better care of themselves and living longer, more fulfilling lives. I’d like to think it’s partly because there are so many wonderful opportunities for involvement and enrichment in their lives.The El Dorado Hills Senior Center (916-358-3575) provides a wealth of phenomenal classes and activities, with something for everyone at every fitness level. Yoga, book clubs, dancing, movie nights and more, provide connections and entertainment for anyone seeking to stay active. However, for some seniors we talked to, they weren’t simply looking to be entertained. Rather, they sought opportunities for community involvement and a chance to make a difference. And in the midst of their busy lives, they wanted what little “down time” they had to really count. As we explored the staggering need for volunteers and mentors right here in our community, we pulled out just some of the openings available to those with life experience, compassion and hopefully a little spare time.Become a Mentor to Small Businesses Seniors with a business background can serve as professional mentors for organizations like SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business (sacscore.org, 916-635-9085), which utilizes retired executives to assist small businesses and start-ups. As Jeff Hendy, chapter president for Greater Sacramento, says, “We are always looking for new volunteer counselors… it is a good opportunity to give back to the existing and emerging businesses in our community.”Support Our TroopsThere are amazing local support groups throughout our area that invite and coordinate an outpouring of support to our men and women in the armed services. Volunteers are continually needed to help stuff care packages, coordinate fundraisers and donations, and keep the effort strong.Toys for the Troops Kids is one such local organization (toysforthetroopskids.org).Make Blankets for ChildrenProject Linus (projectlinus.org, 916-965-8955) provides new, handmade blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children in our community. If you love to quilt, crochet or sew, they can use your talents.Help Care for AnimalsOur county-run and non-profit shelters are desperate for help caring for, and giving a voice to, animals. Local animal rescue operations would love to get your call offering administrative or in-field assistance. The Grace Foundation of El Dorado Hills (thegracefoundationofnorcal.org) and Folsom Feline Rescue (folsomfelines.org, 916-484-4099) are two organizations that could use your help.Become a Foster GrandparentThrough the vital Senior Corps Program, seniors can make a difference in the life of a child by mentoring troubled kids, caring for premature newborns and helping abused children. Visit seniorcorps.gov for more information. Participate in Focus Groups Get paid for your life-formed opinions and input. Focus group research is vital in today’s market-based economy, and it pays an average of $75-$150 for an hour-long focus group. To find a focus group near you, visit Senior Corps online at seniorcorps.gov, or Opinions of Sacramento Focus Groups at opinionsofsac.comVolunteer on a Political CampaignA unique opportunity this summer is the chance to volunteer on a political campaign, or for a party-affiliated organization. There are several races at the local, state and federal levels, and the campaigns or parties themselves welcome volunteers in all capacities. Find out how you can get involved by calling your local party representatives: El Dorado County Republican Party, edcgop.com, 530-676-4757; El Dorado County Democratic Party, edcdemocrats.org, 530-626-8270.Serve as a Museum DocentPut your love and appreciation for history or art to good use by serving as a volunteer tour guide at any of our regional museums.The Folsom History Museum is always looking for volunteers. Visit folsomhistorymuseum.org, or call 916-985-2707 to find out how you can help.Volunteer at Thrift Stores These non-profits directly support causes like hospice and the cancer society, and are always in need of volunteers as well as donations. As Nancy Symons, of the new Partners in Care Thrift Store in Placerville, says, “We love volunteers and can always use more!” The Snowline Hospice Thrift Store (snowlinehospice.org, 916-984-5853) and the Mercy Hospital of Folsom Auxiliary (916-984-7371) are always in need of volunteers and donations.For the senior who can’t stand to sit still, volunteering just might be the solution. And where better to volunteer than in your own community?

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Staying Active

Jun 30, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

OK, I need to provide full disclosure here. Most, if not all of the “seniors” I know, in particular my parents and in-laws, have more energy and a more vibrant social life than those of us of a younger generation. They travel around the world, attend countless social events, and can traipse off to Hawaii at the drop of a hat.Let’s face it, today’s 70 is the new 40. Those “experienced in life” are taking better care of themselves and living longer, more fulfilling lives. I’d like to think it’s partly because there are so many wonderful opportunities for involvement and enrichment in their lives.The Maidu Community Center’s senior program (916-774-5960) provides a wealth of phenomenal classes and activities, with something for everyone at every fitness level. Yoga, book clubs, dancing, movie nights and more, provide connections and entertainment for anyone seeking to stay active. However, for some seniors we talked to, they weren’t simply looking to be entertained. Rather, they sought opportunities for community involvement and a chance to make a difference. And in the midst of their busy lives, they wanted what little “down time” they had to really count. As we explored the staggering need for volunteers and mentors right here in our community, we pulled out just some of the openings available to those with life experience, compassion and hopefully a little spare time.Become a Mentor to Small BusinessesSeniors with a business background can serve as professional mentors for organizations like SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business (sacscore.org, 916-635-9085), which utilizes retired executives to assist small businesses and start-ups. As Jeff Hendy, chapter president for Greater Sacramento, says, “We are always looking for new volunteer counselors… it is a good opportunity to give back to the existing and emerging businesses in our community.”Support Our TroopsThere are amazing local support groups throughout our area that invite and coordinate an outpouring of support to our men and women in the armed services. Volunteers are continually needed to help stuff care packages, coordinate fundraisers and donations, and keep the effort strong. Operation Mom is a local support group  for family and friends of those in the military. For information on how you can get involved, visit operationmom.org/auburn, or call 530-320-4954.Make Blankets for ChildrenProject Linus (projectlinus.org, 916-965-8955) provides new, handmade blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children in our community. If you love to quilt, crochet or sew, they can use your talents.Help Care for AnimalsOur county-run and non-profit shelters are desperate for help caring for, and giving a voice to, animals. In addition, local animal rescue operations would love to get your call offering administrative or in-field assistance. The Placer County Animal Care Centers (530-886-5500) and Horses For Healing (horsesforhealing.org) are two local organizations that could use your help.Become a Foster GrandparentThrough the vital Senior Corps Program, seniors can make a difference in the life of a child by mentoring troubled kids, caring for premature newborns and helping abused children. For information, visit Seniorsfirst.org, or call 530-889-9500.Participate in Focus Groups Would you like to get paid for your life-formed opinions and input? Focus group research is vital in today’s market-based economy, and it pays an average of $75-$150 for an hour-long focus group. To find a focus group near you, visit Senior Corps online at seniorcorps.gov or call C2 Consumer Research in Roseville at 916-788-1340.Volunteer on a Political CampaignA unique opportunity this summer is the chance to volunteer on a political campaign, or for a party-affiliated organization. There are several races at the local, state and federal levels, and the campaigns or parties themselves welcome volunteers in all capacities. Find out how you can get involved by calling your local party representatives: Placer County Republican Party, placergop.org, 916-315-8800; Placer County Democratic Party, placerdemocrats.com, 1-866-895-1336.Serve as a Museum DocentPut your love and appreciation for history or art to good use by serving as a volunteer tour guide at any of our regional museums. For Placer County museum volunteer opportunities, call 530-889-6500.Volunteer at Thrift Stores These non-profits directly support causes like hospice and the cancer society, and are always in need of volunteers as well as donations. There are three such stores in Roseville: American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 916-786-7773; Second Harvest Food Bank, 916-783-0482 and Sutter Roseville Auxiliary, 916-781-1586.For the senior who just can’t stand to sit still, volunteering just might be the solution And where better to volunteer than in your own city?

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Staying Active

Jun 30, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

OK, I need to provide full disclosure here. Most, if not all of the "seniors" I know, in particular my parents and in-laws, have more energy and a more vibrant social life than those of us of a younger generation. They travel around the world, attend countless social events, and can traipse off to Hawaii at the drop of a hat. Let's face it, today's 70 is the new 40. Those "experienced in life" are taking better care of themselves and living longer, more fulfilling lives. I'd like to think it's partly because there are so many wonderful opportunities for involvement and enrichment in their lives.The El Dorado Hills Senior Center (916-358-3575) provides a wealth of phenomenal classes and activities, with something for everyone at every fitness level. Yoga, book clubs, dancing, movie nights and more, provide connections and entertainment for anyone seeking to stay active. However, for some seniors we talked to, they weren't simply looking to be entertained. Rather, they sought opportunities for community involvement and a chance to make a difference. And in the midst of their busy lives, they wanted what little "down time" they had to really count. As we explored the staggering need for volunteers and mentors right here in our community, we pulled out just some of the openings available to those with life experience, compassion and hopefully a little spare time.Become a Mentor to Small Businesses Seniors with a business background can serve as professional mentors for organizations like SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business (sacscore.org, 916-635-9085), which utilizes retired executives to assist small businesses and start-ups. As Jeff Hendy, chapter president for Greater Sacramento, says, "We are always looking for new volunteer counselors – it is a good opportunity to give back to the existing and emerging businesses in our community."Support Our TroopsThere are amazing local support groups throughout our area that invite and coordinate an outpouring of support to our men and women in the armed services. Volunteers are continually needed to help stuff care packages, coordinate fundraisers and donations, and keep the effort strong. Toys for the Troops Kids is one such local organization (toysforthetroopskids.org).Make Blankets for ChildrenProject Linus (projectlinus.org, 916-965-8955) provides new, handmade blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children in our community. If you love to quilt, crochet or sew, they can use your talents.Help Care for AnimalsOur county-run and non-profit shelters are desperate for help caring for, and giving a voice to, animals. Local animal rescue operations would love to get your call offering administrative or in-field assistance. The Grace Foundation of El Dorado Hills (thegracefoundationofnorcal.org) and Folsom Feline Rescue (folsomfelines.org, 916-484-4099) are two organizations that could use your help.Become a Foster GrandparentThrough the vital Senior Corps Program, seniors can make a difference in the life of a child by mentoring troubled kids, caring for premature newborns and helping abused children. Visit seniorcorps.gov for more information. Participate in Focus Groups Get paid for your life-formed opinions and input. Focus group research is vital in today's market-based economy, and it pays an average of $75-$150 for an hour-long focus group. To find a focus group near you, visit Senior Corps online at seniorcorps.gov, or Opinions of Sacramento Focus Groups at opinionsofsac.comVolunteer on a Political CampaignA unique opportunity this summer is the chance to volunteer on a political campaign, or for a party-affiliated organization. There are several races at the local, state and federal levels, and the campaigns or parties themselves welcome volunteers in all capacities. Find out how you can get involved by calling your local party representatives: El Dorado County Republican Party, edcgop.com, 530-676-4757; El Dorado County Democratic Party, edcdemocrats.org, 530-626-8270.Serve as a Museum DocentPut your love and appreciation for history or art to good use by serving as a volunteer tour guide at any of our regional museums.The Folsom History Museum is always looking for volunteers. Visit folsomhistorymuseum.org, or call 916-985-2707 to find out how you can help.Volunteer at Thrift Stores These non-profits directly support causes like hospice and the cancer society, and are always in need of volunteers as well as donations. As Nancy Symons, of the new Partners in Care Thrift Store in Placerville, says, "We love volunteers and can always use more!" The Snowline Hospice Thrift Store (snowlinehospice.org, 916-984-5853) and the Mercy Hospital of Folsom Auxiliary (916-984-7371) are always in need of volunteers and donations.For the senior who can't stand to sit still, volunteering just might be the solution. And where better to volunteer than in your own community?

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