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Live Your Road Trip Dreams
By Phil and Carol White
Can you imagine leasing your house for a year, firing up the RV and tooling around the country with no set timetable or rigid itinerary? Phil and Carol White did and now, in the second edition of their book Live Your Road Trip Dreams, they share the nuts and bolts of how you can make it happen. They offer both specific guidelines and tips to approach the realities of such a lifestyle change and provide a good measure of the sense of spirit and adventure that speaks to the “why” of such an undertaking. If you harbor secret wishes to channel a bit of Jack Kerouac in your golden years, this is the book for you. RLI Press, 288 pages, Softcover, $16.95.
Old Bug
By Dan Jackson
In a somewhat less planned, but true road trip story, Old Bug invites you to ride along with the author and an old high school friend on an impulsive cross-country trip in a battered ’69 VW Beetle. The journey is a scratchy stop-start trek, beset by car troubles, personality clashes and missed opportunities. But it also provides the author with the necessary timeout from real life to indulge in some middle age soul-searching and contemplation of spirituality. The juxtaposition of these thoughtful musings and the sometimes hilarious reality of trying to keep the old Bug alive to get them to their destination makes for captivating reading and a story that will stick with you. End Run Press, 336 pages, Softcover, $16.95.
Universal Design Ideas for Style, Comfort & Safety
By RS Means
When polled, most seniors say they would like to remain in their homes as long as possible. But most older homes will need some measure of retrofitting to make that a reality and the result is often unsightly and far from optimal. In this beautifully designed book you can find examples of unobtrusive and attractive aging-in-place innovations for all rooms of the home, including budget estimates. Whether you are planning to build your dream home or looking to find ways to make the one you have work better for you, this book will be an inspiration and a how-to guide all in one. RS Means, 160 pages, Softcover, $21.95
Going to Camp
Camp KID-Again™ is a unique program created for women over 50 who want to help one another begin living or maintain an active lifestyle. The camp features a variety of activities from kayaking, to yoga, to games that are designed to help build confidence and empower women of all athletic abilities. The one-week program combines adventures for the mind, body, and spirit in an atmosphere that is fun and friendly. Just like summer camp, there are plenty of outdoor activities as well as bonfires, classes, recreation, music, and opportunities to make new friends. Camp runs July 27 to Aug. 2 and space is limited. Contact the College of St. Scholastica for more information: 800-447-5444. www.css.edu.
Here’s to Your Health!
A drink a day may keep the fractures away, according to a new study published in the May issue of The American Journal of Medicine. The research, led by Montefiore Medical Center Assistant Professor of Medicine and Robert Wood Johnson Scholar Karina Berg, indicates that the risk of hip fracture may be lower for those who consume one to two alcoholic drinks per day, compared to those who don’t drink at all. The findings are contrary to previous studies asserting that alcohol consumption leads to lower bone density and increased fractures. The article also shows that bone density actually increases in association with alcohol consumption (for those who have up to three drinks per day). Bone density loss differed somewhat between men and women; women who drank more lost less bone. Men who drank more initially lost less bone but then, as drinking increased, lost more bone density.
Changing Fate
Dr. Thomas Perls of the New England Centenarian Study group has done extensive research into what makes people live a long life. He found being married can add 3 years, smoking can reduce life 7-10 years and obesity can reduce it about 6 years. He estimates that heredity provides about 30% of our life expectancy but 70% is within our control. He has set up a website that has now been viewed by over a million people, to help them estimate how long they may live and offers specific recommendations on how one can expand that timeline. He hopes that after answering the 50 or so questions related to family history and personal lifestyle, people will change those things that they can to enhance their own lifespan. www.livingto100.com.
Seeking Balance
If you are providing care for a family member with dementia and are experiencing significant stress related to caregiving, you might be interested in the Balance Study– Balancing Life and Reducing Stress for those providing Elder Care. The study examines two different approaches to help manage stress and maintain a healthy life balance: Community Caregiver Education and Support, in which you learn about a variety of important issues related to elder care and receive social and emotional support; and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, which demonstrates mindfulness meditation techniques and simple yoga exercises. Participants are eligible to receive some funds for study participation with additional funds available for low-income individuals needing help with respite care. To participate in this study or for more information, contact Dana McGree at 952-967-5031 or Dana.A.McGree@HealthPartners.com.
Trip Down Memory Lane
Do you ever wonder about the history of the places you see every day? Or maybe you are a history buff and have stories to tell. Placeography.org is a new, collaborative website developed and hosted by the Minnesota Historical Society that allows anyone to create, edit and link to pages devoted to preserving the history of department stores, homes, farms, public lands or any physical place in Minnesota. Once an entry is created, others can add stories and memories, and even pictures. To create an entry, users follow a series of prompts and a how-to page helps people get started. Users can go back and edit their entry at any time. Those interested in researching building history can get help from the Minnesota Historical Society library, through classes and reference assistance.
When You Can’t Be There
Tending the grave of a loved one is a tender ritual for many people. But what happens when you must move away or can no longer manage the task? Gravescape is an established network of compassionate individuals who are available to provide year-round gravesite services in cemeteries throughout the contiguous 48 states. Services include delivering flowers and gifts, planting flower beds, tending to markers and monuments and taking digital photos of gravesites. You can place a single order for a specific occasion, or set-up a schedule for recurring dates. Prices vary depending on services, ranging from $45-$125. Contact at 888-877-5641 or online: www.gravescape.com.
www.caregiverlist.com
This site connects those seeking care with non-medical senior home care agencies nationwide, which have met a checklist of industry safety and consistency standards. Plus, find information on geriatric care management, Medicare and Medicaid, long-term care insurance, driver’s license testing and estate planning.
www.aplaceformom.com
This resource provides a place to exchange experiences and perspectives about caring for aging loved ones, communicate with elder care experts and learn from articles covering a broad range of senior care topics. Plus, review detailed information about local elder care providers and get free personal, professional assistance by phone.
Many college students spend their summers at home, working and getting together with friends. Andrew Jenks, a 19-year-old filmmaker, took up residence in a Florida assisted living facility bonding with its elderly residents, playing bingo, watching “Jeopardy” and just hanging out. What began as a lark of an idea - moving in with the elderly to see what he could learn from them - led to unexpected, life-changing encounters filled with laughter, heartache and lasting friendships. The touching Cinemax Reel Life documentary Andrew Jenks, Room 335 chronicles his experiences. Available at Cinemax On Demand through February 13 or for DVD purchase at www.andrewjenksroom335.com.
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