February Prime

your life...your timePrimefebruary 2012free

Prime reading

book discusses lessons of aging.

...page 2

Prime advice

a guide to what is needed in

preparation for filing your taxes.

...page 5

3

Join her ‘off the beaten path’Literacy pioneer shares travels in tome

Ruth Colvin

Make a decadent dessert for your

valentine. ...page 8

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prime reading

‘Aging our way’ Colgate professor releases new book on the lessons of aging

by farah f. JadranThe numerals in our age might change,

but our lives don’t have to.A purposeful life with clear continuity is

becoming a common desire among senior citizens, according to Meika Loe, an associ-ate professor of sociology and women’s stud-ies. Loe also is the director of the Women’s Studies program and the interim director of the Upstate Institute at Colgate University.

Loe, the author of “Aging Our Way: Les-sons for Living from 85 and Beyond,” studied the lives of several elders in order to illustrate her discovery aging doesn’t mean giving up what you used to do.

In a recent interview, Loe told Prime about a few of her subjects she observed and worked with in her research.

One subject in particular, Eddie, was an elevator operator for many years at the New York State Capitol in Albany. After retir-ing, Loe said Eddie found his own sense of continuity by becoming a greeter at his local community center.

Because Eddie spent so many years greet-ing legislators and senators, he felt he was working hard and had a purpose in his life.

“It’s important that we work hard at the continuity in our lives,” Loe said. “It tells the story on how we lead our lives.”redefining family

Nowadays, the anatomy of a family is far from what we would have once considered “traditional” or “typical.”

This change in family make-up, accord-ing to Loe, has become a crucial component of the aging process. Because many people

move regularly per the availability of jobs, Loe says many families tend to be spread out geographically. Also, some people might not have had children of their own so they don’t have a second generation to celebrate holidays with or to share everyday life ex-periences.

In her book, Loe describes this occur-rence when she talks about Rose, a 90-year-old woman who “adopted a friend or

a sister” whom she met at her church. Her newfound 70-year-old sister was a widow just like Rose and she sought the same thing someone to have in her daily life. They now have someone who “cares about them” and someone to check in on them on a daily basis.

Loe says this diverse family model is also true among younger people. For example, she says this also is true among college stu-dents who stay in a dorm. They find friends to create a social family because they’re away from home. This sort of family relationship can happen “at any stage in life,” Loe said.

However, she found this very apparent

13 lessons for aging in place your way

Here are 13 Lessons Meika Loe learned as she followed the routine lives of people aged 85 and older around the areas she lives and works in New York.

Continue to do what you did(Re)Design your living spaceLive in moderationTake time for selfAsk for help; mobilize resourcesConnect with peersResort to tomfooleryCare for othersReach out to familyGet intergenerational; redefine familyInsist on hugsBe adaptableAccept and prepare for death

Reprinted from “Aging our Way: Lessons for Living from 85 and Beyond,” published by Oxford University Press, Inc. Copyright © 2011 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Meika Loe, author of “Aging Our Way: Lessons for Living from 85 and Beyond,” studied the lives of several elders in order to illustrate her discovery that aging doesn’t mean giving up what you used to do.

To the editor:The sounds of carols, voices of children,

bright colored bags with treasures and the outpouring of kindness from the Syracuse community has left an indelible mark in my memory from the holiday season. I am writing to lift up the generosity of so many individuals who gave of themselves to make the holiday season a little bit brighter for our elders at Loretto.

Many thanks to the Syracuse Opera Chorus, Tully High School Seniors, Pebble Hill Presbyterian carolers, AXA Equitable employees (who brought gifts for Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center residents and stayed to help them bake and decorate holiday cookies), Daybreak and Sedgwick Heights, Onondaga Hill Cub Scouts Lion Den from Pack 68, Solvay classes for the deaf and hearing impaired, Lafayette Senior High School carolers and band members, a Barber Shop Quartet, seventh- and eighth-graders

from St. Leo’s Church in Tully, Brownie Troop #403, Spirit of Syracuse, Jesuit Novices and Mary Ann Johnston who gave lovely blankets.

These are individuals who remember us through sharing their time, talents and gifts. I also want to celebrate the Loretto Dream Team of staff volunteers, their family members and friends who work all year long to raise funds so that everyone living here receives a gift.

In a world where we hear so much about how busy and commercial the holidays have become, I get to see the other side of that with those who pause to stop and remember our elders. We are indeed fortunate as an orga-nization to have so many take a moment to share Christmas with us. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for so many “sweet moments.”

BRENDA J. MCCUTCHEONLORETTO DIRECTOR OF ELDER LIFE

AND SPIRITUALITY

Loretto gives thanks for community’s generosity this past holidayprime letters

See Loe on page 7

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Ruth Colvin loves to read. At 95, one of the things she credits for keeping her mentally sharp is that she reads a “tremendous” amount, and a desire to share the gift of reading with others has led her on a path that has taken her around the world.

As founder of Literacy Volunteers of America Inc., which then became ProLiteracy, Colvin was invited by universities, religious organizations and the International Executive Service Corporation to share her skills in na-tive language literacy and English as a second language training.

So it would seem a natural fit that someone who not only enjoys reading, but has helped others to discover the world of books would switch hats from reader to author.

In her travels, Colvin met people from all walks of life —a holy man in India, a banned leader and a revolutionary in the apartheid

system of South Africa. She’s met lepers in India and Madagascar, Chinese Communists and survivors of Pol Pot’s Cambodia.

In her book, ‘Off the Beaten Path, stories of people around the world,” Colvin discusses nine countries and shares 92 stories about people she has met.

The recipient of nine honorary doctorates, Colvin was given the highest award for vol-unteerism in the United States, the President’s Volunteer Action Award, in 1987. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006 and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1991.

Colvin is appreciative of the opportunities that she has been given, but said her most rewarding adventures were connecting with individuals from vastly different backgrounds and experiences, learning about their cultures and traditions, and discovering the many

similarities all people share. “In my many travels around the world, I

kept journals of my experiences,” Colvin said. “This book has been an opportunity to share some of these experiences with others.”

Originally from Chicago, Colvin mar-ried her husband, Bob, in 1940 and came to Syracuse at the end of 1941. A mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Colvin “brought my children up with international people,” she said. “In Syracuse there are people from all over, such as those at SU. We also have the International Center.”

She and her husband still live in Syracuse, which she said is “small enough you will find a connection with anyone. I love that about Syracuse, that feeling of community.”

When Bob retired and was subsequently

Join her on a trip ‘off the beaten path’Literacy pioneer shares travels in tome

about the book“Off the Beaten Path: Stories of People

Around the World “ (2011), published by Syracuse University Press, chronicles literacy pioneer Ruth Colvin’s life of world travel and the many encounters she had as she taught others to read and write.

According to Colvin, her most rewarding adventures were con-necting with individuals from vastly different backgrounds and experi-ences, learning about their cultures and traditions, and discovering the many similarities all people share. Believing education is the key to facilitating communication and understanding among people around the world, Colvin—a lifelong learner herself—has dedicated her life to teaching others.

David Baldacci, a New York Times bestselling author, says about “Off the Beaten Path”: “Ruth Colvin exemplifies the power of one individual changing the world for the better. I share Ruth’s passion of eradicat-ing illiteracy within the United States and I am humbled by the stories she shares in her book.”

And Gregg A. Tripoli, director of the Onondaga Historical Association in Syra-cuse, says: “’Off the Beaten Path’ provides a glimpse into the lives of different people and their cultures, the overwhelming desire of people to learn and the under-standing that, despite our cultural differ-ences, we are generally more similar than different.”

A March 15 book launch is planned at the Onondaga Historical Association at 4 p.m. It is open to the public.

For more information on, or to purchase “Off the Beaten Path,” visit Syracuse Uni-versity Press at syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/fall-2011/off-beaten-path.html. It can also be purchased at local bookstores and Amazon.com.

See Colvin on page 6


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by Patrick VanBeveren, PT, DPT, MA, OCS, GCS, CSCSPhysicalTherapy Supervisor forThe Centers at St. Camillus

Stay Stronger Longer

You get old, you lose strength, yourbalance gets worse, you lose staminaand you’re not quite as flexible asyou used to be. But, does everyonelose physical capacity at the samerate and end up at the same func-tional level?

Our experience would tell us no.It appears that some people “age”better than others, with some peoplebarely “aging” and others “aging”really quickly. What determines howmuch physical capacity we lose andat what functional level we end up?

It is pretty simple. Physical activityis largely the determinant. Exerciseis one form of physical activity.Walking to church, parking thefurthest from the store, and walkingup the stairs in buildings are allforms of physical activity.

Loss of capacity starts at age 30and declines about 1% per year onaverage. After the age of 60, the lossaccelerates to 2 – 3% per year.But that’s average. Very

sedentary individuals lose muchmore rapidly and people who arereally active and exercise age muchmore slowly.

And then, there is the concept ofreserve. When we are young, wehave good physical capacity. If weare active, exercise, and work hardwe add to that physical capacity andcreate reserve.

The more reserve we develop, thelonger it will take to lose as we age.This is true for most body systemsincluding muscles, bones and thecardio-respiratory systems. If we gointo older age with strong muscles,strong bones and a robust cardio-respiratory system, it makes sensethat we’ll maintain our function for alonger period of time.

It’s never too late to build reserve.So, get out and get active. Challengeyour endurance, strength, and flexi-bility, and start building your reserve

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prime advice

The difference between financial, estate planning

Many times I have the opportunity to meet with people who confirm they recently had their estate plan done prior to meeting with me. When I ask them who did their plan, the most common answer is “my financial advisor,” “my accountant,” “my banker,” or some other financial or tax professional. Most people are unclear what estate planning is. To clar-ify, estate planning can only be done by an attorney while financial advisors, bankers, accountants and other financial professionals focus on the financial aspect of your estate plan or what is com-monly referred to as financial planning. Your financial profes-sionals support you with all the assets you accumulate (we call it “stuff ”). When you think of your financial professionals, bankers and accountants they help you identify how much stuff you need to save, what type of stuff you need (i.e. stocks versus bonds versus investment strategies) and how to get enough stuff to retire.

Estate planning on the other hand is the legal documents, including wills, healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, and trusts, to ensure three primary objectives. First, who is in control of your stuff, second, who gets to benefit from my stuff, and third, when. For example, you will be in control of your stuff and will decide who gets to benefit from when you are alive and well. When you become disabled, a major question of who is in control of your stuff and who gets to benefit from your stuff, now that you are disabled, becomes paramount and, the proper legal documents then identify who you want to be in control and who can benefit (including you).

These same issues continue after you die. Who is in control of your stuff after you die and who gets to benefit when you are gone. What if your spouse remarries or goes into a nursing home, your children get divorced or go bankrupt, now who’s in control and who gets to benefit from your lifetime of hard work?

about david J. Zumpano, cpa/esq.

A Central New York native, he started the Law Offices of David J. Zumpano, remain-ing “of counsel” to his former firm, now known as the Estate Planning Law Center, David J. Zumpano CPA, Esq. Estate Planning Law Center offices are located in Syracuse, New Hartford and Miami, Fla. Contact Mary Brewer at 446-3850 to register for a free educational estate planning workshop or schedule a complimentary consultation. Visit eplawcenter.com.

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At Your Home Personal Training is avail-able seven days a week and serves all clients of all ages in Onondaga County.

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See Planning on page 7

A taxing time?A guide to what you need to file your taxes this year

Tax season is upon us, which can be good news or bad news depending on the individual. For those accustomed to getting a tax return, that annual finan-cial windfall is welcomed with open arms.

On the other hand, those used to a tax bill every April are far less enthusiastic when tax time rolls around.

With tax season here again, it’s time to file a return. The following guide can help individuals get their tax materials in order, whether they’re filing themselves or enlisting the help of a tax professional.personal items

To file a tax return, individuals will need their own social security number, as well as that of anyone else they might be helping or listing on their own return. This includes a spouse and any dependents. If pre-paring someone else’s tax return, be sure to inform them this information will be needed to avoid any

unnecessary delays.For those men and women who will be enlisting a

professional to prepare their return, bring all of this information to the meeting. Tax season is especially busy for accountants and tax prep professionals, so it might be difficult to secure another appoint-ment should you forget to bring all of the necessary information.income documents

It’s easy to get confused when attempting to file a tax return. For men and women who visit the local library for their filing information, that table full of documents can be intimidating.

What’s more, the Internal Revenue Service web-site can be difficult to navigate for those who have not visited it in the past.

No document is more necessary than a W-2, Avoid the stress of tax time by preparing documents well in advance of April 15.See Tax on page 6


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invited by the International Executive Service Corps (IESC) to help in its mis-sion – “promoting prosperity and stability through private enterprise” to create jobs across the globe. “Since I do training in

literacy and English as a second language, it made sense for me to join him.”

As a result they have traveled around the world, visiting 62 countries and providing literacy training in 26 developing countries,

experiencing day-to-day life of the people in other lands as they volunteered their time and expertise to others.age is only a number

Colvin said age was not a factor when it came to travelling to other countries.

“When IESC called my husband in 1995, they asked him, is it true you are going to be 80 years old next February? After the age of 80, we’ve been on many trips, including to Papua, New Guinea, Cambodia, Madagas-car, Guatemala and Haiti,” Colvin said.

In her book, she shares some of her memories of trips to India, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Swaziland, Ecua-dor/Peru, Madagascar and Cambodia.colvin’s secret for a long, healthy life

“There has to be a balance, and there are four important factors,” Colvin said:1. physical

“I still play 18 holes of golf and exercise at least five days a week,” she said. “I keep ac-tive, cleaning, doing my own wash. People say, ‘You work out, you must like it.’ I don’t; I like the results.”2. Mental

“You don’t always have control of these things, but there are things you can do to stay sharp,” Colvin said. “I don’t care for crossword puzzles, but I do Sodoku and I read a tremendous amount, and can’t imag-ine life without it. Plus, I love writing.”

She also enjoys learning new things.“I’m taking a drawing class at OCC,”

Colvin said. “You can go there for free if you are a senior citizen – and the class is not filled – it’s what I call lifelong learning.”3. emotional

“I have been married for 71 years.” Colvin said. “We’re a good team and, like everyone, we have our ups and downs, but I am first in his life and he is first in mine – we both know that.”

4. spiritualHaving spiritual balance is important

to Colvin.“Whatever your faith is, you must re-

member to have respect and for the other guy. Tolerance is important. I think I’m right – you think you are. Who is to say I am not wrong?”grandma knows best

Ruth and Bob’s children went on to success in their careers. Their son Terry started Synergy and lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife Tammy. They have four children and two grandchildren. Their daughter, Lindy Webb, is a psychotherapist in California. She and husband Doug have two children and two grandchildren.

With six grandchildren living in other parts of the country, Colvin wanted to find a way to connect with them. Her solu-tion? Make memories with them that are unique.

“We told our first born grandchild, ‘When you are five – fly here for one week without parents. Then, at 7, come for two weeks, and go to the day camp your father attended. Then, when you are 12 we will include you on an international trip. But then, we had six grandchildren…”

Colvin said the plan became that she and Bob would go to a country for three months, and each grandchild would go for three weeks during that time.

“We wanted them to see the countries living with the people, not as tourists,” she said. “We only had two conditions: They had to keep a journal during their trip and had to talk about it when they returned.”

Colvin said it was a way of opening their eyes to the world.

“And we had an experience with them that their parents didn’t.”

Colvin from page 3

Free tax preparation offeredRSVP has teamed up with the IRS for more than 20 years to

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RSVP of Madison County will be opening free tax prepara-tion sites for seniors 60 years of age and older, and there are no income limitations for seniors. Just remember you may have a refund coming even if you have been told you don’t need to file a tax return. It only takes a few minutes to speak with a volunteer who can determine if you may qualify for a refund. All refunds arrive in your account within two weeks when electronically filed.

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RSVP does not do business or farm tax returns.

which employers must provide by the end of Janu-ary. Men and women will get one from each of their employers, so those who work multiple jobs, even part-time jobs, will need a W-2 for each job they’ve worked in the past 12 months. Additional documents that can be necessary might pertain to investment in-come, business or farming income, alimony received, and forms for state and local income tax refunds.

A good rule of thumb to avoid getting lost in the documents is to start as early as possible the more extensive or complicated the employment and income history may be. For example, men and women with one job and no outside income should be able to file quickly and easily. The more extensive a person’s investment portfolio or the more jobs a per-son has, the more difficult it will likely be to file the return. So start early if things are complicated.credits

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Tax from page 5


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in her research among people over the age of 80. In her own life, she has experienced this as well. As a woman in her late 30s, with deceased grandparents, she also has adopted surrogate grandparents

In her own neighborhood, she has a “social family” as well. Loe describes this as a way she has found “dependable connec-tions” among like-minded individuals. She said they celebrate major events together, host a monthly potluck and they run errands for one another.

In the end, it’s about “reciprocity,” Loe says.taking care

Loe says that finding qualities such as continuity, purpose, dependability and reciprocity is becoming more and more im-portant for people as they age. She describes “Aging Our Way: Lessons for Living from 85 and Beyond,” as a “how to” on who to care for one’s life.

“In the end, I look back at this project, it’s all about self-care,” Loe said. “In fact, [my subjects] do a whole lot of self-care. There’s no one right way to do it…create meaning-

ful lives.”She continues to say that her subjects’

new ways of life should be viewed as handy helpful reminders for us at any age.

It’s up to us on how we want to utilize our time if and when we retire or if our relation-ship status changes, especially later in life.

“It’s up to each person,” Loe said. “There are many ways to do self-care.”

Loe studied several elders who are totally independent, living vital meaningful lives. “The many ways that they do that can be an inspiration to all of us.”

However, Loe said that (at any age) it’s important to ask for help if it is needed be-cause being independent isn’t always feasible as we age.

While she encourages people to reach out to family members for help, she says it’s important for those relatives to understand their day-to-day lives and to keep those aspects alive and well.Farah F. Jadran is the associate editor of Prime and the managing editor of Syracuse Woman Magazine, she can be reached at [email protected].

Loe from page 2

Estate planning is all about providing for the control of your stuff and ensur-ing those you want to benefit, do, whereas financial planning will help ensure you have the stuff you need to maintain your security and to pass on to your loved ones.

Whenever the holiday season approaches, these questions have special rel-evance in that the greatest gift you can give your family is to ensure your wishes are followed and your family is protected even when you are not able to do it yourself. Unfortunately, many people have the belief the family “knows what I want” but, while good intentioned, it is rare your wishes will occur when you’re not there to guide it or when you fail to leave instructions. Ensure that what you have gets to whom you want, when you want, and the way that you want, by hav-ing the proper legal estate planning documents and ensure you have sufficient “stuff ” to live on and support your needs by engaging qualified financial profes-sionals. Together, you can have complete protection.

Planning from page 5


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Make your sweetheart a decadent valentine’s day dessert t seems that even the most steadfast dieters make room for a little dessert

come Valentine’s Day. What better than a trifle that’s both impres-sive to the tastebuds and the eyes this holiday? “Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Trifle,”courtesy of “A Decade of Cooking the Costco Way” (Toppan Lefung Printing), edited by Tim Talevich, pairs chocolate and cherries together with rich cream cheese, making a decadent dessert many will enjoy.

Serves 6 to 8Cake1 cup egg whitesPinch of salt1 teaspoon salt11/4 cups sugar1 teaspoon cream of tartar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup flour1/3 cup pitted and finely chopped fresh sweet cherries, divided

Cheesecake Filling16 ounces cream cheese, soft-ened1/4 cup sugar1/4 cup half-and-half1/4 cup pureed fresh sweet cherries11/2 cups finely chopped fresh sweet cherries11/2 cups shaved chocolate1 cup prepared whipped cream

Preheat oven to 325 F. To prepare the cake, with an electric mixer, beat egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until they begin to foam. Add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Mix in vanilla. Care-fully fold in flour.

Pour half of the batter into an un-greased 9-inch tube pan and top with half of the chopped cherries. Pour in the remaining batter and sprinkle on the remaining cherries. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before removing from the pan. To

prepare the filling, blend cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add half-and-half and pureed cherries.

To assemble, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes. In a trifle dish, place an even layer of cake cubes and cheesecake filling. Sprinkle with chopped cherries and shaved choco-late. Repeat layers until the trifle dish is full, finishing with whipped cream and the remaining cherries and chocolate on top.

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake TrifleI


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Happy New Year 2012! American New Year’s Day Traditional Foodsby dina lawson

Registered Dietitian, Office for the Aging Did you know traditional New Year’s

Day foods were made with the idea they will bring good luck for the coming New Year?

Pork and ham dishes were served in order to welcome the New Year. A pig will root forward when it eats. So, people felt this would welcome the New Year and bring good luck to all.

Here are some other traditions: The colors green and gold were displayed be-cause they were thought to mean money and wealth.

In New York during the colonial period, New Year’s Day celebrations included open-ing the house to family and friends with food and spirits. This became so popular that the custom of open house hospitality was spread westward in the United States through the 19th century.

Other traditional foods served during the New Year included doughnuts soaked in rum (olykoeks) and honey cakes.

New Year’s traditional foods varied by areas of the country. For example, in the south, traditional foods included ‘Hoppin John’ (rice with black-eyed peas) and fried greens. In New England, crab and oyster dishes were popular as well as with ham, minced pie, fruit cake and egg nog.

In the 1950s and 1960s, a traditional New Year’s Meal included eggnog, baked ham, roast turkey, rib roast with horserad-ish sauce, olives, radishes, pickle trays, cranberry jelly, and fruit cake. what is your favorite traditional food on new year’s day?

Is eating healthier one of your New Year’s Resolutions? If so, skip the ‘fad’ diets and overly restrictive diets. Try these simple ideas that can help you make healthier food choices and achieve your New Year’s resolu-tions without feeling deprived.

Choose colorful vegetables and fill you plate or bowl with them. Veggies are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. They can fill you up so you are less likely to binge on high fat or processed foods.

Make your snacks fresh or dried fruits. Grab fruit instead of chips or cookies. They are also loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Mix fruit with your breakfast cereal and milk and have it as a healthy snack anytime.

Look for foods other than processed meats. Processed meats contain higher amounts of sodium, fat and nitrates. For sandwiches, try grilled a chicken breast or grilled fish. If you eat a lot of deli meats, it is better to roast a piece of turkey, pork or beef and slice it up for your sandwiches. Add lettuce and tomato for a great tasting healthy sandwich.

Choose as many whole grain breads and pastas as possible. Switch from white bread, pasta and rice to whole wheat foods. The

fiber content is higher in whole grains and they also have vitamins and minerals!

Make a point to eat breakfast! Many people skip breakfast as a way to help lose weight! But research has shown that people who eat breakfast are able to control their weight better than those who skip break-fast. And, some people end up taking in more calories later in the day because they didn’t ‘fuel up’ in the morning. Eat breakfast to help avoid binge eating later!

And don’t forget to take up some kind of physical exercise! It helps burn calories, build muscle and curb your appetite!

Whatever New Year’s resolutions you choose make healthy eating one of them!

Happy New Year 2012! Call Office for the Aging for more information (315)697-5700.

Sources: HealthCastle.com; Oxford En-cyclopedia of Food and Drink in America, Andrew F. Smith 2004, Volume 2.

Madison County OFA joins campaign to encourage discussion, planning about hospital stays Returning home from a hospital stay can

result in unexpected challenges for many se-niors and as a result, millions of older Ameri-cans are spending billions of dollars on health care costs every year that could be avoided through simple planning and preparation prior to being admitted to the hospital. Nearly one in five Medicare patients discharged from the hospital is readmitted within 30 days due to an injury resulting from medical manage-ment – not the underlying disease – costing over $26 billion every year. Some studies have found that between 40 percent and 50 percent of readmissions are linked to social problems

and lack of community resources.Eldercare Locator, a public service of the

U.S. Administration on Aging that is admin-istered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), recently launched a national campaign encouraging older adults, caregivers and their families to discuss poten-tial hospital visits and start planning ahead for a smooth transition from the hospital to the home. Office for the Aging is supporting the campaign by raising awareness for more effec-tive care transitions in Madison County.

“We strongly encourage families to take some time to address these issues and plan

ahead so that when medical issues arise, a plan is in place,” said Theresa Davis, executive director. “Consumers can save on health care costs and most importantly, save lives.”

Eldercare Locator and the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care (nextstepincare.org) released a consumer guide that can be used by families and caregivers to lead the discussion. The guide, which provides planning tips for pre-hospital check-in as well as post-checkout from the hospital, is available at n4a.org/pdf/HospitaltoHome. Some of the questions the Eldercare Locator encourages the public to address prior to being admitted to a hospital include: What do you need to bring? If you are not going to be well enough to care for yourself when you are released, where will you go? Will you need help getting around?

Will you need equipment and supplies? Will you be able to take the appropriate medica-tions without help those first days out of the hospital? Who will assist you? How long will you need assistance?

“As we age, the likelihood of a hospital stay increases and it is critical to plan before that time arrives,” said Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We encourage families and caregivers to take advantage of their time with older relatives to talk about the brochure’s important cost-saving and poten-tially life-saving tips.”

For more information on services available in Madison County call Office for the Aging 697-5700 or contact the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or eldercare.gov.

home helper & handyman referral service offeredThe Madison County Office for the Aging has a Home Helper and Handyman Referral

Service, which provides assistance throughout Madison County. Home-Helpers provide a range of services such as housework, personal care, cooking, errands and cleaning. Handymen provide minor home repairs, yard work, walk maintenance and heavy clean-ing. Both Home Helpers and Handymen have flexible hours and days that they are available.

The Office for the Aging provides a list of workers available in your area. You then contact the worker, arrange an interview and negotiate an hourly rate. The Home Helper & Handyman’s salary is negotiated between the person who hires them and the worker. Payment is made directly to the Home-Helper or Handyman. There is no charge from the Office for the Aging for the referral service. This is a referral service only; Home Helpers & Handymen are not employees of the Office for the Aging, nor do we endorse, recom-mend or act as agent for anyone on the list.

More Home Helpers and Handymen are needed in most areas of the county. If you enjoy working with older people, you will find working as a Home-Helper or Handyman a rewarding experience. Where you work is up to you, how many hours or days you work also your decision. For more information about the Office for the Aging services call us at 697-5700. Help is a phone call away.

Make an appointmentReminder: We know many of you like to drop by our office when you have a question

or concern. However, we would appreciate it if you would call the Office for the Aging at 697-5700 to set up an appointment. This allows us to better prepare for your visit by getting the necessary paperwork ready. Thank you for your consideration.

Madison County OFA in brief


Madison county officefor the aging inc. News

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The OFA gratefully acknowledges contri-butions to honor the memory of beloved rela-tives and friends. In Memory of Mary Ann McDermottGiven by:Robert Napoli

In Memory of Ruth UrbenGiven by:Joan and Mathew Ze-nnamoBarbara MillerChris GrabowPaul & Ethel HatchJohn & Eda Morelli

In Memory of Glennis PopekGiven by:Vicki Petrie

In Memory of William NowerGiven by:Helen Nower

In Memory of Marg G HughesGiven by: Duane Hughes

In Memory of Norman PerkinsGiven by: Norma Burdo

In Memory of James D. QuinnGiven by: Betty Quinn

In Memory of Melba PickardGiven by: Bill and Joyce McMaster

In Memory of Bonnie SmithGiven by: Theresa DavisGerald MoretonTom AndrewsJohn and Barbra TaylorKen and Mary Ann HalseyBrenda MootRobert RyanDavid and Marianne Relyea

In Memory of Sharon HughesGiven by: Mark and Julie Mattina

In Memory of Gloria McChesneyGiven by:Laura Sue TylerJackie Robinson-Melchor

In memoriam

Health Insurance: Medicare Premiums and deductibles for 2012Medicare Part A: For Medicare Part A,

which pays for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care, about 99 percent of Medicare benefi-ciaries do not pay a premium since they or their spouses have a least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment. The

Part A deductible will be $1,156 in 2012, an increase of $24 from this years’ $1,132 deductible. The Part A deductible is the beneficiary’s cost for up to 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.

Medicare Part B: The standard Medi-

care Part B monthly premium will be $99.90 in 2012, a $15.50 decrease from the 2011 premium of $115.40.

However, most Medicare beneficiaries were held harmless in 2011 and paid $96.40 per month. The 2012 premium represents a $3.50 increase for them. In 2012, the Part B deductible will be $140.00, a decrease of $22 from 2011. Medicare Part B covers apportion of the cost of physicians’ services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment and other items. In 2012, Social Secu-rity monthly payments to enrollees will increase by 3.6 percent.

Do you qualify for extra help? Full Medicaid for dual eligible (individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid); this program pays for a wide range of medical care, services and supplies as well as premiums, coinsurance and deductible payments for Medicare beneficiaries. The income and resource requirements for those applicants who are aged, or certi-fied blind or disables are: single $767 per month; couple $1,137 per month.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB). This program can pay for the Medicare Part A and/or part B premium. An individual can be eligible for QMB only or for QMB and Medicaid. This program also pays for the Medicare Parts A and B coinsurance and deduct-ibles. The monthly income requirements

for this program are: single $928 per month; couple $1,246 per month.

Specified Low Income Medicare Ben-eficiary Program (SLIMB) This program pays for the Medicare Part B premium only. Individuals can be eligible for SLIMB only or for SLIMB and Medicaid (with a spend-down). The applicant must have Medicare Part A in order to be eligi-ble for the program. The income require-ments for this program are: singles $1,109 per month; couple $1,491 per month.

Qualified Individual-1 (QI) This program pays for the Medicare Part B premium only. Individuals cannot be eli-gible for QI1 and Medicaid. The applicant must have Medicare Part A. States are al-lotted money for this program on a yearly basis. The income requirements for this program are: single $1,246 per month; couple $1,675 per month.

Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period – Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 14, 2012 – Changes made during this time go into effect in 2012. During the Medi-care Advantage Disenrollment Period, you can switch from a Medicare private health plan (also known as a Medicare Advantage plan) to Original Medicare. Regardless of whether the Medicare pri-vate health plan had drug coverage, you can join a stand-alone prescription drug plan, but you are not required to. Changes made during the MADP go into effect the first day of the following month.

From the desk of the executive director

Theresa Davis, OFA executive director

Older persons within Madison County may not know what ben-efits they are entitled to. Benefits such as but not limited to: Medicare, Medicare Savings Program, Medicaid, food stamps, EPIC, SSI, Health Care Proxy, IT-2l4 tax relief, New York State Property Tax Credit/Refund Program, local property tax exemptions, HEAP, weatherization program, etc.

The Office for the Aging has outreach workers and case managers that can explain these programs and assist you in applying for and obtaining these benefits. They can assist with completing the applications, obtaining documentation, and representing the client at a face-to-face interview with the appropriate caseworker at the department of social services.

If you would like more information on benefits you may be entitled to or to schedule an appointment with an outreach worker or case manager, contact the Office for the Aging at 697-5700.

We’re here to help


Madison County OFA news

Know a centenarian?As a part of May’s Older Americans Month, the OFA will give special acknowledge-

ment to residents of Madison County who are 100 years old or who will reach their 100th birthday by Dec. 31, 2012.

Family members, agencies and others are encouraged to contact the Office for the Aging at 697-5700 by March 1 with the names and addresses of those who are, or will be, 100 years old. We are pleased to honor area centenarians for this achievement and thank them for being an inspiration to future generations.

OFA opens Food Cupboard

The Office for the Aging has started an emergency food cupboard for senior citizens. Madison County residents aged 60-plus can come to the Office for the Aging and get food items to help them during the tough economic times. The Office for the Aging can supply seniors with a food package with enough food items for two to three days. The amount and type of food varies from month to month, but is usually canned goods and dry staples.

Office for the Aging staff will coun-sel seniors on additional programs and services that many help them budget their limited income so that they can better afford their necessities.

The food cupboard is located at the Office for the Aging on 138 Domi-nic Bruno Boulevard in Canastota, Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you would like to donate food items to the OFA food cupboard or need more information, contact us at 697-5700.

Healthy food donations for a healthier Madison County

Did you know that over 1,000 households are served by the network of food pantries in Madison County each month? The food that our neighbors receive at the emergency food pantries helps supplement their diet by stretching food dollars when they need it most.

A lot of people are helping by organizing or donating to food drives. Food pantries and the people who use them appreciate the help and even rely on those who donate. But have you ever thought about the nutritional quality of the food you donate? Paying at-tention to the nutritional value of what is purchased for donation can help in a healthier way by offering nutrient-rich foods that are essential for good health.

To make it easier for people to donate healthy foods, the Madison County Living Well Partnership has developed a Top 20 Healthy Food Donation Ideas list, and is asking all food drive sponsors and donors to use this list for food drives. The list contains staples such as canned fruit and vegetables, pasta sauce, oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain pasta, crackers, canned fish or chicken, peanut butter, canned beans, low-sodium soup or broth, 100% fruit juice, and powdered or low-fat evaporated milk.

Organizations and groups who make a commitment to use this list for all future food drives can become a Healthy Food Drive Sponsor by completing and returning the form found on the Madison County Health Department’s web site at healthymadisoncounty.org. The Top 20 Healthy Food Donations Idea list may also be found here.

The Living Well Partnership is collecting pledges from organizations such as schools, churches, civic and volunteer groups, and worksites. Send in your organi-zation’s pledge and be listed on the Madison County Health Department’s web site with the other Healthy Food Drive Sponsors.

What we eat should be bolstering our health, but it’s actually contributing to sev-eral hundred thousand premature deaths from heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer each year. Donating healthy foods to emergency food pantries is just one way we can help in a healthy way.

As much as 50 percent of the foods donated to pantries are already expired. This is a problem because food pantries are not allowed to give out expired food, and it is costly for the pantries to dispose of. Be sure to check the expiration date before donating.

Donating money is another healthy option to consider. Food pantries can buy seven pounds of healthy food from the Food Bank of Central New York for every dollar donated. For a listing of Madison County food pantries, visit Community Ac-tion Partnership’s web site at capmadco.org.

The Living Well Partnership is a commu-nity coalition promoting local changes that make it easier for people living and work-ing in Madison County to eat well and be physically active. For more information on this campaign, contact the Madison County Health Department at 366-2361. Thank you for investing in the health of the people in your community!

Series offered through Education UnlimitedLaura Klughertz, Professor of Music and Latin American Studies, Colgate Uni-

versity, will offer “Good Neighbors to the South: History and Culture” a series on: Monday, Feb. 6, Who Are the Mexicans? Cultures from Olmecs to the Azecs; Wednesday, Feb. 8, The Sword and the Cross: Challenges of Independence; Monday, Feb. 13, Whose Conjunto Is It Anyway? Mexican Music and Dance; Wednesday, Feb. 15, A World of Diversity: Mexican Folk Arts; Monday, Feb 20, Searching for Identity: Mexican Art and the Muralistic Movement; Wednesday, Feb. 22, Challenge of Change in the 21st Century; 3 to 4 p.m., Hamilton Public Library.

Education Unlimited is sponsored by the Madison County Office for the Aging and open to all, regardless of age or education. To register, send your name, phone number, address and check for $15 to: Education Unlimited Attn: Joan Goodrich 155 Lebanon Street, Hamilton, NY 13346

February SNACK Menu

Office for the Aging Senior Nutrition (SNACK) Sites

Wednesday, Feb 1 – Lemon pepper fish, brown rice, sweet peas, fruited yogurtThursday, Feb 2 – Roast beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots, pears Friday, Feb 3 – Cheeseburger on a bun, tater tots, corn, apple crisp

Monday, Feb 6 – Chicken breast la’orange, boiled potato, spinach, chocolate puddingTuesday, Feb 7 – Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, 3-bean salad, diced peachesWednesday, Feb 8 – Meatloaf and gravy, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, Mandarin orangesThursday, Feb 9 – Spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, tossed salad, fruit cocktailFriday, Feb 10 – Fish on a bun with tartar sauce, mixed vegetables, tater tots, pineapple up/down cake

Monday, Feb 13 – Boiled ham dinner, parsley potatoes, brussel sprouts, fruit mixTuesday, Feb 14 – Beef burgundy over egg noodles, corn, white cake with pink frostingWednesday, Feb 15– Chicken spiedie on bun with peppers and onions, mixed veg-etables, rice pudding, Thursday, Feb 16 – Roast pork loin with gravy, sweet potatoes, Harvard beets, pearsFriday, Feb 17 – Sloppy Joe on a bun, lima beans, coleslaw, Mandarin oranges

Monday, Feb 20 – Holiday – OFA and SNACK ClosedTuesday, Feb 21 – Baked ham with pineapple glaze sauce, boiled parsley potatoes, car-rots, fruit cocktailWednesday, Feb 22 – Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, 3-bean salad, diced peachesThursday, Feb 23 – Baked chicken thigh, rice pilaf, green beans, tapioca puddingFriday, Feb 24 – Veggie quiche, roasted potatoes, broccoli, applesauce

Monday, Feb 27 – Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, pears Tuesday, Feb 28 – Seasoned pork chop, red potatoes, Italian beans. pineapple tidbitsWednesday, Feb 29 – Hearty beef stew with peas and carrots over biscuit, sugar cookie

brookfield – Open Tuesday & Thursday1st and 7th Day Baptist Church, Elm & Beaver Creek Road

canastota – Open Monday through FridayStoneleigh Apts, 400 Lamb Ave

cazenovia – Open Tuesday and FridayCazenovia Village Apts, 24 Nelson St

chittenango – Open Monday, Tues-day and FridayAmerican Legion, 70 Legion Drive

earlville – Open Wednesday and FridayAmerican Legion -113 N Main St

hamilton – Open Tuesday through FridayMadison Lane Apts, Bldg 5

Morrisville – Open Monday and Wednesday St. Joan of Arc Church, Brookside Drive

oneida – Open Monday thru FridayTowers II Community Room, 226 Farrier Ave Monthly health education top-ics are provided by a Registered Dietitian. For more information and to sign up to enjoy a hot noontime meal at a SNACK site call Madison County Office for the Aging at 697-5700 or visit our website at ofama-dco.org.


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Positivism has power

“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive,

to think, to enjoy, loving.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Do you find yourself looking at the world with pessimism? Do negative thoughts invade your brain more often than positive ones? Could you be healthier? Does it seem like nothing is going right in your life? Then this article is for you.

It’s not too late to have good things happen in your life. Negative thinking does not have to be a part of who you are at any age. You can change your thoughts and change your life with the help of positive thinking affirmations. Anyone at any age can start looking at the world in a more positive way right now.

Instead of looking at a glass

as half empty you can train yourself to see it as overflowing or at least half full. You are probably thinking that you cannot possibly change your thought process enough to improve your life’s circumstances. You would be right if you continue to think that way. But, if you just give “the positive thinking affirmations” a try for 21 days, you will be pleasantly surprised with the positive changes that

happen in your life big or small. You have nothing to lose and so much that you could gain.

When you use positive affirma-tions on a daily basis your mind will become free of negative thoughts

that only get you the things you do not want. When you are able to approach life in a more positive nature you will find that life is more harmonious. You might even be more willing to try things that you wouldn’t have tried before. You’ll be able to approach life with more hope and you’ll simply feel betteras a result. Because you feel better and are willing to do things that you wouldn’t have done before, you’ll also be a lot more fun to be around (your friends and family will thank you) and you’ll experi-ence a new positive world around you. Because you will have less negative thoughts you will be a magnet for like-minded happy-seekers.

When you start using positive thinking affirmations you may feel a bit foolish, but if you believe that you can change you are already on your way toward more positive thoughts. When you find yourself being negative, sometimes all you need is a reminder to think differently about a situation or about life in general. Positive affirmations are simple remind-ers that will allow you to change your thought process for good.

You can use positive thinking daily affirma-tions, to make you feel good and place you in a

positive and grateful mood. Affirmations work by repetition. So repeat, repeat, repeat.

There is little doubt that positive thinking has the power to change your life, so choose one posi-tive affirmation today.

Remember you only have negative thoughts to lose and a world of positivism to gain. Your life will be better for the change in thinking, so make positive affirmations a part of what you do starting right now. Add a daily dose of positivism to your life.

Here are some examples of positive affirmations that can help change your old negative thought patterns into thoughts that attract joy, good health and happiness in your life:

I feel full of vitality and strengthI am open to receive abundance

I notice all the possibilities that life brings me dailyI attract to my life the people that I need to meet

I am a wonderful person and am appreciated for who I amI enjoy a life free of pain

I am grateful for all the gifts that life brings me dailyI am a generous person and I enjoy sharing what I have

Every day I grow emotionally strongerI am grateful for all the experiences in my life

I create a balanced life dailyI choose to live a life of peace

I am calm and I will deal today with any challenge in a suc-cessful way

I am happy with myself and my circumstances nowI choose to make the most out of my dayI am confident to deal with any problem

I am grateful for the people that I have in my lifeI like change because it makes me grow and become strongerI am willing to let the past go and enjoy this present moment

February Prime

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