IN THIS ISSUE:

• Pawling Senior Friendship Center Open House (Thursday) • Successful Aging Presentation in Rhinebeck Saturday (05/11) • Hawaiian Luau (06/05) • Golden Age Singers Looking For New Members • Senior ID Cards Available (05/08) • Senior Health & Fitness Day at St. Simeon (05/29) • Rally to End Alzheimer’s (05/14) • Fountains at Millbrook May Lecture Series • Blood Drive (05/15) • Gardening Workshop (05/8) • Starr Library Delivery Service • Weight Loss Surgery Options (05/8) • Free Balance Assessment (05/18) • More Senior News Online

We hope you can join us for the grand re-opening of the Dutchess County Office for the Aging’s Pawling Senior Friendship Center this Thursday (5/9)! There will be an Open House between 11: 00 AM and 1:00 PM with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 AM. A light lunch will be served at 12 noon. Call 486-2555 to register.

Pawling Senior Friendship Center to ReOpen Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro and New York State Senator Greg Ball are pleased the Dutchess County Office of the Aging will reopen its Senior Friendship Center to serve Pawling, Beekman and surrounding area senior citizens. The Senior Friendship Center will be located at the Town Hall Annex at 154 Charles Coleman Boulevard in Pawling and will be open each Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.

Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens

Mary Kaye Dolan-Anderson, Director

Dutchess County Office for the Aging

SUCESSFUL AGING IN RHINEBECK What are the things that concern you most about advancing age? The group known as Aging in Place America, has found the top five things seniors fear most are: losing independence, moving to a nursing home, loss of family and friends, giving up driving and death. Each of us can probably add several of our own fears to that list. And while these are the fears, there are many positive aspects associated with age, and seniors bring many valuable plusses to our community. In fact, many of the negative aspects of aging can be

addressed, avoided or delayed significantly by taking steps now to age more successfully. It’s never too late to start making the choices and doing the planning that will help you live a longer, healthier, enjoyable life. The Dutchess County Office for the Aging has assembled a research based outline of overlapping strategies to age successfully. You are invited to learn more at a presentation on Successful Aging at the Archcare at Ferncliff, 21 Ferncliff Drive in Rhinebeck on Saturday, May 11th at 1:00 PM. The program will also include information on the programs and services offered by the Office for the Aging. Light refreshments will be served. To register, please call Michelle at (845) 516-1673 by May 9th.

SENIORS TO HULA ON JUNE 5th The Dutchess County Office for the Aging Senior Friendship Centers will hold their annual Hawaiian Luau celebration Wednesday, June 5th between 10 AM and 2 PM. The festive day will include traditional Hawaiian music and a lunch of Hawaiian ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, and coconut cookies. Grass skirts, leis, Hawaiian shirts and other island or beach wear are encouraged. Make plans to bring a few friends and enjoy the warm weather as we begin to think about summer! Everyone is invited, but there is a suggested donation of $3.00 for lunch for those 60 and over and a $4.00 charge for those under the age of 60. Reservations are required and should be made before Thursday, May 30th. Dutchess County Senior Friendship Centers are located in Beacon, East Fishkill, Millerton, the City of Poughkeepsie, the Town of Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, and South Amenia. For information about the Senior Friendship Center nearest you, call the Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555, toll free at (866) 486-2555 or email us at ofa@co.dutchess.ny.us

SINGERS UNITE! Are you a male over the age of 60 who loves to sing? If so, the Golden Age Singers are looking for you to become a member of their chorus. The group rehearses every Monday afternoon at the Admiral Halsey Senior Complex in Poughkeepsie and performs an average of three times each month, usually on Thursday afternoons, for a variety of mostly senior organizations and groups. Experience is a plus, but certainly not a requirement. For more information on joining the Golden Age Singers, please call Ron at (845) 462-1617. Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, 27 High Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601, telephone 486-2555, email: agingservices@dutchessny.gov <mailto:agingservices@dutchessny.gov> website: http://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm

SENIOR IDENTIFICATION CARDS AVAILABLE Residents of Dutchess County 60 years of age and older may obtain Senior Citizen Identification Cards on Wednesday, May 8, at the Dutchess County Office for the Aging’s first floor conference room, 27 High Street in Poughkeepsie. The cards will be issued between 9:30 AM and 11 AM. To obtain an Identification Card, you should bring proof of age in the form of a driver’s license or birth certificate. There is a suggested $2.00 voluntary contribution for this service. Call (845) 486-2555, toll free at (866) 486-2555 or email us at agingservices@co.dutchess.ny.us for more information. Visit our website for details on all of our services and programs: www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm. NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY "Think Healthy, Eat Healthy, Act Healthy...Be Healthy!" On Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 9:00am-4:30pm, St. Simeon Properties will host its annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day event. The event’s goals are to promote the importance of health awareness, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and to showcase what local organizations are doing to improve the health and fitness of older adults in our community. There will be demonstrations, lectures and screenings as well as a lunch served for all seniors who attend the event ($5.00 for non-residents). St. Simeon is located at 24 Beechwood Ave. Call 471-0171 for information and to register. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS St. Simeon Second Mile 9:00am – Walk the Property St. Simeon II 10:00am - Hearing Loss (Presented by St. Francis Audiology) St. Anna 11:00am – Zumba Gold (Presented by Linda Thomas) 12:00pm – Healthy Cooking Demo and Lunch (Presented by Division of Aging Services Chef Fred) 1:00pm – Meet and Greet with community resources St. Simeon II 2:00pm – Healthy Eating for the Person with Diabetes (Presented by Dutch. Co. Dept. of Health) St. Simeon Second Mile 3:30pm – Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke (Presented by Vassar Brothers Medical Center)

FREE Hearing Test 10:00am-12:00pm St. Simeon Second Mile 1:00pm-3:00pm St. Anna Library FREE Blood Pressure Readings 9:00am-10:00am St. Simeon II 10:00am-11:00am St. Anna Library A Rally to End Alzheimer's - May 14 Alzheimer’s isn’t an “old person’s disease,” it impacts so many. Over 320,000 New Yorkers suffer from Alzheimer’s. One million New Yorkers have a partner, a parent or a friend who is caregiving. Use your voice to help a cause that affects all of us. Together, we can change how Albany view Alzheimer’s. Join us for the RALLY TO END ALZHEIMER’S, May 14, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. “The Well” of the Legislative Office Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY. A $10 fee includes attendance, lunch and bus transportation. Bus pick up from several locations. Register by emailing Michele at mmuir@alz.org <mailto:mmuir@alz.org> or call 800-272-3900. For more information visit the Alzheimer's Association Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter on Facebook or online at www.alz.org/hudsonvalley <http://www.alz.org/hudsonvalley> Marist College Center for Lifetime Studies to Present ‘Power of One’ Lectures in May Millbrook, NY – In May, Marist College Center for Lifetime Studies will present its spring lecture series entitled "The Power of One - People Who Make a Difference." The series will spotlight three area citizens whose extraordinary projects have impacted the world in a positive way. Lectures will take place the first three Mondays in May at 2:00 p.m. at The Fountains at Millbrook, 79 Flint Rd. Attendance is free and open to anyone age 62 and up with advance reservations. To reserve a seat, call 845-677-8550. On May 6th, Sue Osterhoudt, retired librarian and volunteer founder of the Madagascar Literacy Project, will talk about the importance of reading to education and how her project helped a remote village greatly improve literacy and test scores. On May 13th, Andrew Meade will discuss his Vassar Haiti Project, a collaborative, all-volunteer organization that has engaged hundreds of student and community volunteers in the support of artists in Haiti, and of education, health, and sustainable development in the mountain village of Chermaitre.

On May 20th, Dr. Andrew Dahl, ophthalmologist and founder of Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons Research Foundation, will talk about his groundbreaking work in diabetes research and education spanning 35 years. For more information, call The Fountains at Millbrook at 845-677-8550. Library & Hudson Valley Ski Club Co-Sponsor Blood Drive Check out a book and donate a pint! In an unusual but interesting partnership, the Poughkeepsie Public Library District and the Hudson Valley Ski Club co-sponsor a blood drive on Wednesday, May 15, from 1:30 to 6:30 pm. The donation center will be in The Auditorium, located at 105 Market Street in Poughkeepsie (immediately south of Adriance Memorial Library). This blood drive is a Hudson Valley Ski Club 75th Anniversary community project. According to Liz Dollinger, Account Manager for the American Red Cross in Dutchess County, 99% of all the blood used in county hospitals comes directly from the American Red Cross. Community blood drives like the one scheduled for May 15 depend on local blood donors to ensure that the needs of area hospitals are met. Interestingly, only 4% of people eligible to donate blood actually participate regularly. We are counting on first time donors as well to help change those statistics! Although walk-ins are welcome, it is very helpful if potential donors schedule a donation appointment. The entire donation process takes about 45 minutes. Donors meeting the requirements for a double red cell donation should plan on an additional 20 minutes. Donors may schedule an appointment on-line at www.RedCrossBlood.org. Persons with questions about donor eligibility should contact their physician or call the American Red Cross at 1-800-Red-CROSS. Your donation could save up to 3 lives. Be a hero for a day! Make your appointment today. Keeping the Garden Green Whether you’ve got container gardens, your own home garden plot, or are looking into community garden plots, it’s great to arm yourself with Best Practices for Caring for Your Garden Plants. This is the focus of a free workshop hosted at Adriance on Wednesday, May 8, from 7 to 8:30 pm. The gardening program is a collaboration of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project, the Fallkill Partnership Gardens, and the Poughkeepsie Public Library District. The presentation will focus on vegetable and herb gardens, with basic plant care tips for beginning gardeners. Veteran gardeners are welcome to share some of their best tips and advice. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and challenges. In addition, there will be information about community garden plots available for city residents. Seeds may be available for sale for a nominal fee.

The gardening workshop is scheduled for the Charwat Meeting Room at Adriance Memorial Library, 93 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. Register at 834-384-3445 x 3702 or www.poklib.org Starr At Home Program Starr Library is introducing a new outreach program called Starr At Home for Rhinebeck Town residents who are housebound. Our plan is to deliver books to those community members who, for whatever reason, cannot leave home. Starr At Home hopes to focus on each patron’s reading habits. Participants will be able to request specific titles and/or a particular genre of books that they enjoy. Given permission, we can also deliver our recommendations based on the individual’s reading history. In keeping with each readers pace, volunteers will deliver and pick up books at home once or twice monthly. If you are interested in participating in this program or you know someone who would benefit and like to participate, please contact Nan Jackson at Starr Library: 876-4030, email: starrathome@starrlibrary.org or visit the front desk for a Starr At Home application. WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY OPTIONS - Dr. Dominic Artuso, Director of the Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss program at Saint Francis Hospital, will discuss options that are available for those who are dissatisfied with other weight loss programs. The Seminar date is Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 7:15 to 9:15 PM. Please call 845-483-5140 for more information and to make a reservation. Saint Francis Hospital’s Center for Balance and Mobility invites you to join us for a FREE balance assessment Saturday, May 18th, 2013, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m., Medical Arts Building, Suites 101 & 102, 243 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY (at the foot of the hill near the Saint Francis Hospital main entrance) This free screening by various Saint Francis Hospital health service departments will help you determine how you may be at risk:

• What contributes to good balance? • Balance screening by Saint Francis Hospital Physical Therapy

Department • Suggestions for improving your balance • Safety tips & more

Space is limited. Please register at 845 431-8159. www.sfhospital.org

MORE SENIOR NEWS ONLINE: Scam Warning Helping Seniors Learn New Technology - NYTimes.com By PAULA SPAN Computers and the Internet can open up new worlds for the elderly.

IN THIS ISSUE: • Absolute Last Call for Celebration of Aging Tickets. • Senior Picnic Schedule Announced! • CarFit Program in Rhinebeck (5/19) • Health Insurance Counseling in Dover Area • Red Cross Blood Drive (5/15) • Hudson Valley Cancer Survivorship Summit (6/8) • Nutritional Health Seminar (5/21) • Aging in Place Forum (5/21) • Senior Health News • More Aging News Online 

 Last call for $35 seats for the Celebration of Aging on Monday, May 20th at the Villa Borghese in Wappinger.   Your check must be received by Wednesday in order to be included in the seating chart.  Tickets at the door are $50.  Call 486‐2555 for more information.  

 Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens Mary Kaye Dolan‐Anderson, Director Dutchess County Office for the Aging 

  

SUMMER SENIOR PICNIC SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED 

The annual Office  for  the Aging  Senior Picnic Program will  kick‐off  this  year on 

June 12th.  Residents age 60 and over are  invited to come out and socialize with 

their friends and neighbors at the event designated for their hometown and learn 

more about the programs and services offered by the Office for the Aging.  Other 

County  departments  as  well  as  several  non‐profit  organizations  of  interest  to 

seniors will also be on hand.  All picnics begin at 12 noon. 

 

The Senior Picnic Program has been held annually since 1993 and last year served 

thousands of Dutchess County  seniors.   The program  is made possible  through 

private/public  partnerships  with  support  from  many  local  municipalities  & 

businesses.  Special thanks to the Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), 

Wingate Healthcare, Toll Brothers, Hudson Cadillac Buick GMC, Digestive Disease 

Center of  the Hudson Valley, Visiting Nurse  Service of New  York Choice Health 

Plans,  and  the  Dutchess  County  Department  of  Social  Services  –  Protective 

Services for Adults who are our major sponsors.  Additional sponsorships are still 

available for businesses who would like to reach out to the senior community by 

sponsoring one or several of the picnics.  Volunteers are needed at each picnic to 

help with set‐up, bringing meals to the handicapped attendees and clean up.  Call 

the Office for the Aging for more information. 

Ten senior picnics are scheduled throughout the summer at various parks  in the 

county.   They  are  open  only  to  senior  citizen  residents  and  their  guests  of  the 

village/town(s) specified for each event.    Space is limited; therefore reservations 

and  proof  of  residency  are  required.     There  is  a  $4  charge  for  anyone  59  or 

younger or non‐resident guests. 

The 2013 Senior Picnic Schedule is as follows: 

June 12   Towns of Northeast, Pine Plains, Washington & Stanford –  

Pine Plains Lions Club Pavilion, 82 Beach Road, Pine Plains.   

June 19   Towns of Pleasant Valley, Hyde Park & Clinton –  

Fran Mark Park, 337 Clinton Hollow Road, Clinton 

June 26  Rhinebeck & Red Hook & Milan –  

Tivoli Memorial Recreation Park, 1 Katherine Lane 

July 10  Town of Wappinger – 

Recreation Park, 95 Robinson Lane, Wappinger 

July 18 Village & Town of Fishkill 

Sarah Taylor Park, 17 Old Main Street, Fishkill 

July 24 Beacon 

Memorial Park, 298 Fishkill Ave, Beacon 

August 1 City of Poughkeepsie 

Waryas Park, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie 

August 7 Town of Poughkeepsie 

Bowdoin Park, 85 Sheafe Rd, Poughkeepsie 

August 14 Towns of Dover, Pawling, Amenia & Unionvale 

Boyce Park, 6423 Route 55, Dover 

August 21 Towns of LaGrange, East Fishkill & Beekman 

Freedom Park, 212 Skidmore Rd, LaGrange 

 

Reservations  are  required.   To make  a  reservation  for  the picnic  corresponding 

with your municipality, call the Office for the Aging at (845) 486‐2555. 

 

Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, 27 High 

Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601, telephone 486‐2555, email: 

agingservices@dutchessny.gov website: 

http://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm 

 

             

CarFit Program in Rhinebeck  WHAT:          CarFit  is coming  to Northern Dutchess Hospital  to offer area senior 

drivers a free opportunity to check how their cars “fit” them.    

Developed  by  AAA,  AARP  and  the  American Occupational  Therapy Association  (AOTA)  partnership,  CarFit’s  trained  professionals  take older  drivers  through  a  12‐point  checklist  with  their  vehicle, recommending minor  adjustments  that  help make  their  cars  “fit” better  for  comfort  and  safety. An occupational  therapist  is  also on hand  to  provide  information  to  seniors  on  how  to  maintain  and strengthen driving health.   

     WHY:              By 2030, there will be an estimated 58.9 million people age 65 and 

older  ‐that's  1  in  5  people.  They're  expected  to  represent  1  in  4 licensed drivers at that time.  Personal mobility  is critical for healthy aging,  but  as  our  bodies  change  as we  age,  ill‐fitting  vehicles  can make  it  uncomfortable  and  unsafe  to  drive.  Additionally,  due  to fragility, older drivers have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone  except  teenagers.  CarFit  is  a  tool  that  can work  to  help keep seniors safer behind the wheel.   

  WHO:            Northern Dutchess Hospital and Driver Rehabilitation of the 

Hudson Valley                          WHEN:          1pm – 4pm, Sunday May 19, 2013                          WHERE:        West Parking Lot at Northern Dutchess Hospital 

                                     CONTACT:    The Physical Medicine Department at Northern Dutchess Hospital 

for reservations.          (845) 871‐3427     

Health Insurance Counseling in the Dover Area  

The  Office  for  the  Aging  now  has  volunteers  providing  Health  Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program (HIICAP) services/appointments in the Eastern Dutchess  area  at  the Dutchess  County  Community Action  Partnership.  They  are  located  at  3414  Route  22  in  Dover  Plains,  and  an  appointment  is necessary.  Call 845‐877‐9272 for more information.   

Red Cross Blood Drive 

There will be a Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday May 15, 1:30 to 6:30 PM, in the  auditorium  of  the  Mid‐Hudson  Library  System,  at  105  Market  St  in Poughkeepsie, next door to the Adriance Memorial Library. 

To schedule your 40 minutes appointment, available at 15‐minute  intervals from 1:30 to 6:30 PM, please contact the American Red Cross at 1‐800‐733‐2767.  Both the registration and the donation are easy and quick. 

We all know of the life giving importance of  a steady supply of blood, but are also aware that for a number of reasons many people do not qualify to donate.  If you are  one  of  them you  can  still  help  effectively  by   recruiting  a neighbor, friend, colleague, relative, etc. 

This  first  annual  drive  is  cosponsored  by  the  Hudson  Valley  Ski  Club  as  a  75th  

anniversary community project and by the Poughkeepsie Public Library. 

  

Cancer Survivorship Summit – June 8th 

Who the Summit is for and what it’s all about: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you know the challenges of the cancer journey. The Cancer Survivorship Summit is Hudson Valley’s first conference devoted entirely to living life during and after cancer. This conference will provide you with innovative tools and practical resources to help you through cancer and back to living and loving life after cancer.  For more information click here: http://www.hudsonvalleycancer.org/cancer‐survivorship‐summit.aspx 

  

  

Nutritional Health  

Tuesday, May 21, 2013   3:00 ‐ 4:30 PM Saint Francis Home Care, 26 IBM Road, Poughkeepsie, NY Presented by Angela Russo, M.S., CNS, CAN, CSA Certified Nutritionist Call for reservations:  (845) 483‐5560  This is a FREE presentation, however space is limited. 

Angela  Russo  is  passionate  about  helping  people  regain  their  health  and empower  them  to  adopt  a  healthier  life  style.  She  has  been  in  practice  as  a certified nutritionist for over 15 years and has written many articles on health topics which have been published in various journals. Learn how to decrease your dependency on pharmaceutical drugs and assist your body’s own healing process by emphasizing healing foods, life style changes and nutritional support. Allergies, anxiety  and  depression,  autoimmune  disorders,  digestive  issues,  blood  sugar disease, cardiovascular disease, weight  issues, hormonal  imbalances and toxicity can  all  be  treated  successfully with  nutritional  counseling  and  changes  in  your lifestyle.   

AGING IN PLACE FORUM   

If you have been wondering how you will stay in your home as you age and 

out of an assisted living facility or nursing home either altogether or for as long as 

possible, you aren’t alone.  The overwhelming majority of seniors hope to be able 

to  remain  independent and “age  in place,” but many will need some assistance 

with  tasks  like  transportation  and  home maintenance  in  order  to  achieve  this 

goal.   

The good news  is two  local Aging  in Place organizations are teaming up to 

present a  free public  forum on  the  topic at  the Wallace Center  in Hyde Park on 

Tuesday, May 21st from 3:30 to 6:30 PM to help attendees understand what they 

do and how to plan.  The keynote speaker will be gerontologist Rosemary Bakker, 

who will speak on: “Planning Ahead for Bumps in the Road; Simple Things to do to 

Live Your Best at Home.” 

All  seniors,  their adult children and caregivers are  invited  to  the program 

which  is  presented  by  Hudson  Valley  Home  Matters,  serving  the  greater 

Poughkeepsie  area,  including  Hyde  Park,  Pleasant  Valley,  Wappinger  and 

LaGrange and the newly formed Rhinebeck at Home which serves the Rhinebeck 

area.  Reservations may be made by calling 452‐4846 or 876‐4663. 

For  a  membership  fee,  Aging  in  Place  organizations  generally  provide 

services  like  small  handyman  jobs,  assistance  with  electronics  like  computers, 

regular  social events and  referrals  to  screened  service providers.  You can  learn 

more  about  each  organization  online  at:  www.hvhomematters.org  or 

www.rhinebeckathome.org 

   

Exercise May Help Slow Alzheimer's‐Related Loss of Physical Abilities 

      THE QUESTION Might regular exercise have a mitigating effect on the physical decline that generally accompanies Alzheimer's disease?   THIS  STUDY  involved  210  people  with  Alzheimer's  who  were  78  years  old  on average, had shown a decline in mobility and were living at home with a spouse. Most had moderate or severe Alzheimer's, and nearly all were taking medication for the disease. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups that exercised for an hour twice a week or to a third group that did no organized exercise. One group exercised at home with  the help of a physiotherapist, with  the exercises tailored  to  each  person's  specific  needs  and  abilities.  The  others  exercised  in groups of  10  at  an  adult  rehabilitation  center day‐care program, with  a mix of endurance,  balance  and  strength‐training  exercises  supervised  by physiotherapists. The non‐exercisers were given advice by nurses on nutrition and exercise. After  a  year,  physical  abilities  had  deteriorated  in  all  groups,  but  the decline was slower among those who exercised, especially those who exercised at home, than  it was for those who did not exercise, based on standardized scales. Also during  the  year, more  falls were  recorded  for  those who did not  exercise than  for those who did. The authors noted that  less physical decline means  less need for help day to day.   WHO MAY BE AFFECTED? Anyone with Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder that robs  people  of memory  and mental  functioning  but  also  leads  to mobility  and functional deterioration as the dementia progresses. No cure has been found and no medication  can  slow  or  prevent  the  disease,  but  various  drugs  have  been approved  to  treat  symptoms.  Today,  more  than  5  million  Americans  have Alzheimer's, a number that  is expected to reach 7 million by 2025 and nearly 14 million by 2050, unless ways are found to prevent, slow or stop the disease.   

For source and to read the study, click here.

New Clues to Dietary Defenses Against Vision Loss with Aging

 

Want  to  protect  your  eyes  against  the  leading  cause  of  blindness  in  older Americans? Eat more fish high in omega‐3s. That's the conclusion of a new study of 38,022 participants in the Women's Health Study, linking regular consumption of fish and  the omega‐3  fatty  acids  found  in  fish  (DHA  and  EPA)  to  reduced  risk of  age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). 

  

Over 10 years of follow‐up, 235 of the women were diagnosed with AMD. Based on food questionnaires at the start of the study, those eating fish at least once a week were  42%  less  likely  to  develop  AMD  than  women  eating  fish  less  than  once  a month.  "This  lower  risk  appeared  to  be  due  primarily  to  consumption  of  canned tuna  fish  and  dark‐meat  fish,"  according  to  researchers William  Christen,  ScD,  of Harvard  University,  and  colleagues.   Consumption  of  dietary  omega‐3s  was  also specifically associated with  lower risk, with the highest  intake of DHA, for example, linked  to a 38%  lower  likelihood of AMD. Similar  results were observed  for higher intake of EPA and for higher consumption of both omega‐3s together. 

  

Christen and colleagues characterized  their  results as  the  "strongest observational evidence to date in support of a possible role for intake of omega‐3 long‐chain fatty acids and fish in the primary prevention of AMD." 

 Read Full Article    

 

 

Olive‐Oil Lovers at Lower Risk of Strokes 

  

A key component of the so‐called "Mediterranean diet," olive oil may help protect against strokes caused by blocked arteries. French researchers report that people who used the most olive oil for cooking and salad dressings were 41% less likely to suffer an  ischemic stroke. The  results,  the scientists concluded, suggest olive oil may  be  "a  major  protective  component"  of  the  Mediterranean  diet. Cécilia  Samieri,  PhD,  of  Université  Bordeaux,  and  colleagues  followed  7,625 

people age 65 and older without a prior stroke  in the French cities of Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpelier. At  the study's start, 22.8%  reported not using olive oil at all,  40%  used  it  moderately  for  cooking  and  in  dressings,  and  37.2%  were classified  as  "intensive"  olive  oil  consumers."  Those  users  consumed  olive  oil "always or most often" for cooking and  in dressings. Samieri notes, "In this  large sample of older  subjects, we  could  not  assess  the  actual quantities of olive oil consumed."  A second study group of 1,245 people were tested for blood  levels of oleic acid, an indirect marker for olive‐oil consumption, and then also followed for incidence of strokes. Those with the highest blood levels of oleic acid were 73% less likely to suffer a stroke than those with the lowest levels. 

 Read Full Article    

 

 

 

No Link Between Folic Acid Supplements and Colorectal Cancer 

  

A new American Cancer Society study concludes that there's "no evidence"  folic acid  from  fortified  foods or supplements  increases  the  risk of colorectal cancer. Earlier  research,  including  a  2007  Tufts  study,  had  suggested  that  an  excess of folic acid‐such as  that  contributed by  the 1998  federal mandate  to  fortify  flour and cereals‐might increase colorectal‐cancer incidence. Folic‐acid fortification has helped reduce spina bifida birth defects, but some experts wondered whether the body might react differently to folic acid, a synthetic form, than to natural folate. Victoria  Stevens,  PhD,  and  colleagues  looked  at  data  on  56,011  women  and 43,512 men, ages 50‐74, participating in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort.  Over  eight  years,  1,023  cases  of  colorectal  cancer  were  diagnosed. Neither high intake of folic acid nor of natural folate was associated with a greater risk,  and  high  total  folate  was  actually  associated  with  a  19%  lower  risk. Publishing their results in Gastroenterology, researchers concluded, "Our findings are consistent with... results from the only trial to assess colorectal cancer, rather than  adenoma  [benign  tumors  that may  progress  to  cancer],  as  the  endpoint, 

suggesting  that  folate  intakes  in  the  range  of  800 micrograms  [mcg]  per  day should not be expected to increase risk of colorectal cancer." 

 Read Full Article    

 

Whole‐Diet Changes May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk 

 

Previous research has suggested various links between what you eat and your risk of developing dementia that proceeds to Alzheimer's disease. But trials of specific foods for defense against dementia have mostly proven frustrating. Now a small, relatively  brief  clinical  trial might  point  to  a  different  kind  of  answer:  Overall dietary changes, not just adding or subtracting a single food, could affect the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. In particular, the study found that in healthy people, a  diet  low  in  saturated  fat  and  simple  carbohydrates  improved  biomarkers associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's. 

  

"A more promising approach to the study of dietary factors in Alzheimer's disease might entail the use of whole‐diet  interventions," noted Jennifer L. Bayer‐Carter, MS, from Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, and colleagues. "Our study supports further investigation into the possibility that consumption of a diet high  in  saturated  fat  and  simple  carbohydrates  may  contribute  to  pathologic processes  in  the brain  that  increase  the  risk of Alzheimer's disease. Conversely, diets  low  in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates may offer protection against Alzheimer's disease and enhance brain health." 

  

Bayer‐Carter and colleagues evaluated effects of  two different diets  in 20 older adults who were healthy  and 29 older  adults who had  amnestic mild  cognitive impairment  (aMCI),  meaning  they  experienced  some  memory  problems‐  a condition  often  considered  a  precursor  to  Alzheimer's  disease.  One  regimen, dubbed  the LOW diet, was  low  in saturated  fat and simple carbs  (such as  those with a high glycemic index). The alternative "HIGH" diet emphasized foods high in saturated fats and simple carbs. 

  

Read Full Article   

Strenuous Exercise Linked to Fewer "Silent Strokes" in Elderly 

   

To  reduce  your  risk  of  stroke,  really  break  a  sweat.  In  a  new  study  published in Neurology, researchers report that older people who engaged  in moderate to intense exercise were 40% less likely to suffer "silent strokes" than those engaging in no leisure‐time physical activity. 

 "These  'silent  strokes'  are more  significant  than  the  name  implies,"  says  study author  Joshua  Z. Willey, MD, MS,  of  Columbia  University,  "because  they  have been  associated with  an  increased  risk  of  falls  and  impaired mobility, memory problems and even dementia, as well as stroke. Encouraging older people to take part  in moderate  to  intense exercise may be an  important  strategy  for keeping their  brains  healthy." Dr. Willey and colleagues looked at 1,238 participants in the Northern Manhattan Study Cohort who had not been diagnosed with a stroke. Participants completed a  questionnaire  about  how  often  and  how  intensely  they  exercised  at  the beginning of the study. They then had MRI scans of their brains an average of six years later, when they were an average of 70 years old. 

  

 Read Full Article  

 

 

Insufficient Vitamin D Could Boost Arthritis Risk

  

Vitamin D's  important  role  in bone health,  already  linked  to protection  against osteoporosis, may extend to  joints and prevention of the most common form of arthritis. A new  study  reports  that men with  insufficient  vitamin D  levels were twice  as  likely  to  have  hip  osteoarthritis  as  those  with  normal  vitamin  D. R.  Krishna  Chaganti, MD,  of  the  University  of  California  at  San  Francisco,  and colleagues  analyzed  data  on  1,104  older men  in  the Osteoporotic  Fractures  in Men Study. Participants, who averaged almost 78 years old, had their blood levels of  vitamin  D  measured  and  then,  about  4.5  years  later,  underwent  pelvic 

radiography  to  look  for  signs  of  arthritis  in  the  hips. Just  as  low  vitamin  D  levels  (15.1‐30  ng/mL)  were  associated  with  greater likelihood of arthritis, men with higher vitamin D  levels  (above 30 ng/mL) were less likely to have arthritis in the hips. The results were adjusted for age, season of the year and site of the clinic where testing was done. 

  

Read Full Article    

 

More Aging News Online: 

Video Game May Help Keep Aging Brains Sharp 05/01/2013 05:00 PM EDT 

Older gamers may gain more mentally than crossword puzzle solvers, study suggests.

 

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Benefits of Delaying Retirement • Transportation Options in Dutchess County • Walking Groups Still Walking • Diet Changes Affect Alzheimer’s Risk • Free Cancer Screenings • Learn a Musical Instrument at DCC • Nutritional Health Lecture (05/21) • Chagall in High Falls Lecture (06/4) • SALT: Good or Bad?

Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens

Mary Kaye Dolan-Anderson, Director

Dutchess County Office for the Aging

BENEFITS OF DELAYING RETIREMENT In today’s economy, many senior citizens are faced with delaying retirement. While we have traditionally thought of 65 as the typical retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration, early retirement is anytime before 62 while delayed retirement is after age 70. Before choosing where on the spectrum you should be, consider some of the financial benefits of delaying retirement. A recent Wells Fargo survey shows that one third of Americans plan to postpone retirement until their 80s. This may sound surprising, but the fact of the matter is many seniors end up not having enough to support their golden years. Local financial advisor, Keith McLaughlin of the Merrill Lynch Poughkeepsie office, spoke about issues people face when planning for retirement: “We live in a time where you have to be responsible for your own retirement plan. You have to consider both your fixed and variable expenses as well as your current savings,” which may seem like common sense, but 50 to 60 percent of retirees suffer because they fail to account for unexpected expenses. According to McLaughlin, the two biggest variable costs people forget to factor into their retirement calculation are the rate of inflation and medical expenses. A financial advisor can help, but there are many other variables that are not as easy to plan for.

Accounting for these unanticipated costs increases the amount needed to retire, so delaying retirement may be the only way to ensure financial stability. This is in addition to the current climate of uncertainty regarding the future of Social Security and Medicare. Staying in the workforce and deferring Social Security increases your monthly benefits. By retiring at age 70, you receive up to 30 percent more each month than if you retire at 62. Staying at work also means that you will have more money to enjoy when you retire. Not only will you increase your net earnings, but you will also have to budget these savings for a shorter timeframe—giving you more money to spend per year than if you had chosen to retire earlier. “Continuing to work,” says McLaughlin, “helps you avoid cutbacks or decreases in your standard of living—every year counts.” According to the Center for Retirement Research, 70 percent of workers who retire at 68 expect to have enough money to live comfortably, while only 50 percent of those who retire at 66 expect to be able to maintain their standard of living. If you are worried about outliving your money, but working for someone else does not appeal to you, another option is self-employment. According to the Kauffman Foundation, entrepreneurs ages 55 to 64 have launched more start-ups than any other demographic. On average, these businesses are twice as successful as those created by people ages 20 to 34. Applying your decades of human capital to an interest or hobby may not only turn out to be one of your most lucrative investments, but it can also help boost your mental and emotional well being—a topic we will explore further in next week’s Golden Living.

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS What Transportation is available in Dutchess County for someone who does not drive, or cannot afford a taxi?

• If the person is eligible for Medicaid (and s/he might well be), Medicaid will cover the cost of medical transportation and medical services. Transportation for a medical appointment may be found by calling 1-866-244-8995. The person to call for information on Medicaid eligibility is Lance Bixby at 486-3184. There are several programs that may work for this person.

• If the person is over 60, a student, a veteran, or a person with a disability, s/he would pay $.75 on the fixed route (LOOP) service. (People with disabilities who wish to use this service must register at http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Planning/adaapplication.pdf .)

• The City of Poughkeepsie reduced fare is $.50.

• If the person is over 60 or a veteran, s/he would pay $1.00 on Dial-A-Ride

if it is available in his/her town. The phone number for Dial-A-Ride is 473-0171 and the person can register at http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/MassTransit/darapplication.asp .

• If the person is over 60, Friends of Seniors has a volunteer driver program

that may be able to help for medical trips. The phone number is 485-1277 and the website is http://www.friendsofseniors.biz/

• If the person lives near a pharmacy that offers delivery, s/he may try that,

or use a pharmacy that is in a grocery store and combine trips for food and pharmacy to save time and money. Sometimes, doctors can give samples of medicine in the office. S/he should ask while s/he is at the doctor’s office.

• If the person belongs to a church or synagogue, s/he should call them to

ask if there is a volunteer driver program through the church. It is usually free. Catholic Charities sometimes offers bus passes to those who need them. Their phone number is 1-888-744-7900 and their website is http://www.catholiccharitiesny.org/news-and-events/news/index.cfm?i=16144&m=4&y=2010 .

• There is also Flex service available most days. It is curb to curb and $5

one way for one town, and $6 one way for two towns. For more transportation options, click here: http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndextrans.htm

SENIOR WALKING/BIKING GROUPS The Office for the Aging’s Senior Walking & Biking Groups meet every Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM. Everyone is invited to join any of the groups – there is no need to register, just show up and walk or bike at your own pace. Either way you’ll enjoy the many health benefits that come with regular exercise. The walks are cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Volunteers are needed to be co-leaders at each of the walks. If you are interested, please call (845) 486-2555. The weekly schedule will be as follows: Mondays - Harlem Valley Rail Trail (Meet at the Amenia Trail Head) Tuesdays - Walkway Over the Hudson (Meet at the Washington St. entrance) Wednesdays - Dutchess Rail Trail (Meet in the rear of Gold’s Gym parking lot) Group meets at 9:00 AM. Thursdays - Dutchess Rail Trail (Meet at the Hopewell Depot Trail Head) Fridays – Dutchess Rail Trail (Meet at the Morgan Lake Trailhead) ***The Morgan Lake Parking Lot is closed for paving this week – the group will be meeting in the parking lot behind Stop & Shop on Love Road.

WHOLE-DIET CHANGES MAY REDUCE ALZHEIMER'S RISK Previous research has suggested various links between what you eat and your risk of developing dementia that proceeds to Alzheimer's disease. But trials of specific foods for defense against dementia have mostly proven frustrating. Now a small, relatively brief clinical trial might point to a different kind of answer: Overall dietary changes, not just adding or subtracting a single food, could affect the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. In particular, the study found that in healthy people, a diet low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates improved biomarkers associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's. "A more promising approach to the study of dietary factors in Alzheimer's disease might entail the use of whole-diet interventions," noted Jennifer L. Bayer-Carter, MS, from Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, and colleagues. "Our study supports further investigation into the possibility that consumption of a diet high in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates may contribute to the pathologic processes in the brain that increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Conversely, diets low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates may offer protection against Alzheimer's disease and enhance brain health." Bayer-Carter and colleagues evaluated effects of two different diets in 20 older adults who were healthy and 29 older adults who had amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), meaning they experienced some memory problems- a condition often considered a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. One regimen, dubbed the LOW diet, was low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates (such as those with a high glycemic index). The alternative "HIGH" diet emphasized foods high in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates (examples are sugar, white pasta, white flour baked goods, etc.).

CANCER SCREENINGS FREE Head & Neck Cancer Screenings at Saint Francis Hospital, Thursday, June 21, 2013 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon at the Herb & Sue Ann Redl Center for Cancer Care. The center is located at Saint Francis Hospital, Medical Arts Pavilion Suite 101, 19 Baker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. Dr. Michael Yao will conduct free head & neck cancer screenings. Please call to arrange an appointment at 845-483-5997. Space is limited. Preference will be given to the uninsured. www.sfhospital.org

LEARN A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Many seniors take music lessons for personal enjoyment and mental stimulation. The Music School at Dutchess Community College offers music lessons in all instruments and voice throughout the year. Perhaps you would enjoy returning to an instrument you played years ago or trying something new. The Music School also offers group classes during the summer months in guitar, vocal techniques, violin, drumming and ukulele. There are ensembles for chamber music and jazz and group classes in reading music, all open to adults. Call 845-431-8916 for more information or go to www.sunydutchess.edu/assets/Summer2013MusicSchool.pdf for the summer Music School catalog.

NUTRITIONAL HEALTH Saint Francis Hospital & Health Centers presents a FREE workshop titled Nutritional Health, Tuesday, May 21, 2013 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM at Saint Francis Home Care, 26 IBM Road, Poughkeepsie, NY Presented by Angela Russo, M.S., CNS, CAN, CSA, Certified Nutritionist. Angela Russo is passionate about helping people regain their health and empower them to adopt a healthier life style. She has been in practice as a certified nutritionist for over 15 years and has written many articles on health topics which have been published in various journals. Learn how to decrease your dependency on pharmaceutical drugs and assist your body’s own healing process by emphasizing healing foods, life style changes and nutritional support. Allergies, anxiety and depression, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, blood sugar disease, cardiovascular disease, weight issues, hormonal imbalances and toxicity can all be treated successfully with nutritional counseling and changes in your lifestyle. This is a FREE presentation, however space is limited. Please reserve by calling (845) 483-5560. This program is funded in part by the U.S. Administration on Aging, New York State Division of Aging Services and Dutchess County Government.

CHAGALL IN HIGH FALLS A lecture at Starr Library on Tuesday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. will provide a glimpse into a little-known period of the renowned painter Marc Chagall’s life, which was spent in Ulster County, New York. The evening event will include an opening reception with refreshments. “Chagall in High Falls” documents the years 1946 to 1948 when Chagall (b.1887-d.1985) lived and worked on Mohonk Road in High Falls with his companion, Virginia Haggard, and their son, David. During his time in High Falls, Chagall created more than 90 works, including lithographs from “Arabian Nights: Four Tales from a Thousand and One Nights.” The famed 20th century artist’s life in High Falls will be told through rarely seen pictures, music and videos. In addition to the lecture, an exhibition of images—many of which were taken by Belgian photographer Charles Leirens—will be on

display at the library throughout the month of June. The program is presented and curated by Sevan Melikyan, executive director of the Wired Gallery in High Falls and a founding member of the “Chagall in High Falls” exhibit, which originated in 2011. The exhibit first ran at the D&H Canal Museum and Chapel in High Falls in fall 2012. Most recently it was on display at the Kingston Library and Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz. For more information about “Chagall in High Falls,” visit www.chagallinhighfalls.com. No Benefit in Sharply Restricting Salt, Panel Finds By GINA KOLATA Health experts for the government say there is no good reason for many Americans to keep sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams a day, as national dietary guidelines advise.

IN THIS ISSUE: • Celebration of Aging News • Health Benefits of Working Longer • Medicare 101 in Rhinebeck (6/3) • Nutrition News & Letter (June) • Not All Fats Are Bad • Health Quest Lecture Series • Easing Brain Fatigue • More Aging News Online 

 If you missed the Celebration of Aging, details on all of the honorees can be found at the link below.  Pictures will be added shortly.  Celebration of Aging:  http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/21487.htm   

Golden Living . . . News for Senior Citizens Mary Kaye Dolan‐Anderson, Director Dutchess County Office for the Aging 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WORKING LONGER 

             In  last  week’s  Golden  Living,  we  discussed  the  economic  benefits  of 

choosing to work longer and retire later in life. There are also considerable health, 

social, emotional and psychological benefits to delaying retirement.  

            Remaining active at work helps keep our minds engaged, which  is key for 

maintaining our mental health as we age. Dr. Kenneth Glatt, Commissioner at the 

Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene, recently spoke about retirement 

and  the  mental  aging  process.  “Some  people,”  says  Glatt,  “look  forward  to 

retirement;  it’s an opportunity  to  live  the  life  that  they couldn’t  live while  they 

were working. However, inactivity during retirement can cause people to fall out 

of  shape  physically  and mentally.”  Constant  challenges  at work  do more  than 

simply keep you busy; they help maintain higher cognitive  functions and overall 

psychological wellness. 

            Choosing to remain in the workforce also provides social engagement and 

a sense of purpose in life, particularly if you enjoy your job. Local attorney, Robert 

Ostertag  of  Ostertag,  O’Leary,  Barrett  &  Faulkner  described  his  experience 

working at the age of 81. “My job definitely gives me a purpose,” says the lawyer, 

“What I do is helpful to people, and I like doing that so it’s a good enough reason 

for me to keep at it.” When asked if Ostertag wants to retire, he responded, “If I 

stopped I’d just be sitting around all day. I enjoy what I do and I’m healthy so why 

change? Plus, it keeps me moving and in contact with people.” 

             Staying  in  the workplace offers  the  consistent human  interaction  that  is 

vital  for  maintaining  our  emotional  health.  Retirees  who  are  not  active  in 

organizations  or  groups  do  not  get  the  basic  social  activity  that  we  take  for 

granted during our working life. Fulfilling these fundamental social needs is critical 

in supporting psychological health as we age.  

            Not only does social  interaction  lead  to  increased self‐esteem, but  it can 

also  help  prevent  cognitive  degeneration.  According  to Glatt,  depression  often 

hits those who have lost a spouse, are unemployed, and do not have meaningful 

activity  in  their  life  the hardest. “Sometimes,”  says  the doctor, “retirement and 

inactivity give us too much time to pay attention to the minor aches and pains of 

aging.”  It  is  for  this  reason  that  elderly males who  are  unemployed  and  living 

alone are at a higher risk for suicide and alcoholism. 

             The most  important  non‐financial  aspect  to  consider when  planning  for 

retirement is how you are going to stay active. A major issue for many retirees is 

that  they  do  not  have  hobbies  or  interests  outside  of  work  to  expand  upon. 

People need to have a variety of rewards that make  living enjoyable, says Glatt, 

whether  it’s  volunteer work,  a  life‐long hobby,  or  continuing  to work–anything 

that  gives  you  satisfaction  is  important  for  maintaining  your  mental  and 

emotional health so you can live a long and happy life. 

            With technology today, it is easier than ever to work from home. Working 

at  home  provides  would‐be  retirees  with many  of  the mental  and  emotional 

benefits of staying in the workforce, but in a flexible and relaxed environment. 

 

Golden Living was prepared by Vassar College Field Work Student Michael 

Gambardella for the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, 27 High Street, 

Poughkeepsie, New York 12601, telephone 486‐2555, email: 

agingservices@dutchessny.gov 

website: 

http://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/Aging/AGIndex.htm 

                         

Dear Friends,               Summer is quickly approaching, so why not consider picking up some of these nutritious and seasonal foods the next time you are in the supermarket:               Iced Tea on a hot day is not only refreshing, but it’s also rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant that can lower your risk of Alzheimer's Disease and diabetes and strengthen your bones.  Stay away from bottled teas with high sugar content.             Corn has two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which filter out damaging rays from the sun and may help lower your risk of developing age‐related macular degeneration—the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60.             Tomatoes contain lycopene, which works to protect your skin from sunburn. However, it is still important to reapply sun block throughout the day if you are going out into the sun.            Watermelon is 92 percent water, so eating this fruit actually helps you stay hydrated.             Raspberries are a great source of fiber, such as pectin, which helps lower cholesterol and aids in weight loss.             Blueberries are not only rich in fiber, but they also contain antioxidants that help lessen muscle fatigue by removing free radicals caused by muscle activity. Eating a cup‐full can make you feel more energized and ready to enjoy summer activities!  Sincerely, Mary Kaye Dolan, Director Dutchess County Office for the Aging    

NOT ALL FATS ARE BAD

Did you know not all fats are created equal? There are bad fats, such as saturated and trans fats, that increase your cholesterol and risk of heart disease and there are also good fats, known as essential fatty acids or EFAs, which help protect your heart and improve your overall health. Studies show these good fats are not only vital for maintaining 

physical and mental wellbeing, but they also slow down the production of fat molecules, break down existing fat, and increase energy levels in the body. Unfortunately, the human body does not naturally produce EFAs so we have to obtain them from our diets. There are two types of EFAs: omega‐3 fatty acids and omega‐6 fatty acids. Omega‐3 fatty acids work to prevent and reduce the symptoms of depression; protect against dementia; reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer; ease arthritis pain; and support healthy pregnancy. To get a sufficient amount of Omega‐3, add foods such as spinach, flaxseed, sesame seeds, walnuts, salmon, and albacore tuna to your diet. Omega‐6 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining healthy brain function, sustaining normal growth and development, fighting cancer cells, treating arthritis, and improving skin health. You can obtain Omega‐6 by incorporating foods such as pistachios and chicken into your diet. Cooking with olive or flaxseed oil instead of butter can also help you get an extra dose of essential omega‐6 fatty acids. Deficiencies in Omega‐6 and Omega‐3 fatty acids can lead to blood clots, decreased memory, worsened vision, and a weakened immune system. As always, contact your doctor before making any major dietary changes. 

MEDICARE 101 

The Office for the Aging will be presenting a program for people interested in learning more about Medicare and related insurances on Monday, June 3rd from 4pm‐5:30pm at the Center for Healthy Aging in Rhinebeck.  Call 486‐2555 to register. 

HEALTH QUEST LECTURE SERIES 

Health Quest is proud to announce a free community lecture series schedule for Northern Dutchess Hospital, the NDH Center for Healthy Aging and Vassar Brothers Medical Center. A variety of topics will be covered on issues including stroke and stress reduction to knee replacements and vascular disease. The lectures are conducted by physicians and staff of Health Quest, and include both a talk and time for Q&A. Reservations are required by calling 1‐877‐729‐2444. 

Please click here for the complete list of seminars, including topics, dates, times and locations:  Spring Community Lecture Series 

Week of May 19, 2013

Easing Brain Fatigue With a Walk in the Park

Scientists have known for some time that the human brain's ability to stay calm and focused is limited and can be overwhelmed by the constant noise and hectic, jangling demands of city living, sometimes  resulting in a condition informally known as brain fatigue.  With brain fatigue, you are easily distracted, forgetful and mentally flighty.    But an innovative new study from Scotland suggests that you can ease brain fatigue simply by strolling through a leafy park. The idea that visiting green spaces like parks or tree‐filled plazas lessens stress and improves concentration is not new. Researchers have long theorized that green spaces are calming, requiring less of our so‐called directed mental attention than busy, urban streets do. Instead, natural settings invoke "soft fascination," a beguiling term for quiet contemplation, during which directed attention is barely called upon and the brain can reset those overstretched resources and reduce mental fatigue.   But this theory, while agreeable, has been difficult to put to the test. Previous studies have found that people who live near trees and parks have lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in their saliva than those who live primarily amid concrete, and that children with attention deficits tend to concentrate and perform better on cognitive tests after walking through parks or arboretums. More directly, scientists have brought volunteers into a lab, attached electrodes to their heads and shown them photographs of natural or urban scenes, and found that the brain wave readouts show that the volunteers are more calm and meditative when they view the natural scenes.    But it had not been possible to study the brains of people while they were actually outside, moving through the city and the parks. Or it wasn't, until the recent development of a lightweight, portable version of the electroencephalogram, a technology that studies brain wave patterns.  

For source and to read the study, click here.    

MORE AGING NEWS ONLINE:  

Sleep Apnea in Seniors Tied To Alzheimer's in Study 05/19/2013 02:00 PM EDT 

Connection appeared strongest among thinner people, researcher says 

Source: HealthDay   

Age Amplifies Damage from Obesity, Study Finds 05/17/2013 02:00 PM EDT 

By 50, arteries stiffen, increasing risk of death from heart disease, researchers say 

Source: HealthDay