FEBRUARY 2012: Nutrition and Recipes
Calcium consumer fact sheet
Calcium is a mineral found in many foods. The body needs calcium to maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Almost all calcium is stored in bones and teeth, where it supports their structure and hardness.
10 Tips to help you eat and drink more fat-free or low-fat dairy foods 
Calcium Rich Smoothie Recipe
The body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between the brain and every body part. In addition, calcium is used to help blood vessels move blood throughout the body and to help release hormones and enzymes that affect almost every function in the human body.
Vitamin D consumer fact sheet
Vitamin D is a nutrient found in some foods that is needed for health and to maintain strong bones. It does so by helping the body absorb calcium (one of bone's main building blocks) from food and supplements. People who get too little vitamin D may develop soft, thin, and brittle bones, a condition known as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D is important to the body in many other ways as well. Muscles need it to move, for example, nerves need it to carry messages between the brain and every body part, and the immune system needs vitamin D to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis. Vitamin D is found in cells throughout the body.
20 Ways to Enjoy More Fruits and Vegetables
Fun and Healthy Recipes
JANUARY 2012: Mental Health
Causes and risk factors that contribute to depression in the elderly include:
- Loneliness and isolation - Living alone; a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation; decreased mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges.
- Reduced sense of purpose - Feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities.
- Health problems - Illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease.
- Medications - Many prescription medications can trigger or exacerbate depression.
- Fears - Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues.
Recent bereavement - The death of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.
Studies show that seniors are at greater risk of some mental disorders. Many of these illnesses can be accurately diagnosed and treated. However, many seniors are reluctant to seek psychiatric treatment that could alleviate or cure their symptoms and return them to their previous lifestyle.
Many people don't understand mental illness or even acknowledge its existence. Some seniors are ashamed or frightened by their symptoms or believe that they are an inevitable part of aging. If timely, mental health treatment given to the elderly can reverse the suffering.
Do you know how to Spot Senior Depression? If an older family member or friend becomes depressed, how would you know? Do you know the warning signs that would enable you to spot senior depression in your friends or family members? Find out why signs of senior depression are different than in younger adults; why senior depression can be hard to spot; or why senior depression is often mistaken for other age-related problems.
DECEMBER 2011 : Home Modification and Safety
Be Proactive
Each year, thousands of older
Americans fall at home. Many of
them are seriously injured. Some
require hospitalization and are not
able to return home and live independently.
The good news is that many falls can be prevented. There are several things that you can do to reduce your fall risk. The most common include a combination of the following:
- Participate in regular physical activity for improved balance and coordination
- Make your home safer by removing things you might trip over, like papers, books, cords, clothing and shoes
- Review your medication with health care providers - some medications can make you feel sleepy or dizzy
- Have your vision checked at least once a year. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling
Since about half of falls happen at home, looking over the home for hazards is a great place to start. A home safety check can help identify fall hazards. Here are a few items to get you started:
- Remove things you can trip over.
- Remove small throw rugs.
- Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
- Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and inside and next to the tub or shower.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Improve the lighting in your home.
- Have handrails and lights put on all staircases.
- Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
Click for more home safety tips.
Need help with a home safety check?
Denver metro area residents have access to the Fall Prevention Network (FPN), a non-profit service that connects older adults to fall prevention services. The FPN connects you with organizations that offer one or more of the following:
- Home safety checks and modifications
- Physical activity programs to improve mobility, agility and balance
- Medication reviews
- Vision services
To request referrals for fall prevention services click or call 303-922-5555 during business hours.
Falls are preventable. Call before you fall.
Click to read more about preventing falls.
NOVEMBER 2011 : Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D Open Enrollment occurs from October 15 - December 7, 2011.
People needing to reconsider their Medicare options for 2012 have options. Callers to the number listed below can receive free and impartial counseling on their Medicare options for 2012. Consumers can call the Colorado SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program) at 1-888-696-7213 or can call 1-800-Medicare for assistance in understanding their options. Consumers can compare options at www.medicare.gov
January 2012 Medicare & You
FAQ regarding Medicare
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
Under a new law, more Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs because some things no longer count as income and resources. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth an average of $3,900 per year.
The CMS Prevention section is an information resource to help support the delivery and promotion of Medicare preventive benefits.
Medicare covers a broad range of services to prevent disease, detect disease, detect disease early when it is most treatable and curable, and manage disease so that complications can be avoided.
OCTOBER 2011 : Veterans' Benefits
Senior Veterans of the Armed Forces now have new options available to them in thanks for their service to our country.
From insurance, to pharmacy benefits, to health guidance, explore the choices available to Veterans of the Armed Forces.
Resources for Veterans in Colorado
The Senior Law Handbook also has extensive information about Veterans' Benefits.
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs is the state agency created to assist veterans and their family members and survivors in securing any benefits they may be entitled to because of service in the military.
VA Health Care Eligibility And Enrollment
Learn about the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair's medical benefits package and the health care services provided to all enrolled veterans.
Life Insurance
The VA's life insurance programs were developed to provide insurance benefits for veterans and service members who may not be able to qualify for insurance from private companies due to the extra risks involved in military service, or a service connected disability
Pharmacy Benefits
The mission of the VA's Pharmacy Benefits Management Strategic Healthcare Group is to improve the health status of veterans by encouraging the appropriate use of medications in a comprehensive medical care setting.
Colorado Property Tax Exemption
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption. The link below contains an application form and phone number for more information
Colorado State And Veterans Nursing Homes
The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is committed to providing superior care for Colorado's Veterans and all other residents in our State and Veterans Nursing Homes.
Burial & Memorial Benefits
Veterans are entitled to important burial and memorial benefits. Get facts, information and details about these benefits
Veterans History Project
Authorized by Congress, the Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to preserve our nation's history by collecting the stories and experiences of America's war veterans and the people who supported them at home
SEPTEMBER 2011 : Fall Prevention
Slips and Falls Steal the Independence of Older Adults and Their Families
Each year 1 in 3 older adults experience a fall in the United States. After a fall and hospitalization, only 28% of older adults return to their homes. But falls are not an inevitable consequence of aging. Falls can be prevented. There are several things that you can do to reduce your fall risk. Research has shown the best way to prevent falls is through a combination approach - that is, taking a few simple steps to effectively reduce fall risk. The most common include a combination of the following:
- Participate in regular physical activity for improved balance and coordination
- Make your home safer by removing things you might trip over, like papers, books, cords, clothing and shoes
- Review your medication with health care providers - some medications can make you feel sleepy or dizzy
- Have your vision checked at least once a year. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling
Fall Prevention Services
Denver metro area residents have access to the Fall Prevention Network (FPN), a non-profit service that connects older adults to fall prevention services. The FPN can connect you with a network of service providers that offer one or more of the following:- Physical activity programs to improve mobility, agility and balance
- Home safety checks and modifications
- Medication reviews
- Vision services
Read more about preventing falls.
Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program that can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity level of older adults who have concerns about falling. Class consists of eight two-hour sessions where participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable and where they practice exercises that increase strength and balance. Participants include adults, aged 60 and older, who are ambulatory and able to problem-solve.
Satisfaction with A Matter of Balance is high. After completing the class, 97% of participants reported that they are more comfortable talking about fear of falling, feel comfortable increasing their activity levels, and would recommend A Matter of Balance.
A Matter of Balance classes are held throughout the state and the metro-Denver area. For information about A Matter of Balance classes throughout the State, please call 303-866-2800 or email at:
AUGUST 2011 : Transportation
This Getting There Guide, produced by the Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council (DRMAC), can help you determine your options. You can view the Getting There Guide online at www.gettingthereguide.com or request a large-print hard copy online or by calling 303-861-3711. The Getting There Guide is also available in Spanish and as a digital audio file.
For those who are web-savvy, looking for help narrowing down options even further, and are ready to answer a series of questions, you can also try the brand-new resource TransitOptions! This online database asks a series of questions and provides a list of options for specific situations. You can access this resource at database.gettingthereguide.com.
DRMAC is a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center and is funded in part by the Getting There Collaborative, a joint, multi-year transportation initiative of The Colorado Health Foundation and Rose Community Foundation.
JULY 2011 : Legal Services
For Information regarding Estate planning, Living Wills, or Medicaid Law, please follow the links below or call Colorado Legal Services at: 303-837-1321.
Estate Planning:
The knowledge that we will eventually die is one of the things that seems to distinguish humans from other living beings. At the same time, no one likes to dwell on the prospect of his or her own death. But if you postpone planning for your demise until it is too late, you run the risk that your intended beneficiaries -- those you love the most -- may not receive what you would want them to receive whether due to extra administration costs, unnecessary taxes or squabbling among your heirs.
Living Will:
Just as we create estate plans for our eventual demise, we also need to plan ahead for the possibility that we will become sick and unable to make our own medical decisions. Medical science has created many miracles, among them the technology to keep patients alive longer, sometimes indefinitely. As a result of many well-publicized "right to die" cases, states have made it possible for individuals to give detailed instructions regarding the kind of care they would like to receive should they become terminally ill or are in a permanently unconscious state. These instructions fall under the general category of "health care decision-making." Depending on the state in which you live, this may take the form of a health care proxy, a medical directive, or a living will.
Medicaid Law:
One of the greatest fears of older Americans is that they may end up in a nursing home. This not only means a great loss of personal autonomy, but also a tremendous financial price. Depending on location and level of care, nursing homes cost between $35,000 and $150,000 a year.
Most people end up paying for nursing home care out of their savings until they run out. Then they can qualify for Medicaid to pick up the cost. The advantages of paying privately are that you are more likely to gain entrance to a better quality facility and doing so eliminates or postpones dealing with your state's welfare bureaucracy--an often demeaning and time-consuming process. The disadvantage is that it's expensive.
JUNE 2011 : Adult Protective Services/Fraud
Being informed is your best defense against the many scammers and fraudsters who are out to rob you of your hard-earned income. They're sophisticated and sneaky and can trick even the smartest folks.
Protect yourself! Here is some Basic Information about Fraud Prevention.
Do you have questions about mistreatment and Self-neglect of At-risk Adults? Do you know who Are At-risk Adults?
For basic information and reporting go to Colorado Adult Protective Services
If you think you have and adult protection issue you need to report here is a list of Colorado County Adult Protective Services Intake numbers.
More questions about Adult Protection?
Please consult the links below for assistance:
Colorado Long-term Care Ombudsman Program
AARP ElderWatch
Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights and Abuse Prevention
Health Facilities in Colorado
National Center on Elder Abuse
MAY 2011: Healthy Living & Learning
Chronic Disease Management: It's never too late to start living and learning today for a better tomorrow.
Investing in your future doesn't always have to do with finances. It also includes your health. The changes you make today to take better care of yourself and your loved ones not only affect how well you feel right now, but may determine how well you'll feel tomorrow. Take advantage today of evidence-based programs and workshops like Be Well Colorado or Healthier Living Coloradoä. These programs give you the tools you need to start managing your health. You'll learn about problem solving, relaxation techniques, healthy eating, physical activity, communication skills, positive thinking, how to increase your energy and goal setting.
For more information about Be Well Colorado or Healthier Living Coloradoä workshops and to check for programs in your community call either of the telephone numbers below or click on any of the links.
Be Well Colorado - To find a recent class schedule please visit: BeWellColorado.org or www.centralcoahec.org or call 1-877-495-2604.
Healthier Living Colorado - To find a recent class schedule please visit: www.COAW.org or call 1-888-900-COAW.
APRIL 2011: Healthcare Navigation
Calling all Baby Boomers: It's time to change the world again.
The issue of healthcare can be both overwhelming and confusing, even under the best of circumstances-especially these days. Boomers Leading Change in Health is a ground-breaking, grassroots volunteer effort dedicated to improving the health-and access to healthcare-of individuals and families across the Metro Denver area by harnessing the experience, energy, and conviction of Adults 50+ as volunteers.
CONTACT US AT: 303-4BOOMER
The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research
Over the past two decades, a growing body of research indicates that volunteering provides not just social benefits, but individual health benefits as well. This research has established a strong relationship between volunteering and health: those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer. Some key findings from this research, along with an analysis of the relationship between volunteering and incidence of mortality and heart disease at the state level, are presented here. A more comprehensive review of this research can be found in the full report, "The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research", which can be downloaded here
Senior Corps
Senior Companion Program. RSVP volunteers recruit and manage other volunteers, participate in environmental projects, mentor and tutor children, and respond to natural disasters, among many other activities. Foster
Grandparents serve one-on-one as tutors and mentors to young people with special needs. Senior Companions help frail seniors and other adults maintain independence primarily in the clients' own homes.
Baby Boomers and Volunteering: Findings From Corporation Research
MARCH 2011: National Nutrition Month
Senior homeowners 60 or older in need of handyman services - safety repairs and modifications.
Remain safe and independent in your home through installation of grab bars, inside hand railings, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and much more. Please call 303-297-0408 and ask to speak to some one in the Handyman program.
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Calcium consumer fact sheet
Calcium is a mineral found in many foods. The body needs calcium to maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Almost all calcium is stored in bones and teeth, where it supports their structure and hardness.
The body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between the brain and every body part. In addition, calcium is used to help blood vessels move blood throughout the body and to help release hormones and enzymes that affect almost every function in the human body. 
Why Should You Be Concerned About Falls?
As we age, we start to lose our balance and that makes us more prone to falling. Falling is dangerous for many reasons. One of those is the risk thatcomes with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is common among older Americans, especially women. In fact, more than 10 million Americans older than 50 have the disease.
Vitamin D consumer fact sheet
Vitamin D is a nutrient found in some foods that is needed for health and to maintain strong bones. It does
so by helping the body absorb calcium (one of bone's main building blocks) from food and supplements. People who get too little vitamin D may develop soft, thin, and brittle bones, a condition known as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Vitamin D is important to the body in many other ways as well. Muscles need it to move, for example, nerves need it to carry messages between the brain and every body part, and the immune system needs vitamin D to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis. Vitamin D is found in cells throughout the body.