Local Retirement Centers Make Fitness Fun

Staying active can be challenging for many seniors, but it doesn’t have to be a dreaded activity. Retirement facilities in Lynchburg—Westminster Canterbury, The Williams Home and The Summit—are always striving to find ways to keep their residents engaged and excited about health and fitness.

Westminster Canterbury
When it comes to fitness, Westminster Canterbury, located on VES Road, offers something for everyone to enjoy.

“We have a heated saltwater pool and a spa,” said Denise Watts, wellness coordinator.

They also currently offer 25 fitness classes per week including Chair Yoga, HydroFit, Tai Chi for Health, Strong & Centered, Balance from Head to Toe, Movement Matters and many others.

“Our class schedule includes both land classes and pool classes,” said Watts. “We have a broad variety to try to meet everyone’s needs.”

Additionally, they offer several unique fitness options such as volleyball, pool volleyball and a walking club.

“We have three walks a month. We do one campus walk a month, and we also do a local trail walk a month, and an away walk,” said Watts. After the away walk, participants enjoy stopping somewhere for lunch before returning home.

“We also have our own nature trail here on campus, so we encourage them to use that on their own as well,” she said. Residents are also encouraged to participate in local community walks such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Out of Darkness Walk for mental health awareness.

This year Westminster Canterbury plans to host a “mind and body” week where they will focus on health and bring in experts from the community.
“[Staying active] keeps [seniors] healthier longer, keeps them moving, and keeps them going longer,” Watts said. “It helps their health in every way.”

As Debbie Callahan, vice president of marketing and development, explains, their fitness programs give residents a sense of comradery.

“We have classes of over 25 people at a time doing aerobics three times a week,” Callahan said. “They encourage one another, and that is so positive. Whether they can do all the repetitions or not is irrelevant, it’s the fact that they are there, they are participating.”

The Williams Home
The Williams Home, located on Langhorne Road, provides independent and assisted living services for women. Their facility is equipped with an exercise room containing a variety of equipment; residents are taught how to use everything properly in order to prevent injury. And since it is open 24 hours a day, this gives the women an opportunity to exercise whenever they desire.

Aside from the exercise room, residents are encouraged to stay active in other ways as well. “Ladies are encouraged to participate in the weekly exercise classes,” said Sheila Peters, marketing representative. Because as she explains, staying motivated to keep active can be challenging, especially when you live alone.

“Participating in a group exercise class is a social as well as a physical activity,” Peters said.

Twice a week, exercise classes are offered by a trained instructor. During the cold winter months, the women are still encouraged to keep active.

“The Home’s hallways are equipped with hand rails, which makes it conducive for ladies to walk especially during inclement weather,” Peters said. “The Home provides at least 14 hours of weekly activities including outings. Many of the daily activities are offered in various locations in The Home which promotes walking.”

They believe it is important for seniors to stay active because physical activity helps with digestion, sleep, weight control and mental alertness.
“The Williams Home, Inc. lovingly encourages the ladies to keep moving and remain active not only for their physical well-being, but also for their mental well-being,” Peters said.

The Summit
The Summit, resting on 143 acres in Wyndhurst, provides a variety of fitness activities for its residents. Enjoy one of their walking trails, be adventurous and take a canoe out on the lake, or dance in a Zumba class. Regardless of what residents choose, staying active is encouraged.

“We have a wonderful campus with walking trails,” said Brenda Dixon, marketing director. “We actually just recently completed our walk around the lake.” The “Summit Lake Walk” is nearly a mile long and circles around the lake with “paved walkways and natural walking paths,” according to Dixon.
Since The Summit has a partnership with the Jamerson YMCA, located within walking distance from the retirement community, they do not have a need for a large exercise facility. However, they still have a small fitness center on campus that has equipment such as treadmills, NuSteps, free weights and stationary bikes.

“We also offer a lot of fitness classes,” Dixon said. Some of their classes include Zumba, chair exercises, Tai Chi and yoga.

“There’s a pretty good range of opportunities for group fitness,” Dixon said. Some of the classes offered can be modified to meet the resident’s individual needs.

“We definitely know it’s important for seniors to keep moving,” she said. In the spring, they are excited to be starting a walking group. Residents will set walking goals and can reach them by walking both inside and outside.

“Here at The Summit we offer something for everyone throughout all levels of care. The beautiful campus, the walking trails and a lot of outdoor opportunities including gardening, are all in addition to the group fitness programs,” Dixon said.

Know what to look for…

According to the American Optometric Association’s Optometric Clinical Practice Guideline, vision disorders are the fourth most common disability in the United States and the most prevalent handicapping condition during childhood. Unfortunately, the report also indicates that only 31 percent of children ages six to 16 are likely to have had a comprehensive vision examination within the past year, and only 14 percent of children under the age of six have ever had a vision examination. As such, many children may be struggling with vision issues unbeknownst to their parents.

Luckily, there are common warning signs that likely indicate vision impairment. “Warning signs include headaches, squinting, difficulty concentrating, blurry vision, an eye that turns in or out, and difficulty paying attention or keeping up in school,” says Gail Ganser, MD, Pediatric Ophthalmologist at Piedmont Eye Center. “Early detection is important because visual disorders can impair learning and social development,” she adds. “Also, the vision part of the brain is maturing until about age seven, and after that some conditions can no longer be treated leading to a permanent disability.”

Vision screenings can detect a wide range of conditions, some of which can be corrected with glasses alone. “The most common eye disorders in children are myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, all of which can be treated with glasses,” Dr. Ganser says. “Strabismus is abnormal turning of the eye treated by glasses or surgery. In another condition, amblyopia, vision develops poorly in one eye due to it being misaligned or having a strong need for glasses. Some children have convergence insufficiency where their eyes cannot focus inward as required for reading. Dyslexia or other reading disabilities are not uncommon.”

Your child may be anxious about getting a vision screening, but Piedmont Eye Center makes the process as enjoyable as possible. “At PEC we try to make the eye exam fun,” Dr. Ganser says. “We can use symbols to check vision in a younger child, and toys and lights for other parts of the exam. Dilating drops are often used to determine if glasses are needed. Children can visit our playroom while their eyes are dilating.”

If a vision screening indicates your child does need glasses, he or she may be anxious about wearing them. Dr. Ganser and the ophthalmology team of PEC do their best to ease children’s anxiety. “If a child is nervous about glasses, I ask them if they have friends who wear them,” she notes. “I explain that they are fashionable and that I’m sure they will be able to find frames in their favorite color.”

Dr. Ganser says most children are accepting of glasses due to the abundance of functional and stylish choices available. “Years ago the choices for children’s eyewear were limited,” says Tabitha Diaz, Licensed Optician at McBride Blackburn Opticians. “Children’s glasses were an afterthought to many manufacturers. In recent years there are a lot of companies who have invested time and money into research and development to improve choices and quality for children. This makes choosing the proper frame much easier. We can provide a child with a fun, trendy frame that fits and is functional. The varieties of colors, shapes and brands make it fun for the child to choose their new glasses. Like the frames, lens materials have grown as well. There are many materials on the market now that allow the lenses to be thin and lightweight, but still safe for children.”

According to Diaz, the most popular brands of children’s glasses available at McBride Blackburn depend on the age of the child.

“For small children, including babies and toddlers, the two most popular brands are Mira Flex and Dilli Dalli,” she says. “They come in multiple shapes and sizes and the colors are bright and fun for small children. For older children and pre-teens we sell a lot of Ray Ban, Lily Pulitzer, Izod and other fashion-forward brands.”

Diaz advises parents to give their children a choice and to shop local rather than online. “My advice is to always allow the child a choice in what they are going to get,” she notes. “If they don’t love the glasses they will be less likely to wear them. Also, seek professional help. There are so many online retailers that many seem initially cheaper, but if the glasses aren’t measured and fitted properly they may be doing more harm than good. Children can be rough on glasses, that’s a given. Buying from a local optician will insure they are made correctly, and you will have a place to take them to be adjusted and repaired as needed.”

Regardless of a customer’s age, the McBride Blackburn team is committed to making the glasses-purchasing experience as fun and easy as possible. “Often I have kids who try to bend their glasses just because they want to come visit our office! We currently stock over 100 frame choices just for kids, we have a dedicated area to shop and play, and we have our own finishing lab on site so our turnaround time is faster than most,” Diaz said. “Additionally, we have personally reached out to the local pediatric ophthalmologists to find out their preferences on frame choices and measurements. By working together we are able to satisfy the parent, the child, and the doctor.”

How Barre Classes Are Changing Work Outs

As a former dancer with over a decade of experience, I walked into local fitness studio Iron & Grace feeling pretty confident. I was there for their Fluid Sculpt barre class, and I assumed my years of experience doing tendus and pliés would mean this class would be a piece of cake. I think you can tell where this is headed—I was wrong.

After 45 minutes of strenuous exercise, I emerged from the class feeling exhilarated and a bit sheepish. Barre workouts, I discovered, utilize many techniques and poses from ballet barre exercises, but they may also integrate elements from aerobics, yoga and Pilates. Combining these approaches makes for a rigorous and comprehensive workout that targets and strengthens several areas of the body.

To learn more about barre classes and how they are changing the fitness world, I spoke with Alaya Sexton, co-owner/program director of Iron & Grace, and Megan Heatwole, community recreation programmer with Lynchburg Parks and Recreation.

Iron & Grace
Alaya Sexton founded Pilates and yoga studio Vitality Inc. in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2004 before deciding to open a new studio, Iron & Grace, in Lynchburg in 2013. “The move was about the same thing we want for our clients, a healthy balanced life,” she says. “For us, that meant having more time for our family and following our passions.”

Sexton, who co-owns Iron & Grace with her husband, Chad, believes Lynchburg is the ideal place for their studio for several reasons. “More than any city we were considering, Lynchburg was ripe for a business just like ours,” she says.

“It seemed like this community needed a studio that could bridge the gap between rehabilitation and fitness, and there were just a couple people teaching Pilates and kettlebells. We also understood that there were a lot of people like us—outdoor enthusiasts—who enjoy being active in this beautiful place, and being strong makes your endeavors more enjoyable.”

Among the body-strengthening classes offered at Iron & Grace are three different formats of barre (see sidebar, left).

Although barre workouts are trending now, Sexton and her team do not choose which classes to offer based on popularity alone. “Because we all attend industry conferences and pursue continuing education frequently, we have an awareness of what is trending but choose formats that honor our educational pursuits and creativity and align with evidence-based practices and sound exercise science,” she says.

Sexton believes barre workouts are popular because “they are accessible to all fitness levels, require little to no extra equipment that may otherwise intimidate, and they deliver results.” She also notes that barre classes “target the areas where many women seek change: they lift your bottom, tighten your waist, and tone your arms and shoulders.”

Although each barre format is distinct, certain elements run throughout all barre classes at Iron & Grace. “All barre classes at Iron & Grace are Pilates-based so the attention to posture, the role of the core, and proper mobility/stability principles are present in every class,” Sexton says. “Our classes are consciously crafted to move in functional patterns that promote better overall balance. All definitions of balance apply. First, in a steady/equilibrium way: you won’t fall down. Second, in a balancing the length and strength of a joint way: reducing wear and tear and optimizing both flexibility and power. Third, in a mind/body way: coaching conscious breathing and body awareness to decrease stress hormones. The endorphins that come with fun, invigorating cardiovascular exercise certainly help one stay balanced as well.”

Sexton believes barre classes will continue to be popular in the future as long as studios, not corporations, retain creative control. “Industry wide there are many homegrown barre programs, like ours, that will continue to deliver results, apply new knowledge and grow,” she says. “However, franchised and licensed barre programs lack creative control for the person delivering the class when they are subject to corporate programming. That model puts a performer, not a teacher, standing in front of a class giving the same workout and not interacting with their students to teach them. If one is always doing the same workout, their body adapts and they no longer get results. Luckily, there are always innovators who have direct interaction with their students and can continually deliver results.”

Iron & Grace is without a doubt one of these innovators. Since opening in Lynchburg, it has grown in terms of both physical space and staff, recently developed a two-year apprenticeship to keep up with demand, and trained other studios in its Power Barre format. “Our message is and always will be the same: knowing and moving your body improves your quality of life, and the pursuit of fitness should be relevant to life,” Sexton says. “We are scientists practicing the art of movement and can help any person achieve their fitness goals.”

Lynchburg Parks & Recreation
Lynchburg Parks & Recreation has always offered a multitude of health and fitness classes, and one of their latest offerings is called “Ballerobics.” Community Recreation Programmer Megan Heatwole describes Ballerobics as a class that “uses ballet exercise and technique for a gentle, full body workout, aimed to increase flexibility, balance, and muscle tone.”

Heatwole indicates that enrollment has grown since Parks & Rec first offered the class in spring 2016, and she attributes that growth largely to the abiding popularity of ballet.

“Ballet is the mother of all dance, and it is a great workout,” she says. “It is one of the most classical and revered styles of dance. Ballet form and technique has been used in many different styles of fitness classes. In addition, many professional athletes, such as football players, have been known to use the art form as a workout to improve balance, flexibility, posture and strength. Ballet-influenced fitness classes aren’t going away.”
Ballerobics is for individuals age 16 and older, and it can be modified for those who are new to barre workouts and those with minor injuries. “All movements can be modified to accommodate your fitness level and physical ability,” Heatwole says. “For example, I took the class as I was recovering from ankle surgery. Although squatting and jumping were nearly impossible for my left foot, I was able to easily modify the movements to accommodate my limited mobility.”

Regardless of which fitness class you choose, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation always aims to create a fun, active experience for attendees. Says Heatwole: “Our fitness classes offer a friendly, laid back environment for people to get motivated, have some fun and get a workout in!”

By Emily Hedrick

Understanding the Impact of Orphan Diseases

For parents, there is perhaps no more terrifying prospect than being helpless to protect their children. That is why early in child rearing the slightest sniffle can activate the darkest parts of the imagination—the fear that this illness is more than a common cold. As time goes on, and ear infection after fever after flu after stomach bug pass, a parent’s mental resilience builds up, a peace that germs and viruses can be overpowered by the advancement of modern medicine.

Reality
While percentages may be in a parent’s favor, the truth is that not every case is the same and not every solution simple.
About a year and a half ago, Susan Davidson, of Forest, noticed that her 11-year-old daughter, Lauren—the youngest of three children—continued complaining about pain in various places: her hip, her ankle, her elbow, her wrist. The pain would come and go—one day Lauren would be swimming competitively and another she would say that she couldn’t walk or break out in a high fever, which would disappear the next day.

“I just thought, she’s 11, she’s growing, it’s growing pains,” Davidson explained. “When you’ve had three children, and it is your youngest, you have seen everything you can imagine in that period of time. You get desensitized to things after a while.”

But in October of 2015 Lauren’s condition announced itself in force. Lauren’s ankle swelled to twice the size of the other one and was covered in a rash of red pin-dots. A trip to her physician turned up no more than a raised eyebrow—there appeared to be nothing wrong, no explanation for the symptoms. Four days later, Lauren broke out in a high fever.

“I assumed she had picked up something at the doctor’s office, so I was kicking myself for taking her,” Davidson said.

For a few days, Lauren was bedridden. She wouldn’t eat, would barely drink and would only crawl if necessary to use the restroom. Then, one evening, Lauren called for her mother in earnest.

“When I went upstairs,” Davidson recalled, “she was on her hands and knees and she was hovering over a pool of blood that she had coughed up.”

Through 16 years of parenting, Davidson had never witnessed anything like that before. She rushed Lauren to the doctor.

The Davidsons wouldn’t be there long.

“The nurse walked in, took one look at her, and said, ‘Oh honey…,’” Davidson said. After some quick tests the doctor had Lauren sent to University Hospital in Charlottesville.

Orphan
According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), there are 7,000 rare diseases—commonly called orphan diseases—affecting more than 25 million Americans. A rare disease, by definition, is one that affects fewer than 200,000 people. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) notes that some orphan conditions have patient population in the low hundreds and are relatively unknown, while others are more recognizable, such as cystic fibrosis, ALS (or Lou Gehrig’s disease) and Tourette’s syndrome.

Dr. Jennifer Charlton, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, added that “a lot of pediatric diseases are orphan diseases.”

Furthermore, even after a child gets a diagnosis, it is not necessarily as simple as applying what has worked for adults.

“The harder part of dealing within a rare disease is dealing with it within the context of a growing child,” Charlton said. “Although we may have good data on adults, there is always the question, ‘Does this apply to my pediatric patient?’ Most randomized control trials do not include pediatric patients. They have always been considered a ‘vulnerable population;’ there are a lot of different technical details that go into designing a trial to study a disease in a child that do not have to be considered for adults. Things like growth and development.”

Because orphan diseases do not have broad patient populations, it can be extremely difficult to organize pediatric trials for them. Charlton said the medical community, with support, needs to work toward setting up better infrastructure for collaborative trials across institutions.

Miracle
The NIH notes that rare diseases are often misdiagnosed and may not have effective treatment.

Just getting a diagnosis can take months or even years.

“Common things happen commonly,” Charlton said. Since rare diseases can “look, act and smell” like any number of things, physicians are going to test for the most likely diseases first.

She said that is the beauty of having tertiary centers—large hospitals with specialists that see referrals from primary and secondary care facilities.

“Many things can be taken care of in your local hospital,” Charlton said. “We do see (rare diseases) more often; we have it on our radar. It doesn’t mean we are better doctors, it is just that we have a different viewpoint.

“Community doctors work incredibly hard to provide excellent care of their patients,” she added.

“We have wonderful relationships with these physicians, and we support these relationships as best we can.”

When Lauren came in to UVA on Oct. 13, 2015, bleeding from numerous places and with extremely low hemoglobin levels, things could have gone any number of ways.

Fortunately for Lauren, the doctors were able to confirm a diagnosis more quickly than usual, due to their familiarity with her symptoms.
“The constellation of symptoms was suspicious for the diagnosis of vasculitis,” said Charlton, one of the physicians who saw Lauren that night.

A kidney biopsy and other blood tests were ordered to confirm the suspicion. Lauren was soon diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), a condition that causes vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels. In Lauren’s case, the lungs and kidneys especially.

“The fact that she got a diagnosis within 12 hours of admission is uncanny,” Davidson, who could have chosen to take Lauren to a different center, said. “It’s not a coincidence, I really believe it’s not.”

Charlton pointed out that Lauren’s example is extremely rare.

“These are diseases that take some time and observation,” Charlton said. “Even if Lauren had been seen at the University of Virginia at the same time that she had walked into her pediatrician’s office, we wouldn’t have magically said, ‘You have this diagnosis.’ It is the persistence of her family and her primary care doctor that contributed to the rapid diagnosis in Lauren’s case.”

Help
Getting the diagnosis was only the beginning.

The FDA notes that in many cases, families struggled alone as they coped with a rare disease.

Davidson recalls being warned not to Google the condition, which is called Wegner’s granulomatosis (a dated term) by many who struggle with it. Of course, she did and was not prepared to learn this “wasn’t something that will go away. It is lifelong, there is no cure.”
Lauren’s treatment has included blood transfusions, chemotherapy infusions and a regiment of a number of medications, including immunosuppressant drugs. Her condition is monitored closely; even if she gets a cough or fever it is taken seriously and her treatment assessed.

But through the darkness came some light. Through a friend of a friend on Facebook, the Davidsons were put in touch with a family in California also battling the disease. The power of social media connected them to an online support group of 20 families. Lauren was even able to meet a girl her age online who is battling the disease.

“Everything changed after that,” Davidson said. “It was a godsend—I don’t know that if this had happened in 1995 we would have been connected. We would have felt far more alone.”

Now 12, Lauren has had relapses but has also readjusted to life. She hasn’t gotten back into competitive swimming yet—mostly because she associates the atmosphere of indoor pools with the onset of her disease. Lauren has, however, been nurturing her creative interests with art.

While not everyone will suffer from a rare disease, anyone can help fight them. Awareness is key, as physicians may not even know to watch out for many of them.

More importantly, however, Charlton explained the need for better resources for the research community. Budgets and grants constantly are being cut. Electronic medical records are not being systematized or easily integrated outside of local networks. Initiatives to improve this need to happen, and people need to speak out.

“If the general public would stand up and say, ‘We need more research on these rare diseases,’ and support research and establish more infrastructure and ways to do it, those are the kind of things that make a difference.”

By Drew Menard

The Junior League of Lynchburg’s Little Black Dress Initiative: From Fashion Statement to Mission Statement

The “little black dress” is more than a piece of women’s clothing; it is an iconic symbol of sophistication that is considered a staple for every woman’s wardrobe. That said, thanks to the Junior League of Lynchburg (JLL), this symbol of style now represents something much more important: hope for every woman who faces distress in our community.

The JLL is an organization of women who work together to serve the community by serving as trained volunteers, by promoting women’s leadership and voluntarism, and by developing the potential of women. The JLL was founded in 1926 and formally joined the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. in 1929. The JLL’s first contribution to the community was the opening of the Preschool and Birth Clinic in the 1920s, which is known today as the Free Clinic of Central Virginia.

Over the past 90 years, the JLL has helped establish several additional organizations that enrich, uplift, and provide care to Lynchburg and its surrounding communities; among them are The Adult Day Care Center, Amazement Square, CASA of Central Virginia, Kids’ Haven, Lynchburg Sheltered Industries, Genesis House, and Riverside Park Sprayground. The JLL’s focus is exclusively educational and charitable.

In addition to partnering with other organizations to serve the community, the JLL plans events, supports initiatives, and raises grant money for projects that affect women, children, health, arts and preservation, and the environment. The latest JLL focus is the Little Black Dress Initiative: Faces of Distress (LBDI).

The campaign aims to bring awareness to women facing distress, whether it be poverty, violence, or inequality. The LBDI will focus especially on violence against women.

“Every three years, the JLL votes on a community project partnership,” says JLL President Amanda Denny. “After conducting research during the 2014-2015 year, the JLL found a huge need to educate the local Lynchburg community about violence against women. We wanted to share the statistics that women face daily in our own back yard in the hope that others would find value in helping us change those statistics.”

JLL member Jessica Watts spearheaded the LBDI, which originated in the Junior League of London and has become the focus of many Leagues worldwide. Watts has seen the distress local women face often throughout her six years as a JLL member. “I have largely been exposed to the distress and injustices facing our women through our volunteer work,” she says. “I have seen poverty firsthand and the effects that violent situations have had on the women and their families.

We volunteer at a number of organizations (Miriam’s House, Daily Bread, YWCA, to name a few) that aim to address these issues. And, knowing that these issues are still at the forefront in the community is why we have created the Little Black Dress Initiative. Unfortunately, the statistics facing women in our community are not improving fast enough. We want people to know the extent that women are in distress in the Lynchburg area so that changes can be made.”

The statistics and effects of domestic violence are sobering. The YWCA states that domestic violence includes physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse, as well as the threat of such abuse between people in a close relationship. It strikes one family in the U.S. every nine seconds, and it tends to pass from one generation to the next through socialization. Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to become abusers or battered adults, and half of these children are abused themselves. Watts adds that domestic and other forms of violence affect women from all backgrounds: “It is important for people to understand that these injustices do not occur in just one demographic. They are expansive and include dating violence in high schools and colleges, sexual assault affecting all ages, and domestic violence across all socioeconomic levels. They also include inequality in the job market and sexual harassment.

Future LBDI campaigns will continue to expand awareness on these issues.”
The LBDI encourages people to raise awareness by wearing a black dress or other black attire for five consecutive days and donate or fundraise for the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Prevention Center and Sexual Assault Response Program. The campaign is largely driven by social media including the use of #LittleBlackDressJLL. The JLL promoted the campaign in the community October 10-14 and raised approximately $6,000, surpassing their $5,000 goal.

Both Denny and Watts hope that the LBDI will have a lasting impact on the community and help as many women as possible address and cope with the various forms of distress they face. “One goal is to create a grant fund specifically to support organizations that focus on women and to help bring awareness to the injustices that they face,” Denny says. “LBDI is a community-wide campaign, not just League specific,” says Watts. “We would love to see anyone passionate about the cause taking up the initiative. This is how we will see our greatest success, when the entire community becomes invested. We want LBDI to be a known JLL mission so that people are aware of the great work League members are doing in Lynchburg.

Our biggest goals in the JLL are to connect, serve, and lead.”

For more information about the Junior League of Lynchburg and the Little Black Dress Initiative, please visit www.jrleaguelynchburg.org.

By Emily Hedrick
Photos by Caitlin Gibson

As major retailers roll out their ads to announce the holidays are approaching, many find themselves scrambling to prepare food, buy gifts and make arrangements to spend time with loved ones. Unfortunately, for a portion of seniors in America, the holiday season can present a challenge as travel becomes more cumbersome, and many loved ones have either moved away or passed on.

According to the Administration on Aging (AoA), “About 29 percent (13.3 million) of all noninstitutionalized older persons in 2015 lived alone. The proportion living alone increases with advanced age.”

Additionally, the AoA concludes that a smaller portion (roughly 3.2 percent) of seniors 65 years and older live in institutional settings—a figure that also increases with age.

During what is supposed to be a season of joy, some seniors are grieving for happier times in years past. How should they cope with this pain? A few local experts in senior living give their insight.

Understand the Challenges
Often times, in more youthful stages of life, it is easier to dismiss various holiday disappointments with the idea that “there’s always next year.” However, as aging seniors face health issues, family distance and the reality of loss, it is important to not take for granted the little moments that make a holiday joyous when present but sad when absent.

Jeff Price, Director of Community Relations at Bentley Commons, suggests that one of the hardest things for seniors to deal with during the holidays is a change in tradition.

The shift in tradition can lead to some serious emotional issues.

“I believe the most common issue for seniors during the holidays would be depression, especially if they are homebound or not in great physical health,” said Alicia Adams, Director of Community Relations at the Avante Group.

Additionally, according to Lisa Martin, Director of Resident Life and Wellness at Westminster Canterbury, depression can lead to another list of issues for seniors including increased illness, substance abuse, self-isolation and a decline in overall function.

Seek Help
“Many times with a recent loss, the person left to grieve does not want to celebrate the holiday. They just are not feeling the holiday spirit without their loved one. Within the first year of the loss, the bereaved will have to find a way to celebrate the holiday with new traditions,” said June McNamara, social worker for Westminster Canterbury.

If left unchecked by grief counseling or some other form of coping, loss or loneliness can lead to the aforementioned symptoms of depression. Paul Whitten, location manager of Whitten Funeral Homes, says help is available for seniors as soon as they make funeral arrangements.

“We have a complete library of grief support materials available at no charge, covering a very wide range of topics,” said Whitten.

Additionally, Whitten Funeral Homes offers a unique, free service known as the “Compassion Hotline” that gives callers 24-hour access to licensed grief counselors. They also plan a special event to help anyone who has experienced a recent loss.

“Each year we offer our Service of Remembrance to each of the families we have served that year. This gives people an opportunity to remember their loved one prior to the major holidays and also recognize that others are dealing with the same issue in their family. Grief shared is often times grief diminished,” Whitten said.

Hill City Pharmacy also offers help to seniors in need by making sure to establish a strong relationship with each person, especially if the senior is taking medication to cope with depression.

“We take extra time with our seniors to make sure they understand their medications and that they are able to understand how to organize their medications safely,” said Bryan Moody, President of Hill City Pharmacy.

Stay Active
Another way seniors can alleviate some emotional pain during the holidays is to stay involved in their communities and take part in various activities.
Assisted living centers like Bentley Commons, Westminster Canterbury and Avante all offer various events to keep seniors busy, including charity drives, Christmas caroling, big meals and more.

“Finding new friends or groups where they feel a sense of belonging or just a special new tradition that brings them joy can help. Get out and get involved in things even if you don’t feel like it. Sometimes just being around joy and love can lift their spirits,” Martin said.

According to Adams, seniors should reach out to family members or friends to remain active socially. Additionally, she suggests researching some volunteer opportunities.

“It’s vital that no matter what your health situation may be, that you get to maintain a happy and active lifestyle, whether it is the holiday season or any season,” Price said.

Helping the Senior in Your Life
“Listening, providing comfort and support, and offering help are the best ways to help seniors deal with grief. Knowing the signs of depression is very important as well,” Adams said.

Although you may not be able to provide an instant fix, there are small ways you can help the seniors in your life feel a little warmer around the holidays.
“Be respectful and sensitive to the fact that the holidays are not necessarily the easiest time for seniors. It is so easy to get tied up with the hustle and bustle of the season that it is easy to forget that for some it’s a very hard time of year,” Price said.

Whitten suggests something as simple as involving an older family member in meal preparation, such as peeling vegetables or folding napkins. He also suggests, “always letting them walk down memory lane.”

“Families and friends should check on their senior loved ones more often during the holidays and even winter months with bad weather. Help them set up their Christmas tree or assist with writing Christmas cards,” Whitten said
Although the holidays can present many emotional challenges for seniors, a support system established by their family, friends and loved ones can make a big difference.

“Recognize their needs and provide the resources that can help,” Whitten said.

By Jeremy Angione

How parents can set digital boundaries in a boundlessly digital world

As if enough distractions do not already compete for the attention of children, 21st-century parents have to worry about the alluring glow of LED screens, which saturate culture and are an easy trap for wandering minds.

Mobile technology has certainly revolutionized the consumption and dissemination of information, which, considering what is available at one’s fingertips, is not necessarily negative. But just as television, computers, tablets and mobile phones can illuminate with but a swipe, tap or click, they can easily become a black hole wherein time flies and creativity drains.

In the battle for a child’s attention, parents tend to feel outnumbered (even with just one tot), so it likely comes as no surprise to hear that, as of 2014, active mobile devices outnumber people on earth, according to data from GSMA. The figure grows at a rate of about five percent annually.

The challenges of child rearing now include considering more digital boundaries than just “don’t sit too close to the TV,” not to mention setting limits for oneself.

Elena Ridge, mother of a 2-year-old son, has found that it’s easier to monitor a child’s use of technology when you are mindful of your own.

“I know that if my husband and I are constantly on our phones then he will want to be on our phones, too,” she said. “So, the easiest way to stop his preoccupation with technology is for me to use technology less.”

Like many parents, Ridge has some reservations about the over-saturation of technology in culture.

“I do worry sometimes [about my child spending too much time in front of a screen] because when I was growing up all I remember is playing outside,” she said. “My parents did not have cellphones when I was his age … they never chose to try and distract us with technology. I do remember watching TV, but not nearly as much as playing with my siblings and playing outside.”

Currently, Ridge does not have any specific limits set on her child’s screen time. She sees the benefits of moderate usage—he has learned his ABCs from songs on children’s programs—but, in the future, Ridge plans to have a playroom in the house that is free of screens, to avoid the distraction and promote spending time as a family.

For some, using screen time can be a powerful tool for communicating with and educating children. Amber Gentala, mother of a son (9) and daughter (5), has found her philosophy in regard to screen time changing with different seasons of life.

“I was one of those moms who vowed, ‘My child will never use more than 30 minutes a day of screen time,’” she said. “That’s slowly changed over time, as TV/computers have made such an impact on our ability to communicate with our children, teach them and enjoy hobbies with them.”

She has found many benefits to allowing more screen time into her homeschool curriculum and the children’s playtime (though as recreation it is complemented by outdoor activity and reading). Some video games and YouTube videos help her kids flex their creativity. The internet helps them answer questions and delve deeper into topics of interest.

In fact, educational shows and games were critical in helping her son who has autism catch up academically and socially.

Gentala remains mindful of how obsessive her kids become of screen time and scales back as needed. She and her husband are also vigilant in monitoring the content they consume and talking with their children about balance in life, not being controlled by technology (or other vices) and priorities.

“If we want our kids to be able to balance their time between computers and other activities when they’re adults, we want them to practice some of that now, while we can help guide them.”

Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) is equally committed to preparing children to be well-rounded adults in the 21st Century. Through the LCS-ONE initiative, the school system is engaging students with digital learning, providing each student with a personal computing device (Google Chromebooks). Currently, LCS-ONE is being implemented in 8th-12th grade, with plans to extend that from 4th grade up in the next few years.

“To be successful in almost any job, students are going to need an understanding of the internet and an ability to learn how to operate whatever device is put in front of them,” said Robert Quel, LCS Supervisor for Instructional Technology. “Adaptability and learning are the most important things because change is happening so quickly.”

Benefits of the program so far have included increased efficiency for teachers, more collaborative opportunities for students and significant reduction in paper waste. Teachers and students alike are finding greater flexibility and engagement in the classroom.

“There is a benefit of increased engagement when the work moves from passive listener to active participant,” Quel said. “There is also the benefit when data [can be] gleaned from quick assessments and [used] to differentiate instruction based on student needs. When this happens, students are less restricted and can move at the pace that suits their learning style.”

While there are dangers of technological saturation, it is important for those to be addressed at home and in school, since ignoring them will not make them go away.

“We, as educators, need to work harder to help students understand how [any] technology can and should be used as a tool to deepen their understanding, to provide alternative ways to present material and review certain concepts,” Quel said. “Students are very familiar with technology as a distraction and entertainment. The challenge we face is teaching our students that all of these devices are powerful tools to advocate for their own learning, networking with experts around the globe and demonstrating their work in ways that could now be viewable to the world.”

At home, one of the best things parents can do is set boundaries for their children’s (and their own) use of technology.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended guidelines that are pretty straightforward—no screen time for children under the age of two, and no more than two hours a day for older children.

Dr. Teresa Brennan, Developmental Pediatrician with Centra Medical Group, explained the former is because babies and toddlers are at such a critical stage in development at that time.

“Eye contact, social interaction, communication, language skills are developing, and they don’t develop with the kid watching TV, they develop with human and reciprocal interaction.”

As children get older she advises parents to encourage moderation.

“You do want to keep in mind that the amount of time can sneak up on you, you want to be sure that you are encouraging—especially in children—creative play, reading and social interaction and exercise,” Brennan said.

Brennan recommends having toys and books on hand to help keep kids entertained, even in waiting rooms, because parents may not realize how much using the phone as an easy distraction can add up.

“It is really hard; it happens all of the time; kids get fussy, and you are in the car, and so you give them the phone,” she said.

Physical activity, playing outside and getting dirty are quickly becoming “lost treasures” she warned, noting that sweet drinks and inactivity, tied largely to screen time, are the two main reasons for the obesity epidemic.

Screen time can be mesmerizing and transitioning away can lead to tantrums, fights and meltdowns.

Conversely, there are “evidence-based” benefits to aerobic exercise, especially for developing children, which (on top of the cardiovascular and weight benefits) include improved focus and attention, sleeping longer and improved mood—and, therefore, less irritability.

Creative play—art, board games, building, pretending, etc.—and active exercise play a vital role in a child’s life. So Brennan recommends a simple rule of thumb to help parents as they keep track of screen time: match, minute-for-minute, screen time with something aerobic, preferably outside. (For example, if they play on a tablet for 15 minutes they should ride their bike for 15 minutes.)

Parents also need to be mindful of what content children are exposed to and always supervise internet use.

Brennan recognizes the benefits of technology but emphasizes the importance of people controlling their use, rather than being controlled by it. They should also practice screen etiquette, such as putting all devices away when engaged in conversation or at an appointment.

“We do want to keep it in balance with human interaction,” she said. “[Learn to] live as a citizen of the world, and appreciate [and] live in the moment.”

By Drew Menard

The Student Doctor 
Will See You Now!

After two years of countless study hours, classes and exams, the inaugural class of student doctors at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) will step out into the real world as they begin clinical rotations at local hospitals and primary care offices starting this August. >>
“I’m looking forward to interacting with patients. We’ve spent a lot of time studying, and I have missed working with real people. The chance to apply what we have all learned in class….is why we study so diligently,” said student doctor Zach Jensen, who was assigned to be on rotations in the Lynchburg region for the next two years.

The expectations are high for Jensen and his peers, according to Ronnie B. Martin, D.O., dean of LUCOM, who explains that his goal for the student doctors isn’t just passing exams but surpassing the standard expectation of patient care. “Boards measure competency, but we think our goal should be excellence,” said Dr. Martin.

As the pioneer class of LUCOM, the recruitment of these student doctors was taken very seriously. According to Martin, each candidate was painstakingly selected not only for academic prowess and achievements, but also for their humanity. Student doctor Fon Sawitree Kongmuang-Dew, who will also be on rotations in the Lynchburg region, explains that her parents were her biggest influence in her decision to become a doctor. “My mom is a retired nurse and that took a toll on her. She has had chronic back pain for almost a decade…and it pains me to see her suffer through rounds of doctor visits, physical therapies, [and] medications…but nothing makes her feel better. So I hope I can use OMM [osteopathic manipulative medicine] to relieve her and my patients’ pain soon.”

Student doctor Josh Reynolds, also assigned to Lynchburg, expounds on this idea and explains that through his training he will be able to serve his community in a unique way.

“Being able to approach a patient’s health from multiple directions gives them the best opportunity to thrive. It also shows them that I truly care about their health, rather than just earning a paycheck.”

In addition to their humanity, LUCOM student doctors represent various ethnic, religious and social backgrounds. In many cases, they have put their adult lives on hold to pursue a calling to a second career. Statistically, the majority of the students recruited to LUCOM are first-generation physicians, second-career students from rural areas. They are selected in the hopes that they will take their skills back into underserved populations through primary/preventative care. Throughout the first two years of medical school, it has been a priority for Martin and his team of faculty to engage the student doctors in a way that enables the future physicians to fulfill their goals for positive change. Martin explains their simple yet profound approach is to “feed the brain in the classroom and feed the heart in medical outreach.”

In fact, many in Central Virginia have already been introduced to the student doctors through events at the Jubilee Center, The Free Clinic of Central Virginia, domestic violence shelters, the YMCA, Runk and Pratt and medical missions locally and internationally. Kongmuang-Dew adds that her ambitions are to improve her community through pediatric neurology. “I’d like to be part of children’s development and help them and their families…so that they can grow up… and reach their best potential and hopefully be part of helping make the world a better place.”

As students pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O) degree, in contrast to Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or allopathic medicine, they are taught based on a fundamental philosophy that sets them apart in their approach to patient care.

Among these philosophies is the foundation that each individual patient should be treated as a whole being—mind, body and soul. Osteopathic medicine operates through a belief that the body is capable of healing itself with minimal outside interference.

These doctors integrate osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) into their practice, where they use their hands to treat and even prevent illness and injury. As Martin explains, “Being well is more than not being diseased. We are so much more than just disease. It’s about the treatment of the patient.”
Kongmuang-Dew says she was drawn to osteopathic medicine because of its holistic approach. “The emphasis on treating patients holistically and respecting each person’s unique character and background is what impresses me the most. As a neuroscientist and a Buddhist, I value the harmony of the brain, body, mind, and spirit, and this aligns well with osteopathic medicine.”

Lily Daniel, another student doctor preparing for Lynchburg rotations, states that in addition to approaching the patient as a whole person,
she has learned through osteopathic medicine that trust is paramount.

“I really love the purposeful treatment of the ‘whole patient.’

As a physician, I think it is important to inquire about mental and spiritual health on a regular basis as it can greatly affect their ability to maintain physical health. I think medicine is losing some of its ability to maintain personal, doctor-patient relationships. Trust is an important aspect of that relationship and inquiring about your patient’s life outside of their illness and getting to know them allows you to build that trust.”

Equipped with these philosophies and an understanding of medicine and manipulation techniques, these student doctors are prepared to venture into our communities to educate, assess and enable patients to reach their health goals, under the guidance of local physicians. Martin explains that even in a community where there is an established expectation of excellent care, the physicians themselves will be stepping up their game when mentoring student doctors because they will be leading by example. Also, as the physician does rounds with a student doctor, a thorough explanation of treatment and dialog will be taking place between team members. “Students do a tremendous time of slowing the process down to give that individualized time and attention,” said Martin.

Martin further explains that having student doctors do their rotations locally will create a draw for them to come back to the area, infusing Central Virginia with more local practitioners.

“We know there are studies that show that if student doctors and residents are treated professionally and respectfully they will stay in the community and will improve access to healthcare.

It also has a big economic impact.”

For Daniel, a fond experience in Central Virginia was exactly what brought her back. “This community welcomed our family over 20 years ago, and [it] has been a wonderful place for us to grow, work and play. It was an easy choice to come back here to train and hopefully give back in some way,” said Daniel.
Bringing more healthcare providers to the area not only has a direct impact on the economy but also creates an environment where healthcare becomes more competitive and easily accessed.

This is particularly important as parts of Central Virginia are amongst the most underserved in the United States.

The goal of LUCOM, as Martin explains, is to put many of its student doctors back into community-based practices with a focus on preventative care. “[Our] primary goal is not research or subspecialties. Our mission is to graduate community-based physicians who work towards improving the lives and status of patients.”

Having these ambitious student doctors in hospitals and doctor’s offices is an exciting new horizon for Central Virginia. Student doctor Miranda Westbrook hopes the community is as excited as they are to take the region’s healthcare to a new level. “I think that we’ve been really well-prepared for clinical rotations, and I’m ready to put my skills to the test. There’s going to be a lot of growth and learning that’s going to occur, and I’m excited to have the opportunity!”

By Tiffany Lyttle

“It’s hard being a mom to a child who can’t communicate his love to me verbally or physically, yet the joy in that kid—it changes me.”

Life can change without warning. Both the tragic and fortuitous can reshape a life, and yet it is in these moments that traits such as love and hope are forged. For Robin Foutz, a moment such as this was ushered in by a seemingly innocuous tap on her door.

A warm and waning afternoon in 2012 played itself out much like any other. As dusk approached, brothers Josh and Elisha set out for a quick joy ride on their bikes as their mom Robin pulled together stories for Bible Pictionary. Foutz quickly wrote down stories such as Adam and Eve, Moses, and Noah but when she arrived at Abraham and Isaac something impressed upon her to delve further into the story. She describes the simple synopsis that resulted from her Google search, saying, “Abraham [had] unwavering and unshakable faith that God would raise up his son.” This description left an impression on her thoughts, which were disrupted by a knock on the door—an interruption bringing the news that would change the Foutzes forever—Elisha, only age 12, had been struck by a car.

Foutz recounts, “Nate got there before I did…He was kneeling over Elisha, who had been lying in his own blood. It was surreal…”
Nate Foutz had the foresight to instruct his new wife not to come any closer in an attempt to protect her from his fear that Elisha would not survive the encounter.

Robin continues, “I don’t know why I listened; I’m his mommy… but I turned around, looked at the sky, and said, ‘God, I trust you!’”

Elisha did survive those first frenzied moments and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Upon arrival, the healthcare team worked feverishly to save him. Foutz remembers, “I still couldn’t bring myself to…look at him, but I stayed nearby and prayed constantly…” Somewhere in the blur of time that followed came word that Elisha was stable but in critical condition; he would require treatment from a more specialized hospital.

Robin whispered loving affection into Elisha’s ear just before the doors closed and his helicopter ascended. Robin and her family would be following by car; she explains, “As I sat there, in the car, driving, I felt I needed to remind God of His word [the Bible]…but it was more that I needed to be reminded. I just kept saying, ‘You’re a God of redemption and healing… I trust you.’” Robin describes that at that moment something supernatural overcame her, “A blanket of comfort came over me, and I remembered the story of Abraham that I had just been reading: ‘…God would raise up his son’.” As she approached the Pediatric ICU, she encountered Nate and immediately shared with him her newfound confidence. To both of their surprise, Nate had also been filled with the same inexplicable sense that Elisha would not only live but be healed.

Robin laughs as she describes the next part of their journey: “God had prepared us in advance, giving us peace and confidence… [and] day in and day out, we just had to hold on to it.” Arriving at UVA that evening would only be the beginning of Elisha’s journey. The shaken family would fight constantly against doubt in times that seemed all but hopeless, and they would cling to their resolve during the seemingly endless silence from Elisha, who had yet to open his eyes.

Because of the shearing his brain had endured, Elisha would face ever increasing intracranial pressure that his treatment team fought desperately to control. This reality proved impossible without drastic interventions. Robin had to make an immediate decision for a craniotomy, meaning part of Elisha’s skull would be removed to relieve the mounting pressure. She explains that receiving this news initially stole her ability to think clearly and at that moment clung to the wall to keep from hitting the floor. However, after collecting her thoughts, she approached the waiting room with resolve and instructed her visitors, “I need you all to pull up your bootstraps, dig in and pray.”

While the surgery worked to correct the pressure, the injury his brain had received in the accident would keep Elisha in a coma. Silently, Elisha would face both of his lungs collapsing, bones being reset, a tracheotomy and life on a ventilator. Each new medical situation would draw from Robin a resilience that even she did not expect. “I felt like I was giving up every single time we said ‘Ok, do this; ok, do that.’…But in retrospect we see it was all part of the journey.”

Weeks and then months passed, but Elisha still hadn’t responded in a way that everyone had hoped. On one particular morning, Robin and a nurse stood at Elisha’s bedside when a new resident approached. He explained to her that she would need to face reality and understand that her son wouldn’t get any better.

This news was disheartening for Foutz, but the nurse turned to her and adamantly explained, “… It isn’t our job to rob people of their hope….I don’t go to church but I see more of God here at the hospital than I’ve ever seen at church.”

Robin was reaffirmed in that moment and shortly after would receive encouragement from Elisha as well.

Later, as the nurse proceeded to brush Elisha’s teeth, she froze. Excitedly, she burst out, “Did you see that?” They had both seen it. For the first time, Elisha was turning his head in protest to having his teeth brushed. The nurse exclaimed this was Elisha’s defiant response to the doctor’s doomsday announcement.

But even these slight movements were not enough to convince Elisha’s treatment team that he had made significant progress.

Robin, newly invigorated with hope, boldly spoke these words: “I appreciate… everything you have done and will continue to do, but I have
faith, and it’s bigger than what you are saying… bigger than what I see. This little boy is going to baffle all of you.”

A few mornings later, Robin woke early to read what initially seemed like a random passage in her Bible.

It was a verse from 1 Corinthians that echoed Robin’s earlier comments to the treatment team: “I will baffle and render useless…the learning of the learned…” There, in those words, Foutz realized that her son was not a victim of fate but rather a beacon of hope.

Elisha would eventually be moved to a treatment facility to receive physical therapy and recover from more surgeries.

In time he would wean off the ventilator and weather “storming”—a dangerous and painful side effect of traumatic brain injuries. The seemingly never-ending battle testified to Elisha’s persistence towards not just survival, but healing. Robin explains that the next phase of healing was tedious, but Elisha eventually opened his eyes and even regained purposeful movement.

The day before Thanksgiving 2012, and nearly four months after the accident, Elisha returned home. Robin recounts, “That was the hardest decision for me.

I felt like [saying], ‘You’re giving up on my kid.’ I just didn’t understand…” Robin and Nate became Elisha’s medical team; they managed nearly 20 medications given around the clock, feedings, bathing and physical therapy. This task was in addition to reassuring and loving their other children, addressing the house that was threatening to fall down around them, and having been unable to work for some time. Ironically, Nate and Robin both laugh in the present as they recall this trying time of readjustment, not capriciously, but rather as two survivors who clearly see the obstacles they have overcome.

Today, Elisha is in a wheelchair and has cognitive injuries that leave him unable to speak, but his emotions and reactions are beautifully intact. Robin smiles as she explains how he giggles endlessly at slapstick comedy and enjoys his family, “He is just so full of joy…and authentic… He is a rock star!” She continues, “I think when you have been in tragedy, it just changes you…. It can take you down a dark road, or it can take you down a good road.”

Robin, with tear-stained eyes and a smile across her face, concludes, “It’s hard being a mom to a child who can’t communicate his love to me verbally or physically, yet the joy in that kid—it changes me. It reaffirms to me that he is exactly where he is supposed to be…and I am exactly where I need to be… We won’t let tragedy strip us of our love and faith. It pulled it from us and brought us together stronger as a family.”

By Tiffany Lyttle
Photography by LaShonda Delivuk

Finding the Right Living Arrangement for Every Stage

Life is riddled with a variety of milestones. Early milestones hold promise and an added degree of independence, such as getting your driver’s license or going off to college. Others, especially later in life, carry a sense of responsibility that can sometimes be intimidating to the unprepared.

While you spend the early portion of your life deciding how you want to contribute to the workforce and training yourself to do so, time may slip by quicker than expected. As retirement approaches, the counter culture it presents to the years you spent working can be both liberating and daunting.

While finances will undoubtedly become a concern, perhaps a greater issue is your living arrangements. Several factors including health, the state of your personal relationships and finances can determine the course of action for the living arrangement best suited to you. Here are several scenarios and how to best approach them for your next step.

Retirement with a Spouse Who is Still Working
“One of the first big discussions for a couple retiring at different times should revolve around the retirement schedule itself,” the New York Times reports. “With such a great change in how your life operates, there are bound to be major adjustments required.”

Those adjustments will largely concern your relationship with your spouse and the household dynamics that can result.

“When spouses have different retirement timing, they need to start with, and accept, that mental difference. Then, make sure someone has done the math. Most likely, they both need to adjust some of their habits—both mental, emotional and actual ones,” financial consultant and marriage counselor Susan Zimmerman told the NY Times.

Assuming the major “breadwinner” of the household retired first, with their spouse now as the sole earner for the home, there may be several emotional issues that crop up. According to the NY Times, the retiree can sometimes begin to feel guilty, for both leaving their spouse to bear the responsibility of income and also feel guilty for spending that income.

“Once couples know their finances are in order, they often find it much easier for one to retire earlier than another,” says financial planner Dana Anspach to the NY Times.

Collective Retirement for Both Spouses
On the other hand, a spouse still in the workforce may finally catch up to retirement with their retiree, or perhaps they planned to retire at roughly the same time to enjoy those years together. In any case, there are other concerns that you will want to be aware of.

As with any major decision—buying a home, having kids, estate planning—it is vital to have a clear discussion. Talk about expectations for finances and household roles and responsibilities.

Robert Laura, self-proclaimed “retirement activist” and Forbes contributor, refers to this as an “in-sync” retirement. He adds that it can present issues in the relationship dynamic between retirees.

“The possibility of spending 24 hours a day, seven days a week together can be equally concerning. Initially, an in-sync retirement may conjure up loving images of long walks on the beach and stargazing over a bonfire together, but that can come with its own challenges,” Laura said.

While one or both of you were working, you most likely had a somewhat regimented schedule of when you saw each other.

The initial shift of seeing each other a few hours a day to all day can be jarring and can lead to conflict.

Laura suggests maintaining social networks and participating in activities is helpful for ensuring both spouses preserve their independence while still enjoying retirement together.

Initially, the uncharted waters of retirement can cause certain issues to appear that may have never existed. It is important to address them, no matter how minor they seem. Discussing who does what chores around the house and how much time you will spend together are just a few areas of concern.

“Role confusion can make it crucial to discuss feelings and needs with each other before retirement instead of assuming you’re both on the same page,” Laura said.

Independent and Assisted Living (by self or in retirement community)
Independence is something everyone clamors for; and though the urge for independence generally remains over time, retirement calls for some stark assessment of which areas of life can remain autonomous and which need to be adjusted.

For seniors it’s important to be “realizing that later on down the road—whether it’s two years or 20 years—their needs are going to change,” said Admissions and Marketing Director of Heritage Green Emily Young. “Independence might become a little more difficult.”

Young insists that seniors should “take the time while they have independence to figure out what’s important to them.” They should also prioritize sharing that information with family members members to guarantee that their preferences are known and followed.

Being aware of your limitations is crucial to senior living, especially if you decide to remain in your own household, as opposed to a retirement community.

If you choose to live alone, no matter your level of ability, there are certain steps you should take to ensure mental and physical wellness.

“For seniors who would like to live on their own, it is important to downsize, particularly to a one-level home that is handicap accessible. Beyond the physical preparations, it is paramount that the senior stays connected with family and friends and weekly church/activity groups,” Vickie Runk, Owner of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities, said.

While the idea of remaining at home—a place where you have invested so much of your life—can be more realistic and appealing for the new retiree looking to fill the void of employment with household chores and self-upkeep, for those with more health concerns and fewer family members to assist them, a retirement community may be a more attractive option.

A retirement community can be “so helpful for so many [reasons] because it allows the resident to have all of their needs met, which enables them to do more without having to worry about daily tasks,” Runk said. “Meeting their needs faster and more efficiently helps them to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible.”

Although assisted living and independent living sound similar, their implementation is different. Runk & Pratt and The Summit are local retirement communities that offer both options. The foundation of both facilities is providing a safe environment for members that allows for independence while also meeting daily needs if necessary. “If necessary” is the key phrase in understanding the difference between assisted and independent living. For those living independently, they can simply enjoy the amenities of their community. On the other hand, those needing more help can receive additional and specialized attention from staff to assist with daily tasks—such as medication or simple chores—that can prove troublesome otherwise.

In any case, Brenda Dixon, Marketing Director at The Summit, suggests that community living can add as many as three years to someone’s life.
Dixon also believes that remaining active in programs and events is a great way for seniors to transition into a new way of life. Keeping family involved in every step of the process is also vital.

“Families need to be educated about the options available and be realistic on what their family members can afford,” Dixon said. “Have ‘the talk’ early. When dealing with independent living, most often it’s the seniors themselves [who] are doing the research; they want to make their own choices.”

According to Young, it is fairly common for families to wait until emergencies occur before they decide to make a decision
about assisted living.

“If people were to start making these decisions earlier and making a move before they feel its necessary, I think they would have a lot of stress. . .relieved,” Young said.

Health and Rehab Centers
If a senior’s health issues are greater than having to take a daily prescription, they may want to be checked into a health and rehab center. Sometimes better known as nursing homes, Christi Thomas, Community Relations Director at Liberty Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center, ensures that modern rehabilitation facilities do not carry the same stigma or negative feelings often associated with nursing homes.

Nursing homes are sometimes thought of as an equivalent to hospice care, but this is simply untrue. “There are activities going on all the time, even nights and weekends,” Alicia Adams, Director of Community Relations at Avante, said.

Avante specializes in “skilled nursing and long term care.” Adams insists that Avante hosts many services that can help seniors transition in their health and rehab. However, depending on the medical concern, many seniors need some time before they are ready to acclimate back into their homes.

“We have a very high success rate with our therapy department,” Adams said. “It is very rare that someone comes in and is not able to go back to their assisted living or their home.”

Avante offers a wide variety of health services and therapy including speech therapy, counseling needs and outpatient occupational therapy.
Similarly, Liberty Ridge, while a smaller community, boasts a warm, home-like feel. According to Thomas, their small size allows them to give each senior more personal attention.

Whatever stage of life you find yourself in, be assured there are many ways to preserve the independence you want while still enjoying a safe and secure retirement.

By Jeremy Angione