A publication for older Arkansans, subscribe today!
April 2014 - Volume 2 - Number 12
A publication for older Arkansans, subscribe today!
April 2014 - Volume 2 - Number 12
What's on your Bucket List?
Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman made millions in their comedic drama to do the things on their list before one of them died in their movie “Bucket List.” It used to be hush, hush, but with the release of that 2007 movie and the outstanding work of groups like the Make A Wish Foundation, Bucket Lists are all the rave. There is even a book out called “10,000 Ideas for Your Bucket List” by Mardisa Fabrega, and although it’s probably chock full of good suggestions, it is not on my Bucket List. [Full Text]
An outspoken advocate still speaks out on major issues
Dr. Joycelyn Elders may be 80, but the former surgeon general of the United States can still stir passions and is still giving voice to the issues she is passionate about. As an insider to the challenges of an aging population, Elders says, “Our country has done some good things to make getting older better. Medicare has made it better. You don’t have to worry about going broke if you get sick. Social security — we can go to the store and buy bread.” [Full Text]
Try being a kid again
One problem with getting old is when we start feeling old. Sometimes we long for the feelings we used to have as a kid. We remember when, as a child, we had imagination, excitement, fun, enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy. The world was full of wonder and excitement. We often found joy in even the smallest of things, like a Ladybug crawling across our palm. [Full Text]
The Caring Place, a Hot Springs treasure
Hot Springs is home to many treasures. Some are well known tourist attractions and some are natural wonders. The famous Hot Springs natural waters have drawn tourists to Hot Springs for many years to nurture both the body and soul, but there is another Hot Springs’ treasure that has been created to do the same thing for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and their caregivers. [Full Text]
Managing swallowing problems
Swallowing is a complex motor function and, therefore, may be affected by some chronic illnesses. The process begins unconsciously as the amount of saliva increases in the mouth when we see food. Then, the food is taken into the mouth where it is chewed and moved from side to side for chewing, tasting and shaping by the tongue. When the tongue pushes the food to the back of the mouth, the food touches the tonsil region and a swallow is initiated setting into motion the movement of the food through the throat and into the esophagus. The Mayo Clinic advises us that the swallow requires approximately 50 sets of muscles and nerves. [Full Text]
Small town mayor turns housing manager
Is there a big difference in being the mayor of a small town in Arkansas and being the manager of an elderly housing complex? Ask Mary Jane Erwin of Flippin Arkansas and the answer will be “not really.” Erwin said, “Both jobs are about connecting with people from all walks of life, one on one.” [Full Text]
Pryor introduces a bill to protect Medicare for Arkansas seniors
Senator Mark Pryor recently introduced the Medicare Protection Act, legislation expressing strong opposition to changes in Medicare that would reduce or eliminate guaranteed benefits or raise the eligibility age for hard-working seniors. [Full Text]
AAASEA bass tournament big success
Eric Agee and Floyd Fullerton from White Hall, Arkansas had the number one spot in the Bill Sanders-Bo Piper Memorial Benefit Bass Tournament held Saturday April 5 on the Arkansas River at Pine Bluff. With their limit of five fish, the scales topped at 22.23 pounds for the 17th Annual event held by the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas. They took home the $2500 cash prize. [Full Text]