Information and Inspiration for the Solo Retirement Community
Sherry I love the outdoors, especially the Colorado outdoors. I am blessed to live within an hour of the Rocky Mountain National Park since hiking is one of my favorite hobbies. I feel closer to God when I hike and, besides the exercise and sense of accomplishment, I feel at peace. The following article may give you a reason to enjoy some outdoor therapy:
…a walk in the country reduced depression in 71 percent of participants…
The peace of wild places makes us happier, healthier
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
from American Heart Association
January 10, 2017
If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.
We’ve all seen the movie scenes where a man gasps, clutches his chest and falls to the ground. In reality, a heart attack victim could easily be a woman, and the scene may not be that dramatic.
‘Although men and women can experience chest pressure that feels like an elephant sitting across the chest, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure,’ said Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director for the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at NYU’s Langone Medical Center and an American Heart Association volunteer. ‘Instead they may experience shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue.’
Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if the victim doesn’t get help right away.”
Since I have taken a break from dating and don’t have a special romantic valentine this year, I focused my celebration of Valentine’s Day instead on my family…specifically, my three grandchildren (ages 5, 3, and 1).
First, I purchased age appropriate Valentine’s Day cards and stickers for my grandchildren. They love getting mail. I mailed the cards through the Loveland, CO Chamber of Commerce Valentine Re-Mailing Program. The program volunteers stamp this cachet on the envelope before mailing it out: 
Next, I purchased 10″ chipboard hearts, 2″ chipboard letters and two cans of spray paint from Hobby Lobby. I wanted to mimic the hearts which hang from the light poles lining the streets of Loveland each year. I painted the hearts and attached them to a tree in my front yard. I had fun picking out the cards, stickers, and making the Valentine hearts. No regrets about not having a special valentine this year. I have three!
My grandkids made me construction paper Valentine’s Day cards. They are precious!
You don’t have to have a romantic valentine to celebrate this great day of love. I think this year’s Valentine’s Day has been one of my all time favorites because I can feel the love.
Please share your special time with your significant others this Valentine’s Day in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.
We’ve all heard of giving a loved one roses, a box of chocolates, perfume or cologne, jewelry, or even a stuffed animal for Valentine’s Day. But have you ever heard of giving a loved one a purely practical gift for Valentine’s Day?
I had been divorced for over four years when I started dating again in my 40’s. It was not something I looked forward to but my daughter and friends were persuasive. I signed up for eHarmony and answered all of their probing questions while enjoying a glass of wine to make the process less of a chore. I was hopeful.
Health benefits of resistance exercise
Forever and ever, amen
by Valerie McCullough, Loveland Reporter-Herald
January 31, 2017
“He braked for cats.
In 1955, when I rode in his black, Fairlane Ford on wet, dark, hilly Berkeley streets, Bill swerved and lurched the car when yellow/green cat eyes darted across city streets.
And this was before seat belts.
Every Sunday evening, he gave a ride across town to a black musician. These were years when such things were not done–when minds and municipalities were still segregated.
After our wedding, Bill worked so I could finish college.
Who could not love a man with such a generous soul?
This generosity remained with him until death.
My 83-year-old Mom who lives in Iowa fell at her home last winter. A neighbor found her unconscious, lying on her living room floor a day or two later. She was transported to a hospital and later to a rehabilitation center. She doesn’t remember what happened or being in the hospital. After a couple of weeks, she was back in her home living independently but walking with a cane.
In December, she fell twice. Once at the hospital while visiting a dying friend. Luckily, two orderlies helped her to her feet. A day or so later she fell again at her home but luckily she was able to get herself upright after several attempts. I spoke with her about the importance of setting up a system to notify someone if she has fallen and is unable to get back up. This system would be imperative if she wants to continue living independently in her home.
A dear friend of mine notified me recently about her Dad’s (80+) recent fall. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. He has also developed pneumonia. Needless-to say, the family is extremely distraught. In her last text to me she said, “It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions over the past two weeks….”
There are simple steps you can take to prevent falls and decrease falls risks. CDC has developed the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative which includes educational materials and tools to improve fall prevention.
If I were to fall and break a bone, I wouldn’t be able to play with my grandkids. So I take a vitamin D pill each day to keep me strong. Lisa, 74
Falls can be prevented. These are some simple things you can do to keep yourself (or a loved one) from falling.
Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance. Tai Chi is a good example of this kind of exercise.
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year, and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed.
If you have bifocal or progressive lenses, you may want to get a pair of glasses with only your distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. Sometimes these types of lenses can make things seem closer or farther away than they really are.
