Connecting older adults and caregivers to services that support healthy aging and independence
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The Art of Aging
Give a Gift of Service this Father's Day
Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Recipe of the Month
An Unexpected Conversation
Do you have an idea?
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Age Well Arrowhead's first annual The Art of Aging fundraising event is taking place September 26, 2019 at Northland Country Club in Duluth. The event includes live and silent auctions, art demonstrations, opportunities to meet local artists and a chance to take home amazing pieces of art and other prizes.
All of the programs, services, and activities of Age Well Arrowhead radiates from our central mission to "connect older adults and caregivers with services that support healthy aging and independence," We help older adults age well at home which is exactly where they want to be.
Your support will provide funding for high-impact services that are essential to maintaining the health and independence of seniors. Our services are vital to their ability to age well, and our work directly benefits their caregivers.
Partnership Levels:
$5,000- Title Sponsor (Limit of one)
$2,500- Partner (Limit of four)
$1,000- Supporter (Limit of eight)
$500- Friend (Unlimited)
The impact you can make with your support:
- CHANGE the lives of seniors in our community
- GIVE BACK to your community by helping us help those who need it most
- INCREASE your brand exposure and elevate your corporate identity in the community
- STRENGTHEN your company's reputation as a good corporate citizen to your customers, employees, and local residents.
If you would like more information about becoming a partner in this event, please contact Mary Bovee at 218-623-7807 or Kim Hileman at 218-623-7805 for more information.
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Calling all artists!
Donate a Piece of Art!
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The Art of Aging fundraiser in September will feature local artists of
all ages
and all mediums. It is important to show off healthy aging doing what you love! Pieces are being collected for the live auction and silent auction. Age Well is also searching for artists willing to provide a live demo at the event and allow guests a chance to meet the artist behind the piece.
If you would like to donate a piece of art for the event, please contact Mary Bovee at 218-623-7807 or Kim Hileman at 218-623-7805 for more information.
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Thank you to all our generous donors in April. We appreciate your support of Age Well Arrowhead and those we serve.
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Current needs at Age Well Arrowhead:
Transportation
URGENT NEED
Groceries to Go Order Takers
Tuesday mornings as available
Remote Groceries to Go Order Taker
Tuesday morning as available
Groceries to Go Shoppers
Kenwood- Wednesday Morning
Cloquet- Wednesday Afternoon
West Duluth- Thursday Morning
Superior- Thursday Afternoon
Subs Needed
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Join us in welcoming our new volunteers!
Anthony D
Abbie R
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Age Well would like to thank the following volunteers for their years of dedication.
Happy Anniversary!
Jay H.
Mary H.
Megan L.
Colin R.
Michael R.
Eliana R.
Tammy T.
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Age Well Arrowhead would like to recognize the following volunteers as they reach high milestones for the number of hours they have volunteered since 2017.
Thank you for your contribution!
50 or more hours
Lynn B.
Jeff L.
Peter R.
100 or more hours
John M.
150 or more hours
Carol J.
Colin R.
200 or more hours
Liz M. (250+ hours)
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Rachel C.
Anita G.
Sharon L.
Sue O.
Colin R.
Julie R.
Joe S.
Sean Z.
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I
ngredients
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or cashews (or other skinless nuts)
1/2 Banana, frozen
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup raw fruit preferably frozen
1/2 cup raw vegetable preferably frozen
Instructions
Add either Greek Yogurt or nuts to blender, half frozen banana and water, then add ONE fruit and ONE vegetable to make each smoothie and blend until smooth.
Hot Pink Smoothie:
Raspberry, Beet.
Light Pink Smoothie:
Strawberry, Cauliflower.
Green Smoothie:
Avocado, Baby Spinach.
Orange Smoothie
: Orange, Carrot.
Purple Smoothie
: BlueberryRed Cabbage.
Yellow Smoothie
: Mango (or Pineapple), Butternut Squash.
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The American Red Cross and their partners will install free smoke alarms for those who cannot afford their own or physically unable to install an alarm. A limited number of specialized bedside alarms are also available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Keep your family safe by installing smoke alarms or updating the ones in your home.
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A few topics we are working on for the next newsletter...
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The Art of Aging
UV Safety Month
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Got an idea for the newsletter?
Is there a topic you would like to learn more about? Would you like to write something in the next issue?
Let us know! We would love to hear from you!
Contact shelbig@agewellarrowhead.org
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Age Well would like to thank and congratulate all of the graduates for the time they dedicate to Age Well and our clients despite their busy schedules.
Volunteers
Claer B-
UMD, Biochemistry, University Honors
Molly C
- UMD, Biochemistry
Morgan T
- UMD, Biochemistry, Magna Cum Laude
Elise S
- UMD, Mechanical Engineering
Intern
Brooke M-
UMD, Master of Social Work
Staff
Lisa J-
WITC Graduate, Gerontology
Congratulations!!
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June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
By: Karina Krosbaaken
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According to research conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. This number is expected to reach around 14 million by the year 2050 (
Facts and Figures, 2019
). This does not include other types of dementia such as Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Vascular Dementia and the many individuals in our communities who go undiagnosed.
With numbers this large, it is unlikely that you are reading this article and have not been impacted by the disease in some way. If not, it is my guess that you know of someone who has.
One important thing to know about Alzheimer’s disease is that the older you are, the greater your risk and likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. That means this is a disease that can and does impact all of us. Especially if we plan to live a long life.
Although there is no current cure for Alzheimer’s disease, research suggests that there are several things we can do RIGHT NOW to promote and maintain brain health that may help prevent, postpone, or slow disease.
1.
Exercise.
We are fortunate in Duluth to live in an active community with access to a variety of groups, events, and outdoor spaces to exercise. Whether you canoe, sail, bike, run, ski, climb, walk or other; make a point to get out there and do a little more than your usual. Increase that heart rate and blood flow to your brain! Take that extra walk. Run Grandma’s Marathon or park in that farther away parking spot in the parking lot. How ever you can get it in- GET ACTIVE and more importantly, GET STARTED.
2.
Eat Healthy.
This doesn’t mean you should NEVER eat that burger and fries (unless told so by your doctor) but try reducing the frequency. Make sure you are getting in the recommended portion of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are unsure how or what changes to make in your personal diet, speak with your doctor, a nutritionist, or a dietitian to learn how you can improve your brain health. See below in the Newsletter for fun information on fruits and vegetables.
3.
Stay socially and mentally engaged.
From having lunch with family, to trying a new hobby at the Duluth Folk School, Community Education, or volunteering- try something new, challenging, and fun. It’s okay if the new activity is a challenge or doesn’t not come easily. That’s the point! It sometimes takes some work to use that brain! There are also many memory specific ways to stay involved in our community as well from the Age Well Arrowhead Memory Café to the Victory Chorus. Our community is active and looking to provide opportunity for all to be involved.
4. Get involved in research.
Last, if you want to go the extra mile, try getting involved in local awareness events such as the Alzheimer’s Associations Longest Day event this June 21st. This is a great opportunity to come together with others to do an activity of your choice to raise awareness and raise funds for research. This can include all the above- exercise, eating healthy, and staying socially and mentally active! To learn more about the Longest Day:
CLICK HERE
Age Well Arrowhead is here to support you on your journey. If you are looking to make changes to your health and routine or are struggling with support related to brain health. We can help. Call us today at 218-623-7800.
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Click Picture to Download PDF
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When it comes to eating, we are always trying to follow doctor's orders. Eat this product for your a healthy heart. Eat that product for weight loss. But, it is also important to eat for your brain to boost memory, improve motor skills, and relieve depression.
Here is a short list of foods that are good for your brain.
- Spinach- High levels of folate and vitamin B12
- Raisins- Also helps lower blood pressure
- Turkey- Amino acid tyrosine
- Blueberries- High in antioxidants
- Almonds- Vitamin E
- Fish- Contains Omega-3 fatty acids
- Eggs- Rich in choline
- Coffee- 1 cup a day improves attention
- Oatmeal- Contains glucose
- Beef- High protein
- Walnuts- Omega3, fiber, and Vitamin E
- Broccoli- Contains lutein
- Avacados- fiber and lutein
- Dark Chocolate- Flavonoids
- Lentils- Plant based protein and folate
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An Unexpected Conversation
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Recently, I joined the Groceries to Go program at the store in search of new volunteers. I sat down on the bench next to a woman and her daughter. I greeted her with a smile and a Minnesota "hello" not knowing the conversation that was to follow.
To my surprise, the woman was 93 years old with an accent, and the daughter was 75 years old and caring for mother. As I sat down, the daughter got up to complete the grocery shopping leaving me alone with this beautiful woman and her walker with various items hanging off of it. Her hands showed age, but her smile was heart warming and her giggle was contagious.
The woman spoke about the hard work her daughter puts in and how much fun they have together when she isn't stressed about getting tasks done around her house. She was so proud of her daughter and even at 75 years old was still a kid in her mom's eyes.
As the conversation progressed, I finally got up the nerve to ask about her accent. It was German. She said she had lived in the U.S for 63 years but never lost her accent. English was her second language. Doing the math, I asked about living in Europe as I had traveled and have always been fascinated about it. She unexpectedly steered the conversation to memories of WWII.
Like many others, it was a time of heartache. She lost many family members and became a widow at 24 years old after bombings in her hometown.
I couldn’t say much. I was speechless. As she continued to talk about each scary night, I could only listen. This woman is a survivor. She talked about how grateful she was to leave Germany and come to the U.S. She remarried and had a long marriage with her late husband. She still had the twinkle in her eye when she talked about her family.
But as she continued, her focus went to the floor. She said “I am lonely.”
She explained that at her age, she lost her husband, her friends and many family members, and doesn't have any neighbors near her house as she lives in a rural area. She also explained that she was losing both languages because her brain was hardwired to speak German and she only hears English on the TV, but she doesn’t speak either anymore because she doesn’t talk to anyone on a consistent basis. It brought tears to my eyes. If only I spoke German… I gave her resources for companionship and other support for her daughter so they could spend more time together, and she said would look into it.
Not long after, the daughter arrived back at the bench with a cart full of groceries. As she assisted mom back to a standing position, they both smiled. They were definitely related. I said “goodbye” and watched as they shuffled out the door together.
I was still processing all that I just heard. My only thoughts were how lucky I was to meet someone like her and listen to her story. She was so grateful that I had sat and talked with her being as lonely as she is, but it was her that did me a favor. She gave me a gift- a first hand experience into memories I had only read in books. Memories that are slowly fading from the world as the population ages.
All I can do is encourage you to be part of it before they are gone. Slow down and look around and don't be shy to say "HI" to a stranger sitting alone on a bench. What you could learn is truly priceless.
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To volunteer and hear stories like the one above first hand, call 218-623-7804 or click the link below.
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Give a Gift of a Service for Father's Day
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With Father's Day on Sunday (June 16th), consider a gift that can make a difference. Services such as transportation, grocery delivery, help in the home, companionship, and chore services are available through Age Well Arrowhead and make a perfect gift for the one that never wants anything or is hard to buy for. Donations in a loved one's name is also a great way to support all fathers in the community.
Simply click the button below or call 218-623-7800 for more information on how you can give that perfect gift this Father's Day.
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These buttons are powerful. By clicking on them, you are supporting people's ability to be healthy and live independently. Please donate today!
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Age Well Arrowhead connects older adults and caregivers to services that support healthy aging and independence.
We are passionate about serving the older adults and caregivers of our community. For this reason, Age Well Arrowhead was founded in 2014 as a local non-profit. We are funded by a Live Well at Home grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Title III funding administered by the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, a grant from the Minnesota Board on Aging, contributions, and service fees. These grants allow us to provide services that are easily accessible and affordable.
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Kevin Pillsbury, President
Joe Sandbulte, Secretary
Jennifer Smith, Treasurer
Stacy Foster, Board Member
Travis Hill, Board Member
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Follow Us on Facebook and stay up to date on the latest news and events
with Age Well Arrowhead.
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