Allies in Aging

By Becky Meisenheimer, CDP® CMDCP®, Dementia Education Coordinator With the fall season around the corner, those of us who are care partners cringe at the word “fall”. We are so hyper diligent in preventing potential fall hazards for those we care for we forget that we could “fall” into a role of needing care. Recently I was thrown, literally, into a situation where I became dependent on assistance from the very person I am caring for. This unexpected challenge put into perspective the pieces...

Growing older brings wisdom, experience, and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. It also reminds us that taking care of our bodies becomes more important than ever. Staying active doesn’t require running marathons or spending hours at the gym. In fact, some of the healthiest habits are the simplest ones. Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain independence, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life. Our bodies are designed to move, so whether...

My wife, Becky and I have learned at least two things since starting our retirement journey four years ago. First, you are never too old to pursue your dreams. Second, getting older does present some challenges. A recent trip we took drove home these two insights for us. Let us introduce ourselves. Beck is a retired Social Worker for the state of Montana. I am a semi-retired pastor for the United Methodist church, still serving a rural parish close to Billings. We started our marriage...