POLISHEDThe official publication of the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging - 2nd Quarter 2013

MLK Holiday Word SearchTest your Brain Power - Page 07

TOP Gifts for Seniors - Page 03 EBRCOA “PINK OUT”

Fight Against Breast Cancer - Page 04

2nd AnnualWheels For MealsCar Raffle see page 18

Lemon Cake RecipeA Sugar-Free Healthy Recipe - Page 09

“Suppor t ing Independence , Se rv ing Sen io r s ”

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East Baton Rouge Council on Aging

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFTasha Clark-Amar Chief Executive Officer

Shontell LeBeoufChief Operating Officer

Eva B. Pratt Chief Financial Officer

Corey Williams Director of Resource Development

Julie CookDirector of Senior Centers

Polished is published quarterly by the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging (EBRCOA). Polished features news and information of interest to senior citizens as well as caregivers of the aging. The EBRCOA reserves the right to determine the suitability of materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted material for clarity and space. The EBRCOA does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or content nor does the EBRCOA or Polished staff take responsibility should such advertising or editorial material appear in any issue. For inquiries regarding submissions and advertising, please contact Trudy Bihm at tbihm@ebrcoa.org. The EBRCOA is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization.

CONTENT/LAYOUTResource Development

MISSED THIS ISSUE?SORRY WE MISSED YOU! If you missed this issue, you can advertise in our next issue. The next issue will be published on March 03, 2014

Contact: Trudy Bihm - Resource Development Coordinator at (225) 923.8000 ext 323 or via email: tbihm@ebrcoa.org to obtain a copy of our latest advertising/media kit.

2nd Quarter POLISHED MagazineWebsite: www.ebrcoa.orgPhone: (225) 923-8000

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giftS ideasfor senior citizensIf you know someone living in a nursing home, give them a gift this holiday season that they’ll treasure. Most items appropriate for retirement home residents are inexpensive gifts, and they’re easy to select if you know a little about the recipient’s hobbies and preferences.Do they enjoy games, reading, or music? Do they enjoy watching movies, doing puzzles, or being out in nature? Even if you’re a little fuzzy on those details, it’s hard to go wrong with one of the gifts below.

1. Crossword Puzzle Books2. Magazine Subscriptions3. Bulletin Board With an Instant Camera4. Lap Desk With a Book Holder5. Preloaded iPod Shuffle6.A Zazzle, Shutterfly, or Snapfish Customized Creation7. Terrarium8. Visits From a Therapy Dog9. Boggle, Scrabble, and Other Board Games10. Fresh Fruit

For many elderly people, moving to a nursing facility can represent a loss of valuable things: their homes, their neighborhoods, and their friends. By showing that you care with a thoughtfully selected gift, you can ease those feelings of loss.When you’re choosing a gift, consider getting a few extra presents for the other nursing home residents. The director or your loved one can probably point out those who don’t ordinarily receive gifts or visits.

Top 10

By Joanne Eglash

MetLife, in a 2011 study titled “Elder Financial Abuse: Crimes of Occasion, Desperation, and Predation Against America’s Elders,” found that of all the reported financial crimes against the elderly, 51% were perpetrated by strangers and 34% were perpetrated by family or friends. MetLife warns that elderly women are at the highest risk for these crimes–especially during the holiday seasons.

The best way to prevent these crimes from occurring is through awareness. According to the Elder Financial Protection Network, here are some ways to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Plan ahead to protect your assets and to ensure your wishes are followed. Talk to a lawyer, a financial advisor and/or your bank to make sure you are protected for now and for the future.

2. Never give personal information to anyone who phones you. Anyone who is authorized to handle your money already has your personal information—you wouldn’t have to give them private, personal information over the phone. Don’t trust strangers on the phone, period.

3. Never pay a fee or taxes to collect sweepstakes or lottery “winnings.” If someone tries to convince you to do this, it is most likely that you didn’t win anything. You shouldn’t have to pay to collect a legitimate prize.

4. Never rush into a financial decision and always consult a lawyer or financial advisor before signing anything. If someone is making you rush or hurry to make a decision, be cautious. Get a second opinion or consult a professional.

5. Check for references and credentials before hiring anyone. Do your research before hiring a handyman, plumber, electrician, etc. Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations. And never give a worker access to any of your financial information.

6. Pay with checks and credit cards instead of cash to keep a paper trail. Checks and credit cards can be tracked, and banks and credit card companies have theft and fraud policies that offer you additional protection.

7. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to say “no” if you ever feel forced or uncomfortable about a financial decision. And if you feel threatened or intimidated, call a family member, friend, lawyer or financial advisor for assistance.

This is wise financial advice for anyone—young or old. Anyone of us could fall victim to a financial scam, but it is especially sad to see senior citizens robbed of their income or savings. Seniors need to know who to trust and who NOT to trust. Be wise and aware of current financial scams. Protect yourself and your finances, so like Margie, you won’t fall for the scam if it happens to you.

How Seniors Can Avoid Losing Money To Scams Source: Bestofhomecare.com

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EBRCOA “PINK OUT”The Pink Out Senior rally held on Friday October 25, 2013 was very successful! The

seniors were dressed in all pink attire. Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge presented information on Breast Cancer and how to perform self-breast examinations. Also, there were testimonials from a few of the Breast Cancer survivors. The seniors had a great time. We will

continue to Fight, Strive and Support individuals who are faced with Breast Cancer.

EBRCOA Administrative Staff supporting the “Pink Out” campaign

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GLOBAL WIDELIFE & THE PLANETARIUM

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(225) 658-4150Neighbors Caring for Neighbors 6300 Main St

Zachary, LA 70791Fax (225) 658-4290

Lane Home HealthAn affiliate of Lane Regional Medical Center

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The winter holiday season usually offers many opportunities to enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. However, the Thanksgiving- Christmas Holiday season can be stressful and can intensify feeling of sadness in many aging seniors. The unhappy holidays or “Holiday Blues” is not caused by the holiday itself, rather it is brought on by the fact that the holidays tend to bring memories of earlier, perhaps happier times. Sometimes referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, the unhappy holidays depression is classified as a recurrent depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern and that occurs during this specific time of the year. Depression can be caused by a minor or serious problem; chronic pain or complication of an illness; memory loss; poor diet; loss of a spouse, close friend or companion; a move to a care facility; lack of exercise; change on routine; general frustration with aging. Symptoms can include: irritable mood, feeling of worthlessness, helplessness and anxiety; loss of interest in daily activities, lack of attention to personal care and hygiene; and obsessive thoughts about death or suicide. It is important to distinguish depression from dementia. Whether it is depression or dementia, prompt treatment is recommend. Once the cause of depression is identified, a treatment plain should be implemented. Treatment may be as simple as relieving loneliness though visitation, outings and involvement in family activities. Antidepressant medication may be indicated in more severe cases. Cognitive therapy session with a counselor may also be effective.

Physician’sCorner

How to cope with “Holiday Blues”

by: Dr. James Hines III

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225-923-8000 ext. 323

“Impacting lives through your time, dedication

and support”

Join the Team!

Senior Activities • Senior Olympics Meals on Wheels • Car Raffle • Car Raffle

East Baton Rouge Council on Aging

VOLUNTEERS

WANTED!

Groups & Organizations Welcome

1. 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix2. 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant lemon pudding mix3. 1 3/4 cups water4. 3 egg whites5. 3/4 cup nonfat milk6. 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract7. 1 (1 ounce) package instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix8. 1 (8 ounce) container frozen light whipped topping, thawed

DIRECTIONS:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 10x15 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.In a large bowl, mix together cake mix and pudding mix. Pour in water and egg whites. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Increase speed to high and beat for 4 minutes. Pour batter into prepared 10x15 inch pan.Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.In a large bowl, combine milk, lemon extract and vanilla pudding mix. Beat on low for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled cake. Store cake in refrigerator.

PREP TIME:15 mins

cook TIME:28 mins

ready in:43 mins

Healthy Recipe

Sugar-Free

Lemon Cake

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Happy New Year’s, Let’s make this New Year a true celebration of the spirit of good will and fellowship to everyone we meet, in particular the seniors of this parish! Please take a moment to join me in praying for all the seniors of this parish, especially those that live daily with essential needs unmet. Let’s remember that often times the holidays can be difficult for those that have lost loved ones and are dealing with tough times. I want to personally take a moment to wish you all a Happy New Year! May you be surrounded by love and happiness while finding the time to share treasured moments. Our family at the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging is truly blessed and honored to be able to serve the seniors of this parish. Love and Blessings,From the EBRCOA staff and myself Tasha Clark-AmarChief Executive Officer

Peoples Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract to offer HMO plans. Enrollment depends on annual Medicare contract renewal.

H1961_EBRCAMME Accepted

Includes the Official Medicare booklet from

the Social Security Administration.

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Call 1-855-301-9662 (TTY: 711)Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Medicare Made EasyMedicare Made Easy

New Year’s MessageChief Executive Officer’ s

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Vivian Baranco 1.) Spending time with family2.) Enjoying Shopping

B.P. Oneill 1.) Enjoying the Christmas Decorations2.) Brother’s Birthday & Jesus’ Birthday

Sally Washington1.) Resting/Relaxing2.) Spending time with Family

Ursula Brady1.) Enjoying Shopping/Seeing Family2.) Exchanging Gifts

Sarah Price1.) Attending church with family2.) Exchange Gifts3.) Preparing Christmas Dinner

Margaret Bradley1.) Great Food2.) Viewing Holiday Decorations

[Ask a Senior]What do you like most about the holidays?

We asked EBRCOA Seniors and here’s what they had to say.

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Baton RougeTaste of

EBRCOA Administrative Staff with Former Governor Kathleen Blanco Babineaux

Randy Haynie & EBRCOA Board Chairman- Johnny Anderson

Baker Mayor Harold M. Rideau, EBRCOA Board Member A.J. Walls & Councilman Trey Welch

Tasha Clark-Amar EBRCOA CEO, EBRCOA Senior & Shontell LeBeouf, COO

Sugar Belle’s Owner, Kasie Coleman Chef Jim Urdialest

Chef Charles Wilford

EBRCOA Seniors with Former Governor Blanco

Representative Pat Smith & William Mosley

Tasha Clark-Amar, EBRCOA CEO & Former Governor Kathleen Blanco

Councilwoman Joyce Burges- Baker, Louisiana Mr. Edward Pratt & Mr. Paul BrumfieldJay Williams, Executive Assistant & Councilwoman Denise Marcelle

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EBR Elective Officials Dancing with the Seniors

Tasha Clark-Amar, EBRCOA CEO, Donna Britt and Laura Westbrook- WAFB Television News Anchors

Jay Williams, Executive Assistant poses with EBRCOA Senior

Volunteers serving Seniors Dinner

Volunteers serving Seniors Dinner

EBRCOA Senior, Trudy Bihm, RD, Tasha Clark-Amar, EBRCOA CEO

Seniors getting their “Dance On”

EBR Elected Officials

Mayor-President -Honorable Melvin “Kip” Holden

Donna Britt poses with EBRCOA Senior

US Congressman Cedric Richmond & EBRCOA Board Chairman

Johnny G. Anderson

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In 2011, 4.8 million Americans over the age of 60 were food insecure. This constitutes 8.4% of all seniors.

The number of food insecure seniors is projected to increase by 50% when the youngest of the Baby Boom Generation reaches age 60 in 2025.

Seniors are more likely to be food insecure if they : 1. Live in a southern state2. Are younger3. Live with a grandchild4. Are African American5. Are Hispanic

For seniors, protecting oneself from food insecurity and hunger is more difficult than for the general population. For example, a study that focused on the experience of food insecurity among the elderly population found that food insecure seniors sometimes had enough money to pur-chase food but did not have the resources to access or prepare food due to lack of transportation, functional limitations, or health problems.

The number of older adults is projected to increase over the next decade and continue to rise in the following decade. In 2040 there will be 79.7 million older adults, more than twice as many as in 2000. Additionally, the senior population is becoming increasingly

diverse. Between 2012 and 2030, the white population of 65 and plus is projected to increase by 54%

compared with 125% of older minorities.

These changing demographics will have profound impacts on the demand for social services, especially the need for adequate and culturally appropriate nutrition services. Seniors may have unique nutritional needs and challenges that separate them from the rest of the

population and must be considered.

In 2012, 2.8 million (8.8%) households with seniors experienced food insecurity. 1.1

million (9.1%) households composed of seniors living alone experience food insecurity.

SeniorHungerFacts

Statistics courtesy of feedingamerica.org

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www.ebrcoa.org/support

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Visit us online today: www.ebrcoa.org/support

Join EBRCOA as we continue to reach our goal. “NO SENIOR SHOULD GO HUNGRY”

did you know?

A recent study from the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger found that Louisiana has the sixth highest percentage of seniors who go hungry.

Which state has the mostsenior hunger?

Most senior hunger:Arkansas — 24.23%

Mississippi — 20.49%Alabama — 20.34%

Nevada — 18.8%

Tennessee — 18.79%

Louisiana — 18.76%Texas — 18.35%

New Mexico — 18.05%Georgia — 17.52%

South Carolina — 17.38%

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