We can barely turn around without seeing advertising for the next "big holiday" in stores, magazines, cooking shows, and local celebrations. Halloween becomes Christmas with hardly a pause for Thanksgiving in between, and then, before we know it, it's Valentine's Day!
 
But whatever happened to some of those holidays we enjoyed in the past, the ones that don't have special desserts or sales or gifts?  Do you recall these?
 
Arbor Day.  Can you remember planting trees as a Bluebird or Cub Scout at the end of April each year? This holiday still shows up on the calendar, but it rarely makes the news. Established in the United States in 1872, President Theodore Roosevelt issued an Arbor Day Proclamation specifically to children in 1907, which is why tree planting was a focus for children's organizations and school groups for years. 
 
Flag Day. The official flag of the United States was adopted in 1777, but there was no Flag Day until 1949. A few communities still host parades on Flag Day in June, and many people fly their flags at home on this day. This year, President Joseph Biden issued a proclamation declaring a "Flag Week," following Flag Day.
 
Birthdays. Of course people still celebrate birthdays, and children's parties have grown from a little cake and ice cream to a celebration for dozens at a theme park. But what did you do on your birthday as a child? Did someone bake you a special cake? Was there an extra candle on top, called "one to grow on?" Some families gave playful, non-painful "spankings," one for each year of the child's age. (Maybe it's best that some holiday traditions pass away.)
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264

As we age and confront changes in our homes, we might find that we no longer have the space to hang every plate, shelve every Beanie Baby or store every Christmas sweater. But we just can't throw everything away! We spent good money on those things, we thought some of them would increase in value, and besides, we can still drink out of that Looney Tunes glass.
 
What can we do when we just can't throw things away?
 
Figure out why we're keeping it. Is it useful? Do we love it so much we just can't part with it? If someone gave us a newer version, could we get rid of the older one? If it really doesn't serve any purpose, useful or aesthetic, it might be time to let go.
 
Ponder what will become of it later. Do our heirs want our fishing rod collection? If so, why not give it to them now? If not a single member of the family wants the Spode china, and we never use it, there's no point in keeping it now, even if it was Grandmother's treasure. 
 
Will someone else treasure it? The local historical society might love to put our aunt's cedar chest on display. A women's shelter could use the piles of blankets or set of glasses we can't use anymore. The children down the street might actually love to select something from our Santa Claus collection. 
 
Passing things along is not waste. In fact, it's more wasteful to clutter the home with excess when it could be functional or beloved somewhere else. We've enjoyed our collections. Maybe it's time to pass them on.
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213

The National Institute on Aging says, "More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year." These falls are often life-changing. A broken bone, a stay in the hospital or weeks of physical therapy can follow.
 
But there are some simple ways to minimize your chance of falling.
 
1. To begin with, talk to your health care provider about your medications. Many can contribute to dizziness, confusion or other factors which could make you unsteady. 
 
2. Aging causes new problems, but you can be prepared despite getting older. Foot problems from diabetes, slower reflexes, muscle weakness, gait issues-- all of these can be improved with the diet, exercise, or medical care. Stay as active as possible.
 
3. Dress sensibly. Find supportive shoes, hem up too-long pants, and don't walk around in stocking feet.
 
4. Take a look at your home. Eliminate slippery throw rugs and anything blocking a pathway. Put more lighting in dark spots and have a flashlight handy. Get rid of the clutter! 
 
5. You can keep your independence, but still get help when you need it, either from handy tools like reach sticks or by asking a friend or family member to do the little chores that call for a step stool. 
 
And if you do take a tumble, tell your doctor. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) says that falling once increases your chances of falling again, but many people never report this to a health care professional.
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264

Life's circumstances make almost everyone alone at one time or another, but being lonely is much different from being alone. Even if we enjoy time to ourselves, pursuing a quiet hobby like fly-fishing or reading, being isolated from others too much of the time can be damaging to our mental and physical health.
 
Emotional pain of any kind, including loneliness, can affect our body's health, sometimes contributing to chronic inflammation. It can keep us awake at night and increase our risk of dementia. Feeling cut off from others can actually make us sick! 
 
We're not powerless, however. Depending on our circumstances, we can:

• Find a class or club to join, when safety rules allow.

 

• Volunteer! Studies show that volunteering can improve both physical and cognitive health.

 

• Adopt a pet. Nothing attracts people more quickly than a cute animal being walked. And when there aren't people around, pets provide companionship. 

 

• Talk to strangers. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, service providers, bus driver, others standing in lines.

 

• See a therapist. Your health care provider will be able to make recommendations about the right person for you.

 
Going to new groups or talking to strangers may be uncomfortable at first. Every new thing takes some practice. But the reward for the initial discomfort could be some good friends and better health!
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264

What official documents should you definitely keep in some safe place where you or, when necessary, your family member or designated executor can find them easily?
 
1.Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and/or for Finances
In a POA, you give another person the authority to act on your behalf in certain circumstances. Your health care provider may want you to have a medical POA on file at the medical office.
2.HIPAA Release
This form must be signed before your chosen loved ones can be allowed to view your medical records or get updates from your doctors.
3.Last Will & Testament
Your assets, desires and family can change throughout the years. Make sure that your will provides for your survivors in the way you currently choose.
4.Living Will
This document tells others what kind of medical treatments you prefer to receive (or not receive) if you can no longer make decisions for yourself.
5.Life Insurance Policies
6.Birth Certificate/ Marriage License/ Divorce Degree
7.List of banks, safe deposit boxes, policies
If you are, for any period of time, unable to give information to your loved ones, a record that you prepare in advance, listing your assets and where to find them, will be invaluable.
8.Personal items distribution
Your legal Will might not go into specifics about certain sentimental items. If you wish to leave the china to your nephew or the vintage motorcycle to your granddaughter, write it down and make sure your family knows where to find the list. This could save hard feelings among people you love.
 
Above all, discuss these documents with those who may help care for you when you can no longer handle everything yourself. When someone is hospitalized or terminally ill is not the time for family members to have to search for documents to help with care.
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264
 
 

Do you ever find yourself thinking about a TV program that you enjoyed years ago or a favorite movie star? Maybe you haven't read lately about a particular politician who was a world leader or a musician who used to appear on every stage. Many of the famous people from the 1940s through the 1960s have passed on, but some surprising celebrities are still alive and active.
 
Norman Lear is 99 years old and he isn't planning to retire, despite his long career in television and movies, social activism and doing good for others. Most people remember the ground-breaking series "All in the Family," but Lear has recently re-imagined a Cuban-American version of the old show "One Day at a Time." He's also been planning television comedies that feature senior citizens.
 
Henry Kissinger, the former United States Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973. He's still with us, aged 99. He recently spoke at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting, giving his highly-informed views on the current conflict in Ukraine.
 
Everyone knows that Bob Barker, now 98, hosted "The Price is Right" TV game show. He did it for 35 years, making it the longest-running game show ever, as well as the highest-rated. Despite some health concerns with skin cancer, Barker still actively promotes the care of animals, a vegetarian diet and physical exercise.
 
June Lockhart, born in 1925, was acclaimed on Broadway, won multiple theater awards and went on to a successful career in television, best remembered for the 1954 series "Lassie," and 1965's "Lost in Space." Only a year ago, she was voicing a role in a Netflix series of "Lost in Space."
 
Age brings limitations, but some of the real "stars" never stop shining. 
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264

"Every good conversation starts with good listening." Sometimes talking to a loved one is effortless and time runs out before all of the news is shared. But at other times, conversing is difficult, with long pauses or inattention. What can we do to have great conversations with the people we love?
 
Give them our full attention. Put away the cell phone, don't check your watch, sit where you can see and hear well. Choose a quiet place to be together.
 
Don't interrupt, even if someone seems to be searching for a word. Interruptions often change the subject entirely, leaving the speaker feeling unfinished or unheard.
 
Don't jump around. Keep your topics as still as your body and mind. Jumping from one subject to another can be confusing. Important details can get lost in a tangle of subjects.
 
Accept differences of opinion. Even people who love one another will not agree on everything. If an opinion is expressed that riles you, it's still good practice to keep listening. Everyone might learn something. You can add relevant information, but there is no need to "win" an argument.
 
Choose interesting topics. Ask people about their past, their achievements and what they think about the present. Talk about changes during their lifetime, such as technology or manners. Share your thoughts and memories when appropriate, but encourage your loved one to do the talking. 
 
Many seniors spend a great deal of time alone or watching television. A shared conversation can be great medicine and brighten days. The memory of the conversation will enrich later hours, as well.
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264