Talk shows, social media and conversations are always reminding us about the so-called "Good Old Days." Not all of the past was golden, that's for sure. Poverty, wars, racial injustice, epidemics: there are many things that were not better in the past. But the old-time pleasures are still great to look back on and recall. Sharing memories of good times past with others can make new memories and pass along important values.

• People were better

Remembering good people in our lives is a real pleasure. A great way to honor those who have passed before is to talk about them. One philosophy is that people never die as long as they are remembered. Sure, Aunt Laura might have seemed grumpy or Grandfather might have had many health problems, but sharing their stories is a great way to keep them alive.

• TV was better

There have always been plenty of failures on television, but who can forget such gems as "I Love Lucy" and "Father Knows Best," "Good Times" and "The Man from U.N.C.LE"? In half an hour, a family could learn to trust each other, a crabby neighbor could be softened or an important mission could be accomplished with minimal bloodshed. Language and humor in almost every show was safe for everyone!

• Cars were better

Get a group of citizens over 65 together and sooner or later, the topic will turn to the cars they loved or hated. Who doesn't have a story about a "lemon" or the car they learned to drive in or a beauty that they restored by hand? Car safety and function may be improving all the time, but nothing can be better than those beautiful old vehicle designs.

• Everything felt better

As aging and mobility issues become more prominent in lives of elders, the past starts to feel like a time of no pain or worries. Roller-skating is recalled without the hurt of the skinned knees. Child-bearing is forgotten as new generations bring joy. Even losses and heartaches soften over time. Reflection can lead to a new, peaceful view of past times.
 
Yet while remembering things from the past that were beloved and pleasurable, it can be important to look around at the present. Take time to appreciate advances in medicine and convenience, to enjoy technology and advancing ideas, and to value what has been made much better, so that each day can be one of the "Good New Days."

Kim Rayas
Residence 600
kim@residence600.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300
 

Have you heard people say that "growing old is no fun?" Who says? Retirement no longer means sitting in a rocking chair just watching other people enjoy life. There are plenty of ways to still have fun as seniors.
 
1. Take a Chance
            Games can be individual activities, like playing Solitaire or working a Sudoku puzzle, or group enterprises, such as the card game Hearts or a trivia game. The brain activity provided by counting, guessing, figuring and laughing is a tremendous advantage to mental health and a scheduled "game night" on the calendar can also provide something to look forward to.
 
2. Take a Moment
            Even if the family is too busy to stop by for long visiting sessions, memories and thoughts can be shared through writing. Many people this their life was routine or ordinary, but everyone has real stories, heartbreaks, obstacles and successes to pass along to others. An older adult can jot down notes about their time in a war or their reactions to a historical event. Maybe share some gardening secrets or memories of a teaching career. The budding writer might have some hilarious tales to tell. If hand-writing is hard, enlist a younger relative to "take dictation" for an hour or so at a time or use a small recording device. The process of writing can actually prevent age-related brain shrinkage.
 
3. Take a Walk
            The simple act of taking a walk is one of the best ways to keep healthy. Even a stroll around the block or up the hallway and back can add to a senior's strength, balance, lung function and eyesight. New vistas and scenery can soothe the mind: a bird's nest, a holiday decoration, a child at play or new models of cars all provide new "brain food."
 
4. Take the Plunge
            Swimming can be a safe and healthy way for seniors to spend time. While being a calm way to lower blood pressure and increase strength, it's easy on the joints and can help fight osteoporosis. Some classes at a local gym or community pool are geared especially to seniors, with helpful instructors and fun music.
 
5. Take the Stage
            "Let's put on a show," was often the delighted cry of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, and it's still a wonderful idea. Many residential or worship centers provide activities for seniors to act, sing, or dance. Cardiovascular health, serotonin levels, balance and memory can all be improved by getting creative in these active ways. 
 
Kim Rayas
Residence 600
kim@residence600.com
​785-822-7294

 Residential care facilities follow strict guidelines, rules and regulations which will help keep residents safe and healthy. But after a long, isolated time during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many questions about what safety precautions are necessary. What are some sensible guidelines for getting out into daily life now that many have had vaccines?
 
Who is Still at Risk?
 
It continues to be wise to use extra care if you have an immune-deficiency condition, have recently had or are having chemotherapy, or if you are an older citizen. Washing hands is still a great idea, and if you have any doubts about the health of others you might gather with, stay away. Some people, those with certain health conditions or young children, cannot be vaccinated. Others may choose not to be. There are still risks of transmission of the COVID-19 virus and its variations, but conditions are improving.
 
Am I Safe from the Virus?
 
As of two weeks after your final vaccination (some come in two doses, some in one), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that it is safe for you to be in an indoor group of people who have all been vaccinated, without having to wear a mask. An extended-family dinner or birthday party is considered fine in this scenario. Say hello to your family and friends again. Game night is on!
 
What Advice Do Professionals Give?
 
Health-care professionals, from the CDC to emergency care nurses, still advise that the best way to stay well is to get vaccinated. Keep wearing a mask in crowded conditions. If the option is available, choose patio seating instead of a crowded restaurant. Avoid huge crowds, concerts, movie theatres. Stay out of unventilated buildings. There is no situation in which there is no risk, but after having a vaccine, your life can begin to open up again. 
 
Whom Can I Trust?
 
With many rumors and media articles giving out conflicting theories it's hard to know what is right or wrong, but consulting your Primary Care Physician is always the best idea. With their help, you can make well-informed personal decisions about your health care. Your own experiences from the past (such as living through the polio epidemic or hearing stories of epidemics) should inform your fact-gathering.
 
Above all, be patient as institutions and services open up to the public again. Be kind with care-givers and health-care workers who have been on the front lines during the pandemic. Working together, with a smile and some thoughtfulness, is great medicine!

Kim Rayas
Residence 600
kim@residence600.com
​785-822-7294

 Are you taking the time to really listen to what your senior friend has to say or are you assuming that you already know? If your conversations generally revolve around the weather or a favorite television competition, you might want to dig a little deeper and find out more about your loved one. In doing this, you will have a richer relationship and be better able to help improve the life of your special senior. They might want you to know things like these:

• Don't always try to cheer us up. Don't be afraid to talk about the hard issues, like illness, upcoming medical procedures, matters of faith, even death. These things are on the minds of most people, no matter what their age. Trying to put on a cheerful attitude at all times can close you off from hearing the real fears or expectations of your senior loved one. 
• Our past was interesting, too. Seniors may love hearing about their grandchildren or nephews and nieces—the ballet recitals, ball games, graduations and new babies. Sharing pictures and stories of these moments with them can be precious. But seniors have lived rich lives themselves: played ball, danced and raised families. They started careers, failed at things, lost loved ones, found love. Take time to ask about these events from the past while you are part of their present.
• We have valuable things to tell you. Economic depressions, war years, historical events, political campaigns, societal shifts: seniors have lived through these things, some of them more than once. Reading about other times in history books is one thing but listening to seniors can give you a vivid picture of noteworthy events.
• There are ways you can help. New prescriptions or treatments can be confusing. Working through explanations together can be helpful. A senior might want to talk to an old friend or distant relative but negotiating the telephone or Zoom could be just too complicated. Simply offering to be there to help with a phone call or doctor visit might be an important aid for a senior.
• It may be time to reveal some secrets. People from earlier eras might have hidden information about divorces, mental health, children given in adoption or other sensitive matters. Better informed now, your loved one might be ready to pass along information to you that could be helpful to understand family relationships or health patterns. Make sure that your senior knows that they can confide in you without being judged. Be prepared for what you might hear!

 
Sometimes people simply want to be in your presence, comfortable with being together in friendship or family relationship. Playing their favorite songs from the past or paging together through old magazines can be openings for important conversations. Seniors have had lives which might surprise you, cause you sadness or delight you, but you will do yourself and your loved one a service by listening to what they want to say.
 
Kim Rayas
Residence 600
kim@residence600.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300
 
 
 

 Toddlers or teens may protest visiting a senior relative. The expectation that they will have to sit quietly and stay off their hand-held devices can certainly be unappealing to the younger generation. However, the attitude that you present when you arrange visits between grandchildren and grandparent, for instance, can have a major influence on how much everyone enjoys the experience. There are simple things that you can do to make the combination of youth and age produce more harmony than discord.
 
1. Show your children that you are eager to go. Phrases like "We have to visit Nana" or "I know you don't want to go, but Poppa wants to see you" could doom you to failure. Try suggesting, "Let's ask Aunt Louise to tell us about the clothes teenagers used to wear" or "Did you know that Uncle Frank used to drive a race car?" Senior living facilities often have fun attractions like fish tanks, popcorn machines, libraries or live entertainment. You might time a visit to coincide with the ice cream social.
 
2. Teach your young people something about their senior loved one. Go through the photo album before your visit. Point out that Cousin Leon won trophies for track, GrandDad visited fourteen foreign countries or former-neighbor Jackie cooked for cowboys at a Western ranch. Real details about your loved one's life can show your children that the people they will visit are unique and special.
 
3. Invent some pastimes to help seniors and young people interact. Try a spelling bee between Gran and your elementary scholars. Ask the teenagers to make cookies in advance. Think up some questions, like "What chores did you do as a kid?" or "What was the strangest food you ever tasted?" to inspire some deep sharing or some giggles. Either way, the generations will learn something about each other. 
 
4. Find out about other people in the senior living facility. By greeting others who live in the same area as your loved one, you can show your children that all people matter. If you take a treat or decoration to your own friend, you can take along extras for your child to give to roommates or table mates. Even little children can make greeting cards; shy youngsters can give a piece of candy; or preteens can demonstrate a magic trick. Ask your teen what they might share: a piano piece, a rap song, the recollection of an amazing play in that week's football game. If they are prepared in advance, they may be less hesitant to open up to loved ones and strangers alike.
 
Empathy and kindness are skills which can be taught to your children and grandchildren.  Don't forget: they may be visiting you someday!
 
Kim Rayas
Residence 600
kim@residence600.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300
 

​How to Talk (and Listen) to Your Senior Loved One
 
Perhaps you've taken time from your job or traveled from another state to visit your aging friend or relative. You want to make the most of your time together. But sometimes it seems that they aren't really listening to you or are distracted. You may leave thinking you just didn't get any satisfactory visiting done. 
 
Yet, your senior loved one still wants to hear what you have to say and wants to communicate with you, too. Physical changes make hearing and speaking harder.  If you understand ways to help, your conversations should improve and give joy to everyone.

• Aging affects speech and hearing. As bones age, they change shape, including in the rib cage which restricts breathing. Decreased heart function, lack of physical strength, and fading hearing make the actual work of speaking and listening a real challenge. The strain of failing to hear or to be heard may simply make someone give up trying. Be aware of the physical limitations of your loved one.
• Time of day matters. Aging adults have better cognitive function between 8:30 and 10:30 in the morning than later in the day or in the evening. Time your visit for the hours when they are energetic and alert, not just before naptime or after a meal.
• You can set the stage. Sit near enough to be heard, but not in front of a bright window. Adjust the light in the room so that you can be seen face-to-face, which will help them read your lips and expressions as an aid to conversation. Reach out and touch when appropriate and add emphasis with social cues like smiling, patting, or nodding.
• Don't make it harder. Speak clearly. Keep your hands away from your mouth. Don't chew gum or hold a water bottle in front of your face while you're talking. Don't turn away or get distracted by your phone. Keep your attention on the one you are conversing with. Don't tire your friend with a long visit.
• Listening is just as important as talking. It might take longer for your senior friend to express what they want to say, so give them plenty of time and encouragement. Ask leading questions, like "Do you want to tell me about your day?" or "Is there something I should know?" instead of routinely inquiring about their meals. Because a person is aging doesn't make them boring or want to be bored. They may have opinions on current events, stories about friends and relatives, or just a need to tell you how much they love you.

 
If your first conversations seem frustrating, keep trying. No matter what their situation, everyone wants to communicate with others. You might find unexpected gems of wisdom if you speak effectively and listen carefully.
 
Kim Rayas
Residence 600
kim@residence600.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300

A 90th anniversary celebration of "The Star-Spangled Banner" officially becoming the national anthem of the United States took place Wednesday at Residence 600. 

Residents sang and commemorated the event with help from the Salina VFW Auxiliary. Residence 600 is a senior living community at 600 E. Elm Street in Salina.

Kathy McCandless, junior vice president of the VFW Auxiliary was invited by Kim Rayas, executive director of Residence 600, to collaborate on an anniversary event.

“We thought it was a great idea,” said McCandless. “In addition to flags for everyone, we have commemorative coins for all veterans here today. On the back they say, thank you for your service.”

There were four veterans present among the 40 gathered for the festive outdoor ceremony.

The familiar lyrics of the song are from a poem written by lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key. The poem, entitled "The Defence of Fort McHenry," was written after Key witnessed the bombing of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812.

The next morning he saw the flag still flying and began to write the patriotic poem. The flag had 15 stars and 15 stripes and it was sewn by Mary Young Pickersgill. The flag became known as The Star-Spangled Banner.

Key’s poem was matched with an English drinking song by John Stafford Smith and it became popular. The Navy adopted the anthem in 1899. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it the national anthem in 1916, but no legislative action was taken.

The VFW led the fight to make "The Star-Spangled Banner" the national anthem. It played a significant role by gathering over 4 million signatures on a petition in 1929. It still took until March 3, 1931 for Congress to pass a bill and President Hoover signed it into law the next day, March 4, 1931.

“It represents our freedom,” said Terry Rogers, one of the residents. “It’s about the sacrifice that makes it possible for us to be here in America.”

Rogers always feels a sense of pride when he hears the song played.

The VFW Color Guard was invited to present arms and they led the presentation of flags as the anthem was played in front of Residence 600 on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon.

One of those present pre-dated the 90th anniversary. Maxine Skaggs, 101, remembers the anthem from her childhood to this day.

“I think it’s important, but I don’t like it when they jazz it up,” Skaggs said.

Maxine and her husband Leland moved into Residence 600 when it first opened.

“We waited for them to build it," Maxine said. "We lived in Phillipsburg for 50 years, but came here in our 80s to be closer to medical care.”

“I’m also older than the women’s vote,” Maxine said with a smile.

Her husband Leland was a veteran who was assigned to Dwight Eisenhower’s headquarters.

After the ceremony, everyone went inside for refreshments provided by the VFW Auxiliary. One of the veterans who received the commemorative coin was Eugene Rietbrock, who served in the Navy on aircraft carriers for 20 years.

“I remember hearing "The Star-Spangled Banner" when we were in port and they put everyone on deck,” Rietbrock said. “Everyone on the ground was watching us.”
​
“Hearing the national anthem really means a lot to all of us,” Rayas said as she thanked the VFW Auxiliary for the snacks and the celebration of the anniversary for her residents.

​See the full story here:
https://www.salina.com/story/news/2021/03/04/celebrating-90th-birthday-americas-national-anthem/6919170002/?fbclid=IwAR1UGKvajCoaDEEu4ZlcrafdiiK6d1igTydAD1DRNT90UTvmce3agdNjl8o

 While there's nothing wrong with the tried-and-true jewelry, candy and flowers to show that you love your special senior someone, many elders have plenty of necklaces, are on special diets and may have few places to display large flower arrangements. With a bit of creativity, you can still demonstrate your love in unique ways that will please all through the month of February and beyond.

• Send warm wishes with a soft pink sweater or a bold red sweatshirt. Fleece is easily washable and lightweight, perfect for your senior loved one to have nearby and grab when the room gets a bit chilly. During times of isolation, you might not be able to embrace the resident of senior housing, but something warm to wrap around their shoulders will remind them of your hugs.

 

• Choose a heart-shaped container (gift boxes, baskets and tins are all available in this classic shape) and fill it with individually-wrapped goodies. Don't forget their dietary needs: choose sugar-free or low-sodium treats. If they can't enjoy the treats themselves, they will still get pleasure from having something to offer to the aides and others who visit.

 

• Many senior-living facilities have barber and beauty shops, where residents can get their hair or nails done. Contact the residence and pay in advance for a special makeover for the one you love, which can lift their mood, even when you can't be together. The bonus surprise will be when the attendant says, "No charge!"

 

• Buy a few heart-shaped frames and fill them with the latest pictures of the grandchildren and nieces and nephews. If you're crafty, you can add the names of the youngsters to the frames with paint or stickers so that Granddad or Aunt Joan can proudly show off their descendants. Pocket-sized photo albums are an alternative for those who don't have much wall or shelf space.

 

• Cut out colored-paper hearts in the traditional shape of candy conversation hearts. Instead of the standard slogans, write your loved one's nickname or special phrases that have meaning to you and your family. Consider fun ideas like "Lovely Linda" or "Best Papa" or "Groovy Gran." String them together with yarn or ribbon to make a banner or door sign for your senior's apartment.

 
Whether you can celebrate Valentine's Day up close to your senior friend or relative or have to wait for another time to be together, there are many sweet ways to show them that they are always in your heart.
 
Kim Rayas
Residence 600
kim@residence600.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300