Bernita was born on November 22, 1936, in the same house as her dad in Dexter, Minnesota. Every seven years her birthday lands on Thanksgiving. Her parents were farmers who raised livestock and crops. Her dad was a real pet-lover who at one time had 13 dogs on the farm. They moved to Adams (closer to the Iowa border) when
Meet John and Harriet!
To have someone special by your side for 75 years is a treasure. For John and Harriet Henkemeyer, the love story continues! GETTING TO KNOW YOU John and Harriet knew each other as children attending St. Mary’s parochial school in St. Augusta. It appears their paths crossed several times throughout the years. But their first separation happened in third
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Join us as we go purple in June! June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which gives us the space we need to have important conversations about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other diseases related to the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death, and there is no treatment, cure, or way to slow down the disease. We all
Indoor Gardening for Seniors
With numerous physical and psychological benefits, gardening is a great hobby for older adults. Not only is watching something grow from a tiny seed rewarding, gardening is also a great stress reliever. Some studies have shown that gardening is linked to less stress. Not only can it boost serotonin, the feel-good chemical, it can help to boost the immune system
Understanding Your Stroke Risk
May is Stroke Awareness Month. Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It is important to recognize your risk, the warning signs, and what to do if you suspect you or a loved one is having a stroke. What is a Stroke? The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that
Staying Social While Social Distancing
It’s a difficult time for many as we all face social distancing and self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are no longer able to gather in groups over 10, and we’re encouraged to maintain a six-foot distance between us and other individuals. For those living in senior living facilities, nursing homes, and other senior housing options, this can be
Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month
Image Credit: Parkinson’s Foundation April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Through the Parkinson’s Foundation, individuals with Parkinson’s disease are encouraged to share their experience with the disease in order to raise awareness and provide coping methods. What is it? Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurogenerative disorder. It affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain—more specifically referred to as the
Boosting Your Immunity
With the threat of getting the flu, this time of year can be dangerous for older adults. While a younger person may be able to fight the flu easily, an older adult may struggle. Older adults are much more vulnerable to infections and potentially dangerous side effects from the common cold and the flu virus. One of the ways to
Creativity and the Aging Brain
Creativity is essential to the aging mind. Increasing studies are showing that it has a tremendously positive effect on the aging brain. Creativity can foster neuron connectivity, which means it supports brain health. By stimulating cognitive functioning, creative projects can benefit those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. A study on creativity and aging found that creativity has a positive impact on
Cold Weather Activities for Seniors
With the cold winter weather taking over, no one wants to go outside. As temperatures stoop lower and lower, it can be increasingly dangerous for older adults to go outside. Staying inside all winter long can make people feel a bit of cabin fever, but there are some great activities to pass the winter until the warmer temps come around