Many years ago, in the 1960s, while attending a lyceum program at a high school, my interest in polar bears piqued. A local professional photographer presented a program of slide pictures of his recent trip to Northern Canada’s Arctic region to explore the life of polar bears. Thirty years later my wife and I were able to travel to the
Technology Tips for Seniors
The holidays will be vastly different for a lot of people this year, especially seniors. Because of COVID-19, large holiday gatherings are not recommended. That doesn’t mean we all can’t still enjoy the holidays, but we will have to be a little bit creative in how we do so. One of the ways we can still enjoy the holidays is
Breast Cancer and the Older Adult Population
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to discuss breast cancer and the risk in the older adult population. The biggest risk factors for getting breast cancer are getting older and being a woman. Women over fifty are the most likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. The median age of diagnosis is 62, and approximately one quarter
Flu Season Tips for Older Adults
The experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe that it’s more important now than ever in 2020 for older adults to get a flu vaccination because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistically speaking, older adults over age 65 are more likely to require hospitalization after contracting COVID-19, and their death rates are higher too. The same goes
Meet Darlene!
Darlene Johnson has been a part of our Good Shepherd Family since 2017. Darlene is feisty and she would not disagree with that description. She does not “sit on the fence” and feels it is important to speak her mind and knows what is best for herself. This strength has served her well as she worked, raised a family, and
Meet Dorothy!
Dorothy was born in September 1927 on the family farm in rural Lyon County located near Marshall, Minnesota. Her parents were farmers who grew crops and raised livestock. She was the second oldest of four children. As with farm families, she grew up doing chores and learning the value of a good work ethic. She attended a small school in
Moving During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The pandemic has reshaped how we think about nearly every facet of life. But it has also taught us that where there’s a will, there’s a way. It may be different, but it can still be good. Moving is no exception. We have heard from many older adults that they are waiting to move. For some, that decision is right
Meet Roy!
It’s summer and for Roy Tomala that sparks many pleasant memories of growing up on a farm in Center Valley near Pierz, Minnesota. The farm was truly a family operation and instilled a work ethic that continues to this day. Growing up on a farm also included the best that Minnesota has to offer, hunting and fishing. Rural living often
Meet Donna!
Donna was born on February 9th, 1937 in Northeast Minneapolis. She lived with her mom, brother, and extended family while growing up. Her mom worked as a full-time janitor cleaning passenger trains at night, so she did not get to see her very much. Having to help around the house at a young age taught her to contribute and the
Raising Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness
For the Good Shepherd Community, each September doesn’t just represent the changing of the seasons and the transition to colder weather. Each September, Good Shepherd gathers a team together to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. We are proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association, and we think it’s important that everyone knows a little bit more about the