The JAAs Mollies Meals program delivers over 28,000 meals annually to seniors in the Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, and Shadyside areas. Dedicated volunteers bring nutritious meal options directly to the doors of homebound older adults who are unable to prepare their own meals. In addition to providing a hearty meal, these visits also offer a friendly greeting and an opportunity for connection.In partnership with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, the program ensures that these fresh meals are affordable, thanks to subsidies. Designed to be easily microwaved or frozen for future use, the meals offer flexibility and convenience for the recipients.But dont just take our word for it! Hear from one of our very satisfied customers: I am a relatively active senior but have a difficult time shopping and Im not always motivated to cook for myself. My out-of-town daughter encouraged me to try Mollies Meals. And I am so glad that I did. Now mealtime is a treat! I anxiously await the arrival of my cheerful volunteer who always has an extra minute to visit while she makes sure I am well! Your meals have truly changed my life and my outlook! I cant thank you enough. PS. My daughter AND my doctor second those words of gratitude!!Mollies Meals isnt just about providing foodits also about the relationships our volunteers build with recipients. These bonds allow our volunteers to notice when something is wrong. For instance, when Chris arrived to deliver Mr. Hs meal, she grew concerned when he hadnt picked up his morning newspaper and wasnt answering his phone. Then, when he didnt answer his door as usual, she contacted the Mollies Meals office. We reached out to his nearby emergency contact who had a key. It turned out Mr. H had fallen and couldnt reach the phone or door. Thanks to our driver, Mr. H was able to get the help he needed. After a few days in the hospital, Mr. H was back on his feet and now wears a life alert button.If you would like to register yourself or a loved one to receive Mollies Meals, or if you would like to become one of our compassionate volunteer deliverers, please call the Mollies Meals office at 412-521-7616.-Sharyn Rubin, MEdDirector of Resident & Community Services
As we gracefully embrace the golden years, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize our health and well-being. Maintaining an active and independent lifestyle is within reach if we take proactive steps to protect our bodies from injuries. By adopting a few simple habits and making conscious choices, seniors can enhance their overall physical resilience and savor life to the fullest. Try to incorporate any of the following seven valuable strategies for safeguarding your body and ensuring a healthier and more independent future.The Need to Stay Physically Active as Seniors Get OlderRegular physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy aging. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Incorporate these activities into your daily routine to enhance overall fitness levels and reduce the risk of falls. Remember to consult your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen. Not sure where to start? CLICK HERE to read Your Everyday Guide to Exercise and Physical Activity from the National Institute on Aging.Prioritize Strength Training to Improve Your Senior FitnessAs we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important. Incorporate strength training exercises into your fitness routine to preserve muscle strength and bone density. Resistance bands, light weights, or bodyweight exercises can be beneficial for improving strength and mobility. Seek guidance from a qualified trainer or physical therapist to design a personalized strength training program. Not sure where to start? CLICK HERE to read Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Maintain a Balanced Diet in Your Golden YearsEating a well-balanced diet is vital for overall health and injury prevention. Ensure that your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D can promote bone health, reducing the risk of fractures. Before starting any new diet, make sure to consult your physician or a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance based on your specific needs.Protect Your Joints More Important as Seniors AgeJoint health plays a significant role in maintaining mobility and senior independence. To protect your joints, maintain a healthy weight to minimize stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Engage in low-impact activities to reduce joint strain. If you experience joint pain or stiffness, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment options.Seniors: You Need to Mind Your Posture!Maintaining good posture is crucial for preventing injuries and minimizing discomfort. Practice proper alignment when sitting, standing, or walking. Use supportive chairs and ergonomic accessories that promote good posture. Engage in exercises that target core strength, which can improve posture and reduce the risk of falls.Create a Safe Living Environment to Age Well at HomeEnsure that your home is a safe haven by making necessary modifications. Remove clutter, secure rugs to prevent slipping, and install handrails in key areas, such as staircases and bathrooms. Adequate lighting throughout the house is essential for preventing falls. Consider utilizing assistive devices like grab bars and non-slip mats to enhance safety.Getting Enough Sleep Boosts Overall Senior HealthQuality sleep is vital for overall health and injury prevention. Aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Maintain a regular sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime. Consult your healthcare professional if you experience sleep-related difficulties. CLICK HERE to read Good Sleep for Good Health from the National Institutes of Health.Staying Socially Engaged Preserves Senior Mental and Physical HealthSocial connections contribute to our mental and emotional well-being, which indirectly affects our physical health. Engage in activities that foster social connections and combat loneliness. Join community groups, clubs, or volunteer organizations that align with your interests. Staying socially active can boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall vitality. CLICK HERE to read Best Practices for Helping Older Adults Stay Socially Engaged from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.Its Never Too Late for Seniors to Make Positive Lifestyle ChangesBy implementing these strategies, seniors can take proactive steps to protect their bodies from injury and maintain their independence. Prioritizing physical activity, strength training, balanced nutrition, and a safe living environment are fundamental pillars of healthy aging. By adopting these habits and staying socially engaged, seniors can lead fulfilling lives and embrace the joys of independence with confidence and vitality. Remember, its never too late to start making positive changes for your well-being. Embrace the journey.
In the popular imagination, receiving an inheritance always sounds like a good thing after all, who doesnt want a financial windfall? And inheritances can certainly be life-altering events. But they can cause challenges, so youll want to help your heirs be prepared. To assist in this preparation, try to address some key questions affecting your heirs: Do they know whats in your estate plans? Your family and other heirs will be much better prepared to deal with an inheritance if they know what to expect. Thats why its so important that you share your estate plans with everyone involved. You need to let them know the wishes and decisions youve expressed in your will and other legal arrangements, such as a living trust. Of course, sharing this information doesnt necessarily mean that all your heirs will be completely satisfied with your choices but at least they wont be surprised, and perhaps will be less likely to cause disputes when the time comes to settle your estate. Will they know what to do with the money or other assets? You may be planning to leave your grown children a sizable amount of assets, possibly including cash, stocks, real estate, IRAs, 401Ks or other types of valuable personal property. But this inheritance brings with it several possible questions: Do your heirs already have an investment platform ready to accept inherited stocks? If you do leave behind rental property or a vacation home, can it be easily sold? These types of issues are generally not hard to resolve, but the more prepared your heirs are for their inheritance, the quicker they can take whatever actions are needed. Are they prepared to handle any taxes that may result from the inheritance? Unless you have a very large estate, your heirs likely wont face federal estate taxes. (In 2024, the first $13.61 million of an estate is exempt from federal estate taxes.) However, other types of taxes may apply. A few states assess state inheritance taxes, and your heirs could incur federal and/or state income taxes when they withdraw money from inherited assets funded with pre-tax dollars, such as some retirement accounts. They could also face capital gains taxes when they sell inherited assets, such as stocks, for more than they were worth at the time of the inheritance. In any case, inheritance-related taxes can be complex, so you and your family and other heirs should discuss these issues with your tax advisor. Will they be liable for any outstanding expenses? If you have developed a comprehensive estate plan, it's unlikely your heirs will be on the hook for any outstanding expenses, such as credit card balances or funeral costs. If you do still carry a mortgage, though, and you are planning on leaving your house to your heirs, they may want to be prepared to act quickly to sell it. When leaving an inheritance, theres a lot involved emotionally, financially and legally. So, do whatever you can to make the entire process as easy as possible for your loved ones. By communicating your wishes regarding the inheritance, and by considering all the issues that may arise, you can go a long way toward achieving the outcomes you desire. Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL 34205941-462-2445chad.chaote@edwardjones.comThis article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.