The Greatest Generation Alive and Well at Villa!
Mar 04, 2016
Email US
Click to Email Us
Dad has always been about being the best and doing the right thing, he attested. Baseball was his passion and even when he had a chance to play with the big leagues, he did the right thing.
At Normandy High School in St. Louis, Bob excelled in academics and athletics. He loved football, wrestling and baseball. As pitcher, he was passionate about baseball. But WWII would engender another passion: Patriotism. Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the US Marines. Marines Supreme! he proudly trumpets. He became an M-1 Rifle Sharpshooter, earning the rank of Corporal prior to his honorable discharge. This would compel his confidence to make good on the GI Bill and he enrolled at the University of Missouri Columbia where he became the star pitcher for the Tigers.
His son tells the story that when the Yankees recruited his father after college graduation, Bob heeded the counsel of his own father regarding a conflict he faced. He was engaged to a girl who had just been diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease. He knew it just wouldnt be right to leave her, Jason said, citing the rigors of continuous travel that characterize the life of a professional ball player. And Jason Jay Boehlow knows first-hand that life on the road can be tough having played First Baseman for the Chicago Cubs.
Bob went on to teach and coach baseball at Riverview Gardens High School in St. Louis where he would eventually meet the art teacher who became the love of his life, Majorie Selindh. (I majored in kissing, Bob interjects with an enormous grin.) As was typical in the day, if you coached a sport, you also taught Drivers Ed. However, Bob was no ordinary instructor. His wheels were always turning, Jason said of his fathers entrepreneurial inclinations.In response to instructing the anticipatory dangers of driving, Bob designed and marketed the first simulator, allowing for student mastery without actually getting behind the wheel. He also built the first solar house in St. Louis from the ground up, Jason added. Perhaps Bobs finest hour occurred in 1985 when he was inducted into the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall
of Fame.
By 2008, Bob and his wife were eager to embark on their retirement and the sunshine of Naples. But recently, when he began experiencing mini-strokes and a shift in his attentive personality, the family grew increasingly concerned. Mom was taking care of him and becoming exhausted, Jason said. We knew we needed to explore alternatives. It wasnt until they discovered Villa, the state-of-the-art facility for memory-care located on the campus of Terracina Grand that they could relax in knowing that Bob was in an environment enriched by care, stimuli, interaction and love.
Dads been like a different person at Villa, Jason asserted. He seems pretty happy but he still talks about wanting to get a job!
One person Jason holds in especially high esteem at Villa is Life Enrichment Director Julie Badour. Her enthusiasm, initiative and ongoing interaction with family members means everything to the Boehlows. Last fall, Badour (also a veteran Marine) quietly began envisioning the idea of being Bobs guardian on an upcoming Collier County Honor Flight. It would become a pinnacle moment for father and son.
Dubbed the Lucky Sevens, the final flight of 2015 was resplendent with relevance: Mission 7 would be flying on the 7th of November, escorting 70 WWII heroes on the 70th Anniversary year marking the end of WWII
(1945 - 2015).
Badour knew her dream was going to require luck lots of it. To date, no veteran with Alzheimers from a memory care facility had qualified for the requisite Medical Clearance. Undaunted, she fashioned what just might become a Best Practice in preparing eligibility. In the weeks preceding, she began using films and photographs as a means of conditioning Bobs emotional reaction to memories of WWII. Much to her satisfaction, all of his responses were appropriate.
News of Bobs acceptance was a day Badour will never forget. It was thrilling! she said. I knew Jason would want to be a part of this historic day.
And for Jason, flying in from St. Louis for the rendezvous was indeed historic. Despite the rain and cold, accompanying his father throughout the tour was a day he, too, will never forget. My father really is the Greatest Generation, he said. It makes me proud.
Editors Note: Bernadette La Paglia BSN, M.Ed. serves as Community Liaison for Hodges Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial provider.
Other Articles You May Like
Nurturing Brain Health: A Key to Lifelong Wellness
Why Brain Health Is EssentialBrain health impacts every aspect of our lives. A healthy brain ensures: Sharp Cognitive Function: Supporting learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Resilient Memory: Helping us retain and recall important information. Emotional Stability: Allowing us to navigate challenges and maintain mental well-being. Physical Coordination: Facilitating essential tasks like walking, speaking, and balance. Neglecting brain health can lead to difficulties in daily life, including forgetfulness, confusion, or susceptibility to neurological disorders such as Alzheimers or dementia. Lifestyle Habits to Promote Brain Health Physical Activity Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients. Regular activities like walking, cycling, or yoga can improve memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Brain-Boosting Nutrition A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients is critical for brain health: Fatty Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain cell health. Colorful Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. Whole Grains: Provide steady energy for optimal brain performance. Nuts and Seeds: Offer healthy fats and vitamin E to support cognitive function. Cognitive Stimulation Keep your brain active with activities that challenge its capacity, such as: Learning a new language or skill. Solving puzzles, crosswords, or playing chess. Engaging in creative hobbies like painting or music. Quality Sleep Sleep is vital for memory consolidation and mental clarity. Aim for 79 hours of sleep each night, and maintain a regular sleep schedule to support overall brain health. Stress Management Chronic stress negatively affects the brain, shrinking areas responsible for memory and decision-making. Stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help maintain mental balance. Social Connections Strong social ties contribute to emotional well-being and cognitive longevity. Spend time with family, join clubs or groups, and maintain regular interactions with friends to stay mentally and socially engaged. Avoid Harmful Substances Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco products can protect the brain from long-term damage and cognitive decline. Preventing Cognitive DeclineWhile aging is inevitable, cognitive decline is not. Steps to reduce its risk include: Monitoring Health: Manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, as they can impact brain function. Mental Health Care: Address issues like anxiety or depression, which may impair cognition if left untreated. Regular Check-Ups: Work with healthcare providers to screen for early signs of neurological disorders. The Lifelong Benefits of LearningContinuing to learn throughout life keeps the brain adaptable and engaged. Whether its pursuing a hobby, attending workshops, or taking online courses, lifelong learning fosters new neural connections and helps preserve cognitive health.
Spring Fever: Seven Seniors Helping Seniors Allergy Management Tips
April showers bring May flowers and a dusting of pollen. While we welcome the arrival of warmer days and sunny skies, many Seniors Helping Seniors clients face symptoms from springtime allergies. As we age, weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions can make older adults more vulnerable to allergies. With the allergy season peaking in April, symptoms like congestion, itchiness, and sneezing often come in full swing. If youve been struck by spring fever this year, the Seniors Helping Seniors team wants to help. In this blog, well review seven senior-focused tips for navigating the allergy season. Keep reading to discover our best advice for enjoying the beauty of spring while minimizing the annoying symptoms of allergies.Springtime Allergy SeasonColorful flowers, lush leaves, and warm sunshine beckon seniors to venture outside and enjoy the natural spring beauty. However, with all the new growth comes an increase in tree, grass, and weed pollen that can lead to itchy eyes and stuffy noses for many people. Spring weather can also be unpredictable, with fluctuations in temperature and precipitation affecting pollen levels and worsening allergy symptoms. The Seniors Helping Seniors family cares about your well-being this spring, and we encourage you to take necessary precautions to protect yourself from excess pollen exposure.Many seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cardiovascular issues, experience more severe and prolonged allergic reactions. Persistent symptoms may interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors team wants to ensure you enjoy the beautiful weather this spring. Below, youll find our best tips for managing seasonal allergies. Monitor Pollen LevelsPollen levels can change quite a bit throughout the day, depending on various external factors. But dont worry! Local weather forecasts and other online references make it easy to keep track of pollen levels. When pollen counts are high, limiting your time outdoors might be a good idea. If you need help accessing digital resources, your friendly and helpful Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can lend a hand! Invest in an Air PurifierAir purifying devices boost indoor air quality by clearing out airborne particles like pollen. They work wonders in refreshing rooms that often gather contaminants, leaving behind noticeably cleaner and fresher air. Adding one to your home is a simple and effective way to create a healthier environment for you and your loved ones. Keep Windows ClosedWhile opening windows can bring in fresh air, it also invites pollen and allergens indoors. If you struggle with severe allergies, keeping cool with AC might be a better choice. And dont hesitate to ask your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver to help you tidy up those pollen-prone spots in your home. Theyre here to support you in creating a comfortable and allergen-free environment. Replace Air Filters in Your HomeIts important to change the air filters in your home every three months. If its been a while since you last replaced them, spring is the perfect time to do so. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters offer extra protection against pollen and other contaminants. The extra shield helps maintain a healthier indoor environment for you all season long. Wear Protective ClothingJust as youd apply sunblock before spending time under the sun, its important to take precautions to minimize pollen exposure during allergy season. Before going outside, put on a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a pollen mask for added protection. And after enjoying the outdoors, dont forget to take a shower to wash away any lingering pollen from your skin and hair.Stay HydratedDrinking enough water each day offers numerous health benefits. It not only keeps you hydrated but also helps flush out pollen and other pollutants from your system, easing allergy symptoms such as dry throat and nasal congestion. Dont forget to carry a reusable water bottle with you its a simple way to stay hydrated and feel your best throughout the day.Consult a Healthcare ProfessionalIf youre experiencing severe symptoms that you cant manage at home, dont hesitate to contact your doctor. They can prescribe allergy medication to help ease the effects of pollen and other irritants. If you need transportation to your appointment, your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver would be more than happy to give you a ride.Spring brings a sense of renewal and promise with longer days and warmer temperatures. The Seniors Helping Seniors family understands how vital it is for seniors to embrace this rejuvenating season without the burden of seasonal allergies holding them back. We hope this guide has offered valuable insights to help you navigate and manage pollen exposure this spring. Remember, our compassionate Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers are here for you, ready to provide the caring support you need to enjoy every moment of this special season.
Steps for Older Adults to Take if Losing Sense of Taste and Smell, Feeling of Thirst
As we grow older, the right nutrition plays a critical role in supporting our physical and cognitive health. But eating a healthy diet can also become more of a challenge.If youve noticed your parents or another family member is losing weight, or losing interest in enjoying their favorite foods, youll want to consider why they may no longer be eating as healthily. There are several factors that can affect an older adults dining habits. It may be harder for them to shop and prepare meals. Or depending on their health and energy, it may be easier for them to skip a meal or replace it with snacks or processed foods. If you think there may be an issue, consider taking these steps: Be observant of their eating habits. Are there specific foods they avoid? Do they still seem interested in mealtime or certain foods? Talk to your parents about the changes youre noticing. Ask them if they are having any problems that are interfering with their diet. Losing the sense of taste and smellOne factor that can have a negative effect on appetite is the loss of taste and smell. It can begin after the age of 60 as part of the natural aging process. But there are also several issues that can contribute, according to the Mayo Clinic, such as: Nasal and sinus problems, including allergies Certain medications Dental problems Smoking Head or facial injury Alzheimers disease Parkinsons disease The impact of losing your sense of taste and smellYour sense of taste and smell work closely together. If you struggle to smell the flavors in a food, you likely wont experience the taste. And even though your taste bud cells are replaced every couple of weeks, after the age of 50 those cells begin to lose their ability to regenerate.People who have lost at least a partial sense of taste, thirst or smell can experience a significant impact to their appetite and nutrition. It can also lead to adding unhealthy amounts of salt or sugar in an attempt to create taste. Ultimately, quality of life can be affected.Losing your feeling of thirstYour feeling of thirst signals that its time to get something to drink. But as you get older, you can lose this prompt or at least its strength. If you arent paying attention, you may become dehydrated which can lead to serious side effects such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney failure or a drop in blood pressure.You can address your feeling of thirst by being diligent. Check with your doctor if you are required to monitor your fluid intake but otherwise strive to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid daily.You may also want to familiarize yourself with the signs of dehydration and call your doctor if you experience any of these: Little or no urination Dark colored urine Irritability, dizziness or confusion Low blood pressure Rapid breathing and heart rate Weak pulse Cold hands and feet Dry mouth Difficulty walking Steps to take when losing sense of taste, smell, and thirstIf your parent or loved one is losing a sense of taste and thirst, there are ways you can help. Encourage them to speak to their doctor You cant reverse the natural loss of taste and smell but if there is another cause, you might be able to treat the condition such as adjusting medications, fixing any dental problems or treating nasal and sinus conditions. Experiment with spices and flavors Look for ways to make meals taste more exciting. Talk to a dietician for ideas on how to add special seasonings to enhance flavors or which foods might naturally be easier to taste. Make dining as enjoyable as possible Even if theyre unable to regain the level of taste they once had, try to make the experience itself as pleasant as you can. Dining with others or creating a pleasant environment can help. Set a beautiful table complete with flowers and add their favorite music. Provide helpful reminders to drink Remind your parents not to rely on their sense of thirst before drinking and to pay attention to how much they have during the day. Use a water bottle with measurements in the beginning or count the number of glasses theyve had and convert to ounces.