INTRO,CHPT 1-12 AGE

TITLE

AGEING WITH FAITH AND COMMON SENSE

PHOTO COVER

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PUBLISHER DETERMINES LOCATION

OF AUTHOR’S NAME AND TITLE ON COVER

BACK COVER

THE JOY OF LIVING DEEPLY AND LIVING WITH A PURPOSE

Life can get better with age! Old age is a gift from God Live it to the fullest. The Bible gives us hope, comfort and encouragement in our journey of ageing. It’s full of promises to keep us going and a spirit of hope in our daily lives. Application of the advice given in this book is directed toward people of faith, but application can be universal to all people. All of us on our journey through life can relate to common sense ideas that help make life fulfilling and joyful. Our “extra years” are not just for breathing.  An old song goes, “Be my life’s companion and we’ll never grow old. When there's joy in living you just never grow old.  You've got to stay young 'cause you'll never grow old.” Christ is the perfect companion. Hopefully, this book will help us all to be companions that never grow old.

Much of the common sense portion added by the author is based primarily upon the experience of ageing, blended with useful quotes of wise people. Living in an independent living community, that also has assisted living and a memory care facilities, has made the writer aware of how the elderly live their daily lives. Observations of numerous relatives and friends who have lived in various senior facilities had been equally beneficial. The author believes what he has learned is worth sharing.

FREDERICK WULFF was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Currently he is a retired professor of history at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota where he himself had graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. His Master’s degree in history was earned at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee while he was employed as a school principal. He pursued his PhD in history from TCU (Texas Christian University). Further studies, in the history of England, were taken at the University of Oxford in England. Previously published books include Alexander McKee: The Great White Elk (2013), Sunshine and Rain in the Mist of the Cold War (2013), Speaking Out (2014), Detroit: Past, Present and Future (2014), Visiting Black America: History and Sites (2015) and Meet Me in St. Louis: A Guidebook (2016). Aside from a love of history, Wulff’s other passion is for travel, which has led him to tour extensively in all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 80 foreign countries

DEDICATION PAGE

PHOTO WITHIN NEXT PARAGRAPH

     Dedicated to Louise McKlveen,

102 years young  (photo by Fred Wulff)

This book is dedicated to Louise McKlveen. Louise is a saintly 102 year-old woman residing at Brookdale Edina in Minnesota. The Lord tells us in Proverbs 9:10,11 about such spiritually wise people whom long lives are given:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

                  and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

         For through wisdom your days will be many,

                  and years will be added to your life.

Louise has inspired many of her fellow senior citizens by her Christ-like manner when reaching out to others.  When she steps into a room her kindly manner brightens the setting like sunshine. Her witty humor keeps us giggling. We do not think of her as being old, because she is so young at heart. This last summer she threw out the opening baseball pitch at a Twins game in Minneapolis. She waved to the cheering crowd as the TV cameras zoomed in on her. She will never become “old.” Louise is surely a golden ager worth emulating. She has faith and common sense that has really given me much to think about. I tell her when I grow up I want to be just like her. She is a wise and humble Christian who lives a life of service to others.  Louise is the embodiment of faith in action. God bless her.

INTRODUCTION

Breaking an old outdated grammar rule, the author uses the personal pronoun “I” within this book.  I can cite authorities on why writing in this manner is acceptable: “Using personal experiences, when relevant, can add concreteness and even authority to writing that might otherwise be vague and impersonal” (The Writing Center, University of North College College of Arts and Sciences). I believe many Christian authors give testimonials using personal pronouns. I think I am in good company.

At times the reading may seem overly casual to be considered a sophisticated book; but now that I am eighty-three years old I’ll deviate from convention.  So, excuse me for being myself.

I keep referring to what senior centers are doing right or wrong, Hopefully this helps senior citizens or caregivers to make decisions when making choices about where to reside and what to look for in accommodations.  At times it may seem a if I’m writing a diary about my life at Brookdale Edina, that is because I use my place of residence as a reference point for guidance on senior facilities.

I have read, and cited, books from Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish writers and shared various insights on aging gleaned from their writings. After visiting Thailand, India, Israel, and so on, I can appreciate different perceptions on care about aging. As a retired professor at a Christian ministerial college, I find this writing venture an avenue to express my Christian faith while passing along some good common sense for anyone interested in the joys and challenges of ageing.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 LONG LIVES MATTER

CHAPTER 2 AGEING WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

CHAPTER 3 RESPECT FOR SENIORS

CHAPTER 4 SENIOR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

CHAPTER 5 SOCIALIZATION IS IMPORTANT

CHAPTER 6 CAREGIVERS: ANGELS IN DISGUISE

CHAPTER 7 NO PRETENSE, PLEASE

CHAPTER 8 MEAL TIME NOURISHMENT

CHAPTER 9 EXERCISING THE BODY TO KEEP HEALTHY

CHAPTER 10 EXERCISING THE MIND

CHAPTER 11 SLEEP AND REST

        

CHAPTER 12 MEMORY CARE

                 

CHAPTER 13 QUIET TIME AND LEISURE

CHAPTER 14 TRAVEL FOR SENIORS

CHAPTER 15 FINANCES AND SCAMS

CHAPTER 16 POLITICS SENIOR STYLE

CHAPTER 17 CONQUORING STRESS

CHAPTER 18 SENIORS DEAL WITH PAIN

CHAPTER 19 LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION

CHAPTER 20 HARBORING GUILT AND NEED FORGIVENESS

CHAPTER 21 THE POWER OF PRAYER

CHAPTER 22 STRENGTH IN SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP

CHAPTER 23 LORD, LET THY SERVANT DEPART IN PEACE

                 

        

                 

                                   

                 

        

CHAPTER 1  LONG LIFE MATTERS

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden by Antonio Molinari, 1704 

(from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository 

Every house has a builder (public domain)

Temptation and the Fall by William Blake, 1808
(from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository)

The Deluge by John Martin, 1834 (photographer unknown, 

 Yale Library, public domain in the United States)

Elderly couple (free image, clker.com)

        

Red cells, white cells and platelets

(photographers Bruce Wetzel and Harry Schaefer,
U.S. government, public domain)

The Bible (pd4pic, free HD image, public domain)

An elderly man (photo by Ahmet Demirel, 

released into the public domain)

CHAPTER 2 AGING WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE 

God's creates life, Michelangelo (licensed under 

public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Artist’s interpretation of two Dryptosaurus playing 

(Charles Robert Knight, 1897, Wikimedia Commons)

Quality cheese on the market place (photo by Alex Anlicker, 

GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2, Free Software Foundation)

Betty White in 2010 (photo by David Shankbone, 

Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license)

Billy Graham meeting with President Barack Obama  in Montreal, 

April 2010 (photo is work of an employee of the government,

public domain)

Native American (public domain)

Real Treasures may be found in everyday life
(source: Pixabay, CC0 public domain)

Alexis de Tocqueville by Daumier (National Gallery of Art, 

Rosenwald Collection, public domain)

Happy residents have happy faces
(photo by Fred Wulff)

Guest performer “Banjo Boy” at our senior community

makes people laugh (photo by Fred Wulff)

Happy faces of staff at Brookdale Edina

(photo by Fred Wulff)

One of our residents

sings and performs for us (photo by Fred Wulff)

CHAPTER 3 RESPECT FOR SENIORS

“Respected residents at our senior community

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Socrates, Marble Roman artwork, Louvre Museum 

(photo by Eric Gaba, Wikimedia Commons)

Actor Henry Winkler (Foreign and 

Commonwealth Office, licensed under the Open Government License v1.0) 

Young school girls in South Korea 

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Young girls at Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City,

posing with the author (photo taken with author’s camera)

Even the snakes of Vietnam were respectful and friendly

to us senior citizens (photo by Fred Wulff)

Mother, daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter at Brookdale Edina.

 Communication across generations (photo by Fred Wulff)

Intergenerational respect at our community as visiting children
pass out treats(photo by Fred Wulff)

Residents and children work together on “brain games”.

Our program director Brenda is in center. More activity in background

(photo by Fred Wulff).

Megadeth Festival (photo: Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage 

Shirlaine Forrest/public domain)

Bob Hope with Jerry Colonna, 1940 

(public domain, Wikimedia Commons)

Recall old romances on Valentine's Day

(Vintage Valentine card)

Victim mentality (public domain)

CHAPTER 4 SENIOR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Alas, home is where the heart is

With age, we have memories
(public domain stock)

Meals on Wheels (Wikimedia Commons)

Man leaving home (Pixabay, public domain)

The Wulff house in New Ulm, Minnesota.
The entrance way, kitchen, bathroom, upstairs porch and garage
in the back of the house are not visible in the photo.

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Independent Mom (public domain)

Decisions have to be made sooner or later
(Credit: Geralt via Pixabay CC0, public domain)

Walking at Lake of the Isles – one of our 

senior community outings (photo by Fred Wulff)

U.S. Bank Stadium: Home of Minnesota 

Vikings (Vikings.com)

The author with helpful daughter and son in-law

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Brookdale Edina; new elevators

part of reconstruction project

(photo by Fred Wulff)

U.S. currency (public domain image by Photos8.com)

Resident of our senior community with 

a loving dog (photo by Fred Wulff)

Friendly drivers drivers for our community
(photo by Fred Wulff)

Brookdale Edina makes the news (photo by 

Fred Wulff, Channel 11 News, Minneapolis)

Residents need respect and support from their
families (photo by Fred Wulff)

CHAPTER 5 SOCIALIZATION

Scripture comforts us; we comfort others

Welcome sign (free images at 

Ciker.com –vector clip art)

The Friendly Gossips by Eugene de Blass
(public domain, Wikimedia Commons)

If it isn't nice, don't say it (public domain media)

“The tongue of the wise brings healing”
(photo by Mahdiabbasinv, from Wikimedia
Commons, the free media repository)

Community residents on an outing to Red Lobster

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Toasting marsh mellows over a bon fire at a 

Brookdale outing (photo by Fred Wulff)

Chef Jon provides treats

(photo by Fred Wulff

Meeting about French cuisine in the bistro (photo by Fred Wulff

Dining room service on Halloween
(photo by Fred Wulff)

St. Patrick’s Day in the Bistro  

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Social drinks in the bistro 

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Snacks of veggies in the bistro

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Snacks of fruit in the bistro 

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Friends (Openclipart, public domain)

CHAPTER 6 CAREGIVERS: ANGELS IN DISGUISE

Nursing symbol (Wikipedia)

Nurses as caregivers (photo by Vlastimil, 

from Wikimedia Commons)

St John at Patmos by Pieter Paul Ruben (public domain, 

including the United States, Wikimedia Commons)

House of St. Mary near Ephesus

(photo by Otto Schenck on tour with the author)

Tomb of St. John in St. John's Basilica, Ephesus (released
into the public domain by its author, Me, English Wikipedia)

Francis of Assisi

(public domain, Wikimedia Commons)

Wrong way signage (Coolcaesar, transferred 

from Wikipedia Commons)

RESIDENTS WITH FAMILY

RESIDENTS WITH CAREGIVERS 

RESIDENTS ARE CAREGIVERS TO EACH OTHER

Homeless man (photo by Eric Pouhier, Creative Commons

Attribution-Share Alike, 2.5 Generic license)

Prisoner (public domain via Wikimedia Commons)

An Amish homestead. Note the additions on the
home for the extended family (photo elstonhill)

Father and two daughters, India (public domain
photo by Albert Kahn, 1921)

Bangla Sahib and “sacred pond” (photo by Fred Wulff)

Indian Hindu weddings involve many relatives (photo by Biswarup
Ganguly, Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

Fighting for food security in India (public domain)

CHAPTER  7 NO PRETENSE: WE ARE FAMILY

We are family at Brookdale Edina (photo by Fred Wulff)

Franz von Lenbach''s portrait of Bismarck in his 75th year

 (The Walters Art Gallery, public domain)

 

Louis the Great by Bernini, 1665
(attribution ShareAlike 2.5, Wikimedia Commons)

Statue by Michelangelo — in Basilica San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome 

(photo by Jörg Bittner Unna, Creative Commons)

Staff nurse (photo by Produnis,
Wikimedia Commons)

Staff member and resident 

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Distinguished looking college professor

“Become like little children…” 

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Jesus washes Peter’s feet by Ford Madox
Brown, 1852-6 (Creative Commons)

Head manager shines shoes of residents at a

Christmas party (photo by Fred Wulff)

Christ at the Cross by Carl Bloch (1870, U. S. public domain)

CHAPTER 8  MEAL TIME: NOURISHMENT AND FELLOWSHIP

Food service at Brookdale Edina
(photo by Fred Wulff)

Taste buds of the tongue
(Gray's Anatomy, Plate 1018, public domain)

Salt shaker (photo by Dubravko Sorić, 

Wikimedia Commons)

B vitamin supplement tablets
(photo by Ragesoss (Creative Commons)

Glasses of water (photos-public-domain.com)

A full English breakfast
 (photo by Jrv73, released into the public domain)

John Harvey Kellogg, co-founder of the Kellogg Company 

(Bain News Service, Library of Congress, Wikimedia Commons

A bowl of bite-sized shredded wheat (photo by Pete Unseth, 

Creative Commons 3.0 Unported license)

A pulp basket of blueberries (photo by Evan-Amos,
Creative Commons, Universal Public Domain Dedication)

A glass of milk (photo by Stefan Kuhn,
GNU Free Documentation License,Version 1.2)

Healthy side salad
(photo by Fred Wulff)

Sautéing onions and peppers (photo by Rootology

(Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Fish dinner with Brussel sprouts and asparagus
Brookdale Edina (photo by Fred Wulff))

Shrimp on special occasions 

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Rotisserie chicken (public domain)

Swiss cheese

Healthy grapes

(photo by Fred Wulff)

A cup of black coffee (photo by Julius Schorzman.

Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0)

Cheers (photo by Fred Wulff)

Red wine is good wine but white wine tastes better
 (photo by Fred Wulff)

Jesus transformed water into wine at The Marriage at Cana, a 

14th-century fresco (media file is in the public domain in the U.S.)

Assortment of nuts for snacking

 Fuji apples make great snacks 

(photo by Scott Bauer, USDA ARS, public domain)

Pizza with tomatoes (photo by jeffreyw,
Creative Commons )

Moser Roth dark German chocolate

CHAPTER  9 EXERCISE THE BODY TO KEEP HEALTHY

Couch should not be a place of residence
(Wikivisual, Creative Commons)

At any age keep your weight down with exercise

The muscle system (author Julien Bouglé, 

public domain in the United States, Wikimedia Commons)

Squat exercise without weights (illustration by Marcel Kollmar, 

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Germany license)

Squatting is good for you anywhere
(Wikipedia free encyclopedia)

Getting started with a plan
(National Institute on Aging, nih.gov)

Exercise room equipment

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Brookdale Edina exercise class is featured on Minneapolis 

Channel 11 News (photo Fred Wulff)

Stretching exercises with television after the daily workout
(photo by Fred Wulff)

Choosing the right weight is important

(National Institute on Aging, nih.gov)

Maintaining good balance is essential in any aspect of training 

(http://nihseniorhealth.gov)

Residents show appreciation to first
responders with boxes of baked goods
(photo by Fred Wulff

Walkers increase stability (Walkers and
Wheeled Walkers, Free Foundation)

Outdoor tai chi practices in Beijing's Temple of Heaven 

(photo by Craig Nagy, Creative Commons Attribution-Share 

Alike 2.0 Generic license)

Most slip and fall injuries happen in the home – 

and are accidents that could be prevented.

Making use of a chair
(National Institute of Aging, nih.gov)

Karate (photo by Nakasone Genwa, supplemental provision of

copyright law of Japan, Wikimedia Commons)

Brookdale Edina is connected to an indoor park with a full 

length swimming pool and walking track around it

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Seniors walking around the swimming pool
 (photo by Fred Wulff)

Walking and jogging across the Brooklyn Bridge

(photo is in the public domain)

Skin covers the muscles (public domain image)

Facial muscles with age (public domain)    

Residents are encouraged not to bend
over their walkers (Wikipedia)

Terracotta Warriors Wikimedia Commons,
the free media repository)

CHAPTER 10 EXERCISE THE MIND OR LOSE IT

A bored man holding up his mind (Pixabay, public domain)

The library at Brookdale Edina

(photo by Fred Wulff)

The whole wide world is in His and our hands

Chess pieces – left to right: king, rook, 

queen, pawn, knight and bishop

(photo by Alan Light, GNU 

Documentation License, version 1.2)

Playing cards (photo by !KrzysiekBu!, Creative Commons)

Spinning the bingo wheel for random numbers
(photo by Fred Wulff)

Working puzzles stimulates the brain

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Resident Artist and her paintings

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Resident artist conducts art classes

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Residents with craft product

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Residents make and sell greeting cards
(photo by Fred Wulff)

Residents and children work together 

on art projects (photo by Fred Wulff)

Quiltwork by a resident

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Resident with the library computer
 (photo by Fred Wulff)

Book about author's early life
(photo by Fred Wulff)

CHAPTER 11  SLEEP AND REST

Baby and father sleeping (public domain)

Even little children need to adequately rest the body.
Zwei schlafende Mädchen auf der Ofenbank, 1895
(public domain)

Palm Cove ( public domain image, Dgillig
at English Wikipedia).

On the golf course with a perfect swing

(golf clip art free download)

Naps are good for you (photo by Fred Wulff)

The bathroom can be a busy place at night (public domain)

The face of a black windup alarm clock (photo by Sun Latter, 

Creative Commons)

Keep a regular sleep schedule

Resident with pet. A dog can be better medicine than any doctor could ever prescribe

(photo by Fred Wulff)

Joy For All Creamy White Cat

(they also come in other colors)

"Michelangelo Caravaggio 070" by Michelangelo
Merisi da Caravaggio "(public domain via Wikimedia Commons) 

A typical full face CPAP mask (illustration by JoJoJo4, 

released into the public domain, Wikipedia)

Let Jesus help you sleep and start your day. 

(Christian Nature Poetry)

CHAPTER 12  MEMORY CARE

Brain slices -- Cross sections of the brain show atrophy, or shrinking, 

of brain tissue caused by Alzheimer's disease (National Institute on Aging)

Hippocampus location in the brain (illustrator Henry Carter, 

author Henry Gray, public domain in the United States)

Alzheimer's Care Parrot (amazon.com)

Missy the Memory Care cat
at Brookdale Edina
(photo by Fred Wulff)

Visit with a warm handshake
(handshake-drawing, public domain)

Confabulation: Hunting with a bow and arrow 

(free to use clip art, Pixaby.com)

Comforting those with dementia (Wikimedia)

Checking for a brain injury (public
domain via Wikimedia Commons)

Massage treatment for Alzheimers (amta)

1928 Model A Ford owned by Dan C. of Bowen Island
(photo by Richard Smith, Creative Commons)

Lone Ranger and Silver originated in 1933, Detroit radio WXYZ

(photo from Pleasure Island, public domain in the United States)

Memory: World War II poster;
 pledging help with the rationing

Memory Care director Cassandra
(photo by Fred Wulff)

1. 
2. Trained musicians help those in Memory Care
3. reconnect at Brookdale Edina
4. (photo by Fred Wulff)
5. 
   
6. 
7. Chariton Heston and Ronald Reagan at a White House meeting.
8. Both would later be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 
9. (White House Photo Office, public domain)

White and gray matter of the brain (public domain
via Wikimedia Commons)

1. 
   
2. 
3. Registration for Alzheimer's Benefit
4. (photo by Fred Wulff
5. 
   
6. 
7. Greeting Committee
8. (photo by Fred Wulff)
9. 
   
10. 
11. Great Cook Out Food
12. (photo by Fred Wulff
13. 
    
14. 
15. Alzheimer's Benefit Performers
16. (photo by Fred Wulff)
17. 
    
18. 
19. Family Fellowship for a Cause
20. (photo by Fred Wulff)
21. 
    
22. 
23. In our restored life we will have a new body and a new mind 
24. (free illustration from Pixabay, public domain)