Welcome to the July 2010 Seniors Digest!

Timmie Faghin, Advisory Council Chair

Kristian Nielsen-Herrera is the recipient of the Inspire Positive Aging Award for 2010. See below to learn more about Kristian's love for life and service to others.* ______________________

We hope you've all had a wonderful July 4 weekend! While enjoying the fireworks and good times with friends or family, we hope you took a few minutes to think about the freedoms and responsibilities we enjoy—and how seniors can participate in the lifelong quest for personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose. This month, ADS Planner Doug Ricker takes a look at the changing face of retirement, showing how many baby boomers will transition to "encore careers," with increased emphasis on their interests and values. 

Also in the spirit of freedom and liberation, Architect Karen L. Braitmayer invites us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She shares her own experiences growing up as a wheelchair user, contrasting with those of her daughter who also uses a wheelchair but grew up in the days of curb cuts and handicap accessible parking spaces.

Also in this issue….

• Learn about the connection between diabetes and dementia in Part 2 of the memory care series by Dr. Laura Baker, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UW Medical Center.
  
  
• Having a family reunion this summer? Compile a family health history, a valuable legacy to pass to our children—and to generations beyond.
  
  
• Can you believe the warm temperatures have finally arrived? Give your brain a workout with the "Beat the Heat" wordfind!

For More Information....  

* More about Kristian Nielsen-Herrera

Kristian is a shining example of dedication to physical fitness, intellectual stimulation, care of spiritual needs and a giving attitude. He has had numerous major accidents in traffic and at work; has survived airplane crashes, operations, and temporary paralysis. Kristian suffers from tinnitus and chronic pain from major knee surgeries and a hip replacement. Yet he is a lover of life, active living, and thoughtful connection with others.  Riding his bike from Queen Anne to West Seattle three times a week and walking, Kristian chats with others, many also suffering from life's tribulations. He speaks with them in an uplifting, concerned manner, always with a bit of humor and liveliness. He listens to their stories. Kristian gives them encouragement to keep moving, and keep looking up. In simple words, he cares.  

Read on to learn more about the Inspire Positive Aging Award and about the ways baby boomers are changing the face of retirement.