One of my favorite lines to use with the athletes that I get to coach is, “Will it be easy? No! Will it be worth it? ABSOLUTELY!” This saying has taken on another, non-sports related, meaning to me as Hawkeye Valley, Scenic Valley, and Northland Area Agencies on Aging have worked to merge our agencies over the past year.

Like anything else, this challenge has had its bumps in the road, trying to merge policies and procedures can be a tedious and mundane task. Trying to develop a system for employees that are fair and equitable across 18 counties can be very difficult, but it is also one of the most important aspects of this transition. The thing that I have been the most impressed with is that the number one priority for all of the employees involved with this merger has been; the people needing our support!

I have said from the beginning that this transition can NOT have a negative effect on the services and supports that people rely on. Those that we serve and their families must continue to get the support they need in a way that is respectful and provides opportunities for independence. If we can accomplish this one goal then this transition will be a success. One of the questions that I get most often is about these services and what is going to change. My answer, while simple, is truly what we are striving for…Nothing will change!

We will continue to have offices (access points) in Decorah, Dubuque, Waterloo, and Grinnell. The meal sites that people attend will still be there and services will still be offered in all 18 counties. The only change that people may see will be an increase in support options and an increase in ways to access those services. One example of this is the current Aging and Disability Resource Center model in place at Hawkeye Valley. This support network will expand to include all 18 counties, bringing people closer to services in a more efficient and effective way.

The energy and commitment to quality service, mission, and core values has been universal among all of the employee of the three organizations. Bringing this focus, this knowledge, and this attitude together under one organization will serve to enhance services, streamline delivery, and expand opportunities for individuals to stay in their homes, age with dignity and respect, and self-direct the supports they need and want.

All three agencies are working together to create one organization designed upon best practices, common mission, and a shared set of core values all centered around the individual in need.

Will it be easy? No! Will it be worth it? ABSOLUTELY!

Mike Isaacson
Executive Director

Exercising is one of the ultimate “catch 22’s”! All of the experts tell you that exercising will give you more energy and make you feel better. The problem is, how do you start exercising if you don’t have the energy and you feel lousy?

As a person that was an athlete all my life, I have really struggled with my weight and my health since my competition days ended years ago. My only frame of reference when it comes to exercising is the all out, muscle throbbing, sweat pouring, kind of workout that I grew up doing on a daily basis. Sadly, I’ve recently come to the realization that I’m not that kid anymore, and that while my mind may think it can still do those things, my body is providing an entirely different message. So for the last year or so I’ve been trying to find that “happy medium”, somewhere between extreme workouts and manageable, life-long wellness. Over this period of time I’ve talked to people in the fitness world, researched wellness, and tried many different approaches.

Every piece of information comes back to the same, simply, conclusion. To be healthy and feel better we need to….wait for it….eat less and exercise more. Really, that’s it? No special equipment, no crazy fad diet, just be more active and watch what you eat? Yes. It doesn’t matter what shape you are in, we can all try little things that will add a great deal to our well-being. Walk around the block, walk around the house, walk up the stairs, or park a little farther way from your destination. Do leg lifts while watching TV, or arm raises while making dinner. All of these things can add life to our years and keep us on the path of better health. I still struggle with the concept, it seems too easy! In the science world there is a name for this concept, it’s Occam’s razor which simply stated says, and I’m paraphrasing, “Keep it simple”.

So this month, join your community as it takes a step towards better health, and adding more life to your years. May is “Older American’s Month” and HVAAA will once again be celebrating the occasion with our annual walk with the theme “Unleash the Power of Age”! Look for more information on your local event at www.hvaaa.org and plan to join us. Now, I don’t want you to worry if you don’t think you can complete the whole thing….just make the first step with us and see where it takes you. And remember, when it comes to wellness “Keep it simple”!

Mike Isaacson
Executive Director

Each generation has its own music, its own style, and its own identity. I get daily reminders of this from my four children. Whether it is me turning into my father as I tell my oldest to turn his music down, or my reluctance to let my kids go out of the house with some of the clothes they choose to wear, I am constantly trying to balance their desire to be “who they are” with the experience I have of myself at their age. It’s a balance I don’t always handle well, and many times I find myself on the losing side of those discussions!

These generational differences don’t simply go away as we all age. Each of us carries a set of values and beliefs, preferences and opinions that were framed by our collective experiences from the time we “grew up”. We see segments of society defined in many different ways; The Greatest Generation, Gen X, Gen Y, the Slacker Generation, are all generalized titles given to generations as a means of identifying their global traits and make-up.

None of these titles get used more, in my opinion, than “The Baby Boomer Generation”. This may be with good cause as this is the largest generational population this country has ever seen move through the lifespan. The problem with this title, as with most titles, is that it covers a large span of years and a very diverse range of ages and people. What this means is that the folks on the front end of The Baby Boomer Generation are very different from those on the tail end of this segment of the population.

For that reason, the long-term services and support world must develop a dual focus and begin to see the differences in this segment of the population that I call “Boomer 2.0”! At HVAAA we are seeing a shift in service needs and a demand for new supports, or at a minimum, a modification in of tried and true services. As a service organization we must be careful not to put the people we support in a “box” or to rely too strongly on a common definition of the larger generation as a whole. That is why we continually strive to reach out to those we serve, or those we may serve, to find out what it is the people want in those supports and services.

As HVAAA transitions to bring on eight new counties on July 1, 2013, that process of assessing individual needs and service change remains a focus of our day-to-day work. The only way for us to provide services that allow people to remain independent and in their homes is to listen to what you want, modify what we do to meet your needs, and work side-by-side with you to support you in a way that you feel respected.

Your continued feedback, suggestions, and ideas are what drives this organization forward and provides the foundation of support in your community. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work alongside you, to be a part of your family, your community, and your life. As we move forward together, I ask that you continue to make us better, continue to challenge us, and continue to be a vital part of our future.

Mike Isaacson
Executive Director

On January 14, 2013 the 85th edition of the Iowa Legislature reconvened in Des Moines for the start of another session. This session appears guaranteed to have its own unique set of challenges and dilemma’s as the 84 that have come before it. At HVAAA we are in the process of identifying champions for our cause down in Des Moines.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to travel throughout our 10 counties and talk to many of you about the legislative priorities of the Area Agencies on Aging:

1. Funding for services that keep people in their homes and independent
2. Support for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
3. Increased funding for the Department on Aging
4. Creating laws that protect Seniors from abuse

We had a great turn out and many of you committed to working with us to get the legislators attention and start having a conversation about how best to support all Iowans. I have heard from many legislators that you have called or talked with them about these priorities and let me say, you are making a difference!!

I would like to invite you all to continue your work by “flooding” the Capital building on February 20th for the annual Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging Legislative Day. This is a day that we are planning to take our message en masse directly to the elected officials and start the conversation on improving the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors. We are in the process of lining up transportation for those that would like to ride with us to Des Moines on that day. More information will be coming out, but right now it looks as if the day will start in Des Moines at 10:00am.

If you would like to join us, please contact your local Healthy Lifestyle Center or call me at the office at (319) 272-2244 or (800) 779-8707.

The legislators are listening and they would love to hear from you. Don’t miss this opportunity to tell them what is important to you!!

Mike Isaacson, Executive Director

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Let me first start by saying “Happy New Year” to you all! The year we are leaving behind was full of challenges, opportunities, and at times, general chaos! At HVAAA we have embraced all of this with a focus on the needs of the communities and people that we support. To be honest, things haven’t always gone smoothly, but we continue to work on improving and growing as an organization in the hopes that we can meet all of the needs that are presented to us. For those that have brought challenges to us, we say thank you! Because of your concern and input we have several areas that we are focusing on to make sure we “get it right”!

HVAAA has experienced many successes over the past year and none of these could have been possible without your support. The LifeLongLinks – Aging and Disability Resource Center has grown by leaps and bounds and we continue to work on streamlining services and supports so that we can better serve you. This is an exciting program that we will be expanding to cover the entire state in the upcoming year.

The Enhancement of the Aging Network continues as well. In November, HVAAA was awarded the designation to become the Area Agency on Aging for a new 18 county region starting July 1, 2013! We are excited to strengthen our current partnerships as well as to create a whole host of new ones as we move forward. A lot of people have expressed concern about the “reorganization” and what it will mean for services. Let me tell you loud and clear… “Your services and supports will only improve”! Meal sites will stay the same, Healthy Lifestyle Centers will continue as they have, and you will still be able to access all of the services and supports in the same way as you have in the past. We are working very hard to not only maintain our current levels of service, but to continue our efforts to enhance, expand, and promote new and innovative supports and services as well.

We will still be here working for you, striving to be your trusted partner to help you decide your service needs. While all of the changes occur in service areas, enhances support offerings, budgets, and all of the other things, you can always count on one thing….our commitment to you! So as we say goodbye to 2012 and look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that will come in 2013 our informal motto around HVAAA is; The more things change….the more things stay the same!

Mike Isaacson, Executive Director

My earliest childhood memories of the Holiday season are filled with family, friends, big meals, and pool tournaments! Yes, you read that correctly, pool tournaments. Before my dad went back to school to become a pastor, on Thanksgiving we would gather with my dad’s side of the family to celebrate both Thanksgiving and Christmas. We would rent a few hotel rooms and swim in the pool, eat lots of food, and exchange gifts. Christmas was spent with my mom’s side of the family and usually entailed a lot of singing, laughter, exchanging gifts, and again….lots of food.

Then along would come New Years and once again we would celebrate with my mom’s family, and again there would be a lot of singing, and a lot of food including a family traditional, Oyster Stew. But the highlight of that celebration would be the pool tournament in the basement. My Grandpa Bud was a farmer and when he retired his big present to himself was a beautiful full-sized, red felt top pool table. I can remember when I was really young being told not to touch it!! As the oldest grandchild I couldn’t wait for the day that I was able to join all of the adults in the tourney. I was the official “ball boy” of many tournaments, in charge of re-racking for each game. I felt like I was in on something special as I listened to my grandpa heckle my uncles, or my mom’s cousins “trash talking” with each other.

The year I was finally old enough to join in the tournament I was so excited that I could hardly hold the cue stick straight. I got paired up with my mom’s cousin Tim, a great big guy (smaller than I am now, but remember, I was just a kid!) with a huge laugh, and an even bigger smile. Cousin Tim was one of my early idols in a room full of people that I looked up to. They all seemed so big and so confident, but they always took time to make me feel special. As the first tournament continued on Cousin Tim and I started winning and moving across the bracket. By the end of the day it was Cousin Tim and I sitting in first place, I’d never been so happy in all of my life. Now, I’m pretty sure that they let me win, but that didn’t stop me from running around the table and jumping up and down.

I remember that day like it was just last week, and I still get a big smile when I think about it. But more than winning at pool, I remember the smile on Grandpa Buds face and that look of pride that he gave me. I remember his big booming laugh as he put his arm around me and gave me a squeeze. There have been many holiday seasons that have come and gone, many family gatherings, many big meals, and many amazing gifts over time. But the best gift is the memory of my Grandpa Bud and the love I felt that day. He has been gone for a long time now, but every New Years I spend some time by myself talking to Grandpa Bud, still hoping to make him proud. And when I close my eyes, I can see the pride on his face, and hear that booming laugh.

Wishing you many happy memories,
Mike Isaacson, Executive Director

I need some help…if anyone knows of a television package that skips all of the political commercials; can you please get me that information? Don’t get me wrong, I’m very interested in our political system and through my role here at HVAAA I try to stay on top of all the “in’s and out’s” of our legislative process, I even have a master’s degree in Public Policy that focuses on state and local government operations. What I don’t have, however, is patience for the political games that are being played at the expense of people in need of life changing and lifesaving support.

Now, before you stop reading, this is NOT a referendum on one political party or the other. I’m also not going to write about who I think you should vote for, that is your personal choice! What I would like to talk about though is the affect that political posturing is having on services for seniors in need right here in Iowa. In the June edition of this newsletter I wrote about the failure of Congress to pass an update to the Older Americans Act. I talked about the act as the roadmap for the services that support the basic needs of seniors and the foundation of all HVAAA services. I warned that, without reauthorizing the Older Americans Act, millions of seniors in need throughout this country would be left to fend for themselves when it comes to food on the table, health care support, transportation, in-home services, and much, much more. Make no mistake about it, there are thousands of Iowans counted among those millions, and the devastating effects of this political posturing is hitting us right here in our state, in our communities, in our homes.

Due to the inaction at the federal level, state officials are beginning to cut the budget of the Iowa Department on Aging. This is the state department that provides the leadership and much of the financial support for Area Agency’s on Aging all across Iowa. The most recent projections show a $1.2 MILLION short-fall in the department budget. Closer to home, that cut will mean a reduction of 11.25% or $135,000 for HVAAA services and supports throughout our 10 county region. What do these dollars look like when turned in to cuts to services?

…there will be 22,500 fewer meals going to home bound seniors next year

…there will be 1,352 fewer hours of Case Management services that help seniors stay independent

…there will be 7,297 fewer hours of in-home services that allow seniors to stay at home

These are just some of the examples of the services that will be cut if these budget trends continue and our legislators continue to put Politics over People. We must demand a balanced approach to reducing costs in our government services. We cannot continue to cut home and community based services without thousands of Iowa’s seniors most in need falling by the wayside. We must honor their service to our communities, to our state, and to our country, by supporting them when they are in need, helping them when they are down, and lifting them up with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

If you would like to support seniors in need and if you would like your elected leaders to place PEOPLE OVER POLITICS, contact your state and federal legislators. For more information on the cuts that will impact Iowa’s seniors in need visit us at www.hvaaa.org , click on the “Education & Resources” tab and read the Volunteer Advocacy Training information. Together we can PUT PEOPLE OVER POLITICS!

Mike Isaacson, Executive Directors

As the summer starts its inevitable fade to fall, things around my house start to get really crazy. Like all families with kids, the school year begins a nine month sprint of blurred activities. For our family of six that sprint becomes more of an obstacle course. Starting every morning we hit the ground running trying to get everyone up and ready, showered, combed, brushed, fed, school bags packed, a check on where everyone is after school, and a final rush for the door to get to school on time. Along the way we are getting through long tangled hair, finding matching socks, searching for that lost piece of homework, going back upstairs to brush forgotten teeth, and somewhere in the middle of it all, trying to get as much coffee in my system as possible to stay on top of it all. After school we have three different football practices, games on four different nights, a night of dance class, supper to make, laundry to do, homework to finish, tests to study for, dogs to walk, cats to feed, dishes to wash, trombones to practice, and maybe, just maybe, some time to hang out as a family. Did I mention that my wife and I both work full-time, demanding jobs?

Inevitably at the end of the night, when all of the kids are in bed, I will be left lying awake with my brain going 100 miles per hour. It gets tough to turn it off when you are recovering from a chaotic day while at the same time ramping up to do it all over in the morning. That is why understanding stress and how to manage it are such important commodities in my life. The ability to juggle multiple activities simultaneously is often times looked at as a source of pride and I do believe that we all have the means and the need to master this concept. One of the most important aspects to our success in handling all of this stimulation is learning how to avoid, recognize, and deal with the stress that comes with it.

Anyone with a “type A” personality is going to struggle with doing things for themselves, but this is the type of person that needs to do just that. Learn how to say “no”, develop a plan for scheduling and timeframes, find time to exercise, listen to your body and sleep when it tells you to. One trick that works really well for me is to make lists. Sounds simply, but by writing down the things you need to accomplish in a day will make the tasks manageable. I take great joy in crossing things off of my list; it gives me mini-successes throughout the day. At the end of each day, I write my list for the next day , this allows me to let my brain rest in the evenings and focus on my family. Having my list ready for the next day allows me to jump right into the action in the morning with confidence that I won’t miss anything.

The other big tool that I have had to develop over the years as life as gotten more haphazard is the ability to forgive myself. I have realized that I am never going to get everything done that I want to, or that I may let something slip from time to time. Rather than beating myself up about it, I simply let it go and double my efforts to avoid a similar situation. You’ve got to give yourself a break, you’re only human!!

Finally, recognize that all of those trees getting in the way….they are actually the forest, don’t miss it! Make each practice, each game, each event, an opportunity to be proud of your family and for the talents and abilities that they have. There can be nothing more tragic than missing all of the fun in a busy family and life because you approach everything as a stressful situation. Find joy in the daily activities, comfort in the chaos, and satisfaction in the success!

Mike Isaacson
Executive Director

I have to begin with a statement of full disclosure; I did not intend to come into the office today and write this! It’s a Monday morning and I have a full slate of things to do today and not a whole lot of time to get it done. So, when I came in to find that our computers server is down, I had a few moments of panic, followed by a lot of moments of “now what do I do?” I can’t get to any of my files, I can’t retrieve any of the documents that I need, and I can’t access the internet to do the research I need to get completed. It is now dawning on me just how much I rely on my computer and rather than my electronics working for me…I now work for my electronics!?!?!

I am what you’d call a “computer immigrant”, meaning that I came from a land/time before computers. I remember having to look things up in books, having to communicate with people in person, and yes, even having to write things using a pen and paper! (I like to blame computers for the decline in my penmanship!) I did not immigrate to the world of computers willingly, nor do I profess any kind of knowledge of this thing that I’m now sitting in front of. I can’t even admit to really enjoying technology after years of assimilation. Today is a good example of why!

Computers have allowed us to become impersonal, to isolate. It’s the ultimate paradox that, in computers, we now have the entire world at our finger tips, but we are spending more and more time alone. We e-mail rather than talk, and we text rather than call. Technology, as Thomas Friedman discusses in his book The World is Flat, has created a global economy, the ability to communicate across borders, and has elevated the economies of third world countries. But it has also made us lazy and to be honest dulled our interpersonal skills. No longer do I have to walk down the hall of my office to deliver a message or talk with someone, I can simply hammer out an e-mail and then sit back and wait for a reply. If I need to get something to a colleague across the state I no longer make a phone call, I simply forward them a message.

Now, I am not demonizing technology, I use it every day and in many different ways (um, like this blog!?). I am merely raising a point that we need to concentrate our efforts on maintaining social proximity to our neighbors. Computers can never take the place of a well versed “thank you”, can never show the concern for the well-being of a friend. We have friends and neighbors struggling in isolation, hurting in silence, and needing the comfort and support that no piece of technology can provide. Your voice and your presence can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Do not ever underestimate the power of your presence, to help soothe someones sorrow, to brighten the day of someone in need, or to bring comfort to someone that is hurting.

Technology is great for getting things done; it creates efficiency and cost savings, but there is no substitute for a warm smile, a supportive word, or a kind act. So today I challenge you, step away from the technology and allow your presence to have a profound impact on the life of someone you care for. You WILL make a difference! (and trust me, your computer won’t mind a bit.)

Mike Isaacson
Executive Director

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On August 24^th my Grandma Ike will turn 90 years old.  As I was talking to my kids about the celebration that we are planning, one of my kids asked a very simple question, “What kind of present are we going to get her?”  This started a great brainstorming session with ideas ranging from “a cat” (from my daughter) to “umm, I don’t know?” (from my oldest son).

Later in the evening when things quieted down around the house I began to think of things that we could get Grandma Ike and I have to admit that I was stumped.  What do you get  a woman that taught elementary students for 40 years, earned her master’s degree at the age of 42, raised two children (and my Grandpa), traveled all over the world, and always made me feel like I was the most important thing on the planet?  I spent days agonizing over what gift to buy, what would be that perfect thing that would really show the love and respect and thankfulness that I feel for her.  Finally, when I was at my wits end, I broke down and called Grandma Ike.  Now I know that it’s kind of cheating to simply ask her what she would like, but I was seriously at a lost.  Her response, while so simple, was nothing less than what I would expect from her…”Michael, I just want to spend time enjoying you and the kids.”

Time together with family and friends has always been her greatest joy, and something that she instilled in me as I was growing up.  I used to love going to Grandpa and Grandma’s house for a whole host of reasons; listening to their stories, telling my own and making them laugh, learning from them, etc.  But most of all, I loved the feeling that they were interested in me and my life, that I was important, and I always felt loved; pretty simple things, pretty easy gifts to give and to receive. 

As I have grown older and have a family of my own, my biggest regret is that I do not get to spend as much time with Grandma Ike as I used to.  I want my kids to benefit from her wisdom, her life experience, and her love.  I also want my Grandma to be able to watch my kids grow up and I want her to see how her lessons to me have been passed down to them.  They are turning into amazing people and that is directly linked to the lessons I learned from her, my greatest hope is that she understands what an amazing influence she has been, and continues to be, in my life.

So, after my conversation with Grandma the “gift” to give her became very clear.  Each of my kids is making videos for her.  Nothing fancy and nothing expensive, just the kids talking about what she means to them, how much she has taught them, and how much they love her.  Of course, when I “pitched” this idea to my kids they loved it, but they had one condition….that I make a video as well.  After a great deal of thought, I sat down one night by myself to record my part.  The problem was, every time I would start to talk about what she means to me I would get emotional.  I’m not afraid to confess that each time I would get choked up and tears would fill my eyes.  So after an hour or so of trying to get something “useable” I finally got something on video.  It wasn’t a long story, it isn’t a long monologue, but I know that she will understand.  What did I say?

“Happy Birthday Grandma Ike…..thank you….I love you”

Pretty simple things, pretty easy gifts to give and to receive. 

-Mike Isaacson, Executive Director

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