August 2025 News and Views




Thanks and gratitude to our Mission Sponsors

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our Mission Sponsor, UCHealth, for their unwavering support. The UCHealth team continues to champion PAFC’s mission of cultivating communities where people of ALL ages can flourish. With their partnership, we can ensure that older adults in Larimer County have the resources they need to THRIVE in 2025 and beyond.

The Gallery at Fort Collins is our new Mission Sponsor and our Newsletter Sponsor! The Gallery is deeply committed to fostering a thriving and connected community for older adults - just like we are.


Their sponsorship helps us continue providing meaningful programs, services, and resources that enrich lives and promote independence for older adults. Thank you, The Gallery at Fort Collins, for your incredible support!

        5 Smart Financial Moves to Make Before Choosing Senior Living 

 Planning Ahead Means Living Well


Choosing a senior living community is a big decision—and one that deserves thoughtful financial planning. At The Gallery at Fort Collins, we believe clarity leads to confidence. Whether you're making the decision for yourself or helping a loved one, these five smart financial moves can help you prepare for a future that’s not only secure, but also full of possibility.


1. Review Your Budget

Start with a clear picture of your current financial situation. Track income, expenses, and any recurring costs. Knowing your numbers helps you understand what’s sustainable over time.


2. Compare the True Cost of Living at Home vs. a Community

Many families are surprised to find that senior living can be more cost-effective than aging in place—especially when you factor in meals, transportation, home maintenance, and care services.


3. Explore Long-Term Care Benefits

Look into options like long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and what’s covered under Medicare or Medicaid. Every bit of planning can expand your options.


4. Consult a Financial Advisor

Working with a trusted advisor can help you make the most of your assets and ensure your financial plan aligns with your lifestyle goals.


5. Ask the Right Questions

Every community structures its pricing differently. At The Gallery, we’re always transparent about what’s included—and we’ll walk you through your options with care and clarity.


Let’s Make a Plan—Together

When you’re ready, our team is here to offer guidance, answer your questions, and help you explore a future that feels just right.

 
 




Support PAFC when you shop at King Soopers


Did you know that you can link your King Soopers rewards card to PAFC and we'll receive a portion of your purchases? It's very easy to set up. If you don't have a rewards card, that's easy to set up too. Every time you make a purchase and enter your ID number (typically a phone number), PAFC will receive a donation.


This is a convenient way to support PAFC through King Soopers giving program. Below is a tutorial to set up a rewards card and to link your card to PAFC. Let us know if you need help (info@pafclarimer.org).




Board Member Wendy Abbott presents a virtual dementia tour.

Community Outreach for University Research on Health Aging

Submitted by Myles Crane


PAFC was recently well represented at the Research Roadshow sponsored by the Colorado University’s Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging held at the LNC Library In Greeley.


Research Roadshows offer a variety of activities, such as education, live demonstrations, fun opportunities to try out new innovations, explore studies on health topics of interest, and meet leading health researchers. 


At the most recent event, teams offered free hearing tests with the goal to improve access to affordable hearing aids and explore the possible connection between high blood pressure and hearing loss. Other health and wellness teams brought studies comparing guided nutrition plans and exercise programs with training help, and the osteoarthritis group is studying ways to treat and hopefully develop a cure for arthritis.


PAFC’s Board Member JoAnn Herkenhoff helped coordinate the information booth for UCHealth Aspen Club, a 36 year-old service that provides health-related programs, education and other activities to almost 14,000 members who are 50 and forward. Many older residents in Larimer and Weld Counties look to UCHealth Aspen Club for positive assistance in aging healthfully and independently.


Wendy Abbott (in left photo), another PAFC board member, conducted an abbreviated virtual dementia tour on behalf of CAHEC (Centennial Area Health Education Center). The program was heavily promoted at the event and drew lots of interested participants.


Along with scores of other community members, PAFC’s Board Vice Chair Myles Crane met Research Specialists for Older Adults whose mission is to connect peers with research to improve healthy aging as well as help them learn about and sign up for research studies of interest. Clearly there is a lot of commendable work being done in many fields including cancer research and heart and brain health.

 

August's Graceful Aging Blog

A Morning Walk

by Kirsten Hartman

“A morning walk? Really?” This was my recent internal response to my physical therapist’s suggestion that I walk in the morning since the afternoons are so hot in the summer. This was not an outlandish request as walking does help my sore hips. HOWEVER, my internal dialogue has been intense.


I used to be a morning walker, years ago. Met with a friend every weekday for several years, and we enjoyed our time together. Then a move disrupted that. Fast forward a few years, new area, young child, and a dog. Again, really enjoyed the solitude, or the chance to give the dog a good walk. Walked mostly alone, but was very consistent. 

Continue reading here


Time is running out to adopt a duck!

The big race is almost here and we are getting close to reaching our ultimate goal of $2,500! The more ducks we "adopt," the more ducks PAFC will have in the water. And that increases our chances for winning one of the top prizes. The excitement is building toward victory! The deadline for adopting a duck is midnight Friday, September 5th.


Come join the fun at the duck race to cheer on Team PAFC and help at our booth. We could use a couple more volunteers. Choose your shift: 10 - 12, 12 - 2, or the whole event. Let us know: info@pafclarimer.org

#makewavesforolderadults




www.PAFCLarimer.org



970-310-4900