Our early life stages are pretty predictable.  We speak our first words and take our first steps — generally within a short time frame of a few months to a year or two.  We can also count on puberty taking place between a few short years of our youth.

When we become young adults, our development and maturation from there on have more to do with our environment around us and the choices we make.  These factors are what contribute to our older adults being the most diverse age sector of the world’s population.

Beyond biological changes, aging is often associated with other life transitions such as retirement, relocation to more appropriate housing and the experience of death of friends and partners. A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole.

Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or a long-neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health.

If people can experience their extra years of life in good health and if they live in a supportive environment, their ability to do the things they value will be little different from that of a younger person. This thought was brought home to me through a recent conference I attended.  One of my take-away statements — “At retirement, it’s important to keep our activity level up to the level it was prior to retirement. Those activities may change and should change, but we must remain involved and active.”

Maintaining healthy behaviors throughout life, particularly eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and refraining from tobacco use, all contribute to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, improving physical and mental capacity and delaying care dependency.

Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. Sure, we can distinguish those who are in their second half of life, but we don’t dare guess their age.  Our aging processes differ so greatly that we can easily miscalculate their years through simple observations.

Every May we have the opportunity to celebrate Older Americans Month.  The theme for 2022 is ‘Age My Way’ with a focus on aging in place and exploring ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.

While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone can consider:

• Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
• Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
• Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
• Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.

Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Scout Trees Now to Prevent Future Problems

Trees are a huge asset to the landscape. They offer us considerable energy savings when properly placed. Whether you have just planted new trees or have large majestic trees, they can become the targets of disease, insects and human error that can slow their growth and even kill them. This article will cover several tree troubles to be on the lookout for in the next few weeks.

First, I want to address mulching. Unfortunately, as I drive around our communities, I continue to see what is known as the “mulch volcano.” This is the practice of piling mulch high up the trunk of a tree and sloping it down towards the ground – like the shape of a volcano!

When mulch is applied in this manner, it is very detrimental to the tree. It confuses the tree to thinking that the soil level has changed. This will cause the tree to start growing roots into the mulch and can even start to cause decay in the trunk. Mulch applied too deeply can actually prevent moisture from reaching the soil and suffocate the roots – causing the tree to die.

If you are guilty of the mulch volcano, it can easily be fixed by dragging the mulch away from the trunk and reshaping the pile. Mulch should be kept 3-6 inches away from the trunk and should be spread out away from the tree in each direction at least 3 feet – more if you can. As for mulch thickness, 3 to 4 inches is all that is needed.

The pine trees in our area continue to decline. Have you noticed how some pines are exhibiting an abnormal amount of browning to the needles? The trees have been hit by Dothistroma needle blight. This is a common and serious disease of pines. This needle blight is characterized by the heavy loss of older, inner needles, plus the appearance of small black fruiting structures on needles in the spring. Copper-containing fungicides can be used for control. However, many of the trees in our area may have already been lost.

Finally, bagworm season is nearing. They are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Eastern red cedar and junipers are the most commonly affected species, although bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce, pine and some broadleaf trees and shrubs.

Bagworm larvae will begin emerging any time now. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. When hatched, they will be very small and rather difficult to see. As they consume plant material, the larvae will become larger and larger and so will the new bags.

Many times, homeowners don’t begin worrying about bagworms until they are large and easy to see! At that point, chemical controls are a waste of time and money. Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. There are a number of insecticides that are effective against bagworms this time of year.

Trees are an investment! Don’t let disease or insect damage take hold. The Extension office is available to help you with any tree issues you may be facing. For assistance, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Southwind Extension District

Family and Consumer Sciences

Estate Planning Informational Meeting set

No matter how modest, everything you own is considered a part of your estate. Additionally, no matter how large or small your net worth is, everybody has something to pass on to their heirs.

An estate plan will help ensure that your wishes for your possessions are followed — especially when you are not around to give the direction. Without a plan, state law will provide the processes for your estate settlement, and your wishes may not be considered.

Join Joy Miller and Barbara Stockebrand, Southwind Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agents for “Estate Planning: Beginning the Process” on May 19, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4-H Building in Fort Scott.

Learn estate planning terms, who should do estate planning and why, and some of the steps involved with estate planning.

Please register by calling 620-625-8620 or emailing [email protected]. There is no charge for this event.

Everyone is invited to attend.