Five Questions: Rob Hulstra

After spending a combined 23 years working for American Red Cross and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, Rob Hulstra, 48, on Jan. 2 moved to work in Alzheimer’s education. Hulstra is responsible for Alzheimer’s Association’s public relations and education in 29 southwest Missouri counties. The local chapter is in the process of doubling its 2,000-square-foot office at 1500 S. Glenstone, in Springfield’s Glen Isle Center.

According to the fall newsletter, demand is up in the chapter for Alzheimer’s education and assistance. What does this say about our community?

People are coming to the Ozarks in retirement age, especially in the lakes region. It’s an attractive place to live, especially with the hospitalization. The aging population, of course, brings all kinds of illnesses.

Alzheimer’s disease costs Americanbusiness $61 billion a year, according to a report commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition to the costs, and in light of an aging baby boomer population, how serious is this disease?

The old rules of logic – the sky is blue, water is wet, don’t cross on red, color in the lines – they’ve all flown out the window. They have to adapt. …

One person in 10 at age 65 is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and half of the people age 85 and older has Alzheimer’s disease. They anticipate that by the year 2040, there will be an estimated 16 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Now, there are about 4.5 million in the United States.

While age and genes are the biggest risk factors, mind exercises are said to help prevent Alzheimer’s, right?

No one actually knows how Alzheimer’s begins. It would stand to reason, good physical shape, mental activity, watching your diet and social interaction (can help).

I bumped into a gentleman who’s in his early 70s and he’s learning Mandarin Chinese. Some other folks are learning Tai Chi. One fellow is finally learning to play the piano. (It’s about) trying something new, challenging your mind and keeping fit.

Are you personally practicing this advice?

Yes, I bought a book and I’m trying to get myself to learn how to run marathons. I’m a long way from that. And recently I lost a bet in a Chinese restaurant and have to learn Cantonese. Don’t ask me what the bet was about. We’ll leave that for the memoirs.

What are your spare-time interests?

I’ve taken up sailing and scuba diving. As a result, I’ve gotten interested in underwater photography. I go to Jamaica, and the water is so clear – you can go down to 130 feet and could still read a newspaper at that depth. It’s amazing.

Back here, it would be walking and learning how to jog to train for marathons. Golf. Photography. Cooking. I have some friends and we all get together. We pick a country and each one of us has to prepare a meal or side dish or dessert. Usually, my results are interesting.

Book Benefit

Proceeds from the sale of “Mom at War” benefit Alzheimer’s Association, Southwest Missouri Chapter. Retired banker Todd Parnell has compiled letters written by his mother, Jean Parnell, during her World War II volunteer service with American Red Cross. Parnell is battling Alzheimer’s disease. Click here for more information.