Simply 55+ Senior Guide 1.2014 by Fader Publishing

January/February 2014

September - October 2013

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from the

Staff Publisher

Welcome to the second edition of Simply55+. Our first edition was very well received by the readers and proved to be an exceptional marketing tool for our advertisers. As the editor I feel it is my duty to ensure that the quality of the magazine continues to be exceptional going forward. I also feel that the magazine should be a collaborative effort by all involved parties. With that thought in mind, if you would like to share your thoughts on how we are doing, please feel free to contact me at the email provided below. I look forward to the future success of Simply 55+ and to hearing your thoughts and suggestions. If you would like your opportunity to show just how talented you are, feel free to contact us about getting involved in the movement that is Simply 55+. Thanks for being part of our undertaking and we truly hope you enjoy our second edition.

With Warmest Thanks, — Wayne Morgan

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Scott Worrall

Editor in Chief Wayne Morgan

Creative Director Dallas Arnold

Contributing Writer Barbara Worrall

Advertising Director Dan Stern

Executive Assistant Martha Zerblis

Circulation & Distribution LV Distributing

Mission Statement To provide a comprehensive guide for value, quality and affordable ways for seniors. To enhance and elevate the standard of home, as well as senior leisure life in Southern Nevada. While making you feel informed and a part of our growing community.

Subscriptions You can mail your subscription request to: 1176 Center Point Dr, Henderson, NV 89074 Simply55+ Magazine is published Bi-monthly by Fader Publishing LLC. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.

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Contents January/February 2014 PAGE

Health Benefits of The Avocado

PAGE

Incidental Exercise

Could Be the Key to a Healthier Life

PAGE

5 Sectrets To Brewing The Perfect Cup of Coffee

PAGE

Five Reasons Why Juicing Contributes To Better Health

15 18

Page 9 PAGE

Home Improvement Make Sure Your Home Remodeling Project Goes Smoothly With These 6 Tips

PAGE

Options For Senior Living

PAGE

Travel Getaway: San Diego

30 35 PAGE

How to See San Diego on a Budget

Five Tips for Getting Senior Citizen Discounts Practicing Yoga in the later years of life.

PAGE

Page 35

Preventing Identity Fraud

From The Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Simply Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 New Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 38

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How many foods can you think of that will provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, help your body ward off sickness and disease, and even make you look better – all at the same time? You can rest assured that while the list is not very long, the avocado clearly leads the way. Although this amazing superfood is most often associated with Latin America, the avocado can now be found just about anywhere, from thriving communities in Europe and Asia, to developing countries throughout the world. What else can this unusual little fruit do for you? Read on and you will soon find out.

Nutrition The avocado contains many of the vitamins that are most important to the body, such as vitamins K, C, E, B5 and B6. As a result, the nutrient-packed fruit is included in many of the world's leading dietary programs. When combined with minerals like potassium and magnesium, as well as monounsaturated fats, fiber and folic acid, adding avocados to the diet can help meet the guidelines set out by the American Heart Association (AHA), as well as those of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Not That Old And Loving It!

Cancer Prevention Avocados are also rich in many of the compounds known by researchers to reduce the risk for certain cancers, such as breast, prostate and oral cancers. Studies show that carotenoids, such as alpha carotene, beta carotene and zeaxanthin can actually inhibit the growth of such cancer cells. The vitamin E in avocados has been shown to

reduce breast cancer risk by 43 percent in pre-menopausal women who had a family history of it, according to the “Nurse's Health Study.” Similarly, research also shows that women who increase their intake of lutein and oleic acid have a lowered risk of breast cancer.

Stroke As one of the leading causes of death in much of the civilized world, stroke can leave its victims partially or totally incapacitated for the remainder of their lives. Studies done on potassium and the fruits and vegetables that contain it have shown that increasing potassium intake by around 400 milligrams per day can actually cut the risk of stroke by up to 40 percent. Of the many fruits and vegetables that are considered rich in potassium (such as carrots and potatoes), the avocado has a distinct advantage in that it contains significantly more, without the disadvantages associated with cooking and boiling some of these foods. Such preparation methods have been shown to reduce available potassium by up to 30 percent. In addition, the avocado actually contains about 52 percent more potassium than sodium, clearly making it a superior choice. (continued on next page)

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Heart Disease Low levels of sodium in the avocado make it a healthy alternative for seniors and anyone concerned with high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. With the USDA recommended limits set at 2,300 milligrams for healthy adults, the 5 milligrams in one serving of avocado leave plenty of room to spare. In addition, folate has been shown to significantly reduce the risk for heart disease and just one cup of avocado contains 23 percent of the recommended daily amount of it.

tection from free radicals and helps diabetics to control their triglyceride levels. In addition, avocados contain beta-sisterol, a phytosterol known to block the absorption of LDL cholesterol. With all of these benefits available, it's difficult to think of any good reason why one wouldn't want to tear into an avocado, right away. While it can be argued that the hectic pace of life today makes it much easier to just load ourselves up on burgers and fries instead, the truth is that there are far too many silent killers lurking within all that beloved junk-food. Remember, there's no need to feel that eating healthy has to be dull and boring. There are plenty of interesting avocado recipes available in books and online, each of which can provide you with a variety of different ways to take advantage of everything this delicious and amazing fruit has to offer. Try some of them out and see what you've been missing.

DID YOU KNOW…

Lower Cholesterol Because over 75 percent of the avocado's calories come from fat, the fruit has sometimes received a bit of a bad reputation. However, the monounsaturated fats in the avocado are actually healthy fats that offer many benefits, one of which is regulating cholesterol levels. One study involved placing participants on a vegetarian diet in which calories from monounsaturated fats replaced carbohydrate calories. After one month, the results clearly showed that not only were the levels of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol around 35 percent lower, but the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) had risen by roughly 12 percent. HDL cholesterol is considered “healthy” cholesterol, because it offers pro-

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• Avocados are a fruit, not a vegetable. • In Brazil avocados mixed in with ice cream is a very popular dessert. • California produces about 90% of the nation's avocado crop. • San Diego County is the Avocado Capital of the U.S., producing 60% of all the avocados grown in California. • The oldest living avocado tree is found on the University of California, Berkeley campus and was planted in 1879. • To tell if an avocado is really perfectly ripe, hold it in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze. Hard as a rock? Not ripe. Squishy? Overripe. Have as much give as chilled butter? Perfectly ripe. • Avocados have the highest fiber content of any fruit and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and folate. • Avocados will not ripen on the tree. They must be picked from the tree to initiate ripening. The leaves supply a substance that prevents ripening. The best way to store avocados is to leave them on the tree; they will store for 7 months or more when left on the tree.

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Doctors all over the world have been advocating the benefits of physical exercise for their patients for decades now. As the obesity rate continues to climb and more people struggle to find effective weight loss measures, doctors and medical practitioners are more determined than ever to find ways to get people to increase their physical activity levels. Unfortunately, the whole idea of a formal work out at the gym makes many people

Incidental Activity vs. Working out At the Gym Research published online by the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that incidental physical activity throughout each day could be just as beneficial for health as a planned workout at the gym. Many doctors and medical practitioners recommend their patients get at

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cringe with distaste. The notion of purposely exercising until you're all red-faced and sweaty is enough to deter people from even starting an exercise program. Most people also struggle to find time in a hectic lifestyle to fit in a one-hour aerobics class at the gym a couple times a week. Yet a few minutes of incidental exercise done in small bouts throughout each day could offer the exact same benefits overall.

least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Aside from making it easier to maintain a healthy weight, a moderate amount of physical activity can also improve heart health. Instead of trying to plan a formal 30 minute workout, it may be possible to achieve the same results with smaller bursts of activity spread out through the day. You may spend ten minutes pulling weeds out of the garden and another ten minutes sweeping the floor. Add another five minutes of walking through the mall and five minutes to

unpack groceries from the car and you've reached your 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Researchers found that people who maintained an active lifestyle that included regular non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The same research also found that people who did a regular amount of daily incidental exercise were also more likely to maintain a healthy weight and have less chance of developing metabolic syndrome. Not That Old And Loving It!

What Is Incidental Exercise?

tunes and dance around the house for a few minutes. No one's watching anyway, so why not have a bit of fun?

Even sitting in a boat enjoying a bit of fishing can burn more calories than if you sat on the sofa and watched TV.

Incidental exercise is the term given to any physical activity that isn't part of a planned workout. Walking around in the mall or even pushing a grocery cart around the store all contribute to your daily activity levels. Simple chores around the house count as incidental exercise too, such as sweeping or mopping floors, vacuuming rugs, washing the car with a bucket and sponge, pulling weeds out of the garden and even hanging laundry.

Of course, many people have become increasingly sedentary as modern technology allows us to complete more tasks with a push of a button. Many jobs now require people to sit in front of a computer during working hours, before getting into the car to drive home and sit in front of the TV.

to get a park and you're getting a bit of extra activity. Switch on your favorite

same time.

The whole point of incidental The whole point of incidental exexercise is to look ercise is to look for ways to get your body moving. Even a small for ways to get increase in the amount of activity you get throughout the day can have a positive effect on weight loss efyour body Park the car away from the mall forts. You'll be helping to increase your doorway and walk an extra minute fitness levels a little more and you'll moving. across the car park. You'll find it easier boost your cardiovascular health at the Not That Old And Loving It!

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Cowboys used to make their coffee in an old bean can over a campfire. Hipster coffee house junkies swear by the French press method. And, of course, millions of people start each work day with at least one cup of hot, strong automatic drip. What may surprise you is that with each of these methods, the rules are still the same for making a perfect cup. The brewing device is up to you. Grab a filter, a percolator basket, or an old tin can, and learn the secrets to delicious coffee every time. Not That Old And Loving It!

Rule Number One: Start With Clean Equipment If you have a busy workplace, you may have noticed that the coffee at work tastes much worse in the break room than what you brew at home. That's because your workplace often brews several pots a day, while at home you probably just have one. The frequent use means that the coffee maker has picked up the oily residue from hundreds and hundreds of previous pots. That gunky, black residue manages to leave its funky flavor in every cup of coffee you have until it gets cleaned out. Even cowboys used a fresh, clean bean can to start their morning brew. Clean

your pot regularly with vinegar diluted in water at least once a month, or once a week if you make several pots a day. Clean your glass carafe often too, with a little baking soda and a non-abrasive sponge. Be careful not to scratch it: those scratches can trap the oils from your coffee and leave a bitter taste. Clean equipment will help your coffee's great taste come through.

Rule Number Two: Use Cold Water of the Best Quality Possible The flavor extracted from your coffee beans only makes up 1% of the cup you drink. The other 99% of your cup of coffee is water. Simply stated: if your water is bad, your coffee will be bad. Remember the cowboys with their January/February 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Simply55+ â&#x20AC;˘ 15

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tin can coffee? They used cool, clear water from a nearby spring. The closer you can come to duplicating it, the more you'll taste the difference. If you're using tap water, let it run for a few minutes to reduce the sediment from sitting in your pipes. The water from your hot water tank also picks up unwanted tastes, so stick with the cold. Of course, if you want the very best coffee possible, you aren't required to use tap water at all. Try using filtered water or your favorite bottled water. The cost is more, but it pays off in dividends of gourmet quality coffee. If you make coffee at work, fill the carafe from the water cooler, which is usually filtered water. If you enjoy coffee made with higher quality water, you might want to invest in a filter pitcher, which takes the unpleasant taste out of your own tap water.

Rule Number Three: Use the Correct Grind Coffee gets its flavor from the oils in the beans. To make your coffee taste its best, the amount of oils extracted need to be between 18 and 22 percent. If you use too fine a grind for your coffee maker, the taste will be too bitter. If it sounds like rocket science, it's not. All you need to do is make sure that the grind you use matches the method of brewing you plan to use. Your machine will do the extraction work. An espresso maker makes a cup of coffee super fast, so the grind needs to be quite fine. The plunger method is the slowest, so a heavier, coarser grind is required. Drip makers fall in the middle, so if you grind your own, use the medium setting. Pre-ground coffees usually default to the drip type of grind. Unsure what grind you need? Check your coffee makers instruction booklet. Most have detailed information on which type is best for your particular type of machine. Not That Old And Loving It!

Rule Number Four: Use the Correct Temperature Coffee beans don't need to be cooked. They have already been roasted to perfection. You only need very hot water to extract the oils that flavor your cup of coffee. Most automatic coffee makers have their temperature already set, but if you are using a plungertype coffee maker, you'll need to make sure that you don't boil your water first. Bring the kettle to just below the boiling point before pouring it over your fresh grounds.

Rule Number Five: Serve it Quickly Isn't the first cup of coffee you pour from the pot always the best? That's because about 15 minutes after it brews, the aromatic oils in coffee start to evaporate. Longer than that, and the result is that bitter, tasteless stuff you find in gas stations. Have you notices that the best coffee shops don't keep their coffee on a burner? It's poured into thermoses, so it doesn't keep endlessly cooking away. If you drink a lot of coffee, think about brewing only one half or one quarter of a pot at a time. Each cup will be astronomically better. There may be one unwritten rule of coffee making in addition to these five. That rule is: make your own rules. Once your coffee is brewed, don't let anyone tell you how you should drink it. Sweet, black, creamy, decaffeinated: the choice is yours. Just keep in mind that if you follow the specifications for making a perfect cup, your favorite coffee will be even better than it was before, and that's what coffee perfection is all about.

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Five Reasons Why Juicing Contributes to Better Health About twenty years ago, juicing was something that only health gurus did on a regular basis. They were definitely outside of the mainstream and that certainly classified them as part of the trendy set. Juicing has come a long way in the past two decades, and today it is now regarded as popular, practical, and a very healthy addition to include in one’s diet. When juicing began to gain more popularly regarding its everyday usage, various styles of machines started showing up in places like infomercials, cooking channels, specialty shops and department stores. Juice bars were popping up all across the country because consumers had awakened to the many health benefits of juicing, such as internal cleansing and consuming more nutrients. People became more informed that extracting the juice from fresh fruits and vegetables provided more of the minerals, vitamins and pulp (fiber) they required and this offered numerous advantages. First, let’s examine the three types of juicers that are among the most common variety.

Fast Juicers

Slow Juicers

This type of juicer grinds fruits and veggies and then pushes the extracted juice through a strainer at high speeds. It produces pulp-free juice very quickly, but extracts less juice than some other types. It also creates more heat during the production, which could compromise the nutrients.

This is the most common type of machine sold on the market today. The juicer takes longer to produce the

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juice because it first crushes the fruits and veggies and then presses out the juice. This type of machine is a bit more costly, but it extracts more nutrients from the produce and yields a thicker juice with more pulp.

Whole Food Juicers

This type of juicer is reminiscent of blenders that use sharp blades that rotate at high speeds. Although they work pretty well, they do not compare with the first two juicers for the combination of nutrients and containment of the pulp. They are also the least expensive. So, now that we’ve examined the different types of juicers, let’s examine the top five reasons for incorporating juicing into a daily regimen for improving your overall health:

The Nutrients

Nutrients Intake is Increased

When you eat whole foods, your body needs to separate the fiber (with no nutrients) and the juice (with the nutrients). This is a lengthy process, and if your digestion isn’t very efficient you won’t be getting all the nutrients from the foods you’re eating. However, juicing is a great alternative because the juicer does all the work for you. On one side of the juicer the fiber comes out into a compartment, and on the other side of the juicer the liquid flows. Most people then discard the pulp and drink the nutrient dense juice. Within twenty minutes of ingestion, the nutrients in fresh juice are absorbed in the body.

Juicing allows you to take in a lot more nutrients than you would normally

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get because you can increase the amount of vegetables you consume in a single serving. Because we spend less time dedicated to eating nutrient based foods due to soil depletion and other agriculture weakening, our food source is not as nutritious as it was in the past. We are simply not getting the same benefits as our ancestors did from the foods they consumed. Juicing helps to fill the quota of nutrition so that we get the appropriate nutritional benefits.

Detox

Since our livers are responsible for cleansing and detoxifying the blood of toxins and waste material, unhealthy foods clog the system and the blood

quality is not at its optimum level. The liver struggles and poor blood quality equals low energy, but that can be reversed with juicing. Since fresh juice is absorbed readily, the highly nutrient content enters the blood and hits the liver very quickly, which aids in the detoxification process and helps the liver to function much more efficiently.

Weight Loss

If weight loss has been a struggle for you, then juicing is an excellent way to get rid of those unwanted Not That Old And Loving It!

pounds. Generally speaking, weight gain is linked to processed foods and synthetic ingredients and preservatives. Juicing contains no synthetic ingredients, and it is delivered to the body in its purest form with nutrition and few calories. Add a little exercise into the mix, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to shed the extra weight.

Energy, Energy, Energy!

If you want to feel a burst of energy, then juicing should definitely be part of your daily routine. Because the juice of fruits and veggies is so easy to digest, there is less energy spent on the lengthy digestion process. Since juicing is loaded with vitamins and minerals in their natural form, your body assimilates the nutrients more quickly, which creates the “burst” effect.

In the end, juicing should only be one more thing that you can do to stay healthy, but not the only thing in your arsenal for well-being. Exercise, whole foods and grains, a good night’s sleep and especially protein, which keeps us full and helps to build and maintain muscle mass is equally important. Vegetable juice has very little protein and virtually no fat, so use it in addition to your regular meals, not in place of it. Above all, it is vital to listen to your body when juicing, and make any modifications that makes your stomach feel good all morning long.

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Hire a respectable contractor - Finding a professional contractor that is respectable is incredibly important if you want to make sure that you end up with high quality renovations that won't fall apart over time. You should check the reputation of every contractor you look at with the Better Business Bureau as well as check out any customer references. Additionally, hire a contractor that has at least three years worth of experience and a membership with the NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). When deciding on a contractor, make sure that you visit one of their current job sites to see how they run their projects. Their sites should be clean, organized and safe.

Make Sure Your Home Remodeling Project Goes Smoothly With These 6 Tips So you've decided to invest time, energy and money into remodeling your home. A home remodeling project is worth the investment considering the improved function, form and value that most renovations often bring to a home. However, there are a lot of details to consider and a lot of things that can go wrong, leading to unnecessary stress as well as added financial burdens. The following are 6 tips that you should keep in mind to help make sure that your remodeling process goes as smoothly as possible:

Be careful when creating your budget - Your budget involves much more than just the remodeling itself. Keep in mind costs such as long-term maintenance, potential repair expenses, utility expenses and more when making the calculations for your budget.

Maintain a positive relationship with your contractor - A strained relationship will end up with plenty of problems on-site that can delay your renovations. Treat your contractor with respect and be honest with him or her. Be sure to communicate clearly with your contractor so that there are no misunderstandings. A contractor that is treated well will go out of their way to satisfy you.

Plan everything ahead You don't want to be making choices about fixtures, colors, textures, etc. during the remodeling process. All of these choices should be made well ahead of time so that the actual remodeling process isn't slowed down.

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Make sure everything is written down - Before beginning your remodeling project, you should make sure that everything you have discussed with your contractor has been written down in a contract. This includes the start and end dates, the cost of the project, your name and address, details about the project and more. You want this in writing in case there are any discrepancies later on.

Prepare your home for the remodeling process - There are a few things that go into this. First of all, you should move all the valuables from the space being remodeled and pack them somewhere safe. The same goes for any furniture and décor. Fixtures that cannot be moved should be protected using plastic sheets. Additionally, if you are remodeling an area that is used on a daily basis, then you'll want to create a temporary space for that function somewhere else. This means that if you are

remodeling your kitchen, you should create a temporary kitchen space on the other side of the house that you can use. Keep these 6 tips in mind while planning a home remodeling project to make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible.

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centers typically offer the same services as assisted living facilities with additional supervision. They're often in a secure wing of the facility to keep patients from wandering. Staff members are trained to keep residents safe and to give gentle, respectful redirection when it's needed. Many offer rehabilitation services designed to keep the dementia from progressing, such as cognitive therapy, physical/occupational therapy, and social interaction.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Options For Senior Living According to the most recent census, over 40 million Americans are 65 or older. That shift in demographics has led to seniors having more living options than ever before. Read on to learn more about some of the choices that are available.

Independent Living (Retirement Living) In an independent living community, residents live in their own apartments while enjoying community life and knowing that help is available if needed. Designed for seniors who don't need assistance in their daily activities, independent living communities typically offer a variety of recreational activities, health maintenance programs, and dining options.

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Assisted Living Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who need minimal help with their daily routines. These facilities typically serve three meals a day, provide transportation to doctors' appointments and shopping centers, and encourage residents to exercise and socialize. Some may offer optional laundry and cleaning services. One popular add-on is medication management. The service manages refills and delivers medications at the appropriate times, providing a safety net for seniors who may otherwise forget to take them.

Memory Care

Skilled nursing facilities provide the highest level of care outside of hospitals. Services typical include all aspects of personal care, such as dressing, bathing, feeding, and toileting. Whereas assisted living facilities often stipulate that residents have to be able to get in and out of bed with the help of only one person, skilled nursing facilities provide as much assistance as is needed. Another thing that differentiates them from other senior living options is the level of medical care available. Most have a nurse on duty 24/7, a doctor who oversees each patient's care, and other health care professionals who come in as needed. Some senior living facilities offer the entire range of care, allowing seniors to stay in the community as their needs change, and many have social workers to advise you on the most appropriate level of care. Regardless of the option you choose, do your homework. Search for online reviews of the facility, take a tour, and talk to both residents and visiting family members. When you find just the right facility, you'll be glad you did your homework.

Memory care is specifically designed for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Memory Not That Old And Loving It!

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San Diego is renowned for its sunshine – which comes at a price. The city has a reputation as an expensive location, but you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time in the popular Southern California destination. The fact that many of San Diego’s attractions involve mother nature help keep the potential cost of a visit within reason. There are several ways to keep your visit within a tight budget. San Diego is renowned for its sunshine – which comes at a price. The city has a reputation as an expensive location, but you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time in the popular Southern California destination. The fact that many of San Diego’s attractions involve mother nature help keep the potential cost of a visit within reason. There are several ways to keep your visit within a tight budget. 1. Don’t stay in a hotel on the beach. Sure, you may want to spend a considerable amount of time on the sand, but if you are willing to stay about 10 miles inland you can save money on your hotel rate. Mission Valley is one such neighborhood with hotel options, as well as proximity to shopping and Not That Old And Loving It!

restaurants. As long as your hotel is within a few miles of I-8, it won’t take more than about 15 minutes to get to the coast with no traffic. 2. Take in the local parks. San Diego enjoys a plethora of established parkland, much of which includes bicycle and hiking trails with free access to the public. Balboa Park, located just north of downtown San Diego, also has gardens and museums that offer no or low admission fees. 3. Ride the trolley whenever you can. The trolley system in San Diego is not extensive, but it will get you to many popular spots, such as Old Town and downtown San Diego. Not only will a trolley ticket spare you the price of gas

and any mileage costs incurred when driving a rental car, but you won’t have to pay for parking or circle for a spot in a neighborhood with which you are not familiar. 4. Eat at local restaurants. Some of the best food in town can be found at tiny Mexican taco shops and Thai eateries, most of which will feed you for less than $10. 5. Go to Cabrillo National Monument. There is a nominal fee ($5 as of 2011) to drive in, but the fee is assessed by car, not by individual passenger. Once in the park, you have access to perhaps the most stunning views in all of San Diego. The park overlooks downtown San Diego as well as the Pacific January/February 2014 • Simply55+ • 35

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LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

WATER • www.snwa.com Las Vegas Valley Water District 870-4194 Henderson Water Department 267-5900 City of Boulder City 293-9244

CAT Bus 228-7433 • www.rtcsnv.com (CAT bus runs throughout the valley 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fare is $2 each way, and senior citizens and children ages 6-17 are eligible for reduced fares with a CAT reduced fare photo ID - 5 & under ride free.)

CABLE • www.cox.com Cox Communications 383-4000 /866-961-0027 Century Link/Prism 800-201-4999 Dish 800-823-4929 DirecTV 855-838-4388

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Ocean. You can also tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse for free and experience a self-guided two mile walk. 6.. Stay away from the major malls if you want to do a significant amount of shopping. If you are looking to buy souvenirs, clothes or other goodies while you are in town, you’re better off staying near the beach. Many small local boutiques offer clothes for a fraction of the cost you’ll see at the mall, particularly on Garnet Avenue. Old Town is known for T-Shirt shops, and you’ll find

cheap flip-flops and bathing suits on the boardwalk of Mission Beach. Don’t be afraid to visit San Diego because you think it will cost you a fortune. If you plan ahead, you’ll find that there are many no-cost or low-cost ways to enjoy your time there. Best of all, you can enjoy the outdoors in the city nearly year-round, so if you book a vacation in the off-season – say, September – you can still get some sun and save on your hotel rate.

More Than San Diego The East Village Though “East Village” is more commonly associated with New York City, the neighborhood of the same name in San Diego is a thriving example of urban revitalization and gentrification. Though it was once a district full of warehouses, dedicated to what was then a booming manufacturing sector across the United States, the East Village met with hard times during the decline of the manufacturing industry on the west coast. What followed was a natural urban cycle of decline, revitalization, and a complete turnaround of the area. Today, the East Village neighborhood is home to warehouse-style lofts, trendy bars, and a youthful nightlife scene that is one of the best bets in the city. The neighborhood is also home to PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres. For most of the year, San Diego’s sports fans are centered on the neighborhood; cheering their beloved Padres on toward what they hope will be another banner performance in October baseball and the World Series.

Imperial Beach Long one of southern California’s “military towns,” Imperial Beach in recent years has worked to become more friendly and invitNot That Old And Loving It!

ing to visitors and new transplants. The city is home to just over 26,000 people and lies less than 15 miles south of San Diego. With its location on the Pacific Ocean, it has long been considered a highly desirable suburban area that doesn’t sacrifice urban amenities for distance outside the city. With a growing local restaurant and arts scene, Imperial Beach represents one of the most promising residential neighborhoods for those who are looking to relocate the area. Slightly more affordable homes, with quick access to the beach, the city, and the hills, make this a natural attraction for those seeking the ideal SoCal lifestyle.

Coronado Island Located just across the bay from the city of San Diego, Coronado enjoys its status as a home of wealthy families, expensive residential areas, and some of the nicest seaside resorts anywhere in the United States. The city is home to three major resorts, each of them among the most exclusive and expensive in California, and it’s closer to many of San Diego’s downtown amenities than even some parts of the actual city are. While Coronado is expensive to live in, there are some reasonably priced condos and apartments to be found. The local newspaper has the most listings of houses and apartments on the Island. January/February 2014 • Simply55+ • 39

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Five Tips for Getting Senior Citizen Discounts By taking advantage of senior citizen discounts, you can save money during your retirement. While you may be required to admit to your age in order to access these money-saving opportunities, they can allow you to rack up some great deals. By following a few simple tips, you can find and get the most out of senior citizen bargains and discounts in no time.

where the discounts are, you can choose to visit those establishments over the competition as a way to save money.

Research Unlisted Bargains Some retailers only provide senior citizen discounts to the customers who request them, so it is important to ask if a deal is available if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see that one is advertised. Visit websites online to get advice on where unlisted bargains for seniors can be found, and consult with your friends and family members to find out where they have had success in receiving a discount.

Register for an AARP Card AARP has made strides to negotiate discounts for its members, and the organization costs less than $20 per year to join. AARP members most frequently take advantage of deals on travel, as the organization offers 20 percent off on certain hotels and similar deals on car rentals. Additionally, AARP can benefit people at a younger age who may not be old enough for a standard senior citizen discount, as membership is available to individuals who are 50 and older.

Investigate National Deals Some national businesses clearly advertise their discounts for their aging customers. Places like restaurants, movie theaters, museums, and other retailers will post their senior rates, while companies like Amtrak advertise their 15 percent discount for elder travelers as a marketing point. By knowing Not That Old And Loving It!

it is recommended that you first ask for a quote and then request the senior discount.

Check Out The Fine Print

Check with Area Businesses One of the easiest ways to find a senior citizen discount is to simply ask at local businesses, especially if you are a frequent customer. There are a variety of services and items that you may not expect to have discounted that actually come with deals for senior citizens, including utilities, property taxes, cell phone bills, and cable. When looking for a discount on a household service,

When researching possible deals, it is important to examine the fine print, as some discounts may only be available for certain days and times. For example, some retailers may only offer breaks for senior citizens on a certain day of the week. After you find out when specific deals are offered, you can tailor your shopping trips in order to take advantage of those savings. There are a variety of bargains, discounts, and deals available for senior citizens. However, finding them is sometimes a challenge, and by knowing how to locate them, you can be enjoying their benefits in no time.

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Preventing Identity Fraud

Each year, millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft crimes, fraud and scams. Such crimes are extremely upsetting and can possibly cause significant damage. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this crime, including reporting the crime immediately. If you take action as soon as possible and keep track of your credit history, you may prevent a serious problem in the future.

Reporting Fraud Immediately and Fraud Alerts Remember that the longer you wait to report credit card or identity fraud, the more likely it is that serious damage will be done. Remember that there are many kinds of fraud, but each one should be handled in the most appropriate way. If you think you are a victim of a crime, start by contacting your local law enforcement office. This office can help you contact the appropriate individuals. Let Not That Old And Loving It!

your credit agency know about the crime as soon as possible. Fraud alerts are essential for protecting your identity. Many times, fraud alerts begin almost immediately and are quick and easy to set up. As a consumer, you are permitted to place a fraud alert on your account if you notice any alarming or unusual activity. Whether a crime has already occurred or you are afraid of becoming a victim, you can begin by placing a 90 day fraud alert on your account. This amount can be increased depending on the circumstances. If you are unsure of how to put a fraud alert on your account, a qualified professional can help.

Monitoring Accounts for Identity Theft Watching for unusual activity is one of the best ways to prevent identity theft. A lot of damage can be done very quickly if your information falls into the wrong hands, but there are ways to prevent this. January/February 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Simply55+ â&#x20AC;˘ 45

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You should order a credit report at least once a year for added protection. A credit report has vital information, such as bank and financial accounts that have been opened in your name. It will also let you know if someone has opened up another account or line of credit or used your name for fraudulent purposes. Even if a crime has not occurred, simply being aware of your credit standing and financial history can be an easy way to catch a criminal in the act early on. You can obtain a report from any one of the three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can choose to get reports from all three agencies once a year, or to get one statement from each agency throughout the year.

Reviewing Your Credit Report A credit report contains detailed information about your financial history. By routinely

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monitoring your credit report and review your credit report, you will be able to catch fraudulent activity as soon as possible. Your credit report includes your financial history, such as loans, mortgages, and credit scores. When this information gets into the wrong hands, a lot of damage can occur. If you believe that you have become a victim of fraud, the first thing you should do is report the crime immediately. Any delay in reporting the crime means that you may be putting yourself at serious risk for financial and personal consequences. It just takes a few steps to keep yourself protected. Monitoring your credit report during the year will provide a better understanding of your accounts and financial information. You can also catch someone who has set up an account in your name or who is attempting to do so. Credit monitoring is essential for many different reasons.

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