Senior Lifestyles

Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles – Monday, October 26, 2015 — PAGE 19

Senior

Lifestyles

A Special Section of The Addison Independent

Don’t choose ‘easy’

Retirement gave Ken Perine time for the Long Trail hike he has always dreamed about

By CHRISTY LYNN MIDDLEBURY — To many people, retirement provides the opportunity to rest and relax after a career (or series of careers) that had kept them running and dictating day-to-day choices for what can be 45 years or more.

Sitting, resting and relaxing is what they crave most. Luxuries like reading novels and newspapers become easy to fit in, hobbies like knitting or exploring art are the center of attention, time to prepare delicious meals that previously were too rushed through is easy to come by.

For Ken Perine, it was harder to slow down.

The former president of the National Bank of Middlebury, who stepped down late last year, had a goal in mind much less sedentary, but (at least to him) just as tranquil as some of these others.

He wanted to hike the Long Trail– all 273 miles of it.

Perine was a member of the ski team while a student at Dartmouth College over 40 years ago and was introduced to the Green Mountains as well as the White Mountains during that time.

When he and his wife, Carolyn, were first married they spent two and a half years as caretakers of the Middlebury College Snow Bowl, during which (See Long Trail, Page 20)

Contents Are you prepared to take a 30-year vacation? .............20 Get paperwork in order to avoid legal trouble .............21 Essential tips for staying safe while traveling...............22 Health insurance quandries? ..................................................25 These professionals can offer guidance..........................25 Home sharing can provide many benefits......................26 Seniors get up to speed with new technology ............27

KEN PERINE, 63, retired from his post as president of the National Bank of Middlebury in December of 2014. He then embarked on a training program that enabled him to hike the full length of the Long Trail. Perine hiked the trail in a series of 20 day hikes that took him four months to complete.

PAGE 20 — Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles – Monday, October 26, 2015

Senior

Lifestyles Are you prepared to take a 30-year vacation?

“YOU FIND THESE places along the way that are incredible — little spots that pop up, that are unusual and hidden in the woods,” recalled Perine as he recounted his trips along the Long Trail.

Long Trail (Continued from Page 19) time he explored the hiking around that general area and became enthralled with the idea of hiking the full length of the Long Trail.

But life got busy with a career and four children, and the dream faded for a while.

About 10 years ago, Perine was introduced to winter hiking by a friend and has since stayed in shape throughout the year and enjoyed the time spent in the mountains again.

While there are many ways to hike the Long Trail, the Middlebury resident chose to hike it in sections that could each be done in a day. He designed 17 hikes (that turned into 20) over a period of four months, starting in June and finishing in September.

“First of all, I decided that I wasn’t going to be a fan of staying in shelters and sleeping on wood or with a very thin mattress,” Perine said.

“So I wanted to try to do day hikes and I thought I would try to do it from a road to a road so it was easy to get dropped off and picked up each day.”

The 63-year-old was in excellent health and had trained for the hike, but he has minor

sciatica and wanted to find a way to hike the trail while being a little gentler on his body.

“The way I did the Long Trail I was able to do a hike and then leave a little time for recovery before doing the next hike. I don’t like to think of myself as old, but I also want to be realistic and not naïve about what I could do,” he said.

The planning evidently paid off, as Perine says his legs felt great during all of the hikes and except for a minor twisted ankle he suffered no injuries along the way.

“It was sometimes a little bit afterward the hike that my legs would get sore,” he recalled, and the long drives afterward also weren’t always comfortable, but by and large, he said, he continued to have a great time from the start to the finish.

The twisted ankle came at a convenient time, Perine recalled, as he had planned to take a few weeks off anyway for other family commitments. He enjoyed the rest and was able to recover physically as well as prepare mentally for the rest of the trail.

Perine says he went into the hike with very (See Perine, Page 23)

THERE ARE 70 overnight sites along the 273 miles of the Long Trail, ranging from cabins with bunks and woodstoves to three-sided lean-tos (as pictured here). Perine photographed almost all of these sites along his journey and recorded them in the blog that he kept to remember his travels.

(BPT) — Summer is vacation season. your life span: However, before the week or two of fun • Determine your “retirement destinabegins comes the hard part — planning tion.” Like an actual vacation, what you and packing. There are so many things to need to take depends on where you’re consider depending on the type of experi- going and how long you’re planning to ence a person wants to have and what they stay. So, if your goal is to retire as early as need to bring along. possible and lead a life of leisure without Now picture preparing for a 30-year working for supplemental income, you’ll vacation. As life expectancy increases, likely need more resources than if you that’s essentially what choose to remain in the retirement could be for workforce as long as many Americans. Their possible or opt for some “luggage,” or financial form of employment strategy, has to accommoduring retirement. date routine expenses like • Confer with your food and shelter, health“travel companion.” care costs, lifestyle needs If you’re retiring with and perhaps even a legacy a spouse or partner, for loved ones or favorite it’s essential to ensure philanthropy. your retirement lifeYet research shows that style expectations and when it comes to retirement priorities are aligned. planning, many Americans However, maintainare flying blind. According ing open and ongoing to Northwestern Mutual’s communication about 2015 Planning & Progress financial matters may Study, while not having be harder than it sounds. sufficient savings to retire In fact, Northwestern comfortably is a leading Mutual research shows financial fear, more than a that Americans prefer third of adults don’t even discussing death and — Rebekah Barsch, vice intimacy over money know how much income president of planning, they need to retire. The matters.

Overcoming Northwestern Mutual lack of confidence in this discomfort, espefinancial preparedness may cially for decisionexplain why Americans making around difficult are increasingly delaytopics like long-term ing retirement involuntarily. The same care, is vital as it could impact your signifstudy found that among those individuals icant other as well as your adult children. expecting to work beyond the traditional • Consult an expert. While the Internet retirement age of 65, six in 10 believe it has empowered us to become a nation of will be from necessity rather than choice.

Do-It-Yourselfers, there are still some “Retirement should be synonymous with areas where professional guidance is personal fulfillment — whether that means valuable. Just like a travel agent is a key staying active professionally or enjoying resource for navigating more complex a life of leisure,” says Rebekah Barsch, travel itineraries, a professional adviser vice president of planning, Northwestern can objectively look at your finances and Mutual. “In an age of ebbing social safety goals, share insights on the merits of varinets and rising costs, proactive financial ous risk and investment solutions and planning is your ticket to having the flex- devise a strategy to meet immediate and ibility to shape the retirement experience future needs. you’ve worked hard to enjoy.”

“The benefits of being proactive are The good news is that it’s rarely too late clear,” continues Barsch. “Our research to take control of your financial situation. consistently shows that people who are Barsch suggests considering the follow- disciplined about financial planning are ing “retirement vacation checklist” to help happier in retirement and enjoy a better assess whether your financial foundation quality of life, which ultimately is what can support your desired lifestyle through it’s all about.”

“Retirement should be synonymous with personal fulfillment — whether that means staying active professionally or enjoying a life of leisure.”

Senior

Lifestyles

Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles Monday, October 26, 2015 — PAGE 21

Help get parent’s paperwork in order and avoid legal troubles

By SCOTT FUNK One of the most difficult parts of assisting an older parent, sibling or friend is that when you become aware of situations, they may already be full-blown crises. Dealing with these problems can not only be time-consuming and needlessly costly, they can also create friction between you and the loved one you are trying to help.

My work requires clients to provide paperwork about insurance, mortgages, bank accounts, and more. This often reveals the confused state of many people’s documents. Driver’s licenses can be years out of date, home insurance expired, and the most recent bank statement, four years old.

Imagine being the support person who gets a call that starts, “I was driving with an expired license and no car insurance …

So, what is my point? Even though it can be a difficult negotiation, it is worth the effort to get paperwork in order and review it regularly. My recommendation is to agree upon a system to save all statements each month and review them during each visit.

As an example, my dad would call my sister when his lights were turned off. Why were they turned off? Because after a few months of receiving no payment, that is what the electric company does. However, that was not as big a problem for my dad as it was for my sister, who would have to spend the next day running around getting the bill paid and the lights back on.

Trying to get Dad to let my sister receive the

bill and pay it out of his checking account was a non-starter. Dad found that insulting. If, instead, my sister had tried to negotiate a system for the paperwork, it might have been more successful, especially if she framed it as “helpful to her.”

What I’m talking about here is a simple accordion file folder with a slot for each month. Dad could have put his paid (and unpaid) bills in the monthly slot and my sister would have a heads-up on was being paid, what wasn’t being paid, and what the charges were on the various bills.

That last point is an important one. One of my uncles was paying substantially more on his phone service than he expected. Little by little the phone service provider had been adding small charges. When my cousin found out about it, he called and found out the fees were “optional.” All my uncle had to do was call up and complain and they would remove the charges. Because no one had read the bills, the charges had kept piling on.

Helping to organize and review the paperwork will benefit you and the person you are supporting. It may seem like an extra task, but in the long run it will make it easier for both of you.

Scott, writer of the Aging in Place column, is Vermont’s leading Aging in Place advocate, writing and speaking around the state on issues of concern to retirees and their families. He works as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage and HECM for Purchase specialist. You can access previous Aging in Place columns and Scott’s blogs at scottfunk.org. His new e-book is available on Amazon.

Journey’s end

CAROLYN PERINE, RIGHT, is less of a hiker than her husband, Ken, but nonetheless was a dedicated supporter of his journey. She spent many days driving her husband to the start of his day hike and occupying herself until it was time to find Ken on the other end. This photo is taken at Journey’s End, the northern terminus of the trail, on Ken’s last hike of the series.

PAGE 22 — Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles – Monday, October 26, 2015

Senior

Lifestyles

4 Essential tips for staying safe while traveling (StatePoint) — Adults 50 and over are some of the nation’s most frequent travelers; however, they can be particularly at risk for various vacation woes. Whether embarking on

a multi-week cruise or a quick weekend road trip, travelers should take steps to avoid certain snafus, say experts.

“Some of our happiest memories are those

SAFEGUARD BELONGINGS Make copies of travel documents or scan them and email them to yourself so they won’t go missing, even if your bags do.

Keep at least one source of money, such as a credit card, in a place other than your wallet — preferably not on yourself. Use hotel safes when they are offered. Being without a method of payment when you’re traveling can be a major pain.

spent traveling, but the unfortunate reality is our time away from home can leave us vulnerable,” says Dave Austin, vice president, marketing services at AARP Services, Inc. “By preparing

beforehand, travelers can diminish certain risks and focus on enjoying their trip.”

According to Austin, there are several ways travelers can protect themselves,

PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY Thirty percent of travelers have experienced identity theft while traveling or know someone who has, according to a recent survey. Leave items like social security cards or unneeded credit cards at home. Avoid public WiFi when possible and make purchases with credit cards, which often offer better fraud protection than debit cards.

Require passwords for access to your devices.

PREPARE FOR Be wary of entering personal information when EMERGENCIES using public computers. A variety of idenSECURE YOUR tity protection services are available to HOME If you’re traveling abroad and assist with proactive identity and get sick or injured, hospital costs could Unplug electronics and turn off credit monitoring. be extreme, even for relatively minor isyour main water supply. If possible, sues. Protect your travel investment. Travel have a friend keep an eye on your home. insurance can include medical coverage, A security system can add peace of mind. trip interruption and more. Another option, A variety of 24/7 home security monitoring emergency travel service membership, services include smoke, fire and carbon can benefit you in the event of a medical monoxide detection. Home automation emergency. solutions now allow travelers to adDon’t get caught off-guard on just lighting remotely and receive your next vacation. For safer security alerts on mobile detravels, get savvy. vices.

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING $385

Morgan Blanchard-Bilodeau Community Manager

Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles Monday, October 26, 2015 — PAGE 23

Senior

Lifestyles Perine

THE FINAL HIKE of Perine’s Long Trail journey was a mere 2.6 miles and was a special one for many reasons. All of his four children and nine of his 11 grandchildren, along with his wife, Carolyn, hiked from the north to meet him at Journey’s End. Here, he hikes back down with his three-year-old granddaughter, Dana Livesay.

(Continued from Page 20) few expectations.

“I guess I went in with a little bit of trepidation not knowing how long it would take and how it would feel to do 17 or 20 miles at a time,” he said. But he had three daughters and five friends join him for various hikes throughout the four months, so there was great company and plenty of conversation to help pass the time, not to mention the vistas, flora and fauna that Perine encountered along the way.

“I didn’t want to anticipate anything, I just wanted to take in what came. There were some gorgeous spots like Stratton Pond and the White Rocks area a little further north where there’s an area that’s almost like carpet through a balsam and hemlock forest and a clearing area with a whole bunch of cairns that have been built up. It smells great and is almost a mystical area.”

In the planning phases of his trip, Perine decided that he wanted to keep a blog that would help him record and remember each leg

of the journey. After a bit of convincing by his Bank of Middlebury at the end of December wife, he generated a large email list of friends 2014 and began his Long Trail series in June and family whom he invited to follow along of this year. As a goal-oriented person, he says and share in his journey. that was his first major goal in retirement, but “The blog was really for me,” Perine said. there will be others.

“It’s not really my shtick to “I’m not sure exactly what share a lot — so that’s new the other goals will be, but I’m and different for me — but it “I don’t like to someone who likes to have was good and I had a lot of something to work on to keep think of myself nice feedback from people.” in shape, so I’m sure they will In fact, many of his posts as old, but I come.” drew 30 or 40 visitors to the also want to be Perine says he learned a lot blog. from the strategy he employed The posts are filled with realistic and not hiking the Long Trail in bits smiling pictures of Perine naïve about what and taking the time he needed and his trail companto enjoy each part, not just ions hiking along densely I could do.” focusing on the final destinawooded trails or looking out — Ken Perine tion or goal. After having been over ridges to try to spot the heavily involved in civic life route ahead. Many feature for many years, he says he’s cabins and trail markers or unique features working on focusing on more private matters like waterfalls, stairways, flowers and cliffs. in his retirement, supporting his four children “It was really fun to experience the differ- and 11 grandchildren and pursuing individual ent parts of Vermont,” Perine said, who hadn’t goals that he can focus on and really enjoy. explored many of the areas previously, espe“I’ve found that I’ve been so busy since cially in southern Vermont. “Every hike had retiring — actually, busier than I really want something different and beautiful in it.” to be — that my challenge will be how to find Perine officially retired from the National a way to slow down a little bit.”

PAGE 24 — Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles – Monday, October 26, 2015

Providing the highest quality care.

FITNESS FOR LIFE! Don’t let your spirits down & fitness slip just because it’s cold & dark outside.

Come indoors to the ALWAYS comfortable, temperature-controlled and fun-filled Vermont Sun Fitness Centers.

Premier Oral Surgery – Dental Implants, Wisdom Teeth,

Dental Extractions, Bone Grafting, Gingival Grafting, and Sedation

Two great pools. Motivating classes for all abilities.

Friendly, sociable atmosphere will keep you feeling great, inside & out.

Scott M. Bowen

Charles R. Bowen

Harvard School of Dental Medicine Harvard School of Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Harvard School of Dental Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital

DMD, MD, MPH

DMD

58 Court Street • Middlebury, Vermont • 802-388-6344 www.mapleviewoms.com

Exchange Street Middlebury 388-6888

10% of all membership fees are donated to the United Way of Addison County

For more info and a full schedule visit us

vermontsun.com

•

Kennedy Brothers Vergennes 877-2030

Senior

Lifestyles

Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles Monday, October 26, 2015 — PAGE 25

P O R T E R H O S P I TA L

IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE 3D MAMMOGRAPHY Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women, and 8 out of 9 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.

Our new 3D Mammography Unit allows the Radiologist to see masses and distortions associated with cancers significantly more clearly than conventional 2D mammography.

Health insurance quandries?

These professionals can offer guidance (BPT) — Millions of people each year find themselves in transition with their health care coverage. They may be leaving an employer and considering COBRA coverage, or may be nearing retirement and planning to enroll in Medicare. They may be able to use Medicaid for their children’s health care coverage or an exchange plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace with lower costs from subsidies.

“The world of choosing health care coverage is becoming very complicated, especially for people making life transitions,” says Tricia Blazier, personal health and financial planning director for Allsup. “Many people may not realize the true alternatives and options they have available, mainly because it’s unfamiliar territory.”

Cost is a top concern, according to a Healthline survey of 490 U.S. consumers.

More than half of survey respondents, or 50.8 percent, said they would rather avoid seeking medical treatment than face the high costs or coverage limits with their health plans.

“Unfortunately, people find themselves in murky waters when trying to make good health insurance decisions for their families and their financial situations,” Blazier says.

“The scary thing is that your decisions could make it more difficult for you or your family to access medical services when you need them most,” she says.

People often are unfamiliar with their plan’s terms, costs and provisions. It’s especially complicated when trying to make decisions about transitions between coverage, such as leaving employer coverage for COBRA or an exchange plan, or choosing between Medicare alternatives.

Following are four reasons to consider seeking help with the health benefits coordination process.

• Protect your spouse and dependents.

Benefits coordination refers to matching your families’ needs with the health plans available to them. One example may be a family where the breadwinner has experienced a disability. “If your family income drops significantly, it may be a case where your children can use the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) while you use COBRA or an exchange plan during the transition to something else,” Blazier says.

Another example is a retiree who is leaving work-provided health coverage for Medicare coverage. “If your husband or wife was using your retiree health plan, then they may be able to purchase a Marketplace

exchange plan for less cost while you join Medicare.”

• Avoid gaps in health insurance coverage. Transitions between health coverage, such as when leaving an employer for disability or retiring, can be complicated to navigate.

“There are time limits for making choices about your coverage, such as electing COBRA or choosing a Marketplace exchange plan,” Blazier says.

As individuals move to federal insurance programs, such as Medicare, there are program rules and processes that can add to the confusion. “You want to make sure you understand how timing works as you transition from group health to another form of healthcare coverage,” Blazier says.

• Avoid penalties or unanticipated extra costs. Penalties are particularly important with certain types of health insurance coverage. For example, Medicare has penalties that apply to Part B and Part D coverage when individuals miss those enrollment windows. Another example is the coordination when moving to Medicare from a high-risk deductible health plan (HDHP) and a health savings account (HSA).

“These are more complicated pieces of the puzzle when you are transitioning between types of health coverage, so it’s important to talk to a health benefits specialist,” Blazier says.

• Discover more options and better alternatives. While working, many people default to a choice of health insurance plans from their employer. Transitioning to other coverage can open up new opportunities.

“It’s possible that you, your spouse and your children will each have a different type of health care coverage because it’s available and it makes financial sense,” Blazier says.

Specialists in health benefits coordination also can supplement the assistance individuals get through their employer’s human resources team.

For all of these reasons, it can be vital to work with a health benefits coordination specialist. Choosing health care benefits is an extremely personal decision, affected by variables such as the person’s health and medical needs, financial situation, family situation and place of residence, to name a few.

“The ultimate benefit from seeking help with health benefits coordination is that you will feel more confident in the coverage you do have,” Blazier says. “You can get the medical care you need — when you need it.”

3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by UP TO 40%.

This means one simple thing: early detection and improved accuracy.

“Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health” – American Cancer Society

FAQS

Q: How Does 3D technology work?

A: By capturing multiple slices of the breast from several angles, creating a layered 3D image resulting in a more accurate diagnosis.

Q: Is there additional compression?

A: No additional compression is required.

Q: Why do hospitals and doctors now recommend 3D mammography?

A: This technology is clinically proven, and it’s the most accurate mammogram available.

It is the biggest breakthrough in breast cancer detection in 30 years.

Q: Will I be exposed to more radiation?

A: Porter uses the lowest dose available for 3D mammography. Very little x-ray dose is used during the 3D mammography exam, just about the same as a standard 2D mammogram, and lower than a traditional film mammogram.

The total patient dose is well within the FDA safety standards for mammography.

Call (802) 388-4757 for more info. or to schedule an appointment.

Porter Hospital Now Accepting Self-Requested Appointments for Screening Mammograms The Porter Hospital Radiology Department is now accepting “self-requesting appointments” for screening mammograms from area women.

Women may now call the Radiology Department directly at 388-4757 to schedule their screening mammogram. The Radiology Department representative will obtain from women who call the name of their primary care provider so that the results can be sent to the appropriate provider.

The Radiology Department staff can also assist women who need to select a local primary care provider (if they do not currently have one) so that they can do so.

It is our hope that the combination of this new scheduling option, combined with our newest state-of-the-art 3D mammography unit, will be significant steps forward to enhance these services for our community.

Porter Hospital’s new unit offers the lowest dose of radiation available in our region.

PAGE 26 — Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles – Monday, October 26, 2015

Senior

Lifestyles

Home sharing provides financial and health benefits (SOUTH BURLINGTON) – Recent surveys show that those who found housing through HomeShare Vermont are paying an average rent of $206 per month. Twenty-five percent of participants reported paying no rent in a complete exchange of service for housing.

As a result of finding housing through HomeShare Vermont, 60% of participants estimated a savings of at least $400 per month in housing costs.

Surveys also show that those sharing their homes benefit from improved quality of life with the majority of participants feeling safer at home (82%), less lonely (74%), happier (70%) and healthier (50%) as a result of being matched with a house mate through HomeShare Vermont.

Additionally, more than one-quarter of those sharing their homes felt they would not be able to live at home safely and comfortably without a home sharer.

These results come from outcomes surveys that HomeShare Vermont has been conducting since 2001.

Over the last fourteen years, they have

administered eight surveys and the findings have consistently shown financial and health benefits for program participants.

HomeShare Vermont has over 30 years of experience providing comprehensive screening and matching services to introduce people looking for housing with those who have homes to share.

Homeowners are often elderly and need some assistance in order to remain living at home, but there are no age or income requirements to participate. Each home sharing “match” is unique depending on the needs and offerings of the participants. It’s all about people helping each other.

To learn more about HomeShare Vermont, join them for a free, 30-minute informational meeting on Monday, June 8 at noon at their office located at 412 Farrell Street in South Burlington. Please pre-register by calling 802-863-5625.

HomeShare Vermont is a member agency of the United Way of Chittenden County serving Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties.

OPEN 7 DAYS

Serving Addison County Since 1988

Middlebury & Vergennes

Middlebury Marble Works 388-3784

Bristol 61 Pine Street 453-2999

Vergennes 187 Main Street 877-1190

On the Trail

KEN PERINE HAD been intrigued by the Long Trail since he was a student at Dartmouth College in the 1970s, but life had been too busy as a father of four and the president of the National Bank of Middlebury. For Perine, retirement offered the perfect opportunity. Throughout the four months it took him to complete, Perine recorded the many findings, landmarks and scenery along the trail and kept a blog through which he could remember this incredible adventure as well as share it with friends and family.

We are your independent, hometown community pharmacy and our friendly staff looks forward to being of service to you and your family. Let us be your partner in healthcare and see for yourself why our customers are so loyal!

ASK ABOUT OUR SENIOR DISCOUNT AVAILABLE EVERY DAY! • • • • • • • •

Free, same-day delivery (call for details) 24/7 prescription refills (phone, Smartphone, on-line) / Compounding Pharmacy No hassle prescription transfers PLUS a $25 gift card for new patients Frequent in-store specials on a wide selection of products Affordable, generic, extended-day supply program Vaccines given by our certified Pharmacist Immunizers – no Rx or appointment needed Take Charge® Lifestyle Counseling & Weight Loss Program Solutions Rx Restore® and our line of Isotonix Supplements: Learn how to relieve the most common side effects of medication-induced nutrient depletion and feel better • Sensitive & Discrete Counseling For more information and store hours go to: www.marbleworkspharmacy.com

We are proud to support: Addison County Home Health and Hospice Addison County Transit Resources Champlain Valley Agency on Aging- Meals on Wheels Counseling Service of Addison County Elderly Services, Inc. Hospice Volunteer Services

• • • •

Solutions for all your home healthcare needs Full range of supplies, equipment and services Experienced staff committed to delivering quality products and superior service We work closely with you and your physician, hospital and home health personnel

We understand…and we can help!

388-9801

Marble Works • Middlebury • M-F/9-6; Sat 9-1

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. United Way of Addison County PO Box 555, 48 Court Street Middlebury, VT 05753 802 388-7189 Unitedwayaddisoncounty.org

Senior

Lifestyles

Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles Monday, October 26, 2015 — PAGE 27

Seniors get up to speed with new technology

By LEE J. KAHRS BRANDON — Technology is inextricably woven into today’s culture. The modern cellphone is a computer unto itself. There are desktops, laptops, notebooks, iPads, even computer watches. Automatic teller machines, grocery store registers, gas pumps — even our cars are computerized. Social media has become a catchphrase for how many people stay in touch via computer, be it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or basic email.

Many people who came of age and into the workplace in the last 40 years have become so familiar with computer technology that they can’t imagine life without it.

But there is an entire generation of older people who missed the world’s computer juggernaut. Many seniors moved through adulthood without the need for technology and today find themselves in need of oneon-one assistance to stay current and stay in touch.

Enter Senior Circuit. Brandon residents John Bryant and Linda Devereux started the business in January to help seniors learn how to use different programs and troubleshoot their computer issues.

“A lot of older people want to know how to use technology and just figure they never will,” Bryant said. “You go and buy an iPhone and ask if they have classes on how to use it and the answer is ‘no.’”

The couple got the idea for the business through Devereux’s work as a home care aide for the elderly. They saw that many seniors had the desire to use computers, but didn’t know where to go for help. Others already had the hardware, but were encountering technical issues they did not have the knowledge to fix them. Still more wanted to learn how to use Facebook or Skype, the video conferencing software that allows the user to see the person they are talking to on their computer screen.

But to someone who may not have the institutional knowledge of basic computer navigation, the prospect can be daunting.

“We want to take the fear out of it,” Bryant said. “We want it to be fun, and as long as there is someone there to help, it takes the fear away.”

Bryant is a former software developer and 1999 graduate of Castleton State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer

information systems and a minor in music.

Many local residents may remember him as the piano player from the Ball & Chain Café over the now-closed Briggs Carriage Bookstore. He has years of experience in programming and repairing all types of computers and computer systems.

Devereux has a certificate in business information technology and computer networking from Aims Community College in Colorado.

She also holds a B.A. in psychology from Johnson State College. She works with At Home Senior Care and RSVP of Addison County.

Senior Circuit has been steadily building a client base and is hoping to grow the business even more. Bryant and Devereux can help people decide which computer may be best for them, and then help set up new machines and teach them how to use them.

Devereux said the other faction of the business includes many seniors who have already taken the plunge and own a computer, but need help with a software or programming issue.

“Some people are coming in about maintenance and repair issues,” Devereux said.

“There are quite a few who already own JOHN BRYANT OF Senior Circuit, right, explains the finer points of Facebook to his computers.”

Bryant said that because computers are so mom, Kathie Bryant. Bryant co-founded Senior Circuit to help seniors learn more about pervasive and woven into modern life, more computers and social media.

Brandon Reporter photo/Lee J. Kahrs is expected from the average person in navigating the Internet and working with government websites like Social Security. Devereux said the goal of Senior Circuit is to offer regular classes and workshops. They are currently Since 1966 planning a class on how to use Skype.

The couple is also accepting used computer MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS equipment (no more than 15 years old), which LIFE . ANNUITIES . DISABILITY Bryant can refurbish and rebuild and use with LONG TERM CARE . 401K ROLL OVERS clients.

Senior Circuit charges $50 an hour for BUSINESS SUCCESSION lessons and $25/hour for troubleshooting, PLANNING however Bryant said he tries to keep costs down for customer and will cap his hours if Gary F. Baker, CLU necessary. Each lesson is tailored to the needs of the customer.

4 Maple Street “We want to make someone’s life a little Middlebury, Vermont 05753 easier,” Bryant said. “We want to make a difference.”

Phone: 802-388-2636 For more information or to set up an Fax: 802-388-3865 appointment, call Senior Circuit at 342-5632, gbakerclu@comcast.net or email seniorcircuit86@yahoo.com. There is also a website, www.seniorcircuitvt.net.

Think you can’t knit because of Arthritis? Think again...

Stop in to see the Hens and we’ll show you what you need!

388-2221 • 383 Exchange Street, Middlebury • cacklinhens.com

Gary Baker Insurance

PAGE 28 — Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles – Monday, October 26, 2015

Senior

Lifestyles

If your job offers no 401(k), you still have options Tip 1: Save up for your initial deposit.

When you decide to open a retirement savings account, it will be in the form of an IRA. You’ll need a minimum deposit to get started. With some banks or financial institutions, you can open an IRA for as little as $100 if you set up regular contributions. More often, the minimum deposit is $1,000.

You can start putting money aside today to get your deposit together. Can you save $25 a week? If it sounds like a lot, think of ways to cut your expenses. Maybe you can pack lunch instead of buying it, or eat at home more often than eating out. If you stop to get coffee in the morning, try making your own instead.

Tip 2: Choose between a Traditional or Roth IRA. An IRA has tax benefits that regular savings accounts don’t have. You can open an IRA and contribute up to $5,500 a year. If you are age 50 or over, you can contribute an extra $1,000 a year.

You have a choice between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. The difference is in how your money gets taxed. Your contributions to a Traditional IRA aren’t taxed going in, but get taxed when you take the money out in retirement.

The gains your money makes in the IRA (the “gains”) are also taxed when you withdraw it.

With a Roth IRA, your contributions are taxable, but you don’t pay any taxes on your withdrawals in retirement. Your gains aren’t taxed, either. Some experts say the Roth IRA is a better deal than a Traditional IRA. The general rule with IRAs is that you

can begin to take withdrawals without a tax penalty beginning after you turn age 59-1/2.

For a more detailed understanding of the rules, read AARP’s tip sheet “Saving for Retirement Through IRAs” at http://bit.ly/1uB5tOu. Tip 3: Open up your IRA. You have several options on where to open your IRA. You could head to a traditional bank, but your investment options may be limited. Credit unions are worth looking into. If you belong to one, you may find you can open an IRA with a low initial contribution. Plus, you may have a wider range of investment options than with a bank. You could also consider the big investment firms, like Vanguard, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price or others.

When you look into your options, find out what fees you will be charged. Some institutions charge an annual maintenance fee, for example, but if you manage your account online, they may waive it.

Tip 4: Choose your investments. When you save through an IRA, you have choices about how to put your money to work for you.

Depending on where you open it, you can pick from investments that earn interest, like certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market funds.

When you have a long time (10 or more years) before you need the money, it may be better to choose investments that can potentially earn more money for you, like mutual funds.

For example, you could invest in a “stock mutual fund.” Think of it as a bucket that holds investments in different companies. When the companies do well, your gains grow. There’s a

risk that they won’t do well, too, which could cause investment losses. Over a long time period, though, mutual funds are more likely to provide gains and do better for you than interest bearing investments like CDs. To learn more about investing, see AARP’s tip sheet “Investing for the Long Haul” at http://bit. ly/1uB5stU. Tip 5: Make your saving automatic. The best way to save for a long-term goal like retirement is to make it automatic. When you open an IRA, you can give the institution your bank information (routing number and account number, both found on your checks). Then identify how much you would like to contribute and how often. If you get a raise down the road, give your retirement savings a raise, too, by increasing your contribution.

You can do this. The biggest obstacle to saving is getting started. Once you start, you’ll find that you won’t even miss the money you’re putting away. And remember, the money is going toward a good cause — your future financial security.

To learn more about IRAs, read AARP’s tip sheet, go online to www.aarp.org/content/dam/ aarp/money/investing/2014-04/saving-forretirement-through-iras-aarp.pdf. To figure out what your savings goal should be, check out AARP’s retirement calculator at www.aarp.org/ money.

Editor’s note: This story was provided by Dave Reville, associate state director of AARP Vermont.

Cemetery Lettering, Cleaning & Restoration

Experience  • Quality  • Value 85 years of honoring memories

57 Main Street (next to the Post Office) New Haven • 453-3433 Open Monday - Friday • 10-5 or by appointment

Visit us online at: www.cleggsmemorials.com

F oot C are M aple l eaf FOOT CARE

Andrea Masse RN CFCN Thank you to all my existing clients!

1232 Exchange Street Middlebury, VT 05753

Maple Leaf Foot Care offers Certified Foot and Nail Care by appointment. Specialized services include: comprehensive foot exam, nail trimming, corn and callus removal, fungal nail management, foot wear evaluation, with a primary focus on diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. We offer education towards keeping feet healthy, a key to preventing serious complications! Check your feet daily! I will do home visits for those who are severely home bound.

Schedule an appointment: mapleleaffootcare@yahoo.com

F oot C are

Are you working for an employer that doesn’t offer a 401(k)-type retirement savings plan? This can be a real worry for millions of working Americans, who fear they can’t effectively save for retirement without a 401(k).

The good news is you still can save for retirement and work toward self-sufficiency when it comes time for you to stop working. And it’s easier than you may think.

AARP offers a variety of resources to help you plan for your retirement at w w w. a a r p . org/readyforretirement. In the meantime, ffollow these tips for getting your retirement savings started today.

802.458.5066

Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles Monday, October 26, 2015 — PAGE 29

My father died 3 years ago. My 83 year old mother spends her days alone watching TV. I worry about her being lonely.

You are right to be concerned. Sitting alone watching TV day after day is probably not good for your mother’s body or mind. Lack of social stimulation and interesting experiences can dull the mind and contribute to memory decline. Sitting for long periods weakens the muscles. Balance and mobility can worsen.

What’s more, your mother needs fun and pleasant experiences to avoid depression and loneliness. With your father’s recent death, her life changed in a big way. It’s never too late to restructure life, and Elderly Services can help.

Our social workers can help your mother and you explore her feelings and interests. We can help her find the motivation to try something new.

Have a question you’d like answered?

Call, mail, or email today.

Elderly Services

Supporting Elders and Families since 1981 388-3983 • www.elderlyservices.org • mail@elderlyservices.org 112 Exchange St., P.O. Box 581 Middlebury, VT 05753

Vermont Move Management SPECIALIZING IN SENIOR MOVES AND ESTATE DISPERSALS

Free initial consultation. Our services:    

g fferin ies O w tor No nven I e Hom

Develop an overall move plan Organize, sort & downsize Arrange profitable disposal of unwanted items Professional packing for moving & storage

Expert - Affordable - Compassionate Member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers

Peter Conlon, owner • Cornwall, VT • 802.349.7247 peter@vtmovemanagement.com

Good Vision is essential for enjoying your favorite pastimes.

Early detection and management of eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration may help maintain your vision.

Call for an appointment today!

802-877-2422

27 Main St, Vergennes VT • Mon. 8-4, Tues.– Fri. 8-5

Planning for your funeral, the smart thing to do...

Many people are planning for their funeral in advance in a sincere effort to ease the stress loved ones will face at an emotional time. It takes only a little time and can be handled in the privacy of your home or at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home On-Site Crematory Peace of mind is knowing your loved one never leaves our care.

Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home Locally Owned and Operated 117 South Main St., Middlebury

388-2311

www.ShardVilla.org

802-352-4369

Administrator@ShardVilla.org

PAGE 30 — Addison Independent, Senior Lifestyles – Monday, October 26, 2015

Families support each other… We support families…

At Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, we offer state-of-the art programming, as well as a warm, caring and safe environment to meet the needs of individuals with memory loss.

Working with families and your physician, our team of nurses, social workers, activities programmers, therapists and others are specially trained to care for our residents in a loving and safe environment–while minimizing barriers and maximizing dignity for every individual in our care.

• At Helen Porter, we focus on possibilities...not limitations... on the person...not the disease...and we have the experience and environment to meet her very special needs–and yours.

• Traditional Long-Term Care • Respite • Short-Term Rehabilitation • Memory Care For More Information visit helenporter.org or call 385-3662

For your Active Lifestyle!

Clothing

by for men & women is comfortable & durable.

New expanded kids’ line for your adorable grandchildren!

Plus a great selection of accessories from straw hats to work gloves.

Yard & Garden Supplies

from Spring planting to Fall harvest and everything in between! Beautiful greenhouse and nursery full of plants!

Pet Food & Pet Care

Food • Treats • Toys A huge variety to keep your pets happy & healthy!

O u r Self-Service Dog Wash is OPEN EVERYDAY!

Washing your pet has never been easier!

We also make Pet I.D. Tags Custom engraved while you wait. Choose from a variety of styles. Beautiful brass Equine & Stable Plates, too.

Senior Discount Day is every Wednesday*!

Seniors (55 & over) save 10% on non-sale items some exclusions apply

*

MIDDLEBURY AGWAY

338 Exchange St., Middlebury, VT • M-F 8-6, Sat 8-5, Sun 9-4• 388-4937

Open 7 Days!

Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center