SENIOR LIVING
INSIDE Retirement saving for late bloomers.......................... 2 Shopping for an assisted living facility...................... 4 Seniors and exercise................................................ 5 Dating trends and tips.............................................6 Tips for grandparents helping to raise children........... 7 Travel benefits for those ages 50 and up..................... 8
Senior Living is a special advertising publication of The Billings Gazette.
General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Shelli Scott Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Knatterud
Access Senior Living at billingsgazette.com/specialsections
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Retirement saving for late bloomers
oday’s young professionals hear about the importance of saving for retirement seemingly from the moment they are hired. In addition to discussions with human resources personnel about employer-sponsored retirement plans, young professionals are learning about the importance of saving for retirement thanks to the abundance of financial-planning advertisements on television, the radio and the Internet. Older workers may not have been so lucky, and many may find themselves trying to play catch up as retirement age draws closer. While it’s important to begin saving for retirement as early as possible, late bloomers whose retirement dates are nearing can still take steps to secure their financial futures.
no longer live at home or if you simply have more space than you will need after retirement, downsize to a smaller, less expensive home. Monitor the real estate market before you decide to downsize so you can be sure to get the best deal on your current home. Downsizing saves on monthly utility bills, property taxes and a host of additional expenses. Downsizing also means less maintenance, which gives you more time to pursue your hobbies upon retiring.
Pay down debts Eliminating debt is good for men and women of all ages, but especially so for those nearing retirement. Substantial debt may delay your retirement and can greatly reduce your quality of life during retirement. If you still have substantial debt, eliminate that debt before you start saving additional money for retirement. Once your debt slate has been wiped clean, you can then increase your retirement contributions.
income each year they are retired), start cutting back on unnecessary expenses and reallocate that money toward retirement saving. Cutting out luxury items, such as vacations to exotic locales or country club memberships, is one way to save money. But don’t overlook the simpler ways to save, such as canceling your cable subscription or dining at home more often.
Take on some additional work While you may have long felt you would slowly wind down in the years immediately preceding retirement, taking on some additional work outside of your current job is a great way to save more for retirement and perhaps even lay the foundation for a post-retirement career. Workers over the age of 50 can be invaluable resources to startups or other businesses looking for executives who have been there, done that. Look for part-time jobs that seek such experience. Even if the initial jobs don’t bowl you over financially, part-time consultant work in retirement can make up for lost retirement savings and may even make your retirement years more fulfilling.
Eliminate unnecessary expenses If your retirement savings are low (many financial advisors now advise men and women that they will need at least 60 percent of their pre-retirement
Downsize your home Many empty nesters downsize their homes as retirement nears, and doing so can help you save a substantial amount of money. If the kids
Men and women on the verge of retirement can take many steps to grow their retirement savings and make their golden years that much more enjoyable.
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Shopping for an assisted living facility T he decision to move yourself or a family member to an assisted living facility can be difficult. When men and women begin to experience difficulty with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing or getting around, families may need to explore assisted living facilities. Millions of people in North America reside in assisted living facilities. The majority of residents in senior living are those who may need assistance with one or two daily activities, but who are otherwise mobile and self-sufficient. Families faced with moving relatives into assisted living facilities can consider the following pointers to find facilities their loved ones will enjoy. Consider the arrangements and services offered. Some facilities offer single rooms, while others provide apartment-style living. Most
assisted living facilities provide a variety of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, exercise
and wellness classes, and social activities, for their residents. Investigate the offerings at each
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home you visit, looking for a facility that best suits your loved one’s needs. Inquire about staff and their schedules. It is important to know how many staff members a facility has and how many people are working at any given time. Do staffing schedules differ at night? If a resident has a particular rapport with one staff member, can he or she be requested? Look for a facility that is well-staffed and adept at dealing with elderly men and women. Learn about individual service plans. Many assisted living facilities create individual service plans, or ISPs, for their residents to ensure individualized care is given. These plans are important for the safety and comfort of residents and also can help maximize a person’s independence. Some communities offer memory care programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other
cognitive disorders. Consider the security in place. A good assisted living facility has a 24-hour support system in place and immediate access to care. Rooms may be equipped with emergency phones that can be accessed day or night. Many homes have check-in desks so that residents are accounted for when going on outings and for announcing guests. Check on licensing. In the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements for assisted living facilities. Confirm a facility is licensed and that it meets the expectations of the local regulatory agency. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the home. Assisted living facilities can meet the needs of people who cannot live independently but do not require the around-the-clock care of a nursing home.
Have you talked with your
loved ones preplanning??
about
We can help you with: • Financial Security • Personalized Planning • Planning now so your loved ones don’t have to • Peace of mind Monthly Pre-Planning Seminar Starting March 14th at 7pm at Dahl A Family Tradition since 1939
10 Yellowstone Billings, MT
406-248-8807
www.dahlfuneralchapel.com
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Seniors and exercise
xercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise can improve mood, promote an active lifestyle and reduce a person’s risk for a host of ailments, including diabetes and heart disease. Despite the importance of exercise, many people live sedentary lifestyles into their golden years. Seniors who want to embrace a healthier way of life and get more physically active should first consult with their physicians before beginning an exercise regimen. Certain medications may limit just how far seniors can push themselves, while preexisting conditions may make specific types of exercise off limits. After discussing their limitations with their physicians and developing a safe exercise routine, seniors can heed the following tips to avoid injury but still get healthy.
Stretch Bodies that have been inactive for lengthy periods of time are inflexible, and lack of flexibility increases your risk for injury. The AAOS recommends that seniors warm up their bodies before stretching with five to 10 minutes of low-intensity activity such as walking. Then stretch gently, remembering to relax and breathe during each stretch.
Pick a partner Whether it’s a spouse or a friend who is physically active or wants to be, try exercising with a partner, at least initially. Doing so can provide the motivation you need and partners can serve as safety nets should you need assistance completing an exercise or suffer an injury and require medical attention. Personal trainers can serve as your partner, and many gyms offer discounts to seniors on personal training services. Start slowly Seniors who have not been physically active for some time should take a gradual approach to exercise. Instead of heading right for the treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machine, start walking every day. When it rains, find a treadmill you can walk on. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends seniors begin by
determining how many steps they can take in a day and then gradually working toward 10,000 to 15,000 steps per day. Utilize step counting apps on your smartphone to track your
Switch things up When strength training, do not work the same muscle group two days in a row. Muscles need time to recover. If you prefer circuit strength training where you exercise various muscle groups in one progress. Apply the same slow day, do not strength train on approach to strength training back-to-back days, leaving exercises, lifting only very light at least one day in between weights at first before gradually strength training sessions so increasing weight as your body muscles have ample time to acclimates to the exercises. recover.
30 YEARS OF ENJOYING OUR GREAT LIBRARY. CELEBRATING
Independent Living apartments are currently available. Call for a tour today. Willard, one of our resident library volunteers, enjoying the books with long-time pal and WPV employee, Jessica.
30 Years
serving the BILLINGS COMMUNITY
2351 Solomon Ave. Billings, MT 59102 406-652-4886
www.westparksenior.com Sunday, February 19, 2017
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Dating trends and tips
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he first Baby Boomers will be turning 70 in 2016, and this generation remains one of the most influential in the country and around the world. Scores of products and services are now marketed to seniors, many of whom remain as active and socially aware as they were in their youth. One aspect of senior marketing that is booming is dating and relationship products. Singles age 50 and older are increasingly relying on online dating sites and other methods to find love and companionship. Dating is no longer kids’ play, and those who have been away from dating for some time may have to get reacquainted with the process in the modern age.
using online dating sites to find their new matches. While websites geared to dating make it easier to get in touch with fellow singles, the relative anonymity of the process can make it challenging to separate the truth from some self-promoting hype on dating profiles. Begin by relying on dating sites that have been tested and recommended. One to try is the AARP dating site partnered with How About We. In addition to its simplicity and small financial commitment, the site caters to the over-50 crowd and is backed by the AARP name. It’s good for those looking for an activity partner as well as casual dating. Popular sites Match.com and Consider online dating eHarmony.com also boast high Data from Pew Research percentages of users age 50 and found one in two divorced or up. widowed seniors had remarried Even after thorough consideration and conversation, online in 2013, and that trend figures daters should exercise caution to continue. Many seniors are
of the fun of dating when you were young likely had to do with throwing caution to the wind. But some of those same carefree aspects remain true whether you’re dating at 17 or at 57. Laughter, fun, spontaneity, and the chance for some adventure are still the keys to making memorable dates. Sometimes it’s who you know The old adage of it’s “who you know” and not “what you know” is applicable to dating. If you are ready to jump into the dating world again, ask your close friends or family members if they know anyone who might be in a similar situation.
when meeting someone online and then in person. Profiles aren’t always what they seem, and it’s easier to fudge the facts when initiating contact over the Internet.
THE FIRST SURVIVOR OF
Keeping Adults 60+ Independent & Involved
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IS They’re out there, and they’re going to hold on to everything the disease steals away. And the Alzheimer’s Association is going to make it happen by funding research, advancing public policy and spurring scientific breakthroughs. And by providing local support to those living with the disease and their caregivers, we’re easing the burden for all those facing it until we accomplish our goal. But we won’t get there without you. Visit alz.org to join the fight.
406.252.3053 Alz.org
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Taking another stab at dating later in life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no Keep an open mind matter how long it’s been since It’s easy to be preoccupied with your last first date, some aspects the rigors of being an older adult of dating are the same as ever. Just and the responsibilities that still remember to have fun and don’t may rest on your shoulders. Part be afraid to try new things.
Formerly the Yellowstone County Council on Aging, we help residents 60 and above stay active, live independently and live life to the fullest. Our many services include:
Our Services:
• Nutritional Services • Volunteer Opportunities • Connections to Social Activities • Transportation • Education • Information and Assistance For more information or to volunteer, contact us today! Details at:
OUT THERE.
AllianceYC.org 1505 Ave D, Billings, MT (406) 259-9666 | visit us on Facebook
Tips for grandparents helping to raise children
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s retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren. United States Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents. Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Se-
niors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age. Getting the right equipment Children certainly require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury. Gather important documents Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency
arise. These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets. Speak with an attorney Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkids’ futures.
for financial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based financial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas.
Contact schools and daycare centers School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving Investigate financial in with their grandparents. assistance Some grandparents can qualify Seniors may not earn the for free or low-cost daycare, income they once did and may be and such programs can be on assistance programs or living discussed with local Social off of retirement savings. Grand- Services offices. Enrollment in parents who find themselves school or daycare can provide caring for a child may be eligible grandparents with much-need-
ed free time during the day. Find emotional support Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Church- or community center-based counseling services may be available. Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans. Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchild.
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AAA Approved
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Travel benefits for those ages 50 and up
cheduling flexibility and discounts are just two of the perks awarded senior travelers. One of the best things about aging is being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor without as many obligations as you might have had when you were a younger adult. For example, many men and women have a lot more freedom to travel once they turn 50. Many of today’s older adults have a wealth of discretionary time, and those who focused on retirement planning from an early age have the money to fund a recreational lifestyle. Travel companies and other businesses understand that Baby Boomers and other seniors are valuable customers and are rolling out the red carpet with a bevy of discounts and perks. AARP Services, Inc. has long been a trusted resource in seniorbased information and resources. The organization continues to broker relationships with various companies to arrange
deals on travel-related services and products for older men and women. Members of AARP can link directly to deals through the organization’s website. In addition to companies that work with AARP, many other travel companies have discounts or other perks available to men and women over 50. All consumers need to do is inquire about such benefits. When in doubt, log on to the company’s website
Read the fine print. Understand the details of senior discounts and compare them to other promotions offered to anyone, regardless of age. You may be able to get a better deal or combine offers if you’re not locked into a senior plan. Also, check the dates when deals are valid to ensure you can travel when you want to. Always carry proof of age. Whether it is a driver’s license, AARP card, passport, or birth certificate, carry proof of your age at all times. You do not want to miss out on a discount because you cannot or give their customer service verify you are 50 or older. Though department a call. being mistaken as younger could Here are some other ways to be a boost to your ego, it will not secure deals on travel and other benefit your bottom line. services. Explore airline perks. Do some networking. FelMen and women 55 and older may low seniors who log in to chat rooms be eligible for “golden-agers” or who are members of social clubs discounts at major airlines. Such may have the inside scoop on agedeals are not typically advertised, based travel deals. Learn the ropes so you may need to speak with an from others who have been there airline representative to secure the before you and take notes on which discount. Seniors also can request companies offer the best deals. special services, such as baggage
assistance, priority seating and a ride to the gate, at the airport. Try negotiating with vendors. If you cannot find a senior discount, consider negotiating with vendors for deals. Local hotels or businesses may prove more flexible than national chains. It never hurts to ask for a senior discount. Embrace flexibility in scheduling. Unlike students or business travelers, seniors tend to have freedom with regard to the days of the week when they can travel. You have the flexibility to go and come as you please without having to coordinate with vacation time or school breaks. Use this to your advantage and travel during off-peak times when crowds will be small and rates may be lower. Don’t feel down if you’re approaching another milestone birthday. Entering into your golden years gives you access to a variety of perks and discounts that can save you time and money on travel.
Calling 9-1-1 quickly is your job. The rest is up to us. Know the signs of a heart attack. Calling 9-1-1 and coming to Billings Clinic at the earliest sign of a heart attack increases your survival rate. “Time is muscle,” and heart tissue that is blocked from oxygen cannot be restored.
billingsclinic.com/heart 8
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Billings Clinic is recognized by the American Heart Association for exceeding national benchmarks for “door to balloon” time when patients arrive at the ER.