Living 50 Plus 02.23.18

The Press’ Special Edition

Living 50 Plus

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Photo by Tony Kukulich

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“When it was time to find help for Mom

I made the best decision for all the right reasons.”

“I wanted a caring and friendly environment for Mom, with personal attention and a great quality of life. I found it all right here, where Assisted Living is designed individually for those who need some help with the activities of daily living. People like my Mom. Each day Mom gets three fresh, home-cooked meals, opportunities to socialize — even group trips. Since she moved in, she’s discovered a renewed sense of energy. I couldn’t ask for anything more — and neither could Mom.”

If you have a loved one that needs great care personalized just for them, call or visit today.

(925) 240-0733

Assisted Living 150 Cortona Way, Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-0733 | brookdale.com RCFE # 075601508 ALL THE PLACES LIFE CAN GO is a Trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ® Reg. U.S. Patent & TM Office 14-18700-0240-0614 SW

LIVING 50 PLUS

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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The senior splurge AMY SCHRADER

I

f you’re getting closer to retirement, chances are your kids have flown the nest and

you finally have some extra time and money to spend on yourself.

Americans are spending billions of dollars on outdoor-living spaces, and the over 50 crowd are among those buying hot tubs, barbecues, patio furniture and other outdoor accessories to create a living space they will enjoy in their free time.

Brentwood Outdoor Living is East County’s one-stop outdoor shop for creating the outdoor-living space of your dreams. The outdoor-living specialists offer premium products with discounted pricing, including a wide variety of outdoor kitchens, premium spas, patio furniture, fire tables and other accessories.

“Outdoor spaces become a gathering ON THE COVER: Alison and Chris Overzet enjoy a glass of bubbly and a test run in one of Brentwood Outdoor Living’s premiere hot tubs. Photo by Tony Kukulich.

and socializing location for neighbors, and outdoor kitchens become the local magnet,” said Kevin King, Brentwood Outdoor Living operator and general manager.

According to King, those nearing retirement or who have already retired feel that after working most of their lives and taking care of others, it’s time for them to take care of themselves.

“There is largely a feeling of ‘We’ve earned this,’” said King.

Another aspect that makes outdoorliving spaces popular amongst seniors deals with the need for additional space.

When retirees move into smaller homes, creating an outdoor living space is often at the top of their list.

“The interior space is often smaller than the last house, so the ability to maximize the available space, including the patio, is almost necessary,” said King.

King noted that the quality of outdoor furniture has substantially improved along with the demand.

“The product quality improvements have been substantial, and that is leading to people wanting to spend more time in the backyard environment,” said King.

“Spas and hot tubs are becoming the family dining room table or gathering

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Brentwood Outdoor Living offers a variety of options for customers looking to create a livable, relaxing outdoor space. place.”

When it comes to quality of products, Brentwood Outdoor Living offers top-ofthe-line selections. They feature a variety of outdoor kitchens including Twin Eagles, Delta Heat, Green Egg, Blaze Grills and Louisiana Grills. They also specialize in outdoor kitchens and offer free, custom island design in finishes matching different design styles and budgets.

“We are platinum-level Big Green Egg dealers, which means we offer the entire product line, and we know what we’re selling,” said King. “We offer the

two leading hot tubs in the industry, Hot Spring and Jacuzzi, and we know our products’ pluses and minuses.”

Another perk to Brentwood Outdoor Living is they service the products they sell and deliver exceptional customer service.

“We are here for the long term,” said King. “We prefer to build relationships versus just selling products.”

King said this is an important aspect, because building up to the ideal backyard environment is a process, and his team works to make it painless. see Splurge page 8B

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Caring for seniors during all of life’s stages AMY SCHRADER

W

hile many older adults want to stay in their homes as they age,

others choose to move into assistedliving communities that not only offer assistance with daily tasks but also a community filled with events and activities.

Regardless of the choice to stay at home or move into a community, there are plenty of options in East County.

In-home care for seniors is a great option for those wanting to stay in their homes but in need of assistance with daily tasks, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and medication reminders.

HomeLife Senior Care in Brentwood provides in-home personalized and affordable care plans for seniors. With services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a trained caregiver is always on hand to deliver scheduled assistance and companionship.

“You may only need assistance at home for a few hours a day or a few hours a week to remain safe and independent at home,” said Vinny DiNicola, HomeLife Senior Care

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TreVista Antioch is an assisted-living community that goes beyond three meals a day. It’s helping seniors live their golden years to the fullest. certified senior advisor and co-owner. “We want our clients to feel a peace of mind that they’re able to remain at home and independent with poise and dignity.”

Vinny and his wife Angela started the company in 2010 as a result of their experience with Vinny’s aging father. Since then, the company has become an awardwinning home care provider, earning national recognition.

“We believe a family-operated company makes a compelling partner for families who are facing difficult decisions of how best to provide for a loved one,” said Vinny.

The state-licensed agency carefully selects, trains and supports all their caregivers to provide the best level of care for seniors.

HomeLife Senior Care is located at 6440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite A, in Brentwood. For more information about HomeLife Senior

Care, visit www.homelifeseniorcare.com or call 925-240-5770.

Visiting Angels is another company that has been providing in-home care for seniors since June 2005.

The experts assist with Alzheimer’s care, senior personal care, companion care, private duty care and other elder care services.

“Probably the most important benefits to seniors are the compassion and companionship our caregivers provide,” said Keith Beck, Visiting Angels executive director.

“We brighten the lives of seniors by caring.”

Beck said they are proud of their staff.

“We hire the best, monitor the care they give and fulfill the promises we make to our clients,” said Beck.

Visiting Angels is located at 179 Contractors Ave., in Livermore. For more information, visit www.visitingangels.com/ livermore or call 925-337-8596.

Besides in-home care for seniors, there are plenty of assisted-living communities in East County.

Cortona Park in Brentwood is operated

by Brookdale, the nation’s largest provider of senior living solutions.

The community offers a balance between independence and assistance with apartment see Seniors page 9B

Use a Reverse Mortgage to Buy or Refinance a Home…

Receive Cash for Living Expenses and No Monthly Mortgage Payment!* Buying a new home with a reverse mortgage can help you:** •

Purchase a home that better fits your life style

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Improve your cash flow

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Move closer to family, friends and your support network

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Get rid of monthly mortgage payments*

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Fund retirement goals!

Call us to set up a no-obligation discussion of how a reverse mortgage can help you eliminate your monthly mortgage payment* and improve your quality of life!

(925) 706-6703 Brentwood Branch, NMLS #1563663 2200 Sand Creek Rd., Suite I Brentwood, CA 94513

The Loan Ladies Kathy Zickenberg

Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #265957 kathy.zickenberg@homebridge.com www.homebridge.com/KathyZickenberg

Patti Shaner

Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #255604 patti.shaner@homebridge.com

This material was not provided by, nor was it approved by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) or by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). * You must live in the home as your primary residence, pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintain the home according to Federal Housing Administration requirements for the term of the loan. ** Purchased home must be a single family residence, or an FHA approved condo and meet HUD’s minimum property standards.

I am licensed to originate mortgage loans in the following state(s): CA. HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc.; Corporate NMLS ID #6521 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Licensed by the Dept. of Business Oversight under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Loans are currently being closed and committed at the expressed rates, however these rates may change or may not be available at the time of your interest rate lock-in, commitment or closing. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Interest rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) are: based on recent market rates, for informational purposes only, subject to change without notice and may be subject to pricing add-ons related to property type, loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, credit score and other factors. Terms and conditions apply. Additional loan programs may be available. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under MN law, or any other applicable law.

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LIVING 50 PLUS

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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How men can benefit from practicing yoga

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Yoga is not the only way for men to improve their flexibility, but it can be an effective supplement to exercise routines ...

he popularity of yoga has grown considerably in the 21st century, but while

women have embraced yoga en masse, men have been more hesitant to do so.

A survey from Yoga Journal found that, among the 20 million yoga practitioners in the U.S., only 18 percent were men. While those figures might have risen in recent years, anyone who has recently visited a yoga studio can attest that the participants in many classes remain overwhelmingly female. That’s unfortunate for men, who could benefit from practicing yoga in myriad ways. ♦♦ Yoga can protect against muscle imbalances. The practice requires various muscle groups to work together to perform certain exercises. This can reduce the risk of muscle imbalances that can develop when men design workout routines that target specific muscle groups. ♦♦ Yoga can improve flexibility. When performed correctly, various exercises improve flexibility. For example, the big toe pose can help lengthen and strengthen hamstrings, while the downward facing dog pose stretches various areas of the body, including the shoulders, calves

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Yoga has been embraced by women, but men can also benefit from the ancient practice. and arches. Yoga is not the only way for men to improve their flexibility, but it can be an effective supplement to exercise routines for those who routinely feel tight after traditional strength-training sessions. ♦♦ Yoga can improve stamina. Numerous studies have indicated the positive effects yoga can have on muscle endurance.

In 2005, researchers at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, found that the regular practice of Hatha yoga provided a significant boost to chest and abdominal strength and endurance. Such improved stamina can have a trickle-down effect on men who practice yoga and also adhere to strength-training regimens or participate in competitive sports.

♦ ♦ Yoga can help men maintain healthy weights. The Harvard Medical School notes that researchers discovered that people who practiced yoga for at least 30 minutes once a week for at least four years gained less weight during middle adulthood than those who did not. That might be linked to additional research that found people who practiced yoga were more mindful eaters than those who did not, making them less likely to overeat, eat when sad or stressed or eat in response to certain cues, including the smell of food.

Fewer men than women may practice yoga, but that does not mean men cannot benefit just as much from embracing this ancient practice.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

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Eating well, staying healthy after 50

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balanced diet is an integral element of a healthy lifestyle for men, women and children

alike, but while kids and young adults might be able to get away with an extra cheeseburger here or there, those approaching 50 have less leeway.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), simply counting calories without regard for the foods being consumed is not enough for people 50 and older to maintain their long-term health.

Rather, the NIA emphasizes the importance of choosing low-calorie foods with a lot of the nutrients the body needs. However, counting calories can be an effective and simple way to maintain a healthy weight, provided the calories are coming from nutrient-rich foods.

The NIA advises those over 50 adhere to the following daily calorie intake recommendations as they attempt to stay healthy into their golden years.

Women

♦♦ Not physically active: 1,600 calories ♦♦ Somewhat active: 1,800 calories ♦♦ Active lifestyle: between 2,000 and 2,200 calories

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Maintaining a healthy diet after 50 may require some hard work and discipline, but the long-term benefits make the extra effort well worth it.

Men

♦♦ Not physically active: 2,000 calories ♦♦ Somewhat active: between 2,200 and 2,400 calories ♦♦ Active lifestyle: between 2,400 and 2,800 calories When choosing foods to eat, the NIA recommends eating many different

colors and types of vegetables and fruits.

Phytochemicals are substances that occur naturally in plants, and thousands of these substances offer various benefits. The Produce for Better Health Foundation notes that a varied, colorful diet incorporates lots of different types of phytochemicals, which the PBH notes have disease-preventing properties.

The NIA also advises that people over 50 make sure at least half the grains in their diets are whole grains. Numerous studies have discovered the various benefits of whole grains, which are loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients. Whole grains have been shown to reduce the risk for diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.

Another potential hurdle is a change in sense of smell and taste. A person’s sense of smell may fade with age, and because smell and taste are so closely related, foods enjoyed for years may no longer tantalize the taste buds. That can be problematic, as many people instinctually add more salt to foods they find bland.

According to the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, older adults should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. That equates to roughly 3⁄4 teaspoon of salt.

Older people should resist the temptation to use salt to add flavor to foods, instead opting for healthy foods they can still smell and taste.

In addition, men and women should mention any loss of their sense of smell to their physicians, as such a loss may indicate the presence of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

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By choosing Brentwood Surgery Center, you can opt for the comfort and convenience of being close to home when you are discharged.

Since Brentwood Surgery Center is contracted with all major health insurances, you can select a doctor that performs your procedure locally.

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LIVING 50 PLUS

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

The bottom line is the bottom line!

W

hether you believe in capitalism,

are a Democrat, a Republican; belong to

the Green party or Tea party, or perhaps you just like

We don’t need to have a ton of money; we just need to have enough money. Obviously “enough” is a relative term.

To some that means being able to take a cruise every couple of months; to others it means being able to pay the bills comfortably and yet to others it means having a safety net for the unexpected calamities that befall us.

I have been in the mortgage business for 36 years and offering reverse mortgages exclusively for over 10 years. I have spent my entire career in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I do not offer all types of mortgages; I specialize in the one that matters to you.

My clients are all over the board. I have clients whose grandkids live in New York. They want to be able to go see them whenever they want! I have clients who are cruisers, clients who travel between two homes, and clients who, once they retired, found out they like expensive wine!

Most of my clients are somewhere in between. They get by just fine on a day to day and month to month basis but there are things that they are frugal about. Perhaps they make choices about whether to go visit the grandkids over the holidays or to just send gifts. Perhaps they would like to help their children out, buying a home, or the grandkids education, but with retirement costs escalating the current retirement assets need to be preserved. A reverse mortgage might provide the freedom to stretch out a bit financially.

Beth Miller-Rowe has been in the mortgage industry for 36 years specializing in reverse mortgages for the past 10 years. Beth has degrees in economics and business administration. through the St. Lawrence Seaway. Actually, that last one is on my musts list. I just have to get my better half to move it from his maybes to his musts.

The process of creating the Musts and the Maybes lists, or books, can be as much fun as actually doing them. Well, maybe not as much fun, but it is pretty fun.

It is interesting to me that I still hear from some callers “my friend said reverse mortgages are bad”. There is no basis except that the friend heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend. The truth is that there are still many misconceptions about reverse mortgages that continue to linger out there.

To address just a few of those misconceptions: • You own your home, not the bank!

• You hold title to your home, just like you do today!

• Your heirs inherit your equity, not the bank!

• The bank does not “take your home upon your death”!

• The proceeds are tax free!

The key to determining our “enough” is to make a list of “musts and maybes”. Everyone’s musts and maybes list will look a little bit different. We are each very unique and the things, people, or places that are important will differ but the bottom line still is… the bottom line.

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This is a decision that will affect the rest of your life. It is a big decision. Education, and time to absorb the information, is essential to the immediate success of your reverse mortgage but most importantly, the long-term success of your reverse mortgage.

green tea, the bottom line is, in fact, the bottom line!

Interestingly, I also have clients who are very wealthy.

They use the reverse mortgage line of credit as a resource to invest or to not liquidate investments if the market is off.

They borrow against the line of credit and then repay it, and then borrow again. They use it just like they would any home equity line of credit except they are not required to make principle and interest payments on it if they choose not to, although they can, without any penalty, if they so desire.

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Diego, or Florida, or Michigan. They Fed Ex a package to you and then call you 3-4 times a day to sign quickly before ‘this limited time offer expires’. They then use a signing service to complete the transaction. You never meet your Loan Officer.

communism, or socialism; whether you

Of course, I also have clients who are really strapped.

They make decisions each month about which bills to pay and which they can put off. They borrow from Peter to pay Paul every single month. I can see the stress on their faces from the moment we first meet. Eliminating their mortgage payment or creating a monthly income stream means a complete change of lifestyle to them. They can go out to dinner with friends once in a while, or go to a movie, or take a vacation.

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• You can use the proceeds to pay off an existing mortgage!

• You can own your home with no mortgage and still get a reverse mortgage!

Call me today. I will meet with you in the comfort of your home. We will explore what you hope a reverse mortgage can do for you. I will review all the information with you and then leave it with you to re-review, mull over, and you decide if it is right for you. If it is, give me a call back and we will get started.

We hope to see you at the Home Sweet Home educational event on March 13, 2018 at 1:00. It is at the Summerset Orchard Lodge at 770 Centennial Place, Brentwood, CA. It will feature several guests addressing everything from long term care insurance, in-home health care, Meals on Wheels, reverse mortgages and much more.

Please take a moment to RSVP. You may call Sydney at my office at 925-969-0380 or you may call Chelley Brucker at 925-513-1391. Chelley is a resident of Summerset Orchards and regularly coordinates informational events in the area. If you get voicemail, please leave a message with the number of attendees.

– Advertorial

Let’s take a look and see if we can Make Your Retirement Dreams Come True.

Beth Miller-Rowe Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist

The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corp.

Office: 925-969-0380 Cell: 925-381-8264 Beth@YourReverse.com

3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

• There are no medical requirements to qualify!

My husband and I spend a lot of time thinking about our musts and maybes. We know that our musts include visiting with our kids and grandkids, and traveling in our motorhome to every state in the USA, except perhaps Hawaii as it might be a little difficult to get there in the motorhome. Also at the top of our musts list is a cruise through the inside passage, and perhaps a river cruise or two. In addition, we want to have a casita in the south east, perhaps Charleston or Hilton head, where we can hunker down for the winter and play golf and catch up on the latest best sellers.

We keep our maybe’s in a binder that we add to as we see things that would be interesting to explore as we have more free time. We call it our Bucket Book. We have too many maybe’s for just a bucket list. Our maybe’s include a home on Lake Michigan where we can spend Spring and Fall, a 6 month motorhome trip through Canada, and a cruise

• As long as you do the big 5, no one can ever take your home from you!

The big 5 are: 1. Pay your property taxes.

2. Pay your homeowners insurance.

3. Pay your homeowners dues, if any.

4. Live in your home.

5. Maintain your home.

The truth is, this is your home, this is your money, and this is your retirement. A reverse mortgage is a big decision.

It deserves the same respect paid to all the other big decisions you have made in your lifetime.

There are a lot of what I call 1-800-reversemortgage companies you can contact. They are call centers in San

Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True!

A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

BRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

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Freeing up finances with reverse mortgages AMY SCHRADER When Brentwood resident Sandie Schneider’s husband passed away, she found herself in a difficult situation.

Having spent a great deal of money on medical expenses for her husband, the 75-year-old widow felt financially vulnerable and even worried about having to move out of her home.

“I was so worried I wouldn’t be financially comfortable and would have to move,” said Schneider.

Luckily for Schneider, she turned to the financial expertise of Beth MillerRowe, branch manager with The Reverse Mortgage Group.

Schneider was able to get a reverse mortgage, which put more money into her pocket.

“By doing a reverse mortgage I didn’t have to make changes in my life,” said Schneider. “It took the pressure off of me and left me independent, which was my goal.”

According to Miller-Rowe, for many seniors, social security isn’t enough to get by on. Reverse mortgages allow them to access the biggest asset most people have – their home’s equity.

“A reverse mortgage allows seniors to access some of the equity in their

By doing a reverse mortgage I didn’t have to make changes in my life.

It took the pressure off of me and left me independent, which was my goal.

– Sandie Schneider home,” said Miller-Rowe. “By doing so, they often enjoy new financial freedoms such as travel, new hobbies or being able to help their kids or grandkids.”

Some use reverse mortgages to give their kids a living legacy.

“They want to see their kids or grandkids enjoy their inheritance while they are still alive to enjoy it with them,” said Miller-Rowe.

For many, reverse mortgages are a safety net by either eliminating a current mortgage and thereby increasing monthly cash flow or by creating a line of credit

Fun After 50

for emergencies.

“It gives them a sense of security that may not have been possible before their reverse mortgage,” said Miller-Rowe.

Reverse mortgages can be used in many ways depending on one’s specific needs.

“We may pay off a current mortgage, thereby increasing cash flow, or we may set up a monthly income stream to supplement current income,” said MillerRowe. “Another option is to set up a reverse mortgage line of credit that may be used to replace the roof, the car or to pay property taxes and insurance.”

One great feature of a reverse mortgage line of credit is that it can never be frozen, reduced or closed by the bank.

The amount available may also grow over time.

There is also a reverse mortgage for

Splurge from page 3B “Our outdoor living space is so important to us,” said Brentwood resident Alison Overzet. “Brentwood Outdoor Living has a huge selection of patio furniture and hot tubs and could not have been more helpful with helping us choose

purchase program, which may allow a senior to downsize into something that is more financially comfortable.

“Depending on the overall situation, there may even be cash left over to allow a safety net once they are in their new home,” said Miller-Rowe.

With over 36 years of experience in the mortgage industry and by only dealing with reverse mortgages, MillerRowe can help her clients regardless of the need.

“Beth stepped in during a very difficult time in my life and went above and beyond to make sure I understood the process,” said Schneider.

The Reverse Mortgage Group is located at 3478 Buskirk Ave., Suite 1000, in Pleasant Hill. For more information, call 925-9690380 or visit www.yourreverse.com.

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our new hot tub.”

Brentwood Outdoor Living is located at 6061-G Lone Tree Way, in Brentwood.

For more information, visit www. brentwoodoutdoorliving.com or call 925-626-6383.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

We Care Every Day In Every Way

Are you over 50?

Are you looking for new and different activities?

Do you want to network with people from your generation?

The City of Antioch’s Senior Center is the place for you!

Check out the variety of activities and classes available through the Antioch Senior Citizens Center. Become a member of the Antioch Senior Citizens Club

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FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Seniors from page 4B homes and personalized support services.

“We strive to enable our residents to lead their own lives in a way that keeps them happy, healthy and cared for,” said James Hauge, Brookdale Senior Living Inc. communications specialist. “We provide just the right amount of support, so they can do that and seek to enrich their lives by providing a vibrant community of new friends and opportunities to participate, learn, volunteer and much more.”

According to Hauge, the average cost and availability of apartments in rental assisted-living communities depends on several things, including the services and care being offered.

Cortona Park is located at 150 Cortona Way, in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.brookdaleseniorliving.com or call 925-240-0733.

TreVista Antioch another assisted-living community known for its resident-centric approach, beautiful surroundings and diverse activity programs, which make many residents feel like they have a second lease on life.

Residents can choose from large studios with kitchenettes or large one-bedroom apartments. There are also six levels of customizable care available for residents.

“People move to our community because they want to keep their independence while having the security of knowing someone is there to assist in the activities of daily living when needed,” said Amanda Stewart, TreVista Antioch senior living consultant.

You may only need assistance at home for a few hours a day or a few hours a week to remain safe and independent at home.

– Vinny DiNicola, HomeLife Senior Care certified senior advisor and co-owner What surprises most residents is the feeling of not only support but family.

“At TreVista, we’re family,” said Stewart.

“We are not only here to provide quality of life for you but also to make sure your family is supported and enjoys all that we have to offer.”

Stewart further noted they strive to make residents feel at home and encourage them to invite their families to lunch and special outings.

“We want to know what our residents want and need to make sure that they enjoy their retirement and to have a sense of fulfillment and quality of life,” she said.

TreVista Antioch is located at 3950 Lone Tree Way, in Antioch. For more information, visit www.trevista-antioch.com or call 925-329-6292.

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Tips to saving more for future retirement

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hether it’s advice from their parents, a response to television ads urging

Saving for retirement might seem like a no-brainer, but the National Institute on Retirement Security notes that, in 2017, almost 40 million households in the U.S. had no retirement savings at all.

viewers to save for retirement or their own financial savvy, many of today’s young professionals recognize the importance of saving for retirement from the moment they receive their first paychecks.

However, those over 50 may not have been so practical, and many such professionals may feel a need to save more as their retirements draw ever closer.

Saving for retirement might seem like a no-brainer, but the National Institute on Retirement Security notes that, in 2017, almost 40 million households in the U.S. had no retirement savings at all. In addition, the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that Americans have a retirement savings deficit of $4.3 trillion, meaning they have $4.3 trillion less in retirement savings than they should.

People over 50 who have retirement savings deficits may need to go beyond depositing more money in their retirement accounts in order to live comfortably and pay their bills in retirement. The following are a few simple ways to start saving more for retirement.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

month can then be redirected into savings Redirect nonessential each or retirement accounts. expenses into savings Reconsider your Some retirement accounts, such as IRAs, are governed by deposit limits, but others, such retirement date as 401(k) retirement plans, have no such limits.

People can examine their spending habits in an effort to find areas where they can cut back on nonessential expenses, such as cable television subscriptions and dining out. Any money saved

Deciding to work past the age of 65 is another way those over 50 can save more for retirement. Many professionals now continue working past the age of 65 for a variety of reasons. Some may suspect they’ll grow bored

in retirement, while others may keep working out of financial need. Others may simply love their jobs and want to keep going until their passion runs out. Regardless of the reason, working past the age of 65 allows for more savings for retirement, while also delaying the first withdrawal from such accounts.

Reconsider your current and future living situation Housing costs are many people’s most considerable expense, and that won’t necessarily change in retirement. Even those who have paid off their mortgages may benefit by moving to a region with lower taxes or staying in the same area but downsizing to a smaller home where their taxes and utility bills will be lower. Adults who decide to move to more affordable areas or into smaller, less-expensive homes can then redirect the money they are saving into interestbearing retirement or savings accounts.

Many people begin saving for retirement the moment they cash their first professional paycheck, but even adults over the age of 50 sometimes feel a need to save more as their retirement dates draw closer, and there are many ways to do just that.

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Cruising tips and tricks

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ruising can be an ideal vacation for people of any age, but particularly for seniors. Cruises

combine all-inclusive meal packages with accommodations, breathtaking ports of call and prearranged activities, so vacationers do not have to lift a finger for days on end. Cruising also can be a social activity, meaning voyagers can meet with other like-minded people and enjoy the nautical experience together.

Cruise Lines International Association, a global organization advocating for the cruising community, found that 25.8 million passengers expected to take a cruise in 2017, and various cruise companies invested more than $6.8 billion in new ocean vessels.

Whether a person is new to cruising or is a seasoned ocean or river traveler, there are always techniques to try to score great deals or further enjoy the experience.

Consider these tips and tricks, courtesy of Royal Caribbean, The Cruise Critic, the Travel Channel and other vacationing experts:

♦♦ Research the ships and not just the cruise lines. Cruise lines each offer their own amenities and are known for certain features. One cruise line may be a better match for young singles, while others may cater to families or seniors. In addition, certain ships may have their own special features such as water slides, athletic events, casinos and more. Choose a ship that meets your needs. ♦♦ Arrive the night before. There’s no need to rush to the port to board the ship. Extend the vacation a little further by arriving a night or two before and checking into a nearby hotel. Some hotels may offer free parking or shuttle service to the ship. ♦♦ Choose a close port. Select a port within driving distance to avoid airline costs and the extra hassles of coordinating luggage and travel to the port. ♦♦ Book dining ahead of time. Cruise ships often have a main dining room and also specialty restaurants. If you want a particular meal, make reservations before leaving port. Certain restaurants may offer discounts or perks, such as a free bottle of wine or premiere seating. ♦♦ Understand what’s included. Cruise ships have many foods and drinks that are included in the packaged price. Certain branded items, such as specialty coffees or ice creams, may be available at an additional charge, as are premium drinks. But

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

A cruise can be an ideal vacation for seniors who have the time to get away. chances are you can find a free, similar version elsewhere on the ship. ♦♦ Explore special discounts. When shopping for a cruise, see if there are discounts available for seniors, teachers, people in the military or those who belong to certain clubs. Cruises often love to incentivize, so it pays to ask about discount pricing. ♦♦ Make a list of activities. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the offerings on a cruise ship, so much so that there’s some stress over trying to fit it all in. Recognize

that you can’t see or hear it all, and prioritize what’s important to you. Make sure you have plenty of time to relax. ♦♦ Book at the right time. Cruises may be more available after Labor Day when kids go back to school and the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas when others are too busy to travel.

Cruising can be an ideal vacation for travelers who are savvy enough to do their research.

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How women can protect against osteoporosis

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steoporosis, a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone,

makes too little bone or both, can be debilitating.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is responsible for 2 million broken bones each year, a figure that experts predict will rise to 3 million by 2025.

While anyone can suffer from osteoporosis, women are more likely than men to develop the disease. Studies suggest that while up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis, one in two women age 50 and older are likely to suffer such a fate.

The NOF notes that osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent disease, with many people not even realizing they have it until they suffer a fracture. Because of the silent nature of osteoporosis and their increased vulnerability to it, women may want to take the following measures to protect themselves against this potentially debilitating disease. ♦♦ Include ample calcium and vitamin D in your diet. The NOF notes that calcium and vitamin D are both vital to building strong, dense bones when you’re young, and both calcium and vitamin D keep bones strong and healthy as the body ages. Women age

Certain forms of exercise may help women protect their bones against osteoporosis.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

50 and younger need 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day, while those 51 and older need 1,200 milligrams each day. Calciumrich foods include dairy products like low- or non-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Women age 50 and younger need between 400 and 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day, while those age 50 and older need between 800 and 1,000 IU each day. The body can get

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vitamin D from sunlight and supplements or multivitamins. Vitamin D is naturally available in just a few foods, such as fatty fish like wild salmon or tuna. ♦♦ Include weight-bearing and musclestrengthening exercises in your workout routine. Weight-bearing and musclestrengthening exercises help women build and maintain bone density. Weight-bearing exercises include dancing, high-impact aerobics, jogging or running and tennis, among others. Muscle-strengthening activities include weight-lifting and elastic-band exercises.

Anibal Hidalgo, City of Antioch recreation program coordinator, said the senior center offers a variety of programs to help people stay fit and healthy.

“We offer our seniors a variety of programming and activities throughout the

year,” said Hidalgo. “Some classes worth mentioning are our exercise classes, our Tai Chi class, and we’ve even got a line dancing class and a Hula class, which perform at other senior center and senior homes.”

For more information on the City of Antioch’s senior programs, call 925-776-3050. ♦♦ Pay attention to the beverages you drink. It’s not just the foods you eat that can help or hurt you in the fight against osteoporosis. Heavy consumption of alcohol can contribute to bone loss, while drinks that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea and sodas, can decrease calcium absorption and contribute to bone loss as well. Drink alcohol and caffeinated beverages in moderation.

Learn more about the disease at www. nof.org.

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Reading your way to better health

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he availability of digital content has made it easy to forget how pleasurable it can be to pick up a good book and get lost in a story.

In fact, a 2015 Huffington Post/YouGov poll of 1,000 adults in the U.S. found that 28 percent hadn’t read a single book in the previous 12 months.

Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health analyzed 12 years of data from the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study concerning reading habits. Among the 3,600 participants over the age of 50, those who read books for as little as 30 minutes per day over several years were living an average of two years longer than those who didn’t read.

Studies have shown that reading improves fluency and story retention while providing a host of additional benefits to young children. However, the perks do not end with the passing of adolescence. Data published in the journal Neurology found reading regularly improves memory function by exercising the brain. This can help slow the decline in memory and other brain functions. Frequent brain exercise can lower mental decline by 32 percent, according to research published in The Huffington Post.

Studies even suggest that reading can help a person be more empathetic to others’ feelings. Research published in science journals showed that reading literary works (not popular fiction) cultivates a skill known as “theory of mind,” which is the “ability to ‘read’ the thoughts and feelings of others.”

Reading also can be calming, helping to reduce stress as a result. By losing oneself in a book, worries and stress can melt away, indicates research conducted in 2009 at the University of Sussex. Measuring heart rate and muscle tension,

Reading regularly improves mental acumen and may lower the chances of memory loss.

Photo courtesy of Vagabond. com

researchers discovered that study participants needed just 6 minutes to relax once they began reading.

There are many other reasons why reading is good for the mind and body. The following tips can help individuals find more time to read: ♦♦ Find small minutes to read. Busy people may think they don’t have the time to devote to reading, but if they read in small intervals, the amount of time will add up. Read during commutes (if you’re not driving), in waiting rooms or during a lunch hour.

♦♦ It’s okay to quit. If you’re a few chapters into a book, and it’s not striking your fancy, it’s okay to trade up for a more interesting tale. Don’t feel obligated to finish a book if you are not engaged. ♦♦ Read paper books. Reading printed books can be a welcome, relaxing change from looking at screens all day. This may inspire you to read more and for longer periods of time. ♦♦ Join a book club. A book club in which you engage with fellow readers can motivate you to read more often.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Facing life’s clear and present dangers B EFORE I SAT DOWN TO WRITE my article this week, Grandpa and I watched the evening news.

We enjoy the half hour update every night that seems to have a basic view of the world’s events and mostly an unbiased opinion from the Senior orner newscasters. The original piece I was going to write about had to be put on the back burner, because I felt as a grandmother of several wonderful teenagers, I would Marla Luckhardt be highly remiss not to mention the tragedy in Florida last week.

It was not too long ago that my own goddaughter was at the shooting in Las Vegas, and the same sick feeling came over me today. My beautiful girl was simply enjoying a concert with her boyfriend, when the only thing between her and a bullet was the bleachers they dove under to shield themselves from danger. I remember watching the news unable to reach her and thinking, “This happens to other people – not us.” But this time, it hit way too close to home.

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I remained frantic until I could reach her in the morning. Physically unhurt, the process of healing from the chaos and bloodshed will remain with them for a long time. Me too. Something like this happening again so soon was unimaginable, but that was a pipe dream, I guess.

I will not get into a political repartee or share my thoughts on gun control, but I would like to use my voice and my heart to pay homage to those who lost their lives this week and their families.

For the most part, we are talking about children. Children being shot and killed for no reason other than they were at school. Heroic teachers shielded their students and gave their lives for the kids’ safety. The horror and sadness of it all came over me like a wave out of control in a raging ocean, and I found myself sobbing uncontrollably.

I watched kids from the age of 14 to 18 pleading for us grown-ups to do something to stop the madness and make them unafraid to simply just go to school.

In 1963, we had drills that prepared us for an attack. Bombs were a threat during the Cold War, and the Cuban Missile crisis was a real ‘clear and present danger.’ Now,

… I felt as a grandmother of several wonderful teenagers, I would be highly remiss not to mention the tragedy in Florida last week.

our children are being taught how to protect themselves if someone is trying to shoot them in their own classrooms – that someone being possibly another child. Madness!

In the ‘60s, there were protests, marches and rallies over our concerns with war, but the war was in a country so far away that to us it might well have been on another planet. Now, this war is in our backyards, and the warriors are our children.

I don’t know exactly what the answer is, but I do know that something has to be done. These kids broke my heart with their pleas to the adults that make the rules. Nobody should have to worry that their child who is headed

off to school may not come home. It’s insane.

As I listened to the voices of the survivors grieving for their friends and classmates, I could not stop the tears.

Each face of the students and teachers who were shot and killed and each additional victim fighting for life in the hospital made me realize this is not in a far-away country, and these people are not soldiers trained to help defend us but kids like yours and mine.

Whatever your views on the gun issue may be, we can certainly all agree that children should not have to pay with their lives for the lack of effort on the part of the adults who are supposed to protect them. Also, whatever your politics may be, put aside the partisanship and concentrate on the safety and well-being of our kids and grandkids. Nothing matters more, so listen to them, and speak up if there is anything that seems a little off.

As a grandparent, I for one am all ears when it comes to mine. Pray for those who are going through this in Florida.

Marla Luckhardt is a Brentwood resident who works with senior care and advocacy groups. Email her at marla2054@aol.com.

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Seniors adopting pets Adopting a pet at any age brings companionship to a family, but for seniors who may live alone, adopting a pet can be a lifesaver for both the human and their furry four-legged friend.

According to the ASPCA, many of the shelters operating nationwide are independent organizations, and there is no reliable means of tabulating just how many dogs enter their shelters every year. However, that number is estimated to be around 5 to 7 million.

Approximately 3 to 4 million are euthanized, and only 15 to 20 percent are returned to their owners due to microchip or tag identification. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy says most of the pets are euthanized simply because there is no one available to adopt them.

Consider the following information when searching for a new companion animal: Save a life There may be no better incentive for adoption than knowing you are saving a dog that would probably be on its way to being euthanized. You are also saving the life of

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another animal that can then fit into the shelter and get a chance for a forever home.

Save money Purchasing a pet can cost a substantial amount of money. Depending on the breed, some dogs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. When adopting a pet, fees help shelters mitigate the cost of feeding, housing and health care for shelter animals.

Get a healthy dog Some dogs at shelters do have special care requirements, but the majority of them are healthy. The shelter will have a veterinarian examine and treat the dogs, helping to ensure you start out your life together on a healthy note.

Get a dog that’s already trained Shelters house animals of all age groups.

If a house-trained pet is desired or one that has learned some commands, you may be in luck.

Get a pet that is already socialized Having spent some time in a shelter interacting with other animals and people may offer a measure of socialization to the pets.

– Courtesy of www.petfinder.org

Timmy is a male black-andwhite tuxedo kitten born Oct. 23, 2017. He is a sweet little purr box. Timmy loves to be held and likes getting attention. For more information on this little guy, contact verleneanddavid@sbcglobal. net.

Meet Maxine Maxine is a beautiful 2-year-old, 9-pound female Chihuahua-Spaniel mix. She was born Jan. 2, 2016.

Maxine is crate-trained and sleeps through the night, but she would be happy sleeping with you too. She enjoys going for walks and is very good in the car. Maxine gets along very well with children as long as they are friendly.

She really enjoys being around people and getting attention and will sit on the couch with you for hours.

Maxine is waiting for the right family to come and take her home and to treat her like a princess. Secure fencing in the home is required for all rescued dogs. For more information, call 925-473-4642.

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