Senior Life
Senior
Life
May 29, 2014
THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MAY 29, 2014
Two
Senior Life
Concerned About Beginning An Exercise Routine? Don’t Be down pat. As you grow more comfortable and your body starts to feel more up to the challenges of daily exercise, you can begin to gradually alter your cardiovascular and strength training workouts to make them more challenging. •Exercise can make existing medical conditions more manageable. Men and women over the
age of 50 who have pre-existing medical conditions are likely to find that exercise alleviates rather than exacerbates their physical problems. The NIA notes that studies have shown that regular exercise and physical activity can benefit people with arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease. See EXERCISE, page 7
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xercise is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. Including exercise in your daily routine can lower your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and exercise can even sharpen mental acuity, reduce anxiety and improve mood. But as beneficial as exercise can be, many men and women, particularly men and women over the age of 50 who have not laced up their sneakers in years, are hesitant to begin an exercise regimen for a variety of reasons, potentially putting their long-
term health at risk. Regardless of a person's age, beginning a new exercise regimen can be intimidating. Many seniors might not know where to begin or how to approach adopting a healthier lifestyle. According to the National Institute on Aging, the following are a few points men and women should know as they attempt to improve their physical fitness with a more active lifestyle. •Exercise is safe even if you have not been physically active in a long time. Many older men
and women worry that suddenly embracing physical fitness after years of inactivity may be detrimental to their health. But that's only true if men and women don't exercise caution at the outset of their routines. When beginning the routine, take things very slowly at first, choosing to walk or bike every day rather than hitting the treadmill and adjusting it to maximum resistance. When strength training, start off with very little weight so your muscles can get acclimated to the motions and you can get the exercises
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mericans tend to store more than two-thirds of their wealth in their homes, so reverse mortgages have become increasingly popular in recent years as cash-strapped seniors seek ways to keep pace with rising expenses. Current and future retirees need to re-examine their views and consider a reverse mortgage as a part their retirement plan, because the three legs of the traditional retirement “stool” – Social Security, pensions and personal savings – have been considerably weakened. Also, a lack of planning and unrealistic expectations about future costs of basic care and long-term care has placed many retirees in an untenable financial position, further strengthening an argument for considering reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgage is a government-insured mortgage for borrowers age 62 and up which allows seniors to stay in their own home and turn their equity into tax-free cash without any monthly mortgage payment. They will continue to be responsible for utilities, real estate taxes and insurance coverage. The title of the home stays in the seniors name
and they must live in their home and either own it outright or have enough equity to pay off a mortgage. The loan does not have to be paid back until the borrower chooses to move or passes away. Recently the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have made changes to reverse mortgages that reflect trends toward more secure lending and positive changes to protect the homeowner. BCI has been offering the reverse mortgage product since 2004 and has assisted many seniors over the past 10 years in obtaining a comfortable life style with financial freedom. This product has very versatile options, with enormous benefits, most importantly allowing seniors to stay in their homes. Ken Penfield, vice president at BCI, states, “We know that the reverse mortgage changes peoples’ lives, however, it is not for everyone. But having good information will help you know if a reverse mortgage is something that will help you, a friend, or family member plan for the future.” The following is a testimonial See CUSTOMER, page 6
THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MAY 29, 2014
Senior Life
Nutrition Key To Living The Good Life
N
utrition is important for people of all ages, but it's especially important for men and women over the age of 50, who can dramatically improve their quality of life by eating a well-balanced diet filled with vitamins and nutrients. Though that may seem like common sense, research has shown that men and women in this age group, who are often referred to as "Baby Boomers," are not necessarily as healthy as they may seem. While the baby boomer generation, which is generally regarded as those people born between 1946 and 1964, boasts longer life expectancies than any generation that came before them, some of that can likely be chalked up to advancements in medical care, including a booming pharmaceutical industry that seemingly has an antidote to every ailment. But
a 2013 study from researchers at the West Virginia University School of Medicine found that baby boomers are less healthy than the generation that immediately preceded them, tending to be more likely to have higher levels of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. While that news might be sobering, it's never too late for men and women over 50 to start eating healthier diets, which can reduce their risk of a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis. The following are a few ways men and women over 50 can alter their diets so their bodies are getting what they need to live long and healthy lives well into their golden years. As is always the case, men and women should discuss any potential changes to their diets with their physicians to ensure the changes will be both
effective and healthy. •Balance your diet. Kids hear of the benefits of a balanced diet seemingly from the moment they enter a classroom for the first time, but many adults fail to heed that basic advice as they get further and further away from kindergarten. When changing your diet, be sure to include plenty of protein and carbohydrates. Protein maintains and rebuilds muscles, which is especially important for aging men and women who might find themselves unable to keep up with the physical demands of everyday life as well as they used to. Including ample low-fat protein, which can be found in fish, eggs and low-fat dairy, among other foods, will aid See CUTTING, page 7
Senior Insurance Solutions
Heritage Hill Offers Quality
O
ris Development, the creator of Heritage Hill, a 63-home subdivision off Rte. 69, recently announced the opening of its new residential community. Offering a mix of two- and three-bedroom home styles, all with first floor bedrooms, Heritage Hill (www. HHWolcott.com) is a perfect choice for first-time, move-up and empty nesters with prices beginning at just $259,900. Quietly set on a hillside with distant views of the Connecticut countryside, Heritage Hill is surprisingly accessible to shopping, services, and major highways with Rtes. 84 and 8 just minutes away. Wolcott’s Woodtick Recreation Area offers swimming and other outdoor activities, plus a pavilion for family and friends to gather. According to Rob Oris, president of Oris Development and managing principal of Heritage
Hill, this community is amenity rich. “These homes,” continued Oris, “are truly representative of what sophisticated buyers expect in today’s market.” All of the homes have Great Rooms with fireplaces, hardwood flooring in public areas, ceramic tile in baths and mudrooms, 9foot ceilings on the first floor, plus premium finishes like granite countertops and hardwood cabinetry. And each home offers energy savings with high efficiency, natural gas forced warm air heat and central air, in addition to insulated vinyl clad windows with low-E glass. Rob Oris, the School of Business managing principal of Heritage Hill, is a graduate of the University of Connecticut having majored in finance and real estate, and is a graduate of their nationally acclaimed Center for Real Estate and Urban Economic StudSee HERITAGE, page 5
Three
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MAY 29, 2014
Four
Senior Life
Important Tips For Prospective Jetsetters
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en and women often dream of jetsetting around the world when they retire. Traveling the
globe without worrying about timelines or what’s going on back at the office is something many retirees reward themselves with after a life of hard work. As liberating as world travel can be, retirees still must exercise caution when traveling abroad. The following are a few safety tips for retirees who are ready to make their dream retirements a reality by setting off for parts unknown. •Stay in touch. Escapism is a
big part of the attraction of travel for travelers young and old, but while you may want to avoid contact with the outside world on your travels, it’s still necessary to stay in touch with your loved ones. Retirees who plan to take extended trips overseas should purchase an international mobile phone plan that allows them to use their phones regardless of what country they happen to be in. A quick text message to a son or daughter back home is all it takes to let your family know you are safe and having the time of your life. Work out a communication plan with your loved ones back home before departing, agreeing to contact them via phone call, email or Skype at least once per
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week for the duration of your trip. This is a good way to share your experiences and help your relatives rest easy knowing that you are safe. •Don’t store all of your important documents in one place. When traveling overseas, it can be convenient to keep important items like traveler’s cheques, credit cards, passports, and identification in one place. However, storing all of your sensitive documents or financial items in one place is very risky, as a lost or stolen bag can leave you without
I
n my years of teaching, I have come to realize Pilates isn’t just a type of practice, it is how to hold your body properly to improve your quality of life. I, Nadine Phillips, owner of Cheshire Pilates studio, have been in business for eight years. I have dealt with a number of injuries, and have learned the importance of posture. I have fractured my L5 vertebra multiple times and got into a car accident and sustained a neck injury. After giving birth, I had a hernia and diastisis recti (splitting of the abdominal muscles). I have also had urinary incontinence and have TMJ. The list goes on. But, instead of “living” with these problems, I have found a way to treat them properly and live a very full life. After injures, your body tries to protect your injured areas. Scar
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identification or access to your funds. When traveling, couples should carry their own passports on their persons and split up credit cards and traveler’s cheques. This way you still have access to your funds, and one of you still has identification should items be lost or stolen. •Do your homework. Unplanned day trips are common among travelers who have been traveling for long periods of time. While such jaunts can add an element of spontaneity to a trip,
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tissue is built up inside of you, and your body starts working in its own form. You become tense, your vertebrae do not want to move, and certain muscles work too hard to protect. Unless you train your body to let go of that tension and work the muscles that need to be worked, you will continue to live with pain and suffering. Pilates has five basic principles: breathing into your core, finding a neutral pelvis, aligning the rib cage, aligning the shoulders, and neck placement. If these five things are not in alignment, you are not benefiting from a properly-functioning body. Once these five are in place, it is as if your center is pulled up inside of you and your whole body moves as it should—with ease and comfort. Our bodies are three dimensional objects and so many times I see people just thinking twodimensionally. Let me work my biceps, let me work my back. It doesn’t work that way. The whole body should always be working together to stabilize and to work all muscles equally. Once that is learned, the body responds as if it was meant to be that way. Learning this, especially if injuries are an issue, is a cognitive process. Your mind needs to respond to let certain muscles go and let other muscles work. People get frustrated with exercise because the mind works much faster than the body responds. With time, your body will learn to respond. I have come to realize that with work, there also needs to be relaxation. If you have been injured, and your body is living in a tense frame, muscle release needs to happen. That is why I See MASSAGE, page 6
THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MAY 29, 2014
Five
Senior Life
Guardian Angels Set To Meet Needs
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system, we are able to find just the right caregiver for your specific needs. Our services include: •Personal care assistance •Homemakers and companion-
ship •Shopping and transport to appointments •Alzheimer’s/Dementia care •Safety oversight, medication reminders •Meal preparation •Hospital discharge assistance •Laundry and linens •Entertainment, friendship Our Angels support seniors, elderly, homebound, respite care, assisted living and rehab centers, hospice support, and Workers’ Compensation cases. Angels are available 24 hours a day, every day, and serve all of Connecticut. Our Guardian Angel response systems and secure automated
and monitored medicine dispensing units are available for rental or purchase. And don’t forget to ask about our special program for veterans. All of our employees are bonded and fully insured, including liability and workers’ compensation. Our caregivers are also carefully background-checked by our own exclusive screening process which includes: •Local, state and nationwide background records •Department of Motor Vehicles •Abuse and neglect registries
•Sex offender registries •Six-point drug screen •U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security clearance Once in your home, our quality control checks will assure caregiver quality and supervision. This is why we are Connecticut’s #1 Preferred Choice in Home Care! For more information, visit MyGuardianAngelsHomeCare. com or call (877) 439-7731 tollfree or (203) 439-7731 locally. Guardian Angels Home Care is located at 405 Maple Ave., Cheshire.
Heritage Hill Benefits From Experience
Robert I. Leventhal, MD continued from page 3
ies. Rob has enjoyed a successful career in real estate and has been self-employed since 1996. The principals of Heritage Hill have almost 60 years of combined experience in the field of real estate development and home building. With approximately 1,000 homes built through various affiliates, these builders have the expertise to make dreams a reality. For over 40 years, Calcagni Real Estate has been just the right fit to help families with their home buying and selling needs, and has long been known as the premiere real estate company specializing in new construction in central Connecticut. With deep roots in the community, the agents at Calcagni offer their customers a unique perspective of the market and are personally dedicated to providing the best and most comprehensive real estate services possible. This business philosophy has enabled Calcagni to create a distinctive and dynamic culture within the organization, earning the company a Top Workplaces honor for many consecutive years. For more information, the Sales Center is located at 97 Wolcott Rd. (Rte. 69) in Wolcott. Please call (203) 272-1821 for Open House hours, or to make an appointment to tour the community.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MAY 29, 2014
Six
Senior Life
There Are Many Different Factors In Development Of Cataracts
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any men and women develop cataracts as they approach their golden years. While aging is the single biggest risk factor for cataracts, there are other factors that can contribute to cataracts, which can afflict people of all ages. According to the American Optometric Association, the following factors can contribute to the development of cataracts. * Alcohol consumption: Studies have shown that higher alcohol consumption can increase a person’s risk of developing cata-
racts. * Diabetes mellitus: Persons with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts than those who do not have diabetes. * Medications: Certain medications have been associated with the development of cataracts. Corticosteroids and chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine related medications have been linked to cataracts in the past. * Nutrition: Men and women who do not eat a nutritious diet may be increasing their risk of developing cataracts. The AOA
admits studies examining a potential link between nutrient deficiency and cataracts are inconclusive, but some studies have suggested there is such a link between the formation of cataracts and low levels of antioxidants like vitamins C and E. * Smoking: Smoking can increase a person's risk for a host of ailments, including cataracts.
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* Ultraviolet radiation exposure: Persons who aren't adequately protected when exposed to ultraviolet, or UV, radiation have a greater risk of developing cataracts. Some people may be born with cataracts or develop them during childhood. Such cataracts are known as congenital cataracts and may be the result of the mother having contracted an infection while pregnant. Kids born with cataracts may also have inherited them. For example, cataracts may be a side effect of Alport syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by kidney disease,
hearing loss and abnormalities in the eye. When a person develops cataracts, surgery is the only effective treatment. But that does not necessarily mean a doctor will suggest surgery right away. Cataracts do not typically harm the eye, and delaying surgery does not mean you are less likely to regain your vision if and when you do opt for surgery. Doctors will likely recommend surgery when cataracts begin to impact quality of life, such as making reading or driving more difficult. Cataracts are often mistakenly considered a byproduct of aging. But not every aging man or woman will develop cataracts, and not all cataracts are a byproduct of aging. Learn more at www.aoa. org.
continued from page 4 have found massage therapist Jody Clouse, owner of Imagine Wellness, and conveniently located right in the Cheshire Pilates Studio, a huge complement to the Pilates practice. Jody also focuses on injuries using techniques that facilitate recovery through orthopedic massage. Orthopedic massage assists treatment of conditions that affect the soft tissues of the body. These types of conditions can be the result of injury or a chronic disorder such as nerve compression
or postural distortion. Once these muscles let go, it is much easier to trigger the muscles that are not working as hard to work! Please take the time to take care of yourself, because if you are not taking care of yourself, other aspects of your life will not align. So many people have it backwards. They give up on themselves first, when they are the core from which they can make it all possible. Please contact me at www.cheshirepilates. com or (203) 980-6591 for more information.
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Customer Happy With BCI Program
continued from page 2 from a BCI reverse mortgage customer:
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CHESHIRE COMMUNITY YMCA CHESHIRE COMMUNITY YMCA YMCA CHESHIRE Main St COMMUNITY Cheshire, CT 06410 961 South 961 South Main StMain Cheshire, CT 06410 South Cheshire, 06410 961 F 203St 699 0330 CTwww.sccymca.org P 203 272 3150 3150 F 203 699 0330 www.sccymca.org P 203 272 YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 272 3150 F 203 699 0330 www.sccymca.org P 203
YMCA Mission: To put Christian to principles into practice through programs that build spirit, mind and body forisall. Financiial Assisitance is available qualifying individuals and families. YMCA is ahealthy non-profit 501c(3)The a for all. YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice throughThe programs that build healthy spirit, mindYMCA and body Financiial Assisitance is available to qualifying individuals and families. The YMCA is a non-profit 501c(3)The YMCA is a charitable organization. 501 Financiial Assisitance is available to qualifying individuals and families. The YMCA is a non-profit 501c(3)The YMCA is a 501 charitable organization.
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“... it was getting harder to make ends meet. My husband and I, with the help of our son, looked into a reverse mortgage because of our financial needs. The cost of living was going up while our retirement funds were going down, and it was getting harder to make ends meet. The application process went very smoothly. All of the details of the reverse mortgage were clearly
explained, and any questions we had were thoroughly answered. We are very happy with our decision to get a reverse mortgage.” B.M.O.—Mystic CT. In the reverse mortgage industry, BCI is considered one of the foremost lenders in Connecticut and offers an on-going educational series throughout the state on this very subject. For additional information or a one-on-one, no obligation analysis, please call Ken Penfield (203) 439-9400 ext. 427.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MAY 29, 2014
Seven
Senior Life
Cutting Back On Sodium Intake Important To Staying Healthy
continued from page 3
in muscle recovery, benefitting aging athletes as well as those men and women over 50 who recently started exercising as a means to regaining their physical fitness. A diet lacking in sufficient protein can contribute to muscle deterioration, arthritis and even organ failure, so it's important for men and women to prioritize in-
cluding protein in their diets. Carbohydrates are also an important part of a balanced diet, as they are a great source of energy that can help men and women stay active well past the age of 50. Carbohydrates found in fruits, grains and vegetables are the most beneficial, as these contain valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
•Don't denounce dairy. Dairy is a great source of calcium, which promotes strong bones and teeth. Men and women over the age of 50 want their bones to be as strong as possible because aging is one of the strongest risk factors for osteoporosis, a potentially debilitating medical condition in which loss of tissue causes bones to become brittle and fragile.
Vitamin D is necessary to effectively absorb calcium, and vitamin D can be found in certain dairy products, including pastureraised eggs and grass-fed cow's milk, and can be generated when men and women get enough sunlight. Other healthy sources of Vitamin D include salmon, light tuna packed in oil, sardines, and sun-grown mushrooms.
continued from page 4 they also can be quite dangerous if travelers have not done their homework on a particular destination. You do not want to end up in a place where tourists are not welcome or are frequent targets of criminals. In addition, you don't want to visit a city or town and know nothing of its customs or etiquette. For example, locals may react negatively to visitors who have ignored accepted local standards for attire. You can still make spontaneous trips, but make sure you gather some background information, be it from the Inter-
net, locals where you are currently staying or the hotel concierge, on a given locale and its customs before visiting. •Make sure your health will not be compromised. Retirees cannot travel in the same manner they did in the carefree days of their youth. Before traveling abroad, visit your physician and get a full physical. Refill any medications you will need during your trip, and speak with your physician about how to handle any medical emergencies while overseas. Carry your physician's name and telephone number with you at all
times, so local medical professionals can contact him or her should you experience a medical emergency. Once you have arrived at your destination, it's important that you continue to prioritize your health. Make sure the water is safe to drink before taking a sip, and investigate local cuisine to ensure it won't inflame any existing medical conditions you may have. The quality of medical care varies greatly across the globe, so you must prioritize your health whenever leaving the country and avoid anything that might put
your health in jeopardy. •Travel with friends or family if possible. If you have friends or family who are also retirees with time on their hands, organize a group trip abroad. Groups are less likely to be targeted by criminals than couples, and overseas trips with friends or family members can make trips overseas that much more memorable and enjoyable. Overseas travel is a popular goal of men and women on the verge of retirement or those who have already called it a career. But safety must remain a priority.
When Traveling, Do Your Homework On Local Customs
Exercise Reduces Rather Than Increases Overall Levels Of Fatigue
continued from page 2
But it's still recommended that men and women with preexisting medical conditions consult with their physicians before making any lifestyle changes. Some conditions may affect a person's ability to be active, and it's best to get the go-ahead from a physician. Doctors may even suggest certain activities that have been known to alleviate particular conditions. •Exercise reduces fatigue, so sitting around to preserve strength is not effective. Exercise improves strength and energy levels, so sitting on the sideline to preserve your strength is counterpro-
ductive and could lead to serious medical problems. The “Report on Physical Activity and Health” from the U.S. Surgeon General's Office noted that men and women who are inactive are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who are more active. While getting adequate rest and giving your body ample recovery time is essential, your body won't benefit by avoiding exercise to preserve your strength. However, even moderate physical activity performed on a regular basis can reduce fatigue. •No one is too old to exercise. It's not uncommon for men and
women in their golden years to think they are too old to exercise. Some may feel that their toneddown workouts cannot possibly be making much of an impact thanks to the physical limitations old age has put on their bodies, while others may think it's unwise for someone in their 70s or 80s to be physically active. But exercise helps the body stay strong and fit even when you can no longer max out on the bench press or squat hundreds of pounds. Scaling back your exercise routine will be necessary as you get older, but that does not mean you cannot still enjoy and benefit from physical
activity. Continuing to exercise as you age is a great way to improve your quality of life and stay as active as possible well into your golden years.
•Cut back on sodium intake. Cutting back on sodium intake can be very beneficial, especially for men and women over the age of 50, who are at greater risk of diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. But cutting back on sodium intake takes more than just throwing the salt shaker away. Processed foods, soups, canned goods, salad dressings, condiments such as mustard and ketchup, and breakfast cereals are just a few of the many products that may contain alarming amounts of sodium. That's important to note, as excess sodium increases blood pressure by holding excess fluid in the body. That excess fluid puts an added burden on the heart, potentially increasing a person's risk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, cancer, and kidney disease. The problem with cutting back on sodium is that salt is so often relied on to make foods taste better, and many people find salt-free foods bland. But the rewards of reducing sodium intake are so significant that it's worth making the adjustment, especially for men and women over the age of 50. No one is too old or too young to embrace a nutritious diet. But men and women over the age of 50 are in a unique position to vastly improve their quality of life by adopting a low-sodium diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Bring in this ad for
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, MAY 29, 2014
Eight
Life at Elim Park is... active... thriving... comfortable... entertaining... & delicious! Experience Elim Park’s unique lifestyle at our upcoming events. Strawberry Shortcake Party • Friday, June 13
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