Boomer & Senior Guide 2020-21

Boomer & Senior Living GUIDE 2020-21

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

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Ways to cut costs during retirement The average person will spend more than 50 years in the employment sector. As retirement draws closer, many professionals begin to daydream about giving up the commute and having more time to pursue their personal interests.

Even if planning for retirement has been many years in the making, it can take some time for a person to become acclimated to having less income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “older households,” which are defined as those run by someone age 65 and older, spent an average of $45,756 in 2016, or roughly $3,800 a month. That’s roughly $1,000 less than the monthly average spent by typical American households. Housing, transportation, health care, and food are some of the biggest bills retirees will have to account for. Aiming to have savings in addition to any other retirement income or government subsidy coming in to cover that amount is a step in the right direction.

Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible.

• Know where your money is going. It’s impossible to save without knowing what your expenses are each month. Many people are surprised to learn how much little things add up over the course of a month. For example, spending $4 for a take-out coffee each day can quickly become an expensive luxury. Add all expenses and see where you can trim, especially if there’s a deficit each month.

• Consider extra health care. In the United States, Medicare participants can choose Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to help reduce out-of-pocket health care costs. Medicare Parts A and B only cover some of your health care costs. Supplemental insurance can cover some of the costs not covered by original medicare, like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance, according to AARP. • Pare down on possessions. Take inventory of what you have and scale back where possible. If you are no longer commuting to work, you may be able to become a one-car household. Downsizing your residence can help seniors avoid spending too much of their retire-

ment time and money maintaining their homes.

• Take advantage of senior discounts. Take advantage of the many discounts that are offered to seniors. Retirees can usually save on restaurants, travel, groceries, and much more by simply shopping on specific days or verifying their age when checking out.

• Purchase less expensive life insurance. According Cheapism, a site that advises consumers about how to be more frugal, the chief purpose of life insurance is to replace income to ensure the financial security of dependents in the event of death. Retirees may have no dependents and little income. Therefore, a large life insurance policy may not be necessary, especially if you’ve already set aside funds to cover funeral costs.

• Pay off a mortgage. Housing is many people’s most substantial expense. Paying off a mortgage can free up more money each month and allow retirees to spend their golden years doing as they please.

As retirement nears, adults can employ various strategies to reduce their monthly expenses.

Common warning signs of arthritis Arthritis has name recognition, even among people who are not suffering from it. But despite that recognition, arthritis is not as well understood as one might think.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is not a single disease, but rather an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. In fact, the term “arthritis” is so wide-ranging that it actually refers to more than 100 types of conditions.

Despite that complexity, arthritis often produces four important warning signs, regardless of which type of arthritis a person may have.

1. Pain The Arthritis Foundation notes that arthritis-related pain may be constant or intermittent. One common misconception about arthritis pain is that it only occurs during or shortly after a body is at rest.

However, arthritis-related pain can occur while the body is at rest and is not always triggered by an activity that incorporates a part of the body affected by arthritis. In addition, pain from arthritis can be isolated to one area of the body or affect various parts of the body.

This warning sign is, along with pain, the one that is most often associated with arthritis, even by people who don’t suffer from the condition. Stiffness when waking up in the morning or after long periods of being sedentary, such as sitting at a desk during the workday or taking a long car ride, can be symptomatic of arthritis, especially if the stiffness lasts an hour or longer.

4. Difficulty moving a joint The Arthritis Foundation notes that people should not experience difficulty moving, such as when getting out of bed. People who experience such difficulty may have arthritis.

People who recognize any of these warning signs should report them to their physicians immediately. Be as specific as possible when describing these symptoms, as specificity can help physicians design the most effective course of treatment.

2. Swelling Skin over the joints affected by arthritis may become red and swollen. This skin also may feel warm to the touch. The Arthritis Foundation advises anyone who experiences this swelling for three days or longer or more than three times per month to contact a physician.

3. Stiffness 2

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INSIDE

Ways to cut cost during retirement Common warning signs of arthritis 7 ways to save more for retirement Mataining Mental Health Keep learning and growing What to know about medicare Understanding Pre-planning Live Healthly Live Longer Benefits of Volunteering Spending Time with Grandkids 5 ways to protect hearing every day Choices for long term care Hospice & Palliative Care How to avoid drug interactions 6 ways to prevent falls Signs of unsafe driving Healthy eating options for seniors

Directory & Senior Center

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Boomer & Senior Living GUIDE 2020-21

Sentinel C ottage Grove

A publication of the Cottage Grove Sentinel P.O. Box 35, 116 N. Sixth St. Cottage Grove, OR 97424, www.cgsentinel.com (541) 942-3325, Fax 541-942-3328.

Extra copies of this guide are available free of charge for distribution in places of business, offices and anywhere else they might be helpful. Call the Sentinel at (541) 942-3325 x1200 to make arrangements. ©Contents copyright 2018 Cottage Grove Sentinel

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7 ways to save more for retirement Retirement seems like a lifetime away for young professionals. But as careers advance, families are started and milestones are met, retirement can start to feel a lot closer.

A 2014 Gallup poll indicates that most Americans now retire at age 62. That is a good starting point when planning your retirement. The earlier you start establishing savings goals and putting plans in motion, the more likely you will be to retire on time without having to worry about money. These strategies can help you save more for retirement years.

1. Raise … what raise? If you’re lucky enough to get a salary increase at work, direct the extra money into retirement savings accounts and act like the raise never happened. You won’t miss the extra money since you were not accustomed to earning it, and redirecting it into retirement savings can go a long way toward procuring your financial future.

2. Max out deposit limits. By depositing the maximum allowable amount into your retirement accounts each year, you can grow your retirement savings quickly and earn considerably more interest on your money over the life of the account.

3. Allocate your tax refund. Elect to apply your tax refund to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. 4. Take advantage of employers’ offers to match retirement contributions. Many employers will match 401(k) contributions if you save enough to qualify. This is an easy way to save without having to put in any extra money out of your own pocket. Make sure you’re vested in the 401(k) plan so that the employer contributions can be taken with you if you leave a job.

5. Open a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA is a retirement savings vehicle that enables you to pay taxes on the money you put in up front. When you become eligible to withdraw the funds (after age 591⁄2), they are tax-free.

6. Aim for a 15 percent investment. Start investing 15 percent of gross income for retirement once you’re debt-free and have a fully funded emergency fund. Such a strategy can go a long way toward ensuring you have enough money to do what you want throughout retirement.

7. Make calculated cuts. Think about which items you can live without and dedicate what you would spend on those expenditures to retirement. For example, calculate the difference between buying a new car and a certified preowned model. Deposit the savings into retirement. Can you skip a vacation this year and do a staycation instead?

Forgoing certain luxuries can help you build retirement savings.

Saving for retirement becomes a little easier with strategies that can make money go further.

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Maintaining Mental Health For a lot of seniors, aging brings up many serious health issues.

These problems go far beyond physical ailments and illnesses. Mental health is a major concern for older Americans. This spring, be honest with yourself about your mental state of mind and seek help if you feel concerned.

According to the American Psychological Association, this grave issue is often underutilized because of inadequate funding for mental health services. It also can be hard for someone to accept that they require attention for a mental illness.

This can be dangerous, as the APA suggests seniors sometimes turn to self-medicating their symptoms with alcohol abuse. It is one of the eight leading causes of death in older populations.

Role of a Geropsychologist Mental illness experts offer assistance to seniors in coping with the psychological and emotional consequences of illness, loss of loved ones and even the need for assisted-living care. Their role in supporting seniors through their mental illness is imperative, as they can suggest the steps to take for treatment. These specialty psychologists even work with families to maintain the well-being and quality of life of their loved ones.

If you believe you require special treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your general practitioner for a reference.

Common Conditions in Seniors Mental illness is a vast epidemic facing seniors. It goes far beyond being depressed. The APA reports these other common conditions to be just as serious in the battle for mental health: Alzheimer’s Disease: Defined as the irreversible deterioration of intellectual ability, often accompanied by emotional disturbances, Alzheimer’s affects 7 percent of Americans ages over 65 and 30 percent of those over 85.

Dementia: This serious illness impacts between 2.6 to 4.5 million Americans aged over 65. Symptoms usually include paranoia and anxiety. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

When to Seek Help At the instant you feel you are suffering from depression or another illness caused by mental illness, it’s time to talk to your doctor. Don’t take symptoms lightly, as they can quickly spiral out of control, leaving seniors with a sense of confusion or sadness.

If your symptoms ever get severe enough to consider suicide, call 800-273-8255. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day.

Keep Learning and Growing Just because you’ve retired from the workforce or the whirlwind of family activities has eased up doesn’t mean you can’t still stay active through volunteering or even building new skills.

Read on for tips on how to stay involved and active.

Volunteerism If you like to travel, this new trend might be right up your alley. A 2008 study estimated that more than a million people do volunteer work while on vacation, and the numbers have only gone up from

there. Hook up with volunteerism opportunities through your church, professional organizations, or through your local travel agency.

Hit the books If you’ve always wanted to learn sculpture, computer coding or conversational German, now’s your time. Look for leisure classes at local colleges and universities, or ask if you can audit a traditional class without a grade. Don’t be intimidated by all the youngsters; they can benefit from your life experience as much as from the class you’re both taking.

Passing on the lessons Speaking of that life experience, you spent decades building up a successful career and learned a lot of lessons along the way. Look for opportunities to give back as a mentor, teaching a class or as a consultant. For instance, if you owned your own business, you can reach out through SCORE, a nonprofit association that matches volunteer mentors with small business owners. Also check with churches and other groups to put your skills to work in a new way.

Join a club Remember that conversational German class? Don’t let those skills get rusty. Join or even start a club. There are clubs for just about every interest and involvement level, and they’re a great way to meet new people with your interests. Check local community calendars, social media or the newspaper for meeting dates and times.

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What to Know About Medicare Medicare is a federal health insurance plan that working Americans pay into through payroll taxes. It is a valuable benefit, as most Americans’ health insurance is tied to their jobs, thus leaving a hole when workers retire, but enrolling in and navigating the program can be a daunting task.

The AARP has a Medicare Question and Answer Tool to walk people through the plans Medicare offers, what health care coverage you need and can afford, and the timeline you should expect as you are signing up.

Basics of Medicare At age 65, Americans are eligible for Medicare. There are four parts: • Part A (hospital): Helps pay for the cost of hospital stays and time in short-term skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health services.

• Part B (medical): Helps pay for doctors, outpatient and preventive care and certain medical equipment.

• Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative coverage option that puts all your Medicare benefits into one plan.

• Part D: Helps cover the cost of outpatient prescription drugs.

If you or your spouse have earned a minimum of 40 work credits through paying Medicare payroll taxes, you won’t pay monthly premiums for Part A insurance. Work credits aren’t necessary for Part B or D services, though there is a monthly premium for those.

Like traditional health insurance, Medicare does not cover all health care costs. Plans have different deductibles, premiums and copays.

Your income also may be a factor on how much you pay.

seven months, with the fourth month being the month you turn 65.

You should sign up during this period if you have no other health insurance or have insurance you bought yourself; you have retiree benefits from a former employer; you have COBRA coverage or veterans’ benefits; or you’re in a nonmarital relationship and covered by their insurance. If you enroll before your 65th birthday; your coverage begins on the first day if the month you turn 65. If you enroll after, there is a delay.

A special enrollment period is available for people who have health insurance past the initial period and allows them to delay enrolling in Part B until their previous coverage ends. There also are exceptions for expatriates or people who are covered through a spouse’s insurance.

How to Sign Up For Medicare Even after paying payroll taxes and turning 65, most Americans still must apply for Medicare. The initial enrollment period lasts for

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Understanding Pre-planning

Before you can become familiar with estate planning, it’s imperative to understand the concept of an estate.

Consider everything you own, including your car, home, bank accounts and even personal possessions. Your estate consists of everything that is legally yours.

When you’re gone, it is in your family’s best interest that you have delegated where it all goes.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but preparing for it by creating a legal will can relieve unnecessary stress experienced by a mourning family. By meeting with a professional lawyer or estate-planning expert, you will eliminate the risk of long legal battles over your property when you’re not here to fight for it.

Who Needs a Plan?

It is easy for younger Americans to dismiss the idea that they need legally standing documentation related to their estate.

However, it is important for people entering adulthood to sort their assets and begin forming their plan.

For aging or retired people, it’s never too late to talk to a professional and get your estate in shape.

Discussing death is never an easy topic, but the peace of mind that comes with having a properly prepared plan in place can lessen the stress it may cause.

Remember, explaining concise instructions for how your estate should be handled once you’re gone is a thoughtful way to express your love for yourself and family.

remain in the hands of your loved ones.

This is why working with a professional — in person — is crucial to your legacy.

Before you meet with an expert, become familiar with a few steps in the process.

Make a will: Typically, the first part of pre-planning is creating a will. It will express your wishes for who you want to inherit your property and appoint a guardian for young children in case both parents are demised.

Healthcare directives: This section is to protect your wishes in case you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself. You will appoint a power of attorney for healthcare, who will make the decisions according to the instructions you gave in the document.

Beneficiary forms: Choosing a beneficiary for your bank accounts means they become payable on death. Your loved one will avoid a lengthy probate issue in court once receiving the accounts.

The process is involved yet important. Schedule an appointment with a professional to protect your legacy and family.

What it Contains Creating a solid estate plan requires several decisions and legal documents. It is the only way you can ensure the things you worked for

Live Healthy, Live Longer

According to the Mayo Clinic, less than 3 percent of Americans meet the basic qualifications for a “healthy lifestyle.” Another report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine asserts that Americans’ health ranks below 16 other developed countries. We can do better than this.

The good news is that living healthy is (mostly) in your control. Before we can improve, it is important to understand the current state of our health.

This is what we know, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: • Less than 5 percent of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

• Only 40 percent of adults 75 years of age and older are physically active in any capacity.

• An older adult is treated in the emergency room for injuries related to falls every 15 seconds.

• Every 29 minutes, a senior adult dies following a fall.

• Approximately 90 percent of Americans consume more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet.

• If Americans reduced their sodium intake by just 1,200 mg per day, more than $20 billion could be saved in medical costs each year.

Here are some statistics from the National Council on Aging: • Approximately 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic disease — and 77 percent have more than one.

• 90 percent of Americans age 55 and older are at risk for high blood pressure.

• Approximately 20 percent of senior Americans suffer from depression but only 3 percent receive treatment.

• Studies show exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body as you age. The longer you stay a student, the more likely you are to ward off dementia.

• It is important to keep your thoughts positive. Those who worry about falling tend to fall more often that those who don’t.

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SENIOR SERVICES PHONE DIRECTORY

AUTOMOTIVE DEALER & SERVICE Brad’s Cottage Grove Chevrolet ................541-942-4415 2775 Row River Rd COMMUNITY SERVICES Community Sharing ........................................ 541-942-2176

DENTAL Brent Bitner, DDS 350 Washington..................................................541-942-7934 Chambers Brdige Dental 914 S. 4th St.......................................................541-942-1559 FIRE & AMBULANCE SERVICE South Lane County Fire & Rescue, FireMed .....................................Office 541-942-4493 Emergency 911 FUNERAL HOME, CREMATORY, CEMETERY Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel & Fir Grove Cemetery ...........................................................541-942-0185 GOLF Middlefield Golf Course ..............................541-942-8730 91 Village Drive, Cottage Grove, OR 97424

JEWELRY The Jewelry Girl...............................................541-556-9598

LAW ENFORCEMENT Cottage Grove Police Department .............. 541-942-9145 Creswell Police Department ....................... 541-682-4150 LEGAL SERVICES Lane County ................................................... 800-575-9283 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Grove Medical Equipment 148 Gateway Blvd (Bi-Mart Plaza)............. 541-225-5443 King Medical Supply & Ostomy Specialists 431 W. 13th Ave (near Berg’s), Eugene, OR.541-345-0391 MEALS ON WHEELS Cottage Grove & Creswell ......................... 541-682-4038 MENTAL HEALTH South Lane Mental Health ......................... 541-942-2850 NEWSPAPER Cottage Grove Sentinel ................................ 541-942-3325

HOSPITAL PeaceHealth Cottage Grove ORGANIZATION & DOWNSIZING SERVICE Community Medical Center ..........................541-767-5500 Let’s Get Started..............................................541.869-1569 1515 Village Dr., Cottage Grove, OR 97424 www.PeaceHealth.org/cottage-grove SENIOR CENTER Diabetic Education.......................................... 541-767-5200 Cottage Grove Senior Center ...................... 541-942-8751 Emergency Department.....................................541-767-5500 PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical SENIOR & DISABILITY SERVICES Center Foundation........................................... 541-767-5460 Cottage Grove Office ................................... 541-682-4038 Laboratory Services........................................ 541-767-5432 Medical Social Work...................................... 541-767-5200 SENIOR MEALS DINING CENTERS Medical Unit......................................................541-767-5500 Cresview Villa ................................................ 541-895-2338 Patient Financial Counseling........................ 541-767-5440 Riverview Terrace ...........................................541-942-9261 Radiology Services............................................541-767-5333 Rehabilitation Services....................................541-767-5260 PeaceHealth Medical Group Creswell, Dexter, Cottage Grove................541-767-5200 IN-HOME CARE Helping Hands In Home Care.........................541-345-1841 Visiting Angels..................................................541-505-7444 INSURANCE Medicare (general) ....................................... 800-633-4227 Oregon Health Plan ..................................... 800-359-9517 8

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SENIOR LIVING CONSULTANTS Social Security Administration .................. 800-772-1213 Tax Aid (AARP) ............................................. 888-687-2277 TECHNOLOGY iCanConnect.......................................................503-361-1201 ..............................................................................800-667-7512 TRANSPORTATION South Lane Wheels ....................................... 541-942-0456 VETERANS SERVICES Eugene .............................................................. 541-465-6918 Roseburg ..........................................800-549-8387 (Ext. 44) Portland ............................................ 800-949-1004 (ext. 5)

Senior Living & Care Facilities

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES Magnolia Gardens Senior Living................ 541-942-0054 1425 Daugherty Ave., Cottage Grove, OR 97424 Middlefield Oaks Senior Living................... 541-767-0080 1500 Village Dr., Cottage Grove, OR 97424

SOUTH LANE COUNTY FIRE & RESCUE The Only Emergency Medical Transport Service in South Lane County

Call 541-942-4493 for info.

FOR EMERGENCY DIAL 911 Serving South Lane County.

www.southlanefire.org

MEMORY CARE Magnolia Gardens Senior Living ............... 541-942-0054 1425 Daugherty Ave., Cottage Grove, OR 97424 Middlefield Oaks Senior Living................... 541-767-0080 1500 Village Dr., Cottage Grove, OR 97424 RETIREMENT HOUSING Jefferson Park Apartments .......................... 541-942-4808 325 South 5th Street, Cottage Grove, OR 97424 Riverstone Mobile Home Park ..................... 541-942-4147 7750 South 6th St., Cottage Grove, OR 97424

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Today’s retirees recognize that an active retirement tends to be more

rewarding than simply sitting around the house, and that attitude is reflected in the vast number of retirees who volunteer with various nonprofit organizations and other programs across the globe. The following are a handful of volunteering opportunities for those retirees who want to give back and make the most of their retirements.

These local organizations are looking for volunteers and could use your help.

Bohemia Gold Mining Museum..........................................541-942-5022 Community Sharing...............................................................541-942-2176 Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center...........................................................................541-942-2411 Cottage Grove Community Hospital Hospice...................541-942-0511 Cottage Grove Genealogical Society

Jane Meyers ............................................................541-942-9570

Phyllis Pruitt............................................................541-942-3068 Library..................................................................541-942-9570 Cottage Grove Historical Society...................................541-942-2176 Cottage Grove Public Library.........................................541-942-3828 Cottage Grove Senior Center..........................................541-942-8751 Habitat for Humanity Cottage Grove affiliate............541-767-0358 Humane Society of Cottage Grove..................................541-942-3130 Meals on Wheels Program...............................................541-942-9261 Senior & Disability Services.............................................541-682-3353 South Lane School District..............................................541-942-3381 South Lane Wheels...........................................................541-942-0456 This & That Corner Humane Society Thrift Shop ...............................................................................................541-942-3130

COTTAGE GROVE SENIOR CENTER Due to COVID19 the Cottage GRove Community Center is currently closed and undergoing some remodeling.

Call us at the Cottage Grove Senior Center if you have any questions or would like to start or have a new activity at

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Benefits of Volunteering Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding experiences for seniors. While monetary donations are always appreciated by organizations, often what is needed most is time.

Not only is it enjoyable, but giving of one’s time has many physical, mental and psychological advantages.

prevent depression. Volunteering provides seniors a reason for leaving their homes — an activity many older generations resist doing for a number of reasons. One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is meeting new people and forming new relationships.

You never know who you might meet and who you might help.

Benefits to You The National Institute on Aging states that participating in social leisure activities and meaningful, productive activities such as volunteering may lower the risk of health problems in seniors, including dementia. Remaining active is a great way to make new friends.

When you commit your time to a worthy cause, you will find yourself becoming an active member of your community.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, those who volunteer experience greater life satisfaction, a sense of purpose and accomplishment and stress resilience.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself rushing around recruiting and raising funds for your cause. The physical demands of volunteering can offer benefits that enhance your overall health.

Strengthens Mental Health Volunteering works to keep your brain active, which is just as important as physical activity. The National Institute on Aging reports that participating in meaningful activities, and nurturing feelings of productivity, lowers the risk of dementia, among other health problems.

Strengthens Physical Health Physical activity and exercise are essential components in positive health. Many volunteer opportunities offer a physically active component to them — everything from stuffing envelopes to staffing events. Maintaining a healthy fitness level is essential especially for seniors to help keep your immune system strong and prevent diseases.

Strengthens Psychological Health Volunteering has been shown to diminish feelings of isolation and

Enriches Your Time People who volunteer often feel more confident and hold a higher self-worth because they feel they contribute value to their broader community, according to a study out of Wharton College.

No matter what you choose to devote your time to, the important aspects to keep in mind are to find events and organizations that suit your schedule, and help a cause you feel passionate about.

Both of these factors will affect your commitment to volunteering, and your impressions of volunteering as a whole.

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Spending Time with Grandkids During the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to schedule fun activities with precious grandchildren. Take advantage of spring break by creating memories. Mom and dad will thank you for the break.

The bond between grandchild and grandparent is not easily replicated. Grandparents typically enjoy adoring and spoiling their grandchildren. What child doesn’t enjoy that?

Grandparents serve as role models, mentors, nurturers and best friends. Spend some time this spring by solidifying your role in you grandchildren’s lives. The more people a child feels they can turn to in times of need, the better.

Visit a Library For most seniors, reading was a great source of entertainment while growing up. There weren’t tablets, computer screens or cell phones to waste free time.

Take your grandchild to a public library and show them the magic of getting lost in a good story and how it boosts imagination.

Don’t forget to support your community’s library all year. These important institutes assist in helping children develop and learn. Consider making donations whether it is currency or giving them books you have read and feel would make a difference to a reader.

grandchildren scurry around trying to point out everything on the list.

For younger children, you can easily make this a learning game by introducing them to the different animals and species of flowers.

Old Photos Did you ever break out the photo albums in hopes of embarrassing your children when dates or friends were brought to your home?

Good news: You can still show off your offspring to the children who call them mom and dad.

When kids connect the fact that their parents were once children themselves, it can spark a connection and a common bond, resulting in a heightened respect.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Spring weather brings out furry animals, beautiful flowers and the return of leaves to bushes and trees. Before your grandchildren come to spend the day at your house, spend some time analyzing common things you see around the yard.

Compile these items and animals into a list to create your own scavenger hunt. You will enjoy a wholesome afternoon watching your

5 ways to protect hearing every day he saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in regard to hearing. It’s easy to take hearing for granted, but even momentary hearing loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing.

People rely on headphones or ear buds to listen to music, stream movies or participate in work-related meetings more than ever before. Having the volume too loud can contribute to hearing loss over time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly. Overall, 48 million people in the United States have trouble hearing in one or both of their ears. Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports approximately 15 percent of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing, and the risk of hearing problems increases with age.

Once it’s gone, hearing cannot be restored in many cases. To protect hearing and guard against future hearing loss, consider these recommendations.

1. Ask for a baseline hearing test. It’s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which it can be measured. During your annual physical, ask for a hearing test or a referal to an audiologist. This can set the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss.

2. Wear hearing protection. There are various types of hearing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound. Many earplugs, like the ones musicians wear or those worn when attending rock concerts, can reduce the sound by approximately 25 dB. Custom fit ear plugs provide more noise reduction, in upwards of 35 to 40 dB. They are optimal for high-noise environments, such as when mowing lawns or operating machinery, according to the hearing loss resource Hearts for Hearing.

3. Turn down the volume. Experts recommend adhering to the 60/60 rule when enjoying audio through headphones. This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum and can be harmful to your hearing. If possible, choose over-the-ear headphones instead.

4. Have custom molds made. Rather than turning up the volume, people can have custom ear molds made for use with earphones, suggests Johns Hopkins. The custom ear molds will block outside noise, allowing for higher quality listening.

5. Keep your ears dry. Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow and potentially lead to infections. Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming. Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears. For the most part, ears are self-cleaning, and using a cotton swab can push wax and cause it to become compacted in the ear canal.

In addition to these tips, discussing hearing health with a doctor is a wise idea.

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Choices for long-term care Being able to care for oneself independently can be a source of pride. However, illness or age can affect people in ways that require them to seek assistance with medical needs or daily activities for an extended period of time. In such instances, long-term care services can fill a need.

Long-term care assists people in their homes, in the community or in various types of facilities with various daily and medical requirements. According to WebMD, research shows that many people are unaware of long-term care options or may be misinformed about what’s out there.

Home care Various services can be utilized in the comfort of home. According to the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Office on Aging, services can include home-delivered meals, pest control, minor home modifications, or visiting nurses and health aides. Other benefits may include shopping or physical therapy.

Community care Community services can include adult day care centers, meal programs, senior centers, community transportation, and others. Community services enable people to continue to live in the community with some support. They also may help family or friends serving as caregivers enjoy a break from the assistance they have been providing.

Care facilities Long-term care may be mistaken as strictly nursing homes, but facilities extend to places that provide other services. Here’s a look at the care facilities.

• Independent senior living: Independent living facilities may provide assistance only when needed. Amenities are designed to make things easier and more convenient for residents. Fitness centers, pools, dining venues, and transportation may be included. These facilities tend to provide the most independent form of senior living.

Some independent living facilities are part of larger continuing care retirement communities that have staged care that goes from independent to skilled nursing.

• Assisted living: These homes provide 24-hour supervision, meals, healthcare services, and other forms of assistance in a home-like setting. Types of services include laundry, housekeeping, medication dispersal, and dressing.

• Skilled nursing homes: Nursing homes provide care for those who cannot care for themselves at home or in the community. These facilities offer many services all under one roof, like rehabilitative services, meals, activities, and around-the-clock care. Some skilled nursing homes offer temporary care after an injury or illness and are used in lieu of an extended hospital stay.

It is never too early to begin planning for elder care that may include long-term care possibilities. Individuals are urged to work with an elder care lawyer to help navigate the complexities of planning for medical care and their potential financial needs.

Did you know?

With more free time on their hands, retirees may spend a portion of that time dining out at local eateries. While it’s commendable to want to support local businesses, eating out can quickly devour a budget if those on fixed incomes are not careful. Certain strategies can be used to help retirees save money while dining out.

• Shop to-go meals at supermarkets or specialty food stores, which can be heated at home or enjoyed as a picnic at a scenic spot.

• Dine out for breakfast or lunch when meals tend to be less expensive than they are during dinner hours.

• Consider splitting meals or ordering appetizers instead of entrees.

• Stick to one course rather than filling up on an appetizer, salad and then having too much leftover food for the main course. This can help keep the bill lower.

• Drink at home whenever possible. Enjoying a glass of wine, beer or cocktails at a restaurant will almost always cost you more than if you have drinks at home. Stick to the meal only, Overwhelmed with stuff the then enjoy a nightcap once you kids don’t want? return home. It’s also a safe way to reduce the risk of drinking and driving.

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Exploring hospice and palliative care The opportunity to live independently is a goal for many people as they plan for retirement. While there’s much people can do to plan for financial independence in their golden years, health issues may arise that can make it hard for aging adults to get through the day without a little help.

Palliative care and hospice are sometimes mistaken as the same thing, even though they’re quite different. Learning about each option can help adults identify which option is best for them should they one day require daily assistance.

Palliative care Palliative care may be available at any time for individuals with serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. According to Healthline, palliative care is focused on improving the overall wellness of individuals with serious illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, COPD, and other chronic illnesses. Since it is based on individuals’ needs, palliative care can differ from one person to the next.

WebMD says a palliative care program frequently aims to ease pain and help with other problems, including improving comfort. It is used in addition to other treatments. Palliative care also can help patients and their families if an illnesss makes it more difficult to get around, leads to depression or adversely affects the family, including caregivers.

Hospice care The National Institute on Aging notes that hospice care may be recommended when it is no longer possible to cure a serious illness or when a patient opts out of certain treatments. Like palliative care,

hospice provides comprehensive comfort care and family support.

However, attempts to cure the person’s illness are stopped in hospice.

Hospice is typically recommended when a person with a terminal illness has around six months or less to live.

When people hear “going into hospice” they may think this means entering a facility. However, hospice can take place in many different settings, including at home, in a nursing home, in a hospital, or even a facility that specializes in hospice care.

Both palliative and hospice care bring together a team of health care professionals with special skills. This team can include doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, spiritual advisors, and trained volunteers. Everyone works together to address patients’ emotional, medical and spiritual needs.

The main difference between palliative and hospice care is when each is offered to a patient. Palliative care can be available at any time, regardless of illness stage, prognosis or life expectancy. Hospice care is only available when an illness is no longer responding to treatment. It is sometimes known as end-of-life care. However, a person can come out of hospice care should his or her condition begin to improve.

Patients and their families can discuss the options of palliative and hospice care with their health care teams. While these types of care have become much more accessible in recent years, they may not be available everywhere. It also pays to ask questions about health insurance coverage to determine if the costs of palliative or hospice care will be covered by a provider. A long-term care policy also may be an option to cover palliative services.

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How to avoid drug interactions Hundreds of millions of people across the globe rely on medications for their survival. In fact, the percentage of people using prescription medications may surprise people who work outside the health care industry.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-16, nearly 46 percent of the population of the United States used prescription drugs in 2015-16. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that prescription drug use is similar in Canada, where the Canadian Health Measures Survey found that roughly two-thirds of adults between the ages of 40 and 79 used at least one prescription drug in a 30-day period.

Prescription drugs may be vital to many people’s survival, but they also can prove deadly if mismanaged. That’s especially true for people taking more than one medication. Taking multiple medications each day may be necessary, but it’s equally necessary that people taking more than one medication every day take steps to avoid drug interactions.

• Discuss all medications with each of your doctors. Primary care physicians and specialists should be kept in the loop regarding which medications their patients are taking. Patients should never assume their doctors know every medication they’re taking. When prescribed a new medication, mention to your prescribing doctor what else you are taking. Include prescription medications but also over-the-counter, or OTC, drugs, supplements and even vitamins.

Use a notes app on your smartphone to create a running list of your medications so you can easily access it during doctor’s appointments.

• Read all labels. Prescription drugs and OTC medications list potential side effects in different ways. Each prescription medication comes with a lengthy list of potential side effects, while OTC labels cite potential side effects in the “Warnings” section on their labels. Familiarize yourself with all potential side effects of a given medication prior to taking it. Err on the side of caution and wait to speak with your physician before taking an OTC medication you’re unfamiliar with.

• Order all prescriptions from the same pharmacy. Ordering all prescriptions from the same pharmacy makes it easy to access all prescriptions. Pharmacists can look up all prescriptions and crosscheck interactions that may result from taking certain medications at the same time. This safety net can be useful and convenient.

• Utilize online resources. The Drug Interactions checker at www. drugs.com/drug_interactions.html is a convenient way to learn about the potential interactions that can result when taking more than one medication or even mixing it with certain foods or beverages.

Drug interactions can be deadly, which only underscores the importance of being careful when taking more than one medication at a time.

6 ways to prevent

falls in the house

Despite all of the potential hazards around a house — from electrical issues to fire hazards to carbon monoxide — the National Home Security Alliance says that falls are the leading cause of death due to home accidents. Falls are responsible for one-third of all home-related fatalities. Although seniors are the group most affected by falls, these types of accidents can affect anyone.

A broken bone may be a minor inconvenience for young people, but fractures are more serious for the elderly. As a result, seniors must take measures to protect themselves against falls. These steps can minimize risk at home.

1. Remove tripping hazards. Examine rooms and hallways for potential hazards, such as slippery throw rugs, floorboards that stick up, loose carpeting, or furniture that blocks walking paths. Remedy these hazards as soon as possible. Address loose floorboards and/or place nonslip materials beneath rugs.

2. Install grab bars or railings. Install grab bars in certain locations for extra stability or where someone may need leverage getting up from a seated position. They are particularly helpful near toilets and bathtubs and in stairways and hallways.

3. Stick to sensible shoes. Sensible shoes fit properly and have sturdy, nonskid soles. Avoid walking around in slippers or even in stocking feet, which are much more slippery.

4. Store items within reach. Store items that are used frequently, such as dishes, in easily accessible cabinets and other locations. This prevents having to climb or reach for them.

5. Install more lighting. Poor visibility can contribute to falls. Lighting in hallways, stairways, bathrooms, and bedrooms — even if it is a small night light — can be enough to light the way.

6. Reinforce your home’s exterior. Falls do not only occur inside.

Inspect the perimeter of a property for uneven turf, holes or cracked or uneven patches of walkways. Make sure lighting is working at entryways, and check that exterior handrails are secure.

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Signs of unsafe driving in older drivers A license to drive has long been symbolic of independence. Teenage drivers long for the day they earn their licenses and can take to the road without mom or dad riding shotgun, while aging drivers want to keep driving as long as possible so they can come and go as they please in their golden years.

There’s no formula drivers and their families can employ to determine when it’s time to take the car keys away from senior citizens.

Thankfully, fatal collisions involving older drivers have declined considerably in recent decades. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, collision-related fatalities among drivers ages 70 and older declined by 15 percent between 1997 and 2018. A host of factors have no doubt contributed to that decline, including lane-assist technology and forward collision warning systems that have become standard offerings on many modern vehicles.

As much as technology has helped make driving safer for everyone, aging drivers should still keep an eye out for certain signs that may indicate their skills behind the wheel are diminishing and potentially compromising their ability to drive safely. According to AARP, the following are warning signs of unsafe driving.

• Delayed response to unexpected situations: Frequent close calls and narrowly avoiding collisions when other drivers stop suddenly indicate reduced response time that can put aging drivers at an elevated risk of being involved in an accident.

• Becoming easily distracted while driving: Distracted driving has become a significant concern in recent decades, but it’s often associated with young drivers. However, aging drivers who are easily distracted also pose a safety risk to themselves and other motorists.

• Decrease in confidence while driving: Only drivers will know if they feel confident enough to drive safely, and it’s vital that aging drivers be honest with themselves when assessing how they feel when driving.

• Having difficulty moving into or maintaining the correct lane of traffic: Lane-assist technology can help drivers recognize how often they’re staying in the correct lane of traffic. When the warning bell goes off frequently, it might be time for older drivers to reconsider if it’s safe for them to be behind the wheel.

• Hitting curbs when making right turns or backing up: Hitting curbs when turning or backing up indicates drivers may be having difficulty controlling their vehicles and/or seeing the road, both of which indicate it’s no longer safe for drivers to get behind the wheel.

• Getting scrapes or dents on car, garage or mailbox: These signs also indicate drivers are having trouble controlling their vehicles.

• Driving too fast or too slow for road conditions: This indicates drivers are not as alert to their surroundings as they need to be to stay safe on the road.

It’s not easy for aging drivers to relinquish their drivers’ licenses.

Learning to recognize potential warning signs of unsafe driving can help aging drivers make the safest decisions for themselves, their passengers and their fellow motorists.

“Let food be thy medicine” is a quote attributed to Hippocrates, the ancient scholar considered to be the father of modern medicine. The saying relates to the notion that what people put in their bodies can heal and/or prevent certain conditions.

For seniors with medicine cabinets full of over-the-counter and prescription medications, the idea of relying predominantly on food to promote optimal health may be tempting, and various foods can be particularly useful to the 50-and-over demographic.

According to the World Health Organization, poor diet is a major contributor to many of the diseases that affect older people. Poor diet has been connected to the development of diabetes, and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis also may be linked to the foods ones eat. The National Council for Aging Care says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem among the aging due to factors like lack of variety in diet and reduced food intake. Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older.

Certain foods may be particularly helpful.

• Brain-friendly foods: Foods such as avocado, leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and salmon are good sources of vitamin

E, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may help ward off dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, advises Sonas Home Health Care.

• Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent inflammation that can cause cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Aging.com says foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, should be consumed at least twice per week.

• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, canned or frozen produce tend to be high in micronutrients, including a variety of important vitamins that are essential for all components of health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating dark green vegetables, such as leafy greens or broccoli, and orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes.

• Energy-boosters: Choose whole grains that can provide sustained energy by way of healthy carbohydrates over processed grains.

• Bone-friendly foods: Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can prevent calcium from being leached from the bones, which contributes to conditions like osteoporosis.

• Digestive system-friendly foods: The digestive system slows down as the body ages, as the walls of the gastrointestinal tract thicken and digestive contractions that push waste along may slow down and become fewer. Foods rich in fiber can promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract mor easily. High-fiber foods also may help naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels.

• High-iron foods: Without enough iron in the body, a person may feel tired and lethargic from a reduced production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. A lack of oxygen in body tissues from anemia can be serious, says the National Council for Aging Care. Tofu, spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and fortified breads and cereals are high in iron.

Smart food choices can help seniors live long and healthy lives.

Healthy eating options for seniors

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