This Issue NUTRITION
es m ly Ho ter ts 00 uar en 6,0 Q esid n 1 red R ha ve ty e t eli un or D o M PS ex C US Ess To
May 2014
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Nutrition and aging go hand-in-hand. PAGE 5 FIXED INCOME
How to manage your money in retirement. PAGE 6 TRAVEL
Tips for traveling outside the United States.
Pictured above is Clifton Legacy, of Westport, the 2013 Essex County RSVP Volunteer of the Year. For more RSVP news, turn to page 2. Photo provided
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103!! Don Taylor reflects on a life lived well By Pete DeMola
pete@denpubs.com
WADHAMS Ñ Don Taylor remembers when the war ended. It was a cold November day and there was about two inches of snow on the ground. Ò I could hear the church bells ringing,Ó he said. Ò My mother sent the neighbors down to see why.Ó The Great War, World War I, which had touched even this remote farming hamlet, had ended. Taylor was seven. He remembers reading letters from local folks on the European battlefields, like from his neighbor Spencer Johnson. Ò They were in the trenches no matter the weather,Ó he said. On April 30, Taylor will celebrate his 103rd birthday at the same clapboard house that his grandparents built in the late 19th century. On a recent Saturday during melting season, he sat in an armchair petting a fluffy black poofball who danced underfoot. A wood stove crackled merrily in the front room, filling the house with a welcoming, earthy scent.
“I remember when you
could get four gallons of gas for a dollar.”
— Don Taylor The centenarian sat before a shelf containing dozens of trophies and awards from his storied career as a champion horseshoe thrower. Taylor Õ s life is a classic North Country story. A hunter, fiddler, farmer and sportsman, Taylor worked the land to make ends meet Ñ mostly logging, dairy farming and tilling the fertile soil behind this cluster of well-worn buildings on his hillside plot of land, just like his parents and grandparents had done. A log house in the back used to turn a tidy business making cider, said Gary Anson, a neighbor who checks in on Taylor every day. Ò People used to bring apples from all around,Ó
he said. Ò One fall, they made over 15,000 gallons.Ó Taylor said the biggest changes throughout his life have been wages and prices. Ò I remember when you could get four gallons of gas for a dollar,Ó he said. Ò Used to get 35 cents an hour for wages.Ó Anson said that Taylor, who spent his entire life working the land of his forefathers, is harder of hearing than he was three years ago when he joined the century club, a milestone that also saw him hang up his drivers license. Due to hip pains, heÕ s taking a breather when it comes to his thricedaily sessions on his exercise bike. But he still lifts weights and lives independently on the dirt road that bears his name. He loves the Yankees Ñ but has to turn in midway through the games, said Anson Ñ and retains a good appetite, mostly for pies: Ò Apple, pumpkinÉ most all of them,Ó he grinned. Taylor said while he canÕ t attribute his longevity to anything specific, good eating may have played a part.
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RSVPN ews and Notes
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Spring 2014
By Barb Brassard RSVP@logical.net
M
ay is Ô Older AmericansÕ Month and RSVP would like to take this opportunity to recognize our volunteers. Volunteer of the Year Award for 2013: This award goes to Clifton Legacy from Westport. Clifton has been an RSVP volunteer since 8/8/1994, serving 19 years driving for Essex County Rural Transportation. In spite of holding down a part-time job, in 2013, Cliff logged 6,130 miles and 344 hours transporting Essex County residents to doctor appointments. Karen Hachigan of the Essex County TransportationÕ s One-Call-Center reports that Cliff is a great guy, jovial, generous, and always willing to CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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Pictured above are two photos of the Osteoporosis training class held in Plattsburgh last month, one is of the group and one is of them practicing exercises. At left is a photo of RSVP Volunteer Isabella Rotella of Mineville – who turned out festively dressed for the Moriah Senior Valentine Luncheon. Her shirt and placemat just happened to coordinate perfectly. Photos provided
Spring 2014
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RSVP From page 2
help and go above and beyond. If a rider needs to make a stop to run an errand after an appointment, Cliff is happy to oblige. Program director Barbara Brassard says, Ò RSVP would like to recognize and thank Cliff and all of the Essex County Rural Transportation drivers for their time and dedication. The county would truly be lost without you.Ó DirectorÕ s Awards for 2013: This award is given to a volunteer who has stepped up to the plate and gone above and beyond as an RSVP volunteer. This year the award has to go to the two people who worked tirelessly for the past 9 and 6 years respectively doing income tax returns for Essex County residents. John Viestenz and Janelle Jurkiewicz prepared thousands of returns for hundreds of people under the VITA tax preparation program during this time. Now that they have retired, the friends they made over the years join me in sending their thanks and appreciation via this award. Former RSVP Director, Patsy McCaughin says, Ò When the IRS and RSVP teamed up to start a VITA program for seniors, we hit the jackpot when we recruited John Viestenz. He was committed to the program and his recruitment of Janelle Jurkiewicz proved to be a win, win for the program.Ó RSVP and the residents of Essex County thank and recognize not only John and Janelle but all the volunteers that worked with them preparing tax returns over the years. Achievement Recognition: According to Volunteer Reporter records RSVP would like to recognize and thank the following for their years of service. Iona Dubay - 32 years, Louise Johnson - 24 years, Nancy Tierney and Mona White Ð 23 years, Teresa Stitt Ð 22 years, Edna Coonrod and Marilyn Cross Ð 21 years, Joan Daby, and Jane Peck Ð 20 years, Clifton Legacy, Judith Slag, Emma Williams and John Williams Ð 19 years, Mary Kissell and Marjorie Lyons Ð 18 years, Charlene Dreimiller and June Turr Ð 17 years, Evelyn Gravelle Ð 16 years, Walter Baumann, Laurie Bruce, Shirley Cutting, Carmen Depaoli, Madge Genier, Maybelle Gregory, Richard Newell, Janette Putnam and Martha Stumpf - 15 years. We have updates on our RSVP Osteoporosis Exercise Classes. The program has a new name, Ô Growing StrongÕ . A training class was recently held at SUNY Plattsburgh and we are happy to welcome two brand new leaders, Judy Brassard and Ann Yetman. Attending refresher training were Judy Cross, Mona White, Edna Coonrod, and Carol DeMello. All classes are free and open to the public. Men as well as women are invited to attend. It is a fun way to invest an hour per week in your health and wellbeing. Classes are being held in Elizabethtown at The Hand House Ð Thursdays at 10 am, TiconderogaÕ s class is now held at the ArmoryÕ s Ti Senior Center Ð Tuesdays at 1:30, and WillsboroÕ s Congregational Church Ð 10:30 classes are
Senior Life - 3
now held 3 day per week. Besides Mondays and Wednesdays you can now participate on Fridays. Additionally, Judy Brassard will be holding classes each Wednesday at 11 am at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center. Call the RSVP office if you would like more information. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, we are RSVP of Clinton & Essex Counties. You will find news, recipes, photos, etc. Contact information: Barb Brassard / Director 546-3565 or rsvp@logical.net.
Pictured here is John Viestenz and Janelle Jurkiewicz, winners of the 2013 Director’s award. Photo provided
4 - Senior Life
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Spring 2014
Addressing common concerns about exercise after 50
E
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 personÕ s age, beginning a new exercise regimen can be intimidating. But itÕ s especially so for men and women over the age of 50, who 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 thatÕ s only true if men and women donÕ 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 grow acclimated to the motions and you can get the exercises down pat. As you grow more comfortable and
Exercising after 50 is a great way for men and women to improve their energy levels and manage many existing medical conditions.
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 preexisting 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. But itÕ 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 personÕ s ability to be active, and itÕ s best to get the go-ahead from a physician before beginning an exercise regimen. 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 counterproductive and could lead to serious medical problems. The Ò Report on Physical Activity and HealthÓ 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 time recover from physical activity 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. ItÕ s not uncommon for men and women in their golden years to think they are too old to exercise. Some may feel that their toned down 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 itÕ s unwise for someone in their 70s or 80s to be physically active. But no one is too old to exercise, as 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.
Spring 2014
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Senior Life - 5
Nutrition and aging go hand-in-hand N
utrition is important for people of all ages, but itÕ 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 Ò Baby Boomers,Ó 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, itÕ 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 lowfat dairy among other foods, will aid 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 itÕ s important for men and women to prioritize including 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. * DonÕ 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 pasture-raised eggs and grass-fed cowÕ 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. * 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.
ThatÕ 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 personÕ 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.
Cancer screening guidelines
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arly detection of cancer greatly increases a personÕ s odds of surviving this potentially deadly disease. Screening can range from relatively simple self-examinations to more complicated procedures conducted by physicians. The following are the widely accepted screening guidelines, courtesy of the American Cancer Society.
Breast cancer
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Women should begin self-examinations of their breasts starting in their 20s. This helps women familiarize themselves with their breasts early on, which makes it easier to detect any abnormalities, including lumps, later in life. In addition to breast self-exams, women should receive clinical breast exams, or CBEs, every three years while in their 20s and 30s, and then an annual CBE starting at age 40.
Colorectal cancer and polyps
Men and women should begin screening for colorectal cancer and polyps beginning at age 50. Polyps are growths on the inner surface of the colon that are often noncancerous, but some can develop into cancer. Some tests may be conducted to find both polyps and cancer, and these tests should be conducted at various intervals. Beginning at age 50, men and women should get a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, a colonoscopy every 10 years, a double-contrast barium enema every five years, or a CT colonography, also known as a virtual colonoscopy, every five years. When tests other than a colonoscopy are positive, then a colonoscopy should be conducted as well.
Lung cancer
Despite the prevalence of lung cancer, the ACS advises against screenings for lung cancer in people whose risk for developing the disease is average. But the ACS does recommend screenings for those individuals who are at high risk for the disease. These include men and women who meet all of the following criteria: • 55 to 74 years of age • in fairly good health • have at least a 30 pack-year smoking history and are either still smoking or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
6 - Senior Life
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Managing money in your retirement years I
nvestors know that money management can be difficult. The ebb and flow of the economy can be similar to a roller coaster, with soaring highs followed by steep drops, and those changes all affect investorsÕ bottom lines. ItÕ s no wonder then that many investors over 50 envision the day when they can get off that roller coaster and simply enjoy their money without having to worry about the everyday ups and downs of the market. But managing money after 50 is about more than just reducing risk. Reducing risk as retirement draws near is a sound financial strategy that can safeguard men and women over 50 from the fluctuations of the market ThatÕ s true whether investors put their money in stocks, real estate or other areas that were not immune to the ups and downs of the economy. But there are additional steps men and women can take after they turn 50 to ensure their golden years are as enjoyable and financially sound as possible. * Prioritize saving for retirement. Men and women over 50 know that retirement is right around the corner. Despite that, many people over 50 still have not prioritized saving for retirement. ItÕ s understandable that other obligations, be it paying kidsÕ college tuition or offering financial assistance to aging parents, may seem more immediate, but men and women over 50 should recognize that their time to save for retirement is rapidly dwindling. Just because you are retired does not mean your bills will magically disappear. In fact, some of those bills, such as the cost of medical care, are likely to increase. So now is the time to make retirement a priority if you have not already done so. It might be nice to finance a child’s college education, but that should not be done at the expense of your retirement nest egg. Kids have a lifetime ahead of them to repay college loans, while adults over 50 do not
have that much time to save for retirement. * Start making decisions. People retire at different times in their lives. Some people want to keep working as long as they are physically and mentally capable of doing so, while others want to reap what their lifetime of hard work has sewn and retire early. Finances will likely play a strong role in when you can comfortably retire, so start making decisions about your long-term future. Do you intend to stay in your current home or downsize to a smaller home? Will you stay in your current area or move elsewhere? These decisions require a careful examination of your finances, and many will hinge on how well you have managed your money in the past and how well you manage it in the years ahead. Managing money after 50 requires more than just allocating resources. Sound money management after 50 also means making decisions about your future and taking the necessary steps to ensure those decisions come to fruition. * Pay down debt. Men and women over 50 are not often associated with debt, but thatÕ s a misconception. Thanks in part
to the recession that began in 2008 and led to high unemployment, many people in the baby boomer generation, which includes people born between the years 1946 and 1964, went back to school to make themselves more attractive to prospective employers. While that might have been a sound decision, it left many deeply in debt. According to a 2013 report from the Chronicle of Higher Education, student loan debt is growing fastest among people over 60, and that debt is not inconsequential. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported in 2013 that the average student loan debt of those over the age of 60 who still owe money is more than $19,000, a considerable increase from 2005, when the average debt was $11,000. Men and women over 50 who are still carrying debt should eliminate consumer debt first, as such debt tends to be accompanied by higher interest rates than mortgages and student loan debt. Paying down debt can help reduce stress, improve your quality of life and free up money for living and recreational expenses once you retire. * Examine your insurance policies. Your approach to insurance should change as you get closer to retirement. For example, you want to maximize your liability insurance on homeowners and auto insurance policies. This ensures the money you have set aside for retirement wonÕ t be going to a third party should you be at-fault in an auto accident or if someone suffers an injury at your home. Experts recommend liability insurance be substantial for men and women over 50, with some suggesting it be as high as twice your net worth. If it wasnÕ t already, securing long-term disability insurance should be a priority once you have turned 50. A sudden accident or illness at 55 that prevents you from working could prove devastating to your financial future if you do not have disability insurance. Some employers offer long-term disability, though many people are left to secure policies on their own. Regardless of how you get your disability insurance, make sure you have it and that it provides adequate coverage should you succumb to an illness or injury and be unable to work.
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Senior Life - 7
8 - Senior Life
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Spring 2014
Tips for retirees traveling abroad M
en and women often dream of jetsetting around the world when they retire. Traveling the globe without worrying about timelines or whatÕ 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, itÕ 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 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. * DonÕ t store all of your important documents in one place. When traveling overseas, it can be convenient to keep important items like travelerÕ 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 identification or access to your funds. When trav-
eling, couples should carry their own passports on their persons and split up credit cards and travelerÕ 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, 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 frequent targets of criminals. In addition, you donÕ 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 Internet, 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 physicianÕ 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, itÕ 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 wonÕ t enflame 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 also are 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 abroad.
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Senior Life - 9
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10 - Senior Life
Spring 2014
Memory loss is not an automatic side effect of aging
N
ity to shift quickly between tasks, and the benefits from the training games lasted as long as seven years after training. Brain games are now more accessible than ever before, as players can access such games on their smartphones, tablets, ereaders, and computers. And in addition to being effective, the games also provide entertainment value. * Alter your routine. Many working professionals recognize that each day tends to have its mundane moments. The brain can grow accustomed to these moments, which tend to be a routine part of the day. But altering your daily routine can jar the brain awake, forcing it to focus during those times that had become mundane but now present new challenges. Something as simple as alternating driving routes to work from day to day or preparing some new, yet healthy, breakfast each morning can help
the brain stay alert and sharp. * Become a social butterfly. Maintaining a social life as you age is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. But thereÕ s another reason to continue to be socially engaged. A 2008 study spearheaded by the clinical trials administrative director at Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group and published in the American Journal of Public Health found that older women who maintained large social networks were 26 percent less likely to develop dementia than women with smaller social networks. In addition, those who had daily contact with friends and family cut their risk of dementia by nearly half. The study also noted that regular social interaction can delay or possibly even prevent cognitive impairment. * Continue your career. While the idea of retiring poolside and watching the world go by might seem nice, such a scenario is not necessarily good for your brain. Numerous studies have shown the benefits that staying engaged in professional activities can have on brain health. The brain does not thrive if itÕ s sitting on the sideline. Staying active in your career will continue to provide the challenges your brain needs to stay sharp and avoid memory loss and struggles with concentration. Men and women who want to leave office life behind can branch out on their own and work as consultants or put their years of experience to use by teaching at a nearby university or secondary school. But heading off for the hammock once you have hung up your briefcase can prove troublesome for your brain.
Don Taylor From page 1
Ò Growing up, we had big hogs,Ó he recalled. Ò Ate salt pork and gravy. WeÕ d pour the gravy with some venison mixed in.Ó Music and horseshoe-tossing also play a role. Taylor said he developed an interest in the latter in 1926 when he encountered a pair of traveling lightning rod salesmen who inspired him to start throwing. When it comes to music, that lifelong hobby was instilled by his grandfather, who gave Young Taylor a violin and encouraged him to take a lessons from several local instructors. It wasnÕ t long before he became a regular on the hamletÕ s square dance scene centered at the local grange and at Ò kitchen dancesÓ at local residences. Ò Music is great for you Ñ it loosens you up,Ó he said. Ò And I feel pretty good when IÕ m sitting.Ó
Don Taylor at home in Wadhams. Photo by Pete DeMola
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o one, regardless of age, is immune to random bouts of memory loss. While misplaced car keys or forgetting items on your grocery list are nothing to get worked up over, many men and women over 50 do start to worry about memory lapses, especially when they start to occur with more frequency than they might have just a few years ago. But while memory loss might be quickly associated with aging, increased forgetfulness is not an inevitable side effect of getting older, a fact that those at or approaching retirement age should find comforting. When considering the relationship between memory and aging, itÕ s important that men and women recognize the distinction between memory lapses and dementia, as the two are not one and the same. As a person ages, his or her hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation and retrieval of memories, often deteriorates. This can affect how long it takes to learn and recall information. But just because this process is slower does not mean itÕ s a warning sign of dementia, which is the loss of certain mental functions, including memory. Though taking longer to recall information can be frustrating, many people still retain their ability to recall information. In addition, while dementia brought on by conditions such as AlzheimerÕ s disease or ParkinsonÕ s disease is untreatable, there are things men and women can do to strengthen their memories and reduce their momentary lapses in memory. * Start playing games. Games that test the mind have long been believed to benefit the brain, though some remain skeptical about the true impact of brain games. However, a University of Iowa study funded by the National Institute on Aging found that brain games may in fact pay numerous and long-term dividends. In the study, 681 healthy volunteers over the age of 40 were divided into four groups. One group played computerized crossword puzzles, and three other groups played a brain training video game from Posit Science designed specifically to enhance the speed and accuracy of visual processing. The volunteers showed less decline in visual processing as well as in other tests that measured concentration, memory and the abil-
Spring 2014
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Senior Life - 11
Starting over: How to choose your next career
T
he days when professionals would spend their entire professional lives with a single firm are largely a thing of the past. In fact, many people not only switch companies multiple times before retirement, but some even switch professions before retiring. As exciting as it can be to pursue a new career, men and women over 50 know that such a decision is not without risk. While younger professionals with few obligations can often handle bumps in the road on their way to a second career, older professionals making a similar move often must consider the potential effects such a pursuit might have on their families, finances and futures, including their retirements. But as difficult as it may seem to pursue a second career after your fiftieth birthday, there are steps men and women over 50 can take when pursuing a new career to ensure their second act is as successful as the first. * Decide what you want, and not just what you want to do. The desire to pursue a second career no doubt stems from more than just dissatisfaction with a current profession. Many people switch jobs or even careers because they find their current careers too demanding, leaving little time for family or hobbies that have nothing to do with work. If what you really want is more time at home or more time to pursue a particular hobby, then keep this in mind when looking for a second career, and make sure that career wonÕ t demand too much of your time. For example, if your goal in finding a new career is to get more work-life balance, then starting your own business, which can require long hours at the outset and even after the business has established itself, might not be for you. But if what you want is a more challenging career and to be your own boss, then you will likely find the cost of achieving that goal, even if that cost is more demands on your time, is worth it. * Assess your skillset. Professionals over 50 have lots to offer, but itÕ s still important for such men and women to make an honest assessment of their
skillset and find a career in which those skills are transferable. Some men and women might want to pursue a second career that will make little to no use of their skillset, and thatÕ s perfectly alright. But extra schooling might be necessary in such situations, and going back to school oftentimes requires a considerable commitment of both time and money. For those who simply want to put their existing skills to use in a different field or environment, assess those skills and look for lines of work in which they figure to be especially valuable. If there are any particular aspects of your current job that you want to avoid in the future, consider that when assessing your skills and choosing a second career. Even if they donÕ t know it, established professionals over 50 have many transferable skills, and such skills can be a considerable asset when pursuing a second career, especially when those skills have been assessed and can be applied to a new profession. * Make a trial run. Nowhere does it say that professionals canÕ t take a trial run at a second career while still fully engaged in their first career. In fact, testing the waters before you jump in is a good way to gauge your interest in a potential second career and how well your skillset applies to that field. A trial run, which can be conducted by volunteering with a nonprofit organization or through a part-time job or simply offering your services to a company free of charge in exchange for a chance to learn how the business operates, can shed light on the inner workings of a particular industry, showing you how things work behind the curtain. Testing the waters may reaffirm your belief that a certain line of work is for you, or it might send you back to the drawing board. Either way, itÕ s valuable experience that may reassure you that whatever decision you ultimately make is the right one. * DonÕ t go it alone. Switching careers after 50 carries some risk, but itÕ s certainly a risk that many before you have been willing to take. If you know any people, be it a friend, family member or former or even current colleague, who has reinvented them-
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Many men and women over 50 have turned their personal passions into successful second careers.
selves professionally, then speak with these people and ask for any advice they might have. If you know you want out of your current career but arenÕ t quite sure of what you want to do next, those who have faced a similar fork in the road may be able to help you narrow down your options. The notion of changing careers is exciting, and you can expect your personal and professional confidantes to share your excitement and be willing to help you in any way they can. Making a career change after 50 can be a risky yet ultimately rewarding move, especially for those men and women who take a thoughtful approach to finding their second careers.
12 - Senior Life
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Spring 2014