MATURE
Lifestyles April, 2014
a special publication by
2 - Mature Lifestyles - April, 2014 - TheIntelligencer.com
Easing terminal patients path to death, legally By ERIK ECKHOLM New York Times News Service
DENVER — Helping the terminally ill end their lives, condemned for decades as immoral, is gaining traction. Banned everywhere but Oregon until 2008, it is now legal in five states. Its advocates, who have learned to shun the term “assisted suicide,” believe that as baby boomers watch frail parents suffer, support for what they call the “aid in dying” movement will grow further. In January, the New Mexico Supreme Court authorized doctors to provide lethal prescriptions and declared a constitutional right for “a competent, terminally ill patient to choose aid in dying.” In May, the Vermont Legislature passed a law permitting it, joining Montana, Oregon and Washington. This spring, advocates are strongly promoting “death with dignity” bills in Connecticut and other states. Public support for assisted dying has grown in the past half century but depends on terminology. In a Gallup Poll conducted in May, for example, 70 percent of respondents agreed that when patients and their families wanted it, doctors should be allowed to “end the patient’s life by some painless means.” In 1948, that share was 37 percent, and it rose steadily for four decades but has remained roughly stable since the mid-1990s. Yet in the same 2013 poll, only 51 percent supported allowing doctors to
help a dying patient “commit suicide.” About 3,000 patients a year, from every state, contact the advocacy group Compassion and Choices for advice on legal ways to reduce end-of-life suffering and perhaps hasten their deaths. Giving a fading patient the opportunity for a peaceful and dignified death is not suicide, the group says, which it defines as an act by people with severe depression or other mental problems. But overt assistance to bring on death, by whatever name, remains illegal in most of the country. And so for Robert Mitton of Denver, 58 and with a failing heart, the news from New Mexico last month was bittersweet. “I am facing my imminent death,” he said, asking why people in Montana and New Mexico “are able to die with dignity and I am not.” “This should be a basic human right.” Husky and garrulous, with a graying ponytail, Mitton does not look like a dying man. But his doctors say that he must undergo extensive open-heart surgery in the coming months or face a nearly certain and painful end. A previous operation to replace his aortic valve was so brutal, he says, that now, with his prior implant failing, he will not endure the surgery again. He wants a doctor’s help to end his life before he becomes too helpless to act. Mitton’s frustrated quest draws attention to the limited choices facing patients in the large majority of states that bar the practice.
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Opponents say that actively ending a life, no matter how frail, is a moral violation and that patients might be pushed to die early for the convenience of others. “The church teaches that life is sacred from conception through to natural death,” Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of Santa Fe, N.M., told legislators at a recent breakfast as he criticized the court decision there. “This assisted-suicide thing concerns me,” Sheehan added, according to The New Mexican. “I foresee dangerous consequences.” Mitton’s predicament illustrates a seldom-discussed side of the debate: the anguish experienced, and the sometimes desperate measures taken, by some patients in states where doctors who knowingly prescribe lethal drugs, or relatives who help a patient obtain them, can be subject to felony charges of “assisted suicide.” Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act, passed by voters in 1997, authorized prescriptions for lethal doses when two doctors agree that a patient will die within six months and is freely choosing this path. More than a decade passed before another state followed suit. In 2008, voters in Washington approved a similar law. In 2012, after a political battle, voters in Massachusetts narrowly defeated such a measure. But last May, the Vermont Legislature approved one. See “LEGAL” on Page 4
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Legal Continued from 2 In response to lawsuits, state courts in Montana in 2009 and now New Mexico have said that aid in dying is legal, distinguishing it from the crime of assisted suicide. By law and medical standards, only genuine residents who have relationships with local doctors can qualify for the prescriptions in any of these states, so patients like Mitton cannot move in at the last minute. There is a quiet, constant demand all over the country for a right to die on one’s own terms, said Barbara Coombs Lee, president of the advocacy group Compassion and Choices, and that demand is likely to grow, she said, as the baby boomers age. Her group counsels people who call for advice, Lee said, describing options but not encouraging them to end their lives or providing direct help. Callers who seem to be mentally disturbed and suicidal, she said, are referred to a suicide hotline. If they are
facing imminent suffering and death and seek some control, the group urges them first to arrange for palliative or hospice care as they consider their next steps. “People should get the best care, but also have a choice to accelerate the time of death if the very best care cannot make their remaining days acceptable,” she said. One method for some is to simply halt vital treatments, such as dialysis or insulin. Another is to turn off a pacemaker or, like Mitton, refuse an unwanted new treatment. An increasingly popular choice, she said — “for patients who are truly, emotionally and spiritually ready to die” — is to stop eating and drinking. Others try to accumulate medications that would bring a peaceful death. But it makes a tremendous difference, Lee said, to live where the law permits assisted dying. Too often people seek alternatives in shame and secrecy, sometimes making frantic international trips for lethal drugs or using more violent means to kill themselves. Research in Oregon indicates that for many patients, just knowing the option is there has proved a great comfort, she
noted. Of the 122 patients who obtained the drugs in 2013, only 71 used them, the rest dying naturally with the pills in a drawer. Mitton is an unusual case because, unlike the more typical candidates with advanced cancer or ALS, he is refusing a potentially lifesaving procedure that would be covered by public insurance. He suffered heart damage from rheumatic fever in his teens. In 1999, in an open-heart operation followed by an unusually rough recovery, doctors replaced his failing aortic valve with one made of bovine tissue. A decade and a half later, the replacement valve is deteriorating quickly, and his heart is ever less efficient at pumping blood. Once a self-described “crazy hot-dog skier” and a devotee since childhood of Florida Gators football, he is growing weaker and feeling more pain. His doctors at the Denver Health Medical Center say he will probably die within six months. “They said that the only way to take care of this is to rip me open again, and that’s not what I’m going to do,” he said in the apartment he shares here with his cat.
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Associated Press
In this photo taken Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, Mark Sanchez and his wife Lea’ Anne Sanchez look at a Dodger’s theme cremation urn at the Forest Lawn stand at the Glendale Galleria mall in Glendale, Calif. Forest Lawn, famous as the final resting place for everyone from Al Jolson to Michael Jackson, has begun staffing outlets at shopping malls, reasoning that planning for death, either for a loved one or yourself, might not be quite as intimidating for some people if it takes place in a lively, happy place like a mall rather than the more somber confines of a cremation home.
Funeral and casket outlets are heading to the mall LOS ANGELES (AP) — We eat there, buy our clothes there and some people suspect teenagers may actually live there. So perhaps it was just a matter of time until funeral homes began moving into the local shopping mall. Over the past two years, Forest Lawn has been quietly putting movable kiosks in several of the malls that dot Southern California’s suburbs. The move, by one of the funeral industry’s best known operators, expands on a marketing innovation that appears to have begun at the
dawn of the decade when a company called Til We Meet Again began opening casket stores around the country. “We try to reach our audience where they are at and the mall is a great way to do that,” said Ben Sussman, spokesman for Forest Lawn, whose cemeteries count among their permanent residents such notables as Walt Disney, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson. “And it’s also, perhaps, a way to reach people who might be a little leery about coming directly into one of
our parks,” Sussman said. As to why folks would be leery about that, industry officials acknowledge the answer is obvious: Who really wants to enter a funeral home even one day before they have to? “Funeral planning is something everybody knows they must do, but at the same time it’s something nobody wants to do,” said Robert Fells, executive director of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association. See “MALL” on Page 7
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Plan a vacation with the whole family in mind – from grandparents to grandchildren.
Plan a multi-generational vacation (BPT) - Whether over the river or through the woods, families across the U.S. are planning to travel during the holidays. In a world of well-traveled toddlers, worldly teens and active seniors, multigenerational travel is growing and for good reason: everyone enjoys a vacation together while creating unforgettable memories. “Multigenerational family travel is character building,” says Julie Henning, writer and contributor for destination and activity website LiveLifeLocal.com. “In exploring new places with the people who already know your strengths and flaws - and love you anyway - you can come together in a way that otherwise wouldn’t happen at a holiday or reunion.” Planning a trip for the whole family doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few simple tips, it’s easy to coordinate a vacation everyone will enjoy:
1. Keep a “group” mindset Whether you’re orchestrating an elaborate vacation where the whole group flies across the country, or you’re roadtripping, picking up the grandparents along the way, keep the lines of communication open. “Planning a multigenerational trip is a little bit like planning a wedding,” says Henning. “If you can remember the trip is not just about you, but a time of celebration for the entire family, chances are you’ll have much fonder memories.” 2. Plan together “If you have more than one ‘planner’ in the group, involve them all in creating the agenda as much as possible,” advises Henning. This will help ensure everyone provides input and the responsibilities are spread between multiple people. Online travel sites make it easy to plan multigenerational trips, even if families
live in different locations. LiveLifeLocal. com, created by Safeco Insurance, allows users to discover unique destinations, read reviews and map out their travel route at no cost. You can research and save preferred activities to a “collection” on your online vacation portfolio, which can then be shared with your family via email, Facebook or Twitter, making planning a snap. 3. Communicate budgets It’s important to be open about your vacation budget and expectations to avoid any awkward moments and unintended expenses once you’ve arrived at your destination. Be sure to talk about who is paying for what, or if it will be split equally. With so many people involved, the cost of multigenerational vacations can add up quickly, and no one wants to be surprised by going over-budget. See “VACATION” on Page 8
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Mall Continued from Page 5 “Nobody gets up on a Saturday morning and says, ‘Gee, it’s a nice day. I wonder if I can go out and get myself a burial plot,’” Fells said. But if they’re strolling past a funeral outlet at the mall, where they’re surrounded by happy, lively people and maybe clutching a bag of Mrs. Field’s cookies, the thought is that they’ll feel differently. “When they’re going to the mall, people are not going out of need,” said Nathan Smith, co-founder and CEO of Til We Meet Again, which has outlets in malls in Arizona, Louisiana, Kansas, Indiana and Texas. So if they do happen to see a place peddling coffins or urns while they’re pricing T-shirts and hoodies, Smith said, it will look far less intimidating. Forest Lawn’s effort began modestly, with just one kiosk (one of those movable things that usually sell stuff like calendars or ties) in a mall in the Los Angeles suburb of Eagle Rock.
When no one was creeped out, the program expanded to about a half-dozen malls. Now Forest Lawn periodically shuffles them from one mall to another to reach the largest audience. Unlike the people at other such stations, who can seem like carnival barkers as they walk right up to you and hawk discount calling plans or free yogurt samples, Forest Lawn’s operators are more discreet. At the entrance to a Macy’s department in the LA suburb of Arcadia last year, operators were quick to smile and hand out brochures when approached. But they kept their distance until people came to them. It was the same at a mall in Glendale last week, where people stopped to examine cremation urns ranging from one with a subdued design of leaves to another that brightly featured the logo for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. Also on display was a recruiting poster for potential future Forest Lawn employees, complete with a picture of the great Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who urged them to consider “joining a winning team.” Still, not everyone is thrilled with
the idea. “You’re in a shopping mall and you’re walking along and there’s a funeral place?” retired high-school teacher Stan Slome said incredulously. “That sounds too deadly.” After thinking it over, however, he acknowledged it’s something that could catch on. At age 86, Slome said, he gets his share of mail from funeral operators inviting him to seminars at local restaurants, where he can have a meal on them while he hears a pitch on why he should use their services when he exits this mortal coil. He doesn’t care for that either, he said, but he figures somebody is attending those seminars. If the mall effort catches on, said Jessica Koth of the National Funeral Directors Association, credit the aging Baby Boom generation at least in part. Historically, people have not wanted to talk, or even think, about their demise. But Baby Boomers, the oldest of whom are pushing 70, are different. Many are beginning to press for so-called green funerals that don’t require the use of coffins or burial vaults, Koth said. Others want custom-made coffins or urns that say something about who they were.
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Poll: Older Americans nix Social Security changes CHICAGO (AP) — Raise the age at which you can begin collecting full Social Security benefits? Older Americans say no. They also veto reductions in the cost-of-living increase. But a poll finds support among those 50 and older for raising the cap on earnings that are taxed to fund the Social Security program so higher-income workers pay more. The survey by the Associated PressNORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds passionate opposition to any change in the way Social Security benefits are calculated that could result in smaller annual raises. The poll found that 62 percent of respondents expressed opposition to such a proposal, compared with 21 percent who supported it. The chained CPI, or consumer price index, has been proposed as a new way of calculating the cost-of-living adjustment, but it would reduce raises. “I really think it’s a sacred cow,” said Margie Nugent, a 55-year-old farmer from North Umberland, Pa. “They shouldn’t touch it.” About the same number, 58 percent, oppose gradually raising the age when retirees qualify for full benefits, while 29 percent support it. About one-third believe people should be eligible for full
benefits before 65. Only 10 percent say full eligibility should come after 67, the top eligibility age under current law. “I contributed to it. It’s my money,” said Joan McDonald, 65, of Annapolis, Md., who retired as an accountant this year and began collecting Social Security. “The plan was, ‘Contribute this and you get this.’ You can’t change the rules.” Survey respondents showed more willingness to support Social Security proposals that would mostly impact those with higher incomes. Forty-one percent expressed support for reducing benefits for seniors with higher incomes, compared with 44 percent who opposed the proposal. Whites were much more supportive of reducing benefits for high-earning seniors than minorities. Changes to Social Security are on the horizon because the trust funds that support the massive retirement and disability program are projected to run dry in 2033. At that point, Social Security would only collect enough taxes to pay about threefourths of benefits. If Congress doesn’t act, benefits automatically would be cut by about 25 percent. A new round of budget talks underway in Washington could produce proposals to change Social Security. In previous budget talks, President
Barack Obama has proposed adopting the chained CPI, making it one of the few issues on which he and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, agree. Other groups, including Obama’s 2010 deficit commission, have proposed raising the age when retirees can get full Social Security benefits. Among older Americans, the poll suggested the most popular idea for improving the program’s finances was raising the cap on income subject to Social Security taxes. Currently, the cap is $113,700, meaning those earning more do not pay Social Security taxes on wages above that threshold. The poll found that 61 percent of people favored raising the cap, compared with 25 percent opposing it. Among Democrats, support was at 73 percent; among Republicans, it was 45 percent. “If the rich get richer, they should pay,” said Rhonda Rossi, 56, of South Bend, Ind. “If they’re multimillionaires, they don’t need Social Security. They could live off their interest.” Rossi collects Social Security disability benefits of about $950 a month due to kidney failure. Even with that, she struggles to have enough to buy groceries at the end of the month. She says any talk of reducing benefits makes her nervous. See “POLL” on Page 13
Vacation
ents to use their RV, remind them to have any necessary maintenance done before you arrive. Properly winterizing and preparing RVs, boats and other vehicles is important for a headachefree multigenerational trip ... and just good sense overall. Check with your insurance company to see if towing is covered under your plan in case the need ever arises. 5. Cherish meal time “In many families, mealtime is when everyone comes together to share their days and reconnect,” says Henning. “On a trip, this can be at a restaurant, picnic at the beach, or from the comforts of a vacation home. Make an effort to enjoy regional food, shop at the local farmers market, or cook the meal your family
enjoys most.” 6. Expect the unexpected Remember that nothing is perfect, including your vacation. Be patient and understand flexibility will go a long way toward ensuring a smooth, stressfree vacation. “Leave time for something to go wrong,” advises Henning. “Camera batteries run out, room keys disappear, and bathroom breaks happen. Keep in mind that everyone needs some down time, even from the people they love most.” Make this holiday one to remember by planning a multigenerational trip now. These tips will help you create a vacation itinerary everyone will love, helping to forge new bonds and traditions while creating memories to last a
Continued from Page 6 4. Pack and prepare Preparing to leave is one of the most difficult parts of multigenerational travel. Each age group will need different things - your toddler needs diapers and her favorite blanket, your teen needs his favorite mobile device and charger, and the grandparents need to make sure they pack any necessary medications. Make lists and start packing early to eliminate the last-minute rush. If you’re driving, make sure the car gets a tune-up before you leave. If you’re meeting up with the grandpar-
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Aging drivers prove safety experts wrong WASHINGTON (AP) — Safety researchers expressed concern a decade ago that traffic accidents would increase as the nation’s aging population swelled the number of older drivers on the road. Now, they say they’ve been proved wrong. Today’s drivers aged 70 and older are less likely to be involved in crashes than previous generations and are less likely to be killed or seriously injured if they do crash, according to a study released Thursday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That’s because vehicles are getting safer and seniors are generally getting healthier, the institute said. The marked shift began taking hold in the mid-1990s and indicates that growing ranks of aging drivers as baby boomers head into their retirement years aren’t making U.S. roads deadlier. Traffic fatalities overall in the U.S. have
declined to levels not seen since the late 1940s, and accident rates have come down for other drivers as well. But since 1997, older drivers have enjoyed bigger declines as measured by both fatal crash rates per driver and per vehicle miles driven than middle-age drivers, defined in the study as ages 35 to 54. From 1997 to 2012, fatal crash rates per licensed driver fell 42 percent for older drivers and 30 percent for middle-age ones, the study found. Looking at vehicle miles traveled, fatal crash rates fell 39 percent for older drivers and 26 percent for middle-age ones from 1995 to 2008. The greatest rate of decline was among drivers age 80 and over, nearly twice that of middle-age drivers and drivers ages 70 to 74. “This should help ease fears that aging baby boomers are a safety threat,� said Anne McCartt, the institute’s senior vice
president for research and co-author of the study. “No matter how we looked at the fatal crash data for this age group — by licensed drivers or miles driven — the fatal crash involvement rates for drivers 70 and older declined, and did so at a faster pace than the rates for drivers ages 35 to 54,� she said in a report on the study’s results. At the same time, older drivers are putting more miles on the odometer than they used to, although they’re still driving fewer miles a year than middle-aged drivers. This is especially true for drivers 75 and older, who lifted their average annual mileage by more than 50 percent from 1995 to 2008. “The fact that older drivers increased their average mileage ... may indicate that they are remaining physically and mentally comfortable with driving tasks,� the institute said.
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Supplemental insurance plans can protect your family – and save you money.
Supplemental insurance plans can help protect your family (BPT) - No one wakes up thinking that their day will include a heart attack or a cancer diagnosis. But unexpected medical emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, and few people are prepared for the expenses that accompany them. Financial experts often recommend building an emergency fund consisting of six months of salary, but few people can achieve that in these difficult economic times. “One way to prepare for a significant health event is to consider supplemental insurance, a policy that can be bought in addition to your major medical plan,” says Scott Krienke of Assurant Health, a Milwaukee-based insurer. “These plans can be used to pay out-of-pocket costs
not covered by major medical, as well as non-medical costs related to an injury or illness.” Supplemental plans generally pay cash directly to the consumer. The money can be used however the customer chooses, whether it’s for day-today costs like child care or lost wages, or medical expenses not covered by a major medical policy such as deductibles, co-insurance or experimental/ alternative treatments. While most people may not want to believe they’ll ever experience a critical illness, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer, followed by cancer. Stroke is the
fourth leading cause of death, followed by accidents. Supplemental insurance plans are available for specific critical illnesses, such as heart, stroke and cancer, and offer a range of benefit levels to fit different needs and budgets. Critical illness supplemental plans pay upon life-threatening diagnosis to help offset expenses. Supplemental plans for accidents also can be a helpful add-on to a major medical plan. The cost of medical care and productivity losses associated with motor vehicle crash injuries was over $99 billion in the U.S. in 2010, according to the CDC. See “PLANS” on Page 13
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Overcoming the challenges of retirement in 3 simple steps
(BPT) - It’s no secret that Americans aren’t saving enough for retirement. Many people are coming up short when it comes to funding their nest egg. But why is the problem so wide-spread? Insight can be found in the human behaviors that tend to get in the way of saving adequately. With National Save for Retirement Week the third week in October, now is the perfect time to learn more about the most common hurdles of retirement savings. The experts at Prudential Retirement note the top five challenges to being retirement ready include: 1. Living longer Did you know a baby born today is more likely to live to 100 than to be born with blue eyes? The fact is, people are living longer, and it’s hard to know how long you’ll live. You may live many years beyond retirement, a time when you’re no longer creating income. The challenge is we still believe we’re living to 70 or 75 - but think about it. How old is the oldest person you know alive today? Chances are, you know someone who is well into their 90s. Saving for retirement now prepares you for the exciting possibility of having a longer retirement. 2. Procrastination It’s human nature to procrastinate. And while some things take the same amount of time to do whether completed today or a year from now, others only get harder to do the longer you delay them. Saving for retirement is one example - every year you don’t save for retirement is less money you may have when it comes time to retire, making it that much more difficult to reach your goals and pursue your dreams. 3. Optimism People in general are optimistic, which is a wonderful quality, except when it comes to retirement planning. It’s easy to think bad things won’t ever happen to us including unexpected health issues, loss of a job, or a bad accident. It’s important to be realistic when planning for retirement, and always plan for the unexpected. 4. Following the pack Humans are social beings. If enough people are doing
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something, we tend to want to follow because we assume there must be a good reason. The urge to follow the pack can get us in trouble, though, particularly when it comes to saving and investing. Make sure you define your own goals for retirement and work with a financial advisor to create an individual plan that works for you. 5. Instant gratification The newest car, computer or video game - it’s easy for Americans to feel like they need to keep up with the Joneses. Spending too much on impulse purchases rather than funding savings can be devastating, particularly for your retirement. Learning to delay gratification and keep a budget is key. We all want to imagine living out our dreams in retirement - rather than worrying about money. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 50s, retirement savings should be top of mind. In addition to knowing and conquering the top challenges of retirement readiness, here are three simple things you can do today to ensure you’re on the right path: 1. Workplace retirement opportunities If your place of work offers a retirement program, sign up for it as soon as possible. From employer matches to potential tax benefits, retirement programs deliver numerous positives for employees. Remember, compound interest is an important factor in building retirement income, so it literally doesn’t pay to put saving off. 2. Diversification Putting all your eggs in one basket is risky when it comes to retirement funding. A diversified investment strategy can help protect you from the unexpected. 3. Financial planner Working with a professional can help you learn about various savings options for reaching your personal retirement goals. The expertise of a financial planner can make the stressful and confusing process easier. For more information about retirement challenges and what you can do to become retirement ready visit www. bringyourchallenges.com.
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Plans Continued from Page 11
There are two types of accident plans: accident fixed-benefit and accident medical expense. Accident fixed-benefit plans pay a set amount for treatment of covered injuries due to an accident. They pay in addition to any other plan benefits in place, and the cash can be used for whatever the policyholder wants - to replace lost income, pay medical bills or take care of household expenses. Accident medical expense plans help pay out-of-pocket medical costs that are not covered by other plans. There also are supplemental plans available for dental care. “Dental needs may not be covered for adults on
Poll Continued from Page 8 “I got sick and if I didn’t have the Social Security, I don’t know how I would live, I really don’t. I’m struggling as it is now,” she said.
major medical insurance, but it can be purchased individually,” Krienke said. “At Assurant Health, our dental plans have no waiting periods for preventive or basic services, and there is no penalty for going out of network. That’s important, because approximately 55 percent of dentists don’t participate in networks.” Taking the time to research plans is important in order to select the right supplemental insurance to protect yourself and your family in the face of a medical emergency. Choose options that fit your unique needs and your budget, and you’ll be better equipped to weather a sudden illness or accident. No matter how the health care market might change, people will continue to have out-of-pocket costs for items not covered by major medical insurance, and supplemental plans are one way to cover those unexpected expenses. “The politicians don’t live day by day like I do.” The AP-NORC Center survey was conducted Aug. 8 through Sept. 10 by NORC at the University of Chicago, with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. It involved landline and cellphone interviews in English and Spanish with 1,024 people aged 50 and older nationwide. Results from the full survey have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.
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TheIntelligencer.com - April, 2014 - Mature Lifestyles - 15
Volunteering turns into life’s work for retiree Every person served received the same amount of care ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — Fred Buckreis’ retirement in September gave him more time to help others. Buckreis, who retired as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, said he saw an article in the newspaper indicating Blair Senior Services needed volunteers to help with its home-delivered meals program. He called them up and soon was delivering meals three days a week to residents in the Broad Avenue and Wehnwood areas. Buckreis has become an “incredible resource for the program,” said Laura Ford, program coordinator. “He is a very caring, energetic volunteer. He always shows up early. He is eager and quickly learned the system. He always asks the seniors how they are doing. He is a very concerned, conscientious volunteer,” Ford said. “He will fill in if there are openings. He also helps the new volunteers learn the system, and he is fairly new himself.” Buckreis enjoys delivering meals to the elderly. “Sometimes I may be the only person they see that day,” Buckreis said. Buckreis, 67, spends Tuesdays and Thursdays volunteering at Garvey Manor, where he often spends eight or nine hours a day. “They are older people. They can tell you their life history, and you can learn stuff. I talked to a guy who was in the Korean War. We talk about old Altoona, the street car tracks, the old stores,” Buckreis said. “Talking to the people, you can pick up a lot of things in life. There are a lot of interesting people in this area.” Garvey Manor residents enjoy having Buckreis around, said Debbie Dorazio, volunteer coordinator. “He is a guy willing to give anything a try; he loves people and enjoys talking with people immensely and chatting with them. He loves volunteering, it is wonderful to have people like that who are willing to step up and help others,” Dorazio said. “He really enjoys the residents and helps with activities. He will do anything you ask him to help with.” Buckreis, who grew up in the Dutch Hill area of Altoona, didn’t plan to go into the medical field. “I was going to be a priest; that didn’t work out. I went to a minor seminary in Rochester, N.Y. Boys
went there after eighth grade. It was all male, and there was no dating. I decided I wanted to do this before committing myself to a lifetime of celibacy,” Buckreis said. He then thought about becoming a teacher, but the Vietnam War was raging when he graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle High School in 1964, so he decided to enlist in the Air Force rather than taking a chance of being drafted. When he joined the Air Force, he became an X-ray technician. “I thought it was easier to take care of the people that were shot than be shot at,” Buckreis said. After leaving the Air Force in 1969, he went to work in respiratory therapy at Altoona Hospital, where he ran the pulmonary function laboratory. He then moved on to the Van Zandt VA Medical Center where he set up the pulmonary function lab and did respiratory therapy. Then he decided to go into nursing. After he became a CRNA in 1981, he worked at several hospitals throughout the area before becoming an independent contractor. “You travel and contract with hospitals who need your services,” Buckreis said. “Working for yourself, you are your own boss.” He said his career as an anesthetist was satisfying. “I had an opportunity to work with some famous people. Every patient, no matter if it was the president of the United States or a street person, every single person got the same amount of care and same vigilance,” Buckreis said. Buckreis also enjoys volunteer work on Fridays during Lent helping with the fish dinners at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Several years ago, he helped coach youth sports teams at Wright Elementary School. Volunteer work is important, Buckreis said. “I just think you should give back. During your life, there have been people who do things for you, and this is an opportunity to give back,” Buckreis said. For fun, Buckreis likes to make beer and wine, and he sings in the St. Mary’s and Mannerchor choirs. He also enjoys watching Pitt football. He has been a season ticket holder since 1987. When not busy with volunteer work, Buckreis and his wife, Becky, love to travel.
16 - Mature Lifestyles - April, 2014 - TheIntelligencer.com
Shoes with GPS tracking could help those with Alzheimer’s FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — Andrew Carle, an assistant professor at George Mason University and a consultant on senior housing issues, is always looking for new technology to improve the lives of the elderly. He’s even coined a term for his life’s work: “nana technology.” “I’ve always tried to close the great divide between geeks and grans,” said Carle, who’s also the founding director of GMU’s program in senior housing administration. So when he came across a shoe in 2007 with a Global Positioning System device embedded in the sole — an innovation aimed at parents concerned about their kids disappearing — he had an idea. Why not use the technology to develop a shoe for senior citizens? It could be a lifesaver for people with Alzheimer ’s disease and other dementia patients while easing caregivers’ fears that they’ll wander away. Carle met with Patrick Bertagna, chief executive of GTX, the Los Angeles-based maker of the shoe. “It just really touched us,” Bertagna said of his meeting with Carle. “I brought in a whole management team to shift our focus.” By late 2011, a new GPS-equipped shoe was ready for people with a variety of cognitive disorders, including traumatic brain injury and autism. Word spread quickly, and in 2012, a Swedish science museum named the shoe one of the “Top 100 Innovations of Mankind,” alongside the telephone and the Internet. Now, Carle and GTX are taking their nana technology a step further. They’ve developed insoles with an embedded GPS device so that the technology can be easily moved between pairs of shoes. The “Smart Soles” are being tested by groups that work with dementia patients, and Carle said the soles are scheduled to be released this summer. The GPS shoe and insole have all sorts of potential ramifications, and the word is spreading. During Super Bowl week, Carle met with the NFL Retired Players Association, many of whose members are believed at risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease. Carle is also reaching out to veterans groups, some of whose members suffered traumatic brain injuries, to autism groups and to law enforcement agencies. Police and sheriff’s departments are often called on to conduct extensive searches for missing seniors who are in danger of dying of exposure or dehydration. “You’ve got 5 million people with Alzheimer ’s in this county,” Carle said, “and that’s going to quadruple. You’re going to have municipalities who do nothing but search and rescue for local seniors all day.” The International Association of Chiefs of Police launched an Alzheimer ’s initiative for police departments several years ago because dementia patients are a serious concern for law enforcement. Amanda Burstein,
director of the IACP initiative, said GPS-equipped devices such as the GTX shoe are “part of our options for law enforcement in our classroom training.” Burstein emphasized, however, that the shoe didn’t solve the problem. When such devices produce quick results, “there’s obviously a huge resource savings,” Burstein said. “But it’s limited to those who can afford it, take care of it and are monitoring it.” Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid expressed similar reservations. She cited the cost — $299 per pair, plus $20 to $40 a month for a cellular service plan — and the need to charge the GPS device daily. “It’s not so easy as putting on a shoe and calling it a day,” Kincaid said. In Project Lifesaver, the program Kincaid’s office uses now at minimal cost, deputies make regular visits to replace the batteries in the radio-tracking bracelet. Carle said the GPS shoe or insole is a substantial improvement over the Project Lifesaver program because it doesn’t require a bracelet, which many dementia patients dislike, and it doesn’t require law enforcement involvement. It also uses GPS technology instead of radio frequency identificationbased technology that requires a searcher to come within 400 yards of the subject. The Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago offers its Comfort Zone GPS system, a cellphone-size device designed to be carried in a pocket. But Beth Kallmyer of the Alzheimer’s Association said that cellular and GPS devices may not work in some places and that “there is no one technology that’s going to work for everybody.” Carle conceded that he’s not a tech guy. His background is in hospital administration, more specifically in senior living and assisted care. “I’ve been trying to push these tech industries to pay attention to older people,” Carle said. “They weren’t doing it.” Then he found Bertagna, whose company focuses on wearable technology. Bertagna said he devised the original GPS shoe after the 2002 abduction of Elizabeth Smart in Utah. He said GTX subsequently “shifted our entire focus to people with cognitive memory disorders, traumatic brain injuries, athletes, children with autism.” The GPS-equipped shoes and the insoles make use of cellphone technology. Family members with a smartphone can determine a GPS-equipped shoe’s location by calling it. The shoe responds by sending a Google map that pinpoints the location. In addition, family members can set up a “geofence” perimeter and the application will send an alert if the shoe goes beyond the perimeter. “By using shoes,” Carle said, “we’ve maximized the chance the technology is there when we need it. They don’t even know it’s in there.”
TheIntelligencer.com - April, 2014 - Mature Lifestyles - 17
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18 - Mature Lifestyles - April, 2014 - TheIntelligencer.com
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Make sure your heart is healthy – for your sake and your family’s.
Are you asking your doctor these critical heart questions? (BPT) - America’s baby boomers are a vibrant group of people who embrace the idea of aging well. A healthy heart is key to ensuring you can live life to the fullest no matter what your age. Even if you’re committed to taking care of your heart health, the amount of information available can be overwhelming, and you may not be aware of the most important topics to discuss with your doctor. Perhaps no one understands this better than Dr. Lee Friedman, a radiologist from St. Petersburg, Fla. When his doctor told him he needed a pacemaker,
his heart health wasn’t the only thing affected; it could have affected his career too. Because historically pacemakers had not been approved in the U.S. for use with MRIs, Friedman worried he would no longer be able to work in radiology where he is around MRIs all day. He was also concerned he would not be able to get an MRI himself - a common medical diagnostic procedure - if he needed one in the future. Friedman asked his doctor many questions and learned that a Medtronic pacemaker with SureScan Technology was
recently FDA-approved for use in an MRI environment. He was able to keep his job and today works closely with his physician to ensure ongoing heart health. “I was in the medical field and I didn’t even know there was a pacemaker available that would allow for MRI use. I’m glad I asked my doctor about it,” says Friedman. “It’s important that patients nowadays know their options and have a role in the decision-making process. You can be your best patient advocate.” See “HEART” on Page 19 Your doctor is your No. 1 resource for
TheIntelligencer.com - April, 2014 - Mature Lifestyles - 19
Heart Continued from Page 18 Your doctor is your No. 1 resource for understanding important heart health concerns during your golden years. Make an appointment to talk to your physician and be sure to ask these five critical heart health questions: 1. What is my risk for cardiovascular disease? By 2030, the American Heart Association projects that more than 40 percent of Americans will have some form of cardiovascular disease. This spike in numbers is largely due to the aging baby boomer population. Your doctor can give professional insight into risk factors, some of which include family heredity, obesity, diet and diabetes. 2. Are my numbers normal for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index? Similar to how a roadmap guides you from point A to point B, the results of preventive screenings give your doctor insight on your heart health today and where it might be in the future. Important screenings and numbers to know include cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index. Ask your doctor if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the normal range or if you should make lifestyle changes. 3. What foods and supplements can I take to support heart health? Diet plays an important role in the health of the heart, and boomers who eat nutritious meals can help keep their heart
beating strong for years to come. Foods known to support heart health include anything containing whole grain, fresh fruits such as berries and oranges, and fresh vegetables like kale, carrots and tomatoes. Also ask your doctor about heart-healthy supplements that might be a good addition to your diet, such as an omega-3 or vitamin D supplement. 4. What are some exercises and physical activities I should consider? Just like your biceps or your calves, your heart is a muscle, and therefore it needs to be exercised to stay strong. Talk with your doctor about your current level of physical activity and what exercises you should add to your routine. Even small changes can have a big impact on maintaining appropriate body weight and heart health. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking in the back of the lot rather than the front - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll instantly boost your physical activity. 5. Will I ever need a pacemaker? You may not think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever need a pacemaker, but statistics show that the number of people getting them is on the rise. If you are diagnosed with a slow heart beat - also known as bradycardia - you may need a pacemaker. Remember, an estimated 50 to 75 percent of people with a pacemaker may need to undergo an MRI scan at some point of their lives, so a pacemaker that is MRI compatible may be a wise choice. Boomers can make a difference when it comes to heart health by taking a proactive role in working closely with their doctor and asking the right questions. To learn more visit www.JoinThePaceMakers.com.
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20 - Mature Lifestyles - April, 2014 - TheIntelligencer.com
How a specialized nurse can benefit you and your loved ones (BPT) - If you or a loved one is suffering from a wound-, ostomy- or incontinence-related issue and receiving treatment, it may feel like the condition will never stabilize. But many patients in similar situations are finding relief through the services of professional, Baccalaureate-prepared specialty nurses trained and certified in wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) care. In fact, new research publicized by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) shows patients receiving care from a WOC nurse are more likely to see a successful stabilization of their condition than those who are not receiving specialty care. Across the nation WOC nurses are having a positive impact on patient care according to the findings of a recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota. The research study examined more than 400,000 episodes of care and found that home health care (HHC) patients who were treated with the specialized skills of a WOC nurse improved dramatically compared to HHC patients without a WOC nurse. WOC nursing principles and care strategies apply to all care settings. If you are in need of WOC care or you have a
loved one who is, you may be interested in learning more about the specialty and how a WOC nurse can help. Here are some answers to common questions you may be asking yourself. What is a WOC nurse? A WOC nurse specializes in treating and caring for patients who have wounds, ostomies or incontinence issues. Certified WOC nurses are highly trained in treating these ailments and they direct, coordinate and evaluate patient care regarding these conditions. Only highly credentialed WOC nurses certified through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) must earn a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree and RN license before completing rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical training through one of several WOCN-accredited-WOC Nursing Education Programs nationwide. In addition to their coursework, the WOC nurse training program includes 50 contact hours of professional development and 1,500 clinical experience hours. To become a certified wound, ostomy or continence nurse, these nurses must also pass a certification exam in each or several of the three focus areas. Recertification is required every five years.
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22 - Mature Lifestyles - April, 2014 - TheIntelligencer.com
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New technologies assist mature drivers on a daily basis.
Top technologies for mature drivers (BPT) - The shiny paint. The new car smell. Many aspects about buying or leasing a new vehicle can excite your senses. Once you are inside your new vehicle, you are probably asking yourself a lot of questions. Where will I put my sunglasses? Is the trunk big enough for my groceries? What does this button do? Chances are your new vehicle will feature some new technologies, many of which can make driving safer, easier and more enjoyable. To be safe on the road, it’s important to learn how these technologies work in your current vehicle or a new one. The Top Technologies for Mature Drivers guide is a new interactive tool that outlines the top 10 new vehicle technologies that are most beneficial for mature drivers. Based on research
conducted by The Hartford and the MIT AgeLab, it has 10 animated videos that demonstrate how the technologies work. It can be found on the AARP Driving Resource Center at www.aarp. org/drc. “Learning about vehicle technology is an important component of feeling empowered, confident and safe behind the wheel,” says Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist and executive director of The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence. “The Top Technologies for Mature Drivers tool is a great way for drivers to see how these technologies can be used to enhance the driving experience.” Recent research shows 55 percent of drivers over the age of 50 plan to buy or lease another vehicle in the next five years, indicating that more and more drivers will encounter new technolo-
gies in their vehicles. “The most important thing you can do to make the best use of new automobile technologies is to continue your education,” says Julie Lee, AARP Driver Safety vice president and national director. “Increasing your awareness of changes to automobiles, traffic laws and roadway designs and learning how they impact your driving may bolster safety, comfort and improve confidence behind the wheel.” An AARP Driver Safety course helps you learn about the latest technology options and traffic laws. You’ll learn new skills to improve your defensive driving techniques and completing the course could help you get a multi-year discount on your auto insurance (check with your agent for details). You’ll find all these benefits in just one class, available in-person or online.
TheIntelligencer.com - April, 2014 - Mature Lifestyles - 23
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