2013
Senior Lifestyle
A special supplement to
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Senior Lifestyle
The Daily Dispatch
Sunday, June 23, 2013
What’s next after retirement?
cores of people spend their working days dreaming of the moment they are eligible for retirement. They may have retirement counted down to the minutes and seconds, particularly if they’ve been in a job that hasn’t been the most enjoyable. But many people find that once they retire they do not know what to do to fill their time. Boredom actually may be a side effect of retirement, and some people actually want to go back to work. Much of the focus when planning for retirement concerns finances. All other factors take a backseat. Therefore, there may
be emotional issues that arise during retirement, and retirees are not always prepared to deal with such issues. Having a post-retirement plan in place can mean the difference between happiness and having a hard time adjusting, according to experts. Here are some tips that can help anyone ease into the golden years. • Establish goals. After working for years, the idea of setting goals can seem counterintuitive. But goals can give life direction and have you looking forward to things in the future. Goals also motivate retirees to get up in the morning now that
a commute to work isn’t part of the daily schedule. • Donate time or money. Giving back to others, whether to the community or to a charitable organization, can feel good and give retirees some structure. Volunteering your time at a place can give life some sort of purpose outside of a job. • Start a home-based business. Just because you retire doesn’t mean you have to fully retire. Now may be the opportunity to start a business venture you have always dreamed about, whether that is something hands-on or just serving as a consultant.
Lending you a helping hand throughout life’s journey.
John J. Faulkner, MD
Gary A. Smith, MD
• Meet with people. Part of what makes work fulfilling is the opportunity to get out of the house and interact with others who are not members of your family. It’s easy to fall into a rut when you are not being mentally stimulated by conversation from different people. • Realize it’s alright not to love retirement. Just because the grass seemed greener in Getting out with friends or former coworkers can help someone else’s yard, banish boredom associated with retirement. doesn’t mean it always turns out to be that way. It is OK to accept that maybe discover a new interest • Try new things. retirement isn’t entirely that becomes a passion. Part of goal-setting is what you expected and to Now that you have time to add things to the list make changes that can you’ve never done before, to explore new hobbies, enable the experience to they might prove more which can boost feelings be better. rewarding. of excitement. You may
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The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
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Sunday, June 26, 2013
Get to know the risk factors for cataracts
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s men and women age, they can experience certain physical changes and health challenges. Vision impairment is one condition that many associate with aging, and cataracts are a primary concern for those of middle-age and older. Today, more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts. According to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Cataract is clouding of the eye’s lens that blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. Normally the lens is clear, which allows light to pass through to the back of the eye, so that a person can see well-defined images. If a cataract forms and the lens becomes covered in an opaque film, light cannot pass through easily. The result will be fuzzy vision, almost like looking through a fogged-up window. If cataracts are not treated, an individual may eventually lose most of
• Smoking Prevent Blindness America provides free information to the public on everything from cataract basics to tips on what to expect from cataract surgery. Visit preventblindness.org/cataract or call its toll free number at (800) 331-2020. And, as part of its new Healthy Eyes Educational Series, PBA offers a specific online module on cataracts, including a Power Point presentation and guide. The organization shares this Normally the eye lens is clear, allowing light to pass through to the information about cataracts: • Early symptoms of a back of the eye, so that a person can see well-defined images. If a cataract may include cloudy or cataract forms and the lens becomes covered in an opaque film, blurry vision. light cannot pass through easily, resulting in fuzzy vision. • Lights may cause a glare, seem too dim or seem too his or her vision. • Intense heat or long-term bright. One or both eyes can exposure to UV rays from the • Sufferers may also find be affected by cataracts. In sun it difficult to read or drive, the case of both eyes being • Certain diseases, such as especially at night. compromised, one eye is diabetes • Individuals may have usually worse than the other. • Obesity to change their eyeglass The primary risk factor for • High blood pressure prescriptions often. developing cataracts is age. • Inflammation in the eye There are no medications The older a person is, the • Hereditary influences or other treatment options greater their risk. However, • Long-term steroid use besides surgery to correct there are several other risk • Eye injuries cataracts. In the United States, factors as well. • Other eye diseases cataract surgery has a 95
percent success rate, and patients often have 20/20 or 20/40 vision post-surgery. Cataract surgery is also the most frequently performed surgery, often performed as an outpatient procedure. In Canada, where, according to Statistics Canada, seniors will make up 21 percent of the population by 2026, cataract surgery is also frequent and well tolerated. Approximately 250,000 cataract surgeries take place in Canada each year, according to The National Coalition for Vision Health. It is widely recommended to get regular eye exams to check for cataracts early on. “By getting a complete, dilated eye exam, your doctor can discuss with you the best strategy to protect your vision well into the future,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “We encourage everyone, especially those ages 40 and older, to make their vision a priority by scheduling an eye appointment today.”
Social media no longer just child’s play The Inter net and related technologies have been a gamechanger for people of all ages. The instant connectivity made possible by these advancements has been valued by young adults and children for years. But now social media is attracting an entirely different demographic — seniors. More than just a
method of channeling information to the comfor t of home, the Inter net and the various social media platforms, including T witter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, are ways for older adults to stay connected with friends and family. For seniors faced with mobility issues, social media helps to bring the world
to them. Despite the stereotype that seniors do not want to lear n to use new technology, many seniors are getting on boar d. Findings from the Pew Research Institute show that social networking use among Inter net users ages 50 to 64 grew by 88 percent between April 2009 and May 2010. The
research also found that the percentage of those 65 and older using social media grew from 13 percent to 26 percent during that same stretch. Although young adults continue to be the primar y users of social media, older users are gaining momentum and surpassing youth in the number of new users.
Individuals who are not yet utilizing social media to manage their communication ef for ts may be inspired by these benefits to doing so. • Photo and video sharing: The majority of photos being taken today are digital, as fewer people are making prints of their photos. Rather, they ar e
being shared via e-mail or through social media sites. Grandparents can see their grandchildren in photos in real time. Also, if they’ve managed apps that enable video sharing, they can view and chat with relatives who live miles away, just as if they were sitting across the table. see media/page 4
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media From Page 3
• Conversations with family: In a world where families are no longer centrally located, communication may be lacking. Despite the prevalence of mobile phones, fewer and fewer people seem to pick up the phone and make calls as they once did. Instead, they’re texting and updating social media posts. They’re also emailing one another. Older adults who have no access to this technology could be left out of the mix. This is a way for seniors to stay close to family. • C o n v e n i e n t c h e c k - i n s : At
Senior Lifestyle times when a full-blown conversation may not be practical, having a quick method to check in with a loved one can make social media advantageous. Men and women can send a quick text to their parents to find out how they’re feeling or if they need anything. Such ready access can provide some peace of mind to adults concerned about their elderly parents. • Online shopping: Seniors who don’t get out much or who cannot safely drive a vehicle might not be able to shop as often as they would like. Having Inter net access and experience with browsing websites enables older men and women to shop from reputable websites who ship items directly to the house. With the vast array of items now sold
Seniors who don’t get out much or who cannot safely drive a vehicle might not be able to shop as often as they would like. Having Internet access and experience with browsing websites enables older men and women to shop from reputable websites who ship items directly to the house. online, anyone can have their choice of items and not be forced to settle because of their age. • Improved feelings of wellbeing: Avoiding feelings of isolation and loneliness can benefit older men and women. A study by Dr. Shelia Cotten, a sociologist and associate
Sunday, June 23, 2013
professor from the University of Alabama, Bir mingham, revealed that Internet use was associated with a 30 percent decrease in depressive symptoms among older adults who used it regularly, while other studies have shown similarly impressive results. • Working the mind: Going online, chatting on social media or simply writing an e-mail works areas of the brain. Typing also helps improve manual dexterity. These factors can be beneficial for seniors looking to stay sharp. Using the Inter net as a form of communication is a growing trend among the 50-plus demographic. It enables them to stay connected with family and the world in a variety of ways.
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The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Sunday, June 26, 2013
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Prunes as a superfood are revamping fruit image The public has certainly ments and fans are used to rank above fresh plums the risk of constipation and heard of prunes, but most force hot air through plum- in having a greater capac- hemorrhoids, and may people do not eat them on filled tunnels. At ity of antioxidant power. reduce risk of colorectal a regular basis. Prunes t h i s p o i n t Prunes con- cancer. are traditionally the go-to prunes can tain high Individuals may not be food for a person who has be stored levels of aware that prunes also digestive issues and needs o r p r o hydrocin- contain high amounts of help with constipation. c e s s e d n a m i c polyphenols, which are Their reputation as a laxa- f u r t h e r a c i d s known to restore bone tive has created somewhat for pack(phenol mass and str ucture, of a negative image of a g i n g . c o m - according to Heal With prunes, but learning about S o m e pounds), Food. Therefore, dried the many health benefits p r u n e s w h i c h plums are part of osteoof eating pr unes could a r e p r o give them porosis prevention treatchange the public percep- cessed with their antiox- ment for postmenopausal tion of this fruit. potassium idant boost. women. Various studies Prunes, also known as s o r b a t e , P r u n e s have indicated prunes may dried plums, are among which is a a r e v e r y have beneficial effects on the healthiest foods a per- p r e s e r v a - W h e n d r i e d , p l u m s h i g h i n bone mineral density, bone son can eat. Not only do t i v e t h a t become prunes, which d i e t a r y formation activity and they have benefits for the i m p r o v e s are among the healthiest fiber, con- the production of boron, gastrointestinal system, t h e s h e l f foods a person can eat. t a i n i n g which is thought to play they are high in antioxi- life of packbetween 6 a role in the prevention of dants, may help prevent aged prunes. Prunes also to 7 grams. As many know, osteoporosis. premature aging and can are generally washed and dietary fiber is the part of Prunes also may help promote cardiovascular steamed to return some of plant foods that the stom- prevent certain types of health. the moisture to the fruit. ach and intestinal enzymes cancers. According to the The plum is related to Other pr unes are hot- cannot absorb into the American Cancer Society, the peach, cherry, nectar- packed so they are pro- bloodstream. Fiber will foods high in fiber and ine, apricot, and almond. cessed without any preser- remain in the colon and vitamin A may offer some The Japanese vatives. absorb water, which helps protection against canplum is the What makes soften the stool before it is cers of the gastrointestinal most common- The plum is pr unes (and passed. Prunes also con- and respiratory tracts as ly eaten fresh related to the plums) nutri- tain sorbitol, which is a well as cancers induced plum, while the peach, cherry, t i o n a l p o w - mild colon stimulant. This by chemicals. The phytoEuropean plum e r h o u s e s i s will help speed up the pas- nutrients in plums also nectarine, is the one trathat they are sage of stool and reduce can inhibit in-vitro breast ditionally dried apricot, and ver y high in to tur n into almond. The antioxidants, prunes. Plums Japanese plum is s u b s t a n c e s have been that help fight eaten for centu- the most free radicals in ries, and in Chi- commonly eaten the body that nese mythol- fresh plum, contribute to ogy the plum while the illness. Accordtree is associing to researchated with great European plum ers from Tufts age and wis- is the one University in dom. Plums are traditionally Boston, prunes Point your web browser to one of the most rank No. 1 in dried to turn hendersondispatch.com/special_sections widely cultivatterms of antiinto prunes. ed fruits. oxidant capacPr unes are ity. It was found usually made by dehydrat- that pr unes had more ing the fruit quickly with than twice the antioxidant the use of natural gas heat capacity of other superin dehydrating tunnels. foods, like blueberries and Essentially, heating ele- raisins. Dried plums also
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cancer growth without adversely affecting normal cell growth. It is well known that eating prunes and drinking prune juice can help
keep a person “regular,� but the nutritional benefits of dried plums extends beyond their value treating gastrointestinal conditions.
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Senior Lifestyle
The Daily Dispatch
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Live comfortably on a budget
Seniors are one of the fastestgrowing segments of the population, as medical advancements have increased life expectancies considerably. Many Baby Boomers have entered retirement age and are joining the ranks of other seniors on fixed incomes. This means they’ll also have to implement strategies to live comfortably on less money. Statistics Canada states that as of a 2005 survey, the average net worth of individuals age 65 and older was roughly $303,000. This amount is characterized by money in savings, income provided by pensions and government assistance. In the United States, the average income of seniors in 2008 was around $29,000 according to the Congressional Research Service tabulations of data from the March
2008 Current Population Survey. Upon retirement, many retirees are faced with quite a reduction in income and the stark reality of making ends meet with this new level of income. Those who are successful are often those who are adapting and are able to budget cleverly. Here are some ideas to do just that. • Set priorities. What are the necessities that you absolutely cannot skimp on? These may include a mortgage or rent, utility bills and any other loan payments that have already been established. These amounts will have to be deducted from monthly income before you will discover just how much money will be leftover for other things. • Downsize. There is the
option to cut back on certain things to free up more money. Many people find it is wise to sell their home and move into a smaller condo or apartment. Not only will the expenses be less, there’s a good chance the complex will offer maintenance — further saving you on unexpected expenses. Consider downsizing your car as well. Rather than making high monthly payments for a brand-new auto at the dealership, you may be able to get a preowned vehicle for a lower payment schedule. Or you may have enough in savings to pay for the used car outright, saving you the expense of a monthly payment. • Consider shopping at consignment stores. Consignment stores are popping up in all different areas, includ-
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ing exclusive cities and towns. Shopping consignment stores no longer carries the stigma it once did. Many times the merchandise in consignment stores is brand new or has only been used once. This could be the ideal place to turn for housewares, clothing, accessories, and even gifts for others. The prices are typically marked well below retail value, and you may find some well-known brands. • Shop store sales. With the popularity of shows teaching others how to save big with coupons, many people believe this is the best way to save at grocer y stores. However, the people doing the couponing are often capitalizing on buying in bulk and clipping mass amounts of coupons — not practical for senior households. It could be in
your best interest to simply shop for the items you buy frequently at the store that is selling it at the lowest price. It may increase the number of stops on your shopping trip, but you can get a really good deal in the process. • Get crafty. Sometimes things that are sold at stores for a high price can be replicated at home easily with just a few materials. From tufted headboards to curtains to decorative pillows, chances are with a little ingenuity you can make these items yourself. Or, enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist you in a project that is slightly beyond your level of expertise. Living on a fixed income can require reassessing priorities and making a few changes to the household budget.
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Senior Lifestyle
The Daily Dispatch
Sunday, June 26, 2013
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Helping a loved one adapt to a nursing home Many older men and women find the transition to a nursing home somewhat dif ficult. Men and women tend to see a move to a nursing home as a step toward surrendering their independence, and this can be a difficult hurdle for seniors and their loved ones to overcome. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that many men and women move into nursing homes because their physical or mental status requires the help of a professional nursing staff, leaving family members with little to no recourse when aging relatives protest the move. But there are ways to ease a loved one’s transition into a nursing home. • Keep a positive attitude. The stress of moving an aging relative into a nursing home can be significant for all par-
ties involved. But focusing on the positives of nursing homes, such as around-the-clock care and daily activities, can help aging relatives look at nursing homes in a new light. In addition, family members who familiarize themselves with nursing homes will begin to see they are often great places for aging men and women to socialize with others their age while receiving the care and attention they need. When discussing the move to a nursing home, focus on these positives and your relative will be more likely to follow your lead. • Choose a nursing home that’s close to home. One of the more difficult parts of transitioning to a nursing home is the notion that men and women are leaving their lives behind once they
When moving a relative into a nursing home, find a facility that’s close to home so men and women can still enjoy regular contact with friends and relatives. move into a home. Choosing a nursing home that’s close to home and makes routine visits from friends and relatives possible enables men and women maintain a connection to their current lifestyle. A home that is miles and miles away from a person’s support system can foster feelings of isolation
and loneliness. • Plan trips with your loved one. Just because an aging relative lives in a nursing home does not mean he or she can no longer travel. If a relative is healthy enough to travel, include them on family trips and outings. This includes more routine events like weekly
Sunday dinners, kids’ sporting events and other extracurricular activities. The more involved your aging relative are in the daily life of your family, the more likely they are to see the advantages of living in a nursing home. • Encourage your loved ones to take some personal items with them. When moving into a nursing home, men and women must leave behind many of their possessions. This is a simple space issue, as the rooms in a typical nursing home cannot accommodate a life’s worth of keepsakes and possessions. But that doesn’t mean men and women have to leave everything behind. Encourage your loved one to bring along some possessions, such as his or her family photos, a favorite chair or smaller
mementos from places he or she visited throughout his or her life. Such items can make a nursing home seem less antiseptic and more like a home. • Set up an e-mail account for your loved one. If your loved one still has his or her mental health, then set him or her up with an e-mail account. This allows your loved one to maintain daily contact with family and friends. Many of today’s nursing homes provide facilities where residents can access the Internet. If not, speak to the staff and ask if your relative can bring his or her own computer. If your relative will be able to routinely access the Internet, consider purchasing a digital subscription to the local newspaper so he or she can further maintain a connection to the community.
Grandparents helping to raise grandchildren
The stalled economy has pushed many families into the position of doing whatever is needed to make ends meet. In many cases, this means both parents working whatever jobs they can find and finding the best childcare option while they are at work. Many people are turning to their parents to help care for their kids. More than 60 percent of families with children under age 18 had both parents employed outside the home in 2005 to 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That compares to less than a third of mothers in 1975. The numbers today are around 42 percent, a decrease that likely has a lot to do with unemployment figures remaining high. Human Resources
and Skills Development Canada states that there are similar statistics among Canadian families. With so many men and women heading to work each day, and money a factor for doing so, the topic of child care becomes one of necessity as well as affordability. Grandparents are regularly stepping up to help family members who are under a financial crunch. Grandparents considering caring for their grandchildren should keep in mind some things even if the childcare scenario on the surface seems like it is the best option. • It’s a big commitment. Once the decision has been made, it is expected that you will be providing care for a certain period of time — perhaps
even without a future end date. Remember, other arrangements will have to be made if you back out because it’s simply not working. • Know your limits. Childcare is not something to take lightly. While you may have had enough energy to provide care years ago, maybe now you are simply not up to the task or have not identified factors that could hinder your ability to care for a grandchild — no matter how much you love him or her. • Be prepared for changes to your life. You will no longer be able to operate on your own schedule. Now your days will largely revolve around caring for your grandchildren. If many of your friends are living active lives without grandchil-
dren in tow, this could put a hamper on your relationships and ability to socialize. • It could be just what you need. On the flip side, if you have been seeking something to do with your time, being in the presence of your grandchildren could be just what you need to find a purpose to your days. • The relationship may cause animosity. If you are of fering care to one set of grandchildren and are not doing so to another, it could strain the relationships among your children. Think about the larger factor before agreeing to being the caregiver. • Talk to your spouse. If you are married or are in a relationship, this is a decision
that will have to be discussed with your partner, whose life will be impacted as well. If both of you aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on the situation, it may cause a rift that can damage your relationship. • Avoid guilt. If you choose to say no to the situation, it may generate hurt feelings at the onset, but if you explain your reasons clearly, chances are the loved one will understand how you are feeling. Although grandparents stepping in to become childcare providers for their grandchildren while parents are at work has become a popular situation in recent years, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the situation before delving headfirst into the arrangement.
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The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Older professionals are downshifting careers Climbing the corporate ladder takes time, devotion and ambition. After reaching the top, some professionals choose to change directions in a phenomenon called “downshifting.” A 2009 publication from the AARP Public Policy Institute noted that many older workers, as they approach retirement age, are looking to trade in a higher-paying, demanding job for one with more flexibility, less responsibility and lower pay. A study by the University of Michigan for the National Institute on Aging’s Health
and Retirement Study found 28.8 percent of males and 24.3 percent of females ages 51-55 changed careers after age 50. In the cur rent economy, this downshifting or career reassessment can be difficult to come by. That’s because there are many other job-seekers who are interested in any position they can get and will be vying for the lower-paying jobs that some downshifters may also be seeking. In addition, some firms won’t consider applicants whom they deem overqualified. Some human resources departments
and recr uiters simply overlook high-qualified applicants because they may assume the skill level also comes with a need for a high salary — even if this is not the case. There are others who are willing to take the gamble on a well-qualified applicant. They realize that this oppor tunity may not come again if the market rebounds. Those who are looking to downshift may have to change the ways they market themselves. It may not entail listing your most notable achievements on your resume, but
rather selling yourself a little short. Here are some tips you can employ if you’re looking to scale back your job and responsibilities. • Apply at smaller companies that may not have the staff or resources to promote from within just yet. There’s a good chance your experience and leadership abilities will be prized in such a company. • Play up your assets, not the positions you have held, on resumes. • Be honest in your cover letter, letting hiring managers know you are serious about
taking a step back in rank. • Consider freelancing or consulting if you’re having trouble finding a full-time gig. Freelancing lets you set your own hours and pace. • Find out if you can downshift in your current company. Some employers will be anxious to keep a good worker and see the benefit in paying a lower salary. Not ever yone is interested in moving up the corporate ladder. Certain individuals are looking to downsize their jobs to gain more flexibility for family, hobbies and other pursuits.
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The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Sunday, June 26, 2013
Travel ideas for active seniors
Those who have said goodbye to the worka-day grind now have many hours to settle down and relax. People who have continually put of f vacations in lieu of work r esponsibili ties may now have all the time they need to explore the world. Traveling for seniors can be rewarding and relaxing. Those with a substantial retirement nest egg have numerous destinations at their disposal. Mature vacationers travel more frequently and stay longer than any other age group. Travel ranks among the top leisure activities for men and women over 50, according to the website Suddenly Senior. Seniors can find several travel advantages at their disposal. Also, thanks to special senior discounts, travel may be even more af for dable than first expected. While cer tain destinations are not always practical for cer tain age brackets, there are many places to which seniors can visit comfor tably and enjoy a wealth of memories. • Theme parks: Although theme parks may seem car ved out entirely for the adventure-seekers, there are many other more placid activities that would appeal to those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground rather than looping through the air on a rocket-propelled c o a s t e r. W i t h a n i m a l preser ves, water parks,
Seniors who were never able to afford or spare the time for an extensive vacation may now want to visit those exotic locations that have beckoned for years. fine dining, and a bevy of hotels either in the park or directly on the outskir ts, theme parks provide many activities for older travelers. Although theme parks require a lot of walking, m a n y p r o v i d e w h e e lchairs or motorized scooters for those who need to get of f of their feet. They also make a great option for seniors who will be traveling with the entire family, including children. • Beach resor ts: Provided flying is medically safe, a beachside vacation can be the ideal trip for seniors looking for the utmost in relaxation. For those who have passports, the possibilities ar e endless. Those who pr efer to remain on relatively domestic soil can retreat to Puer to Rico, south Florida, the California coast, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. • Cr uising: Cr uising is a preferred vacation choice for the 50+ set because it offers the convenience of an allinclusive package and
transportation all in one. With the myriad activities of fered on board, cr uises are a versatile vacation option for seniors. Also, there is no need to worr y about traveling far for meals and other enter tainment options, as ever ything is self-contained on the cruise ship. For more active seniors who enjoy the daily getaway, excursions in por ts of call can provide the variety desired. • Guided tours: Seniors who want to
experience a piece of histor y can sign up for tour packages backed by reputable companies. The tours may involve train or bus travel, and various attractions will be visited. At the end of the tour, individuals can choose to extend the vacation by checking into a hotel nearby. • RV trips: Another self-contained vacation that is entirely up to the people traveling is vacationing by recreational vehicle. Seniors can customize their routes depending on which areas they want to see. Companies like Cr uise America RV enable people to rent an R V so they needn’t wor r y about the expense of buying one outright. H o w e v e r, s h o u l d R V traveling become addictive, there always is the option of buying a camper later on. Setting an itinerar y and then establishing the pace enables travelers to tour the countr y or cross the
border as desired. From beaches to national parks, many areas of fer RV hook-up areas and amenities. • Exotic tour: Seniors who were never able to af ford or spare the time for an extensive vacation may now want to visit those exotic locations that have beckoned for years. Now could be the time to book a ticket for Europe and visit all of the cities that
have made the histor y books. Those looking for even more adventure can travel to the South Pacific and explore tropical islands. Others may want to go “down under� and experience the r ugged Outback or the culture of Australian city centers. W ith a bevy of free time and fewer restrictions holding them back, seniors could be ready for the next great travel adventure.
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Senior Lifestyle
The Daily Dispatch
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Financial pointers for older, unmarried couples
M
oving in together is something typically associated with young couples, but more and more unmarried men and women over the age of 50 are choosing to cohabitate. According to an analysis of 2012 U.S. Census data conducted by the Performance Reference Bureau, roughly 10 percent of the 15.3 million opposite-sex unmarried cohabiting partners in the United States are between the ages of 55 and 64, while 15 percent are between the ages of 45 and 54. Such figures indicate that living together as an unmarried couple is no longer exclusive to younger couples. The incentives for older, unmarried couples to cohabitate are similar to those for younger ones, but older couples should heed a few financial pointers before deciding to move in together. • Iron out the financial details ahead of time. Young couples who move in together
often do so as a precursor to getting married. Such couples do not typically have much in the way of financial assets and, as a result, do not need to come to any formal agreement regarding their finances. Older couples, however, might be bringing a more substantial financial portfolio into the relationship, and these finances can complicate matters. Before moving in together, older couples should document their finances and how household expenses, including a mortgage if one exists, will be paid. Decisions regarding who will receive the tax breaks you might be eligible for when paying a mortgage should also be considered. Documenting your financial situation can protect your assets should you break up. If these arrangements are not documented, unmarried couples who break up could find themselves in a contentious financial battle not unlike couples going through a divorce. • Maintain some financial
after moving in together. A joint checking or savings account might work down the road, but initially keep these accounts separate to avoid any disputes. Keep paying your own bills, including car payments and credit cards, at the onset as well. • Update certain documents and policies. Upon your death, a partner with whom you cohabitate does not have the same legal rights of inheritance as would a spouse. As a result, it’s important for unmarried individuals who cohabitate with their partners to update their wills, especially if they have been cohabitating for an extended period of time and want their Older, unmarried couples should partner to be taken care of in make some financial decisions case of their death. In addition to before deciding to cohabitate. updating information regarding beneficiaries, older men and independence. Older, women might want to update unmarried men and women who certain information regarding choose to cohabitate with their their health, like who should take partners should still maintain legal responsibility for medical some financial independence decisions should one partner
become incapacitated. In addition to updating your will, update any existing life insurance policies and retirement benefits to include your partner if you so desire. • Discuss any changes with your family, especially any children. When you make changes to your will, those changes will affect your beneficiaries. Upon making these changes, discuss them with your existing beneficiaries so your partner does not have to deal with relatives whose feelings might be hurt upon your death. This might not be an easy discussion, but you will want your partner to have your family as a support system upon your death. Older, unmarried couples are choosing to cohabitate more and more. While the incentives to doing so are numerous, there are some precautionary measures couples should take before moving in together.
Keeping marriage going strong into your golden years The trend of long-married couples calling it quits has been growing. However, there are some steps couples can take to keep their relationships going strong. According to the AARP, divorces among people over the age of 50 have doubled since 1990. According to Susan Brown, codirector of the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, one out of three Boomers will face their golden years unmarried. There are a number of reasons why divorce rates have skyrocketed among the over-50 set. Understanding just why these divorces
are taking place and taking proactive steps to alleviate some of the divorce triggers can be a recipe for a happy marriage that continues throughout a couple’s golden years. • Increase accountability. Ours is a transient society where families no longer bat an eyelash over moving great distances away from other family members. As a result, Boomers may feel like they are not connected to children or grandchildren. With this in mind, they may feel less attached to their marriage or their responsibilities or believe that no one will get hurt by a divorce. Keeping families close and remaining in fre-
quent contact can increase accountability and reduce the propensity for divorce. • Get things out in the open. A major reason for a failed marriage is years of avoiding significant issues rather than addressing problems. Couples should make time to talk to each other about anything that might be bothering them rather than letting too many things slide. If these conversations turn into shouting matches, there is always the option of bringing in a third party to serve as a mediator. • Spend time apart. After retirement, couples may find themselves spending hours upon hours in each other’s company. While togetherness can be
beneficial, too much time spent together may lead to feelings of suffocation and the perception that each member of the relationship is no longer his or her own person. Individuals can remedy this by doing more things on their own, whether spending time apart with friends or engaging in hobby time without your spouse. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Brief periods of separation can make the time married couples do spend together feel more meaningful. • Recommit to your vows. After 30 or more years, the vows you shared on your wedding may be a distant memory. Some
people may have different views on the permanence of vows, putting personal happiness ahead of the happiness of the couple. Take stock of what you promised one another on your wedding day and stick to those words. • Become a comedian. Laughter has a way of dissolving a tenuous situation. Focus energy on laughing at mistakes instead of pointing blame. Couples can make fun of themselves and resolve to not take things too seriously. • Act like you’re dating. Couples often become complacent after many years of marriage. They may forget about the little
details that made the relationship fun in the early years. The personal notes and cards and other surprises may fall by the wayside after being together for some time. Make an effort to go on dates, write love notes and think of what was appreciated by your partners when you were in the dating stage. • Practice selflessness. Sometimes all that is needed to rekindle a relationship is a selfless act that shows how much you care for your partner. Couples who are on the fence with regard to divorce can make an effort to improve the relationship rather than simply see divorce as the best option.
The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Sunday, June 23, 201 3
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What You Should Know About the Seniors’ Health Insurance Program
Banishing the chills Do you find yourself and muscle mass, both of wearing a sweater when which can insulate a body. it’s 75 degrees outside? Therefore, they may have Are you unable to toler- trouble regulating body ate the air contemperature. ditioning on a Putting on a few But there are steamy day? If extra pounds can ways to feel you’re always help aging men warmer. cold it could • Gain be a sign that and women who weight: Putyour body is feel cold all the ting on a few changing or time. extra pounds it may be a can help aging symptom of illness, such men and women who feel as an underactive thyroid. cold all the time. Consult Older people have less with a doctor as to what subcutaneous fat stores is a healthy weight for
your age. • Wear a vest: The body sacrifices heat in the extremities (hands and feet) to warm the core. Wearing a vest can keep your chest warm, and thus, the rest of your body. • Get physical: Moderate exercise can get the blood pumping and speed up metabolism. • Visit the doctor: Get a check-up to ensure you’re not cold due to a medical condition.
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1-800-443-9354 www.ncshiip.com What is SHIIP?
Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a consumer information division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that assists people with Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, and long-term care insurance questions. We also help citizens recognize and prevent Medicare billing errors and possible fraud and abuse through our NCSMP Program at 1-877-996-2767.
How does SHIIP work?
SHIIP provides education and assistance to North Carolinians in three ways: • by operating a nationwide toll-free consumer information phone line Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. • by training volunteers, including senior citizens, to counsel Medicare beneficiaries within their community about Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage and long-term care insurance, and • by creating educational materials for consumers’ use including the Medicare Supplement Comparison Guide and featuring a Medicare Supplement Premium Comparison Database on our Web site (www.ncshiip.com).
When was SHIIP started?
The program was founded in 1986 by the Department of Insurance in direct response to the growing concerns about health insurance for the more than one million Medicare beneficiaries in North Carolina. Numerous insurance companies sell Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other medical insurance products to people in North Carolina. Because there are so many companies, and because the Medicare system is so complex, SHIIP was founded to provide people with Medicare an objective information service.
How do North Carolinians contact SHIIP?
You can contact SHIIP by dialing the nationwide toll-free consumer number, 1-800-443-9354, visiting the SHIIP Web site, www.ncshiip.com, or e-mailing ncshiip@ncdoi.gov. Trained SHIIP Volunteer Counselors are available in all 100 counties of North Carolina who are coordinated through an existing human service agency such as the Council on Aging or the Cooperative Extension offices. If your problem is too complex to handle over the phone, you will need to contact your local SHIIP Coordinator for a one-on-one appointment with a SHIIP Volunteer Counselor. Can I get more information on SHIIP? Yes! Contact SHIIP nationwide at 1-800-443-9354 or (919) 807-6900, visit www.ncshiip. com or e-mail ncshiip@ncdoi.gov for further information and ask for more details on the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program and how it can help you.
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In Vance County, contact the Vance County Senior Center at (252) 430-0257, 126 S. Garnett Street This publication has been created or produced by North Carolina with financial assistance, in whole or in part, through a grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal Medicare agency. 30,000 copies of this comment were printed at a cost of $3,469.16. Form No. COMBO (Revised 1/13)
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Senior Lifestyle
The Daily Dispatch
Sunday, June 23, 2013
How to make informed healthcare decisions The typical healthcare patient has changed in recent years. No longer are individuals putting all of their healthcare decisions into the hands of nurses and doctors. Patients are more informed than ever befor e and ar e interested in taking a more active role in their own care. Thanks to the Inter net, people ar e able to access information that, in the past, was not easily available. A few decades ago, medical data may have been elusive and filled with confusing jargon the layperson might not have understood without a crash course in biology. However, today there are dif ferent Web sites that clearly spell out information about
cer tain illnesses and diseases. This means that patients may no longer be walking blindly into appointments with doctors. Facing an illness is never easy, and the decision-making abilities could be hampered by emotions and the desire to improve as quickly as possible. Patients who do not have all of the facts may have to rely solely on the exper tise of caregivers and physicians when making impor tant healthcare decisions. By knowing the avenues of information, a patient can find assistance with careful decision-making. While lear ning about an ailment is impor tant, there are some things to consider.
• The Internet isn’t fool- rowing down symptoms and pr oof. Many online medi- making assumptions about cal sites are ver y reliable what ailments you may have. and of fer a wealth of per ti- Instead of using the Internet nent information. They can to self-diagnose your condibe good starting points when tion, leave the diagnosis up to your doctor seeking out inforand rely on online mation on a particuinfor mation after lar condition. It is Thanks to the in your best inter- Internet, people you are diagnosed. e s t t o v i s i t s i t e s are able to access This can improve your understandthat are well-known information ing of the conand monitored by respected medical that, in the past, d i t i o n a n d a n y potential treatment af filiations. Other was not easily options. sites may be pep- available. • Seek other pered with exaggerated claims or misinforma- avenues of infor mation. tion. Therefore, do not go by You should never hesitate to seek a second opinion or go online information alone. • Don’t self-diagnose. to a published medical jourIt can be easy to use the nal to find out more about a Inter net as a means to nar- condition. You have rights as
a patient to be comfor table with the advice doctors give and be as involved in your treatment as you want to be. • Online for ums could be more harm than help. Many people tur n to online for ums and blogs to gain more insight into par ticular diseases. While these forums may be good sources of suppor t, information published on these sites could be misleading, inaccurate or unsafe. Before tr ying any proposed treatment, it is best to consult with your doctor. Having a general knowledge of a medical condition can enable healthcare consumers to make mor e infor med decisions about their situations.
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