Living50 leader publications • DECEMBER 2015
plus
Season giving of
Find out how to give the gifts of good health, quality time and goodwill for the holidays
Page 2
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
Great gifts
W
ith lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even insist that their family members save their money and not buy them anything for the holidays. But if the thought of Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas. Activity assistance devices The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults. Television amplifying headphones are one product that can be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty hearing their televisions. The headphones amplify the sound of the programming without disturbing others in the room, and many such headphones even allow users to mute their televisions. This feature is perfect for someone who likes to watch TV while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room. Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or bookholders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.
Holiday ideas offered for older adults
Food Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by. A search of the Internet may uncover that special treat. You may be able to ship a specialty soft drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store. Otherwise, ask a store manager if a particular item that’s not in stock in the store can be a special order. Photos What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computer-savvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photorelated gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote bags and pillows. Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then print out the images in a book that includes the family history. Time Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift.
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Rent Based on Income This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
calendar
Page 3
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
OF EVENTS DECEMBER 2015
Friday, Dec. 11 Christmas at the Bonine House 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC) will host its fourth annual Christmas at the Bonine House from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. The historic James E. Bonine House, located on the corner of Penn Road and M-60 in Vandalia, will be dressed in holiday finery, with each room decorated by URSCC members and friends. Admission is free; donations are appreciated.
AM VETS Breakfast 9 a.m. to noon A sausage gravy and biscuit breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 at AM VETS Post 1978, which is located at 1197 E. Bertrand Rd. in Niles. Cost is $5 for the meal, which includes sausage gravy, biscuits, hash browns and muffins. It is open to the public. Sunday, Dec. 13 Christmas at the Bonine House Noon to 6 p.m. The Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC) will host its fourth annual Christmas at the Bonine House from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. The historic James E. Bonine House, located on the corner of Penn Road and M-60 in Vandalia, will be dressed in holiday finery, with each room decorated by URSCC members and friends. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Korean Vets Christmas party Noon The Papasan-Mamasan Korean Veteran Association will hold its annual Christmas party on Sunday, Dec. 13 at the American Legion Post 51 at 403 E. Front St. in Buchanan. Social hour will take place at noon and dinner will follow at 1 p.m. Please bring a dish to pass. Meat, refreshments and table service will be provided. There will be games and prizes after dinner. Monday, Dec. 14 Democratic Club meeting 6 p.m. The South County Democratic Club will meet on Monday, Dec. 14 at the Buchanan Moose Lodge, located at the corner of Redbud Trail and Front Street in Buchanan. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 Make Christmas gifts 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fairland Christian Church in Niles is hosting a “Make-It, Take-It” event where people can make gifts for friends and family this Christmas. The free event is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16. In addition, two local authors and members of Fairland will be available to sign books. Call (269) 683-8211 for more information.
Clark Retiree Club 11:30 a.m. The Clark Salaried Retiree Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Buchanan Senior Center, which is located at 810 Rynearson St. in Buchanan. Chandra Williams will provide musical entertainment. Root beer floats 12:30 p.m. Enjoy an old-fashioned treat — a root beer float — the third Wednesday of December. Jennifer Corley CNA-HHA, of Happy Home Care of St. Joseph, MI, will dish out the treat and monitor your vital signs at 12:30 p.m. at the Buchanan Senior Center Thursday, Dec. 17 Meals on Wheels meeting 9:15 a.m. The Niles-Buchanan Meals on Wheels annual meeting will be at 9:15 a.m. Dec. 17 in the small dining room at Lakeland Hospital in Niles. The address is 31 N. St. Joseph Ave., in Niles. Christmas dinner Noon to 1 p.m. The Cass County COA will host a Christmas dinner from noon to 1 p.m. at the Lowe Center. All are welcome to attend. Saturday, Dec. 19 Retired School Personnel meeting 1 p.m. The Cass County Chapter of Michigan Retired School Personnel will conduct its final meeting
of the year on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. in the Plym Room at the Cass County COA, located at the corner of M-60 and Decatur Road. The agenda will include program scheduling for the 2016 meetings. Preceding the meeting, Howard Poole will present an interesting program on Prisoners of War, facts that happened to many of our young soldiers and how it impacted their, and our lives. Reservations are requested for the meeting. Also, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner has been planned for that day and reservations are required and must be made by Tuesday, Nov. 17 with either a caller contact person or with Carol at 269.445.2511 to accommodate our group. Please do not call the COA. Monday, Dec. 28 Vacation Bible School 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fairland Christian Church of Niles will host Christmas Break Vacation Bible School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28 through Wednesday, Dec. 30. The free program includes lunch, a Bible lesson, songs, games, crafts and more. For more information call (269) 683-8211.
Find a full listing of calendar items in your daily newspaper or at leaderpub.com. To submit a calendar item, send information to news@leaderpub.com, or 217 N. Fourth St., in Niles.
Page 4
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
Nutrition aging and
Experts say the two go hand-in-hand
N
utrition is important for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for men and women over the age of 50, who can dramatically improve their quality of life by eating a well-balanced diet filled with vitamins and nutrients. Though that may seem like common sense, research has shown that men and women in this age group, who are often referred to as “Baby Boomers,” are not necessarily as healthy as they may seem. While the baby boomer generation, which is generally regarded as those people born between 1946 and 1964, boasts longer life expectancies than any generation that came before them, some of that can likely be chalked up to advancements in medical care, including a booming pharmaceutical industry that seemingly has an antidote to every ailment. But a 2013 study from researchers at the West Virginia University School of Medicine found that baby boomers are less healthy than the generation that immediately preceded them, tending to be more likely to have higher levels of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. While that news might be sobering, it’s never too late for men and women over 50 to start eating healthier diets, which can reduce their risk of a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis. The following are a few ways men and women over 50 can alter their diets so their bodies are getting what they need to live long and healthy lives well into their golden years. As is always the case, men and women should discuss any potential changes to their diets with their physicians to ensure the changes will be both effective and healthy. • Balance your diet. Kids hear of the benefits of a balanced diet seemingly from the moment they enter a classroom for the first time, but many adults fail to heed that basic advice as they get further and further away from kindergarten. When changing your diet, be sure to include plenty of protein and carbohydrates. Protein maintains and rebuilds muscles, which is especially
important for aging men and women who might find themselves unable to keep up with the physical demands of everyday life as well as they used to. Including ample low-fat protein, which can be found in fish, eggs and low-fat dairy among other foods, will aid in muscle recovery, benefitting aging athletes as well as those men and wom-
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en over 50 who recently started exercising as a means to regaining their physical fitness. A diet lacking in sufficient protein can contribute to muscle deterioration, arthritis and even organ failure, so it’s important for men and women to prioritize including protein in their diets. Carbohydrates are also an important part
of a balanced diet, as they are a great source of energy that can help men and women stay active well past the age of 50. Carbohydrates found in fruits, grains and vegetables are the most beneficial, as these contain valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients. • Don’t denounce dairy. Dairy is a great source of calcium, which promotes strong bones and teeth. Men and women over the age of 50 want their bones to be as strong as possible because aging is one of the strongest risk factors for osteoporosis, a potentially debilitating medical condition in which loss of tissue causes bones to become brittle and fragile. Vitamin D is necessary to effectively absorb calcium, and vitamin D can be found in certain dairy products, including pasture-raised eggs and grass-fed cow’s milk, and can be generated when men and women get enough sunlight. Other healthy sources of vitamin D include salmon, light tuna packed in oil, sardines, and sun-grown mushrooms. • Cut back on sodium intake. Cutting back on sodium intake can be very beneficial, especially for men and women over the age of 50, who are at greater risk of diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. But cutting back on sodium intake takes more than just throwing the salt shaker away. Processed foods, soups, canned goods, salad dressings, condiments such as mustard and ketchup, and breakfast cereals are just a few of the many products that may contain alarming amounts of sodium. That’s important to note, as excess sodium increases blood pressure by holding excess fluid in the body. That excess fluid puts an added burden on the heart, potentially increasing a person’s risk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, cancer, and kidney disease. The problem with cutting back on sodium is that salt is so often relied on to make foods taste better, and many people find salt-free foods bland. But the rewards of reducing sodium intake are so significant that it’s worth making the adjustment, especially for men and women over the age of 50. No one is too old or too young to embrace a nutritious diet. But men and women over the age of 50 are in a unique position to vastly improve their quality of life by adopting a low-sodium diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Page 5
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
The gift of
good health (Family Features) As colder months approach, many families enjoy spending time together on the couch watching football, indulging in delicious family recipes and preparing for the holiday season. Many of us look forward to this time of year when we can spend quality time with loved ones, relax, reflect on the year and look forward to the new year ahead. This can also be a challenging time to stay healthy, as people tend to stay bundled up indoors and the food seems to pile up on the dinner table. Learning how to eat well and stay active ahead of the holiday season may mean the difference between staying healthy or packing on a few extra pounds and creating habits that could lead to serious health issues down the road. That is one reason the Aetna Foundation is working to make nutritious foods and exercise programs readily available for families year-round. “Poor nutrition poses a challenge to America’s health, especially for vulnerable populations whose access to healthy food is often limited,” said Garth Graham, M.D., MPH, president of the Aetna Foundation. “We’re excited to support programs that help make healthy food and exercise programs more affordable and accessible to people nationwide.” There is a great need to increase access to nutritious foods in vulnerable communities and to make healthy food available, accessible and affordable for more people across the country. Millions living in underserved communities struggle to maintain healthy habits during
the holiday season without the help of school-provided meals and activities. That is why the Aetna Foundation is working with nonprofit organizations across the country to provide healthy foods and exercise options and tools to more people year-round. These tips from the Aetna Foundation are designed to help people stay active and healthy during the holiday season. 1. Eat well. When grocery shopping for large (or small) family meals, choose fresh, seasonal, nutritious foods as often as possible. When fresh is not possible, keep in mind that frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are still healthy alternatives. To guard against nutrient loss, be sure to eat frozen fruits and veggies soon after purchase and steam or microwave them rather than boiling to minimize the loss of water-soluble vitamins. 2. Cook together. As you plan and cook meals for your friends and family over the holidays, inviting your children to cook with you is a great way to teach them about nutrition and better food choices. 3. Get off the couch. It can be tempting to curl up on the couch to stay warm and dry during the cold winter months, but find ways to stay active with your family – such as interactive dancing video games, an indoor game of hide-and-seek or dancing during commercials while you watch your favorite TV show. Find more healthy living tips for your family at aetna-foundation.org.
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about many things with your loved ones: from day-to-day details to big events. Sharing stories with those who matter most isn’t just important today; it will be especially significant when about it’s time to things honorwith andyour commemorate your lives. details to many loved ones: from day-to-day big events. Sharingabout stories many with those whowith matter most isn’t ones: just important today; it will details be things your loved from day-to-day to Memorialization at the end of life is more than it used to be. It can reflect a person’s life especially significant when it’sthose time towho honor and commemorate yourimportant lives. big events. Sharing stories with matter most isn’t just today; it will be story and be transformative, healing and comforting. especially significant at when it’s of time tomore honor and commemorate your alives. Memorialization the end life is than it used to be. It can reflect person’s life Meaningful starts when loved ones talk about what matters most: memories story memorialization and be transformative, healing and comforting. Memorialization at the end of life is more than it used to be. It can reflect a person’s life made, Meaningful lessons learned and how theywhen hope to be remembered. memorialization starts loved ones talk about what matters most: memories story and be transformative, healing and comforting. made, lessons learned and how they hope to be remembered.
Meaningful memorialization starts when loved ones talk about what matters most: memories made, lessons learned and how they hope to be remembered.
For more information and a brochure, please contact:
Connelly Chapel
Wagner Family
Funerals • Cremations • Gatherings 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis • 269.445.2435 • wagnercares.com
Eugene F. Wagner: Owner/Manager
Like us on facebook. Events, stories and more. hospiceswmi.org • 269.345.0273 • Home Hospice Care Rose Arbor Hospice Residence • Grief Support
Page 6
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
Giving
back
COA campaign funds programming, services
T
he Cass County COA invites area residents to join in the season of giving with its 2015 annual campaign. Year-end contributions to the COA will have a significant impact in Cass County through programs such as Meals on Wheels, medical transportation, support groups, Adult Day Service, in-home care, Handy Helpers, and more. “As more and more Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, the demand for our programs grows every year,” said Stacy Srivastava, community development team leader at the COA. “We are honored to provide much-needed support to seniors throughout Cass County. Our donors and volunteers make that possible.” Those who are interested in making a contribution to the Cass County COA this holiday season can visit schedulesplus.com/cass, call Stacy at (269) 445-8110, or stop by the COA’s center in Cassopolis or Dowagiac. The Cass County COA is a community organization dedicated to enhancing life through programs and services for adults in all life stages. To learn more, visit www. casscoa.org.
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Page 7
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
HANDY HELPERS
INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMS
MEALS ON WHEELS
Cassopolis
Family Clinic Network www.cassfamilyclinic.org
Cassopolis Family Clinic 261 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031 Medical (269) 445-3874 Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Now Providing Dental Services!
Dental (269) 228-8500 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pharmacy (269) 228-8505 Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Niles Community Health Center 24 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suite G, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 262-4749 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Obstetrics & Gynocology / Maternal Infant Health Program 60 N. St. Joseph Ave., Niles, MI 49120 OB/GYN - (269) 683-0300 MIHP - (269 683-6959 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ranger Wellness Center 22721 Diamond Cove Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-WELL (9355) Monday - Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Cassopolis Family Clinic Network is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
• State of the Art Facility providing professional care with compassion and respect. • Located among woods and fields just outside of Cassopolis. • Outstanding therapy department provides physical, occupational, and speech services. • Generously staffed nursing department to meet your needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Cass County Medical Care Facility 23770 Hospital St. Cassopolis, MI 49031 269-445-3801
MANAGING
money after 50
I
nvestors know that money management can be difficult. The ebb and flow of the economy can be similar to a roller coaster, with soaring highs followed by steep drops, and those changes all affect investors’ bottom lines. It’s no wonder then that many investors over 50 envision the day when they can get off that roller coaster and simply enjoy their money without having to worry about the everyday ups and downs of the market. But managing money after 50 is about more than just reducing risk. Reducing risk as retirement draws near is a sound financial strategy that can safeguard men and women over 50 from the fluctuations of the market That’s true whether investors put their money in stocks, real estate or other areas that were not immune to the ups and downs of the economy. But there are additional steps men and women can take after they turn 50 to ensure their golden years are as enjoyable and financially sound as possible.
Personalized, Convenient and Complete Care without the WAIT.
• Prioritize saving for retirement. Men and women over 50 know that retirement is right around the corner. Despite that, many people over 50 still have not prioritized saving for retirement. It’s understandable that other obligations, be it paying kids’ college tuition or offering financial assistance to aging parents, may seem more immediate, but men and women over 50 should recognize that their time to save for retirement is rapidly dwindling. Just because you are retired does not mean your bills will magically disappear. In fact, some of those bills, such as the cost of medical care, are likely to increase. So now is the time to make retirement a priority if you have not already done so. It might be nice to finance a child’s college education, but that should not be done at the expense of your retirement nest egg. Kids have a lifetime ahead of them to repay college loans, while adults over 50 do not have that much time to save for retirement.
Let Us Assist You in Making Those Important Healthcare Decisions
Special interest in • Diabetes • Arthritis We are now In-Network for Humana, Blue Cross, Blue Care Network, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, United Health, Smart Health Plan for Borgess and many other insurances.
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“Your life is the focus; Death is the event. Do you have a Plan?”
Cassopolis
We plan for every aspect of life. Having family, vacations, weddings and retirement are all things we plan. We prepare for what might happen, such as fires, accidents or floods. But, because most of us do not like to think about death, we avoid making important funeral decisions in advance.
STONE LAKE MANOR
Hal Shue is a certified funeral planner and he knows how to personalize and customize a plan to provide the most meaningful experience when family and friends gather to remember. When you finish your time with Hal, you will have everything you need for your Celebration of Life Plan for your loved one. It simply makes perfect sense and you can live carefree knowing that when “it” happens... you have a “plan.”
Senior Apartments. 2 months free on select units. Spacious, two bedroom located on beautiful Stone Lake, Intercom entry building, elevator, emergency pull cords. Seniors 62 years or older or disabled of any age. Rent starts at $641.00 (based on income). Please call Toni at 269-445-3333 or stop by today at 145 Stone Lake St. for more information. EHO. TDD 1-800-649-3777 American Preferred 1-800-968-1792
Page 9
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
• St ar t making decisions. People retire at different times in their lives. Some people want to keep working as long as they are physically and mentally capable of doing so, while others want to reap what their lifetime of hard work has sewn and retire early. Finances will likely play a strong role in when you can comfortably retire, so start making decisions about your long-term future. Do you intend to stay in your current home or downsize to a smaller home? Will you stay in your current area or move elsewhere? These decisions require a careful examination of your finances, and many will hinge on how well you have managed your money in the past and how well you manage it in the years ahead. Managing money after 50 requires more than just allocating resources. Sound money management after 50 also means making decisions about your future and taking the necessary steps to ensure those decisions come to fruition. • Pay down debt. Men and women over 50 are not often associated with debt, but that’s a misconception. Thanks in part to the recession that began in 2008 and led to high unemployment, many people in the baby boomer generation, which includes people born between the years 1946 and 1964, went back to school to make themselves more attractive to prospective employers. While that might have been a sound decision, it left many deeply in debt.
According to a 2013 report from the Chronicle of Higher Education, student loan debt is growing fastest among people over 60, and that debt is not inconsequential. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
reported in 2013 that the average student loan debt of those over the age of 60 who still owe money is more than $19,000, a considerable increase from 2005, when the average debt was $11,000.
Men and women over 50 who are still carrying debt should eliminate consumer debt first, as such debt tends to be accompanied by higher interest rates than mortgages and student loan debt. Paying down debt can help reduce stress, improve your quality of life and free up money for living and recreational expenses once you retire. • E xa m i n e yo u r i n s u r a n c e policies. Your approach to insurance should change as you get closer to retirement. For example, you want to maximize your liability insurance on homeowners and auto insurance policies. This ensures the money you have set aside for retirement won’t be going to a third party should you be at-fault in an auto accident or if someone suffers an injury at your home. Experts recommend liability insurance be substantial for men and women over 50, with some suggesting it be as high as twice your net worth. If it wasn’t already, securing longterm disability insurance should be a priority once you have turned 50. A sudden accident or illness at 55 that prevents you from working could prove devastating to your financial future if you do not have disability insurance. Some employers offer longterm disability, though many people are left to secure policies on their own. Regardless of how you get your disability insurance, make sure you have it and that it provides adequate coverage should you succumb to an illness or injury and be unable to work.
2016 Group Trips Get On Board! Our TOurs DeparT frOm sOuTh BenD & niles one Day Tours - Get Away for the Day! January 13 .................Firekeepers Casino Over 2,600 slot machines and a live poker room! April 13 .......................Firekeepers Casino Over 2,600 slot machines and a live poker room! April 16 .......................Vera Bradley outlet sale 2½ hours to shop for 40-60% off Vera Bradley! May 11 .........................Theatre at the Center “Nice Work If You Can Get It” – $115 per person June 15 .......................Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre “Nana’s Naughty Knickers” – $98 per person July 13 ........................Firekeepers Casino Over 2,600 slot machines and a live poker room! July 15 ........................Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre “SHOUT!” – $98 per person August 10 ..................Theatre at the Center “The Odd Couple” – $115 per person october 9 ..................Theatre at the Center “Pump Boys and Dinettes” – $125 per person october 12 .................Firekeepers Casino Over 2,600 slot machines and a live poker room! November 16.............Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre “Christmas with the In-Laws” – $98 per person December 7...............Theatre at the Center “Annie Warbucks” – $115 per person
Multi-Day Tours February 9-10 ...........Winter in the Windy City Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, take a tour of the historic Macy’s on State Street, and enjoy The Carol King musical. March 15-17................spring Casino Tour Four casinos between Illinois and Iowa May 2-4 ......................All Aboard the underground railroad Discover history in Indiana and Ohio
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Page 10
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
American Dream Tours
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A Sample of Things To Come in 2016 and Beyond! February 20th ................American Dream Tours Annual Open House at Christos Banquet Center in Plymouth (9am - Noon) Early April 2016 .............Washington DC at Cherry Blossom Time April 21-24 .....................Thunder Over Louisville May 23-26 ......................4 Day Mystery Tour June 6th-10th ................Made in America July 2016 .......................Beautiful Alaska July 14-17 ......................Tall Ships Celebration in Bay City, MI Sept 18th-25th ...............New Orleans - Music & Memories of the South
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Sept 26th-29th ...............National Gospel Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN Oct 17th - 20th...............The Colors of Prestonburg, KY Oct 24-Nov 1..................Canyon Country - Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Las Vegas & More Nov 28th - Dec 2............Christmas in Branson Dec 5th - 9th ..................Blue Christmas - Including a Special Evening at Graceland April 28th– May 7th, 2017 ................Hawaii by Land and Sea Featuring a 7 Night Cruise & Five Hawaiian Islands June 2017 ......................Shades of Ireland with Northern Ireland
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time
Bond between grandparents, grandkids benefits both
W
hat used to be the “golden years” of life for seniors is now turning into any opportunity to spend even more time with their youngest family members. Nowadays, a growing number of grandparents are called on to provide child care for their grandkids, many of whom are growing up in two-income households. Others are helping to raise grandkids while providing financial assistance for adult children who may not be able to live on their own. This trend has been corroborated in a few recent studies. Information from the Pew Research Center showed 7.7 million children in the United States were living in the same household as one of their grandparents in 2011. A University of Chicago analysis of a decade of data based on interviews with 13,614 grandparents, ages 50 and older, found that 61 percent of grandparents provided at least 50 hours of care for their grandchildren during any given year between 1998 and 2008. And an April 2012 study for the MetLife Mature Market Institute and the nonprofit Generations United, an intergenerational policy group, found that 74 percent of respondents provided weekly child care or babysitting service for grandkids. Grandparents often cite helping their own children financially as well as staying in touch with grandchildren as motivating factors behind providing care. According to Generations United, staying in touch with grandkids can give seniors a feeling of self-worth and improve their overall health. When spending so much time together,
grandparents may develop special relationships with their grandchildren, who may benefit from the knowledge and wisdom offered by their elders. The following are some lessons grandparents can share with youngsters. • Empathy: By sharing stories of how things were when they were younger, when opportunities may have been more scarce, grandparents can help teach grandchildren empathy. Grandchildren may learn to be grateful for the things they have and the people around them, rather than taking what they have for granted. • Family history: Grandparents can tell grandchildren about family members, including youngsters’ own parents, and shed light on the generations that came before them. Looking through photos or watching old movies can provide the avenue by which to start conversations about family history and give children opportunities to ask questions. • Interests: Children may be excited about learning new skills or hobbies taught to them by their grandparents. Anything from baking cookies to woodworking can be shared. • Respect: Children who grow up respecting their grandparents may have an increased tendency to respect authority figures outside their homes, which may help kids grow up to be more courteous and kind. Grandchildren also offer benefits to their grandparents. Companionship, new experiences and conversation can help keep grandparents’ minds sharp and bodies active well into their golden years.
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Living 50 Plus • December 2015
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Page 12
Living 50 Plus • December 2015
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