Living 50 Plus - September 2015

Living50 leader publications • SEPTEMBER 2015

plus

Helping

hands

Meals on Wheels program seeking new volunteers

Older adults celebrate life achievements, community events

contents Page 2

3 3 True dedication Buchanan woman retires after 44 years at West Woods 4 Helping hands COA seeking volunteers for Meals on Wheels 5 A new resource State creates aging website

Living 50 Plus • September 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

4 6 Calendar of events Things to do in Michiana 8 Senior Center Picnic Photos from Buchanan’s annual event 11 Eye care benefits Does the population that needs it most have the care they need?

13 13 A man of many talents Edwardsburg man’s life accomplishments profiled 14 Ask the expert Social security specialist answers questions

Community Of Abundance Friendship. There is nothing like it. As life changes, it’s a wonderful time to meet new people and share ideas, activities, exercise and life!

• 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.

The Cass County COA is a great place to make new friends. Lots of planning and programming have gone into making our locations a place to have fun and join a community of people who enjoy being engaged in life.

From daily noontime meals, to book clubs, discussion groups, knitting and quilting, writing classes, art programs, tness activities and more, the Cass County COA is the place to be. Every day is lled with special programs to make you feel right at home.

“Caring For Our Community Since 1930”

Cass County Medical Care Facility 23770 Hospital St. Cassopolis, MI 49031 269-445-3801

Lowe Center Front Street Crossing 60525 Decatur Rd. 227 S. Front Street Cassopolis, MI 49031 Dowagiac, MI 49047 (800) 323-0390 (269) 445-8110 www.CassCOA.org facebook.com/CassCOA

Living 50 Plus • September 2015

TRUE dedication Buchanan woman retires after 44 years at West Woods

By CRAIG HAUPERT craig.haupert@leaderpub.com

N

ot many people can say they’ve worked at the same place their entire life.

Buchanan’s Janice Hess never expected she would be one of the few who could, but that’s exactly what happened.

“It’s not something I planned to do, but I just really enjoyed my job,” said Hess, who will turn 62 on Sept. 19. “My parents taught us that if you have a job, stick with it and do your best.”

Hess retired on Aug. 28, from her job as cook at West Woods of Niles — a nursing home and rehabilitation center located on Stateline Road in south Niles Township.

She began working there while she was still a senior at Brandywine High School in June of 1971.

Her retirement comes more than 44 years after her first day

of work.

She was honored at a special ceremony on her final day.

Nursing Home Administrator Rick Ackerman said many of Hess’ coworkers shed tears and shared hugs when he announced Hess had completed her final shift.

“Everyone there knew that this was something very special — something for too many that might only be observed once in a lifetime,” he said, adding that he has never encountered a person more dedicated to one job than Hess.

“In today’s world with so much job hopping — which often lands the employee back at the starting line somewhere else — Janice has inspired many employees to work through tough times and stick with it,” he said. “Janice did not preach any of this. She just did it.”

Hess, who graduated from Brandywine in 1972, said she will miss cooking for and getting to know the residents. She

will miss her coworkers too.

“It really was a very good place to work,” she said.

That being said, Hess enjoyed her first day off.

“It was nice. I didn’t have to get up early. I could sleep in,” she said.

Hess and her husband, David R., have been married for more than 30 years.

Janice said they plan to travel now that they have the free time. They might even take a recreational vehicle on the famous Route 66.

“I’ve always been a homebody, but he (David) knows where he wants to go,” Hess said.

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Living 50 Plus • September 2015

Helping

hands

MORE INFORMATION

By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com

Chestnut Towers Apartments Senior Nutrition Services meals served daily by reservation only. Call the COA for more information.

COA seeking volunteers for Meals on Wheels program

deliver warm and frozen meals to recipients five days a week, working from around 10 a.m. to noon, Love said.

The dishes are prepared in-house by the COA’s kitchen very weekday morning, a group of local heroes staff, following a menu laid out by Senior Nutrition Serconvene inside the halls of the Cass County vices, coming up with dishes that, while tasty, will also COA Lowe Center in provide seniors with the nutrition Cassopolis. they need.

After spending a few minSeniors who sign up to receive utes enjoying each other’s assistance from the program pay company over cups of hot, a small fee based around their black coffee, these brave men level of income, said Keryl and women gather up their Conkright, care services team supplies and begin their trek leader across the trails of Cass Coun“Some [recipients] are homety. bound,” Conkright said. “Others Their noble mission: to deuse the program for assistance, so liver warm, nutritious meals to that they get to have a well balthe area’s senior citizens — as anced meal at least once a day.” well provide them with a bit of At the moment the agency, company and joy. which has run the senior citizen The county agency is curmeal program for more than 20 rently seeking people to join years, has around 24 volunteers the ranks of their Meals on contributing their time and enerWheels volunteer program. gy to the program, delivering hot Volunteers can work for a few and frozen meals to 127 seniors hours every week, delivering living in the county, Conkright —Mark Love, COA meals to area senior citizens on said. By the end of the fiscal year, one of six delivery routes the agency will have delivered throughout the county. around 15,000 meals to Meals on In exchange for their service, drivers get the opportuni- Wheels recipients this year, Conkright said. ty to meet a bunch of new faces, and to help brighten up “The seniors love to see their drivers,” Conkright said. the day for a senior who may not receive very many visi- “They know which ones come on which day.” tors.

People interested in volunteering with Meals on “That’s their [the volunteers’] reward, getting the Wheels are encouraged to contact Love or COA Volunchance to make the difference in the lives of others,” said teer Coordinator Leslie Vargo at (269) 445-8110. Seniors Mark Love, the human resources team leader with the who wish to sign up to receive assistance from the proCOA. gram are also encouraged to call the COA office, also at Volunteer drivers, who are mostly retirees themselves, (269) 445-8110.

E

“

That’s their [the volunteers’] reward, getting the chance to make the difference in the lives of others.”

LOCATIONS & HOURS

Lowe Center (Cassopolis) Continental breakfast 7:30 to 9 a.m. (weekdays) Lunch (Provided by Senior Nutrition Services) 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (weekdays)

Front Street Crossing Continental breakfast* 7 to 9:30 a.m. (weekdays) Lunch (Provided by Senior Nutrition Services)** 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. * Coffee available any time during business hours ** Grab and go selections available any time

OTHER AREA MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAMS Niles-Buchanan Meals on Wheels (269) 683-5510

Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan 269-925-0137

Living 50 Plus • September 2015

A new resource State launches website dedicated to aging SUBMITTED LANSING — Older Michiganders will now have quick and easy access to information on services in their area through a new website launched today, www.michi-

gan.gov/aging. The site was developed by the Aging & Adult Services Agency (AASA) within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and in partnership with the Michigan Department of Management

and Budget (DTMB).

“The state, in partnership with local aging agencies and service providers, offers numerous highquality programs and services that can help older adults maintain their independence as they age,” said AASA Director Kari Sederburg. “The state’s new aging website was developed to be the best place to go to quickly find out what types of services are available, and which agency you need to call to see if you qualify.”

As part of his special message on aging in 2014, Gov. Rick Snyder charged AASA, and DTMB with the task of creating an aging website to easily connect residents with local aging programs and services.

“This new website is another step toward achieving Governor

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Snyder’s overall mission of creating a citizen-centric government,” said DTMB Director and State Chief Information Officer David Behen. “This one site will quickly connect older Michiganders with services they need, without having to navigate through multiple government agencies.”

The state’s aging website has been in development over the past several months and required a collaborate effort between several key state departments that interact with the state’s aging programs and services. This comprehensive team held focus groups to ensure the website organized aging programs and services in a thoughtful manner, and that it was built with the user experience firmly in mind.

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Living 50 Plus • September 2015

OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER — OCTOBER

Thursday, Sept. 17

Four Flags Toastmasters 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The Four Flags Toastmasters No. 9117 meets from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Niles Township Hall, 320 Bell Rd., Niles. Increase your confidence and sharpen you skills in public speaking. For more information, contact Margaret at (269) 683-5743

Friday, Sept. 18

Fish fry 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Jerry’s Original Fish Fry is from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 at the Niles Elks Lodge, 1322 Canal St., Niles. For $8 get all you can eat whitefish, potato, slaw, rolls, butter and dessert bar.

Monday, Sept. 21

International Day of Peace 5 p.m.

Southwest Michigan Pax Christi group is sponsoring an observance of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace at 5 p.m. Sept. 21. All are invited to meet at the Niles Riverfront Park near the boat launch north of the Main Street bridge/construction for a short reflection and silent meditation. The theme for this year is, “Partnerships for Peace — Dignity for All.”

Tuesday, Sept. 22

National Association of Retired Federal Employees 6 p.m.

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees SW Michigan Chapter will hold their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 at the Super Buffet in Benton Harbor (next to Big Lots). All retired and current federal employees, spouses and families are welcome. For more information, call Jean Rowe, (269) 782-2769 or email her at jeanrowe70@comcast.net.

Saturday, Sept. 26

Saturday, Oct. 10

Thursday, Sept. 24

Bertrand Township open house 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bertrand Township will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at the community building, located at 3835 Buffalo Rd., Buchanan. It is an all-you-can eat event. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet firemen, township board members, play childrens games and win door prizes.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Four Flags Toastmasters 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The Four Flags Toastmasters No. 9117 meets from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Niles Township Hall, 320 Bell Rd., Niles. Increase your confidence and sharpen you skills in public speaking. For more information, contact Margaret at (269) 683-5743.

Pheasants Forever banquet 6 to 9 p.m.

The Cass County chapter of Pheasants Forever will be hosting its 16th annual fundraising banquet on Sept. 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dowagiac Conservation Club, located 10 minutes north of Dowagiac on highway M-51. Banquet tickets include membership, a catered dinner, both a live and silent auction, raffles, door prizes and gifts. All the profits from the banquet are invested in Cass County projects and education. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www. casscountypf.org or by phone weekdays at (574) 522-6595 – ask for ticket sales.

Golf outing and breakfast 8 a.m.

A golf outing and breakfast benefitting the Niles Salvation Army will be held Saturday, Sept.

26 at Hampshire Country Club, located at 29592 Pokagon Hwy. in Dowagiac. Registration and breakfast is at 8 a.m. and tee time is at 9 a.m. A lunch and auction will follow the golfing portion of the event.For more information, call Major Tracy Walters at (269) 684-2660.

Thursday, Oct. 1

Blood drive 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

United Federal Credit Union blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Niles south branch, 2100 S. 11th St., Niles.

Register online at unitedfcu.com/giveblood.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

An American Red Cross Blood Service is holding a blood drive from noon to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at First Church of Christ, 2240 Yankee St., Niles

Dowagiac Class of 1995 reunion The Dowagiac Union High School Class of 1995 will be celebrating their 20th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Wounded Minnow Saloon in Dowagiac. The cost is $10 for taco bar and soft drinks. Entertainment will include a DJ and cornhole. Attendees are also encouraged to join former classmates for a gathering at the homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 9.

People can find the Class of 1995 on Facebook.

Flea market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Pokagon United Methodist Church is sponsoring a flea market, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Crystal Springs Camp and Retreat Center.

The event will raise money to send kids to camp.

Organizers are looking for vendors. People who are artists, crafters, have a home business or need a space for yard sale are encouraged to participate. Call Shari Bradke at 574-309-0260 for more details.

THURSDAY, Oct. 22

8th annual gerentology conference 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Everyone is invited to the 8th Annual Gerontology Conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22, at Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Clinical bioethicist, consultant, lecturer and hospice volunteer Viki Kind, MA, will be the keynote speaker. For more information, contact Pat Adams at (574) 239-8364 or padams@hcc-nd.edu

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Living 50 Plus • September 2015

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Living 50 Plus • September 2015

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Living 50 Plus • September 2015

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More than 100 people attended the Buchanan Senior Center’s annual picnic Wednesday, Sept. 9. It was sponsored by the Galien/Buchanan Lions Club.

1: Walter Gregory, of Niles, sings “I Love You Lord” during his turn at karaoke.

2: Senior Center receptionist Joan McGuire was recognized for 10 years on the job.

3. Gray Lietz and Vera Kunst scope out the bingo prizes.

4. From left: Irinka, of Niles; Don Holmes, of Buchanan; Mamiella Chavis-Brown, of Buchanan; and Dorothy Cashier, of Buchanan; enjoy lunch and conversation.

5. Sharon Skala, of St. Joseph, won the 50/50 raffle.

6. Edna Lakin, 78, of Buchanan, gets a plate of watermelon.

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Living 50 Plus • September 2015

Cassopolis

“Your life is the focus; Death is the event.

Do you have a Plan?”

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Have

the the the

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You talk

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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 it’s time to honor and commemorate your lives.

You talk You talk

about many things with your loved ones: from day-to-day details to

big events.at Sharing stories withisthose who matter most just important today; it will details belife to about many things with loved from day-to-day Memorialization the end of life more than it your used toisn’t be.ones: It can reflect a person’s especially significant when it’sthose time towho honor and commemorate yourimportant lives. big events. stories with matter most isn’t just today; it will be story and beSharing 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 life they is more than it used to be. It can reflect a person’s life made, lessons learned andof how hope to be remembered.

Meaningful memorialization starts when 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.

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Living 50 Plus • September 2015

Page 11

AGING AMERICANS NEED EYE CARE MOST

BUT DO THEY HAVE BENEFITS?

J

ulie Beall might be a cancer patient, but she’s truly defined by any number of other titles. She’s a wife and mother, a registered nurse, a real estate professional, an MBA graduate, a small business owner and a public speaker. She owns a glass art studio.

She regularly volunteers at a medical clinic in Africa.

The 50-something is nowhere near retired, although she is nearing retirement age. And she has a message for people of her generation and older.

Get annual eye exams. Your life might depend on it.

John Lahr, OD, EyeMed Medical Director and a fellow baby boomer concurs.

“The single most important thing anyone 50 years or older can do for their vision and eye health is to book an annual eye exam,” he said. “Once you pass the 50-year mark, your risk for several serious eye diseases increases and the odds of you requiring vision correction also climbs. What’s more, your optometrist may see signs of a serious physical health condition you never associated with an eye exam.”

Nobody knows better than Beall. Two years ago she went for a routine eye exam near her home outside Dayton, Ohio, not knowing that her life was about to change forever.

“I didn’t really suspect anything was wrong,” Beall said. “Maybe I was getting a little older. I thought I might need reading glasses; maybe my eyes were getting a little tired.”

Beall’s optometrist noticed an area off the side of the retina that looked unusual. After dilating her eyes, he noted what he thought was a detaching retina. Considering it an ocular emergency, her optometrist referred her to an ophthalmologist who specialized in retinal diseases. She saw that doctor later the same day and was told she had choroidal melanoma, a potentially fatal form of cancer.

Doctors treated Julie with radioactive plaque therapy.

According to Dr. Lahr, Beall’s story of uncovering a serious health concern at the optometrist is not unusual.

In addition to preserving eyesight, annual exams can be a window to serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

“The average optometrist sees 2,500 to 3,000 patients annually. And it’s not uncommon for there to be hundreds of times each year you have someone in the optometrist’s chair who hasn’t had a physical in a while. You take a look at the back of their eye and you see early signs of something potentially serious,” said Dr. Lahr.

“More often, eye doctors recognize symptoms of serious eye disease when it’s early enough to correct the condition or manage long-term vision issues.”

Ironically, for many aging Americans, an annual eye

exam becomes harder to access at a time in life when they most need to see an eye doctor regularly. According to The Vision Council, less than half of Americans age 65 or older have vision benefits. Studies show that this aging population will double to 71.5 million by 2030.

Regular adult eye health and vision care is not provided through original Medicare or the Affordable Care Act. Plus, an increasing number of Americans in their 50s and early 60s are without access to employer-sponsored health benefits due to self-employment or circumstances.

This gap sparked an idea from EyeMed, and it began working on an insurance product for AARP members.

“There is a certain segment of the target population that might just say, ‘Why should I get an eye exam every year

if I don’t have a vision benefit to help with the costs?’” said Dr. Lahr. “I even talk to people who have the means to cover vision care costs out-of-pocket and are interested in an individual vision benefit.”

AARP MyVision Care from EyeMed, the first vision plan with features to meet the specific vision needs of senior consumers, launched in February in California, Illinois, Ohio and New Jersey. For more information go to https://aarpmyvisioncare.net/.

Today, Julie Beall has added a new role to her ever-expanding list of titles: eye exam advocate.

“If I could just get everybody in the country to get an eye exam,” she said recently. “Do it.”

“It may save your life.” (Family Features)

Page 12

Living 50 Plus • September 2015

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If the alternate 2015 of the Back to the Future film series were accurate, we would be easing along on hover boards, navigating skyways in flying cars and enjoying the luxuries of self-lacing sneakers and self-fitting jackets.

In that imagined 2015, we conduct business by fax and watch multiple channels of entertainment on the wall.

In some ways, the real 2015 is far more advanced than the imagined one of the movies. You do not see any computers or online services in the movie — let alone the computers most of us carry around with us in the form of smart phones and tablets.

In the real 2015, you can do a far better job of predicting your own future. Just visit the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. With the Retirement Estimator, you can plug in some basic information to get an instant, personalized estimate of your future benefits. Different choices in life can alter the course of your future, so try out different scenarios such as higher and lower future earnings amounts and various retirement dates to get a good prediction of how such things can change your future benefit amounts.

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COA plans September activites SUBMITTED CASSOPOLIS, Mich. — The Cass County COA is offering the following activities during the remainder of the month of September at both the Dowagiac and the Cassopolis location.

Lowe Center — 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis Friday, Sept. 18 — 9:30 a.m. — Great Decisions Wednesday, Sept. 23 — 10 a.m. — History of European Art Thursday, Sept. 24 — 8:30 a.m. — Bridge Tournament

Wednesday, Sept. 30 — 10 a.m. — History of European Art Wednesday, Sept. 30 — 1 p.m. — Caregivers Support: Occupational & Physical Therapy Front Street Crossing — 227 S. Front Street, Dowagiac Thursday, Sept. 17 — 11 a.m. — Walk the Michigan Lighthouses Tuesday, Sept. 22 — 10 a.m. — Fiction Writers Workshop Tuesday, Sept. 22 — 10 a.m. — Experiencing America Tuesday, Sept. 29 — 10 a.m. — Experiencing America

Living 50 Plus • September 2015

Page 13

‘The world’s most

multi-talented man’

By ANDREW MERICA andrew.merica@leaderpub.com

“R

ay Minix, who led the basketball team for four years, very likely holds the school career scoring record as well as the record for the most varsity letters earned, 14. The fact that all 14 letters were earned on the first string of varsity teams probably earned for him the title of Edwardsburg’s greatest all-around athlete.”

That was an excerpt from a 1972 article in the “Edwardsburg Argus” about the 1952-53 Edwardsburg High School basketball team, and Ray Minix, now 81 and living in Elkhart, Indiana, was the big star.

“We had the most outstanding class in the history of Edwardsburg — right in the middle of the century,” he said.

“We scored 75.2 points per game without the three point shot. Out of 22 games, we won 18 and lost four.”

Around that time, Ray made the acquaintance of a young woman by the name of Mary, who was the top female basketball player at Edwardsburg High School.

“She played two years of high school basketball, and her sophomore year, she averaged over 20 points a game,” Ray said.

After high school, when Ray went on to Alpena Community College, Mary followed. Ray was able to earn five varsity letters at Alpena — something unheard of in college athletics.

“While I was working, I might add,” Mary said.

Ray was on his way to becoming a regional and even national sports star.

But one day during his sophomore year of college, everything changed.

“It was a muddy day, and I slid into second base,” he said.

“I tore my knee up.”

That was the end of Ray’s hopes of any kind of professional sports. Most people would not be able to recover from such a devastating career blow.

But Ray Minix is not most people.

Ray, alongside his wife, developed a love for children.

He and Mary had six of their own, and after a few jobs coaching and teaching in different schools, they decided to open up schools of their own.

Throughout the middle of their life, Ray and Mary opened schools and daycares as far away as Virginia and Florida.

In many cases, these schools weren’t standard. One school, Mary recounted, was open only to students who had been expelled from other school systems.

“Kids always behaved for Ray,” she said.

On at least one occasion, Ray was brought into a school that had been mismanaged to fix the entire program.

“We had a very wonderful knack for handling young people,” he said.

Ray decided to write a short instructional book about how to handle young people. He discovered that he had a knack for writing as well, so he wrote a bit more.

He currently has four childrens’ books on Amazon and eBay, most illustrated by Mary.

In one, “Miki and the Little Bigfoot,” Ray tells the story of a misunderstood young Eskimo boy that develops a very unusual friendship with a forest creature. In another, “They Knew,” Ray tells a much more serious story about “the depth of anguish and suffering” felt by Jewish children during the Holocaust.

Ray’s love for writing quickly developed into a love for art, as well. He and his wife began making wood-carved plaques for the members of the military.

Ray Minix and his wife, Mary, have documented a number of successes during their relationship dating back to their high school years. The couple credits staying active with their longevity, and has no intentions of stopping anytime soon.

Leader photos/ANDREW MERICA

“We sold boxes and boxes and boxes,” Mary said. “I engraved into the night.”

While most of their plaques were sold to servicemen and their families, one of the plaques made it to the top of the ranks of the United States Army.

“A gentleman came by one day and said that Gen. Schwarzkopf would love one,” Ray said. That’s General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr., the United States Army general who led the coalition forces during the Persian Gulf War. Ray has a signed letter from Gen. Schwarzkopf thanking him for making the plaque.

Even after his great achievements in athletics, coaching, teaching, writing and wood carving, Ray was still not done adding to his repertoire of talents.

“I tried inventing,” he said. “That didn’t work so well … But I did do a one man show called ‘Elvis Lives’ at the Lerner Theater.”

“We still sing today,” Mary said.

Today, they also continue to make art together, including a unique three-dimensional art where putty or carving is affixed to a canvas and then painted over, giving a

seemingly regular painting an unusual topographical quality.

While Mary had done this kind of art all her life, Ray only recently got involved.

“He got tired of watching me,” she laughed.

So altogether, Ray is and has been everything from a coach to an artist, a singer to a writer — with Mary by his side helping all the way.

“We’ve been around and done a lot,” Ray said. “We’ve had an interesting life.”

That life is far from over. Ray and Mary have been married 62 years, and while those six decades have been filled with an amazing variety of experiences, they are certainly not ready to end the experiences anytime soon.

“My son always says that the headline when I die will read, ‘World’s most multi-talented man dies,’” Ray said.

Until that point and that point only, however, Ray and Mary are committed to continuing a life of variety and creativity, staying in touch with those that they’ve impacted throughout their lives and inspiring new generations to continue to take the world by storm.

Page 14

Living 50 Plus • September 2015

Ask the expert Question: I applied for my child’s Social Security card in the hospital but have not received it. How long does it take?

Answer: In most states, it takes an average of three weeks to get the card, but in some states, it can take longer. If you have not received your child’s card in a timely manner, please visit your local Social Security office. Be sure to take proof of your child’s citizenship, age, and identity as well as proof of your own identity.

And remember, we cannot divulge your child’s Social Security number over the phone. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question: Is it illegal to laminate your Social Security card?

Answer: No, it is not illegal, but we discourage it. It is best not to laminate your card. Laminated cards make it difficult — sometimes even impossible — to detect important security features and an employer may refuse to accept them. The Social Security Act requires the Commissioner of Social Security to issue cards that cannot be counterfeited. We incorpo-

rate many features that protect the card’s integrity. They include highly specialized paper and printing techniques, some of which are visible to the naked eye. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question: I have two minor children at home and I plan to retire this fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits after I retire?

Answer: Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children if: • They are unmarried and under age 18; • Age 18 or 19 and still in high school; or • Age 18 or older, became disabled before age 22, and continues to be disabled.

Children who may qualify include a biological child, adopted child, or dependent stepchild. (In some cases, your grandchild also could be eligible for benefits on your record if you are supporting them.) For more information, see our online publication, Benefits For Children, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

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Question: Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that affect me?

Question: What is the difference between the disability application and the disability report? Do I have to complete both?

Answer: It depends on your age. If you are retirement age and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can choose to file and receive benefits on just your spouse’s Social Security record and delay filing for benefits on your own record up until age 70. By filing for just benefits as a spouse, you may receive a higher retirement benefit on your own record later based on the effect of delayed retirement credits. You can earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70 as long as you do not collect your own benefits — and those credits can increase your benefit by as much as 8 percent for each year you delay. You can use our online Retirement Estimator to test out different scenarios. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Answer: A disability application is a claim for Social Security disability benefits. A disability report provides information about your current physical or mental condition that we need to process your disability application. To establish a claim for disability benefits, you need to file a disability application, submit a disability report, and provide an authorization to release medical records. The best place to start is at www.socialsecurity. gov/applyfordisability.

Question: I saw a poster that advised people 65 or over with limited income and resources to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Next month I’ll turn 65, and I thought I’d be eligible for SSI. I planned to apply until my neighbor told me I probably would be turned down because I have children who could help support me. Is this true?

Answer: Whether your children are capable of helping to support you does not affect your eligibility. SSI eligibility depends solely on your income and resources (the things you own). If you have low income and few resources, you may be able to get SSI. However, if you are receiving support from your children or from anyone living inside or outside of your home, it may affect your eligibility or the amount you can receive. Support includes any food or shelter that is given to you, or is received by you because someone else pays for it. Learn more about SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Question: I just got a notice from Social Security that said my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case is being reviewed. What does this mean?

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Answer: Social Security reviews every SSI case from time to time to make sure the individuals who are receiving payments should continue to get them. The review also determines whether individuals are receiving the correct amounts. You can learn more about SSI by visiting our website on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Question: I’ve been turned down for disability benefits. How do I appeal?

Answer: When we make a decision on your application, we will send you a letter explaining our decision. If you do not agree with our decision, you can appeal.

Appealing means, you can ask us to look at your case again. You must appeal within 60 days from the date you got our decision letter. You can: • File a disability appeal online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal and provide documents to support your request electronically. You can file an appeal online even if you live outside of the United States; or • Visit your local Social Security office.

For more information, call us at 1-800772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Question: How do I apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs?

Answer: You have several options for applying. You can: • Apply online by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp; • Call Social Security at 1-800-7721213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or request an application; or • Apply at any local Social Security office.

Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income are eligible for Extra Help to pay for the costs—monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co–payments—related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare.

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Page 15

Living 50 Plus • September 2015

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Living 50 Plus • September 2015

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Kick the habit if you do smoke and if you drink, do so moderately.

• Exercise Regularly - Regular physical activity is thought to help maintain blood flow to the brain. This reduces your risk for conditions such as high blood pressure which are associated with the development of dementia. Consistent vigorous exercise helps lower the risk for dementia.

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Keep your mind active by increasing your level of social interaction, learning new skills, playing challenging games, and doing other activities that require an engaged mind. People who are more socially and intellectually involved are less likely to develop dementia.

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