Janu ary 2018
You r resou rce for senior living in the Su squ ehanna Valley and neig hboring com m u nities.
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER G eising er doc discu sses,pag e 2
SAVING FOR RETIREM ENT It is never too late to beg in,pag e 9
SNORING,SLEEP APNEA m ay boost A lzheim er’s risk,pag e 12
C onnecting those retired w ith new and exciting adventu res.
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
Guest Columnist The need for Medicaid planning
O
luxury of distributing or ne of the greatprotecting their assets in est fears of older advance. This way, when Americans is that they may end up in a nurs- they do need long-term care, they will quickly ing home. This not only means a great loss of inde- qualify for Medicaid benefits. Providing pendence, but general rules also a tremenfor “Medicaid dous financial planning” price. In our is difficult area, a nursing because every home’s cost is client’s case is between $7,000 different. Some and $10,000 per have more savmonth. This ings or income cost is only than others. for room and Some are marboard and does Marissa ried, others are not include Marshall single. Some the costs of have family support, othsupplemental health ers do not. Some own their insurance, prescriptions or amenities such as cable homes, some rent. Still, a number of basic strateand telephone. Most people end up pay- gies and tools are typically used in Medicaid planning. ing for nursing home care The best bet is to conout of their hard-earned sult with a certified elder assets such as savings, law attorney who can retirement accounts, life advise you on the entire insurance or other investment funds until they have situation. At the very least, nothing left and can qualify the price of the consultafor Medicaid to pick up the tion should purchase some cost. Careful Medicaid plan- peace of mind, and what you learn can mean signifning, whether in advance icant financial savings and or in response to an unanbetter care for you or your ticipated need for nursing home care, can help protect loved one. If you are going to consult with a certified your assets, whether for elder law attorney, the your spouse or children. Medicaid also provides sooner the better. If you wait, it may be too late to financial assistance to take some steps available individuals needing a to preserve your assets. skilled-nursing level of Attorney Marissa Marcare who are residing in a personal residence rather shall is a Certified Elder than a nursing home. Med- Law Attorney and Associate at the Law Offices of icaid planning can assist those individuals needing Kreisher & Gregorowicz home care to protect their in Bloomsburg. Marshall assets and obtain eligibil- specializes in Medicaid ity for financial benefits to and Asset Protection Planhelp with the costs of their ning and provides home, hospital or nursing facility in-home care. A certified elder law attorney has the visits. She can be reached at 570-784-5211, ext. 2. expertise to assist people The views expressed in saving their assets from the cost of long term care. in this column are those of the writer and do not Those who are not in necessarily reflect those of immediate need of longPress Enterprise Inc. term care may have the
light at end of saD tunnel Geisinger doc discusses seasonal affective disorder symptoms, treatments By shawn h. stair
watching TV or having your morning coffee,” Gerstman said. The doctor noted that while depression is most prevalent in people ages 1845, being older can play into it if there are other factors associated with aging involved. “If you can’t get outside as much as you used to or be as active you used to, you might have more of an is-
Press Enterprise Special Editions Editor
DANVILLE — If you’ve been feeling down during all of the cold weather and cloudy dark days we’ve experienced in recent weeks, it may not be just cabin fever but a more serious condition known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. It’s a type of depression that tends descends on some people about the same time each year, typically beginning in the fall and easing up by spring. Geisinger psychiatrist Robert Gerstman, D.O., said it’s believed there’s a correlation between SAD and colder, darker days and insufficient exposure to sunlight. He said a SAD diagnosis would need to include exhibiting at least five out of the nine symptoms of depression nearly every day for two weeks or more.
Symptoms According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the symptoms of major depression are: • Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day • Feeling hopeless or worthless • Having low energy • Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed • Having problems with sleep • Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight • Feeling sluggish or agitated • Having difficulty concentrating • Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide The symptoms specifically associated with winter SAD include: • Having low energy • Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) • Overeating • Weight gain • Craving carbohydrates • Social withdrawal (feel like “hibernating”) “It’s a legitimate situation,” Gerstman said, “but something you don’t have physical symptoms of.” He noted that researchers have been trying for
sue,” he said. If you or someone you know may be suffering from SAD, Gerstman advises, “Don’t be bashful. Talk to providers. Talk to friends. Light can help. See if meds are necessary. Help is available.” Shawn H. Stair can be reached at 570-387-1234, ext. 1300, or specialeditions@pressenterprise.net.
Special to Press Enterprise
roBert GerstMan, D.O., is a Geisinger psychiatrist. years to develop a blood test to detect depression, thus far, to no avail.
Treatments The treatments for SAD include consulting with a therapist, taking certain medications and the use of phototherapy lamps. Gerstman said lamps from manufacturers such as Verilux often cost less than $100 and can be purchased by anyone. SAD sufferers can benefit from as little as half an hour a day of exposure to a phototherapy lamp with a rating of 10,000 lux, a measurement of light equivalent to natural sunlight. “You can spend the time with the lamp exercising,
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
L iving W ell w ith
H E A R IN G L O SS Hearing loss can occur at any age and for many reasons. If you suspect you have a hearing loss or others have hinted you have a hearing loss it is vitally important you get evaluated by a Board Certified Licensed Audiologist.
Recent studies show untreated hearing loss leads to increased risk of cognitive decline and Dementia.
Hearing loss negatively affects social, physical and cognitive aspects of daily routines.
The highest percentage of hearing loss occurs due to aging called Presbycusis.
It is vitally important when Hearing Aids are needed they are appropriately fitted by a qualified experienced Audiologist.
H earing correctly is im portant to living a g ood and produ ctive life. E veryone w ants to properly hear the voices oftheir fam ily,friends or co w orkers.People w ant to hear the joyfu lsou nds ofm u sic or the am azing sou nds ofnatu re.H earing correctly is L IV IN G W E L L . Ifyou have a hearing loss or trou ble w ith you r hearing aids callthe B oard C ertified A u diolog ists ofA C E H E A R IN G C E N TE R w ho have been serving B loom sbu rg and the su rrou nding area for over 20 years.
A ce H earing C enter staffm em bers from left,Sandi M cG inley,M S,C C C -A ; C arolFelix,receptionist and K ayla B loom ,A u D ,C C C -A .
2201 Fifth St.H ollow Rd. Bloom sbu rg
570-784-8050
www.acehearingcenters.com
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
Guest Columnist Residents feel like home in four secure neighborhoods
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anuary of 2018 brings the opening of our beautiful new Heather Court for memory care. Finally after many construction challenges, our August 2017 opening date was pushed back numerous times until now. It was a long road to completion. The 48bed secure residence Judi offers four separate neighborhoods in which residents, with different cognition levels, are grouped together. There are no confusing hallways, and all meals, activities and care are offered in each neighborhood. Private and semi-private rooms open into a “great room” concept with open and intimate spaces for relaxing, eating and enjoying activities. Secure patios and spectacular views in every direction enable residents to enjoy indoor and outdoor living. This new residence rounds out our senior living campus to meet the needs of all seniors. The ongoing construction of our stellar retirement Country Houses still continues. Spacious floor plans, oversize garages and many upscale appointments throughout always offer the best choices at the best prices. Whether you are looking for “brand
new” construction or a totally redone existing floor plan, Nottingham Village Senior Living Community has many different choices. A family-owned campus, our owners are licensed Nursing Home Administrators with years of experience. Nottingham Village’s desire to bring conKarr sistent and attractive services to seniors is well known. We opened the doors at the nursing center in 1977 and our 105-acre campus has allowed us to grow with the ever-changing needs of seniors. When planning for your future, don’t wait till the last minute. Call me, Judi Karr, at 570473-2360, and I will be happy to help you reach your goals. A continuum of care is a perfect situation as we age. Enjoy friends and activities when you retire, yet have the support systems in place if you need them in the future. It’s a “win-win”! Karr is the marketing director at Nottingham Village Senior Living Community, 60 Neitz Road, Northumberland. The views expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Press Enterprise Inc.
Overcome isolation, loneliness Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate
If you’ve ever felt lonely, you’re not alone. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that nearly half of older adults in America experience some degree of loneliness. The University of Chicago study is part of Connect2Affect, a collaborative effort spearheaded by AARP Foundation to learn more about isolation and loneliness in older adults and to work toward practical solutions to reconnect older adults to their communities. One thing the study highlighted that may seem surprising to many is that loneliness and isolation are not the same.
Loneliness, isolation Loneliness or subjective isolation denotes how people perceive their experience and whether they feel isolated. Objective isolation involves quantifiable measurements, such as the size of the person’s social network (and the frequency of engagement with it), availability of transportation, and ability to access resources and information.
The problem Together, loneliness and isolation create a growing health epidemic. The health risks of prolonged isolation — in its broadest sense, including both objective isolation and loneliness — are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. More than 8 million adults age 50 and older are affected by it.
Why isolation happens Often, there are multiple causes, including poor physical and mental health, poorly designed communities, and major life events such as loss and retirement. Socioeconomic status stands out as a differentiator between non-lonely and lonely individuals. Lonely older adults are significantly more likely to have an annual household income of less than $25,000 and assets less than $10,000, and
NAPS
researCh suGGests it’s a healthy idea for older Americans to avoid isolation. are more likely overall to be in the lowest income group. Marital status is another strong indicator of loneliness. Both married and unmarried older adults can be lonely — but the lonely are less likely to be married and more likely to be divorced, separated or widowed. Fourteen percent of married older adults and 30 percent of unmarried older adults fall into the lonely group. While married women are at a higher risk of loneliness than married men, unmarried women are at a lower risk of loneliness than unmarried men. In both cases, those with more support and less
strain in their marital rela- your sense of purpose and tionship are at lower risk of help others. • Visit a senior or comloneliness. munity center to find a Some answers wide range of activities Fortunately, isolation and opportunities to meet can be overcome. Here are people. 12 ideas to try: • Check out faith-based • Nurture and strength- organizations. Many offer en existing relationships. outreach to help isolated Ask people over for coffee, community members. or invite them to join you • Don’t let being a nonfor a trip to a museum or a driver keep you from staymovie. ing active. Find out about • Schedule a time each your transportation opday to call a friend or visit tions. Many communities someone. have free or low-cost ser• Meet your neighbors — vices, and ride-hailing apps young or old. are an affordable option for • Use social media such many. as Facebook to stay in touch • Get involved in a cause. with long-distance friends, For further advice about or write an old-fashioned isolation, check out the letter. Connect2Affect website • Stay physically active at http://connect2affect. and include group exercise org. The website includes a as a fun way to socialize searchable directory of lowhile staying healthy. cal resources to help people • Take a class to learn connect with their commusomething new and expand nities and a fast, easy selfassessment test to identify your circle of friends. • Revisit an old hobby isolation risk. For informaand connect with others tion about AARP Foundation, visit www.aarpfounwho share your interests. • Volunteer to deepen dation.org.
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
Myths, misconceptions on osteoporosis busted
looK at that! Call 570-387-1234, ext. 1325, with your photo ideas
The Gift
Courtesy of Brandpoint
One in two women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture caused by osteoporosis in her remaining lifetime. Despite its prevalence, there are many myths and misconceptions about this “silent” disease. These myths may be a reason why osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated. A fragility fracture (breaking a bone by falling from a standing height or lower) can impact day-today life, but it can also be an indicator for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. When you have osteoporosis, even daily tasks such as taking your dog for a walk can put you at risk for a fragility fracture of the wrist, leg or even hip. But, a startling 82 percent of postmenopausal women did not identify such fractures as a possible risk factor for osteoporosis, according to results from a recent online survey of over 1,000 postmenopausal women conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Radius Health, in partnership with HealthyWomen and the National Osteoporosis Foundation. That first fracture should be your cue to talk to your health care professional about treatment options that may lower your risk of breaking a bone again. “It is critical that postmenopausal women do not dismiss seemingly insignificant fragility fractures as ‘clumsiness,’ but instead see them as an important indicator for bone fragility, disease progression and the need for intervention,” says Dr. Andrea Singer, MD, FACP, CCD, clinical director and trustee of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. This is just one myth about osteoporosis. There are many others, including: • Myth: Osteoporosis only affects the elderly. Truth: Osteoporosis often affects women after menopause. Natural menopause can occur as early as age 50. The rate of bone loss after menopause is increased with the accom-
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Brandpoint
separatinG the truths from the myths is an important step in pursuing appropriate care for bone health after menopause. panying loss of estrogen. Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that lowers the density of bones over time, making them weaker and more likely to fracture. • Myth: Osteoporosis isn’t very common. Truth: Ten million Americans are estimated to have osteoporosis, and more than 8 million of those are women. • Myth: Osteoporosis isn’t that serious. Truth: More women over the age of 55 were hospitalized in the United States for osteoporosis-related fractures than for stroke, heart attack or breast cancer. Yet, according to the survey, postmenopausal women were more likely to be concerned with a diagnosis of stroke, heart attack and breast cancer than osteoporosis. • Myth: Health care providers will tell you when it’s time to test for osteoporosis. Truth: Research suggests only 2 in 10 older women in the United States who suffer a fracture are tested or treated for osteoporosis. Furthermore, according to the survey, 96 percent of postmenopausal women who have not yet been diagnosed with osteoporosis and who suffered a fragility fracture were not told by their health care provider it could be linked to osteoporosis. • Myth: Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is
enough to treat osteoporosis. Truth: About 3 in 10 postmenopausal women incorrectly believe that drinking milk or taking calcium supplements alone will prevent osteoporotic fractures/ breaks, the survey found. While getting enough calcium and vitamin D is critical to keep bones strong, it may not be enough when it comes to treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, especially after a fracture. It’s important to learn about osteoporosis and talk to your health care professional. • Myth: There is no way to build new bone after menopause. Truth: About one-quarter of postmenopausal women incorrectly believe there is no way to build new bone at their age, the survey found. The truth is that certain types of treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis can help build new bone, while others help slow bone loss. Separating the truths from the myths is an important step in pursuing appropriate care for bone health after menopause. To get more information about osteoporosis, visit the Fractured Truth website at www.fracturedtruths.com. To learn more and find a community of supportive women, visit the Fractured Truth Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FracturedTruth.
JAMES L., JR.
HINCKLEY
FUNERAL HOME and CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 1024 Market St., Berwick Serving Greater Berwick Area for Over 50 Years
Mansfield Hearing Aid Center 570-752-3805
James L. Hinckley, Jr. - Supervisor
W elco m e to o ur new estlo ca tio n in BLO O M S BU RG!
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Study conducted at the University of Northern Colorado, 2015, examined the effectiveness of the new features of primax by collecting and analyzing ongoing EEG data while subjects performed speech testing. For both primax features SpeechMaster and EchShield, the objective brain behavior measures revealed a significant reduction in listening effort when the feature was activated. Hearing instruments help many people hear better, but cannot solve every hearing problem or restore normal hearing. Features vary by technology. Copyright ©2016 Signia GmbH. All rights reserved. Sivantos, Inc. is a Trademark Licensee of Siemens AG. 6/16/SI/16984c-16
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
unleashing inner rock star at age 50 By Jonathan elDerFielD Associated Press Writer
Bryan Adams famously got his first real six-string in the summer of ‘69. I waited until the summer of 2017. I had just turned 50, and a series of lucky events led to my possession of an electric guitar. (My best friend’s wife commented one day on the overabundance of guitars in their small Brooklyn apartment, and by the end of the discussion one was offered up to me.) Having recently learned to ice skate, I decided I was up for the challenge. I was starting from zero — my only hands-on musical experience had been playing the recorder as a small child — and I certainly had no expectation of being good at this. But what young man hasn’t dreamed of being the lead guitarist in a rock band? First, to complement my sexy black-and-white Fender Telecaster, I shopped for an inexpensive amp at my local Guitar Center, and also bought a few picks. But what was the best way to learn? Would it even be possible at midlife to gain any mastery over my new instrument? I’d recently been thinking, with my 11-year-old son’s education in mind, about the different ways we learn, and how pathways are built into the brain’s memory circuits. I knew I would have to develop my ear, manipulate my fingers in ways I had never done before, and learn about notes, strings, chords and musical notation. I decided I would try a handful of methods: books, websites, apps, YouTube videos and, finally, a teacher. I wanted to learn some of the basics before playing in front of another person. The first job was just to get comfortable holding the thing. To tune the strings, I downloaded an app called Guitar Tuna and picked up a book, “Guitar for Dummies.” Like many before me, I learned the names of the strings (E, A, D, G, B, E) by using the acronym “Eat All Day, Go (to) Bed Early.” Next came some basic chords, strumming and
Learning to play the guitar
vice called Fender Play with a web and app version. It teaches with videos, and shows the guitar from different positions — head-on and from above (the player’s viewpoint). It starts slowly with tuning and chords, and includes some fun songs. I preferred the web version, which was easier to see, and the videos progressed at a pace I could handle. So far, I was progressing well on my own. But I wasn’t getting any feedback; it was time for a teacher. From the start, I knew it was a good decision. At
first, I was nervous playing in front of someone else — my fretting hand seemed to have a mind of its own. But Frumi Cohen, who teaches out of her home in Yardley, put me at ease and gave me confidence. Having someone listen and instruct me made the experience real for the first time. Frumi and I could also discuss music. She suggested that I think about songs I would really like to play. Until that moment, I actually hadn’t considered that I could. But the right song, as
Frumi noted, makes you think, “That’s why I want to play guitar. If I could play that, I’d practice forever.” Now, between lessons, I keep working with the Fender Play videos and my “Guitar for Dummies” book, and I practice at least a few minutes every day. I also sometimes turn up the amplifier to 11, turn on the distortion and crank out some seriously loud noise. Every once in a while, I have to free my inner rock star and jam with the best of them — in the privacy of my own home, of course.
Associated Press/Jonathan Elderfield
FruMi Cohen, a guitar teacher in Yardley, plays in her home. There are multitude of resources for learning to play the guitar, from phone apps and videos to books and teachers.
Columbia/Montour Aging Office, Inc.
A Private Non-Profit Organization Providing services to adults over 60 years of age to help maintain their independence and remain in their own homes and communities. SERVICES OFFERED:
picking. I began to work with Yousician, an app that lets you play along with animation. It picks up the music you play through your phone’s microphone, and indicates whether you’re hitting the correct notes, chords and timing. The instant feedback was fantastic, but it was difficult pausing the app when I needed to rewind and see something again, all while trying to hold down the chord and keep strumming. Perhaps it’s because I’m older, but I found a book very helpful. I could go at my own pace and see the chord diagrams on paper. I made notes and drew my own diagrams to help me remember the new information. This worked for me back in high school, so why not now?
physical part: repeatedly moving the fingers of my left hand into uncomfortable positions, and developing muscle memory there without getting my brain and fingers in a muddle. I tried to practice daily — five or 10 minutes in the morning before work, and then in the evening I settled in for an hour with the guitar on my lap, often with a soccer match on TV, the sound down low. Eventually, I started to develop the essential calluses on the fingertips of my left hand. Late at night, I might play for a few minutes before bed. I found this time magical and relaxing, simply repeating the same basic chords or single notes over and over. I also tried a few YouTube videos, but it was difficult to find the right ones Physical part toughest among the thousands that The toughest part of are available. learning to play was the I did like an online ser-
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For more information on these or other services please contact us at:
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
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Visiting loved ones in assisted living Guest Columnist Do something daring with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day
G
ter first noticing they’re et a hearing test! I know, getting having trouble hearing before getting hearing a hearing test with your honey may not aids. Wouldn’t it be so much healthier for your sound all that romantic. relationship to invest in But think again. hearing your Here’s partner betwhat the reter now, and search shows: avoid all that • We know heart ache? that unad• Research dressed hearshows that ing loss can two important have a negathings give retive effect on lationships a many aspects boost: Trying of a person’s new things life. But when together and people adLauren GrOMeL responding dress their to the other’s attempts hearing loss, their qualat emotional connection. ity of life almost always Not only will getting a goes up. Most say they benefit a great deal from hearing test together be a new adventure, but it using hearing aids. may mean that if you do • People with hearing get hearing aids, you’ll difficulty who use hearing aids are less likely to be more responsive to the feel down or depressed — one you love. After all, and they’re more likely to the latest technology will feel engaged in life, opti- make it easier for you to mistic and get pleasure in hear them. You may even doing things. Now that’s catch more of those loving compliments you’ve pretty good for all concerned, because when the been missing. When people with one we love is happier, we hearing difficulty use tend to be happier, too. hearing aids, very often it • Most people with has a positive impact on hearing difficulty say using hearing aids helps their romantic relationthem hear better overall, ships. So, go ahead. Try across all listening situsomething altogether ations. But they’re even more likely to say they’re new and daring this Valentine’s Day. Get a pleased with how their hearing test. hearing aids help them If you and your honey hear in more intimate would like to schedule an settings. Just imagine appointment for a free how happy your significonsultation or a hearcant other will be when ing test, call The Hearing you hear all the sweet Place at 570-759-1113. You nothings they’ve been whispering to you all this can also find more information on our website, time. www.hearingplace.net. • At least a quarter of Lauren Gromel is an people who get hearing audiologist with The aids say the stress that Hearing Place in Berwick. their hearing difficulty The views expressed was putting on a relationin this column are those ship was a key trigger of the writer and do not for their decision to act. What’s more, most people necessarily reflect those of Press Enterprise Inc. wait about five years af-
Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
For many seniors, a day arrives in their lives when it is no longer safe or practical to live at home alone. Assisted living facilities can help seniors adjust to their new situations. Such facilities typically offer comfortable surroundings, caring staff and all the amenities of home. Although fellow residents can provide companionship and friendships can develop over the course of time, assisted living facility residents also enjoy regular visits from family and friends. Such visits keep seniors connected with their loved ones and break up routines that, over time, may become monotonous. Some people may feel anxious or awkward visiting assisted living facilities because it may shed light on the frailties or specialized needs of loved ones. This may be especially true if a loved one has a physical, neurological or mental illness. Rather than avoiding visits, individuals can follow these guidelines. • Time visits right Many residents have the most energy in the morning or early afternoon right after meals. Call ahead to find out if there are any medical appointments or outings planned. Visiting during meals or activities can be fun because you’ll be engaged and will have something to keep both of you busy. • Limit distractions Find a quiet and comfortable place at the facility where you can spend time with your loved one. This way you can focus most of your attention on the person you are visiting, and he or she can do the same. A sitting room or an outdoor area can be a nice place to spend time away from television or other people’s conversations. • Plan an excursion If you are able to take the resident off of the property, arrange to take them somewhere that would interest them. Do not plan too much, because you want the excursion to be fun, not taxing. • Bring along items Gifts are not necessary, but photos, books, puzzles,
tia, visits can be especially challenging. However, simply being present can be comforting for the person even if conversation is stilted. Be patient and positive. Find topics that stimu-
or even keepsakes from home can serve as catalysts for wonderful conversations. • Help the conversation along If a loved one has demen-
A team of expertsto help
late responses, and fill in if things get quiet. Visiting someone in an assisted living facility can buoy residents’ spirits and make for an enjoyable afternoon.
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
Make most of your brain as you age Guest Columnist
Mansfield Hearing Aid Center opens Bloomsburg office
W
e are a hearing aid center that focuses on helping everyone live life to the fullest. We have new, state-of-the-art testing equipment to better assist you in reaching your hearing goals. We understand how important it is to enjoy life, and we want you to be hearing to the best of your ability. We want to help you to hear your grandchildren, watch your favorite television shows, talk on the phone or go to those delicious restaurants with your friends and family. Our goal is to provide our patients affordable hearing instruments without sacrificing quality. If you have been putting off getting hearing instruments because of the price, please stop in and visit us. You will be pleasantly surprised to see how much we can do for you. We not only supply quality hearing instruments, but we also carry a full line of custom hearing protection for hunters, swimmers, music lovers, travelers and work place environments. To better assist you, we offer free hearing tests. We also provide free lifetime after care, preventable maintenance, adjustments and cleanings (even emergency visits are free!). We enjoy a stress-free environment with no sales pressure, just honest advice and in-
denny Guffey formation. If you have been curious about hearing instruments or just want to get to know us better, please call us! Let’s set up your free hearing test today and add you to our family! For more information, call Mansfield Hearing Aid Center at 570-317-2817 (local) or 1-800-264-5685 (toll free) or visit mansfieldhearing.com.
Courtesy of Brandpoint
It is important to remember the health of our most complex organ: our brain. While the brain constantly changes throughout our lives, it’s critical that we take steps to help us stay on top of our game as we age. Help give your brain a boost in the right direction by implementing these 10 brain-healthy habits. • Get moving Studies show that being physically active may help reduce some risks to your brain health. It doesn’t matter what activity you do as long as you get your heart pumping for 30 minutes most days. • Eat up By watching your diet, you may be able to help increase your chances of staying engaged as you age. Try eating a healthy, low solid-fat diet — one that is low in saturated and trans fats — with lots of veggies and fruits. • Know blood pressure High blood pressure in midlife can have serious effects on your brain health down the road. If your blood pressure is high, talk to your doctor about how to
get it under control. • Drink little, if at all Alcohol may affect older adults differently than it had previously and even make them feel “high” without increasing the amount they drink. This can make you more likely to become confused or have accidents. • Get some shuteye Poor sleep can not only have serious physical effects but can impact memory and thinking, too. Seven to eight hours of sleep a night may help you keep your brain healthy. • Discover a new talent When you learn new things, you engage your brain and help reduce some risks to it. Challenge your brain on a regular basis by trying something you haven’t done before. • Stay connected Regular engagement in social activities may be good for your brain. Stay connected and make it a point to keep in touch with your family and friends. • Talk to your doctor As you age, changes in brain function, including short-term memory loss, are expected. If you have questions or concerns, ask
Regular balancing and strengthening exercises may help reduce your chances of a fall-related head injury. Work to improve your balance and talk to your doctor if you fall. To learn more about steps that may help keep your brain healthy, visit BrainHealth.gov.
• Six-lane, indoor, heated pool • 18 ft. climbing wall in pool • Full-sized gymnasium • 50 fitness classes per week • Fitness Center with cardio and strength equipment • Personal Training
• Indoor Cycling Classes • Summer Day Camp • After-School Camp • Racquetball Court • Special Events • Community Classes & Workshops for all ages
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DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY CENTER Visit us at...1 Liberty Street
(behind the High School stadium) or call us at...(570) 275-3001 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5:30am-9pm • Sat. 7am-7pm • Sun. 9am-7pm
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Denny Guffey, BCHIS, a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist, is the president and founder of Mansfield Hearing Aid Center, which has offices in Mansfield and 1901 Columbia Blvd., Suite 3, Bloomsburg. The views expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Press Enterprise Inc.
your doctor at your next appointment. • Mind your meds A medication that didn’t trigger side effects in the past can cause an abnormal reaction and even change your cognitive function as you age. Talk to your doctor about all of your medications. • Maintain your balance
H ere at B rookdale w e offer person-centered care tailored to m eet the needs ofeach individu al.R esidents ofB rookdale are em braced by ou r entire com m u nity and enjoy the m any benefits ofsocialinteraction w ith people ofallag es.O u r com m u nity inclu des the follow ing exclu sive benefits.
BRO O K D A L E H A S 40 YE A RS O F E X PE RIE N C E A N D IS TH E L A RG E ST SE N IO R L IV IN G PRO V ID E R , H AV IN G O V E R 1,100 C O M M U N ITIE S N ATIO N W ID E . •Sa fety AlertPenda nta nd Service pro vided •La undry a nd H o usekeeping Services •Linen Service pro vided •M a intena nce o nsite •H o m e-co o ked m ea ls •Sna cks & Refreshm ents a va ila ble a ta lltim es •Allutilities included
•A w ell-tra ined a nd dedica ted sta ff; 24 ho urs a da y 7 da ys a w eek •Physica l,O ccupa tio na l,Speech Thera py a va ila ble o nsite •D enta l,Visio n,Po dia try a nd Audio lo gy services a va ila ble o nsite •A w ide va riety o fa ctivities, enterta inm enta nd o ffca m pus events. •O ptim a lLife Pro gra m s
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
Guest Columnist Resolutions we need to keep
I
ndulge me for a minute. Say these words out loud, “The older I get, the smarter I get.” Repeat louder this time. And, yell it out one more time. Now sit back and think what you have learned over the past year that has made you one smart cookie. This year, let us all remember that we are KaThi never too old to learn something new. Let’s keep our brains active and partake in the following: • We need to get a good health checkup at least once per year. Make a list of questions and your concerns to review with your doctor. Make sure you understand their answers. It is OK to say “Dummy it down for me.” • We need to surround ourselves with family and friends. The more people we surround ourselves with, the better we will feel both mentally and physically. Also, create a “buddy system” and check on each other once per day. Set a time, and if you don’t hear from your “buddy,” ensure you or someone checks on them. You may save a life. • Volunteer-volunteervolunteer. Do you know volunteering will make you feel good? You take your mind off yourself and your personal issues and you give good to others. Giving good to others reduces your stress. Volunteer today! The Aging Office is always looking for volunteers. • Dress to fit the season. It’s currently winter, so when outside, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing in several
layers. These layers can be removed to prevent perspiring and subsequent chill when you come indoors. • Never listen to a telemarketer. They are only after one thing, and that is your hard earned money. Enroll in Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s “Do Not Call” at www.attorneygeneral. Lynn gov. No computer… no worries, call our office at 570-784-9272, and we will enroll you. • Don’t fall for the “grandchild scam.” You get a call stating your grandchild is in jail and needs bail money and they don’t want mom and dad to know. Get a phone number to call back once you verify the location of your grandchild. • Why sit at home alone? Boring! Attend one of our centers where you can have camaraderie and lunch. All of our centers have a wide variety of programs and activities to fit your needs. Don’t see something you like? Let us know, and we will do our best to make it happen. If you live in the Bloomsburg area, our new center is equipped with a mini-gym, and we will be holding a variety of exercise classes. Commit to get fit in 2018. Add some of your own tips to the list and share with one another. Make 2018 your year! Kathi Lynn is director of the Columbia/Montour Aging Office Inc. The views expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Press Enterprise Inc.
9
never too late to start saving Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
Despite countless television ads touting the virtues of retirement planning, it seems many people are not getting the message. According to a survey from GOBBankingRates.com, one-third of Americans have nothing saved for retirement. The picture is not any rosier in Canada, where Statistics Canada reports that just 65.2 percent of the country’s 14 million households contributed to a retirement plan in 2015. Financial advisors recommend men and women begin saving for retirement as early as possible. The longer people delay opening a retirement account, the less time their money will have to grow. Those who never open such accounts may not be able to meet their cost of living in the future. While it pays to start saving for retirement early, late bloomers who need to catch up should know that it’s never too late to start. • Sign up for an employer-sponsored retirement account. Many employers arrange for retirement savings accounts like a 401(k) for their employees. Such accounts are typically tax-deferred. As
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while it pays to start saving for retirement early, late bloomers who need to catch up should know that it’s never too late to start. a result, men and women likely won’t even notice the money missing from their paychecks each month. Take advantage of such offerings if they exist. Such opportunities can be even more beneficial to late bloomers whose employers match contributions up to a predetermined percentage. • Start saving as much as possible. Many people contribute 6 percent of their pay to a retirement savings account such as a 401(k). That rule of thumb may be enough for young workers, but late bloomers may need to contribute a higher percentage of
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their incomes if they hope to catch up. If 10 percent is doable, then contribute 10 percent, being sure to diversify how that 10 percent is invested. Workers who can afford to contribute more might want to explore other retirement account options so they avoid putting all of their eggs into one basket. • Avoid high-risk investments. Investors trying to catch up on retirement savings may be tempted to invest their money in high-risk funds with the hope of making
up ground quickly. But investors typically want to reduce risk as they get older. That approach should still govern late bloomers’ investing decisions, as high-risk funds that don’t perform well could leave aging investors with little to nothing come retirement. Prospective investors who need help choosing the right funds for themselves should contact a financial advisor. • Cut spending. Men and women getting a late start on retirement saving should examine their monthly expenses, looking for places to cut costs so they can reallocate those funds for retirement savings. Some ways to considerably reduce monthly expenses include cutting the cord with a cable provider, driving a pre-owned vehicle instead of a new model and downsizing to a smaller home. Men and women who have delayed saving for retirement should not panic. While it’s always best to begin saving for retirement as early as possible, there are ways for late bloomers to catch up and/or create a decent-sized nest egg for their golden years.
10 Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
Guest Columnist
Essential aspects of hearing aid use By louis r. sieMinsKi
T
he correct fitting and wearing of hearing devices frequently goes unaccomplished. Often individuals, and especially the elderly, fail to be correctly fitted for hearing devices and fail to receive instructions on proper care of the devices. Individuals’ brains process sounds differently, and people’s homes as well as work and social environments are different. It is imperative that when hearing aids become necessary, they are fitted and programmed by a qualified and experienced audiologist. A free or nominalcost trial of the aids prior to purchase is highly recommended. The audiologist should explain the correct way to wear the aids, how to clean the devices and how to properly change the batteries or troubleshoot the aids if they stop working. Hearing aids need periodic service and come with factory warranties. Payment can often be facilitated by companies that allow for monthly payments over extended periods. Numerous studies have shown that the wearing of two hearing aids vs. one is far more effective. Hearing devices must be worn all day every day, even when a hearing-impaired person is home alone. It takes the brain time to adapt to hearing more normally with the hearing aids. Often in the initial few days of use,
an individual doesn’t like or even recognize his or her own voice. Many hearing-impaired individuals tend to speak more loudly than necessary. Hearing loss interferes with the ability to properly monitor one’s own voice. Nobody prefers to wear hearing devices or spend money to purchase hearing aids. However, when they’re necessary, it’s imperative that professionals properly fit the appropriate hearing aids. Providers should refer hearing-impaired patients to a boardcertified professional to properly evaluate hearing and then fit the correct hearing devices. Discourage patients from the inclination to purchase cheap hearing aids. Most professionals maintain websites listing their qualifications. Suggest to patients that they find a professional they trust and like, who will treat them with kindness, respect and competence and provide great service. For more information, call 570-784-8050 or visit acehearingcenters. com. Louis R. Sieminski, Ph.D., CCC-A, is an audiologist and owner of ACE Hearing Centers, with offices in Kingston, Williamsport and at 2201 Fifth Street Hollow Road, Suite 3, in Bloomsburg. The views expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Press Enterprise Inc.
Give safely and successfully through a giving site called Boomerang Giving. Seniors also can volunteer their time.
Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
People often gain a greater sense of purpose and happiness after givDonate directly ing to charity, and seniors Contact a charity diare no exception. Accordrectly to donate instead of ing to a study from Merusing a middle person or rill Lynch and Age Wave, unconfirmed entity on the today’s retirees are almost phone. Use a credit card or six times more likely to check so there is a receipt define success by generosof the donation. ity than their wealth when compared to seniors of yesOpt out of sharing teryear. Donating to one charity Seniors’ eagerness to Metro Creative Graphics should not result in a delgive makes them prime targets for charity fraud. seniors Can FinD GratiFiCation through charitable uge of solicitations from others. Individuals should Giving in retirement while giving. tell a charity they do not avoiding fraudsters is want their personal inforidentical. People should want to make. challenging, but seniors not be fooled by these tac- mation shared. This also who recognize their vulBeware sound-alikes tics. helps to reduce the risk of nerability can reduce their Some fraudulent charibeing contacted by bogus risk of falling victim to ties like to piggyback on Explore all the ways charities. criminals. Seniors can give back in the success of reputable Seniors who give to charResearch before giving organizations. They may various ways. Charitable ity reap many rewards. But To ensure a donation operate under names that gift annuities and charita- safeguarding one’s finances will be spent in the way sound similar to legitimate ble trusts are great ways to is of paramount imporit was intended, seniors charities or create busi- give, and seniors can even tance when donating to should thoroughly re- ness logos that are nearly donate senior discounts charity. search organizations before becoming donors. One of the first places to start is Charity Navigator. A 501(c)(3) public charity, Charity Navigator has been steering the public in the right direction regarding charities since 2001. Their analysts research thousands of financial documents, rating charities on accountability, transparency and performance, among other criteria. Individuals also can re• Physical, Occupational and • Skilled Nursing search charities by getting Speech Therapy recommendations from • Home Health Aide friends and family, as well • Sybertsville and Hazleton • Physical Therapy as learning about organilocations zations through the Better • Occupational Therapy Business Bureau. Online rankings and scam alerts • Speech Therapy can help with decision• Medical Social Work making as well.
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Don’t feel pressured High-quality charities do not need to resort to pressure tactics to solicit funds. Similarly, individuals should not feel put upon to donate because of gifts received in the mail. Such gifts commonly include note pads and return address labels. Seniors should make donations based on how they feel about a particular charity and the difference they
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Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018 11
find ways to live comfortably on less Guest Columnist
Resetting your internal clock O
ous a problem it is and ur brains conwhat to do about it. For tain “internal instance, cutting back clocks” that on caffeine and napping help us maintain the may help. daily rhythms that inOlder adults will fluence our sleep, horfind a spirit mone proof commuduction and nity that other bodily embraces the processes. realities of This clock aging while operates on promoting a cycle, the the joys of “circadian living at Marhythm,” ria Joseph that runs Continuing just slightly Care Comlonger than munity. 24 hours. dawn Our staff is Although OrzehOwsKi available 24 its timing is hours a day. Please call programmed internal570-271-1000, ext. 8, to ly, this cycle also rearrange an initial meetlies on external clues, ing and tour of our the most influential senior community off of which comes from of Route 11 at 93 Tower light exposure, which View Circle, Danville. reduces the producMore information is tion of the melatonin available at MariaJothat is responsible sephCCC.org. for regulating sleep P.S. If you find cycles. yourself falling asleep Because the internal later than you would clock tends to reset at like, talk to your doctor an earlier time as we about taking melatonin get older, seniors may supplements, which tend to feel sleepier encourage sleep. earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in Dawn Orzehowski the morning. Prolonged is the marketing direcexposure to sunshine tor at Maria Joseph during the day can Continuing Care Comhelp reset our internal munity. clocks. It is worthwhile to The views expressed speak to your doctor about sleeping problems in this column are those of the writer and about any effects and do not necessarily these symptoms may reflect those of Press have. Your doctor can Enterprise Inc. help assess how seri-
Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
Many people look toward retirement with mixed feelings. There is the anticipation and excitement of no longer having to stick to a set schedule. However, there may be some trepidation about living without a steady income. Bloomberg financial experts found the number of Americans aged 65 and older without a disability that weren’t in the labor force rose to 800,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016. This has become a long-standing trend of Baby Boomers leaving the workforce and entering retirement. Yet, a Statistics Canada study of people between the ages 60 and 64 who had left longterm employment found 43 percent of them were working again, most within a year of leaving their job. Although boredom may have compelled many of those people to reenter the workforce, some may have started working again to make ends meet. Researchers found the higher the earnings in one’s late 40s, the more likely a retiree is to go back to work. While retirees may need to alter their spending habits, it is possible to live happily on less. Here are some ways to do just that. • Accurately assess home expenses. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling says the cost of home-related expenses accounts for roughly 45 percent of spending for retirees. Individuals can add up exactly how much their
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while retirees may need to alter their spending habits, it is possible to live happily on less. homes are costing them and then decide if downsizing is a practical solution. Downsizing has a host of benefits, not the least of which is reducing housingrelated expenses. • Invest in health care. Unexpected health care costs can quickly deplete individuals’ finances. That’s why it is essential to have
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a solid insurance plan in place. Health care planning also may include thinking ahead to long-term care, such as assisted living and
nursing homes. One may have to make concessions elsewhere, but investing in health care can assuage concerns men and women might have about the cost of living in their golden years. • Use alternative transportation. Cars can be expensive. A budget-friendly alternative to driving is to use public transportation or transportation services provided to seniors free or for nominal fees. • Take advantage of senior discounts. Many restaurants, stores and service centers offer discounts to seniors. The starting age for discounts may vary from store to store, so always ask before cashing out. • Shop for food differently. Bulk buys may have been appropriate for men and women when there were kids running around, but empty-nesters can cut back on food expenses. Shopping sales and making more meals at home can help seniors save money. The market research firm NPD Group found that inhome meals cost roughly one-third of what it costs to eat the same food at a restaurant. Save dining out for special occasions. Retirees can make changes to save money without negatively affecting their quality of life.
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12 Press Enterprise n Friday, January 19, 2018
who should you leave money to? snoring may boost risk of alzheimer’s Courtesy of News and Experts
Not long ago, Jeff Bezos took to Twitter to ask the world for charitable-giving ideas. The Amazon.com founder sought a charitable strategy that looked at the long term and soon he was inundated with suggestions. Of course, Bezos has plenty of money to give, but you don’t need to be a billionaire to reach a point in life when you start feeling the charitable urge. “There comes a time when many of us want to do more than just accumulate money and property,” says Patrick Renn (www. patrickrenn.com) a financial professional and author of the best-selling book, “Finding Your Money’s Greater Purpose.” “You want to distribute the bounty. You want to enjoy what you worked to acquire, of course, but part of the change in attitude is looking to see how you can do more than just take care of yourself.” But who should your wealth — whether abundant or meager — go to? Should all of it be kept in the family when you die? Should it go to your church? A favorite charity? The college that educated you? Ultimately, only each individual can answer that question, Renn says. But there are steps that can
help you prepare for making that decision. They include: • Be aware that circumstances change. When you die, whatever you accumulated can end up in the hands of family, other beneficiaries, charities — or Uncle Sam. “A lot of people I talk to think they have it all worked out and that the IRS is going to get nothing,” Renn says. “But often, when I examine their documents and analyze the numbers, I discover that’s not true. It’s not always because they did a bad job. More than likely, it’s because tax laws changed since they did their calculations, or something about their personal situation changed.” • Realize that fair doesn’t always mean equal. People often divide an inheritance into equal shares. If there are three children, for example, then each gets one-third. Renn says people should sometimes reconsider the automatic urge to do that. For example, both children may be hard working, but one might be well off financially while the other is struggling to make ends meet. One sibling might be more adept at handling money, while the other will quickly blow any inheritance. • Understand that even small gifts can help. Many people think that leaving something to charity is for the very rich only. But Renn says anyone, regardless of net
worth, can find something they care about and include that charity, organization or cause as part of their legacy. A financial professional might even be able to help you leverage your resources so that your gift accomplishes more than you would have imagined. “We can contribute to the greater good with our time, our efforts and our money,” Renn says. “In giving financially, we are, in effect, giving all three, since money represents the fruit of our time and effort. When we share our money, we share ourselves.” Patrick Renn, author of “Finding Your Money’s Greater Purpose,” has been a certified financial planner for more than 35 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Villanova University and an MBA from Loyola College. Renn — who currently lives in Georgia — is the founder of Renn Wealth Management Group Inc. (www.patrickrenn.com), the former president of the Georgia Society of Certified Financial Planners and former president of the Georgia chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning. He is the past president of the Georgia Special Olympics, is the current chair of the Day 1 Endowment and has served on countless other charitable and endowment boards.
Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
Snoring may seem like a pesky yet minor problem, but it can be much more serious than some people know. Although snoring is a common problem among all ages and genders, the National Sleep Foundation says that men are twice as likely to snore as women, and snoring can worsen with age. The aging process can lead to a relaxation of the throat muscles, resulting in snoring. Furthermore, the NSF says anatomical abnormalities of the nose and throat, illness and other factors may also contribute to snoring. Drinking alcohol, which can have an effect similar to muscle relaxants, in the evening can make snoring worse. While many people may think snoring is a mere nuisance, it actually may be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Over time, apnea can be associated with high blood pressure and increased risks of heart attack, stroke or death, advises WebMD. Now there is new evidence that those with obstructive sleep apnea may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as well. A new study published
in the journal Neurology found that people with sleep apnea tended to develop memory problems and other signs of cognitive impairment earlier than people without such sleep disorders. Richard Osorio, MD, a research assistant professor of psychiatry at the NYU Center for Brain Health, found that, among 2,000 people studied, those who reported having sleep apnea or snoring tended to develop signs of mild cognitive impairment, including memory lapses and slower speed on cognitive skills, about 12 years earlier on average than those who didn’t report any sleep-related breathing issues. Mild cognitive impairment often precedes dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers believe snoring and sleep apnea may contribute to a buildup of the toxic protein in the brain called beta-amyloid, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. If snoring has become problematic, men are urged to visit a doctor or sleep specialist to see which therapies can be instituted to help improve sleep and overall health.