Senior Living 2018

Senior

A Siuslaw News Publication | Senior Living 2018 |

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L iving on the

Oregon Coast

Staying Flexible Exploring new places Living well on a budget

2018 edition a siuslaw news publication

Burns’s Riverside Chapel Florence Funeral Home

• Siuslaw Valley Crematory & Pet Crematory • Pacific Sunset Cemetery

Locally Owned & Operated by the Burns Family

Back: Alan Burns, Randy Clark Front: Kourtney Burns & Clayton, with Charlie, our greeter, Karen Burns

B

urns’s Riverside Chapel/ Florence Funeral Home is locally owned and operated

by Alan and Karen Burns. The compassionate care that the clients receive from the family is based on their commitment to the community in which they live. Alan served as Mayor of Florence from 19982005.

Your Community Friend... ...when you need one most.

Karen is a member of the Kiwanis club.

From traditional to unconventional — military, indoor or outdoor, formal or casual — they work to ensure that all the needs are met to honor the loved ones and families that they serve.

Alan is a second generation funeral director and a graduate of San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. Karen holds a funeral director license, and many women have found it comforting to have a woman to talk to during the difficult and stressful times.

www.burnsriversidechapel.com 2765 Kingwood St., Florence

In addition to the chapel and Pacific Sunset Cemetery, they own and operate two crematories — one for humans and one for pets. They offer products and memorabilia to honor those that have passed away and for beloved pets as well.

541-997-3416 24 Hour Caring Service

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Relaxing riverfront view from all rooms.

Gentle, Personal, Comprehensive Care

A Siuslaw News Publication | Senior Living 2018 |

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Senior L iving

Offering the CEREC Omnicam, “Completing most single crowns in one visit.”

Tooth Colored Restoration Root Canals • Crown & Bridge Extractions• Teeth Whitening Implant Restorations Cosmetic Dentistry Emergency Care Available

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

on the

Oregon Coast 4 — Live well in retirement 7 — Generational benefits 8 — Senior Resource Guide 10 — See the world 12 — Become tech savvy A special publication of the Siuslaw News P.O. Box 10 — 148 Maple St., Florence, OR 97439 541-997-3441 — www.TheSiuslawNews.com

Dr. Chad Clement

541-997-3423 1256 Bay St., Florence, OR myflorencedds.com

Publisher Jenna Bartlett Editor Ned Hickson Features Editor Chantelle Meyer – designer

Marketing Susan Gutierrez – director Jeanna Petersen Production Ron Annis – director Andy Nicolais

Copyright 2018 • Siuslaw News & Central Coast Publishing No part of this publication may be duplicated without permission

4 | Senior Living 2018 | A Siuslaw News Publication

Accounting for retirement Potential long-term expenses to keep in mind

R

etirement planning involves more than just investing in a 401(k) and/ or IRA. People who hope to live comfortably in retirement must account for various expenses, including those associated with their health.

A 2013 report from the U.S. Senate’s Commission on Long-Term Care found that each year an estimated 12 million adults in the United States require some type of long-term care. Planning for the following potential expenses can help men and women ensure they will have enough money to live well in retirement.

Housing: Many individuals would prefer to spend their golden years living in their own homes. However, adults who can no longer take care of themselves and/ or their homes may need to move. Homeowners who simply want to downsize may be able to finance their transitions to retirement communities by selling their existing homes. But those who need to move into assisted living facilities may find that even selling their homes might not provide enough capital to pay for such residences. According to Genworth’s 2017 Cost of Care Survey, the annual cost of assisted living facilities greatly varies by state, with costs as high as $67,188 in Massachusetts and as low as $ 32,400 in Missouri. In Oregon, the cost was $48,840.

Whether they invest in long-term care

insurance or develop another plan with their financial advisors, men and women must consider ways to finance potential housing costs in retirement.

Renovations: Home renovations are another potential cost in retirement. Aging men and women who can no longer comfortably navigate staircases but are otherwise healthy may need to renovate their homes to account for their limited mobility. Such renovations might include the installation of a staircase chair lift and/ or a ramp connected to the entryway of a home. Some may even need to convert a first-floor den or living area into a bedroom, which may also require adding a full bathroom.

Maintenance: Homeowners who want to stay in their homes in retirement must also factor potential maintenance costs into their retirement plans. Aging men and women may no longer be capable of maintaining their properties in retirement. Consider the potential costs of landscaping, home maintenance and maid services when making a retirement plan.

Transportation: Diminishing vision and slower reaction times compel many retirees to give up driving. But retirees who still enjoy getting out and about will still need a way to get around. Moving to a retirement community with daily shuttle service to and from town centers is one way for seniors who no longer drive to get around. But men and women who do not want to move to such communities will need to find alternative means of transportation, the costs of which can add up quickly.

Financial freedom in retirement is a goal for many working professionals. Attaining such freedom involves planning and saving for all potential expenses in retirement.

A Siuslaw News Publication | Senior Living 2018 |

W Live comfortably on less

hile 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 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 housing-related expenses.

• Invest in health care. Unexpected health care costs can quickly deplete individuals’ finances. That’s why it is essential to have 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.

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• 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. Couples can consider reducing their number of vehicles to just one.

• 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 people 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. Many people find 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.

Florence, Oregon

Us TOO Florence Prostate Cancer Education/Support on the Oregon Coast www.ustooflorence.org BOB HORNEY, CHAPTER LEADER/FACILITATOR Us TOO Florence has two monthly meetings for your convenience:

• Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday) 5-7 p.m. - Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff attends.

• Tuesday Lunch Group (3rd Tuesday) 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant Urologist Dr. Roger McKimmy attends.

Contact Bob for more information: (H) 541-997-6626 (C) 541-999-4239 maribob@oregonfast.net • Check out our Personal Prostate Cancer Journeys, slideshows and other information on our website.

• A prostate cancer diagnosis is not needed to attend.

• Spouses/family members are encouraged to attend.

• Bring questions/records - get answers • Someone to talk to - who understands. www.ustooflorence.org

6 | Senior Living 2018 | A Siuslaw News Publication

Staying Flexible

P

eople may begin to feel less flexible as they get older, but there are various ways to combat the natural loss of flexibility.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, that loss of flexibility is because muscles lose both strength and elasticity as the body ages.

A lack of flexibility can make men and women more vulnerable to certain types of injuries, including muscle strains and tears.

While people might not be able to maintain the flexibility they enjoyed in their youth, there are ways for them to combat age-related loss of flexibility.

• Stretch frequently. Stretching is a great way to combat age-related loss of flexibility.

Stretch major muscle groups, such as hamstrings and shoulder muscles, several times per week. When practicing static stretching, the goal is to gradually elongate the

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muscle being stretched before holding the position, and ultimately allowing the muscle to return to resting position. As flexibility improves, elongated stretches can be held for 30 seconds. Avoid stretching muscles that are sore or injured, and discontinue a stretch if you feel pain or discomfort.

• Include yoga in your exercise regimen.

Practitioners of yoga typically love how this unique discipline that exercises the body while relaxing the mind improves their flexibility. Many yoga poses are designed to improve the strength and flexibility of muscles, and some physicians may even recommend yoga to aging patients. Yoga DVDs or streaming sessions can be great, but beginners may want to visit yoga studios or sign up for classes at their gyms so instructors can personally ensure they are doing each pose correctly. As their flexibility improves, men and women can try more difficult poses and classes if they so desire.

• Get in the pool. Swimming is another activity that can help aging men and wom-

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en improve their flexibility. Strength-training exercises are an important component of a well-balanced exercise regimen, but such workouts tend to focus on one or two muscle groups at a time. That means other muscle groups may be inactive and tighten up as a result. Swimming works the entire body, which helps all muscle groups stay loose and flexible. One or two swimming sessions per week can contribute to great gains in overall flexibility, especially for those who remember to stretch when they get out of the pool.

Stay active and maintain flexibility Dentures • Partials with these•exercises.

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A Siuslaw News Publication | Senior Living 2018 |

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all in the family

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How generations can learn & benefit from one another

n the not-so-distant past, extended families frequently lived in close proximity to one another. Such families shared meals and experiences and essentially grew up together. Nowadays, families separate for various reasons, such as job opportunities and cost of living concerns.

While there are advantages to spreading out, there are also some disadvantages, namely that grandparents and grandchildren may not see one another frequently enough. Even though people of different age groups may not have the same interests, the interactions between generations can benefit both young people and their aging relatives.

Finding renewed vigor

Senior living and active lifestyle communities provide invaluable care and amenities for seniors. While being around like-minded individuals can be handy, it’s also limiting. Seniors who continue to age in place in mixed-age communities can extract joy from watching youthful children and young adults growing up, play-

ing and socializing. Being around multiLearning new technology ple generations also can spark interesting Younger generations can impart knowlconversation, and all parties involved can edge of technological devices to older learn something from one another. adults. People with skills are usually happy to share their knowledge. Even if sePlanning for the future Younger generations may not under- niors aren’t ready to purchase tablets or stand the concept of “hard times” or “do- smartphones, they may be excited to have ing without” like a person who has lived their grandchildren teach them about the through various ups and downs. Passing latest gadgets. along advice about economic cycles, savProviding sense of purpose ing for the future and maintaining stabilBoth seniors and younger generations ity is one area of expertise at which many can realize a greater sense of purpose seniors excel. when interacting with one another. That Practicing interpersonal skills person may be the reason the other one All the technological savviness in the greets the day with a smile. Visits from world cannot compensate for the power grandchildren can reduce the likelihood of strong interpersonal skills. Being able of isolation and depression in older adults. to address a group of people or speak one- And younger generations can discover on-one is essential in the workplace and the benefits of personal social interaction in life. When younger generations speak rather than communicating exclusively to older adults, they may become stron- through social media apps.

Fostering intergenerational connections ger at verbal discourse and have greater is a great way to broaden social circles, perspective of different points of converimprove communication and learn new sation. things.

8 | Senior Living 2018 | A Siuslaw News Publication

Florence area directory — Senior services —

ASSISTANCE SERVICES • Front Desk Florence, 541-902-5122 • Siuslaw Outreach Services, 1576 12th St., 541-997-2816

• PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center 400 Ninth St., 541-997-8412 • Peace Harbor Primary Care, 541-997-7134 • Premiere Foot and Ankle, 4750 Village Plaza Lp, Ste 202, Eugene, 541203-7707 • Siuslaw Medical Clinic 1845 Highway 126, Florence, 541-999-6599 • Wellspring Clinic & Points of Grace Acupuncture 1845 Highway 126, Suite H Park Place, 541-902-8860

ERRAND SERVICES • Heavenly Helpers LLC, 1720 34th Place, 541-991-7051 FUNERAL HOME, CREMATORY, CEMETERY • Burns’s Riverside Chapel/Florence Funeral Home 2765 Kingwood St., 541-997-3416 HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE • Peace Harbor Home Health & Hospice 400 Ninth St., 541-997-3418 INSURANCE • Oregon Health Plan, 800-699-9075 • Medicare (general), 800-633-4227 LEGAL SERVICES • Lane County, 547-485-1017, ext. 131 MEDICAL SERVICES • Lower Umpqua Hospital 600 Ranch Road, Reedsport, 541-271-2171 • McKenzie Primary Care 4480 G Highway 101, 541-997-1789 • Northwest Reflections Health & Wellness 5292 Harvard Ave., Florence, 541-590-3906

RESPITE CARE • Memory Loss Respite Center of Florence 1570 Kingwood St., 541-902-8539 SENIOR & DISABLED SERVICES • Florence Office, 3180 Highway 101, 541-902-9430 • Florence Senior Center, 1570 Kingwood St., 541-997-8844 • Social Security Administration, 800-772-1213 • Tax Aid (AARP), 888-687-2277 TRANSPORTATION • Rhody Express, 541-902-2067 • NEW Florence Yachats Connector, www.ltd.org/connector/ VETERAN SERVICES • Disabled American Veterans Ch. #23 — 541-997-8060 • Roseburg — 800-549-8387 • Portland — 800-949-1004

— Senior living & care — SENIOR COMMUNITIES • Florentine Estates 182 Florentine Ave., Florence, 541-997-1762 • Greentrees Village, Inc., 541-997-8674 1600 Rhododendron Drive, Florence • Inland Point Retirement Community 2290 Inland Dr., North Bend, 541-756-0176 • Munsel Park Apartments 2021 12th St., Florence, 541-997-2661 • Sea Aire Assisted Living 1882 Highway 101, Yachats, 541-547-5500 • Shorewood Senior Living 1451 Spruce St., Florence, 541-991-4319 • Spruce Point Assisted Living Community 375 Ninth St., Florence, 541-997-6111 • Tanglewood Apartments 1956 16th St., Florence, 541-997-8817 • Terpening Terrace 50 Ruby Ave., Eugene, 541-689-0619 • Windsong Senior Apartments

• Hubbard’s Retreat — Adult Foster Care 1365 Spruce St., Florence, 541-997-5398 • Ya-Po-Ah Terrace Retirement Apartments 5253 Heceta Beach Road, Florence, 541997-8964 350 Pearl St., Eugene, 541-342-5329 • Inland Point, North Bend ALZHEIMER’S CARE 2290 Inland Drive, 541-756-0176 • Elderberry Square • Spruce Point 3321 Oak St., Florence, 541-902-8821 375 Ninth St., Florence, 541-997-6111 • Memory Care Respite of Florence IN-HOME CARE memorycarerespite.org, 541-902-8539 Featuring Alzheimer’s Care Coffee Club • Peace Harbor Home Health & Hospice Adult Day Program at 1570 Kingwood St. 400 Ninth St., Florence, 541-997-3418 • Regency Florence Rehabilitation Center • New Horizons 398 Highway 101, Florence, 541-997-8115 1951 21st St., Florence, 541-997-8436 • Spruce Point Memory Care Unit NURSING FACILITIES 375 Ninth St., Florence, 541-997-6111 & LONG-TERM CARE • Peace Harbor Rehabilitation & Wellness ASSISTED LIVING Center • Elderberry Square 685 Highway 101, Florence, 541-902-1669 3321 Oak St., Florence, 541-902-8821 • Regency Florence Rehabilitation Center • Enchanted Gardens 1951 21st St., Florence, 541-997-8436 1610 22nd St., Florence, 541-997-0209

A Siuslaw News Publication | Senior Living 2018 |

Florence area directory — volunteer — • Boys & Girls Club of Western Lane County 1601 15th St., 541-902-0304, www.bgcwlc.org • Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW) 3120 Highway 101, 541-999-8641, www.crowkids.com • City of Florence 250 Highway 101, 541-997-3437, ci.florence.or.us • Disabled American Veterans Vans to Medical Centers Florence Elks Lodge, 541-902-3122, dav.org • Florence Area Chamber of Commerce 290 Highway 101, 541-997-3128, florencechamber.org • Florence Area Community Coalition 541-999-2927, www.florenceareacc.org • Florence Events Center 715 Quince St., 541-997-1994, eventcenter.org • Florence Food Share 2190 Spruce St., 541-997-9110, www.florencefoodshare.org • Florence Kiwanis Club — www.florencekiwanis.org • Friends of Florence Cancer Van — 541-997-8663 • Habitat for Humanity 2004 Highway 101, 541-902-9227, www.florencehabitat.org • Helping Hands Coalition 541-997-5057, www.helpinghandsflorence.org/ • Mapleton Food Share 10718 Highway #126, www.mapletonfoodshare.org • Meals on Wheels Program 1570 Kingwood St., 541-902-9430, florenceseniorcenter.org • Memory Loss Respite Center 1570 Kingwood St., 541-902-8539, florenceseniorcenter.org • Oregon Coast Humane Society, 541-997-4277 2840 Rhododendron Drive, oregoncoasthumanesociety.org • Oregon Coast Military Museum, 541-902-5160 2145 Kingwood St., www.oregoncoastmilitarymuseum.com • Peace Harbor Home Health & Hospice 310 Ninth St., 541-997-3418, peacehealth.org/peace-harbor • Senior Connections 541-682-3353, lcog.org/156/Senior-Disability-Services • Senior Center 1570 Kingwood St., 541-997-8844, florenceseniorcenter.org • Siuslaw Outreach Services 1576 12th St., 541-997-2816, www.florencesos.org • Siuslaw Pioneer Museum 278 Maple St., 541-997-7884, siuslawpioneermuseum.com • Siuslaw Public Library 1460 Ninth St., 541-997-3132, www.siuslawlibrary.info • Siuslaw School District 2111 Oak St., 541-997-2651, www.siuslaw.k12.or.us • Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue 2625 Highway 101, 541-997-3212, www.svfr.org

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— get acquainted — HEALTH & NUTRITION • Better Breathers Club Peace Harbor Medical Center, Conference Room C, fourth Wednesday, 2 p.m., 541-902-6300 ext. 5635 • Senior Meals Program Senior Center, 11:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, $3 suggested donation or $8 for people under 60, 541-997-5673 • Singing Pines Café Senior Center, 11:30 a.m., Tuesday & Thursday, $7 with reservations, 541-997-8844 MUSIC • Coast Chamber Ensemble Meets every Thursday, 3-5 p.m., Coast Village Clubhouse. All musical levels welcome. Contact: 541-870-4346.

• Community Chorus Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw, 3996 Highway 101, 7-8:30 p.m., every Thursday, 541-997-3469 • Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble Alternates between Siuslaw and Waldport; Monday, 6:308:30 p.m., 541-999-6907 • Yachats Big Band Yachats Commons, 7-9 p.m., first Thursday, $5 donation with children 12 and younger free, 541-547-4252 or 541-547-3626 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES • Coastal Writers 1st and 3rd Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. at The Shorewood, 1451 Spruce St., 541-902-8575 • Florence Senior Center Daily activities; 1570 Kingwood St., 541-997-8844, www. florenceseniorcenter.org • Last Resort Players, www.lastresortplayers.com Florence’s longest running community theater group • Professionally Retired Ornery Single Seniors (PROSS) 60+ years, 991-6430 or write 1451 Spruce St. Apt 107 • Second Saturday Gallery Tour Every Second Saturday, 3-5 p.m., various galleries around Florence, 2ndSaturdayGalleryTour.com

For more entertainment, events, classes and activities all year, visit TheSiuslawNews.com.

10 | Senior Living 2018 | A Siuslaw News Publication

explore the alternatives I

travel after 50

nstead of looking at aging as growing older, men and women can embrace the growing freedom that retirement can bring.

Nielsen reports that, over the next five years, around 80 million Americans will fit into the 50+ age bracket. Many of these people will have extra time to devote to leisure activities, such as travel.

AARP, the leading nonprofit organization for aging adults, says that of the people with memberships, nearly two-thirds take advantage of travel discounts and other benefits in a typical year.

The minimum age to qualify for “senior” discounts varies among companies and for different products and services, so it’s up to travelers to see what is available to them. Not all companies advertise their senior discounts, so people should read reviews to find out which brands or places offer the best deals.

Even if retirement is a ways down the road, older adults may have accrued more vacation time than their younger col-

leagues. That time can be translated into longer or more frequent trips.

Plus, when not constrained by school schedules, people can travel during times of the year when prices are most affordable. This means savings and smaller crowds. This flexibility also can translate into airline discounts, as people with no time constraints can choose to be standby passengers in exchange for discounted or free tickets.

Travel is much more than leaving one’s home. It’s about setting habits aside, escaping comfort zones and trying something different — and doing so in a different location. Whether it’s domestic or international, traveling can be an invaluable way to experience other cultures, meet new people and get a sense of history.

In its latest World Tourism Barometer, the United Nations World Tourism Organization found that 1.184 billion tourists traveled outside their countries’ borders for at least one night in 2015.

Europe, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas all recorded around a 5 percent

increase in international arrivals that year.

The U.S. Travel Association says that direct spending by resident and international travelers in America averaged $2.7 billion a day.

As valuable as traveling can be, many people feel they cannot afford it. However, there are ways to go on a budget and still have fun.

• Stay close to home. The closer your destination to your home, the less costly your trip figures to be. By visiting destinations that are within driving distances, travelers can save money on the cost of airfare, which is typically among the most expensive components of traveling. Road trips also afford travelers ample flexibility that might not be available to travelers who are traveling abroad.

• Choose affordable destinations. Overseas travel is not necessarily more expensive than domestic travel as certain destinations are ideal for bargain hunters

year-round. Research affordable destinations online or utilize the “deals” sections on travel websites.

• Cook some of your meals. Food is among the costliest expenses for travelers. People can save some money by cooking some of their meals during their vacations. Doing so saves money on dining out, and travelers willing to experiment by cooking dishes native to the places they’re visiting can have some fun in the kitchen.

• Do your homework regarding your destination. Thanks to websites such as TripAdvisor, travelers can now learn as much as they want to learn about a given destination before they ever visit it. Such resources can be invaluable to travelers who want to enjoy their vacations but must do so on a budget. Research affordable tourist attractions and restaurants, even looking for free activities. Such research can be fun and make for more enjoyable trips.

A Siuslaw News Publication | Senior Living 2018 |

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Why travel is so enticing Engage your mind

Staying mentally active over the course of a lifetime promotes long-term health. Navigating unfamiliar places or reading a foreign language while sitting in an international country can engage the brain and get synapses firing. The Mayo Clinic reports that higher cognitive activity endows the brain with a greater ability to fend off brain pathologies, such as disease and dementias.

conducted by the University of Michigan found the act of talking with people in a friendly way can improve a person’s memory, suppress external and internal distractions, and encourage people to see things from another person’s perspective. It doesn’t hurt to broaden one’s social network, either.

Build confidence

Leaving one’s comfort zone can be a great way to bolster self-esteem. Navigating cultural boundaries and overcoming those boundaries may be initially intimidating, but doing so can make a person more confident and more adaptConnect with new people Travel opens a person up to not only able to change. new experiences, but also new peoDevelop opinions ple. English poet John Until a person visits a place in person, Donne penned the he or she only has third-party informafamous line, “No man tion to form opinions. Visiting a city is an island,” which or country for the first time can offer a underscores the impor- more complete perspective. tance of having friends Travel gives people the chance to rest, and making new ac- explore, meet new friends, and make quaintances. Research lasting memories.

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12 | Senior Living 2018 | A Siuslaw News Publication

silver surfers Seniors becoming more tech-savvy

T

echnology is the future, and digital communication has opened many doors for people around the world. Although younger generations have grown up with technology at their fingers, Baby Boomers and older adults did not. But in spite of that, studies show that growing numbers of seniors are open to the idea of technology and even seeking ways to further their use and knowledge.

According to a 2014 study

by Pew Research Center, 59 percent of seniors regularly use the internet — a 6 percent increase from the previous study conducted in 2012.

Today, 67 percent of adults age 65 and older say they go online.

Pew also says that, although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, four in 10 seniors now own smartphones, which is more than double the amount that did in 2013. Seniors in Australia are especially tech savvy, as Deloitte’s mobile consumer survey found 78 percent of Australian seniors aged 65 to 75 own a smartphone, up from 69 percent in 2016.

While stereotypes have long painted seniors as technologically inept, seniors are actually more socially and digitally engaged than ever before.

Seniors use technology in many different ways. Some use mobile apps to manage medications and doctor’s appointments and monitor their fitness regimens.

Some families employ 24/7

alert systems or smarthome technology to keep seniors comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible.

Noninvasive, “smart” technology can analyze factors such as whether or not doors are left open, if there has been movement in a home, or whether appliances/lights are on or off. This represents a great way for families to stay informed and provide assistance even if they are not nearby.

SilverSurfers, a seniorbased information website, says other tech that seniors are embracing includes online dating; audio and digital books; online shopping, which is especially valuable to seniors who have mobility issues; and social media, which can keep seniors connected to others and feeling less lonely.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco found 18 percent of American seniors live alone, and 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness can increase death risk. Social media and internet con-

nectivity can be an important tool in helping seniors feel like active members of society.

Technology is no longer

just for teenagers or active workers. Seniors are increasingly embracing technology and becoming a fast-growing demographic for tech usage.

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A Siuslaw News Publication | Senior Living 2018 |

13

saving space a

Learn to downsize before a move

ging men and women often take inventory of their lives in an effort to focus on activities or lifestyle changes that can ensure happy retirements.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows there are some 76 million baby boomers — those people born between 1946 to 1964 — across the country. With the youngest of the boomers in their mid50s and the majority having already reached retirement age, many boomers are trying to decide if it’s time to move out of their family homes and into smaller, more manageable

abodes.

Many older adults find they do not need the same amount of space as they did when they had children living at home.

Retirees and those on the cusp of retirement may find that downsizing is a smart financial move that frees up more time for recreation.

However, it can be challenging to cut down on living space and then deal with figuring out how to make furniture, belongings and stored items fit in more condensed areas. Moving can be stressful even without having to cut down on prized

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items. Taking an inventory of belongings can help the process go smoothly.

Before moving, men and women can go room by room, making piles of items that will be kept, donated, sold, or discarded. This can be a tedious task, but it is necessary to avoid clutter in a new home.

People downsizing can attempt to sell items they do not need via newspaper classified sections or online classified sites. Appliances and furniture in excellent shape may fetch good prices. Any extra cash can be put toward buying new items that are size-appropriate for the smaller home.

Another way to clear out clutter is to sort duplicates from the stock of items. A person may no longer need multiple sets of dishes or silverware.

If the move involves switching from a king-sized to a queensized bed, donate or trash bed linens that will no longer fit.

Pay close attention to kitchen and bathroom items, which tend to accumulate over time

but might not be discarded when clearing a home of clutter.

People moving from a detached home to a condominium or a townhouse may learn that homeowner’s association fees cover everything from snow removal to lawn maintenance to pool upkeep. If so, it’s unnecessary to bring lawn and garden supplies.

Homeowners are advised to look at the floor plan of their new dwellings and pay attention to storage space. This can make it easier to plan ahead for what may fit, what will need to be purchased new and which storage solutions may be needed. Having a plan in place can make unpacking and settling in go smoothly. The organizing company Organize Me says that homeowners should consider how cabinets and closets will be used before moving in.

Downsizing can free up time and money. When done right, downsizing can make retirement easier and create more leisure time for retirees.

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DANA DANE INSURANCE

997-1410 New Location 1932 Pine St. Suite B-6 Florence Helping to Insure Oregonians Since 1996

541•999•6078 FACEBOOK.COM/PETERSENAUTODETAIL

Medicare Supplements Medicare Advantage Plans many companies represented

Bringing independence to living and quality to life.

Medical Open Medicare OpenEnrollment enrollment Oct Oct.15 15--Dec Dec7, 7, 2016 2018

New to Florence?

Move-ins & new qualifiers additional opportunities to enroll Stop in, or reserve a time to review & compare …

1234 Rhododendron - Florence Phone 541-997-9497 www.streetsinsurance.com

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Focused on Your Financial Health...Protecting Your Assets

registered/licensed nurses certified nursing assistants licensed therapists and therapy assistants skilled nursing • rehabilitation therapy regency Florence rehabilitation center offers skilled and long term care services while focusing on the unique qualities of each individual in a compassionate and caring environment. our experienced team of nursing, dietary, social services, therapy, therapeutic recreation and certified nursing assistants provide physician-directed care, based on the needs of each individual. our programs offer a full range of treatments when recovering from a serious injury, illness or surgery. through collaboration with the residents, their families, medical providers and our staff, we develop a personalized plan that promotes a faster recovery with the goal to have our residents return home sooner.

Specializing in Estate Planning, Trusts, and Tax Strategies

Eldercare & Senior VIP Services: s"ILL 0AYING s2ECONCILING "ANK !CCOUNTS s)NCOME %XPENDITURE 3UMMARY s$OMESTIC 0AYROLL 2EPORTING sYEAR %ND 4AX 0LANNING 0REPARATION

Karla D. Holloway, CPA

Full CPA Service | Corporate Personal Tax Consulting Preparation "OOKKEEPING | Accounting Services | 0AYROLL Call Now For Your Complimentary Consultation!

541-997-3434 karla@florencecpas.com karla@florencecpas.com TH 3TREET s &LORENCE /REGON 733 Highway 101• Florence, Oregon 97439 Serving Florence for 34 Years!

Serving Florence for 39 Years!

residents can choose from a variety of amenities that make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable, such as, engaging in social activities, beauty salon, and services and warm social gathering areas to visit with friends and family. regency Florence rehabilitation center accepts admissions 24 hours daily, seven days per week. whether your need is for recovery following a postacute stay, or you are transitioning to long term care, we invite you to visit regency Florence rehabilitation center and experience our commitment to bringing independence to living and quality to life.

1951 E 21st strEEt :: FlorEncE, or 97439 (541) 997-8436 :: (541) 997-3413 Fax www.rEgEncyFlorEncE.com

Spruce Point ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

Spruce Point Assisted Living and Memory Care Community is a beautiful, 65-apartment, senior living community located on the majestic Oregon coast, just off of scenic Highway 101 in Florence. At Spruce Point, residents enjoy the comfort of independence, coupled with the convenience and camaraderie of community living. Spruce Point’s apartments feature private baths, full kitchenettes and the peace of mind knowing that residents are always steps away from programs and services designed to make life easy and exciting. Stop by our booth to learn more!

SPRUCE POINT

375 9th St | Florence, OR 97439 | 541-997-6111 spruce-point.com

Tr u s t S e r v i c e s Providing you with professional service and long-lasting peace of mind.

Tr u s t A d m i n i s t r a t i o n E s tat e P l a n n i n g & S e t t l e m e n t C h a r i t a b l e Tr u s t Investment Management Contact your local Trust Officer today!

C O O S B AY

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EUGENE

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FLORENCE

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MEDFORD

800-997-7121 • www.opbc.com

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ROSEBURG