Senior Life May 2023

REGISTER NOW AND ENTER TO WIN A $250 GIFT CARD TO KING SOOPERS!

SEE PAGE 2.

Saturday, May 6 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS

Page 2

SCHEDULE OF SPEAKERS

Page 3

EXHIBITORS

Page 4

The Gazette’s Senior Life Expo: An experience for an experienced audience!

By Nina Glaser, The Gazette

We hope these quotes about aging gracefully inspire you, and encourage your participation in Senior Life:

Saturday, May 6 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Colorado Springs Event Center: 3960 Palmer Park Boulevard Visit

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, there are 108.7 million people aged 50 and over (including 76.4 million baby boomers). This accounts for more than 34% of the U.S. population! These men and women are enjoying their lives — and lifestyles. They are why The Gazette has held an annual event for this audience for the past 10 years … and this year is no different!

You are invited to join The Gazette and health, financial

“Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.”

— Maya Angelou

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.”

— David Bowie

“No one can avoid aging, but aging productively is something else.”

— Katharine Graham

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

— Abraham Lincoln

“Live your life and forget your age.”

— Norman Vincent Peale

“We are always the same age inside.”

— Gertrude Stein

planning, home and tech experts — live and in-person — at the Senior Life Expo. We will be at the Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd., on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. –2 p.m. It is the place to be to learn how to make the most of your senior life!

Check out the latest products and services, and get valuable reference information at this free event with free parking; you will be glad you did! Because, as C.S.

Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to win a $250 King Soopers gift card!

This event is the first of two Senior Life Expos scheduled for 2023 (we cannot think of a better way to celebrate our 10th year of Senior Life)! The second event will be held in October; stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the fall! 

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn’t matter.”

— Mark Twain

“Age is just a number. Life and aging are the greatest gifts we could possibly ever have.” — Cicely Tyson

“The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.”

— Frank Lloyd Wright

9:15 a.m.

Amada Senior Care

Long-term care insurance: How to make it work for you.

Seniors of the Rockies

When living at home is no longer safe.

The Gazette Navigating The Gazette e-Edition.

10:15 a.m.

Cruise Planners Alaska is calling! Why now is the time to travel.

The Gasper Law Group

Preserving and protecting your estate for your family.

Silver Key Senior Services

Five Wishes

11:15 a.m.

Amada Senior Care

Have your long-term care insurance premiums gone up? Let’s look at the options.

AAA Colorado

Rail travel by Rocky Mountaineer.

Envision Healthcare at Home

Basics of home health care: Knowing the difference between non-skilled and skilled care in the home.

Iron Mountain Financial

12:15 p.m.

Are you sure your retirement strategy fits?

Compassion & Choices

End of life options.

Health Promotion Partners Driver fitness: Staying safe as you age.

1:15 p.m.

The Salvation Army Legacy giving: Smart ways to give and receive.

Humana Medicare 101 Kaiser Permanente Skin cancer.

Older adults embrace green living

Research recently released by the Mather Institute — part of Mather, an 82+-year-old notfor-profit organization dedicated to creating ways to age well — reveals that those age 55-plus do care about environmental issues … and they are doing a lot more than just talking about climate change. The Institute, an awardwinning resource for research and information about wellness and aging, examined older adults’ attitudes and actions regarding the environment, and the findings may be surprising.

In their 2022 research brief, Going Green: Environmental Engagement & Future Outlook among Older Adults, the Mather Institute reveals that most of those aged 55+ believe that preserving the environment is a top priority, and they engage in a wide variety of environmentally friendly practices. However, while older adults support protecting the environment, they are not hopeful that current efforts will have a lasting impact.

“The boomer generation has undoubtedly contributed to the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

SMART CHOICES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

popularity of Earth Day since it was introduced in 1970,” said Cate O’Brien, PhD, senior vice president, Mather Institute. “Our recent study found that this age group is extremely concerned about issues, including climate change, loss of biodiversity and natural disasters.”

Going Green details what those 55+ do to back up their environmental beliefs:

• 80% separate most of their waste for recycling often or very often.

• 77% minimize their energy consumption.

• 74% minimize their food waste.

• 72% minimize water consumption.

• 67% minimize use of disposable items.

When asked to prioritize protecting the environment or creating jobs, 75% of respondents indicated they believe that protecting the environment should

be given priority over economic growth, even if it results in some job loss. In addition, more than 90% say that they are willing to make future changes in the way they live and work to help protect the environment.

While their actions support sustainability efforts, a vast majority of older adults are not optimistic about the future of the environment. Only one out of five respondents were at least somewhat confident that actions taken so far by society will significantly reduce the effects of climate change. Fifty-eight percent believe that in 2050, the overall condition of the environment will be worse than it is now.

So, while Mother Nature and Father Time may not necessarily be working in synch on a global scale, Mather Institute’s research shows that many older adults are putting their best foot forward when it comes to environmental efforts and awareness 

0

0 $

Bringing Coloradans peace of mind for 100+ years

What drives AAA — The Auto Club Group? Unique, trusted expertise on all things automotive. The not-for-profit membership organization is Colorado’s largest, and it advocates for safer, more secure travel while working to guarantee freedom of mobility for all Coloradans — no matter how or where you would like to go.

Famous for its legendary roadside rescues, AAA Colorado also provides:

Insurance Savings: Exclusive discounts are available on auto, home, renters’ and life insurance from AAA, one of Colorado’s most trusted organizations.

Personalized Travel Planning: Our trusted travel advisers have access to exclusive opportunities and savings you just cannot find online. Save time and money planning your next vacation when

you talk with us about ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, guided and multi-generational vacations, and travel insurance.

Car-Buying & Auto Loans: Say goodbye to car-buying hassles and haggles by working with one of our expert car buyers. We make it easy to browse pre-owned cars, trade or sell your vehicle, and take advantage of extended service contracts. We can even bring cars to your home or office to test drive. We can help with automotive financing, too.

Discounts and Rewards: Save when you work with more than 100,000 partners, including on car rentals, lodging, dining, movies, sporting events, theme park tickets, and just about anything you can think of.

Pet Insurance: In Colorado, our pets are part of the family. Give

yourself a whole lot of peace of mind by protecting your furry friends from accidents, behavioral issues, cancer, emergencies, illness, surgeries and more.

Identity Theft Protection: ProtectMyID Essential provides daily credit monitoring, fraud

resolution support and lost wallet assistance.

AAA has you covered with plans to fit the budget and lifestyle of those 50+. We are proud to be a part of The Gazette’s Senior Life Expo event and resource guide. Call us at 719-591-2222.

SMART CHOICES

1 in 9 seniors say they still do not have life figured out

By Michael Dinich Wealth Of Geeks

Although age brings wisdom, one in nine Americans 64 and older still do not have life figured out, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 Americans 64 and older dispelled the idea that older people have all the answers, although more than half (57%) said everyone expects them to do just that.

Fifty-four percent of respondents even said they feel like there is “always” or “often” pressure on them to make the best decisions, and nearly onefifth (17%) agree that decisionmaking is actually harder as they get older.

One in seven admit they tend to prioritize their wants over their needs, which is where they could use outside help.

Two-thirds of seniors said they consult others before making a big decision, but this is not always

easy. Twenty-six percent said relying on others is one of the scariest parts of aging.

Conducted by OnePoll for ClearMatch Medicare, the survey found that seniors used to feel most confident about making large financial purchases (29%) and investing (28%) on their own but would now consult others about those decisions beforehand (31% and 35%, respectively).

Respondents said they would also ask for help regarding facets of their health, like choosing a healthcare plan (27%) or changing their diet (18%).

WHO TO TRUST?

To help them make decisions, seniors are most likely to trust their partner (44%), revealing that they are the least judgmental (31%) and most helpful (32%) person in their life.

Others also put their trust in their children (37%) and friends (29%).

Seniors have struggled to find their “perfect match” in different areas of their lives over the past five years. Even when seeking

help, 40% have found themselves in a situation where they committed to something that was not right for them.

Respondents struggle with different parts of everyday life,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

We’re in your corner.

People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That’s a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your corner and in your community so your money, health and happiness live as long as you do. AARP offers virtual offerings, including health and fitness, cooking and wine demonstrations and neighborhood walking tours; as well as vital information and local resources to help you achieve your goals and stay connected.

Find us at aarp.org/co

/aarp.colorado @aarpco

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

such as finding a workout routine that suits their needs (20%) or nailing down their style (17%).

Health concerns, such as finding the right healthcare (20%) and doctor (19%), are also high on their list of instances where they struggle to find “the one.”

“Let’s face it, as we age, making an informed Medicare decision is crucial for your health and financial wellbeing,” said Ben Pajak, CEO of ClearMatch Medicare (a part of HealthPlanOne). “But no one should feel alone when making such an important decision. There are options to help you make the right choice; whether you rely on someone you trust or professionals who understand different plans, you can ensure you choose the best coverage options that meet your unique healthcare needs and budget.”

When making these tough choices, mistakes do happen. The

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

BORDNER HOME SOLUTIONS

average American 64 and older admitted they make the same mistake twice before they learn from it, even leading them to feel “buyer’s remorse” three times within the past year.

Seniors struggle to learn from their mistakes when they overthink the outcome (22%) and cannot figure out what went wrong (21%), while others find it hard even to accept that they were wrong (18%) and struggle to find a workable solution (17%).

In the case of making mistakes, respondents shared the top three things to take away: understanding what did not work (28%), recognizing what could have been done better (28%), and keeping an open mind (23%).

To help them make the right decision, seniors shared that they wish they could have test-driven their apartment (18%), life path (22%), and even their doctor (23%) before deciding.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Colorado’s remodeler of choice

Sponsored Feature

Let Bordner Home Solutions help you transform your home. They are bath, door, window and kitchen cabinet refacing experts with more than 30 years of experience and tens of thousands of satisfied customers. You can rest assured, Bordner is a name that you can trust. How many companies do you know that can say that 97% of their customers would recommend them to friends and family? Bordner can!

The family-owned business is locally operated, serving residents of the Front Range from Pueblo to Denver. Bordner Home Solutions has a Better Business Bureau A+ rating, and has been the recipient of Angi’s “Super Service Award” four times and won The Gazette’s

“Best Workplaces” — an award determined by our employees’ votes — the past two years!

They are members of NARI — the National Association of the Remodeling Industry — and offer

a lifetime workmanship warranty (that is transferrable to the homeowner after you).

New windows and doors — of all styles — boost curb appeal, energy efficiency and safety. Looking to renovate your bathroom, replace a shower or tub, or realize more accessible bathing solutions? Bordner’s bathroom contractors can handle projects from basic to complex — professionally, affordably and courteously.

Whatever your home improvement project, Bordner’s award-winning contractors will install top-brand products, made in the U.S.; why not get a free estimate today?

Visit bordnercolorado.com or phone 719-224-0453 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

SMART CHOICES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

If they had the chance, 67% of seniors said they would change their health insurance after realizing their plan did not match them.

“It’s clear that seniors are constantly on the hunt to find their ‘perfect match’ in all areas of life,” said Jennifer Girdler, vice president of sales at HealthPlanOne. “In fact, 55% of those who have health insurance said they’d jump on a ‘second chance’ to switch their plan to one that better suits them in 60 days or less.”

WHAT WOULD SENIORS PREFER TO TEST DRIVE FIRST?

• Cars – 33%.

• Electronics – 24%.

• Doctors – 23%.

• Life path – 22%.

• Restaurants – 19%.

• Appliances/furniture – 18%.

• Apartments/homes – 18%.

• Partner – 18%.

• Clothes – 17%.

• Insurance – 16%.

SENIORS’ ADVICE FOR CORRECTING YOUR MISTAKES

“Accept the fact that you made a mistake, find the right solution, and move on.”

“After you figure out the source of your issue, then ask yourself how to get where you prefer to be. Then sleep on it, and the answer will come eventually.”

“Be humble, do not feel shame. Own your mistakes, apologize sincerely and move on.”

“Calm yourself and look at the whole picture before coming to terms with the situation.”

“Do not let pride get in the way.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trust your judgment but ask others to help when needed.”

“Think about both positive and negative consequences for any important decision.”

“Just roll with the punches, and don’t second guess yourself! Enjoy what’s left of your life!”

“If you always do what you’ve done, you will get what you always got.”

“Rethink the pros and cons of the situation.”

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

This survey was commissioned by ClearMatch Medicare. It was conducted by OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society. 

6 Ways to build lasting healthy habits

“The

managing

and

recognize that otherwise healthy individuals with mildly or moderately elevated levels of these cardiovascular risk factors should actively attempt to

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

reduce these risks, and increasing physical activity is a great place to start,” said Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., chair of the statement writing group and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at West Virginia University School of Public Health. These six ideas, from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Habit Coach, can help:

BUST COMMON HABIT-BUILDING MYTHS

You may be surprised to learn the truth about creating and sticking to healthy habits. One myth that is getting healthy means doing things you do not like. Research shows positive emotions make habits stick, so set your intentions on something you enjoy. Another misconception is big results require big changes, which may lead to overly ambitious habits. However, the simpler the

routine is, the more likely it is to become habit.

WORK WITH YOUR ‘BRAIN LOOPS’

Your brain creates “loops” for habits made up of three things: a cue, a routine and a reward. Each time the loop is repeated, it becomes more routine and may become automatic. Knowing this, you can design cues for developing new, healthy habits, such as setting walking shoes by the bed to start a walking habit. The routine is putting on the shoes and walking around the block, and the reward is the pleasant sensations and brighter mood from a morning stroll.

CREATE CUES THAT WORK FOR YOU

Most successful health habits begin with a cue. This can be external in your environment or internal in terms of your mindset.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

The more consistent the cue, the more likely it is to trigger the habit. Hacking your brain’s reminder system can help you remember your cue. Some examples of

visual cues are placing a sticky note where you will see it often, keeping a water bottle on your desk and refrigerating fresh veggies at eye level.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

AMADA SENIOR CARE

Private home care and longterm care policy expertise

Sponsored Feature

Amada Senior Care offers a one-two punch to help seniors age with dignity, while caring for them like family.

The staff of compassionate caregivers support and encourage clients, providing the ability for those in their care to age-in-place. They offer personal care with a personal touch, helping with the activities of daily living — walking, feeding, dressing, grooming, toileting, bathing and transitioning, improving the day-to-day lives of those in their care! Some of the team is specially trained to deal with those who have Alzheimer’s, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia and Parkinson’s

disease. While they are caring for Amada’s clients, they are caring for their family members, too!

Amada’s insurance claims experts are proud to assist with policy review, benefit verification, claims processing and submissions, and LTCI advocacy and monitoring.

Clients are served in a host of local neighborhoods, including Black Forest, Castle Rock, Cimarron Hills, Colorado Springs, Denver, Gleneagle, Highlands Ranch, Monument, Stratmoor and more! Visit www.amadacolorado.com to learn more.

Call 719-377-9121 for a needs assessment and/or long-term care insurance review.

When caring for seniors is “all relative,” you can rely on Amada! 

BUILD A ROUTINE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR GOALS

Positive and consistent habits are important to achieve your personal goals. Small habits done consistently can add up to big results. To create a new healthy habit, think through the steps that could lead to your desired outcome. Ask yourself whether you want to do it, if it is easy and if it is high impact. It is important to choose habits that make a difference and move you closer to your goals.

For example, if one of your goals is improving your heart health, a meaningful habit might be to move more. Increasing physical activity can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, along with many other health benefits, Gibbs says.

“Every little bit of activity is better than none,” she said. “Even small initial increases of five to 10 minutes a day can yield health benefits.”

USE REWARDS TO MAKE HABITS STICK

Start by choosing a habit you enjoy that is rewarding by itself. If you are more of a dancer than runner, increase your physical activity with an upbeat dance class. You might also look for a more enjoyable version of a new habit, such as getting more fruits and veggies by sipping on a smoothie.

UNDERSTAND THAT RESETS ARE PART OF THE PROCESS

New habits are experiments. If they do not stick, you have not failed. Instead, you have learned what does not work, which is useful. Maybe the cue was ineffective. Maybe the steps of the routine were too ambitious, and you need to split them into smaller, easier steps. If you realize you do not enjoy a habit, try something else.

Find more inspiration and ideas at heart.org/habits. 

CIGNA

Make the most of your annual checkup

Sponsored Feature

Now that you have picked your insurance plan for the year, start using your benefits — with an annual wellness exam.

“While an annual checkup is important for everyone, that’s especially true for older adults,” said Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer for Cigna Medicare. “An annual exam can help detect potential health issues early, allowing them to be addressed before they worsen.”

Here are Sobel’s tips to ensure you get the most of an annual checkup:

1. PREPARE

Write down anything you would like to talk to your health care provider about, along with questions to ask during the visit. You might want to take a family member or friend to ensure you understand everything.

2. BE OPEN AND HONEST

Resist that temptation to make things sound rosier than they are. Talk freely about any bad habits you may be developing.

3. MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Emotional health impacts physical health. Depression is not always a natural part of aging. Tell

your doctor if you are feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless.

4. MONITOR MEDICATIONS

Take your medications — including any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or nutritional supplements — to your exam and talk with your doctor about potential problems.

5. SCHEDULE SCREENINGS AND GET VACCINES

You may need other important health screenings and vaccines, depending on your age and gender, such as colon cancer screening, bone density testing, mammogram, flu shot, or COVID-19 immunization. Talk to your provider about the screenings and vaccines you have had and those you will need in the future. 

All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Some content may be provided under license. © 2023 Cigna

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and your life

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and your life

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and your life

2023 Medicare plan,

Find a Humana plan that fits your g oals and your life

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

Humana MarketPoint® Office

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

Humana MarketPoint® Office

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Humana MarketPoint® Office

719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Humana MarketPoint® Office

719-532-7700 (TTY: 711)

help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana plans at attractive premiums. Call

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Y0040_GHHHXDHEN 23 SMAD_M

Y0040_GHHHXDHEN _23_SMAD_M

Y0040_GHHHXDHEN _23_SMAD_M

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.