Boomers 2019

1B

WWW.SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM

SUNDAY, MONTH DAY, 2019 | PAGE 9

Boomers

Seniors have fun at rec center

BY TRACY AGNEW EDITOR

Many seniors who are retired still need to find some purpose or structure in their lives.

Dozens of them in Suffolk have found it in the senior program at East Suffolk Recreation Center.

The program meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every weekday at the recreation center on South Sixth Street. Recreation specialist Janice Myrick comes up with most of the programs and activities done by the group, said recreation supervisor Jason Jones.

“She has a myriad of different activities and programs they have throughout the year,” Jones said.

The activities include special speakers, health and wellness activities, field trips and outings to movies, shopping venues, plays and more, a walking club, visits to local parks and trails and other activities.

The group will soon be taking a trip to Rocky Mount, N.C., Jones said. They’ll also be visiting a session at Paul D. Camp Community College on healthy aging.

Jones said Myrick has an advisory group meeting where participants provide input on things they would be interested in doing.

Activities sometimes include Wii bowling, Jones said. “Some See FUN, 2B

In-home care provides peace of mind

BY TRACY AGNEW EDITOR

A lot of Baby Boomers are reaching the age where they may need to consider more care options for their parents, a spouse or other family member, or even themselves.

Owners of local home care companies said that there are some noticeable things to

watch for when considering whether it’s time to get more help caring for yourself or a loved one.

“One of the first things is when you feel overwhelmed and you can’t do everything,” said Nell Neal, co-owner with her husband, Larry, of Home Instead Senior Care. “As an adult child, that’s a time you have to reach out for some

support, whether it be family members or caregivers.”

Neal said it is important to recognize the need as soon as possible to avoid burnout of the main caregiver.

“A very important thing is that you’re no good for your family member if you wear yourself down,” she said.

“Sometimes that means getting extra help, whether it be

an agency like Home Instead or getting family members involved.”

Justin Goodman, who is co-owner with his mom, Annette Goodman, of Comfort Care In-Home Services, said it’s also important to watch for when a person can no longer complete activities of daily livSee CARE, 3B

Don’t worry about retirement — plan for it

BY TRACY AGNEW EDITOR

Many people in the Baby Boomer generation are thinking about — and perhaps worrying about — retirement.

But a couple of local financial advisers said that now is the time to start talking to experts if you’re not already sure you’re in good shape for retirement.

“Like Ben Franklin said, ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to

fail,’” said Amy Tucker, an Edward Jones financial adviser.

“You need to meet with someone and find out where you stand.”

Tucker said that someone should ideally be a fiduciary who has the client’s best interest in mind and can do a retirement projection. That someone should also be willing to work with the client’s certified public accountant, lawyer and other professionals.

“It takes a team effort,” Tucker said.

When planning for retirement, people shouldn’t assume that what worked for their parents or their brother or their neighbor will work for them.

Everybody has different goals in retirement, so retirement plans should be specifically tailored to the individual.

“Sit down with somebody and See RETIREMENT, 4B

A permanently installed automatic standby Generac® generator protects your family and home from damaging, dangerous outages.

Your Home Generator Specialist® Class A Electrical Contractor

PAGE 2B | SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019

WWW.SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM

Improve crosswordsolving skills Crossword puzzles are an integral component of newspapers. In addition to their entertainment qua lity, crossword puzzles can help improve cognition and brain health in individuals of all ages.

The first known crossword puzzle to be published was created by a British journalist named Arthur Wynne, who is often credited as the inventor of crosswords.

The first puzzle appeared in the New York World on Dec. 21, 1913. The original crossword was diamond-shaped and did not feature the familiar black squa res.

Throughout the 1920s , crossword puzzles became a standard offering in many newspapers.

During this period, puzzle shapes evolved to the more familiar form, and certain puzzle standards were established. Puzzles now appearing in most North American newspapers and magazines feature solid areas of

Across 1. Lady of Spain 5. Grand ___ National Park 10. Boxer Willard 14. Sale sign 15. ___ worse than death 16. Util. bill 17. "Critique of Pure Reason" author 18. Antique auto 19. Zeno of ___ 20. Ethically neutral 22. Bursting forth 24. Rudner and Moreno 25. Up 26. Cornerstone abbr.

28. Divinity 32. Wine valley 35. Second sequel tag 37. Pal of Pooh 38. Big Ten sch.

39. Like old jeans 41. ___ Abner 42. Moneychanger 45. Prospector's find 46. London jail 47. Monetary unit of Iceland 48. Dagger 50. Yellow plumlike fruit 54. Lifeless 58. Having patches of white

white squa res. Each letter is usually part of both an “across” word and a “down” word, and usually each answer must contain at least three letters.

In these puzzles, shaded squa res are typically limited to about one-sixth of the total.

It is estimated that around 5 0 million people in America routinely partake in crossword puzzles. Each year, one bestof-the-best is crowned in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament.

Everyone wants to improve his or her crossword-puzzling skills.

These tips can help. Practice — a lot.

Practice makes perfect, even with crossword puzzles. Start with simple puzzles and work up to the more difficult ones. Divide and conque r.

Divide the puzzle into smaller sections and complete each cluster before moving on. It’s easier than completing all of the across or down clues.

and brown 61. Elephant or warthog, e.g.

62. Able was ___...

63. Govt. security 65. Ali _____ & the 40 thieves 66. Singer Young 67. Home run king Hank 68. Numbered work 69. Autobahn auto 70. Orchestra section 71. Acquaintances Down 1. Capital of Senegal 2. Me too 3. North Dakota city 4. Greek goddess of justice 5. Chinese weight 6. Abysmal grades 7. Stun gun 8. Cheri of "Saturday Night Live" 9. Connection 10. Philippine bus 11. Vogue competitor 12. Caught in the act 13. Shoo!

21. Biblical beast 23. Ancient Persian 25. 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit

Watch “Jeopardy.”

Puzzles used to be comprised largely of definitions, but they now incorporate just about every subject. Improving general knowledge and perhaps watching trivia shows can help with puzzle completion. Learn repeat offenders. Over time you may recognize certain words appear in puzzle after puzzle. You’ll soon be able to match the clues to these repeat words. Familiarize yourself with multiple word meanings. Remember to think like a puzzle creator, who is probably trying to stump you. The word “flower” may not imply the blooming plant. It may represent something that flows. Take a break. Taking a few moments to step away from the puzzle before returning to it can clear the mind and make answers more apparent.

—Metro Creative

27. Petty quarrel 29. Kansas city 30. The Stooges, e.g.

31. Scream 32. Sniffer 33. Wan 34. Siamese sound 36. Altar vow 37. Perfect place 40. Formerly, once 43. Crude structure?

44. Tweak 46. Large African antelope 49. ___ de vie 51. Emirate on the Persian Gulf 52. Radii neighbors 53. Flip over 55. Giraffe's kin 56. Refute by evidence 57. Rubbish 58. Prefix with Tibetan 59. Stay fresh 60. Sandusky's lake 61. Billfold items 64. Director Browning

Answers on page 4B

Fun: Senior group at ESRC Continued from page 1B

of them get pretty competitive, and it’s pretty fun to see,” he said.

Jones said about 50 to 5 5 program participants are at the center most days.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are the busiest days. There are also special events around holidays, such as the Holiday Gala at Christmas time and the Sweetheart Ball near V alentine’s Day. It’s all for an affordable price. Annual membership at the East Suffolk Recreation Center is only

$5

for those 5 and up, and the senior program is included in membership.

Those who want to use the fitness room also pay only $5 a month if they’re 5 or over.

“It’s a great value for those that are interested in joining,” Jones said.

Jones said it’s important for seniors to get involved in something, whether it’s a program like the one at East Suffolk Recreation Center or something else.

“It allows them to be able to socialize and con-

tinue to be able to have that camaraderie with people within their own age range,” he said. “We want everybody to get up and move around. That helps to get the adrenaline flowing and improve their spirits. It really increases their overall well-being completely all the way around. It’s that positive reinforcement and having that great social interaction with each other.”

Call 514- 4500 for more information.

Babysitting for grandparents Witnessing your children getting older and starting their own lives and families can be bittersweet. There is pride that comes with seeing their successes, but there’s also the melancholy of knowing that the years have passed so qui ckly.

Although you may no longer be tucking your children into bed, reading them bedtime stories or bandaging “boo-boos,” when your children have children, the chance to nurture can start anew.

One of the great joys that comes from having older children is the ability to welcome and love grandchildren. Grandchildren are points of light in people’s lives and provide the exuberance and excitement that reminds you of your own youth.

Grandparents often are thrilled to be involved in the care and upbringing of their grandkids. Some may also live with their

grandchildren to help take some pressures off of adult children.

Babysitting is one way that grandparents can be a freque nt fixture in their grandkids’ lives. If it’s been some time since you cared for little children, it’s well worth it to take a refresher course in child care.

Make sure it’s safe

Conduct a safety audit of your home if grandchildren will be coming over to your place.

Are outlets secured with covers? Are medications you may be taking out of reach? Do you have gates to block stairs or restrict access to certain rooms?

Modifications may be needed.

Assess your health

Chasing after children can be a workout.

Be sure you are up for the challenge and have the stamina. If you have

any medical conditions that can impair judgment or reaction time, you might want to reconsider babysitting.

Take directions

The way you parented may not be the same way your own children parent. Be humble and follow their lead with regard to instructions. Ask about the eating and sleeping habits of the child. You may have to defer to your own children’s guidelines on discipline and behavior.

Learn what’s new

Many things regarding child care have changed in the last 20 years, including safety laws and guidelines. Be sure you are up to date on these changes.

And if you aren’t certain about something, ask.

This involves everything from crib bar widths to car seat installation.

—Metro Creative

• Specializing In Dental Implants • Wisdom Teeth Extractions

L.Thornton Jett D.D.S. Vernon A. Sellers D.M.D. Mark A. LaRusso D.D.S. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Please call for appointments 2441 Pruden Boulevard Suffolk, VA 23434 • 934-0767

3116 Tyre Neck Rd. Portsmouth, VA 23703 • 483-2110

WWW.SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 | PAGE 3B

METRO CREATIVE

Reconnecting with your spouse is one way to combat feelings of loss that can stem from a suddenly empty nest.

METRO CREATIVE

Estate planning can be tricky, which is why many people turn to attorneys to get the job done right.

Things people should know about creating wills Drafting a last will and testament is an essential component of estate planning. Despite the importance of having a will, a recent survey from AARP found that two out of five Americans over the age of 45 do not have one.

Putting wishes down on paper helps avoid unnecessary work and sometimes heartache upon the death of a loved one. Wills allow heirs to act with the decedent’s wishes in mind and can ensure that assets and possessions will end up in the right hands.

Estate planning can be tricky, which is why many people turn to attorneys to get the job done right.

Attorneys who specialize in estate planning will no doubt discuss the following topics with their clients. Assets owned: Make a list of known assets and figure out which assets

are covered by the will and which will have to be passed on according to other estate laws, such as through joint tenancy on a deed or a living trust. For example, life insurance policies or retirement plan proceeds will be distributed to your named beneficiaries. A will also can cover other assets, such as photographs, clothing, cars, and jewelry.  Guardianship: Parents’ wills should include a declaration of who they want to become guardians their underage children or dependents. Pets: Some people prefer to use their will to also dictate guardianship for their pets and to leave money or property to help care for those pets.

However, pets do not have the legal capacity to own property, so one shouldn’t gift money directly to pets in a will.

Funeral instructions: Settling probate will not happen until after the funeral. Therefore, funeral wishes in a will often go unnoticed. Executor: An executor is a trusted person who will carry out the terms of the will. This person should be willing to serve and be capable of executing the will.

People who die without a valid will become intestate. This means the estate will be settled based on the laws of where that person lived, and a court-appointed administrator will serve in the capacity to transfer property. This administrator will be bound by laws and may make decisions that go against the decedent’s wishes. To avoid this outcome, a will and other estate planning documents are crucial.

—Metro Creative

Coping with an empty nest own lives, not every parent can cope with an empty nest. The parenting and family resource V erywell Family states that mothers with empty nest syndrome experience a deep void in their lives that oftentimes makes them feel a little lost.

Moms who are feeling the pangs of sadness due to an empty nest can employ some strategies to alleviate these feelings. K eep friends close.

U se this opportunity to spend more time with close friends and put yourself first. Schedule all of those activities you may have temporarily put on hold while caring for children through the years. Make time for travel. New experiences can broaden anyone’s horizons. Travel as a couple or with a group of friends. Put the focus on fun and then share the experiences later on with your adult children. Redefine yourself. The experts at

Many people find it rewarding to start a family and raise children.

Watching kids grow through the years and sharing in their experiences can bring life to a household.

Mothers spend 18 years or more devoted to their children, and often their identities are defined as “Mom” above all else. As a result, it can be difficult to think ahead to life without kids in the home, especially when children are toddlers or school-aged. But children will someday grow up and move out, and the emotions that resonate when that day comes can be overwhelming.

Many parents feel a sense of sadness and loss when their last child leaves the family home.

Referred to as “empty nest syndrome,” these feelings are not officially labeled as a clinical mental health issue, but they are very real for many people. While parents encourage their children to become independent and branch out in their

Psychology Today suggest finding new roles and interests to explore or spend more time exploring existing hobbies. For example, if you’ve thought about doing community theater, do so now that you have some free time. Or maybe you’ve always had a goal of going back to school? Now may be the time to make that happen. Reconnect with your partner. Recall the years before you had children when it was only the two of you and devote time to making more memories as a couple. Plan date nights, go to sporting events, attend a summer concert or pursue other shared interests. Change things up at home. Turn children’s rooms into spaces you can use for your own interests. One can be a crafting room or a home office. Another may be a home theater. No longer labeling those rooms as the kids’ spaces can help the transition.

—Metro Creative

FRANKLIN COLLISION CENTER EXPERT PAINT & BODY WORK

All of Our Work is Fully Guaranteed!

Proudly Serving You Since 2003!

Care: Home health can help families Continued from page 1B

ing on their own.

The activities of daily living include things like bathing, getting dressed, using the toilet, cooking and cleaning.

“When they start noticing they can’t do those activities of daily living, it’s time to start thinking of different options,” Goodman said.

He also noted that when a senior tries to make it on their own, it can result in falls and other issues that ultimately shorten their lifespan.

“You want to make sure they stay as healthy as possible as long as possible,” he said.

Many people also want to stay in their own home for as long as possible, he said. His family has personal experience with this, having seen his great-aunt’s welcoming, loving personality change after moving to a nursing

home.

“We give people an opportunity to get assistance, but they don’t have to be put in a nursing home or a facility,” he said.

When people are looking for in-home care services, Neal said, people should ask about the agency’s reputation. U sing an agency also usually ensures that things like insurance, payroll taxes, background checks and the like have been taken care of.

Goodman said his agency offers free consultations, because every case is different. He said people should also ask about how long an agency has been in business, how many clients it has and what the backup plan is if the normal caregiver is out of work due to illness or some other reason.

“You want to make sure

that whatever you choose, it takes the burden off of you,” rather than you worrying about it even more, Goodman said. “These services are designed to take the burden off the family so they can continue a measure of normal life.”

Neal also has personal experience with in-home care, having used her own agency for care for her mom prior to her death in December. She said it’s a joy to watch a relationship develop between the client and caregiver.

“It turns into a beautiful relationship,” Neal said.

“They really bond and connect in ways that are just beautiful. Caregivers are special people. They have a heart of compassion.”

Goodman’s agency can be reached at 923- 29 80.

Neal’s agency can be reached at 745051.

562-2886

106 WEST 4TH AVENUE FRANKLIN, VA

A Tradition of Quality

NOW CARRYING VINYL SIDED SHEDS Virginia Built by Cedar Lane Storage Buildings

East Coast Buildings

22285 Brewers Neck Blvd. • Carrollton, VA 757-238-2823

East Coast Buildings

24538 New Market Road • Courtland, VA 757-516-8887

Carolina Carports Inc. East Coast Buildings 24538 New Market Road, Courtland, VA 757-516-8887

East Coast Buildings 22285 Brewers Neck Blvd. (Rt. 258) Carrollton, VA • 757-238-2823

Quality at the Best Prices!

SPECIALIZING

IN ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

Got Land?

“DON’T WAIT TO BUY LAND, BUY LAND LAND AND WAIT” -- WILL ROGERS

ART FORRESTER

3537 Pruden Blvd., Suite B, Suffolk, VA 23434 757.539.6429 • aforrester@mossyoakproperties.com • www.mopva.com Each Mossy Oak Properties office is independently owned and operated.

PAGE 4B | SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019

WWW.SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM

ALWAYS ON CALL, ready to serve your family when you need WELL & PUMP SERVICE!

“Service With Integrity”

Cruising tips and tricks Cruising can be an ideal vacation for people of any age, but particularly for seniors. Cruises combine all-inclusive meal packages with accommodations, breathtaking ports of call and pre-arranged activities, so vacationers do not have to lift a finger for days on end. Cruising also can be a social activity, meaning singletons can meet up with other like-minded people and enjoy the cruising experience together.

Cruise Lines International Association, a global organization advocating for the cruising community, found that 25 .8 million passengers expected to take a cruise in 2017 , and various cruise companies invested more than $6.8 billion in new ocean vessels.

Whether a person is new to cruising or is a seasoned ocean or river traveler, there are always techniq ues to try to score great deals or enjoy the experience even further.

Consider these tips and tricks. Research the ships, and not just the cruise lines. Cruise lines each offer their own amenities and are known for certain

features. One cruise line may be a better match for young singles, while others may cater to families. In addition, certain ships may have their own special features such as water slides, athletic events, casinos, and more.

Choose a ship that meets your needs. Arrive the night before. There’s no need to rush to the port to board the ship. Extend the vacation a little further by arriving a night or two before and checking into a nearby hotel. Some hotels may offer free parking or shuttle service to the ship. Choose a close port.

Select a port within driving distance to avoid airline costs and the extra hassles of coordinating luggage and travel to the port. Book dining ahead of time. Cruise ships often have a main dining room and then specialty restaurants. If you want a particular meal, make reservations before leaving port.

Certain restaurants may offer discounts or perks, such as a free bottle of wine or premiere seating. U nderstand what’s included. Cruise ships have many foods and drinks that are included

in the packaged price.

Certain branded items, such as specialty coffees or ice creams, may be available at an additional charge, as are premium drinks. But chances are you can find a free, similar version elsewhere on the ship. Explore special discounts. When shopping for a cruise, see if there are discounts available for seniors, teachers, people in the military, or those who belong to certain clubs. Cruises often love to incentivize, so it pays to ask about discount pricing. Make a list of activities. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the offerings on a cruise ship, so much so that there’s some stress over trying to fit it all in. Recognize that you can’t see or hear it all, and prioritize what’s important to you. Make sure you have plenty of time to relax. Book at the right time. Cruises may be more available after Labor Day when kids go back to school and the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas when others are too busy to travel.

—Metro Creative

Phone: (757) 357-4935

SAME DAY EMERGENCY SERVICE

Looking for Home Care that REALLY Cares?

Then Choose Home Sweet Home Care Inc.

PLUS WHEN YOU ARE READY FOR US, WE HAVE...

No DEPOSIT

No MINIMUMS

WE’LL COME FOR ONE HOUR

No MINIMUMS

No MINIMUMS PER WEEK, MONTH OR QUARTER

SAME RATE FOR WEEKEND & EVENING HOURS

Retirement: Think about medical costs Continued from page 1B

find out what your finan- talk about where the marcial goals are, and start ket has been and where to map out what retire- it’s going,” Tucker said. ment is going to look “No one wants to run out like for you, because it of money in retirement. looks different for every- We’re unique ly equ ipped body,” said Margie Wiley, to help them focus toward a financial adviser with preserving their wealth.”

Wiley encouraged peoFreedom Street Partners.

Wiley said some people ple to think about health are happy to stay close to expenditures in retirement home in retirement, while as well. Too often, people others want to see new are excited that they’ve places. Some may not paid off their mortgage, want to work anymore, but they replace that while others may want expense with huge medito work part-time to help cal bills if they retire prior to reaching Medicare age keep themselves active.

“Try to figure out what with no other plan.

“It’s one of the last your long-term goal is going to be,” Wiley said. things they think about,” “Sitting down with some- she said. “They don’t WWW.SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM body to help map that out anticipate some of the difwould be a good first step.”

Tucker said that peo- Answers from page 2B ple also need to figure out what would be the best time to begin drawing Social Security. Because each situation is uniqu e, it will be different for everybody.

“We want people to make good choices,” Tucker said.

Even for people nearing the end of their working years, it’s not too late to make retirement account contributions. Tucker said she encourages everyone to maximize what is available to them at work.

“Anyone who’s planning to retire in the next few years should meet with a financial adviser to

ferent health costs they may have.”

Planning for health care costs as well as other big expenses will help ensure their retirement nest egg is safe, Wiley said.

“Life happens,” she said. “If you don’t leave anything for the emergencies, it’s going to make retirement a lot harder.”

Tucker urged people not to discount the idea of a financial adviser.

“A lot of people think they can’t afford a financial adviser or it’s for a certain type of person, but it doesn’t hurt to have a conversation,” she said.

“Everyone should retire well.”

Celebrate Mom

SATURDAY, MONTH DAY, 2018 | PAGE 5

Is your mother, grandmother, wife or other mother in your life the World’s Best Mom? We want to hear why you think so! We’re looking for stories about local moms to run in a special section ahead of Mother’s Day. Please email news@suffolknewsherald.com by April 15 and include 100-150 words about why the mom in your life is the best, along with a photo of her. Space is limited, so submit early!