Generations 2017

Generations

For a vibrant, ageless lifestyle

A special supplement to The Daily Republic & ADvisor

2

On the Inside

My Social Security............ 2 5 steps to be your best....... 3 Faces and facts................. 4 Smart fashions................. 5 Retirement age................. 7 Physical fitness................. 8 Scams are out there........ 10 Smartphones and seniors........................ 11 2018 COLA.................... 12 Now file supplemental income online............. 13 Layout & Cover Design by Jen Phillips

Generations

August 2017

Social Security Statement is now at your fingertips

By Patty Hoffman Public Affairs Specialist Bismarck, ND Have you ever received a Social Security Statement in the mail?

You know, the one that shows all the earnings you’ve had each year and how much you could receive per month in Social Security benefits when you retire?

The Statement contains crucial information workers need to plan for a comfortable retirement. Now, thanks to my Social Security, this information—and so much more— is only a few minutes away!

Your personal my Social Security account is secure and gives you ready access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and printable Statements. Those who already receive benefits can view their payment history, current status, and manage their benefits.

To open a personal my Social Security account, go to

www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and select “Create an Account” to get started. You must be 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, U.S. mailing address (or a military address if deployed overseas), and an email address.

In some cases — like if there was reported credit card fraud under your name or Social Security number — you may have to contact your local Social Security office to open a my Social Security account.

Once registered, you can: • Verify your earnings history; • View estimated Social Security benefits based on your past earnings; • View Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid over your lifetime, • Print your current Social Security Statement; and • Request a replacement Social Security card (in some states)

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If you’re currently getting benefits, you can: • View benefit payment information; • Change your address and phone number;

FINGERTIPS: Page 3

Generations 3 FINGERTIPS

August 2017

5 simple steps to be your best at any age

By Brandpoint Media They say you’re only as young as you feel, and if you’re an older American, the ability to feel young a little while longer is always appealing. Having a youthful state of mind goes a long way toward accomplishing this goal, but you can’t ignore the importance of solid physical health.

To improve your physical and mental health and prove age is just a number, apply these five tips from Mayo Clinic today.

Find the perfect interval. If you’ve never participated in high-intensity interval training before, here’s a compelling reason to start. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found highintensity aerobic exercise actually reversed some cellular

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aspects of aging. The research also found that the exercise improved muscle proteins, enlarged muscles and increased energy levels.

The benefit of brain games.

A sharp mind is every bit as

important as a healthy body, and exercising your brain can be a lot of fun. Spend time learning new things on the internet, enroll in a class for that craft you’ve always wanted

YOUR BEST: Page 4

From Page 2

• Start or change electronic payments; • Get a replacement Medicare card; • Get a replacement 1099 for tax season; and, • Get a benefit verification letter.

When you sign up for a personal my Social Security account, we use a secure authentication process to protect the privacy of your identity and your Social Security Statement information. In addition to your unique username and password, we use a second method to check the identification of my Social Security account holders. This is in addition to the first layer of security, a username and password. When you sign in, you will choosebe given the option to have a secure code sent to either your cell phone or your email. Since an email address is already required to use my Social Security, everyone can continue to benefit from the features my Social Security provides.

We’re committed to using the best technologies and standards available to protect our customers’ data. This security advancement is just one of the ways we’re ensuring the safety of the resources entrusted to us. If you plan to select email as your second method, you can ensure that the one-time security code email does not go into your spam or junk folder by adding NO-REPLY@ssa.gov to your contact list.

Just one more way Social Security strives to provide customers with peace of mind. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

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Come See Their Faces, Learn the Facts

By Patty Hoffman Public Affairs Specialist Bismarck, ND In times of tragedy and uncertainty, Social Security is a constant for America, a lifeline. Our Faces and Facts of Disability website is at the heart of who we are as an agency. We share the stories about people living with disabling conditions and receiving benefits from Social Security. The site puts a face and name to people Submitted image who truly benefit from our programs. Learning the facts and hearing peoples’ stories about disability allows for a better understanding of the Social Security program.

You can hear stories like Carrie’s who, after college, began climbing the corporate ladder in the insurance industry. She was thriving at her job, but eventually, she became ill and could no longer function at the demanding pace her position required. Carrie has Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that changed and transformed her life.

“It felt like my significance was dropping,” said Carrie in her story.

FACES: Page 5

Generations YOUR BEST From Page 3

to master, go out with friends or sit down and play a board game. All of these activities can greatly improve your mental health. For example, a Mayo Clinic study found playing games decreased a person’s risk of mild cognitive impairment by 22 percent making this enjoyable activity healthy as well.

Supplementing your health. Health supplements should never completely replace whole food offerings, but they may offer you real health value as well.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, supplements may be ideal for vegans and vegetarians or those who consume less than 1,600 calories per day. People with a condition affecting the way their body absorbs nutrients and those who have had surgery on their digestive tract should also speak with their doctor about supplements that may improve their overall health.

The importance of sleep. A good night’s sleep offers health benefits at any age, but getting enough rest can be more difficult as you get older. To get a better night’s sleep, review your medications with your doctor to see if anything is impacting your rest. You should also try to limit your daytime

August 2017 napping (just 10 to 20 minutes per day is best) and avoid alcohol, caffeine or even water within a couple hours before bedtime.

Focus on your sexual health. This topic may not be as widely discussed as your physical or mental health, but it is no less important. Men should talk to their doctors about their lessening testosterone levels, which drop about 1 percent per year after age 30. Women may experience a similar drop in estrogen levels as well and should consult their doctor for treatment options. Don’t be shy about discussing sexual health issues with your doctor, from STDs to annual checkups, having a thorough understanding of your current sexual health - and what you need to do to protect or improve it will benefit every other part of your life.

With aging comes new challenges and the need to be more vigilant in maintaining your overall well-being.

By incorporating some of the tips above from the experts at Mayo Clinic, you’ll make sure the best years of your life are still to come. You can learn more about improving your health at any age through the advice offered in Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging, or visit http:// www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle for more healthy lifestyle ideas.

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Generations 5

August 2017

FACES From Page 4

With a condition that prevented her from working, and a family to support, Carrie applied for Social Security disability benefits. Her benefits allow her to get the rest she needs and helps with the cost of her medicines. Her disability benefits also make it possible for her to feed and clothe her children.

When she needed it the most, Carrie turned to the system she had paid into throughout her working life. Social Security provides some measure of protection for workers and their families from the loss of income because of disability.

The Social Security Act sets a very strict definition of disability. Social Security pays benefits to insured people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Because the eligibility requirements are so strict, our disability beneficiaries are among the most severely impaired people in the country.

Social Security is so much more than just retirement benefits, as Carrie will tell you. We are not just going to be there for you in retirement.

We are here to protect you now, in the event of disability, or to provide survivors benefits if a loved one you depend on dies. We are here for you through life’s journey, securing today and tomorrow.

We invite you to visit our Faces and Facts of Disability website at www.ssa.gov/disabilityfacts/ to meet people who succeed despite having a disability.

60-plus? Smart fashion tips to keep you looking stylish and fabulous

By Brandpoint Media Muumuus and mom jeans or spangled capris and Aloha shirts - is this really all the fashion world has to offer women over the age of 60? Do mature women who desire to dress fashionably for summer really have to choose between “frumpy and fogey” or “too young and trendy?”

Not at all, says Catherine Brock, who blogs about style on thebudgetfashionista.com.

“Reaching a certain age doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of fashion, or that you can’t be stylish,” Brock says. “In our youth-obsessed society, many fashion trends are geared for young women,

but truly stylish clothing can work for women of any age.”

Joyce Williams (name changed to protect her privacy), a resident of Brookdale Belle Meade Senior Living Community in Nashville, Tennessee, agrees. Williams didn’t leave her lifelong love of fashion behind upon moving into the senior community.

Instead, she remains an avid reader of fashion magazines, and designs and makes her own jewelry to accessorize her wardrobe. She happily shares fashion advice with other residents who seek to remain stylish after 60.

Here are some of Brock’s and Williams’ favorite tips

and insights for senior women: Senior women can have trouble finding fashion images that feature women who could be their peers, Brock says. Because most clothing is marketed with images of younger models, many older women may worry about their clothes being “ageappropriate.” Don’t be limited by that kind of thinking, she advises. The age of the model wearing the fashion is far less important than whether the style will work for you.

Look for garments that have a defined shape. You don’t have to wear form-fitting clothing, but do avoid overalls

FASHION: Page 6

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Generations

6

FASHION From Page 5

or baggy, pull-on pants and maxi dresses with no waistline, Brock advises.

Find your colors, Williams suggests. Everyone has certain colors that complement their skin tone, hair and eyes, and others that are less flattering. Determine which ones are yours and emphasize those colors in your wardrobe. Brock also counsels against putting too many colors in a single outfit, and says avoid wild color patterns. Instead, pick one piece in an outfit to make a color statement and use muted, complementary colors in the rest of the outfit to create a backdrop for your statement color.

Just as important as knowing your best colors, you should also know the visual line that looks best for your body type, Williams says. For example, if you’re pear-shaped, a line that draws attention to your shoulders can be flattering, Brock adds. Apple-shaped women may find an A-line skirt flattering since it creates an angle from the shoulder to the waist.

Stay true to your own personal style, regardless of your age. “If you had a well-established personal

style when you were younger, it doesn’t need to change just because you’re older,” Brock says. “If anything, as you age, you can pay more attention to your personal style and be less of a slave to the season’s trends.” Adapt your younger style to your more mature place in life by focusing on creating outfits that make only one statement at a time, she advises. For example, wear that big, chunky turquoise necklace that you’ve always loved and pair it with an outfit that’s simple and straightforward like a pair of tailored jeans and a white blouse.

Some styles work particularly well for senior women, Brock says.

Blazers and cardigans pair well with V-neck tops, sheath dresses, shift dresses and button-down shirts.

“In warmer months, V-neck tops with elbow-length sleeves are the new T-shirt for seniors,” she says.

“Just add a necklace for a little sparkle.” Plus, every senior woman should have wardrobe staples such as a black blazer, white button-down shirt, dark-wash jeans, straight-leg trousers, neutral-colored cardigans, a collection of dolman-sleeve tops and T-shirts with varying sleeve lengths and necklines.

Never underestimate the power of great accessories, Williams says. The

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right jewelry can turn an ordinary outfit into something stunning, and you can change the entire look of an outfit simply by switching around your accessories.

“It’s never too late to discover your personal style,” Brock says.

“Start by creating a Pinterest board and saving looks you love (get a fashion-minded younger friend to

help if you’re not tech-savvy). Then reacquaint yourself with your body type and go shopping with a friend.

Try on different cuts of pants, skirts and dresses until you both agree on which are the most flattering. Find the cuts that look good on you and then start experimenting with colors and textures.”

Generations 7

August 2017

2017 BRINGS CHANGES TO “FULL RETIREMENT AGE”

By Tyler Bowling Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Rapid City, SD Every worker’s dream is having a secure retirement to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Social Security is here to help you secure today and tomorrow. Part of that commitment is ensuring you have the most up-to-date information when you make your retirement decisions.

“Full retirement age” refers to the age when a person can claim their Social Security benefits without any reduction, even if they are still working part or full time. In other words, you don’t actually need to retire from your work to claim your full benefits. Also note that waiting until you’re 70, if you can, will bring you a higher monthly benefit. The choices you make may affect benefits your spouse or children can receive on your record, too.

As the bells rang in a new year, they also rang in changes in 2017 for people considering claiming Social Security retirement benefits. For people who attain age 62 in 2017 (i.e., those born between January 2, 1955 and January 1, 1956), full retirement age is 66 and two months.

Full retirement age was age 65 for many years.

However, due to a law passed by Congress in 1983, it has been gradually increasing, beginning with people born in 1938 or later, until it reaches 67 for people born after 1959.

You can learn more about the full retirement age and find out how to look up your own at www. ssa.gov/planners/retire/agereduction.html.

There are some things you should remember when you’re thinking about retirement.

You may start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. The longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit will be. Your monthly benefits will be reduced permanently if you start them any time before full retirement age. For example, if you start receiving benefits in 2017 at age 62, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced permanently by about 26 percent.

On the other hand, if you wait to start receiving your benefits until after your full retirement age, then your monthly benefits will be permanently increased. The amount of this increase is twothirds of one percent for each month — or eight

percent for each year — that you delay receiving them until you reach age 70.

If you decide to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, you should also understand how continuing to work can affect your benefits.

We may withhold or reduce your benefits if your annual earnings exceed a certain amount.

However, every month we withhold or reduce increases your future benefits. That’s because at your full retirement age we will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months in which we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. In effect, it’s as if you hadn’t filed for those months.

You can learn more at www.ssa.gov/planners/ retire/whileworking.html.

If you pass away, your retirement date can affect the benefit amount your surviving loved ones receive. If you started receiving retirement benefits before full retirement age, we cannot pay the full amount to your survivors. Their benefit amount will be based on your reduced benefits.

You can learn more by visiting our Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners/retire.

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Generations

August 2017

Simple ways to add physical fitness to your daily routine

By Brandpoint Media

Being resourceful with your daily routine can deliver big payoffs when it comes to increasing your activity level.

Incorporating physical fitness into your everyday activities can save you time and also burn calories, and it doesn’t have to take much time or effort.

“For many people, the biggest obstacle to getting more exercise is time,” says Danielle Johnson, physical therapist and wellness physical therapist for the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program. “People feel stretched between their career, child care demands and family commitments.

Thinking of spending an hour extra at the gym may feel overwhelming.”

If you don’t have time to fit in a scheduled workout, try using daily tasks to incorporate fitness, Johnson advises. “You’ll still be able to reap the benefits of exercise by using small bouts of movement throughout the day.

Two 10-minute walks, a few sets of stairs and some five-minute intervals of bodyweight squats, lunges or push-ups can add up to big health benefits.”

Here are some tips to get moving throughout the day: Turn chores into exercise.

• Mow the lawn or do some gardening.

The physical benefit is good for your health, plus gardening can enhance your mood, and the food you grow offers great nutritional benefits.

• Try bicycling to run errands. Leave the car in the garage and bring out your bike for a quick run to the grocery store.

• Turn household cleaning into a mini workout. “For example, mopping floors gives your shoulders and back a workout, and can burn more than 100 calories in just 30 minutes,” Johnson says.

FITNESS: Page 9

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Generations 9

August 2017

FITNESS From Page 8

Find fitness opportunities with friends.

• Instead of going out for dinner or drinks with friends, do something physical, like taking a walk, going for a bike ride or engaging in a physical activity like tennis or bowling.

• Take your dog to the park, or play with them in your own backyard. A game of fetch is not only great exercise for your furry friend - it works your muscles, too.

• Join or start a sports team with your friends. Whether it’s softball, basketball or soccer, taking part in a sport you enjoy will improve both your physical and mental well-being.

Stay curious and improve upon what you’re already doing.

• Do you already walk daily? Try walking faster or choose a challenging route with hills.

• Take up a new summer outdoor sport, such as canoeing, paddle boarding or inline skating.

• If there’s a cause you feel passionate about, try training to participate in a run or walk to raise funds.

• If you play golf, walk the course and carry your own clubs instead of using a cart and caddy.

“Every little bit counts,” Johnson says. “Research suggests that as little as 10 minutes of cardiovascular activity can make a big difference in your health and fitness measures. I often equate health to putting away money for retirement. Putting away savings, even in small amounts, will add up big over time. The same can be said for your health. Investing in opportunities to be active, even for short periods of time, adds up. The key is to be consistent.”

Every little bit counts.

DANIELLE JOHNSON

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Generations

August 2017

Scams Are Out There, Be Aware

By David Baier Public Affairs Specialist Billings, MT It seems there are scams all over the place these days. You’ve won the lottery of some obscure country or a needy millionaire in Europe is seeking your help transferring funds to the United States.

of-living-adjustment and directed readers to a website designed to look like Social Security’s site so people could “update their information” — valuable information to identity thieves and criminals.

These kinds of scams can be upsetting, particularly when you realize the reason they exist — because so many people fall for them.

Whatever you do, don’t fall victim to a scam.

Don’t give out your personal information.

Social Security and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) take these scams very seriously. We do everything we can to stop the perpetrators and educate the public. To report suspicious activity, please call the OIG Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

(If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the OIG TTY number at 1-866-501-2101.) A Public Fraud Reporting form is also available online at OIG’s website: www.socialsecurity.gov/oig.

Especially upsetting are the scams that target people who depend on Social Security benefits — and use Social Security’s name in their shady dealings.

Recently, we have heard of a number of scams where individuals posing as Social Security employees call and ask for personal information like your name, Social Security number and bank account information.

The caller alleges that we need this information so we can issue you additional funds or rebates or they allege that because of a computer glitch your personal information has been lost.

Another scam used an email that was designed to look like it came from Social Security. It provided information about the annual cost-

private information. If someone saying they are from Social Security does email you requesting information, don’t respond to the message.

Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to see whether we really need any information from you.

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In an effort to combat such scams, we want to make one thing perfectly clear: Social Security will not send you an email asking you to give us your personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other

Of course, there are times when Social Security may contact you to update your information.

At such times, you will always receive prior notification from us by mail or telephone before a personal visit is made. When in doubt, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and we can verify the identity of the Social Security employee who has contacted you.

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Generations 11

August 2017

Smartphone technology responds to senior users

By Brandpoint Media

Smartphone technology may seem complicated and flashy, but don’t believe anyone who says it’s only for the young. In fact, 73 percent of those 50 to 59 years old now own a smartphone, according to a 2016 survey from AARP. Going one step further, a recent study of smartphone user habits by the Pew Research Center concludes that 92 percent of those aged 50 and above now use text messaging, 80 percent use their phones to access the internet and 87 percent use them to send and receive email.

Still, a significant smartphone generation gap exists within the baby boomer set. While smartphone owners 50 to 59 regularly perform common daily tasks and even occasionally play a game on their smartphones, AARP’s study noted adults 60 to 69 are far more likely to rely on a laptop or desktop computer for email or internet use, and tend to avoid apps and games altogether.

OBSTACLES TO SMARTPHONE ENJOYMENT

It’s no great mystery why certain baby boomers have been hesitant to fully embrace smartphone technology. Traditionally, mobile phones have

simply not been designed with seniors in mind.

Rather, they are designed for the larger share of the market represented by younger users, who grew up playing high-tech games, surfing the web and using touchscreens.

Software interfaces are often not particularly senior friendly. Small content size and busy screens can be difficult to read and comprehend.

The challenge of navigating multiple menu levels is simply not intuitive for many older users.

The small physical size of many devices, and the even smaller size of things like number keys and icons, present challenges that can make smartphones frustrating for seniors to use, and sometimes even seem a little intimidating.

GROWING CHOICES TO SATISFY SENIOR NEEDS

Fortunately, the wireless industry has responded, and the gap is quickly being filled. Savvy manufacturers and specialized carriers have

SMARTPHONE: Page 12

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No One Knows About A 2018 COLA Yet

Generations SMARTPHONES From Page 11

recognized the potential of the senior market, resulting in more and better choices than ever.

Samsung’s Android smartphones, for instance, include a simplified version of its operating software designed to make navigation more convenient. Called “Easy Mode,” this optional setting is found in nearly every modern Samsung device.

Easy Mode enlarges the size of text and icons, and allows users to put everything within easy reach on a single screen.

Most Android and iPhone models also offer options within the Settings menu that allow users to adjust things like font size and screen brightness to tailor the user experience to their specific needs. With any Android smartphone, users also have the option of downloading a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store, which provides big pictures and text to simplify navigation.

There’s even a growing segment of the carrier market focusing on seniors.

Known for its affordable rates and excellent customer service, Consumer Cellular is a full-service, no-contract carrier that offers a range of specifically senior-friendly smartphones for

By David Baier Public Affairs Specialist Billings, MT Articles guessing about Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for next year are starting to appear.

No matter what you read or hear, no one knows 2018 COLA information yet and no one will officially know until approximately mid-October. Last year, the Social Security COLA press release was on October 18.

By law, COLAs for Social Security and SSI benefits are based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the last year a COLA was determined to the third quarter of the current year.

The CPI-W is determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department of Labor.

The third quarter of the year ends September 30. Until CPI-W information is available, any cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) amount mentioned for next year is a guess.

Although COLAs are now an accepted feature of Social Security benefits, they were not Submitted image originally part of the program.

COLA: Page 13

August 2017 any skill level. Other carriers have gained popularity among older users by offering simplified smartphones with convenient emergency calling features.

OPENING UP NEW WORLDS

Beyond a slight learning curve, there’s no longer any reason for seniors to feel left out, or even limited, by smartphone technology.

By integrating new, senior-oriented designs and features, today’s smartphone experience can be as simple and user-friendly as they need it to be.

The Pew study reveals just how integral smartphones have become to the lives of users over 50. Going beyond standard uses, 39 percent in this age bracket also use their phones to access information about health conditions; 34 percent use them to do online banking. Fifty-five percent use smartphones for social networking, and another 55 percent use their phone’s features for entertainment.

There are truly almost no limits on what can be done with a smartphone. No longer a mere toy or gadget, it has evolved to become an indispensable modern tool.

The good news for older users is that it is also now more accessible than ever.

The loss of a loved one

can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle.

The Best Place For Your Best Days!

Low Cost Meal Plans Available

At Willoughby Funeral Home we guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and respect.

Family Owned & Operated

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301 North Main Street Howard, SD

605-772-4681

Only A Few Units Left

www.quailview.com or email: info@quailview.com 1400 West 21st Avenue, Mitchell Call for a private showing - 605-216-0602

Generations 13 COLA

August 2017

You can Now File for Supplemental Security Income Online

By David Baier Public Affairs Specialist Billings, MT

We’re always looking for ways to provide you with innovative, quality services, and with our newest online enhancement, we’re proud to be doing just that. Now, if you meet certain requirements, you can file Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and disability applications online at the same time.

You can apply online if you: • Are between the ages of 18 & 65; • Have never been married; • Aren’t blind; • Are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the fifty states, District

of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands; and • Haven’t applied for or received disability or SSI benefits in the past.

With this update, we are expanding service to customers with limited English proficiency by allowing them to request an appointment online for an in-person claim or teleclaim in the language of their choice. As we provide this new service in many languages, including Spanish, we are discontinuing the separate Spanish language iClaim option.

Applicants who started and saved an iClaim in Spanish can still enter the portal and complete it for up

to six months after the claim start date.

With disability, and now SSI, benefit applications online, we’re providing easier and more convenient services to support you through life’s journey.

If you’re facing life with a disability and don’t know where to start, we encourage you to visit our website at www. socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi.

You can apply for benefits on our website; it’s the most convenient way. Additionally, you can contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office if you wish to apply for disability benefits.

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From Page 12

From the first payment of Social Security benefits in January 1940 until the 1950 Amendments, the amount of your first benefit check was the amount you could expect to receive for life. It was not until the 1950 Amendments that Congress first legislated an increase in benefits, followed by a second special increase in 1952.

Legislation creating automatic costof-living adjustments (COLAs) was signed by President Nixon in 1972.

Effective with 1975, the legislation established COLAs based on the consumer price index.

Information about Medicare changes for 2018, when available, will be at www. medicare.gov, the official Medicare website. Social Security helps people enroll in Medicare but the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, administers Medicare.

Again, no matter what you read or hear, no one knows 2018 COLA information yet and no one will officially know until announced by Social Security, approximately in mid-October. When announced, the news, whatever it might be, will be on the Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.gov.

Planning Ahead is Wise....

consult with Shafer Memorials for expert advice in selecting a memorial for your family.

WE ARE PROUD TO PROVIDE PERSONALIZED CARVINGS COMPLETED ON-SITE IN OUR SHOP

We will create computer illustrations to symbolize your lives together.

LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED....SINCE 1919

let your monument tell your story.

Swank Inc. dba

Alex, Courtney, Jeremy, Kim (Shafer), Rick Swank

1023 N. Main • Mitchell, SD (5 blocks N of the Corn Palace) 1-800-464-3115 • 605-996-3115 www.shafermemorials.com 001613069r1

Independent Senior Living Wesley Acres, located in Mitchell, SD, offers a variety of apartment living options for people 62 years of age or older.

It’s a place where privacy is respected, yet companionship is just a neighbor away... a place where people are free to come and go as they wish... independent living without the burdens of maintaining a home.

1115 West Havens | Mitchell, SD 57301

605-996-6164

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We are a family owned business in our 6th generation, and we have been in the same location for over 98 years.

Stop by for a friendly walk thru of choices you have,

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August 2017

ONLINE From Page 13

When applying for benefits, you should be prepared to answer a number of questions including: • When your conditions became disabling: • Dates you last worked; • The names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of visits to your doctors; • The names of medications that you take and medical tests you’ve had; and • Marital information.

• In addition, if you plan on applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability payments, for people with low income who haven’t paid enough in Social Security taxes to be covered, we will ask you questions about: • Your current living arrangement, including who

lives there and household expenses; • All sources of income for you and your spouse, if applicable; and • The amount of your resources, including bank account balances, vehicles, and other investments.

You can view our disability starter kit at www. socialsecurity.gov/disability/ disability_starter_kits.htm.

Remember, we are there when you might be faced with one of the hardest obstacles of your life. Social Security helps secure today and tomorrow with critical benefits for people with severe disabilities, not just during retirement. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov

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Metro Creative

Rose Parade & Grand Canyon Rim Tour Also includes San Francisco & San Diego!

December 27, 2017 - January 10, 2018 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Mormon Temple & Tabernacle • Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade with Grandstand Seats!

• Post Parade Float viewing • San Francisco City tour • “Tibbies” New Year’s Eve Show & Dinner • Overnight stay on the Famous Queen Mary including a Behind the Scenes Tour

• Ronald Reagan Library • Warner Bros Studio • Tour of Los Angeles Area • San Diego & USS Midway • Route 66 Museum • Grand Canyon Railway • South Rim Bus Tour w/Lynch • US Air Force Academy

Huron•Brookings•Watertown•Sioux Falls•Dakota Dunes

•Spacious 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites •Newly Remodeled Huron Facility!

•All on One Level •Coffee Shop •Courtyards •Theatre

$3,249

Per Person / Based on Double Occupancy Single - $4,134 • Deposit - $250 per person • Ask about low cost travel insurance

Dell Rapids, SD 57022 | Toll free 877-428-4798 | Local 605-428-4777

Prairiecoach.com | tours@prairiecoach.com

"Life is sweet in StoneyBrook Suites!" www.stoneybrooksuites.com

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August 2017

your tax return!

Tax planning and Management Retirement and Estate Planning Business and Succession Planning Accounting Support Services Business Valuation

Your Success is Our Business!

Remember the Ones You Love…

Marlene Hettinger | Locally Owned Mon.-Fri. 9:00-5:00 | Sat. By Appointment

Mitchell Monuments & More 605-292-0730 • 888-409-8400 824 West Havens • Mitchell (Across from Bittner Funeral Chapel)

www.elocpa.com

2018 Quality Tours

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mitchellmonuments@midconetwork.com

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Go Beyond

Sioux Falls 271‐1302 ~ Huron 352‐8573 ~ Miller 853‐2130

Mitchell 996‐7717 ~ Chamberlain 234‐6055

Vases • Candles • Memorial Lights • Angel Statues

June 28, 2018: CZECH REPUBLIC & (EAST) GERMANY Sponsored by the United Church of Christ (Yankton) Adult Choir.

We invite you to join our Southeast South Dakota community choir! We will perform in the Czech Republic, and are arranging for Wittenberg (Martin Luther’s church), St. Thomas church in Leipzig, and a cathedral in Berlin. Tenors and basses are especially needed.

Please inquire immediately! 12 day tour only $2895. Everyone Welcome.

July 20, 2018: ALASKA CRUISE Seven-day Alaska cruise only. Includes airfare from hopefully Sioux Falls (but may be Omaha).

Make it a family affair. Anyone wishing to extend and do another 7 day land package thru Denali Park up to Fairbanks, we will arrange this for you.

Only have 4 cabins left at this price, so call today.

Only $2500.

August 6, 2018: THE BEACHES OF NORMANDY AND IRELAND Sponsored by the Germans from Russia Heritage Society

This is a 13 day tour and we welcome everybody! Full day of sight-seeing in Paris before going to Normandy for three nights. Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, St. Lo, and all other WWII sights. Then flying into Dublin for sightseeing, on to Kildare and the National Stud Farm, to Waterford and the crystal factory, Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, and the Daniel O’Donnell show. Meet Daniel after the show!

Deadline for show tickets is November 1, 2017. (however you may sign up for the tour later)

Call Vi Ranney-Yankton 605-665-3596 or e-mail: viranney@vyn.midco.net

We’re by your side so your parents can stay at home.

Home Instead CAREGivers can provide a variety of services.

Some include: • • • • • • • •

Companionship Care Personal Care Meals & Nutrition Transportation Household Duties Respite Care Hospice Care Support Services Medication Reminders

Now hiring CAREGivers!

Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated. © 2016 Home Instead, Inc.

August 2017

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