Life expo 2016

WHAT’S INSIDE Easy ways to be more

ACT I V E p. 6

EXPO PRESENTED BY

SENIOR DATING TIPS p. 8

KEEPING YOUR

FINANCES IN ORDER p. 12

MORE! ATTEND THE LIFE EXPO! ■

Free Admission

Health, Financial & Well Being ■

■ Flu Shots (insurance info will be processed)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center 4400 Midland, Ave., Fort Smith PREMIER SPONSOR

AN ADVERTISING SPECIAL OF THE TIMES RECORD

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9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, October 22 Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center 4400 Midland Blvd.

Fort Smith

Crystal Costa PUBLISHER Julie Newman ADVERTISING MANAGER

Anne and Roger Costa, aka Gibby and Boppy, with granddaughter Isabelle at her kindergarten graduation.

J.R. and Wanda McConnaughhay (aka Papaw and Grammy) drove up from Oxford, Ark., for an appearance at their grandson Max’s football game.

Papaw doesn’t usually wear camo or sunglasses at night, but was feeling especially spunky that night. Grammy, on the otherhand, has a closet full of purple in preparation for any random Fayetteville game she might need to attend.

Life Expo about so much more than ‘seniors’ Crystal Costa Publisher

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s we prepare the final touches on the upcoming Life Expo, an event for Boomers & Beyond, I can’t help but to think of the attendees who might enjoy the event.

My thoughts go to some of my favorite “seniors” — my parents and beloved in-laws.

While these two couples often proudly embrace titles like “seniors” — especially when it’s time to get the lunch discount at the local diner — it’s people like them who make me proud we renamed the event from Senior Expo to Life Expo.

Just take my in-laws — Retired in beautiful Bella Vista both regularly volunteer at their church, at charity organizations, at our children’s schools and for many pickups and drop offs and oh-by-the-way-can-youbabysit-this-weekend-events at the Costa home. They’ve remodeled their stunning lake house and have at least 100 more vibrant plants than I kill in a single season across their picturesque property. They travel, hang out with friends and are up-to-date with news and events of the world.

I would say they are in the prime of their life, and the hubby and I dream regularly of the days when we can join them.

It goes without saying that a Senior Expo, perhaps with connotations of just end-of-life planning and tips on arthritis care, doesn’t encompass an event that would get these two excited, although these complicated individuals care about those things, too. You see, like the “young-uns,” we understand that the 50ish+ population is a diverse and complicated audience.

And they aren’t unique.

My mother works still, mostly

The Costa family at their annual trip to the fall corn maze and pumpkin patch with the grandparents (from left) Crystal, Christian, 3; mother-in-law extraordinaire Anne, aka Gibby; Isabelle, 7; Canan, 9; hubby Mat; Caden, 11; Roger, aka Boppy; and Mat’s younger brother Mike and hopefully his soon-to-be-wife Sarah Davenport.

because she wants to keep her mind sharp and her insurance intact. My dad has a regular schedule of kicking my tail with an enormous amount of steps on his Fitbit, weekly adventures to the Senior Center to play pool and preaching at the local church. Nearly every weekend Mother texts us kids that she and Dad are off gallivanting somewhere fun just to go, do and play. Talk about active living!

Americans are living and working longer, and looking for ways to stay active, healthy and engaged in society longer than ever.

Of course playing isn’t the only thing Boomers care about, but they do want to know how to enjoy life to the fullest longer. That means taking advantage of the great health tips when they are available, learning new skills at every

turn, maximizing financial resources, meeting new professionals to help along the way, and perhaps even having a little fun while they do it.

These are just some of the reasons we love holding the Life Expo, we want to provide resources to help the Fort Smith and surrounding area find ways to live longer better.

We hope you will join us for the Life Expo sponsored by Sparks Health System from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center for some great fun, a little socializing, door prizes, great info from area vendors, health screenings and much more. The Times Record is providing free admission and free parking.

I’d love to meet you, shake your hand, and hear all your thoughts about the newspaper while you’re there.

FORT S M ITH LIF E EX P O

How to pay off your mortgage before maturity Metro Creative Graphics

Homes are the most expensive purchases many people will ever make. While home ownership can be rewarding, first-time homeowners may experience some sticker shock when

shopping for homes and calculating their potential mortgage costs. But as expensive as home ownership can be, there are ways for homeowners to pay off their mortgages long before those loans reach maturity.

■ Pay extra each month. Factors like home value, property tax and your mortgage loan interest rate determine how much your monthly mortgage payment will be. But there's still room to save. According to the

Chase extra payments calculator, homeowners who borrow $200,000 (after making an initial 20 percent down payment of $50,000 on a home valued at $250,000) at 4 percent interest and pay $4,000 annually in

property taxes and homeowner’s insurance can save more than $26,000 in interest over the life of the loan by paying as little as $100 extra per month.

In addition, including an additional $100 each month will trim 59 months, or just about five years, off the life of your loan.

■ Stop paying PMI. If your initial down payment was less than 20 percent of the value of your home at the time you purchased it, then you were likely required to pay private mortgage insurance, or PMI. PMI may be costing you a couple hundred dollars per month, but once your mortgage balance falls below 80 percent of your home's appraised value, you can ask your lender to stop charging PMI. While it might be nice to pocket those PMI costs

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for a rainy day, continue paying that money each month so you can shorten the life of your loan.

■ Have your home reassessed. While homeowners would like to think the value of their homes is always on the rise, some homes decrease in value over time. If your home is reassessed at a lesser value, your property taxes will decrease. Put the money you're saving on property taxes toward your monthly mortgage payment each month.

■ Refinance your mortgage. Refinancing to a lower interest rate can lower your monthly mortgage payment, but be sure that the costs to refinance do not exceed the savings you will earn.

Apply any money you save from refinancing to your monthly payment.

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How to avoid growing bored in retirement Metro Creative Graphics

Embracing a new hobby is one way for recently retired men and women to avoid growing bored during retirement.

From the moment young men and women first walk into the office for their first day as a working professional until the day they officially retire, the notion of planning for retirement is never far from their minds. But when the day to hang up the briefcase

and donate all those business suits arrives, some retirees wonder what to do next. Some retirees know exactly how they will spend their days when they no longer have to work, while others who decide to play it by ear may find themselves battling boredom.

For those among the latter group, it’s important to understand that many retirees find themselves bored once

they no longer have to focus on a career. Jobs keep men and women busy and provide a sense of purpose in their lives, so it’s understandable that retirees feel bored once those jobs are no longer a part of their lives. But just because you no longer have an office to go to every day does not mean life cannot be as fulfilling or even more fulfilling than it was when you were still working. You just need

to find something to avoid succumbing to retirement boredom.

■ Work part-time. Though it might seem odd to start working right after you retire, a part-time job can provide the type of structure you have grown accustomed to without all of the responsibility that comes with a full-time career. Part-time jobs can range from consultancy work that makes use of your professional experience to something entirely different like landscape maintenance at a nearby golf course that gets you out of the house and enjoying the warmer seasons.

Whichever you choose, make sure it's something you find fun and interesting.

■ Embrace a new hobby.

Working professionals often say they wish they had time to pursue a hobby. Now that you are

retired, you have all the time in the world to do just that. Whether it’s perfecting your golf game, writing that novel, learning to cook like a gourmet chef or whatever else you might have always wanted to do, retirement is a great time to do it.

■ Get in shape. If retirement boredom has started to negatively affect your mood, one great way to conquer your boredom and improve your mood at the same time is to start exercising. Exercise is a natural mood enhancer. When the body exercises, it releases chemicals knowns as endorphins, which trigger positive feelings in the body. In addition, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, boost self-esteem and improve sleep. Working out at a gym also is a great way to meet fellow retirees in your community, and

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the energy you have after exercising may give you the boost you need to pursue other hobbies.

■ Volunteer. If a part-time job is not up your alley, then consider volunteering in your community.

Volunteers are always in demand, and volunteering with a local charity can provide a sense of purpose and provide opportunities to meet like-minded fellow retirees, all while helping to quell your boredom. Retirees who love to travel can combine their passion for volunteering with their love of travel by signing up to work with an international relief organization that travels abroad to help the less fortunate.

Upon retiring, many retirees initially find themselves coping with boredom. But there are many ways to avoid the restlessness of retirement.

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EASY WAYS TO BE MORE ACTIVE

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Embracing an active lifestyle that leaves behind the comforts of the couch can be a difficult adjustment. But the payoffs of adopting a more active lifestyle are numerous. In addition to feeling better physically, men and women who embrace more physical activity typically notice improvements in their mood as well.

The positive mental effects related to physical activity are no accident, as numerous studies have shown exercise can stimulate chemicals in your brain that improve your mood while also lowering stress and helping you relax. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aerobic exercise or a mix of aerobic exercise and strength-training activities three to five times a week for 30 to 60 minutes has been shown to improve cognitive ability and judgement, reduce a person's risk of developing depression and improve sleep.

The numerous positive effects of physical activity illustrate just how beneficial such a lifestyle can be. Even better, embracing an active lifestyle does not mean you have to start planning that expedition to climb Mount Everest or start training for the triathlon. In fact, a few minor adjustments to your current routine might be all it takes to reap the rewards of living a more active lifestyle.

Walk this way Walking more can help

many people quickly and easily improve their physical and mental condition. Instead of retiring to the couch after dinner, take a walk around the neighborhood with your family or significant other. Or go it alone and use your nightly walk as a peaceful opportunity to collect your thoughts.

Walking after dinner is a great way to get in some daily cardiovascular exercise, and a post-dinner walk might encourage you to eat less.

Walking can be incorporated into your daily routine in other ways as well. On shopping trips, park further away from the store so you can walk more. And walk kids to school or the bus stop instead of dropping them off in your car.

Do your own chores It might be easier to cut your landscaper a check and let him look after your property, but that big green yard outside your front door presents a great opportunity for you to be more physically active. Mow your own lawn, choosing a push mower instead of a ride-on mower, and tend to your trees, shrubs and flowers yourself. This is a great way to be more physically active, and the physical and mental rewards might just be outdone by the pride you feel when seeing a beautiful landscape you tended to yourself.

Embrace a cause If the known physical and mental benefits of an active lifestyle are not proving to be

ample motivation in your quest to be more physically active, then perhaps the opportunity to help others might do the trick. Numerous charities sponsor charity walks or runs that provide participants with an opportunity to raise money for a good cause. Even better, such events tend to take all comers, so you might be able to enlist your friends, family members or coworkers to join you. Signing up for a 10K might be just the motivation you need to get out and start training. And once the training begins, chances are you won't want to stop even after the charity event has come and gone.

Join a sports league Many men and women played in recreational sports leagues as a youth or young adult.

Unfortunately, it's easy to abandon those recreational activities when the responsibilities of work and family take over. But joining a sports league is a great way to reach your weekly exercise goals, meet new friends and reconnect with a game you might have loved as a child.

Many people find it's easier to embrace a more active lifestyle when they enjoy their physical activities, so find a sport you enjoy playing and then start playing it more.

Getting off the couch and embracing an active lifestyle has both physical and mental benefits that can improve all aspects of daily life.

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HEALTH

Beltone meets all hearing needs

Special to the Times Record

B

eltone Hearing Aid Center is a place to meet all your hearing needs. Services provided include a full hearing evaluation, which consists of otoscopic examination, tympanometric testing, audiometric testing, bone conduction testing and speech testing.

Other services include ear wax removal, hearing instrument cleanings, checkups and repairs.

We can also make impressions for custom earmolds and earplugs.

If a hearing test

results in a recommendation for hearing aids, we can provide a consultation and free in-office trial of our latest technology in hearing aids.

We accept most insurance plans including BlueCross BlueShield, Humana and BelCare.

We also have zero percent financing options available with approved credit.

A comprehensive hearing screening performed by a licensed hearing care professional, audiologist or medical doctor can tell you if you need hearing aids. Often people think they need hearing aids, but they really don’t.

Approaching the subject

of hearing loss with a spouse, parent, friend or relative requires sensitivity. We have tips that can help you when approaching the subject.

In light of recent medical findings linking hearing loss to Alzheimer's disease, falling and a diminished quality of life, it’s more important than ever to help a loved one get help. Let our caring staff help you hear the things you love.

Good hearing care can make life more enjoyable.

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when initiating contact over the Internet.

Senior dating trends and tips

Metro Creative Graphics

Finding love again is possible for seniors who get back into the dating scene.

The first Baby Boomers will be turning 70 in 2016, and this generation remains one of the most influential in the country and around the world.

Scores of products and services are now marketed to seniors, many of whom remain as active and socially aware as they

were in their youth.

One aspect of senior marketing that is booming is dating and relationship products.

Singles age 50 and older are increasingly relying on online dating sites and other methods to find love and companionship.

Dating is no longer kids’ play, and those who have been away from dating for some time may have to get reacquainted with the process in the modern age.

Keep an open mind It’s easy to be preoccupied with the rigors of being an older adult and the responsibilities that still may rest on your shoulders. Part of the fun of dating when you were young likely had to do with throwing caution to the wind. But some of those same carefree aspects remain true whether you’re dating at 17 or at 57. Laughter, fun, spontaneity, and the chance for some adventure are still the keys to making memorable dates.

Consider online dating Data from Pew Research found one in two divorced or widowed seniors had remarried in 2013, and that trend figures to continue. Many seniors are using online dating sites to find their new matches. While websites geared to dating make it easier to get in touch with fellow singles, the relative anonymity of the process can make

it challenging to separate the truth from some selfpromoting hype on dating profiles.

Begin by relying on dating sites that have been tested and recommended. One to try is the AARP dating site partnered with How About We. In addition to its simplicity and small financial commitment, the site caters to the over50 crowd and is backed by the AARP name. It‘s

good for those looking for an activity partner as well as casual dating. Popular sites Match.com and eHarmony.com also boast high percentages of users age 50 and up.

Even after thorough consideration and conversation, online daters should exercise caution when meeting someone online and then in person.

Profiles aren’t always what they seem, and it’s easier to fudge the facts

Sometimes it’s who you know The old adage of it’s ‘who you know’ and not ‘what you know’ is applicable to dating. If you are ready to jump into the dating world again, ask your close friends or family members if they know anyone who might be in a similar situation.

Taking another stab at dating later in life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no matter how long it’s been since your last first date, some aspects of dating are the same as ever. Just remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things.

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The benefits to establishing advanced healthcare directives

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Healthy adults may give little thought to injuries or illnesses. When the going is good, it is easy to forget about the less pleasant side effects of aging. However, putting off these conversations and decisions can lead to unnecessary obstacles in the years to come.

Advanced healthcare directives can be invaluable resources for family members and friends who will be responsible for managing a person's plans should they become unable to make their own decisions. Various organizations, including AARP, offer resources on advanced planning and the options available to adults looking to plan their estates.

The National Healthcare Decisions Day movement, a group dedicated to providing clear, concise and consistent information on healthcare decisionmaking, defines advanced directives as establishing: ■ a “healthcare power of attorney” (or “proxy” or “agent” or “surrogate”), or the person you select to be your voice for your healthcare decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.

■ a “living will” to document which medical treatments you would or would not want at the end of life.

While these are decisions that people often put off, it’s important to make them as early as possible.

Not only will they dictate your wishes, they’ll take the pressure off of loved

ones who would otherwise be tasked with making difficult decisions on their own.

Healthcare proxy

Appointing a healthcare proxy ensures that there will be someone there who has the legal authority to make healthcare decisions for you if you are no longer able to speak for yourself. This may be a spouse, child, relative, or close friend. The Mayo Clinic suggests choosing a person who can be trusted to make decisions that adhere to your wishes and values and to be your advocate if there are disagreements about your care.

Be sure to have a candid discussion with your healthcare proxy in which you go over the types of

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medical care you wish to receive and any ways you would or would not like your life prolonged.

It helps to keep the proxy up-to-date on any medical conditions you may have so that he or she can make the most informed decisions on your behalf.

Having a healthcare proxy does not mean you are giving up your right to make medical decisions.

It's a fail-safe in the event you are unconscious or cannot direct medical care.

Living will

An advanced healthcare directive enables you to create specific written instructions for future health care, known as a living will. The living will should include wishes regarding life-sustaining

medical treatments and resuscitation if you are no longer able to speak on your own behalf.

It also can spell out whether you want to remain in a hospital or receive palliative care at home for a terminal illness. A living will can be changed if/when your wishes or circumstances change.

Legal and medical advice

Although legal advice is not required for an advanced directive, it can be helpful to iron out the legalities of your direc-

tives.

Speak with your doctor about your desires and needs. A physician can help you form a coherent directive that is in line with your wishes.

Remember, an advanced directive is not reserved for the elderly.

Any consenting adult age 18 or older can benefit from a living will and other documentation.

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When you become the parent of your parent

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Medical advancements have enabled people to live longer. Though everyone wants to live longer, some people outlive their ability to care for themselves. In such instances, family members must make a decision regarding how best to care for an elderly relative.

According to "Aging in Place in America," a commissioned study by Clarity(R) and the EAR Foundation, 63 percent of Baby Boomers are actively involved in providing some kind of help or assistance to their elderly parents. Whether this is due to the rising cost of elder care or simply a feeling of obligation on the part of the child, many middle-aged men and women are responsible for caring for aging parents and young children.

The emotions that might result from caring for an aging parent are often mixed. Some people are happy to do their part to help make life a little easier for a person who devoted so much of his or her energy to raising them. Others in the sandwich generation can feel like this is a burden or guilty that they're not doing enough for a parent.

Signs an elder needs help When an older relative stops driving, this is often indicative that he or she needs assistance with daily living. There also may be signs that support and care is needed, such as if the house seems untidy, if he or she is

having trouble maintaining personal hygiene, if the parent is getting hurt attempting to do things around the house or if he or she seems malnourished due to the inability to cook meals. Limited mobility or loss of mental faculties also may be indicative that it is time for a loved one to receive care.

Questions to ask Although taking on the care of an aging parent may seem like the best idea possible, particularly for a senior who is very afraid of losing his or her independence, it may not always be in either party's best interest.

Before anyone determines what will be done to help a relative, it's best to answer a few questions as straightforwardly as possible.

■ What type of care does my parent need?

■ How soon into the future is that type of care bound to change?

■ Can this care be handled by someone who comes into the house, such as a visiting nurse?

■ Will my parent feel comfortable with an outside person helping with day-to-day care?

■ What are my parent's limitations?

■ Am I capable of handling this on my own?

■ Can I afford an adequate care facility?

■ What are my local facility options?

■ Will this type of care affect my own personal well-being?

■ Can I handle this emotionally and physically?

Any person facing the prospect of caring for an aging parent can realize

that there is help available, as well as many different people who can help guide a decision. The first resource is to ask siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins to weigh in on the situation to help the family come to a consensus.

There are also social workers who specialize in this sort of thing, as well as financial consultants who can spell out the pros

and cons of different types of care and help determine the most affordable option. This can also go a long way toward helping determine the course of action.

The burden of caring for a parent can take a physical and mental toll on a person. Knowing there is a support circle available can ease one's mind and enable

caregivers to make rational decisions that are in everyone's best interest.

Caring for a loved one who can no longer care for him- or herself is something that many Baby Boomers are facing on a daily basis. Although it may be a touchy subject, it is worth exploring what you will do before the situation becomes urgent.

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Metro Creative Graphics

In 2015, analysts with the Government Accountability Office found that the average American between the ages of 55 and 64 had accrued roughly $104,000 in retirement savings, a shockingly low figure that would make it very difficult for men and women nearing retirement to maintain their quality of life into their golden years. Things don't look much better north of the border, where the 2015 Global Investor Pulse Survey from the asset management firm BlackRock found that the average Canadian in the same age group had amassed an average of just $125,000.

While many people fear retiring with small

How to get and keep your finances in order

nest eggs, that fear has apparently not been enough to inspire men and women to commit to saving more money for their golden years.

But retirement saving is essential, especially since life expectancies are rising. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, global life expectancies at birth are expected to rise to 76 years by the mid-21st century. That’s a far cry from the mid-20th century, when global life expectancy from birth was roughly 48 years.

Longer life expectancies mean men and women will have to find ways to make their money last throughout their retirement. The earlier adults figure out how to keep

their finances in order, the more money they will have when the time comes to retire. The following are a handful of strategies men and women can employ to rein in their finances in the hopes of saving more for retirement.

Review your finances at least once per month.

Hectic schedules or fear of the financial unknown make it easy for adults to ignore their finances for long stretches of time. But adults should review their financial situation at least once per month, examining how they are spending their money and if there are any ways to cut costs and redirect dollars going out into their retirement accounts. Redirecting as little as $100 per month

into a retirement account can add up to a substantial amount of money over time.

on nights out on the town or new clothes if you feel the need.

Pay monthly bills immediately.

It sounds simple, but many adults would have far more in their retirement accounts if they simply avoided buying items they cannot afford.

According to a 2015 Harris Poll conducted on behalf of NerdWallet, the average credit card debt per indebted American household in 2015 was $15,762.07. Adults who want to get their finances in order and start saving more for retirement should put the plastic away and only make purchases with cash or debit cards that take money directly out of their bank accounts once the card is swiped.

Many adults receive monthly bills for utilities, rent/mortgage, phone, and television/Internet.

If you have the money in your account, pay these bills the moment you receive them. Doing so is a great way to avoid overspending on other items, such as dining out or shopping trips, and then finding yourself scrambling to pay bills come their due dates. Once all the monthly bills have been paid and you have deposited money into your savings/retirement accounts, then you can spend any leftover money

Buy only what you can afford.

Downsize.

Downsizing is another way to free up more money for retirement savings. Empty nesters can save money by downsizing to a smaller home or even an apartment. Drivers who no longer need room for the whole family can downsize from SUVs or minivans to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Adults also may be able to downsize their entertainment, switching from costly cable packages to basic plans or cutting the cord entirely and subscribing to more affordable streaming services.

Getting a grip on spending can help adults save more for retirement and ensure their golden years are not compromised by lack of funds.

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Find a hobby that works for you

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Hobbies can serve many functions. Some men and women turn their hobbies into careers, while others rely on their hobbies to provide a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Inspiring hobbies can make life more rewarding. While many people experience some trial and error as they seek something to fill their downtime, the following are a few tips to finding a hobby that will enrich your life and maybe even the lives of others.

Consider your interests.

Much like you considered your interests when choosing a career path, you can benefit from doing the same when the time comes to find a hobby. If your work remains your passion, look for ways to share that passion with others.

Perhaps you can teach a class at your community's learning annex or volunteer to work with high school kids who might have expressed an interest in your line of work. If you want to leave the office behind in your downtime, consider

your other interests.

Avid readers may want to start a local book club, while film buffs may enjoy starting a local film appreciation group. The more passionate you are about a topic or activity, the more likely you can turn it into a successful and rewarding hobby.

Consider your needs.

Another way to find a successful hobby is to consider why you want one in the first place. If your workdays tend to be hectic and you want a quiet escape, then a peaceful hobby such as

painting might do the trick. If you're looking for a hobby that can add some spice to your social life and help you meet new people, look for something that encourages teamwork or interaction with other people your age.

Consider your availability.

Another thing to consider when choosing a hobby is how much time you will have to pursue it. If your schedule is especially hectic or unpredictable, avoid hobbies that require a big time commitment, as such activities may

prove too difficult to commit to. In such situations, a hobby that allows you to embrace it on your own time will likely prove more enjoyable than one where you must adhere to a schedule that you simply can't honor.

If you have a substantial amount of free time, then something that requires more involvement on your part might be right up your alley, whereas hobbies that don't require much regular participation likely won't provide the respite or fulfillment you're looking for.

Consider those closest to you.

Many people find that the best hobbies are the ones that allow them to spend more time with their loved ones, whether those loved ones are their own children, their parents or their close friends.

Parents may want to find an activity that allows them to bond with their children, while young working professionals may want to find an activity that provides them with opportunities to spend time with their equally busy friends.

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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETIREES Metro Creative Graphics

Today's retirees recognize that an active retirement tends to be more rewarding than simply sitting around the house, and that attitude is reflected in the vast number of retirees who volunteer with various nonprofit organizations and other programs across the globe. The following are a handful of volunteering opportunities for those retirees who want to give back and make the most of their retirements.

Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds and repairs homes for people in need.

It has a program titled "Care-A-Vanners" in which volunteers typically spend two weeks

traveling around the United States and Canada in rented RVs (retirees who own RVs may be able to drive their own vehicles) building and restoring homes. Volunteers must pay their own way and bring along their own supplies, such as work shoes, gloves, tool belts, and some tools (power tools are typically provided by the local Habitat for Humanity chapter), and free or low-cost RV parking is provided by Habitat for Humanity. Adventurous retirees who enjoy hitting the open road may find "Care-A-Vanners" matches their love of travel with their desire to give back.

Work with children Many retirees, especially those without

grandchildren or who live far away from their grandchildren, find volunteering with children to be especially rewarding. The opportunities to work with kids are numerous, and retirees can choose a volunteering opportunity where their own life experiences come in handy. For example, retirees who worked in the medical field might want to volunteer their time at a local children's hospital, where they can assist families as they cope with a child's illness and spend time with the children themselves, whether it's tutoring sick children, reading them stories or helping them understand their illnesses.

Retirees with considerable experience in the business world may want

Retirement saving for late bloomers Metro Creative Graphics

Today’s young professionals hear about the importance of saving for retirement seemingly from the moment they are hired. In addition to discussions with human resources personnel about employer-sponsored retirement plans, young professionals are learning about the importance of saving for retirement thanks to the abundance of financial-planning advertisements on television, the radio and the

Internet.

Older workers may not have been so lucky, and many may find themselves trying to play catch up as retirement age draws closer. While its important to begin saving for retirement as early as possible, late bloomers whose retirement dates are nearing can still take steps to secure their financial futures.

■ Pay down debts.

Eliminating debt is good for men and women of all ages, but especially so

for those nearing retirement. Substantial debt may delay your retirement and can greatly reduce your quality of life during retirement. If you still have substantial debt, eliminate that debt before you start saving additional money for retirement. Once your debt slate has been wiped clean, you can then increase your retirement contributions.

■ Eliminate unnecessary expenses. If your retirement savings are low

to work with a mentoring program that matches them up with careerminded youngsters.

Service vacations Retirement is often seen as a time to travel and see the world, and many retirees have started to combine that love of travel with service opportunities.

Globe Aware, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, develops short-term volunteer programs in international environments. Each activity aims to promote cultural awareness and promote sustainability in needy communities. Volunteers work to address issues identified by the host communities as particularly pressing, interacting with the local residents in ways that are often

(many financial advisors now advise men and women that they will need at least 60 percent of their pre-retirement income each year they are retired), start cutting back on unnecessary expenses and reallocate that money toward retirement saving.

Cutting out luxury items, such as vacations to exotic locales or country club memberships, is one way to save money. But don’t overlook the simpler ways to save, such as canceling your cable subscription or dining at home more often.

■ Downsize your home.

Many empty nesters downsize their homes as retirement nears, and doing so can help you save a substantial amount of money. If the kids no longer live at home or if

impossible on more traditional vacations.

Disaster relief Disaster relief

programs may be less predictable than more routine volunteer programs, but retirees often make great volunteers at disaster relief sites.

Unlike working professionals who cannot travel to disaster relief sites without ample planning ahead of time, retirees often find the flexibility of retirement allows them to pitch in when an unforeseen natural disaster strikes and volunteers are needed seemingly overnight. Many disaster relief programs need volunteers who are certified in CPR or have other unique lifesaving skills, but even retirees without such skills can help by handling supplies or by comforting and assisting survivors of natural disasters.

you simply have more space than you will need after retirement, downsize to a smaller, less expensive home. Monitor the real estate market before you decide to downsize so you can be sure to get the best deal on your current home.

Downsizing saves on monthly utility bills, property taxes and a host of additional expenses.

Downsizing also means less maintenance, which gives you more time to pursue your hobbies upon retiring.

■ Take on some additional work. While you may have long felt you would slowly wind down in the years immediately preceding retirement, taking on some additional work outside of your current job is a great way

to save more for retirement and perhaps even lay the foundation for a post-retirement career.

Workers over the age of 50 can be invaluable resources to startups or other businesses looking for executives who have been there, done that.

Look for part-time jobs that seek such experience. Even if the initial jobs don't bowl you over financially, part-time consultant work in retirement can make up for lost retirement savings and may even make your retirement years more fulfilling.

Men and women on the verge of retirement can take many steps to grow their retirement savings and make their golden years that much more enjoyable.

Meals on Wheels Retirees tend to have their mornings and afternoons free, making them ideal candidates to volunteer with programs such as Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization devoted to delivering nutritious meals to those with limited mobility who are unable to prepare their own meals. The program delivers more than one million meals per day across the United States, and Canada has its own meal delivery programs as well. Many Meals on Wheels volunteers are retirees, who can decide their level of involvement upon volunteering.

FORT S M ITH LIF E EX P O

SPARKS ORTHOPEDIC AND SPINE CENTER

THREE-STEP PROCESS

carries patients through surgery Sparks Regional Medical Center

It wasn’t his first rodeo. Robert Hill, a 65-year-old retired farmer from Booneville, had been through knee surgery before. But this time was different.

“I had no idea what was going on the first time around, but with all of the instruction before my surgery at Sparks, I knew exactly what to expect,” he said.

Hill had a total knee replacement at the Sparks Orthopedic and Spine Center at Sparks Regional Medical Center in February. He credits the pre-surgery education and personalized follow-up care for his successful recovery. Sparks’ joint replacement program has simplified the process for patients into just three steps.

First, patients attend a pre-surgery class with other people who are also scheduled for knee or hip replacement surgery. Patients can ask questions, get answers, and learn a lot — like how to choose a coach to help with exercises and post-op recovery and how to prepare their home

Sue and Robert Hill of Booneville. SUBMITTED PHOTO

for a safe return after surgery.

The second step is on the day of surgery, where the joint replacement staff makes the patient feel comfortable and guides them

through the entire process.

Third, patients recover and work with a physical therapist before heading home.

Throughout the process, patients have easy

access to specialized staff members who will answer questions and address any concerns.

Just two months after having surgery, Hill is back to doing what he loves, like tending to

his chickens, woodworking and spending time with his wife, Sue. Even though Hill knew exactly what to expect, that didn’t mean Sue wasn’t nervous. She’d had a similar surgery

several years ago that resulted in a longer than anticipated hospital stay.

“This program offered a completely different environment; it was such an improvement,” she said. “I was very impressed with the personal care provided by the nurses.”

Led by the Orthopedic and Spine Center Coordinator, each member of the staff has a positive attitude and a desire to provide outstanding care.

Sparks Orthopedic and Spine Center staff has been honored three different times with the highest patient satisfaction scores throughout the entire hospital.

Monthly free community seminars are held on the third Thursday, and are led by the Orthopedic and Spine Center Coordinator. You’ll learn the most common causes, as well as the latest treatment options for knee and hip pain.

For more information on the program or to register for a seminar, call (479) 709-DOCS or visit SparksHealth. com.

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FORT S M ITH LI FE E XPO

If you’re looking for relief from knee or hip pain, Sparks Health System’s Orthopedic and Spine Center is here to help. Join us for a free joint pain seminar to learn about treatment options, including exercise, weight control, joint replacement and more.

JOINT REPLACEMENT IN THREE STEPS.

Take the first step.

Free Hip & Knee Pain Seminar Thursday, November 17 Noon to 1 p.m.

Shuffield Education Center, inside Sparks Regional Medical Center 1001 Towson Ave., Ft. Smith Free valet parking.

Lunch will be provided and registration is required.

To register, call 479-709-DOCS or visit SparksHealth.com.