Senior living 2015

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015

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Senior Living Mapping out the right path to retirement happiness (BPT) — Retirees have a message for people still working but wondering what life might be like once they retire: “Come on in, the water’s warm.” They also say that it pays to plan, the earlier the better, because retirement might come sooner than you expect.

A recent study, sponsored by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., found that approximately eight in 10 retirees are enjoying themselves in retirement, seven in 10 can afford a comfortable lifestyle and two-thirds feel financially secure.

The survey also indicated that few retirees characterize themselves as being bored, lonely or anxious, and nearly half (45 percent) retired sooner than they expected.

The study “Hopes, Fears and Reality — What Workers Expect in Retirement and What Steps Help Them Achieve the

Retirement They Want,” polled more than 900 retirees one to 15 years into retirement and another 900 plus pre-retirees one to 15 years before retirement, all of whom had at least $50,000 in savings and investments.

The research paints a positive picture of retiree lifestyles and adaptability. More importantly, it provides insights into the most important steps to take in preparing for a happy retirement.

“The study provides Americans with a roadmap for enjoying a happy, secure and fulfilling retirement,” says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual Retirement Services.

Among the steps taken by the happiest retirees were the following:

Saint Simeon’s nurtures mind, body and spirit Nestled on 50 acres in Tulsa’s beautiful Osage Hills, Saint Simeon’s offers a full continuum of care for seniors, ranging from independent living, four levels of assisted living, memory care, nursing care and skilled nursing. This allows residents to age in place without worrying about the stresses of moving from community to community as their needs change.

The tranquil setting is a majestic and peaceful retreat for the mind, body and spirit.

A Certified Wildlife Habitat accredited by the National Wildlife Federation, Saint Simeon’s is a safe haven for peacocks, koi, doves and other beautiful creatures, who raise their young and find food and shelter there.

This senior living community was the dream of its founder, The Rev. Dr. E.H. Eckel, who envisioned

a home for people in the “eventide” of life where the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of its residents come first. In 1960, Dr. Eckel’s dream became a reality when Saint Simeon’s Episcopal Home was opened. Since that time, Saint Simeon’s has expanded and developed to meet the diverse needs and desires of the growing senior population.

Being a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma founded in the tradition of the Episcopal Church makes Saint Simeon’s a strongly faith-based organization. This vibrant community welcomes people of all faiths who wish to live their later years in a beautiful environment with dignity, individuality and the highest attainable level of independence.

Saint Simeon’s preserves an exceptional level of qual-

• Calculated the best time to begin collecting Social Security benefits. The qualifying age for receiving full benefits is gradually moving to age 67, depending on your birthdate.

The benefit is reduced for those who take it sooner. For those who wait, the benefit increases each year until age 70.

• Targeted how much money they would need to retire comfortably and estimated their medical and dental expenses in retirement.

• Created a budget for their retirement income and expenses and made an effort to increase their savings at least five years before stopping work.

• Worked with a financial advisor.

• Made new friends and/or re-connected with old friends before retiring.

Country Club welcomes new dog park

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Seniors of all faiths are welcome at Saint Simeon’s. ity care by providing a large number of highly educated nursing staff, including 24/7 RNs and LPNs. Many have been employees of Saint Simeon’s for over 20 years.

The residence also offers a state-of-the-art Wellness Center, complete with a doctorate-level trained director, a warm-water indoor therapy pool and adaptive exercise equipment.

Saint Simeon’s currently has one remaining two-bedroom, recently remodeled independent living cottage available.

This month marked the Grand Opening of a brand new “Bark Park” at Country Club of Woodland Hills.

“Just like other age groups, many senior adults see the joy of owning and caring for a pet as a significant part of their lives,” said Blake Fail, Country Club’s owner. “Seeing the positive difference this would make, we decided building a new dog park would be a great addition for our community.”

The dog park offers a controlled and safe area for pets to run, as well as an obstacle course, water center and plenty of seating for pet owners to interact while their dogs enjoy the park.

According to Trish Behrens, executive director at Country Club, the new park honors these animals that play a positive role in older adults’ lives. “The new park allows residents and their dogs the benefits of daily exercise and social interaction without having to leave our community” said Behrens.

Several studies have shown overwhelming evidence that pet ownership lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increases daily exercise and improves people’s sense of well-being.

To learn more about retirement op-

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Country Club resident Nick Gray enjoys the new Bark Park with his dog, Maggie. tions at Country Club of Woodland Hills, please visit ccwh-living.com.

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Medicare mistakes to avoid (BPT) — Each day, thousands of people in the U.S. turn 65, and they’re faced with making choices about the Medicare program. Unfortunately, many people’s missteps mean they end up paying too much for healthcare coverage.

“A study published by Health Affairs, a peer-reviewed healthcare journal, estimated that more than 20 percent of people are paying at least $500 too much each year for their prescription drug Part D plans,” says Tricia Blazier, director of the Allsup Medicare Advisor.

Blazier says the study found that only 5 percent of Medicare beneficiaries chose the lowest cost Part D plan. Researchers also found that many people overpaid for a Medicare plan, missing out on other plans that would better meet their needs at less cost.

“You may have 20 or more plans to choose from with different features.

These plans come with a wide range of costs, and the highest premiums are sometimes double the lowest.”

If you’re a baby boomer, here are three costly and common mistakes you might be making with your Medicare coverage.

Mistake No. 1: You make hasty choices because you’re employed.

“Often people automatically signed up for Medicare at 65 even if they were still working,” says Blazier. “But health benefits are becoming more complicated and this is less common.”

For example, more baby boomers are using high-deductible health plans (HDHP), which carry restrictions for people who want to use Medicare, too.

There also are penalties for improperly delaying enrollment in certain parts of Medicare.

“Making these choices quickly can carry some unexpected costs,” Blazier says. “You don’t want to miss your firsttime enrollment period without taking a closer look.”

Mistake No. 2: You sign up for traditional Medicare for convenience.

Traditional Medicare includes Part A, hospital services and Part B medical services. Many first-time enrollees also buy a prescription drug Part D plan and supplemental insurance, or Medigap.

“You may think it’s easier to just enroll in the traditional package of Medicare benefits, but your costs can really add up,” Blazier says.

Nearly 16 million people enrolled

Spending meaningful time with others, such as in a painting class (left) and socializing, is a great way to make friends who are enthusiastic about life.

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Making friends makes for a better life

By Dr. Jerree Forbes

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Many people overpaid for a Medicare plan, missing out on other plans that would better meet their needs at less cost. in Medicare Advantage plans in 2014, an increase of almost 20 percent since 2012, according to data provided by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Medicare Advantage plans offer an alternative to traditional Medicare. They can replace several plans with one form of healthcare coverage.

“You can see some incredible cost savings by taking a look at Medicare Advantage plans,” says Blazier. You can find services and resources to compare Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare plans at various websites.

Mistake No. 3: You look for shortcuts by choosing a family member or friend’s Medicare plan.

“It’s easy to enroll in Medicare,” says Blazier. “Maybe a little too easy.”

But it’s not uncommon to have buyer’s remorse once the coverage begins and it’s clearer how much or how little the plan covers.

Some of the biggest mistakes happen when individuals turn 65 and enroll in Medicare for the first time. It can be challenging to find accurate, up-todate information in order to make fair comparisons among all the options. But doing some research, especially with the help of a Medicare specialist, can mean big savings that more than makes up for the extra effort.

The best times in life are almost always when we are with other people. Births, weddings, birthday parties, celebrations, playing games, working, attending and learning in school, church and worship are all keenly social activities. The network of people we interact with in our lives includes friends, family, neighbors and our community at large.

We were designed to be with, interact with and live with other people.

We develop a strong sense of who we are in part by seeing the differences in those around us. We learn and develop attributes from these interactions, and we share who we are with other people so they can develop as well. There is a strong drive in us to share and connect with others. Making connections with others and socializing is so important that it can improve our health, increase our ability to think and perhaps extend our life.

A study of 2,249 California women, which was published in the July 2008 American Journal of Public Health, indicated older women who maintained large social networks reduced their risk of dementia and delayed or prevented cognitive impairment.

In a 2008 AARP Bulletin, Valerie Crooks, clinical trials administrative director at Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group and lead author of the study, stated, “Whenever we have even the most basic exchange, we have to think about how to respond, and that stimulates the brain …”

In March of 2013, HealthDay News reported that “elderly people who are socially isolated and lonely may be at greater risk of early death,” according to British research. The British research was led by Andrew Steptoe, director of the

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A community of friends can help you think and live better.

Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at University College London, who stated in HealthDay’s report that “social contact is a fundamental aspect of human existence. The scientific evidence is that being socially isolated is probably bad for your health and may lead to the development of serious illness and a reduced life span.”

Spending meaningful time with others and socializing is a great way to make friends. A community of friends can help you think better, live better and maybe live a bit longer.

Dr. Forbes is a cognitive specialist at RealHealth120 in Wichita, Kansas.

At Legend Senior Living, we understand that social contact is a fundamental aspect of human existence and being socially isolated is bad for your health. From exceptional restaurant-style dining to a full calendar of life enriching activities, living at a Legend Senior Living residence keeps you active and engaged in life.

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015

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Senior Living Health trumps wealth in importance to retirees’ well-being (BPT) - Whoever said, “If you have your health, you have everything,” must have been retired.

That’s because retirees feel more financially secure when they’re in good health according to new research. And when they feel financially secure, retirees also report they’re enjoying retirement more, they feel fulfilled and are less likely to experience negative emotions.

The study “Health, Wealth and Happiness in Retirement” is part of a research project conducted on behalf of MassMutual by Greenwald & Associates. The research split 905 retirees with at least $50,000 in assets into two subgroups: those who characterized their health as excellent or very good and those who characterized their health as good or poor.

“The message for both retirees and pre-retirees is that health has a major impact on satisfaction with life in retire-

ment,” says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual Retirement Services. “We need to focus on our health as much as possible so we can enjoy life to the fullest extent in our later years. While none of us can predict how healthy we will be in the future, we can help influence the outcome by making lifestyle choices that promote good health.”

Seven out of 10 retirees in better health say they feel financially secure compared to 51 percent of retirees in poorer health, the study found.

Retirees in poorer health were twice as likely to feel anxious about their finances and lack a sense of purpose, and three times more likely to feel lonely, the research found. Also, four in 10 retirees overall say they spend more on health care than they expected before retiring, with 43

Renaissance Health and Wellness offers new treatment for nerve pain The numbers are stagments for peripheral gering. More than 20 neuropathy. The scope million Americans suffer of care includes nerve from numbness, weakand muscle testing, ness, pain or tingling in diagnostics, neuro their hands and feet as stimulation and physia result of nerve pain, cal therapy specially which is also called neudesigned to target each ropathy. patient’s pain generator “This is a chronic to provide lasting relief. problem that is es“We treat many pecially prevalent for Medicare patients who diabetics,” said Dr. Scott are in debilitating pain,” Waugh, the newest said Renaissance Mediphysician at Renaissance cal Director Dr. Chester Health and Wellness. “We Carlson. “They’re gratiaim to show patients fied to know the only there are treatment oplicensed physicians in Courtesy Oklahoma performing tions available besides A patient learns about medication and surgery these advanced neuthat are extremely effec- effective treatment options ropathy treatments is in other than medication and tive.” their own backyard.” surgery.

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percent spending more than $5,000 annually and 14 percent spending more than $10,000.

If you’re in retirement, or looking forward to retirement, maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be a goal to help you better enjoy your retirement years.

Studies show that good health allows retirees to enjoy life. Playing golf or tennis, spending the afternoon on a boat, or meeting with friends and family for lunch or dinner are all enjoyable activities retirees may have time to do.

“Our study focused on people in the first 15 years of retirement,” says Mathew Greenwald, president of Greenwald & Associates. “In many cases, serious medical issues arise after that, in older age. But even in the healthiest part of retirement, better health clearly has an impact on most people’s ability to fully enjoy retirement. ”

University Village continues expansion Since 2011, when ORU sold the University Village retirement community to local businessmen, Matt Gawey and Blake Fail, the new owners have made the updating of the 38-acre campus a labor of love.

“We knew UV had a great reputation but we wanted to update things to a new standard”, said Gawey.

University Village offers the full spectrum of retirement options from large, rental cottages to independent and assisted living apartments — all the way to a dedicated nursing center. During the past four years, over $4 million has been spent on upgrades and adding new facilities.

From a new rehab complex and skilled nursing wing to adding additional common areas and a new elevator, the community continues to evolve.

“University Village is in a

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The University Village dining room is one of the many renovated areas on the property. great location and already had a great structure on which to improve” Fail added. “We are committed to continue spending the funds we believe are necessary to make UV the preferred choice for south

Tulsa seniors”.

Given the community’s success, it seems that many Tulsa seniors like what they see.

For more information about University Village, visit uvrc.com.

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Planning for long-term care Go Pokes!

Residents of Oklahoma Methodist Manor retirement community enjoy touring the Oklahoma State University campus.

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Oklahoma Methodist Manor helping residents redefine their lifestyles For more than half a century, Oklahoma Methodist Manor has offered an engaging style of living, providing security and comfort to its residents. The members of this community can relax, knowing that all the “what ifs” that may come along in their lives are covered.

In order to age gracefully, we all must embrace change and keep moving forward.

Moving to a community such as Oklahoma Methodist Manor can provide a positive perspective on a life change that is viewed by many as negative, one to be avoided rather than embraced.

OMM helps its residents redefine their lifestyles. Downsizing your home and your “stuff,” while focusing on the more valuable aspects of living, is the right thing to do. It’s called “right sizing.” Adopting a simplified lifestyle will help you retain your freedom and autonomy. It will also give you more free time to do the things you like to do, rather than being overwhelmed with too many things to have to do.

Located on 31st Street between Harvard and Yale avenues, the community will celebrate 60 years of service in 2016.

In June 2012, OMM opened the new Crestwood building, adding 103 apartment homes. Assisted living, nursing care and memory care services have been added over the years to accommodate the needs of those in the Tulsa area.

For those over the age of 62, Oklahoma Methodist Manor provides a lifestyle that includes independent living with services such as dining; weekly housekeeping; full maintenance of residence; cable TV; utilities; an urgent-response system; transportation; covered parking; extra storage space; and use of

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We love our selfies. This is not your grandmother’s old folks home! Members are active and involved with life. OMM’s Life Enrichment Team delivers a full and varied calendar of programs, events, trips and activities.

The Spann Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art fitness center with an extensive calendar of events based on the seven dimensions of wellness as well as move coordination.

Residents also have estate planning options, health care at their doorsteps and the social network that is most important as we age.

The experts at Oklahoma Methodist Manor also can help those considering the move with the tasks that must be done to get ready as well as the actual move.

For more information about the community, visit ommtulsa.org.

(BPT) — Long-term planning for you or for your loved ones is not at the top of everyone’s list, but it should be. The truth is, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, at least 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need some form of long-term-care services and support, and most are not prepared for what’s to come.

Many people may avoid having this conversation, thinking that Medicare, Medicaid or other supplemental health insurance covers long-term care — but that’s a myth.

Medicare generally covers skilled nursing home care after a hospital stay of at least three days, but its coverage for other long-term-care services is very limited.

Medicaid can contribute toward long-term care, but it requires recipients to use their income to pay for care and spend down most of their assets to qualify and care must be received in a state-approved facility.

Most forms of private health insurance do not cover custodial or personal care services. If health insurance does not cover long-term-care services, it is typically only for skilled, short-term, medically necessary care. Being proactive, educating yourself on your options and developing a long-term-care plan is a great way to ensure financial and emotional stability for you and your family.

No one understands this better than actor Rob Lowe, whose father was abruptly diagnosed with lymphoma at age 50 the same week he won the Dayton, Ohio, golf and tennis championships. Additionally, when his mother later fell ill, he and his brothers took time off from work to help care for her. For most, however, caring for loved ones is not always an option due to geographical and financial constraints. Knowing that this is a growing trend, having a conversation about long-term-care planning is something Lowe now encourages everyone to have — sooner rather than later.

“Being a caregiver for my mother was a profound experience for me. I’ve learned that staying silent about long-term-care planning could mean getting caught off guard,” says Lowe. “No one wants to believe they’ll be anything other than what they are at the height of their powers, which is what makes having ‘the talk’ so difficult yet so important.”

The first step is always the hardest, but these tips from Genworth can help you have “the talk” with friends and family this summer:

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Be proactive and have a conversation with your loved ones about longterm care before the need arises.

Be open: Tell them that you’d like to talk about these issues, and ask if they would mind talking about them. Everyone thinks about these things and worries about what the future holds.

Be reflective: When you’re together, ask them about their past, their childhood and their parents. Learn about them. Then move on to the future. What do they want most? How do they perceive the future? What worries them?

Discuss someone else’s situation: Chances are that you, your spouse or your parents know someone who is already dealing with some aspect of aging or long-term care. Talking what’s good or bad about their situation can be a useful launching point.

Mention an article or website: Give them a clipping, or link to information about planning ahead, family conversations, long-term-care costs and move forward from there.

Ask for advice: This is a great way to get the discussion rolling. Tell them that you’re starting a retirement account or preparing a will and ask for advice. Then ask how they planned ahead and if they feel fully prepared.

Grab an opening: If your mother is talking about someone who’s in a nursing home, and says, “I don’t see how she can stand it,” ask her what she means. What would your mother want in the same circumstance? If you miss the chance, bring it up another time. “Hey Mom, remember when you said you couldn’t stand to live in a nursing home ...”

Write: If you find the whole thing too daunting, write a letter or e-mail outlining your concerns and what you’d like to discuss. This can be particularly helpful if you live far away and only have a weekend to have these talks. You can pave the way and get them to start thinking about it before you get together.

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015

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Silver Elite, a Hillcrest membership program for senior adults, helps the community stay active, healthy and independent through information and relevant events, such as this back pain seminar at Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center.

Hillcrest offers free events and hospital support Hillcrest provides a membership program In addition, Silver Elite provides memfor senior adults, as well as extra support if bers-only benefits when they’re admitted they’re in the hospital. to a Hillcrest hospital. Members staying Silver Elite overnight receive a robe (one per year) and To meet their need for educational and cafeteria meal voucher for a guest during social opportunities, Hillcrest HealthCare normal business hours.

System established the Silver Elite program For more information or to become a specifically for the valued member, call 918-579senior residents of Tulsa 6060 (ext. 2) or visit and surrounding areas.

SilverElite.org.

“We enjoy Silver Elite Senior Care and have been to more Hillcrest also underevents than we can count,” stands that senior patients said Orville Warren, one of and their families may the first members. “We love need additional support the seminars, lunches and while in the hospital. time we spend with our That’s why Hillcrest Mednew friends.” ical Center and Hillcrest Silver Elite is a free memSouth provide a unique, bership program for anycomplimentary service one age 60 plus, regardless called Senior Care that is of hospital/physician affilidesigned to help. ation or insurance.

Warm, friendly and The program hosted its knowledgeable Senior first event in 2007 for 65 atCare coordinators work tendees. Today, it has more Courtesy closely with patients, than 7,000 members across Leanne Helmerich, part of the caregivers and other family Northeastern Oklahoma members to provide comSenior Care team at Hillcrest, is and as many as 600 people dedicated to making the patient fort and encouragement, may attend one of its lun- experience the best it can posenhance communications cheons. and ensure the best inpasibly be.

Silver Elite holds events tient experience possible. at or near each of Okla“Through the Senior homa’s six participating hospitals (Hillcrest Care program, I am an advocate for our Medical Center, Hillcrest Claremore, Hillcrest patients,” Senior Care Coordinator Leanne Cushing, Hillcrest Henryetta, Hillcrest South Helmerich said. “Sometimes they get teary and Bailey Medical Center). Adult loved ones and tell me their worries, and we talk and caretakers are also invited to attend. through that anxiety.”

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Oklahoma Heart Institute provided complimentary blood pressure screenings at this seminar about heart health.

Coordinators also recognize the importance of supporting caregivers and keeping them informed.

Rarely leaving her husband’s side during his extended stay as a patient at Hillcrest Medical Center, Bonnie Lilly said she couldn’t imagine going through it without Senior Care.

“They were like family and made us feel

special,” she said. “If we had questions or just needed someone to listen, Senior Care was there.”

In addition to assisting patients in the hospital, Senior Care helps seniors find doctors and services, schedules appointments and coordinates free medication assessments.

To learn more, call 918-579-8040.

Resistance training works for seniors of all ages, mobility levels (BPT) — Think you’re too old and frail to work out? Think again! The health benefits of daily exercise are widely known, but seniors facing health and mobility issues may feel working out is beyond their abilities.

Sixty-three percent of people 60 and older don’t engage in daily exercise, according to the National Council on Aging’s The United States of Aging Survey.

But resistance training can help seniors who fear falling or damaging aging muscles and bones while exercising. For seniors with health issues that might make strenuous exercise difficult, resistance training can be an accessible, healthful option that provides both physical and mental benefits, a new study indicates.

“Resistance training — also called strength training — is an especially safe, valuable mode of exercise for seniors,” says Dr. Kevin O’Neil, chief medical officer for Brookdale senior living. “As you age, you lose muscle mass, bone density, strength, balance, coordination and flexibility — all of which can result in higher risk of falls and increased difficulty in performing daily tasks. Resistance training allows seniors to exercise in their own home. They can use items found in their house and they can even exercise while sitting down.”

As the name implies, resistance training relies on the use of resistance to build muscle strength. Slow, measured movements are easier and more stable for seniors to perform than the strenuous activity of many types of aerobic exercise. “Smooth, controlled movement gives seniors the benefits of the specific exercise with less risk of injuries or falls,” says Nicholas Swanner, a licensed physical therapist, geriatric clinical specialist and healthcare services manager for Brookdale’s healthcare services division.

Before starting any kind of exercise program, seniors should talk to their doctors. Once they have the go-ahead to begin resistance training, many forms can be beneficial to seniors, Swanner says.

“Resistance training can include using resistance bands, lifting weights or ob-

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For seniors with health issues that might make strenuous exercise difficult, resistance training is a healthful option that provides both physical and mental benefits. Slow, measured movements are easier and more stable for seniors to perform than the strenuous activity of many types of aerobic exercise. jects around your home, or using exercise equipment. Some of the exercises included in aquatics, Pilates, tai chi and yoga are types of resistance training, and those activities have the added bonus of social interaction when done in groups,” he says.

“Seniors can benefit from any type of resistance training as long as it’s done safely and is part of a regular routine. Pushing up and down from a chair, opening and closing a door, lifting a can of soup or a 1-pound weight are all types of resistance exercises that seniors can easily do in their own homes.”

Swanner recommends that seniors start slow with lower-resistance exercises and

listen to their bodies.

“As you age, your body changes and this will impact how and what types of exercises you will be able to do safely.

There are many ways to modify exercises, routines and individual styles of training to fit a senior’s specific needs.”

Resistance training offers many benefits for seniors, including improved strength, balance, coordination and posture, better bone density, plus lower risks of heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis and other

chronic illnesses, as well as improved cognitive function and mood. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association also found that resistance training can positively affect cognitive abilities of seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Engaging in exercise for 150 minutes a week can allow seniors to maximize the health benefits. Seniors can exercise in one 30-minute session three or four days a week if they’re able, or if that intensity is too strenuous, they can break their workouts into 10-minute intervals throughout the week and still reap the benefits.

“We always tell our seniors, ‘start low and go slow’ when they’re beginning an exercise program,” O’Neil says. “Just 10 minutes a day provides health benefits and can feel much more achievable for seniors. Exercise duration can then be increased as endurance improves.”

Resistance exercises should be done two to three days per week for each muscle group with a day of rest in between. This does not mean that other types of exercise, such as aerobic or flexibility exercises, should not be done on rest days. People who exercise daily might do resistance exercises for the upper body on one day and for the lower body on the next day.

“Even if a senior has mobility or health issues that hinder aerobic exercise, he or she can still do resistance training,” Swanner says.

“Talk to your physician and physical therapist to design a program that’s right for you.”

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