Senior Lifestyle
2
The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Staying safe and healthy
Recommended immunizations for those age 50+
R
outine immunizations can keep people safe and healthy. Certain vaccinations can prevent diseases from producing symptoms, while others can lessen the duration of an illness or make conditions less severe. Vaccination schedules become a way of life for parents to young children. But vaccinations aren’t just for kids, and adults should keep tabs on their Individuals at immunization to any age should histories ensure they’re discuss up-to-date with immunizations vaccinations for their particular with their age group and doctors, lifestyle. but it’s a The Centers for Disease Control particularly and Prevention important that the conversation warns elderly are more for those age likely to die of 50 and older. a vaccine-preventable disease than other age groups. The immune system begins to decline as we age, so the body can benefit from the disease-fighting boost provided by vaccinations. Individuals at any age should discuss immunizations with their doctors, but it’s a particularly important conversation for those age 50 and older. Vaccine schedules and recommendations may vary depending on where a person lives, but the following immunization recommendations are offered courtesy of the CDC. • Influenza: An annual flu shot
can help prevent the nearly 36,000 deaths that occur due to flu each year in the United States. The flu vaccine is designed to combat the current strain of flu, so it is recommended anytime between September to March, which is the prime flu season. People age 50 and older should opt for the injection rather than the nasal form of the vaccine. • Tdap: This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis and is especially necessary for people who have close contact
with young infants. Pertussis, or whooping cough, can be passed on to youngsters and make them very ill. If you’ve never received a Tdap vaccine, the CDC suggests getting it at least once. Individual tetanus boosters should be received every 10 years. • Pneumococcal: Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. It can cause pneumonia, blood infection, ear infections, and even bacterial meningitis. This vaccine is given to adults age 65 and older or to younger
adults at their physicians’ discretion. • Hepatitis A: Individuals with medical, occupational or lifestyle conditions, such as healthcare workers or people with chronic liver disease, may need a two-dose series of the hepatitis A vaccine. Adults who are avid travelers to various parts of the world that may bring them in contact with animals or people who do not receive the same course of immunizations may need additional vaccines. Speak with a doctor about which immunizations are recommended before travel.
The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Sunday, June 21, 2015
3
What You Should Know About the Seniors’ Health Insurance Program
Rebounding from a late start to retirement savings
S
ome people do not have the ability to begin saving for retirement early on. Others may have brushed retirement savings aside for so long that they are now worried that it’s too late to begin socking away money for retirement. While it’s best to start saving for retirement as early as possible, the good news is that it’s never too late to start planning for retirement. If your 40th birthday has long passed and you’re finally thinking ahead to retirement, consider these catch-up strategies. • Research tax-advantageous retirement savings plans. A financial planner can point you in the right direction, or consult with your employer about employee programs. Deposit money into a 401(k) or 403(b) plan or another retirement vehicle. Jump on any opportunities when your employer matches invested funds. Investigate an IRA and find out if there are any government incentives. Depending on your age, you may be able to deposit more money into such accounts than other investors. • Cut back on expenses. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses is a great way to save more money for retirement. Figure out where you can save some money you can then allocate to retirement savings. Maybe you can reduce insurance coverage on an older car or raise your deductible? Downsize cable packages or skip that costly cup of coffee on the way to work. Perhaps it’s time to look for a smaller, less expensive home or a compact car instead of an SUV. Any money saved now will benefit you when the time comes time to bid farewell to the workforce. • Delay your retirement. Many people who retire find themselves bored and looking for ways to fill their time, and as a result more and more people are delaying their retirement, which also gives them more time to save for that day when they do call it quits. If you want to work less, discuss and negotiate a phased retirement with
1-800-443-9354 www.ncshiip.com What is SHIIP?
Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a consumer information division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that assists people with Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, and long-term care insurance questions. We also help citizens recognize and prevent Medicare billing errors and possible fraud and abuse through our NCSMP Program at 1-877-996-2767.
How does SHIIP work?
your bosses that allows you to stick with your employer but gradually work fewer hours until you retire completely. You may be able to work part-time for several years and retire when you’re most comfortable. • Consider more aggressive funds. Even if you are 50 you still have a few decades before retirement, which leaves lots of time to grow your retirement savings. But you may want to consider more aggressive funds that can help you catch up more quickly than less aggressive investments. Just know that aggressive funds may also leave you susceptible to substantial losses. • Don’t amass debt. If you’re saving for retirement but only paying minimum balances on your credit cards, then you’re not really saving. Pay down credit card debt before you begin to set aside money for retirement. Delaying retirement planning may mean you have to work a little harder to build up a solid reserve. But by following some financial tips and persevering, you can still enjoy retirement with security.
SHIIP provides education and assistance to North Carolinians in three ways: • by operating a nationwide toll-free consumer information phone line Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. • by training volunteers, including senior citizens, to counsel Medicare beneficiaries within their community about Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage and long-term care insurance, and • by creating educational materials for consumers’ use including the Medicare Supplement Comparison Guide and featuring a Medicare Supplement Premium Comparison Database on our Web site (www.ncshiip.com).
When was SHIIP started?
The program was founded in 1986 by the Department of Insurance in direct response to the growing concerns about health insurance for the more than one million Medicare beneficiaries in North Carolina. Numerous insurance companies sell Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other medical insurance products to people in North Carolina. Because there are so many companies, and because the Medicare system is so complex, SHIIP was founded to provide people with Medicare an objective information service.
How do North Carolinians contact SHIIP?
You can contact SHIIP by dialing the nationwide toll-free consumer number, 1-800-443-9354, visiting the SHIIP Web site, www.ncshiip.com, or e-mailing ncshiip@ncdoi.gov. Trained SHIIP Volunteer Counselors are available in all 100 counties of North Carolina who are coordinated through an existing human service agency such as the Council on Aging or the Cooperative Extension offices. If your problem is too complex to handle over the phone, you will need to contact your local SHIIP Coordinator for a one-on-one appointment with a SHIIP Volunteer Counselor. Can I get more information on SHIIP? Yes! Contact SHIIP nationwide at 1-800-443-9354 or (919) 807-6900, visit www.ncshiip. com or e-mail ncshiip@ncdoi.gov for further information and ask for more details on the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program and how it can help you. In Vance County, contact the Vance County Senior Center at (252) 430-0257, 126 S. Garnett Street This publication has been created or produced by North Carolina with financial assistance, in whole or in part, through a grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal Medicare agency. 30,000 copies of this comment were printed at a cost of $3,469.16. Form No. COMBO (Revised 1/13)
4
The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Sunday, June 21, 2015
How to avoid growing bored in retirement
F
rom the moment young men and • Embrace a new hobby. Working women first walk into the office professionals often say they wish they for their first day as a working had time to pursue a hobby. Now that professional until the day they you are retired, you have all the time officially retire, the notion of planning in the world to do just that. Whether for retirement is never far from their it’s perfecting your golf game, writing minds. But when the day to hang up that novel, learning to cook like a the briefcase and donate all those gourmet chef or whatever else you business suits arrives, some retirees might have always wanted to do, wonder what to do next. Some retirement is a great time to do it. retirees know exactly how they will • Get in shape. If retirement spend their days when they no longer boredom has started to negatively have to work, while others who decide affect your mood, one great way to to play it by ear may find themselves conquer your boredom and improve battling boredom. your mood at the same time is to For those among start exercising. the latter group, Exercise is a natural Just because you no it’s important to longer have an office mood enhancer. When understand that many the body exercises, retirees find themselves to go to every day does it releases chemicals not mean life cannot knowns as endorphins, bored once they no longer have to focus be as fulfilling or even which trigger positive on a career. Jobs keep in the body. more fulfilling than it feelings men and women busy In addition, regular was when you were and provide a sense of exercise has been still working. You just shown to reduce stress, purpose in their lives, so it’s understandable need to find something boost self-esteem that retirees feel bored improve sleep. to avoid succumbing to and once those jobs are Working out at a gym retirement boredom. also is a great way to no longer a part of their lives. But just meet fellow retirees in because you no longer have an office your community, and the energy you to go to every day does not mean life have after exercising may give you cannot be as fulfilling or even more the boost you need to pursue other fulfilling than it was when you were hobbies. still working. You just need to find • Volunteer. If a part-time job something to avoid succumbing to is not up your alley, then consider retirement boredom. volunteering in your community. • Work part-time. Though it might Volunteers are always in demand, seem odd to start working right and volunteering with a local charity after you retire, a part-time job can can provide a sense of purpose provide the type of structure you and provide opportunities to meet have grown accustomed to without like-minded fellow retirees, all while all of the responsibility that comes helping to quell your boredom. with a full-time career. Part-time jobs Retirees who love to travel can can range from consultancy work combine their passion for volunteering that makes use of your professional with their love of travel by signing up experience to something entirely to work with an international relief different like landscape maintenance organization that travels abroad to at a nearby golf course that gets you help the less fortunate. out of the house and enjoying the Upon retiring, many retirees warmer seasons. Whichever you initially find themselves coping with choose, make sure it’s something you boredom. But there are many ways to find fun and interesting. avoid the restlessness of retirement.
DAVIS-ROYSTER FUNERAL SERVICE was founded in 1991 with a mission of service to the community and a pledge to treat every family with utmost dignity. We serve is the friendship of those we serve is the foundation of our progress. Our Motto is “To Serve This Present Age By God’s Grace”. We offer both Pre-Need and At-Need Service, making it possible for families we serve to have personalized tributes to their loved ones. We are modernly equipped and professionally staffed. We offer funerals priced to meet your need. Life insurance Coverage, Out-of-State Arrangement and Bereavement Counseling. We at DAVIS-ROYSTER FUNERAL SERVICE, specialize in Restorative Art to create a lasting memory “To Live in Hearts Left Behind”.
DAVIS-ROYSTER FUNNERAL SERVICE 926 S. Garnett Street • Henderson, North Carlina 27536 • 492-6911 “Caring and Considerate of Family Personal Needs”
The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Sunday, June 21, 2015
5
Did you know? B
aby Boomers make up the largest generation of Americans born in United States history. Boomers include anyone born between the years 1946 and 1964, as the number of births began to rise as World War II veterans returned home from battle. The greatest number of Baby Boomers were born in 1957, when numbers peaked at 4,300,000. That equates to roughly 8 children born per minute throughout the year. By 2019, the last of the Baby Boomers, or those born in 1964, will
be eligible for many senior benefits offered to people age 55 and older. Ten years later, most will be eligible for retirement.
Kerr Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center •24 hour Professional Nursing Services include Post Operative Care, Restorative Nursing Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Diabetic Management, Stroke Care, Pain Management, Wound Care and Acute Care Services •Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy •Registered Dietician Services •Social Services •Activities •Individualized Plans of Care
“We Are Neighbors Taking Care of Neighbors”
252-492-7021 1245 Park Avenue, Henderson, NC
Popular sports for seniors
A
ge doesn’t have to stop older men and older enjoy friendly competition and women from enjoying their and physical activity. favorite sports. In fact, remaining active can improve physical and Fishing mental health. Fishing is more than just a leisurely If a doctor has confirmed that it is day at the lake. Casting and reeling in okay to participate in sports, these see sports/page 6 activities can help men and women 50
Silver Quality Award Voted Best Nursing Home In Vance County 11 Years In A Row!!!
6
The Daily Dispatch
Senior Lifestyle
Medication safety tips for children and adults P rescription and over-the-counter medications can save lives and help people of all ages manage certain conditions. When used correctly and under the guidance of a physician, medications are largely safe. It’s when medicines are used off-label, shared or taken in error that reactions and injury can occur. The American Academy of Pediatrics and their Healthy Children Organization warns that more than 7,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms every year for problems related to medication errors. Children are not the only ones in danger. Adults can make mistakes with their medications as well. For example, seniors who may be managing several different types of medications can inadvertently cause dangerous drug interactions by mixing the wrong pills. Pharmacists work diligently to help prevent medication errors. However, the general public can also do their part. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy offer these medication
sports From Page 5
your catch provides a good workout for the arms, legs and core muscles of the body. If you fish on the water, rowing out to your lucky spot provides additional cardiovascular exercise.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
are avid cyclists. You can ride a bicycle in competition or for pleasure. You can even vary your route depending on how physically intense you want the ride to be.
Seniors need not abandon their love of sport just because Father Time is catching up with them. Many sports can be enjoyed by athletes of all ages.
Golf
Golf is enjoyed by people of all ages. Requiring a combination of strategy and skill, golf also pays several physical dividends. Play at your own pace, taking your time walking from hole to hole so you can enjoy the sunshine and soak in the beauty of the course.
Swimming
safety tips. • When a new medication is prescribed, ask the doctor to explain more about it, including its intended purpose and any common side effects to be expected. • Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications you are taking, including nonprescription products, herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and vitamins. Some medications do not mix with seemingly innocent ingredients.
Keep a running list of any medicines you take so you can easily and accurately share this see safety/page 8
A few laps around a pool works your whole body. Swimming is attractive to seniors because it works the muscles and provides a cardiovascular jolt without putting any strain on the joints.
Cycling
Many seniors
Â?   €Â‚ Â?   ƒ ÂÂ
„ ‚€…† €Â‚ Â? ‡ Â? Â? Â?‚ Â? Â
 �  ��� � �
It can be again, at Coventry House Inn One affordable monthly payment covers all your meals, rent and utilities. Find the support you need, with the independence you want, all for one easy payment. Senior living at its best. A good, simple value does still exist.
Senior Lifestyle
The Daily Dispatch
Sunday, June 21, 2015
7
Tips for grandparents helping to raise children A
s retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren. United States Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents. CanGrads, a National Kinship Support organization, says approximately 62,500 children are being raised by grandparents and other family in Canada. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents. Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age. • Get the right equipment. Children certainly require a lot of
gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury. • Gather important documents.
Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise. These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets. • Speak with an attorney. Lawyers can help grandparents wade
through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkids’ futures. • Investigate financial assistance. Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who find themselves caring for a child may be eligible for financial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based financial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas. • Contact schools and daycare centers. School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed see children/page 8
Senior Citizens Home was selected
Among the Best Nursing Homes in Vance County 2014.
943 West Andrews Ave. 252-438-2573 Forr Ca Callll Fo te plete mple Co Com le du du he le Sc Sche
Our staff is qualified to provide peace of mind for you and your loved one Senior Citizens Home 2275 Ruin Creek Road Henderson, NC 27536 (252) 492-0066
Mon. - Sat. 7:00am -7:45pm
www.jmwhitefuneralhome.com
8
Senior Lifestyle
The Daily Dispatch
safety From Page 6
information with your physician. • Question anything that you do not understand. Check the prescription for dosing information. For refills, make sure the refill information conforms to the original prescription strength. • Fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy and develop a rapport with the pharmacist so that potential drug interactions will be flagged. Pharmacists are well versed in medications and may be able to inform you as to the safety or risk involved in taking an over-the-counter product at the same time that you are on a prescription.
• Many pills look the same. If you are confused and taking multiple medications, keep medications in the original packaging and double-check the labels before taking any medications. • Use the right dosing tools. A spoon from the kitchen is not accurate for measuring out a teaspoon of medication. • If you take multiple medications, use a pillbox to keep pills organized. The box makes it easier to manage medications and serves as a reminder if you have or have not taken a medication on a given day. • Store medications as instructed on the label. The bathroom medicine cabinet may not be an ideal place to store medications, as bathrooms get damp, and that
can compromise the integrity of the pills. Also, bathroom cabinets are readily accessible by all, including kids. It’s better to store drugs out of sight and reach of children. Keep dangerous medications locked away. • Routinely discard expired or unneeded medications. Medicine take-back programs for disposal are a good way to remove medicines from the home and reduce the chance that others may accidentally take the medicine. • Consult with a doctor before beginning or ending medication. Medicines play important roles in personal health. When used correctly, medications are assets, but caution should always be taken to ensure safe usage and storage of any medications.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
children From Page 7
with local Social Ser vices offices. Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-needed free time during the day. • Find emotional support. Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Churchor community center-based counseling ser vices may be available. Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans. Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchildren.
We cover the state, so we can cover you. In the insurance business, there's only one real way that you can honestly provide real precision coverage and the fastest possible claims service -you have to be right there with the folks you cover. That's why we have agents all over the grand state of North Carolina. So, from Mount Airy to Cape Fear, Rodanthe to Cherokee County, you never have to look far to find the help you need when you need it the most. Helping you is what we do best.
(252)438-4119
sfbli.com • ncfbins.com
2949 US 1/158 Hwy • Henderson, NC 27537 JIMMY.TWISDALE@NCFBINS.COM
NCMLPR40685
Scott Grissom-LUTCF-Agent, Matthew Todd - Agent, Gene Richardson-Agent, Jimmy Twisdale-LUTCF-Agency Mgr., Tim O’Geary-Agent, Daniel Richardson-Agent, Kevin Wade - Agent
North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. Farm Bureau Insurance Of North Carolina Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association
Get Real Auto • Home • Life