Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond 2016 ebook

Boomers d n o y e &B June 2016

FairďŹ eld County

The Greens at GreenwichExcellence in Dementia Care helping residents meet their highest potential! p3 Glen Island Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation invites you to join them for a free lunch and take a tour of the facility p7

Star One Home Care and Medical StaďŹƒng Free in-home assessment p9

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June, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Celebrate the role of Nursing Assistants on National Nursing Assistants Week 9-16 June 2016

National Nursing Assistants Week takes place from 9-16 June 2016 in the USA. Now in its 39th year, this annual event is a special time to show our local communities how residents and carers can work together to provide care for those who need it.

There will be a number of fun, educational events held throughout the week, all aimed at showing us the amazing work carers do and inspiring us to get involved!

In 2016 carers can look forward to recognition events rewarding the unsung heroes who care every day, as well as events in the press to help raise awareness.

On 9 June 2016 at the start of this special week it is National Career Nursing Assistants Day. This is also an important time to recognize the work of carers who have dedicated their lives to caring for others and to learn from the skills they have gained in that time.

There are lots of ways to get involved, whether you are already a carer or would like to learn more about how to become one.

To find out more visit the National Nursing Assistants Week

What Does a CNA Do? Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide intimate, handson healthcare to patients in medical settings, helping with bathing, dressing and the basic activities of life. Duties of a CNA might include: • Turning or repositioning bedridden patients • Taking patients' temperature, blood pressure and vital signs • Answering patient calls • Helping with medical procedures

June, 2016

• Feeding patients, measuring, recording food/liquid intake • Documenting patients' health issues and report to nurses • Cleaning rooms and bed linens • Dressing wounds

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While CNAs can be found in hospitals, the majority of them work in nursing and residential care facilities, where CNAs interact with patients on a regular basis and get to know them personally. If you're interested in joining the booming health care field, becoming a CNA—can be a good place to start.

Plonski named Director of Waveny at Home PAGE 4

June, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Renata Plonski, MHA, has been named Director of Services for Waveny at Home, the non-profit healthcare organization’s non-clinical home care division, which provides professional home health aides, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), companions, live-in caregivers, and homemaking services to the public. In her new role, Plonski will oversee and manage Waveny at Home’s growing private duty staff as well as the program’s daily operations designed to help clients remain safely in their own homes.

“Renata is a natural fit for this key role within our organization because she blends the utmost in professionalism with a willingness to roll up her sleeves and lead by example. She makes it seem effortless,” said Lenore Consiglio, Administrator of Waveny LifeCare Network, who was instrumental in launching Waveny at Home several years ago. “Her unique style of leadership, commitment to excellence, and support of our hard-working team are more important than ever, as Waveny at Home continues to grow in response to the community’s needs for quality homebased services, including our recent expansion into Westchester County.”

“It’s very exciting to join Waveny at Home and become part of our area’s premier eldercare organization,” said Plonski, who says her focuses are, and will always

be, client satisfaction and quality care.

“I’m so pleased to be working alongside such a talented, diverse and ambitious team.”

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, a collection of art produced by members of Laurel House Artists’ Workshop will adorn the walls of The Inn, Waveny LifeCare Network’s senior living residence for independent living, throughout the month of May. The exhibit features a wide range and variety of expressive art that reflects the artists’ personal journeys of mental health recovery.

“It’s a wonderful expression of people’s feelings,” said Inn resident Jane Corcoran.

“It’s amazing what they’ve done considering their challenges,” added Inn resident Helen Tomaselli.

Founded in 1984, Laurel House is a nonprofit organization located in Stamford that provides resources and opportunities for people living with mental illness to lead fulfilling and productive lives in the communities where they live, work and go to school. Utilizing its ‘Resources to Recover’ approach, Laurel House emphasizes services designed to help people reintegrate in their communities with im-

proved skills, health, and confidence.

Laurel House serves the towns of Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Norwalk, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

Located at 73 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, The Inn provides carefree, independent senior living and welcomes older adults from all areas. Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a notfor-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. It also includes Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home, the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, Geriatric Care Management, an Adult Day Program available on weekdays with flexible hours, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services, and respite programs at The Village and Care Center. For information call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Residents at The Inn were joined by Laurel House leadership to welcome a special art installation while learning about the organization’s mission to assist people within their personal journeys of mental health recovery. To the left: Judy Bentley, Waveny Development Committee Member and recent Laurel House honoree; Linda Autore, President and CEO of Laurel House; Barbara Rossi, Director of Development and Volunteers at Laurel House; and Barbara Jeffries, Assistant Director of Resident Activities at The Inn.

Renata Plonski, MHA has been named Director of Services for Waveny at Home, Waveny’s non-clinical home care division.

provided

Joining Waveny with nearly a decade of healthcare management experience, Plonski most recently served as Assistant Administrator for Bridgeport Anesthesia Associates, PC of Bridgeport where she assisted in the management of operations and staffing for the practice’s multi-location, multi-provider group. She holds a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Connecticut State University.

To learn more about Waveny at Home’s services and how Waveny can bring the expertise and resources of a full healthcare system into the home, call 203.594.5249 or email info@waveny.org. Whether receiving hands-on assistance from a licensed and certified caregiver, or making a match with the right companion to help run errands, assist with housekeeping or share in recreational activities, Waveny at Home provides personalized assistance when seniors and families need a helping hand.

For more information, please visit www.waveny.org.

Laurel House showcases Recovering Artist Collection at The Inn

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Perfect Father’s Day gift ideas for your Baby Boomer dad

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

For the sportsman If your dad plays golf, what better gift than tee-times? Many public clubs offer gift certificates. Even if you are a duffer, why not line up a tee-time or two with dear old dad?

If he belongs to a private club, consider purchasing cart rentals or other extras that don’t come with membership.

For the avid spectator sportsman, check out special sports packages. Most cable companies offer individual games or game packages. If your dad can’t afford such premium sports channels, wouldn’t that be a great gift?

On the road again Older adults have time to travel. Send your Dad on a trip to his hometown. Better yet, go with him, or send the grandchildren. You might be able to use your own hotel points for lodging and airline points for travel.

If your parent lives in a major city, a subway or bus card is a great gift.

Why not send your dad on a tour to someplace he’s always dreamed of seeing?

Didn’t he pack you and your siblings up in the Chevy and drive to the Grand Canyon?

Tech savvy BlackBerry, iPhone and Android all offer gift certificates for apps.

Maybe Dad is dying to play retro “Frogger” or the hot new “Angry Birds,” both available as apps.

Make sure Dad has good anti-virus and security software. Check with your own computer experts for the right system. Enhance the gift by overseeing the installation and cleaning up Dad’s system. Make it a malware free Father’s Day!

June, 2016

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Bring back memories Digitize family pictures and put them on Dad’s computer. Help him set up email and social networking with family members.

Man of Hobbies Give a gift that ties in with Dad's hobbies. If he likes fishing, don't just surprise him with a new rod or lure. Give him the gift but tell him that you have made plans to spend a day or a weekend fishing with him. He will appreciate your wanting to spend time with him just as much as the gift.

Into Gadgets Think about gadgets that will help make everyday living easier when you are looking for Father's Day gifts for seniors. Consider items like lighted magnifiers for people who have trouble making out the fine print on labels, or large-face watches or clocks.

Foody If you want to send something that is good to eat as a gift, consider a gift basket of fruit, chocolate, jams or preserves. You can place your order online or by phone and have it delivered on the day you choose. Or surprise him with one you put together.

Book Lover If he likes to read, pick up the latest bestseller in the genre that he likes. You can also order a gift subscription to his favorite magazine or arrange to pick up the tab for home delivery of the daily newspaper.

Advertiser’s Index

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June, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Our View

Addiction Recovery Network.......................................................................14

Careington......................................................................................................11 Choice Home..................................................................................................8

ColumbiaDoctors...........................................................................................15

Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation........................................7 The Greens at Greenwich...............................................................................3

StarOne Home Care & Medical Staffing.....................................................9 Waveny Lifecare Network.............................................................................2

Boomers d

VNA of Hudson Valley...............................................................................16

Fairfield County

& Beyon

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com

PUBLISHER Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER James Stankiewicz (Jim@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• MARKETING DIRECTOR Gregory W. Buff (Greg@belsito.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR Cathryn Burak (Cathy@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net) ••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE Anthony Mairo (Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• CIRCULATION Michelle Belsito (Michelle@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Dale McKnight

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 3 No. 6 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Boomers & Beyond would like to wish all of our readers a Happy Father’s Day! For daughters, fathers are the first men they adore and fall in love with.

While for sons, their fathers are the strongest person they know and someone they aspire to emulate.

Even for adult fathers, their dads are someone who they look up to for the most experienced and honest advice that is always in the best of their interest.

Boomers & Beyond would also like to wish all of the grandfathers out there a Happy Father’s Day! We all appreciate you.

Thank you for your wisdom and love.

You may have silver in your hair, but you have gold in your heart. You are certainly special, one of a kind.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Boomers & Beyond: Have a great day with your family!

Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

Next Month Rehabilitation Incredible stories of recovery Retirement Communities Deciding the right one for you National Hospice & Palliative Care Recognizing organizations that raise awareness about high quality end-of-life Summer Health Protecting your skin from damaging rays from the sun Ways to stay healthy this summer

Vision loss from leading cause of blindness can be restored with proper treatment Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

There are currently more than 24 million Americans age 40 and older who have cataract, according to the Vision Problems in the U.S. report from Prevent Blindness America. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. Unlike many eye diseases, however, vision loss due to cataract can be restored. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States and has a 95 percent success rate. And, a new study found that cataract surgery patients had a significantly reduced rate of hip fractures from falls.

To educate the public on cataract, Prevent Blindness America has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month. The national non-profit group provides free information through its dedicated web page at preventblindness.org/cataract, or via phone at (800) 331-2020.

For those interested in conducting discussions or seminars on the subject, PBA offers a free online module on cataract including a PowerPoint presentation with a complete guide as part of its Healthy Eyes Educational Series.

June, 2016

Cataract generally does not cause pain, redness or tears. However, these changes in your vision may be signs of cataract: • Blurred vision, double vision, ghost images, the sense of a "film" over the eyes.

• Lights seem too dim for reading or close-up work, or you are "dazzled" by strong light.

• Changing eyeglass prescriptions often. The change may not seem to help your vision.

• You may sometimes notice the cataract in your eye.

It may look like a milky or yellowish spot in the pupil (the center of your eye is normally black).

“Although getting a cataract is common, it doesn’t have to mean permanent vision loss,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “One way to protect our vision is to make a commitment to take care of our eyes today, including getting a dilated eye exam, so we can help protect our sight for the future not just from cataract, but other eye diseases as well.”

For free information on cataract including Medicare coverage, please call Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or log on to preventblindness.org/cataract.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Geriatric physician at Duncaster receives ‘Top Doc’ designation

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June, 2016

Duncaster residents have access to high-quality primary care with geriatricians and advanced practice registered nurses - all board-certified. And so do area citizens, age 55 and better. All five practitioners are accepting new patients, from the local area beyond Duncaster, and of course all Duncaster residents are welcomed members of this unique practice too.

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A geriatric physician who serves Hartford Hospital Senior Primary Care at Duncaster has again been recognized as a “Top Doc” in Connecticut Magazine’s annual listing of the best doctors in the state. Dr. Robert S. Dicks is chief of Geriatric Medicine at Hartford Hospital and one of the providers at Duncaster.

He has previously received this recognition, which is achieved based on more than 5,000 questionnaires sent to Connecticut physicians, asking them to recommend a physician to whom they would send a loved one. This year’s survey focused on eight specialties. Over a four-year period, more than 800 peer-recommended doctors in 31 specialties have been named “Top Doc” in the state.

Dicks attributes this recognition to the collective efforts of the excellent clinical team at Duncaster and said he feels privileged to be a member of the Hartford HealthCare family.

He is board certified in geriatric medicine and internal medicine, and belongs to many professional organizations, including American College of Physicians, in which he has been elected a Fellow, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, American Geriatric Society, Gerontological Society of America, American Medical Association, Connecticut State Medical Society, and more. His primary areas of interest include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, comprehensive geriatric assessment, memory disorders, delirium and frailty.

He is also an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he precepts medical students.

Hartford Hospital Senior Primary Care at Duncaster, specializes in geriatrics, is conveniently located on-campus and holds full-time office hours, Monday through Friday. It is the only National Committee for Quality Assurance recognized practice staffed by geriatricians and geriatric nurse practitioners in Connecticut.

The fully licensed clinic offers on-site consultations and regular medical checkups with board-certified geriatricians and geriatric nurse practitioners affiliated with Hartford Hospital. The team serves those who seek primary medical services, including conditions unique to older adults.

What Doctors don’t tell you: Before you submit to hernia surgery Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Be absolutely sure that you are properly diagnosed as actually having a hernia.

If you do decide to have an operation after a decisive diagnosis, opt for the Shouldice technique if you are under 50. Only agree to a mesh repair if you are over 50 or even 60. Don't agree to keyhole surgery until there is more evidence that it can be performed safely. Not all hernias need an operation.

Canada performs twice as many hernia operations as the UK, largely because your run-of-the-mill medic can get reimbursed for them, indicating that finances, not need, often are the deciding factor. If a surgeon decides not to operate, he can either do nothing or give the patient a truss, a supportive garment which pushes the hernia back into the abdomen by applying steady pressure. Some patients given a truss (particularly elderly ones) don't understand how to fit it properly and aren't given instructions. If you do get one, make sure it is fitted when you are standing.

Don't be afraid to grill the surgeon on his track record. How senior is he? How many Shouldice operations has he done? What is his recurrence/complications rate? If his answers don't satisfy you, get yourself another doctor. Remember: if your operation needs to be redone, the risks of complications multiply.

Think twice about surgery if you are elderly, frail, you've got a direct hernia or you've had a small groin hernia for many years and not realized it or not had any problems. (For many femoral hernias, which carry a much higher risk of strangulation, an operation may be more justified.)

If you decide against surgery, to combat ulcers or heartburn, eat numerous small meals every day rather than a few large ones. Don't lie down after you've eaten and wait a couple of hours before lifting weights and bending. If you really need to lift, bend at the knees, not from the waist.

June, 2016

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Don't eat spicy foods and avoid fried foods which delay digestion and prolong the stomach's emptying time (allergenic foods often magnify the symptoms and prolong the healing process). Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, colas and smoking. Don't wear tight belts or girdles. Avoid constipation and straining during a bowel movement.

Strengthen the stomach muscles by lying on your back, knees bent, lifting your buttocks and lower back off the floor, 10 times a day.

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BoomAgers: Changing the way PAGE 10

June, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Madison Avenue views aging

Peter Hubbell CEO of BoomAgers

By Dale McKnight, Healthcare Correspondent

Many people may not realize it, but the way that aging is depicted in TV and print advertisements, as well as other media, has a subtle yet powerful impact on society’s attitudes about growing older.

Marketing pro Peter Hubbell is founder and CEO of BoomAgers, a groundbreaking advertising agency and consulting firm that focuses on the baby boomer generation and global aging issues.

He launched the firm in 2012 in New York City with a single client and one parttime employee. BoomAgers has since grown to a staff of 25, plus consultants and freelancers. Serving major international clients like Proctor & Gamble, it now has a second office in Chicago.

Hubbell, 56, who grew up in Connecticut and recently resided in Manhattan, now lives with his family in Bronxville.

He says it’s vital for advertisers to treat older consumers with respect, not condescension – and his agency aims to shift the way they’re depicted.

“The theory behind BoomAgers is that there is joy in aging,” Hubbell says.

“We help our clients reflect this in a positive way by creating ads and marketing campaigns that portrays getting older with authenticity; baby boomers are the smartest and most sophisticated consumers out there,” he says. “And we also want to help make a difference in the way the younger generation sees aging.”

Hubbell has also written two awardwinning books that explore the world of marketing to older consumers, “The Old Rush” (with a foreword by journalist Jane Pauley), and “Getting Better With Age.” (both are available on Amazon.com.)

“In the past,” he notes, “advertisers worshipped the 18-to-49 age group, which was considered the most influential demographic and the biggest group of spenders.”

But now that older people make up about half the U.S. population, spending $3 trillion a year, “advertisers are realizing that mature consumers have remarkable power,” he notes.

Since advertising reaches millions of people, Hubbell says it can be instrumental in helping to shift the dynamic of how aging is regarded.

“By showing, healthy, happy, independent people in ads, it sends the message that getting older can be an active time of personal growth and enjoyment in life,” Hubbell says. “Not enough advertising portrays the older years as vibrant and rewarding.”

That’s not to deny that some aspects of aging are challenging, he adds. “But not every ad aimed at older people needs to highlight illness, infirmity or sell medication, as so many do nowadays.”

“Many older people are, in fact, still working, dining out, traveling and engaged in sports, the arts and their community,” says Hubbell.

“I’m passionate about changing the current approach to advertising so it reflects a celebration of aging,” he adds. “I’m a sort of Pied Piper of Madison Avenue when it comes to creating a new ethos and mystique about aging.”

The company website is BoomAgers.com.

They can be reached at 212-260-BOOM.

June is Cataract Awareness Month!

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Can I prevent cataracts?

There is no proven way to prevent age-related cataracts.

However, choosing a healthy lifestyle can slow the progression of cataracts. Some ways to delay the progression of

Prevent Blindness America has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, and it is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are 24 million Americans over the age of 40 who are affected by cataracts, so it seems fitting that an entire month should be dedicated to education and awareness.

In anticipation of Cataract Awareness Month, here are some common questions and answers about cataracts:

What is the treatment for cataracts?

Even though cataracts are so prevalent, they are very simple to treat. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which prevents passage of light into the eye. The solution to cataracts is cataract surgery, which requires a surgeon to remove the deteriorated lens and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL. Over 3 million Americans undergo cataract surgery annually, making it one of the most common surgeries in the United States. In fact, the entire surgery lasts only about 20 minutes, and most people can resume normal activities the fairly rapidly.

Is cataract removal safe?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgeries with a success rate of 95 percent. Your surgeon will remove your clouded lens and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). Only a miniscule incision in the cornea is necessary to do this procedure, and it can be completed in about 15 minutes in an outpatient surgery center.

Do cataracts only affect seniors?

Cataracts can affect anyone! Although most people do not show symptoms of cataracts until at least the age of 40, cataracts can also affect young adults or even children. Heredity, disease, eye injury and smoking could cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age.

June, 2016

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cataracts include avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to UV rays, eating healthy foods, and wearing proper eye protection to avoid eye injury.

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5 considerations in deciding whether to buy long-term care insurance PAGE 12

June, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Much has been written about the Baby Boomers and the waves of us who reach age 65 every day.

One of the decisions we all need to make is how will we provide for our own long-term care needs as we age and in the event we are unable to care for ourselves.

The cost of long-term care assistance is high, whether in a facility such as a nursing home or via some sort of in-home care.

These costs will vary widely by the area of the country in which you are located as well.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, about 70 percent of the people currently aged 65 can expect to need some sort of long-term care services at some point.

The Factors in Buying Long-Term Care Insurance

1. Your Net Worth There are no hard-and-fast rules saying that if your net worth is above or below a certain level you should or should not consider buying long-term care (LTC) insurance.

Consider these guidelines: • If your net worth is less than $500,000, then forgo LTC insurance, as you will likely qualify for Medicaid or some other sort of assistance.

• If your net worth is over $2 million, the conventional wisdom is to self-insure your long-term care needs.

So this then leaves the folks with assets between $500,000 and $2 million as the key market for LTC insurance.

2. Spouse’s Financial Security A key reason that many people purchase long-term care insurance is to provide financial security for a spouse in the event that they find themselves in need of long-term care. The costs mentioned above are significant and can leave your spouse in financial straits if you are not prepared financially. Long-term care insurance can be one way to mitigate the impact on your spouse.

3. Wanting to Leave an Inheritance Another consideration as to whether or not to purchase LTC insurance is leaving an inheritance to your heirs. This might be a spouse, children, other relatives or perhaps a charity. Long-term care insurance is a means to mitigate the costs of your care needs and preserve your wealth for the next generation.

4. Getting the Care You Need A consideration in determining whether LTC insurance is the right solution for your needs is whether or not you would seek the proper care and support that you need if you had to pay these costs out-of-pocket.

It’s easy to say that you will self-insure against these costs or that a spouse, a child or another friend or relative will provide the care that you need. The reality of actually writing the check is another matter; this type of care is expensive.

Putting a loved one in the position of being your caregiver is tough as well. They may or may not be qualified to do this. You are also asking them to put their life on hold. Even if they are willing and able, this is a big responsibility for anyone to assume.

5. The Cost of Long-Term Care in Your Area As mentioned at the outset, long-term care costs vary widely by the region of the country, whether you are in an urban or more rural area and other factors. Do some research to determine what these costs are in your area. If you think you might relocate in retirement, research the location that you are considering moving to.

5 ways to just enjoy retirement Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

June, 2016

PAGE 13

Stop worrying about your retirement years and figure out how you are going to live them

There's a lot more to retirement than your Social Security benefit and 401(k) plan. For example, what are you going to do when you get up in the morning? You've worked for 30 or 40 years, and now it's finally your turn to decide how to spend your days. What are you going to do with all that time?

Here are 5 ways to find retirement happiness:

1. Travel.Travel is one of the major goals of people looking forward to retirement. Some retirees say that traveling has helped them enjoy life, improving their mood and lowering their stress levels. However, traveling can be expensive. Sometimes health issues get in the way, and many retirees admit they haven't saved up enough money to do a lot of vacationing. But remember, travel does not have to include a Mediterranean cruise. It can also involve a weekend at the beach or a trip to visit the grandkids.

2. Use your skills. Many retirees cite the importance of remaining productive in their later years. They want to be positive, keep busy and work with others for some goal larger than themselves. Sometimes this involves a part-time job, but more often it seems to lead to volunteer work. Retirees use their old skills in new ways. A finance executive now raises money for his church, a magazine editor tutors in the English department of his community college and an administrative assistant serves on the condo board of directors.

3. Try something new. One key to a happy retirement is not just filling your time, but doing things that are meaningful to you.

Many people spent a lifetime at a job that provided an income to support themselves and their families, but did not provide a sense of fulfillment and real satisfaction. Retirement is an opportunity to create a life that more closely reflects who you really are, whether it's starting a home-based business, learning how to paint, playing in a rock band or writing the history of your family.

4. Find new friends. It's easy to get lonely in retirement, especially if you're retired and your partner and friends are still working, or if you've moved away from your longtime hometown. Some people Source:money.usnews

make a point of meeting old friends from work and getting together for lunch or golf. But as time goes on and your work life recedes into the past, it's a good idea to make new friends, perhaps by traveling, volunteering or taking an exercise class at the fitness club.

5. It's OK to do nothing. Retirement advice often focuses on the importance of staying productive, keeping busy and somehow chalking up more achievements to put on your lifetime resume. But many people feel that they've been doing

that for 40 years, and now they just want to kick back and enjoy life. If you can't relax and enjoy yourself in retirement, then when are you going to do it? What's the point of retiring if all you're going to do is get up early, rush off someplace you might not want to go and then stumble home at night tired, exhausted and stressed out? For some people retirement is their chance, at last, to sit around the kitchen table and read the newspaper, and then lie around in their backyard and watch the clouds drift by. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Bridgeport Hospital screenings, support groups, classes in June

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June, 2016

Blood pressure screenings – Bridgeport Hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings at the following locations and times. For information, call 888-357-2396.

• Fairfield Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Monday, June 6 and Monday, June 20, 9:30 - 11:30 am

• Stratford Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad St., Monday, June 13, 9:30 - 11:30 am • Shelton Senior Center, 81 Wheeler St., Monday, June 27, noon - 2 pm

Senior driving course – AARP’s Smart Driver course will be offered Saturday, June 11, 9 am - 1 pm, in the first-floor Administration Conference Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant St. The fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers, which covers handouts and instructional materials. Classes are taught by trained AARP instructors. Successful completion may entitle seniors to a discount on automobile insurance premiums.

To register, call 888-357-2396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/events.

Stroke support group – Tuesday, June 7, 6 - 7 pm, Ahlbin Rehabilitation Center, 4 Corporate Drive, Shelton. For information, call 203-925-4201.

Physician information and referrals Bridgeport Hospital provides free information about and referrals to more than 600 affiliated physicians 24 hours a day.

Call 888-357-2396 for information on physician specialties, office hours and locations as well as insurance plans accepted. Bridgeport Hospital physicians represent more than 70 medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties, including internal medicine/family practice, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics and psychiatry.

Billing questions – Bridgeport Hospital provides free, confidential assistance to patients and families with questions about their hospital bills. Financial counselors are available during regular business hours to discuss billing issues and payment assistance options, including eligibility for free or discounted care.

Bridgeport Hospital also pays a state employee to be on site to help patients apply for Medicaid and other state

assistance programs. For an appointment to see a financial counselor, call 203-384-3449.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

June, 2016

PAGE 15

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Visit us at one of our locations: 19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 700 Hawthorne, NY 10532 (914)593-7800

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June, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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