July 09, 2014

SENIORS ON THE GO

Health and Fitness Summer Activities Retirement Living

SUMMER 2014

2 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Penticton Western News

SENIORS INSIDE ON THE GO SUMMER 2014

ANTI-AGING ................................... 3 PATIENT CARE TOWER ..................... 4 DID YOU KNOW? ........................... 5 EXERCISE AND AGING ...................... 6 FIVE FOODS FOR SENIORS ................ 7 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD .......... 8 MANAGING YOUR MONEY .................. 9 NUTRITION AND AGING ..................... 10 REVERSE MORTGAGES ..................... 11 Published by the

WE DON’T PLAY IT SAFE WHEN IT COMES TO INNOVATION IN SAFETY.

2014

STARTING FROM

30,570

$

*

DL #D9653

250-770-2002

990 WEST ECKHARDT AVENUE • PENTICTON, B.C.

www.subaruofpenticton.com

2014 FORESTER 2.0XT LIMITED SHOWN. *Pricing applies to a 2014 Forester 2.5i 6MT (EJ1 X0) / 2014 Outback Convenience 2.5i (ED1 CP) with MSRP of $28,070 / $30,570 including freight & PDI ($1,650), documentation fees ($395) and battery and tire tax ($30). License, taxes, insurance and registration extra.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 9, 2014

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 3

Anti-Aging: the power is in your hands RENÉ SERBON For the Penticton Western News

of fullness and elasticity.

Healthcare professionals Our focus remains strong can now reverse these signs on improving skin to ensure of aging by correcting the ‘beautiful skin at any age’.

Read below to find out about some ways we achieve this.

Botox© and Fillers

Who wouldn’t want smoother, firmer-looking skin? Juvéderm™ is designed to replenish what natural aging takes away, for a fresher, rejuvenated look.

Replenish what’s been lost over time.

Sun exposure, hormonal changes and aging can all have an impact on your skin’s appearance. Over time, your skin begins to lose hyaluronic acid and collagen, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and a loss

lost volume and reduce lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic injections have also been shown to stimulate collagen production. Not only that, Juvéderm works to enhance and define lips, cheeks and jaw line.

“Soft Lift” approach. This combines the benefits of filler with the added benefits of Botox, leaving you with a natural lift of the lower face, and softening of smile lines and expression lines around the eyes an forehead. Defy the laws Natural-looking results of gravity, the options are that last up to a year. endless!

A Juvéderm treatment typically takes about 30 minutes. The results are EXAMPLE OF A wrinkles and folds and add- instant and natural looking, LEVEL 3 TREATMENT ing volume to sunken skin. and last for up to a year.

Everyone will notice but no Refresh what nature gave one will know. you.

Combine Juvéderm™ with Juvéderm is a soft, inject© achieve an overall able gel filler that your doc- Botox to ™ SoftLift . tor uses to help replenish and refresh your appearSoftLift™. ance. It uses hyaluronic acid (Botox© and Fillers together) (a naturally occurring sugar found in your body), which If you are looking for BEFORE AFTER combines with the water in complete facial rejuvenaTREATMENT TREATMENT your skin to instantly restore tion, we recommended the

SUMMER SPECIAL BOTOX

- $9 per unit

FILLERS

SERVICES WE OFFER

FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN Botox • Fillers • Veins • Skin Spots

PENTICTON

LASER & SKIN CLINIC #140 - 1636 Main Street 250-490-8590 info@laserandskin.ca

Medical Director: Dr. P. Louw www.laserandskin.ca

4 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Penticton Western News

Patient Care Tower - Building Patient Care in the South Okanagan Similkameen On May 28, 2014, Penticton Western News reporter Joe Fries contacted the Ministry of Health about the Penticton Regional Hospital Patient Care Tower. He wanted to know what was happening with the Business Plan for the proposed development and when the Government would give consent for the project to move forward to construction. The following was the response given by communications manager Kristy Anderson.

“We look at all areas of a hospital as we develop a business plan to make sure it meets the needs of the population well into the future. It’s too early in the planning process to confirm details about project scope. We’ll provide more details on project and scope once the business plan has been reviewed and approved by government,” she said in an email.

“We expect government to complete their review and make their decision by the end of June.”

The decision in question would be on whether to “fund the project as outlined in the business plan and move to procurement of a qualified contractor.”

This was by far the most exciting news to date and as the end of the month is now here we are all waiting anxiously

to hear an announcement that the project is a go!

Let’s review what we know to date: based on an approximate $300 million

South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation Please support the Penticton Regional Hospital with a tax deductible donation Why make the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation part of your estate and tax planning?

Bequeathing a portion of your estate through your Will or gifting assets during your lifetime are terrific ways to ensure health care excellence for years to come for your family, friends and loved ones.

to build, the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District, which is part of the RDOS will fund 40% of the cost ($120 million) while the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation will raise $20 million for the equipment leaving an approximate balance of $160 million for the Province to cover.

Should the government give immediate approval, construction could begin within 18 months. So the best case scenario would be shovels in the ground by the spring of 2016.

The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation is already preparing to raise the $20 million for the medical equipment in the Patient Care Tower.

We are beginning talks with our major donors, our corporate affiliations, service clubs and the Auxiliaries and most important we are ready to take donations and pledges.

Best Price – Better Service Guarantee.

September 30 - October 12, 2014 13 Days - 12 Nights y n a m $ * Too

Will you leave a legacy of hope and healing?

highlights to list!

South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation 550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, B.C. V2A 3G6 Phone: 250-492-9027 • Toll Free: 1-866-771-0994 www.sosmedicalfoundation.com

A pledge with the Medical Foundation is a promise or an oath to agree to make a financial gift towards the new Patient Care Tower. If you are interested in doing this, consider the following. You may make a one time gift, you may make a gift of a bequest in your Will or you may pledge over one year, two or three years or even up to five years to pay off your desired gift amount. An example might be, that you pledge to give $2,000 every year for five years to make a total gift of $10,000. To make a profound gift of $100,000, you might pledge $20,000 per year for five years and for some, a gift of $200,000 every year for five years to make an outstanding contribution of $1 million dollars or more.

The pledge is a document between yourself and the Medical Foundation and occasionally with some gifts, your financial and or legal advisor.

At this time we don’t have all of the details about naming and sponsorship opportunities but there will be several ways to leave a legacy to your family or business in the new Patient Care Tower. The equipment list is not finalized, but we know we will be purchasing everything from stretchers to operating room equipment to name a few. Whether you are getting ready to make a pledge, a one time gift or a gift through a bequest in your Will, we are prepared to discuss things with you today.

Now is the time to talk with your family, your friends and your business associates for their ideas on how you can make a significant gift and meet the communities commitment to the Penticton Regional Hospital and how to make sure that our region of the South Okanagan and Similkameen has the best health care possible for decades to come.

Everyone living in the region will use the Penticton Regional Hospital, Patient Care Tower at some point in their lives. The most important statement we can make today is that this is your hospital, your future healthcare.

3688

*Rate is based on double occupancy.

See us for further details.

or Toll Free Carla, Kathie and Debbie. Front: Maggie License #56208 From L to R:

250-492-5792 1-855-492-5792

penticton@maritimetravel.ca 2004 Main Street Penticton, BC V2A 5H4

Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 9, 2014

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 5

Did You Know?

Vaccinations Though vaccines are usually associated with childhood or foreign travel, older adults may need certain vaccinations as they age. Even those who received immunizations as youngsters may need refresher doses or vaccinations tailored specifically to the over 50 crowd. Seniors are urged to talk to their doctors about certain vaccines. In addition to flu shots, there are vaccinations

that can help prevent other illnesses, such as pertussis (whooping cough), shingles, diphtheria/tetanus, and pneumonia. Shingles is a condition that affects those who had chickenpox as children, and can be quite painful. A vaccination is an easy way to avoid it.

Many local pharmacies now offer onsite immunizations, saving people a trip to the doctor’s office.

Senior Income According to Age in Place, nearly 60 percent of available senior income is being spent on housing and healthcare, and those expenditures do not include transportation or food. The rising costs of many necessities can make it difficult for seniors to make ends meet and, as a result, certain money-saving measures are often necessary. One idea to save money is to shop for food on a full stomach.

It’s a fact that people buy less when they’re full, as they are not prone to impulse buys to squash hunger pangs.

Thank you… for giving my parents a new lease on life! ons with his

si ay concern, . After discus od health issues To whom it m had heard go en I dd s. su nt e re m pa so y d m ha of an ad lt th D r bo onsu t 12,

fo C 20 mmodations oke with the In Januar y of look for acco called and sp I to Mom, the so n y , ga m ge r be la I Fo il , doctor Seniors V y parents. m nd h la it er w m ty er um S e prop However, my things about er whelming. out visiting th ov ab , ed ch em us L se n e right away. her hom there; Sharo tential home, po rooting from w up g ne r in ei be th of the lobby look at thought pressed with ely excited to im em ry tr ve ex e as er w w riving at an father ife and I gh we were ar e tour, my w ou th th r and fo as d lt fe ve ri , it enthusiastic The day we ar ro area. As we walked in She was very sidents. She . ly pt st om bi pr d entrance an haron met us about the re ur. destination. S affectionately e began our to upscale resort ly about the proper ty and - and then w te es ic na io rv ss se d pa spoke re. These ities an quality of ca e basic amen d th l an al ty d fe ne sa ai r expl were friendly was thei on our walk r my parents et fo m n e er w uly f nc af co st , as the d that they tr My primar y ring the tour demonstrate s du , healthy nt d ve de ye ti si la si re al h po ty had a ction wit were soon er ra te op in pr e nd th ki t Their g abou the place! and helpful. ct, ever ythin that this was people. In fa w e t ne es k th st r ju fo e d care at they had no e tour w things now th g the end of th y in h B it do . w e it ar to ng d ti el si an fe vi w zest for life s classes and It rents have a ne bus, shopping trips, fitnes to see them! t en tm in po e Today, my pa th ap on an s e on ak si m to now.

Excur I actually have ore vibrant they both are done before. so busy now, m re d y’ an r he ie T th s. al friend y is available ger, he of this qualit w much youn e ho nc g de in si az re s am is a senior Summerland ely happy that the staff and residents of em tr ex is y Our famil k you to all fe! erland. Than w lease on li here in Summ y parents a ne m ng vi Sincerely, gi r fo ge Seniors Villa Len Tarling , BC Summerland

800•667•9552 Penticton: 250•493•1255 100 159 Wade Ave. E

Live you dream-travel Tweedsmuir Park &Bella Coola Barkerville & Sun Peaks Stewart & Stikine Cruising the Lower Fraser River San Juan Islands Cruise Mystery Tour Colourful Canyonlands Early bookers!

Thanksgiving at Tsa-kwa-luten Lodge A Taste of Italy Branson 5 Seats left!

July July Aug Sept Sept Sept Oct Oct Oct Oct

22 23 8 7 8 27 8 10 14 28

8 days 5 days 13 days 5 days 5 days 10 days 16 days 6 days 15 days 9 days

Hawaii Cruise Trans-Atlantic Cruise to Spain

Sept April

18 5

18 days 21 days

25

www.wellsgraytours.com

$2190 $745 $2935 $1280 $1395 $3395 $3540 $1215 $7695 $3240

from from

Le n & Jack Tarling

$3880 $5540

The Wells Gray Tours Advantage

Come, join us for lunch. See what living here is all about!

Call Sharon to schedule a private tour: 250.404.4304

* Early Booking Discounts * Local Offices with Local Planner * Home City Pick-ups * Experience Rewards Program * Escorted Group Tours * Ladies Only Tours Photo: MV Native Paddlewheeler, Fraser River

A Retirement Concepts Community

summerlandseniorsvillage.com

6 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Penticton Western News

Addressing common concerns about exercise Exercise is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. Including exercise in your daily routine can lower your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and exercise can even sharpen mental acuity, reduce anxiety and improve mood. But as beneficial as exercise can be, many men and women, particularly men and women over the age of 50, who have not laced up their sneakers in years are hesitant to begin an exercise regimen for a variety of reasons, potentially putting their long-term health at risk.

Regardless of a person’s age, beginning

a new exercise regimen can be intimidating. But it’s especially so for men and women over the age of 50, who might not know where to begin or how to approach adopting a healthier lifestyle. According to the National Institute on Aging, the following are a few points men and women should know as they attempt to improve their physical fitness with a more active lifestyle.

• Exercise is safe even if you have not been physically active in a long time.

Many older men and women worry that suddenly embracing physical fitness after years of inactivity may be

ON-SITE

CREMATIONS MEAN YOU NEVER HAVE TO WONDER WHO IS HANDLING

your loved one.

• Penticton’s on-site crematory •

www.everdenrust.com

1130 CARMI AVENUE • PENTICTON • 250.493.4112

Community Denture Centre Ltd. • NEW DENTURES • RELINES • REPAIRS NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Over 70 Years Combined Experience Locally Owned & Operated

Mr. Leigh M. Hack

R.D.

Denture Specialist PENTICTON

OLIVER

250-490-0702

250-498-3858

104 - 1505 Main St., V2A 5G7

5888 Main Street

#

WITH CONFIDENCE!

detrimental to their health. But that’s only true if men and women don’t exercise caution at the outset of their routines. When beginning the routine, take things very slowly at first, choosing to walk or bike every day rather than hitting the treadmill and adjusting it to maximum resistance. When strength training, start off with very little weight so your muscles can grow acclimated to the motions and you can get the exercises down pat. As you grow more comfortable and your body starts to feel more up to the challenges of daily exercise, you can begin to gradually alter your cardiovascular and strength training workouts to make them more challenging.

• Exercise can make existing medical conditions more manageable. Men and women over the age of 50 who have preexisting medical conditions are likely to find that exercise alleviates rather than exacerbates their physical problems. The NIA notes that studies have shown that regular exercise and physical activity can benefit people with arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease. But it’s still recommended that men and women with preexisting medical conditions consult with their physicians before making any lifestyle changes. Some conditions may affect a person’s ability to be active, and it’s best to get the go-ahead from a physician before beginning an exercise regimen. Doctors may even suggest certain activities that have been known to alleviate particular conditions.

• Exercise reduces fatigue, so sitting around to preserve strength is not ef-

fective. Exercise improves strength and energy levels, so sitting on the sideline to preserve your strength is counterproductive and could lead to serious medical problems. The “Report on Physical Activity and Health” from the U.S. Surgeon General’s office noted that men and women who are inactive are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who are more active. While getting adequate rest and giving your body ample time recover from physical activity is essential, your body won’t benefit by avoiding exercise to preserve your strength.

However, even moderate physical activity performed on a regular basis can reduce fatigue.

• No one is too old to exercise. It’s not uncommon for men and women in their golden years to think they are too old to exercise. Some may feel that their toned down workouts cannot possibly be making much of an impact thanks to the physical limitations old age has put on their bodies, while others may think it’s unwise for someone in their 70s or 80s to be physically active. But no one is too old to exercise, as exercise helps the body stay strong and fit even when you can no longer max out on the bench press or squat hundreds of pounds. Scaling back your exercise routine will be necessary as you get older, but that does not mean you cannot still enjoy and benefit from physical activity.

Continuing to exercise as you age is a great way to improve your quality of life and stay as active as possible well into your golden years.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 9, 2014

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 7

Five foods for the over 50 crowd Men and women must alter their diets as they age. Portion sizes that young adults might have been able to get away must shrink when those same men and women enter their 30s. And as thirtysomethings head into their 40s, what’s on the plate requires more careful consideration than it might have a decade ago.

The same goes for men and women over 50, who must take steps to reduce their risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

One of the easiest ways to do just that is to eat healthy foods. The following are five flavorful and healthy foods tailor-made for the over 50 crowd.

1. Apples: Apples definitely qualify as a superfood, helping reduce cholesterol by preventing plaque buildup in the blood vessels and, as a result cutting an individual’s risk of diabetes considerably. In fact, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that eating at least two servings of apples per week can reduce a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 23 percent. Apples also make for a great source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. 2. Blueberries: Blueberries help men and women maintain healthy blood sugar levels because they are high in soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol while slowing the body’s uptake of glucose. And despite their relatively small size, blueberries contain more fiber, vitamins and minerals per ounce than any other fruit.

3. Broccoli: Though broccoli might not have been your best friend during childhood, you may want to cozy up to this powerful green vegetable now that you have cracked the half-century mark. Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C. A single 3.5 ounce serving of

broccoli contains more than 150 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which can shorten the duration of the common cold. In addition, a 2013 British study published in Medical News Today found that broccoli may help prevent osteoarthritis, a degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone that is most common from middle age onward. A similar study from researchers at New York’s Roswell Park Cancer Institute published in the same publication six years earlier found that just three servings of broccoli per month can decrease bladder cancer risk by as much as 40 percent.

4. Fava beans: Fava beans are cholesterol-free and low in fat. Fava beans also may provide cardiovascular benefits and help men and women maintain healthy weights. Fava beans are considered “nutrient-dense,” a term used to describe low-calorie foods that boast lots of nutrients, and are an excellent source of vitamin B1, which is important for nervous system function and energy metabolism.

5. Oatmeal: Another food that might never make youngsters’ lists of their favorite foods, oatmeal is nonetheless a healthy option at the breakfast table.

Oatmeal is loaded with soluble fiber, which can reduce cholesterol levels and subsequently reduce a person’s risk of heart disease. Also low in calories, oatmeal can help men and women maintain a healthy weight. Those who find oatmeal a tad too bland for their tastes can double on their superfoods by adding some blueberries into the mix, making their breakfast more flavorful and more healthy.

Getting better with age

Join us on our new patio!

We’re thrilled to unveil big improvements at Cherry Park, from an outdoor oasis to updated windows, sprinklers and furniture. Come in to see our new salon, movie theatre, dining room, country kitchen, bistro and more.

Plus, next month we’ll unveil a new fitness studio, hobby room and lounge area. Experience carefree retirement living at Cherry Park—book a tour today.

Book a personal tour and lunch to see for yourself.

Call Cherry Park today at 250.492.2447.

Penticton Regional Hospital Auxiliary’s

Meals on Wheels Our Volunteer Drivers Ensure that our Clients are Healthy & Happy Promoting good Health in our local schools with the Breakfast Learning Club Kindergarten to Grade 5

for more information CALL or VISIT 550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, BC

Healthy & Nutritious HOT and or FROZEN meals delivered to your home

email: pentictonmow@shawbiz.ca www.mealsonwheelspenticton.org

Penticton, Kaleden, Naramata & OK Falls

(basement of the hospital)

To become a client, volunteer or sponsor...

Call

250-492-9095

317 Winnipeg Street, Penticton, BC V2A 8J9

250.492.2447 www.PrimeTimeLiving.ca PHASE 2 OPENING NEXT MONTH!

8 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Penticton Western News

Tips for retirees travelling abroad Men and women often dream of jetsetting around the world when they retire.

Traveling the globe without worrying about timelines or what’s going on back at the office is something many retirees reward themselves with after a life of hard work.

As liberating as world travel can be, retirees still must exercise caution when traveling abroad. The following are a few safety tips for retirees who are ready to make their dream retirements a reality by setting off for parts unknown. * Stay in touch. Escapism is a big part of the attraction of travel for travelers young and old. But while you may want to avoid contact with the outside world on your travels, it’s still necessary to stay in touch with your loved ones. Retirees who plan to take extended trips overseas should purchase an international mobile phone plan that allows them to use their phones regardless of what country they happen to be in. A quick text message to a son or daughter back home is all it takes to let your family know you are safe and having the time of your life. Work out a communication plan with your loved ones back home before departing, agreeing to contact them via phone call, email or Skype at least once per week for the duration of your trip. This is a good way to share your experiences and help your relatives rest easy knowing that you are safe.

DENTURES

• Relines and Repairs • Complete Dentures • Partial Dentures • Dentures on Implants

Most repairs within two hours

DENTURE CLINIC

Bruce Coffin R.D.

272 Ellis St. Penticton

www.brucecoffindenturist.com

250-493-2707

Credible Cremation Services Ltd. Sensible Prices for Practical People - At need / Pre need.

Call Lesley, our own Senior Owner & Director

Total - Basic Cremation...

No Hidden Costs $990.00 + taxes (Penticton Area) $1190.00 + taxes (Kelowna area)

250.493.3912

(24 hrs)

New Location 101-596 Martin Street, Penticton, B.C. V2A 5L4 (corner of Martin and White)

www.crediblecremation.com BC Lic. #49382

* Don’t store all of your important documents in one place. When traveling overseas, it can be convenient to keep important items like traveler’s cheques, credit cards, passports, and identification in one place. However, storing all of your sensitive documents or financial items in one place is very risky, as a lost or stolen bag can leave you without identification or access to your funds. When traveling, couples should carry their own passports on their persons and split up credit cards and traveler’s cheques. This way you still have access to your funds, and one of you still has identification should items be lost or stolen. * Do your homework. Unplanned day trips are common among travelers who have been traveling for long periods of time. While such jaunts can add an element of spontaneity to a trip, they also

can be quite dangerous if travelers have not done their homework on a particular destination. You do not want to end up in a place where tourists are not welcome or frequent targets of criminals. In addition, you don’t want to visit a city or town and know nothing of its customs or etiquette.

For example, locals may react negatively to visitors who have ignored accepted local standards for attire. You can still make spontaneous trips, but make sure you gather some background information, be it from the Internet, locals where you are currently staying or the hotel concierge, on a given locale and its customs before visiting. * Make sure your health will not be compromised. Retirees cannot travel in the same manner they did in the carefree days of their youth. Before traveling abroad, visit your physician and get a full physical. Refill any medications you will need during your trip, and speak with your physician about how to handle any medical emergencies while overseas.

Carry your physician’s name and telephone number with you at all times, so local medical professionals can contact him or her should you experience a medical emergency.

Once you have arrived at your destination, it’s important that you continue to prioritize your health. Make sure the water is safe to drink before taking a sip, and investigate local cuisine to ensure it won’t enflame any existing medical conditions you may have. The quality of medical care varies greatly across the globe, so you must prioritize your health whenever leaving the country and avoid anything that might put your health in jeopardy. * Travel with friends or family if possible. If you have friends or family who also are retirees with time on their hands, organize a group trip abroad. Groups are less likely to be targeted by criminals than couples, and overseas trips with friends or family members can make trips overseas that much more memorable and enjoyable.

Overseas travel is a popular goal of men and women on the verge of retirement or those who have already called it a career.

But safety must remain a priority when traveling abroad.

Did You Know? Banishing the chills Do you find yourself wearing a sweater when it’s 75 degrees outside? Are you unable to tolerate the air conditioning on a steamy day? If you’re always cold it could be a sign that your body is changing or it may be a symptom of illness, such as an underactive thyroid. Older people have less subcutaneous fat stores and muscle mass, both of which can insulate a body. Therefore, they may have trouble regulating body temperature. But there are ways to feel warmer.

• Gain weight: Putting on a few extra pounds can help aging men and women

who feel cold all the time. Consult with a doctor as to what is a healthy weight for your age.

• Wear a vest: The body sacrifices heat in the extremities (hands and feet) to warm the core. Wearing a vest can keep your chest warm, and thus, the rest of your body.

• Get physical: Moderate exercise can get the blood pumping and speed up metabolism.

• Visit the doctor: Get a check-up to ensure you’re not cold due to a medical condition.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 9, 2014

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 9

Managing your money after retirement Investors know that money management can be difficult. The ebb and flow of the economy can be similar to a roller coaster, with soaring highs followed by steep drops, and those changes all affect investors’ bottom lines. It’s no wonder then that many investors over 50 envision the day when they can get off that roller coaster and simply enjoy their money without having to worry about the everyday ups and downs of the market. But managing money after 50 is about more than just reducing risk.

Reducing risk as retirement draws near is a sound financial strategy that can safeguard men and women over 50 from the fluctuations of the market That’s true whether investors put their money in stocks, real estate or other areas that were not immune to the ups and downs of the economy. But there are additional steps men and women can take after they turn 50 to ensure their golden years are as enjoyable and financially sound as possible.

• Prioritize saving for retirement. Men and women over 50 know that retirement is right around the corner. Despite that, many people over 50 still have not prioritized saving for retirement. It’s understandable that other obligations, be it paying kids’ college tuition or offering financial assistance to aging parents, may seem more immediate, but men and women over 50 should recognize that their time to save for retirement is

rapidly dwindling. Just because you are retired does not mean your bills will magically disappear.

In fact, some of those bills, such as the cost of medical care, are likely to increase. So now is the time to make retirement a priority if you have not already done so. It might be nice to finance a child’s college education, but that should not be done at the expense of your retirement nest egg. Kids have a lifetime ahead of them to repay college loans, while adults over 50 do not have that much time to save for retirement.

• Start making decisions. People retire at different times in their lives. Some people want to keep working as long as they are physically and mentally capable of doing so, while others want to reap what their lifetime of hard work has sewn and retire early. Finances will likely play a strong role in when you can comfortably retire, so start making decisions about your long-term future. Do you intend to stay in your current home or move into a retirement home? Will you stay in your current area or move elsewhere? These decisions require a careful examination of your finances, and many will hinge on how well you have managed your money

in the past and how well you manage it in the years ahead. Managing money after 50 requires more than just allocating resources. Sound money management after 50 also means making decisions about your future and taking the necessary steps to ensure those decisions come to fruition.

• Pay down debt. Men and women over 50 are not often associated with debt, but that’s a misconception. Thanks in part to the recession that began in 2008 and led to high unemployment, many people in the baby boomer generation, which includes people born between the years 1946 and 1964, went back to school to make themselves more attractive to prospective employers. While that might have been a sound decision, it left many deeply in debt. According to a 2013 report from the Chronicle of Higher Education, student loan debt is growing fastest among people over 60, and that debt is not inconsequential. A report from 2013 states that the average student loan debt of those over the age of 60 who still owe money is more than $19,000, a considerable increase from 2005, when the average debt was $11,000. Men and women over 50 who

RETIREMENT LODGE

are still carrying debt should eliminate consumer debt first, as such debt tends to be accompanied by higher interest rates than mortgages and student loan debt. Paying down debt can help reduce stress, improve your quality of life and free up money for living and recreational expenses once you retire.

• Examine your insurance policies.

Your approach to insurance should change as you get closer to retirement.

For example, you want to maximize your liability insurance on homeowners and auto insurance policies. This ensures the money you have set aside for retirement won’t be going to a third party should you be at-fault in an auto accident or if someone suffers an injury at your home.

Experts recommend liability insurance be substantial for men and women over 50, with some suggesting it be as high as twice your net worth.

If it wasn’t already, securing long-term disability insurance should be a priority once you have turned 50. A sudden accident or illness at 55 that prevents you from working could prove devastating to your financial future if you do not have disability insurance. Some employers offer long-term disability, though many people are left to secure policies on their own. Regardless of how you get your disability insurance, make sure you have it and that it provides adequate coverage should you succumb to an illness or injury and be unable to work.

Luxury Retirement

The South Okanagan’s Finest...

Where your comfort and well being are Priority #1 Say yes to a care-free, luxurious lifestyle Living in our Heritage style lodge, you’ll easily grow accustomed to the social opportunities and amenities, plus enjoy the privacy of your own spacious 1 or 2 bedroom suite with balcony. Ideally located to enhance your independence.

NEW

2 Bocci Courts and Putting Green!

Supported Living Services Available 24 HOUR STAFF & MEDI-ALERT EMERGENCY CALL SERVICE

www.athenscreek.com

250.493.3838

170 West Warren Avenue • Penticton, B.C. • V2A 8R6

10 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Penticton Western News

Nutrition and aging go hand-in-hand

The Independence You want with the Assistance You Need.

The Concorde offers seniors freedom of choice with the most comprehensive range of optional assisted living services while maintaining your independence.

• • • • • • •

3 meals a day Housekeeping Services In-house activities & The Concorde Bus for group outings Complete privacy in your own suite Help available when you need it Floor plans range from bachelor suite to 2 bdrm with 2 baths Small pets welcome

Everyone knows Someone living at The Concorde

Resident Anne and daughter Susanne

“Living at The Concorde allows me to continue my fun - loving independent lifestyle”.

Call for your personal tour

250-490-8800

LIMITED SUITES AVAILABLE www.diversicare.ca

PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED BY DIVERSICARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

3235 Skaha Lake Rd., Penticton, BC E-mail: info.theconcorde@diversicare.ca

Nutrition is important for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for men and women over the age of 50, who can dramatically improve their quality of life by eating a well-balanced diet filled with vitamins and nutrients. Though that may seem like common sense, research has shown that men and women in this age group, who are often referred to as “Baby Boomers,” are not necessarily as healthy as they may seem.

While the baby boomer generation, which is generally regarded as those people born between 1946 and 1964, boasts longer life expectancies than any generation that came before them, some of that can likely be chalked up to advancements in medical care, including a booming pharmaceutical industry that seemingly has an antidote to every ailment. But a 2013 study from researchers at the West Virginia University School of Medicine found that baby boomers are less healthy than the generation that immediately preceded them, tending to be more likely to have higher levels of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. While that news might be sobering, it’s never too late for men and women over 50 to start eating healthier diets, which can reduce their risk of a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.

The following are a few ways men and women over 50 can alter their diets so their bodies are getting what they need to live long and healthy lives well into their golden years. As is always the case, men and women should discuss any potential changes to their diets with their physicians to ensure the changes will be both effective and healthy.

• Balance your diet. Kids hear of the benefits of a balanced diet seemingly from the moment they enter a classroom for the first time, but many adults fail to heed that basic advice as they get further and further away from kindergarten. When changing your diet, be sure to include plenty of protein and carbohydrates.

Protein maintains and rebuilds muscles, which is especially important for aging men and women who might find themselves unable to keep up with the physical demands of everyday life as well as they used to. Including ample low-fat protein, which can be found in fish, eggs and low-fat dairy among other foods, will aid in muscle recovery, benefitting aging athletes as well as those men and women over 50 who recently started exercising as a means to regaining their physical fitness. A diet lacking in sufficient protein can contribute to muscle deterioration, arthritis and even organ failure, so it’s important for men and women to prioritize including protein in their diets.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a balanced diet, as they are a great source of energy that can help men and women stay active well past the age of 50. Carbohydrates found in fruits, grains

and vegetables are the most beneficial, as these contain valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

• Don’t denounce dairy. Dairy is a great source of calcium, which promotes strong bones and teeth. Men and women over the age of 50 want their bones to be as strong as possible because aging is one of the strongest risk factors for osteoporosis, a potentially debilitating medical condition in which loss of tissue causes bones to become brittle and fragile. Vitamin D is necessary to effectively absorb calcium, and vitamin D can be found in certain dairy products, including pastureraised eggs and grass-fed cow’s milk, and can be generated when men and women get enough sunlight. Other healthy sources of vitamin D include salmon, light tuna packed in oil, sardines, and sun-grown mushrooms.

• Cut back on sodium intake. Cutting back on sodium intake can be very beneficial, especially for men and women over the age of 50, who are at greater risk of diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. But cutting back on sodium intake takes more than just throwing the salt shaker away. Processed foods, soups, canned goods, salad dressings, condiments such as mustard and ketchup, and breakfast cereals are just a few of the many products that may contain alarming amounts of sodium. That’s important to note, as excess sodium increases blood pressure by holding excess fluid in the body. That excess fluid puts an added burden on the heart, potentially increasing a person’s risk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, cancer, and kidney disease.

The problem with cutting back on sodium is that salt is so often relied on to make foods taste better, and many people find salt-free foods bland. But the rewards of reducing sodium intake are so significant that it’s worth making the adjustment, especially for men and women over the age of 50.

No one is too old or too young to embrace a nutritious diet. But men and women over the age of 50 are in a unique position to vastly improve their quality of life by adopting a low-sodium diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 9, 2014

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 11

Pros and cons of reverse mortgages Chances are you have come across an advertisement for a reverse mortgage and have probably wondered what this type of mortage is all about.

Geared toward seniors, reverse mortgages are growing in popularity and inspiring the curiosity of older homeowners.

A reverse mortgage is a loan offered to people over the age of 62 that enables borrowers to convert part of the equity in their homes into cash.

People of retirement age may find that their limited income can make monthly expenses more difficult. Reverse mortgages were conceived as a method to helping people at this stage in life use the money they put into their homes to pay off debts or cover routine living expenses. The loan is dubbed “reverse mortgage” because instead of the homeowner paying money to a lender as is customary with a traditional mortgage, the lender makes payments to the borrower. What’s more, the borrower is not required to pay back the loan until the home is sold or vacated. As long as a person is living in the home he or she is not required to make any payments toward the reverse mortgage loan balance. However, the borrower must remain current on insurance and tax payments.

When a person takes out a reverse mortgage, he or she may borrow a portion of the market value on the home. As of 2012, the maximum loan amount available in the United States was $625,000. Any outstanding existing mortgages are paid off with the proceeds of the reverse mortgage, and either a lump sum of the balance or monthly payments are established. A homeowner may also opt for a line of credit with the reverse mortgage proceeds. Here is a more in-depth look at the pros and cons to reverse mortgages.

Pros A reverse mortgage enables seniors to live in their homes for the rest of their lives without fear of mortgage payments. Because there are no payments being made during the life of the loan, borrowers do not have to meet income requirements or credit checks.

As long as the borrower continues to maintain residence in the home, he or she is still eligible for the monthly payments received through the reverse mortgage. This money can be used for any purpose and is tax-free.

Borrowers can opt to modernize their homes or make safety improvements.

The funds can also be put toward medical expenses or travel or to help family with their own financial needs.

Because the government insures the reverse mortgage program, borrowers need not worry about receiving

their payments. Should a lender fail to make a payment, the borrower is eligible for that money and a late fee as well.

Another benefit of reverse mortgages is they protect homeowners against falling home prices. If the value of the home drops after the loan is negotiated, it will not affect the equity value assessed for the life of the loan.

Cons One down side to reverse mortgages is that the loans have higher up-front fees than other types of financing.

Borrowers have to pay not only an origination fee and closing costs, but mortgage insurance costs as well.

These initial costs can be several thousands of dollars.

Unlike a traditional mortgage, where the balance gets lower and lower over time, with a reverse mortgage, no payments are being made on the loan.

This means the loan balance simply gets larger over time depending on how much money is drawn from the home’s equity. At the end of the loan, when the homeowner moves from the property or the premises is vacated upon the borrower’s death, the value of the estate decreases based on the pay-off value of the reverse mortgage loan. Heirs will pay off the mortgage by selling the home and will only inherit the remaining money after the reverse mortgage lender has the loan satisfied. This means men and women will be leaving less money for their heirs, but those heirs will not be personally liable if the home sells for less than the value of the mortgage.

The mortgage lender has to claim a loss and request reimbursement from the Federal Housing Administration.

Something many seniors may not be aware of with regard to reverse mortgages is that these loans can affect eligibility for some need-based programs. Although Social Security and Medicare are not affected, Medicaid and other government assistance programs can be affected if a senior has a surplus of funds from a reverse mortgage that are not spent during the month.

A reverse mortgage is a long-term solution. People who are looking for a short-term fix will find that this type of loan probably doesn’t meet their needs. Furthermore, it is hard to be approved for reverse mortgages on newly purchased homes. Lenders usually like to see at least six months or a year chain of title on a property before issuing a reverse mortgage.

Many seniors often find reverse mortgages confusing. Seniors may unwittingly agree to a loan without fully understanding the scope of the reverse mortgage. It is adviseable to seek counseling on reverse mortgages before applying for one.

Reverse mortgages enable seniors to retire comfortably in their own homes. But that comfort does come with some drawbacks.

Supportive, Independent Living

for Seniors in Penticton

Location. Services. Security.

Spacious suites available in our friendly seniors residence.

When you live at Sun Village, we take care of the daily tasks so you can benefit from doing the social and recreational activities you enjoy!

Ask us about BC SAFER Housing Program.

You may qualify for a rental subsidy.

Call us today 250-492-2020 www.sunvillagepenticton.com 1147 Main Street - Across from the RCMP Bldg.

0%

12 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Penticton Western News

TOYOTA

FINANCE OR LEASE

FACTORY

*

OR

EVENT $4,000 SAVE UP TO

*

2014 TOYOTA TUNDRA CREWMAX

2014 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD

From

26,950

$

From

24,450

$

†

†

Test Drive a New Tacoma or Tundra and Enter to Win a VIP Experience for Six at the

**

PENTICTON SPEEDWAY

BULL-A-RAMA *On select models O.A.C. †Freight, delivery and applicable taxes extra. **Draw will be held July 25, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.

PENTICTON

July 26, 5PM • July 27, 3PM

www.pentictontoyota.com 2405 SKAHA LAKE ROAD • 250-493-1107 • TOLL FREE: 1-888-493-1107 • DL. #6994