50 Club
SAINTANNE VILLAGE
Saint Anne Village
Adult Day Care
• Alzheimer & Dementia Care
• Cognitive Based Activities including Arts, Crafts & Games
• Daily Stretching & Chair Yoga Exercises
• Weekly Music & Singing with Visiting Musician
• Beautiful Compound for Walking
• Gated Patio for Outdoor Gatherings
• Daily Animal Therapy
• Weekly Toddler Time
Saint Anne Village Inc. is a non-profit, state-licensed adult day care center.
We opened our door in late 2016 and have continuously thrived in serving our community members who are living with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. We pride ourselves in having long-term caregivers, a consistent director from inception and clients who flourish by participating in our daily program.
While our main focus is providing a safe, loving environment of supervised socialization for the impaired, we strive to assist families in many areas as well.
Not only do we give respite, but we also offer guidance and resources for financial assistance, tips on managing the progression of these diseases and placement referrals for when their loved one can no longer live at home.
Recognized by Kaiser, Sutter and John Muir Memory Care Programs
How the owner of HomeLife Senior Care uses her life’s goals to help others
Amber Triebull’s goal in life was always to make a positive impact on others. She’s had plenty of experience too: from going to school for a degree in social work, to working as a private caretaker, and, eventually, running a senior care company.
Now, as the owner and CEO of HomeLife Senior Care, she is putting her life’s goals and her experience to some of the best use possible.
“I always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives in a positive way and just see people do well,” she said. “My initial plan was to go into family social work, working with kids and families. But after my experience working as a personal caregiver and then working for HomeLife, my passion became more about serving the elderly population after seeing what a need there is.”
“I had previously thought of children as being the ones that didn’t have voices for themselves and needed advocates. But I learned how much the elderly really need advocates and people looking out for their well-being.”
HomeLife Senior Care is a privately owned, in-home, senior care company in Brentwood. Triebull took over the company at the beginning of 2024, from her mother, Angela, and her stepfather, Vinny, who started the company in 2010.
“My mom always had a heart for the elderly population,” Triebull explained. “It was a dream of hers to be able to start a home-care business.”
The company provides service throughout Contra Costa County.
Unlike senior care facilities, or retirement homes, HomeLife provides the caretakers for its clients and sends them to their
homes, which Triebull says seniors prefer.
“Seniors would much rather stay in their home, aging in place versus having to move into an assisted living or facility type of situation,” Triebull said. “We’re finding that even more common now because of how rampant COVID was spreading in facilities, and the facilities weren’t permitting loved ones to visit their parents or grandparents. It was an awful situation and heartbreaking.”
“More often than not, people are trying to keep their loved ones, their elderly parents, at home and comfortable there.”
HomeLife Senior Care provides nonmedical care for the elderly and those with disabilities in their homes to assist them with daily living. Triebull adds that the home care aides, or caregivers, prepare meals, do light housekeeping, provide companionship, give medication reminders, dressing, toileting and bathing assistance, provide transportation, and run errands.
The senior industry continues to grow. According to a study by BlueWave Consulting, a strategic consulting and
market research firm, the elderly care services market is expanding rapidly due to reasons like the aging population of the country, more chronic diseases and the growing demand for personalized and home-based care.
Even with the industry’s continued growth, Triebull emphasizes that her goal isn’t to become the biggest, but rather to be the best.
“Our focus is on providing quality service and quality care,” Triebull said. “Others may be interested in being the biggest, but that’s not my priority. The priority is to provide the best service we can, providing quality care for our clients that they can rely on, and know they will be well taken care of.”
That focus on quality also extends to the company’s hiring process, which Triebull’s team focuses on as much as the quality of service.
“We look for caregivers with experience,” she said. “Those who are just looking for a job, we pass on. We want somebody who has a desire and heart to work with the
I learned how much the elderly really need advocates and people looking out for their well being.
elderly population. Oftentimes, home care aides have their own stories and experiences with their own grandparents or people in their life that have led them to this industry. That is what we’re looking for.”
“We’re looking for those people who really have compassion for the elderly and that desire versus just another job. It’s important every employee’s values line up with those of the company in order to obtain our goal of keeping seniors in their homes by providing quality service and the best, quality care.”
For details, visit http://homelifeseniorcare.com or call them at 925-240-5770.
JEFF WEISINGER
Photo by Steve Nosanchuk
The HomeLife Senior Care team is (left to right) Sophia Cronk, Leti Onstead, Darlene MacDonald, Amber Triebull, Maria Oliverez, Wendy Carrasco, Elizabeth Marquez, and Lisa Lozano.
AMBER TRIEBULL
A new way to cruise from East County
Cobaltia Travel has launched a new escorted cruise service that enhances the travel experience with seamless convenience and many added benefits. The local travel agency formed in 2019 and focuses on Eastern Contra Costa County.
The Cobaltia Travel team has created a “concierge” cruising experience, complete with exclusive onboard activities, gifts, ship perks, and dedicated support throughout the journey, all for the same cruise fare as booking directly with the ship.
One standout feature of these trips is the available transport directly to and from the ship to ensure a hassle-free start and end to a voyage. Cobaltia Travel manages all baggage and logistics: once bags are dropped at the coach, passengers don’t need to handle their checked luggage until it is delivered to their stateroom.
A recent voyage in June 2024 journeyed on a 10-day cruise to the beautiful
cooperative slot pull, and even a cocktail party. Everyone in the group also had additional on-board credit to use however they wished.
“I think an escorted cruise is the only way I will cruise from now on”, a traveler said. “It took all the stress and guess work out and all I had to do was relax and enjoy. It was like traveling with a bunch of friends!”. Several friendships were formed and have continued after the cruise.
Escorted cruises are now being planned to Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, and Hawaii. New voyages were just added and are now booking. To learn more, visit www.CobaltiaTravel. com, or call 925-303-4565.
–Steven Bibby – Cobaltia Travel CA SOT 2141116-40
Inside Passage of Alaska with glacier and wildlife viewing. In addition to all the food and entertainment amenities on the
ship, the Cobaltia group offered optional exclusive meetups, games, and activities. These included trivia, a scavenger hunt, a
Photo by Steven Bibby This ship from Carnival Miracle in
These changes could arise from the ‘silver tsunami’
Areport from the International Monetary Fund in the summer of 2023 indicated that a new challenge awaits the world in the coming years. The global population increased by 1 billion people between 2010 and 2022 to reach a world population of 8 billion people in November of 2022.
Despite a sharp increase in the global population in such a short period of time, the IMF asserts that the population boom is not the most formidable demographic challenge facing the world. The IMF defines population aging as the most formidable challenge. Widely referred to as the “silver tsunami,” a term credited to the AARP, the increase in the number of individuals age 65 and older could lead to some changes in countries across the globe.
♦ Increased recreation spending: Sixty-five has traditionally been viewed as retirement age, and that remains an unofficial bar for individuals living in countries like the United States that have increased their official retirement age. Though an uptick in the aging population is often framed in terms of the challenges countries will face, that increase also could present some opportunities. For example, a recent AARP Longevity Economy Outlook report noted that people 50 and older account for the most spending on recreation and culture of any demographic. That could help businesses and regions that cater to consumers interested in recreation.
♦ Employment opportunities: The AARP also noted the role the 50-and-older population plays in supporting jobs. In 2020, the demographic of people 50 and older supported roughly one-third of the world’s jobs and generated $23 trillion in labor income with its spending on goods and services. Estimates from the AARP indicate that individuals age 50 and older will support 1.5 billion jobs across the globe by 2050. The labor income impact by then will more than double to $53 billion.
The aging population is increasing, which could lead to a number of opportunities and challenges in the decades to come.
♦ Employment challenges: Though the silver tsunami could help to maintain existing jobs and create new ones, employers might find it difficult to fill those positions. As more of the population reaches retirement age, more workers will retire. Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute note that the manufacturing sector will need to fill 2.5 million job openings related to retirements by 2030. That could prove a challenge, as the aging population is increasing as the young population decreases.
Metro Creative
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
Protect The Ones You Love
We know that talking about your final arrangements can be difficult, so we’ve created Caring Decisions, a free one hour seminar. Join us to discover why pre-planning is a wise and thoughtful choice for both you and your loved ones.
Please scan QR code or call (925) 757.4500 to register and reserve your seat.
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ACTS Senior Assistance’s aid Brentwood resident $200 grant
ACTS Senior Assistance is giving a $200 grant to a Brentwood resident. This grant is a testament to the power of generosity and the profound impact it can have on the lives of seniors in Brentwood, according to a press release.
The recipient has long relied on their weekly caregiver for vital support. With no family close by, her caregiver is not just a helper but a lifeline. From grocery shopping and meal preparation to transportation to doctor’s appointments, her caregiver ensures that she can navi gate daily life with dignity and comfort. Without this dedicated assistance, she would face significant challenges in managing her own care.
The $200 grant from ACTS Senior Assistance provides essential financial support that helps cover the costs of these invaluable services. The gratitude in her eyes says it all, according to her caregiver with HomeLife Senior Care.
The $200 grant from ACTS Senior Assistance provides essential financial support that helps cover the costs of these invaluable services.
me, especially knowing that the community cares and that there are organizations like ACTS Senior Assistance that are here to help.”
“I am incredibly thankful for this support,’; she said. “It means so much to
This grant would not have been possible without local support and donors. ACTS Senior Assistance thanks all those who have contributed to the mission and to HomeLife Senior Care for nominating their client. Their dedication to providing exceptional care for their clients is inspiring, the release said. ACTS’s local partnerships provide grants, enabling them to provide financial assistance to seniors who need it most.
For details, visit www. ACTSseniorassistance.org to explore volunteer opportunities and donation options.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net
■ Benign Growths ■ Basal Cell Carcinoma ■ Eczema ■ Melanoma
■ Microneedling
■ HydraFacial
■ Kybella
Marwa Hakimi, MD Medical Dermatology
Jay Zimmerman, MD Medical Dermatology
Hovik Ashchyan, MD Mohs Surgeon
Lam Le, PA-C Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology
Monica Ascencion, RN Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology
Lamai Walker, RN Cosmetic Dermatology
Veronica Rodriguez, LE Licensed Esthetician
These interior renovations help seniors
ome is where the heart is. That sentiment may be especially true for seniors who have spent decades living in their homes. A lot of hard work goes into home ownership, and seniors who have lived in the same space for a while undoubtedly have countless memories within the walls of their homes.
A lifetime of experiences in a home can make it hard to leave, but many seniors experience diminished mobility as they age. Mobility problems can make it hard for seniors to traverse their homes, but aging homeowners can make various renovations to make a home more accessible.
♦ Revamp entryways and staircases. A 2020 study of 1,000 adults in the United Kingdom found that 28 percent of individuals age 65 and older who don’t exercise regularly struggle with activities like walking up stairs. The study, commissioned by Total Fitness, also found that 14 percent of men and women over 65 who regularly engage in moderate exercise still find it challenging to climb up and down a flight of stairs.
Seniors facing similar challenges can install a ramp at their home’s entryway so they can comfortably go in and out. Inside, a chair lift can ensure seniors are not struggling to move from one floor to another.
♦ Raise the outlets throughout the home. They’re easily overlooked, but outlets, particularly those outside the kitchen, tend to be close to the floor. AARP notes that’s no accident, as outlets are generally placed at a height equal to the length of a hammer to save time with measuring when buildings are being constructed. Outlets close to the floor can be
difficult for seniors with mobility issues to reach. Relocating the outlets a little higher off the floor is not an expensive renovation, but it can make a home more accessible for seniors who have difficulty bending down or getting down on one knee.
♦ Install door knob extensions. Verywell Health notes that nearly half of all people age 65 and older have arthritis or another rheumatic condition. Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to grip and turn door knobs. Door knob extensions can make it easier for seniors with arthritis to open the doors in their homes. Such
extensions are roughly five-inch levers that can be installed over an existing door knob, making it easier to grab and pull down. Extensions save seniors the hassle of turning the knob, which some may find painful and almost impossible.
♦ Renovate the bathroom. Bathroom renovation projects can be costly, but seniors with mobility issues should know that bathrooms can pose a particularly dangerous threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that roughly three million older adults are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments each year. A 2019 analysis published in The Journals of Gerontology noted that 22 percent of in-home falls resulted in a change in the person’s walking ability. Replacing a step-over shower with a zero-step alternative can make it easier for seniors with mobility issues to get in and out of the shower, thus reducing their risk for falls. Grab bars along shower walls and a chair inside the shower can make it easier to bathe and towel off safely.
Seniors with mobility problems can make their homes more accommodating through an assortment of simple, yet effective renovations.
Metro Creative
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
Grab bars in bathrooms can make homes safer for seniors with limited mobility.
Dental care: what seniors need to know
s a person ages, maintaining their health often becomes more difficult, with numerous conditions liable to arise over the years, especially after age 55. One important, but sometimes overlooked, field of senior health is dental wellness, with many seniors suffering from preventable dental diseases.
According to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) resources on aging and dental health, the most common oral afflictions that disproportionately impact older people are some of the simplest: dry mouth, tooth cavities, and periodontal disease.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, taken by seniors, as well as of conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, according to the ADA. The presence of dry mouth can lead to other two conditions, as saliva possesses antimicrobial properties that can prevent bacteria from decaying and infecting teeth and gums.
Good home dental hygiene can prevent cavities and periodontal disease, but for many
Maintaining proper dental health can become more challenging with age.
seniors, keeping up a dental hygiene routine can be close to impossible. Mental conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, and physical conditions such as strokes or arthritis, can prevent the creation of a hygiene regimen in many ways, from making it more difficult to remember to brush one’s teeth to causing physical pain when attempting to do so.
The ADA recommends that seniors with
physical conditions use either a modified toothbrush handle or an electric toothbrush with a wide handle, while the caretakers of those with mental disabilities should educate themselves in dental hygiene. Education of both caretakers and dentists in how to work with mentally or sensorily-impaired people can also be of assistance when making dentist appointments.
According to the 2022 paper “Dental Care for Older Adults,” published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, older people are also at risk of certain oral cancers due to the thinning of the oral mucosa, the mucus and soft tissue membrane lining the interior of the mouth. This thinning allows toxins, such as those found in tobacco, to pass through the membrane and cause cancerous lesions. This cancer is preventable by refraining from tobacco use and even ensuring that one’s dentures are well-fitted will prevent the formation of lesions and the growth of cancer.
Dentures, and the tooth loss that necessitates them, are not a universal part of the senior experience, though they are common (57% of people aged 65-74 use them, according to the ADA). Tooth loss is, according to “Dental Care for Older Adults,” “the endpoint of severe dental caries [cavities] and periodontal disease,” which are both preventable through hygiene and lifestyle adjustments, if necessary.
For those with dentures, ensuring that they are cleaned daily and fit well makes up the majority of maintenance for them. Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation, which can lead to cancer; the ADA advises that dentures that do not fit correctly should be replaced as soon as possible, preferably with dentures bearing the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
CONNOR ROBLES
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The link between sleep and healthy aging
Agood night’s rest can be just what the body needs to feel revitalized and ready to tackle a new day. Indeed, rest is important for people of all ages, including seniors.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) notes the brain needs sleep to regulate the body, restore energy and repair damage. Recognition of that is vital for aging men and women, some of whom may be more vulnerable to sleeping problems than they realize. In addition to being more vulnerable to age-related health problems that can interrupt their sleep, thus affecting its quality, aging men and women may find their sleep routines change over time. For example, a 2019 study published in the journal BMC Geriatrics found that active elderly people reported it took them longer to fall asleep as they got older.
The NCOA says it’s a misconception that older adults need more sleep than younger people, noting adults of all ages require the same amount of nightly rest. However, things may change for seniors in regard to how much time they need to spend in bed. The NCOA notes this is because adults may be more likely to experience poor sleep quality and continuity. When that occurs, adults still need the recommended minimum of seven hours of nightly sleep, but they may need to spend more time in bed since it’s taking them
longer to fall asleep.
It’s important that aging adults recognize that they can spend too much time sleeping as well. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that too much sleep is linked to the same health problems as too little sleep, issues that include an elevated risk for heart disease and falls.
Sleep problems affecting older adults also may be a byproduct of various contributing factors. The NCOA notes that frequent contributors to sleep concerns include:
♦ Pain that affects the back, neck, or joints
♦ Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression
♦ Neurodegenerative disorders that are more frequent among aging populations, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s
♦ Sleep apnea or disordered breathing at
night
Sleep and healthy aging go hand in hand.
Aging adults experiencing difficulty sleeping can consult their physicians and visit ncoa.org to learn more about overcoming sleep-related problems.
take pride in using only the finest
Garlic, Chive, Dijon Mustard, Chili Pepper, Lemon
♦ Restless leg syndrome, a condition that tends to worsen with age and is characterized by an urge to move limbs often
♦ Nocturia, a condition marked by a need to urinate at night
♦ Stimulating medications or medication interactions
♦ Decreased exposure to sunlight
♦ Sedentary lifestyle
Aging men and women who are experiencing difficulty sleeping should know that such issues are treatable and not something that needs to be accepted as a normal part of growing older. For example, individuals whose sleep is routinely interrupted by a need to urinate can avoid certain beverages, including alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
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Healthy aging: calorie intake for seniors determined
Healthy aging is a multifaceted process that involves an array of variables. Diet and exercise are two such variables, and each are intertwined. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the amount of calories individuals over 60 need each day depends on their physical activity levels.
Though all adults should aspire to be physically active each day, some aging adults may experience mobility issues that make it hard to move around. But activity levels can serve as a measuring stick for daily calorie intake. The NIA notes that the more active men and women over 60 are, the more calories they will need to consume.
♦ Inactive: The NIA recommends that women over 60 who are not physically active consume 1,600 calories per day. Men over 60 who are not physically active are urged to consume between 2,000 and 2,200 calories each day.
♦ Moderately active: What qualifies as moderate physical activity is best defined by an individual’s physician, who may
recommend various exercises or activities based on each person’s condition. Daily walks may qualify as moderate physical
activity, but aging adults are urged to keep track of the length and intensity of such walks so they can work with their physicians to determine how they might affect their daily caloric intake. Women over 60 who engage in moderate physical activity each day are urged to consume 1,800 calories per day, while men in that category should consume between 2,200 and 2,400 calories.
♦ Very active: Aging men and women can probably determine on their own if their lifestyle can be described as very physically active. Women over 60 who qualify as very active should consume between 2,000 and 2,200 calories per day, while the NIA advises very active men to consume between 2,400 and 2,600 calories per day.
Of course, it’s important that men and women over 60 choose the right foods each day as well. The NIA advises against choosing foods that have a lot of sugar, saturated fat and sodium. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are examples of healthy foods that can help aging individuals reach recommended daily calorie intake without compromising their overall health.
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Activity levels can serve as a measuring stick for daily calorie intake.
‘Making a meaningful
lives of seniors’ who have dementia
Antioch-based business Caring Haven Home Care Agency provides award-winning care
ikki Lopez knows firsthand the struggles of caring for a family member with dementia.
“Years ago, my family faced the challenge of caring for our beloved grandmother, who needed assistance and companionship. We all were ‘too busy’ with work, personal commitments, and too distant to be able to commit to helping,” she says. “It was a time marked by worry, frustration, and a deep desire to provide her with the comfort and care she deserved, but our hands were tied.”
The feelings of hopelessness dissolved when the family chose to hire a caretaker for her grandmother, Lopez says. With this new support, her grandmother was thriving and supported.
“We could not put a price tag on that feeling.”
This experience led Lopez to found Caring Haven Home Care Agency, an Antioch-based business that provides “person-centered care” for those living with dementia, in October 2023.
To that end, Caring Haven announced
that it has been awarded the title of Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area, as seen in the California Gazette, by the team of the Best of the Best Review.
Since its founding, Caring Haven has been driven by a singular mission: to deliver personalized, holistic, dignified care that meets the unique needs of each senior client.
“Our mission at Caring Haven is not just about providing care; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and their families, truly giving a voice to the often voiceless,” Lopez said. “This award is a testament to our dedicated team, who go above and beyond every day to ensure that our clients receive the best possible care.”
The company’s mission statement
Nikki Lopez (right) and her partner Tonj’a, RobinsonLopez (left) are two of the leaders in charge of Caring Haven, an Antioch-based organization that specializes in dementia care. Lopez serves as the CEO and Robinson-Lopez is the COO.
reads: “We are here to make sure every client is seen, heard, and empowered, just as we see our own family. Every loved one we touch is treated with the same affection and dignity our CEO gives to her grandma.”
To this end, the team provides care to homebound seniors seeking independent living, veterans, adults with disabilities, persons recovering from surgery and respite care for family caregivers, according to their website. Caring Haven partners with a team of interdisciplinary medical, dental, and health professionals, medical equipment stores, hospices, and nursing facilities to ensure better continuity of care for patients.
We believe in the power of community,” Tonj’a, Robinson-Lopez, Chief Operating
Officer said. “Our work is not just about care, but about fostering connections, building trust, and contributing to the well-being of our entire community. We are proud to be a trusted partner for so many families in the Bay Area.”
Their service areas include Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch and Discovery Bay as well as Tracy, Vallejo, Martinez, Benicia, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Rossmoor, Pittsburg, Rio Vista, and surrounding areas.
“Caring Haven was an absolute godsend recently when my 100-year-old mother’s full-time caregiver came down with COVID and went home to isolate and recover. I was panicking because I had no one to take her place,” a testimonial from Donna Goodley reads. “I had contacted several agencies in the past, but I remembered Nikki Lopez at Caring Haven as being the most compassionate and sincere. I called her hoping she could send a temporary lastminute replacement, but all of her people were booked so she offered to personally fill in until my mother’s caregiver returned.”
For more information about Caring Haven Home Care Agency, visit www caringhavenhomecare com or email: admin@caringhavenhomecare com or call 925-331-0590..
Photo courtesy of Nikki Lopez
Assisted living facilities help millions of individuals every day. Families can work together to decide if a loved one can benefit from moving into such a facility.
Signs a loved one might need assisted living
Assisted living facilities provide an invaluable service. When a medical condition, developments associated with aging or another variable affects an individual’s ability to live independently, assisted living facilities can ensure such men and women get the help they need to live as fully and actively as possible.
It’s not always easy to identify when an individual may need to move into an assisted living facility. Some individuals choose to do so on their own, but families often make such decisions together. As families work to determine if a loved one should move into an assisted living facility, they can look for various signs that suggest the time is right to do so. According to the Elder Care Alliance, signs that an individual may benefit from assisted living include:
♦ Requiring routine reminders to take medication
♦ Noticeable changes in weight, including weight loss or gain
♦ Loss of mobility or increase in falls
♦ Signs that household maintenance is
being neglected
♦ Difficulty with daily tasks like grooming and meal preparation
♦ Increased isolation
♦ Loss of interest in hobbies
It’s important for families to recognize that some of the signs noted above might suggest the presence of a condition or disease that would not, if treated successfully, compromise an individual’s ability to live independently. For example, the SilverSneakers program offered through Tivity Health notes that weight gain among seniors may be attributable to slower metabolism, a less active lifestyle or menopause for women. Each of those conditions can be addressed without requiring a relocation to an assisted living facility. Family members are urged to discuss anything that seems to be affecting a loved one’s ability to live independently with that person’s health care team before they consider if a person needs to move into an assisted living facility. It’s equally important to ask a loved one’s health care team which type of facility they think might be most beneficial if, in fact, they think it’s in an individual’s best interest to relocate. No two facilities are the same, and the Elder Care Alliance notes many specialize in specific types of care, such as tending to individuals with cognitive issues like dementia or physical issues like limited mobility.
– Metro Creative
MIKE’S ESTATE PLANNING MINUTE
By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.
ESTATE PLANNING AND CRYPTOCURRENCY
Estate planning has long been a critical aspect of financial management, ensuring the smooth transition of assets to beneficiaries upon one’s passing. Traditionally, this has involved tangible assets like real estate, stocks, and personal property. However, the advent of cryptocurrency has introduced new complexities and opportunities in the realm of estate planning. Cryptocurrency, a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security, has grown substantially in popularity and value. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies are now significant assets within many individuals’ financial portfolios.
Unlike traditional assets, cryptocurrencies are decentralized and often reside on blockchain networks, making their management and transfer distinct from conventional assets. There are challenges in estate planning when the estate includes cryptocurrency such as:
Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies are stored in digital wallets, accessible only through private keys. These keys are critical; without them, accessing the cryptocurrency is virtually impossible. Traditional estate planning documents must now include instructions on how to access
these keys, which involves ensuring the privacy and security of this sensitive information.
Valuation: The volatile nature of cryptocurrency values presents a challenge in estate planning. Accurate valuation at the time of drafting the will or trust, and at the time of the owner’s death, can significantly differ, affecting the distribution of the estate.
Regulatory Considerations: Cryptocurrency regulation is still evolving. Estate planners must stay abreast of changing laws and ensure compliance with current regulations to avoid legal complications for beneficiaries. Estate plans should include comprehensive information on cryptocurrency holdings, including how to access digital wallets and private keys. We have decades of experience to assist you with unique estate planning issues such as cryptocurrency. Contact us today to help with all estate planning challenges.
If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at
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Tips on how to reduce pickleball injury risk
Pickleball has created millions of devotees. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, roughly 36.5 million individuals played pickleball in 2022, and 45 percent of players who participated in a YouGov study conducted between August 2021 and August 2022 indicated they planned to play more pickleball in the coming six months than they had in the previous six months.
Pickleball is wildly popular, even though pickleball injuries are common. Players can embrace various strategies to reduce their injury risk.
Pickleball also has proven beneficial to orthopedic practices. A 2023 analysis from UBS estimated pickleball injuries could cost Americans nearly $400 million in 2023. Seniors are especially vulnerable to pickleball injuries, as a 2021 study published in the journal Injury Epidemiology found that 86 percent of emer-
Though there’s no foolproof method to guarantee pickleball players don’t get hurt playing the game they love, the following are some tips that can reduce injury risk.
gency room visits related to pickleball injuries affected individuals 60 and older.
Injuries are a part of any sport, and pickleball is no different. Though there’s no foolproof method to guarantee pickleball players don’t get hurt playing the game they love, the following are some tips that can reduce injury risk.
♦ Gear up. Pickleball is a competitive sport, but there’s a tendency among some players, particularly novices, to take a casual approach
to the game. Veteran players may know better, but anyone new to the game should be sure to wear the appropriate gear when playing. Athletic shoes with ample traction can reduce the likelihood that players will slip or fall. The right racket also can reduce risk for elbow injuries. The sporting goods experts at Dick’s Sporting Goods note that paddles should feature a light to medium weight, comfortable grip and a large sweet spot.
♦ Embrace physical activity. Pickleball can be
a great workout, and players can reduce their injury risk by embracing physical activity even when they are not playing. Leg exercises can help build lower body strength, but strength exercises that focus on the upper body also can reduce injury risk.
♦ Loosen up before playing. Taking the court right after getting out of the car is a recipe for injury. Arrive five to 10 minutes before a game and use that time to loosen up. A short walk and some subsequent stretches can help players make sure their bodies are not too tight to play. Some brief warm-up exercises and stretching can reduce muscle tension and make the body less vulnerable to injury.
♦ Hydrate before, during and after a game. The experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note that water cushions the joints, which helps athletes maintain their flexibility. Flexibility can reduce injury risk, particularly in a sport like pickleball. The 2021 study published in Injury Epidemiology noted that 60 percent of pickleball injuries are sprains, strains or fractures. Remaining flexible can reduce athletes’ risk for sprains and strains. Johns Hopkins recommends adults consume between six and 12 ounces of water for every 20 minutes of sports play and to drink between 16 and 24 ounces afterward.
3 questions to ask before starting a fitness regimen
Exercise is widely recognized as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Despite that, a recent analysis of data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey found that more than two-thirds of individuals are not getting enough exercise. Though the survey was conducted amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which suggests the overall figures might be somewhat lower than they might have been had the data been collected in a more typical year, just 28 percent of respondents were meeting the physical activity guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But with summer turning into fall soon and more East County residents playing pickleball on local courts, routine
exercise is beneficial for people of all ages, and seniors are no exception.
Aging adults who want to be more physically active but think they are among the 72 percent of individuals who aren’t meeting CDC exercise guidelines can speak with their physicians and ask these three questions to ensure the transition to a less sedentary lifestyle goes smoothly.
1. Should I get a heart checkup?
Doctors may already be monitoring aging individuals’ hearts even if they have not exhibited symptoms of heart problems in the past. However, it’s best to discuss heart health in greater detail prior to beginning a new fitness regimen. In an interview with Penn Medicine, Neel Chokshi, MD, MBA, medical director of Penn Sports Cardiology and Fitness Program, noted the risk of heart attack or cardiac complications slightly increases when individuals begin to participate in a moderate or intense activity. So a physician might want to conduct a heart checkup in order to determine if a patient has an underlying heart condition.
2. Which types of activities should I look to?
A physician also can recommend certain activities depending on a person’s age and medical background. Though exercise is beneficial for everyone, certain activities may not be. For example, AdventHealth notes that high-impact activities like jogging and jump rope may not be suited for individuals with arthritis. In addition, aging individuals with physical limitations that require them to use a wheelchair should not write off their ability to exercise, as physicians can recommend exercises for patients with mobility issues as well.
3. Should I take extra caution while on medication?
Prescription medication use is another variable that must be taken into consideration before beginning a new exercise regimen. The CDC notes that roughly 84 percent of adults between the ages of 60 and 79 use one or more prescription medications. Each medication produces different effects, and a 2016 study published in the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal noted that certain medications evoke an acute drop in blood pressure, which can disturb balance and increase fall risk, while others actually facilitate greater improvements in health outcomes.
www.antiochca.gov/recreation/senior-center-resource-fair-application/
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How empty nesters can repurpose kids’ bedrooms in their homes
It can be bittersweet when adult children decide the time has come to move out of the family home. Parents perhaps get their first trial run of this scenario when their children go off to college or enlist in the military. Rooms are left empty, if only for a certain period of time. Eventually, those rooms will remain empty as adult children move out of the house for good.
Converting a child’s bedroom into an area for adults may take some planning. It can be exciting to regain space, but at the same time, it can be disheartening to convert a child’s bedroom once and for all. When the time comes and homeowners are emotionally ready to tackle bedroom conversions, these tips can help the process go smoothly.
Repurpose the space for them
Give a childhood bedroom an adult spin without changing too much. If furniture is in good shape, replace the bedding, change the flooring, swap out artwork, and remove “youthful” items like toys, trophies and other collectibles. When the child comes home to visit, he or she will still feel comfortable in the space.
Create extra storage
The bedroom can be transformed into a walk-in closet
or dressing space. According to the design experts at Houzz, many clients request this type of dressing room situation. There’s a bonus if the layout allows the space to connect to the owner’s suite or bathroom. This is a major overhaul, so homeowners should enlist a professional contractor.
Make a fitness center
A bedroom can be turned into a home gym to make working out more convenient. Homeowners should take inventory of equipment they may have and then figure out where existing and new equipment will go. They may need to consult a structural engineer to ensure that the flooring can bear the weight of additional equipment.
Create a work space
One of the best ways to transform adult children’s bedrooms is to convert the spaces into home offices. Those who have been setting up “desks” at dining room tables or elsewhere may be excited about the prospects of finally having a private, dedicated space to work from home.
Turn it
into a craft room
The bedroom can be converted into a space to explore hobbies and various other interests. A dedicated craft space, a reading nook, a place to store photography equipment, or another function can serve as a useful way to repurpose an empty bedroom.
