Mature living summer 2014

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | WEDNESDAY, june 11, 2014

MATURE Travel ideas for active seniors How to catch up on retirement savings Nutrition and aging go hand-in-hand

Living For adults 50 and better!

PLUS — Baby boomers facts

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesDAY, june 11, 2014

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healthy living

Nutrition and aging go hand-in-hand (MS) — 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.

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 lowfat 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 pasture-raised eggs and grass-fed cow’s milk, and can be generated when men and women get enough sunlight.

Did you know?

The baby-boomer generation is one of the most influential demographics in the world today. Boomers represent roughly 28 percent of the total population of the United States, according to "Baby Boomer" magazine, and this means they are the largest generational segment as well as the single largest economic group in the United States. They hold 70 percent of the U.S. wealth and are expected to inherit millions of dollars over the course of the next 20 years.

Baby boomers comprise a population of adults who were born between 1946 and 1964. That makes boomers people who are between 49 and 67 years old. Many of these baby boomers have grown to be household names and influential individuals in all areas of business.

Actor Brad Pitt is a baby boomer, as is President of the United States

Barack Obama. Director Peter Jackson, singer k.d. lang and business mogul Donald Trump all belong to the baby boomer generation. Here are some additional facts and figures about baby boomers: • Baby boomers have more discretionary income than any other age group.

• Baby boomers own 80 percent of the money in savings and loan associations.

• Baby boomers spend more money than other groups.

• Baby boomers account for nearly half of all consumer demand.

Baby boomers have been known to have an unprecedented impact on American culture, society and the economy, and that influence is bound to continue for several more years.

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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 those 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 saltfree 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 lowsodium diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesDAY, june 11, 2014

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ZOUNDs HEARING

Zounds Hearing founded ! '/ !* !/ ( ! '* ! /* /! on promise to improve hearing aid technology

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Zounds Hearing is proudly serving the Buckeye State after opening its doors in Columbus late last year.

The new Zounds Hearing Center at 784 Bethel Road, is owned by franchisee Larry Woerner, who is himself a Zounds hearing aid wearer.

The Arizona-based company continues to enjoy rapid growth with more than 100 locations throughout the United States. Zoundsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; advanced, fully digital hearing aid products have become known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hearing Aids Worth Wearing.â&#x20AC;?

Zounds Hearing was born out of Sam Thomassonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (CEO and founder of Zounds Hearing) promise to his daughter, Kate, who lost most of her hearing as a toddler. Frustrated with the poor performance of Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearing aids, Thomasson, an electrical engineer, vowed to create a hearing aid that would solve many of the issues of traditional hearing aids.

The company now holds 57 groundbreaking patents that have enabled Zounds Hearing to dramatically improve the performance of hearing aids.

These features reduce background noise up to 90 percent, the painful squealing of feedback, and tout unrivaled sound quality and clarity. This amazing technology is available to central-Ohio residents.

Woerner decided on Zounds Hearing after a personal venture to find quality, affordable hearing aids. In his search, Woerner found the answer he was looking for in Zounds Hearing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought, what the heck, I might check it out,â&#x20AC;? Woerner said. After the

hearing test, Woerner bought an aid and was impressed by what he could hear again â&#x20AC;&#x201D; so much so that he bought his very own Zounds franchise.

Thomassonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s devotion, coupled with his daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, changed her life, the course of his career and has also blessed the lives of many people he never met.

Experiencing Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frustrations motivated Thomasson to do something extraordinary. He set out to completely redesign hearing aids, using Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experiences as his guide.

He installed an electronics lab in their home and worked nights and weekends â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with Kate often at his side â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to develop new technology that would solve issues like feedback and poor sound quality.

With his newly developed patents in hand, he founded a company that could continue his work. Thomasson and his team of dedicated engineers successfully implemented digital technologies that can only be found in Zounds products. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though I paid as much as $7,000 for hearing aids, my daughter struggled to understand and vocalize speech,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hearing in noisy environments, like a restaurant or car, was especially difficult and her hearing aids would frequently squeal, causing her pain. As an electrical engineer, I knew that if she was to have the kind of life she deserved, I had to do something about it.â&#x20AC;?

Zounds Hearing is the culmination of years of effort to fulfill his promise to his daughter.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesDAY, june 11, 2014

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prescriptions

(BPT) — Black boxes in airplanes or trains hold critical information relevant to a disaster. However, there is another type of black box that can help stop a medication-related catastrophe before it happens: a black-box warning. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that some medications carry a black-box warning to alert patients to the potential for serious and sometimes fatal side effects.

Teresa Tran, a specialist pharmacist in the Express Scripts Neuroscience Therapeutic Resource Center, and her team of specialist pharmacists, help answer questions about blackbox warnings and other medication management issues for patients facing a wide range of diseases, such as depression, pain, Alzheimer’s and attention deficit disorder.

“Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish worsening disease symptoms from potential side effects, especially for disorders like depression and dementia,” Tran said. “Prior to starting any medication, ask your doctor or specialist pharmacist about the side effects, risks associated with the medication and the expected benefits.”

More than 500 medications include black-box warnings, which is the most serious medication warning required by the FDA. The list includes commonly used antibiotics, antidepressants and diabetes medications with potentially life-threatening or debilitating side effects.

image THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

The black box that could save your life

“Antidepressants have a black-box warning because of increased risk of suicidal thinking among children, adolescents and young adults, so it’s important to pay close attention to behavioral changes especially during the first one to two months of treatment,” Tran said. “Additionally, some antipsychotics used to treat dementiarelated psychosis in elderly patients can increase the risk of death.”

Tran offered some helpful tips to keep in mind regarding black-box warnings and ways patients could achieve healthier outcomes.

• Follow doctor’s orders. Listen to your doctor’s instructions on the duration and course of your medication

therapy.

Even if your symptoms are completely resolved, in order to prevent a relapse, you should continue taking the medication. If a patient stops a medication abruptly, new or worsening side effects could appear.

• Become informed. Black-box warnings can include risks of serious adverse effects. However, these medications can be important in treating your medical condition. Understanding the risks versus the benefits is important in being an informed consumer. Remember you play an important role as part of the health-care team since you are the one ultimately responsible for your health.

• Communicate your concerns.

Depression and some medications may be associated with an increased risk of suicide. If you are taking medication to treat these types of conditions, make sure family members and/or caregivers recognize potential signs of an adverse event.

Keep an open dialogue with your doctor or pharmacist, and notify them immediately if you experience something out of the ordinary that could be a side effect related to your medication.

• Educate yourself. Patient medication guides are required for drugs that have a serious and significant public health concern. They are often required for products that have boxed warnings.

Patients should always read the medication guide or patient information leaflet that comes with the medication. If he or she doesn’t understand the information, or has questions, this should be discussed with a doctor or specialist pharmacist. The FDA provides a comprehensive list of medication guides that can be found online.

• Keep a journal. For conditions that don’t have concrete ways to measure success, like depression, maintaining a daily journal to track symptoms allows you and your doctor to chart your progress and adjust your medication therapy. Keeping track of your baseline symptoms prior to starting a medication also allows you to monitor whether your condition is improving or getting worse.

retirement LIVING

These are not your grandmother’s retirement homes (MS) — As the baby-boomer generation enters retirement age, there has been an increased demand for services that meet the needs of this segment of the population.

Amenities such as active-living communities that boast top-ofthe-line features typically are the first things individuals seek.

Age-restricted, 55-plus communities cater to what the name implies — people who are age 55 and older. However, these home developments are a far cry from what they used to be. Now they rival some of the best resorts in their features and are designed entirely around the needs of a group of active, amenity-driven people.

Plus, considering there are now more Americans age 65 and older than in any other point in history, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, developers understand the benefits of catering to this group of people. Therefore, there are more high-end active-living communities now than ever before.

There are many choices with regard to active-adult retirement communities. Many of these developments boast everything from detached, single-family homes to villas to

condominiums. These residences are built with the active adult in mind. Here are some of the benefits that these communities boast.

than the homeowner would handle the problem. This peace of mind enables residents to pursue interests rather than worry about the upkeep on their homes. Many times the community is expertly maniCommunity companionship cured, helping to create an Due to the age-restricted nature of active-adult home de- aesthetically pleasing environment. velopments, the residents are all in a similar age range and may have similar interests. At Activity-based fun a time in life when friendships Many communities build from work may waver due to activities into the living plan. retirement, and older children Therefore, there may be a may be busy with their own workout room, game center, lives, these communities can exercise classes, movie nights help foster new friendships. and many other attractions Whether through commuto keep residents busy. Activenity-sponsored activities or just adult communities may be through home proximity, resisimilar to all-inclusive vacadents can enjoy one another’s tions and cruises in that they company and never worry have their own activities coorabout feeling lonely during dinator on staff. their retirement years.

Should residents prefer solo activities, these developLow- or no-maintenance living ments are often created with recreation in mind. There can One of the biggest attracbe walking paths or areas for tions to active-adult living is cycling. Pools and spas are that these homes are built to often part of the living package provide worry-free living. Included in the home-ownership as well. fees are provisions to take care of much of the interior and Security exterior maintenance.

Individuals who are no That means should a pipe longer bogged down with work leak or the lawn needs mowrequirements may be more ing, maintenance staff rather likely to take vacations or go

image THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

visiting. In a traditional home, there may be worries about leaving the home unattended for a period of time.

However, in 55-plus developments, homes may be in gated communities or have security patrols. Also, the sheer number of homes in a townhouse-style building can camouflage homes that are currently vacant, easing the minds of those who are planning on going away.

Concierge services Some of the more exclusive communities may have staff who help with everything from

booking vacations to helping with moving details. There also are developments that offer transitional homes, and someone may be available to help with the transition from an active-style home to one that has nursing staff or assistedliving offerings when needed.

Active-living communities offer many of the features that recently retired people seek in homes that do not compromise on amenities. Individuals who are looking for comfortable, maintenance-free homes often seek out these developments for the convenience and services they offer.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesDAY, june 11, 2014

finance

Live comfortably on a budget (MS) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Seniors are one of the fastest-growing segments of the population, as medical advancements have increased life expectancies considerably. Many baby boomers have entered retirement age and are joining the ranks of other seniors on fixed incomes.

This means theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also have to implement strategies to live comfortably on less money.

In the United States, the average income of seniors in 2008 was around $29,000 according to the Congressional Research Service tabulations of data from the March 2008 Current Population Survey.

Upon retirement, many retirees are faced with quite a reduction in income and the stark reality of making ends meet with this new level of income. Those who are successful are often those who are adapting and are able to budget cleverly. Here are some ideas to do just that.

Set priorities What are the necessities that you absolutely cannot skimp on? These may include a mortgage or rent, utility bills and any other loan payments that have already been established.

These amounts will have to be deducted from monthly income before you will discover just how much money will be leftover for other things.

Downsize There is the option to cut back on certain things to free up more money. Many people find it is wise to sell their home and move into a smaller condo or apartment. Not only will the expenses be less, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good chance the complex will offer maintenance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; further saving you on unexpected expenses.

Consider downsizing your car

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used once.

This could be the ideal place to turn for housewares, clothing, accessories and even gifts for others. The prices are typically marked well below retail value, and you may find some well-known brands.

Shop store sales With the popularity of shows teaching others how to save big with coupons, many people believe this is the best way to save at grocery stores.

However, the people doing the couponing are often capitalizing on buying in bulk and clipping mass amounts of coupons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not practical for senior households. It could be in your best interest to simply shop for the items you buy frequently at the store that is selling it at the lowest price. It may increase the number of stops on your shopping trip, but you can get a really good deal in the process.

Upon retirement, many retirees are faced with quite a reduction in income and the stark reality of making ends meet with this new level of income.

Rather than making high monthly payments for a brand-new auto at the dealership, you may be able to get a pre-owned vehicle for a lower payment schedule. Or you may have enough in savings to pay for the used car outright, saving you the expense of a monthly payment.

Shop at consignment stores Consignment stores are popping up in all different areas, including exclusive cities and towns. Shopping consignment stores no longer carries the stigma it once did. Many times the merchandise in consignment stores is brand new or has only been

Get crafty

Sometimes things that are sold at stores for a high price can be replicated at home easily with just a few materials. From tufted headboards to curtains to decorative pillows, chances are with a little ingenuity you can make these items yourself. Or, enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist you in a project that is slightly beyond your level of expertise.

Living on a fixed income can require reassessing priorities and making a few changes to the household budget.

Zero, zip, zilch

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesDAY, june 11, 2014

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finance

How to catch up on retirement savings Numerous late-in-the-game strategies exist to help you build additional savings (MS) — The virtues of saving for retirement are extolled from the moment young men and women begin their professional careers. Such advice is sound, and though retirement is a long way off from the start of one’s career, those professionals who heed these words of wisdom and start saving early are bound to benefit down the road.

But even the best advice can fall on deaf ears from time to time, and many people simply don’t save enough for retirement. A 2013 survey from Fidelity Investments revealed just how much financial trouble the average American is likely to be in upon retirement.

The survey asked more than 2,000 participants a range of questions on topics, including their health, retirement and saving habits, and found that the average baby boomer, which includes those born between 1946 and 1964, was on track to reach just 81 percent of their retirement income needs. Those needs include food, shelter and medical care.

The study also found that 40 percent of participants across all generations were saving less than 6 percent of their salaries for retirement.

That’s especially troubling when considering financial planners often advise men and women to save 10 to 15 percent of their salaries for retirement.

Some simple arithmetic and an examination of as-

Put more in traditional savings accounts

Though it’s best to put as much money into tax-advantaged accounts, if you are already maxing out your contributions to such accounts it’s still good to sock away money into a traditional taxable savings account. It’s unwise to expect your retirement accounts to fully fund your lifestyle in retirement, so you will need, or at least want, a substantial amount of money in savings.

The benefit here is the money you put into traditional savings accounts has already been taxed so you won’t incur any bills from the taxman once you begin to use that money down the road.

sets, including retirement accounts and savings, can shed light on how rosy or bleak a person’s retirement looks. Young professionals have time to make up for their indiscretions, but men and women older than 50 who haven’t saved enough for retirement must get to work immediately to ensure their retirement years are comfortable. The following are a handful of ways men and women can catch up on retirement savings.

Start spending less

Postpone retirement

The easiest way to catch up on retirement savings is to start spending less. Men and women 50 and older know that the sand in their earnings hourglass is running out, and those behind on retirement savings need to make the most of their earnings in the years ahead.

That means cutting out any unnecessary expenses so that money can be used to save for retirement. Examine all of your monthly and annual expenses to find ways to trim some fat. You many want to downsize your vehicle to a less expensive and more fuel-efficient make and model. Golfers can cancel their country club memberships in favor of golfing on more affordable public courses that don’t charge hefty annual membership fees. Slashing spending won’t be easy, but doing so is the first step toward catching up on your retirement savings.

Though it’s not ideal for men and women with a target retirement date in mind, postponing the day you call it quits is another way to catch up on retirement savings.

Postponing retirement allows you to build a more substantial retirement portfolio while also decreasing the amount of time you will need to rely on that money.

This gives you more flexibility in retirement. In addition, Americans who work longer can increase their Social Security benefit because working longer should allow them to delay the day they start taking Social Security payments. Men and women who can wait until age 70 to accept such payments will receive larger monthly payments as a result.

Studies have shown that men and women are simply not saving enough to finance their retirements. But there are myriad ways to start catching up.

image THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

Contribute more to your employer-sponsored

Make IRA catch-up

retirement plan

The Internal Revenue service allows men and women 50 and older to make annual catch-up contributions up to $5,500. These contributions must be made to a retirement plan via elective deferrals, and there are additional requirements as well. Men and women interested in making catch-up contributions to their retirement accounts can learn more at irs.gov.

If you have not been contributing the maximum amount to your employersponsored retirement plan, start doing so. This is especially beneficial if your employer matches your contributions.

Contributing more to such plans should not drastically affect your take-home pay now if the plan is a pretax plan like a 401(k).

contributions

Less obvious ways to diversify your retirement portfolio (BPT) — Many investors are taking more control of their financial future by investing in alternatives to the stock market including real estate, land, promissory notes, oil and gas.

Sue Jensen of New York grew frustrated after watching her life savings take a hit year after year in the stock market. A couple of years ago, after another year of less-than-desirable returns, she couldn’t take it anymore.

She sought out a way to further diversify her investments that wouldn’t leave her on the sidelines, watching helplessly.

Jensen is just one of many Americans who for years knew only one way to save for retirement. Growing concerned that it wouldn’t yield enough money to live comfortably, Jensen sought out alternatives.

The good news is that there are op-

tions. You can diversify your portfolio by investing your retirement savings in assets other than stocks and bonds.

As Jensen and many others have discovered, the Internal Revenue Service allows you to invest your retirement funds in an array of assets, including real estate, promissory notes, private placements and tax liens. The investments are made using a self-directed account such as an IRA. Self-directed IRA custodians offer options for nearly everyone when it comes to saving for retirement. These options include: • Individual retirement accounts: IRA, Roth IRA • Small-business accounts: SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), Roth Solo 401(k) • Accounts that allow you to save for other expenses: Coverdell

Education Savings Account, Health Savings Account Investing your IRA or other account in alternatives is nothing new.

IRS Publication 590 outlines the types of investments allowed in a selfdirected IRA, including: • Real estate – including apartments, single family homes and duplexes • Commercial property, developed or undeveloped land • Mortgages/deeds of trust • Publicly traded stocks, bonds, mutual funds • Private limited partnerships • Private stock offerings, private placements • Private limited-liability companies • Secured and unsecured notes • Judgments/structured settlements • Tax sale certificates

• Car paper • Factoring • Accounts receivable • Commercial paper • Equipment leasing You should be aware that not every IRA custodian allows you to self-direct your funds. Only qualified self-directed IRA custodians will allow you to invest your retirement funds in real estate and other alternatives to the stock market.

Jensen has diversified into tax liens and promissory notes. In addition to the profits from those investments, which grow tax-deferred or tax-free in her IRA accounts, she has gained peace of mind in knowing all her retirement eggs aren’t in one basket.

Self-directed IRA custodians are passive, which means they cannot give investment advice.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesDAY, june 11, 2014

hearing health

Summer dos and don’ts for hearing-aid wearers

Don’t miss out on all the fun by neglecting your hearing devices (BPT) — Summer is almost here.

Many people look forward to this season because it gives them the opportunity to indulge in activities requiring warm, sunny days, like boating, swimming, hiking and traveling.

Wearing hearing aids shouldn’t keep you from enjoying yourself, but it is important to remember exposure to high heat can damage their outer casings and interior components.

Therefore, whether you plan to spend your days basking in the sun by the beach or pool, or visiting exotic destinations, you should prepare to keep your hearing aids safe and functioning.

Avoid extreme temperature changes The plastic outer shells of hearing aids can melt if exposed directly to intense sunlight for long periods or in extreme heat, such as inside a car parked in a sweltering outdoor lot.

Conversely, the inner workings of your hearing aids are more at risk from significant changes in temperature rather than heat or sun exposure specifically. This is because moisture condenses within the hearing aid as you go from a cool, air-conditioned environment into the hot outdoors, especially if you go back and forth repeatedly. As for hearing-aid batteries, they are likely to fail if exposed to high heat for more than a short amount of time.

Here are three don’ts and one do for protecting your hearing aids from excessive heat: • Don’t leave hearing aids lying out in direct sunlight.

• Don’t leave hearing aids locked in a glove box or sitting on the dashboard.

• Don’t wear hearing aids into tanning booths or under a sun lamp.

• Do store hearing aid batteries in a cool, dry place.

Sunscreen: good for you, not so much for your hearing aids While it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, you could inadvertently damage your hearing aids by doing so. Sunscreen lotions and sprays can clog vents and damage other components.

• Do make sure you take care when applying sunscreen to your face, neck and ears.

• Do put on sunscreen before you put in your hearing aids.

The difference between waterproof and water-resistant matters You may have water-resistant hearing aids, but understand this does not mean they can be submerged in the ocean or a pool. Water-resistant hearing aids help if you’re perspiring in the summer sun. However, if you jump into a lake wearing them, water will get inside through the micro-

Be sure to hear all those memory-making moments. No matter what activities you enjoy, you’ll certainly want to soak up all the sounds of summer.

phone or other vents and they will be ruined.

Truly waterproof hearing aids are IP68 certified, meaning there will be no seepage or damage even after being completely submerged in liquid.

• Don’t wear nonwaterproof hear ing aids if you’re going swimming, speed boating, or anywhere else where it is likely they will get drenched.

• Do make sure you know whether your hearing aids are waterproof or water-resistant.

• Do invest in a hearing-aid dryer or dehumidifier to avoid ear infections and component damage in non waterproof hearing aids.

The skies are friendly for hearing-aid wearers Before you get on a plane, you should know that hearing aids sometimes set off metal detectors during security screenings. Don’t panic — you can let the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent know verbally or by using a downloadable TSA Notification Card that you wear hearing aids before setting off any alarms. The good news is hearing aids can be scanned without fear of damage.

Once you board your flight, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines exempt hearing aids from the “turn off all electronic devices” mandate.

• Don’t turn them off during your flight, as you might miss impor tant information shared by the pilot or flight attendants.

• Do feel free to wear hearing aids through body scanners or send them through X-ray in a carry-on.

Hitting the road with hearing aids Whether you’re going on a day trip or cross-country adventure, save yourself time and worry by assembling a kit for your hearing aids well in advance. Just remember:

• Do bring extra batteries or a charger.

• Do bring spare tubes and filters.

• Do include a dryer and cleaning equipment.

• Do include a card with the name/ number of a local hearing aid provider, in case of emergency.

• Do pack a storage case.

This summer, enjoy listening to crickets chirping while you sit by a campfire, the laughter of kids playing at the beach, or the sound of that mai tai sliding up through your straw as you lounge poolside. Just follow these simple dos and don’ts to make sure your hearing aids keep up with your summertime lifestyle.

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DR. THERESA SOKOL, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology OSU Alumni

www.echohearing.com

8

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesDAY, june 11, 2014

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travel

Travel ideas for active seniors Seeing the sites is the main way older adults spend their free time

(MS) — Those who have said goodbye to the work-a-day grind now have many hours to settle down and relax.

People who have continually put off vacations in lieu of work responsibilities may now have all the time they need to explore the world.

Traveling for seniors can be rewarding and relaxing. Those with a substantial retirement nest egg have numerous destinations at their disposal. Mature vacationers travel more frequently and stay longer than any other age group. Travel ranks among the top leisure activity for men and women 50 and older, according to the website Suddenly Senior.

Seniors can find several travel advantages at their disposal. Also, thanks to special senior discounts, travel may be even more affordable than first expected.

While certain destinations are not always practical for certain age brackets, there are many places to which seniors can visit comfortably and enjoy a wealth of memories.

Theme parks Although theme parks may seem carved out entirely for the adventureseekers, there are many other more placid activities that would appeal to those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground rather than looping through the air on a rocket-

propelled coaster.

With animal preserves, water parks, fine dining and a bevy of hotels either in the park or directly on the outskirts, theme parks provide many activities for older travelers.

Although theme parks require a lot of walking, many provide wheelchairs or motorized scooters for those who need to get off of their feet. They also make a great option for seniors who will be traveling with the entire family, including children.

Beach resorts Provided flying is medically safe, a beachside vacation can be the ideal trip for seniors looking for the utmost in relaxation.

For those who have passports, the possibilities are endless. Those who prefer to remain on relatively domestic soil can retreat to Puerto Rico, south Florida, the California coast, Hawaii or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

RV trips Another self-contained vacation that is entirely up to the people traveling is vacationing by recreational vehicle. Seniors can customize their routes depending on which areas they want to see. Some companies enable people to rent an RV so they don’t have to worry about the expense of buying one outright.

However, should RV traveling become addictive, there’s always the option of buying a camper later on.

Setting an itinerary and then establishing the pace enables travelers to tour the country or cross the border as desired.

From beaches to national parks, many areas offer RV hook-up areas and amenities.

With a bevy of free time and fewer restrictions holding them back, seniors could be ready for the next great travel adventure.

Cruises Cruising is a preferred vacation choice for the 50-plus segment because it offers the convenience of an all-inclusive package and transportation. With the myriad activities offered on board, cruises are a versatile vacation option for seniors.

Also, there is no need to worry about traveling far for meals and other entertainment options, as everything is self-contained on the cruise ship. For more active seniors who enjoy the daily getaway, excursions in ports of call can provide the variety desired.

Guided tours images THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

packages backed by reputable companies. The tours may involve train or bus travel, and various attractions will be visited. At the end of the tour, individuals can choose to extend the vacation by checking into a nearby hotel.

Seniors who want to experience a piece of history can sign up for tour

Exotic tours Seniors who were never able to afford or spare the time for an extensive vacation may now want to visit those exotic locations that have beckoned for years. Now could be the time to book a ticket for Europe and visit all of the cities that have made the history books.

Those looking for even more adventure can travel to the South Pacific and explore tropical islands. Others may want to go Down Under and experience the rugged Outback or the culture of Australian city centers.

With a bevy of free time and fewer restrictions holding them back, seniors could be ready for the next great travel adventure.