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Senior Living

MetroCreative

Routine health checkups are a key part of staying healthy. Older adults may feel like they’re always visiting one doctor or another. But what is an acceptable frequency for doctor appointments? The answer isn’t always so cut and dry, and many health professionals have mixed feelings even among themselves over the magic number. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults over the age of 65 visit the doctor more than twice as often as 18- to 44-year-olds. According to Paul Takahashi, a physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., adults should see their primary care physicians at least once a year to make sure diseases are being properly managed and to stay current on preventative screenings. Visiting the doctor more frequently does not necessarily add up to better health, and it actually can do the opposite. Dr. Peter Abadir, an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says frequent visits to health facilties where sick people congregate puts one at a higher risk of illness or infection. Visiting the doctor only when necessary is one way to avoid risky exposure. Doctor visit frequency is not a one-size-fits-all answer. A yearly physical or checkup is a given, even for people who are healthy. People with a family history of certain conditions, like sleep disorders, cancer, high blood pressure, and other conditions, may need to see a doctor more frequently than those with no such histories. In addition, patients may need referrals to certain specialists who work together to provide an overall health plan. That can increase the number of appointments and shorten the intervals between them. Johnson Memorial Health offers some statistics.

Adults should see their primary care physicians at least once a year to make sure diseases are being properly managed an to stay current on preventative screenings. •People visit the doctor four times a year on av- often people visit the doctor only when they are erage. really sick. That works to their disadvantage be•Studies show that poor or uninsured people cause the appointment will focus only on treating prolong the time between doctor’s visits. the illness instead of addressing other preventative •Individuals with high blood pressure may need care and screenings. Balance is necessary in regard to see the doctor four times a year to ensure med- to health care. ications are working properly. Patients can work together with their doctors to •Patients on dialysis see the doctor several times develop screening schedules that are customized a week. to their particular profiles. These schedules can be Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family physician and as- modified as health history information changes or sistant professor at Rowan University School of as patients age. Doctors can dial back or increase Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ, says too health visits as needed.

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Senior Living

Why seniors are at greater risk for COVID-19 MetroCreative It has been more than a year since the world learned about the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Since December 2019, there have been tens of millions of reported cases and nearly two million deaths worldwide attributed to COVID-19, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering. Experts are still unclear how prevalent the virus really is because a large number of cases are not reported due to mild or asymptomatic infections. But there’s no denying COVID-19 can be very risky for one large segment of the population. The chances for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at the greatest risk, offers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC further indicates that eight out of 10 COVID-19 deaths reported in the United States have been in adults who are 65 and older. Compared to younger adults, older individuals are more likely to require hospitalization if they contract the illness. People between the ages of 75 and 84 are at eight-times more likely to be hospitalized and 220 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the youngest patients. There are some key reasons why older adults are at higher risk. Vineet Menachery, an immunologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch who studies coronaviruses and their effects on aging immune systems, older adults are more likely to suffer from underlying conditions that can hinder the body’s

ability to recover from illness. In addition, a greater propensity for inflammation in the body and changes in the way the immune system responds with age are other mechanisms that increase seniors’ risk for COVID-19. Furthermore, COVID-19 affects the part of the lungs that delivers oxygen to the bloodstream and removes carbon dioxide. As a person gets older, the lungs are not as elastic and this can affect gas exchange and other functions. Being older coupled with having cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes also can raise the threat level of COVID-19. Seniors must be extra diligent to engage in behaviors that reduce their risks. Epidemiologists recommend the following: •Wash or sanitize hands whenever possible, especially upon entering and leaving public buildings. •Shop and travel during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning, to avoid crowds. •Use contactless payment methods rather than handling money. •Ask friends and family to do your shopping and run errands for you. •Wear masks over the nose and mouth and stay at least six feet away from others. •If the COVID-19 vaccine is available to you, ask your doctor more about it and get vaccinated if it’s safe to do so. Learn more about at-risk groups at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ need-extra-precautions/index.html.

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Senior Living

Can you recognize signs of stroke? StatePoint Many people are avoiding in-person doctor’s visits to limit potential exposure to coronavirus - or are simply ignoring health concerns altogether. However, when it comes to medical emergencies such as stroke, immediate medical attention is critical. The fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., stroke occurs every 40 seconds and it can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. When 59-year-old Paul “David” Dyches had a stroke on the job this past August, he quickly realized something was very wrong. “I never experienced a feeling like this before, and I knew we had to do something right away,” says Dyches, who was experiencing classic stroke symptoms of weakness in his arms and legs. Upon his arrival at the hospital, he was evaluated via tele-neurology by experts over 150 miles away. After

doctors confirmed he was experiencing a stroke, they delivered treatment immediately and he was able to be discharged the following day. While in some cases quick action can help with recovery, statistics suggest that many Americans may be avoiding hospitals when they need them most due to anxieties surrounding the pandemic. A recent study published in “JAMA Internal Medicine” showed that emergency room visits to five major healthcare systems decreased by more than 40 percent as COVID-19 cases spiked. As patients such as Dyches are learning firsthand, hospitals have a range of protocols in place to help keep patients and staff safe from coronavirus infection. “The hospital staff set me at ease right away,” says Dyches. Beyond pandemic fears, one age-old bar-

rier to seeking timely medical attention for stroke is simply awareness of signs and symptoms. While Dyches can credit himself with recognizing a classic symptom -arm and leg weakness -- and reacting rapidly, only one in five U.S. adults are able to recognize 10 signs and symptoms of stroke, according to a nationwide survey*. What’s more, nearly 70 percent of the survey respondents say they’re knowledgeable about stroke, yet 62 percent falsely believe that signs of stroke come on slowly over a day or two, when in fact symptoms of stroke can come on suddenly. Experts say that immediate medical attention, which is vital, relies on everyone learning and being able to recognize the BE FAST signs and symptoms of a stroke in themselves and others and calling 911 immediately. BE FAST stands for Balance,

Senior Living

Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time and refers to these signs of stroke: •Balance: Sudden loss of balance •Eyes: Loss of vision in one or both eyes •Face: Face looks uneven or droopy •Arm: Arm or leg is weak or hanging down •Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking or seems confused •Time: Immediately call 911 For more shareable information and resources, visit Strokeawareness.com, developed by Genentech Inc, a member of the Roche Group. “I am a testament to the fact that emergencies like stroke don’t stop for a global health pandemic,” says Dyches. “Anyone who experiences stroke symptoms should call 911 and get themselves to the ER as quickly as possible.” BE FAST” was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American 2011 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights Stroke Awareness Survey was conducted Stroke Association. Reproduced with per- reserved. on March 25 – April 10, 2020 among 2,009 mission from Intermountain Healthcare. © *On behalf of Genentech, a nationwide adults ages 35+ in the U.S.

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Physical activity is vital to overall health. The World Health Organization says limiting time spent being idle and taking advantage of opportunities to get moving — even if it’s just a little bit of exercise — can go a long way toward improving overall health. In November 2020, the WHO released new exercise guidelines for people of all ages. Adults should get between 150 and 300 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, and that includes older adults and those with chronic conditions or

disabilities. Individuals with limited mobility due to age or preexisting medical conditions may wonder how they can meet the guidelines for exercise. Those with chronic pain or illness sometimes find that exercising for more than a few minutes can be challenging. Even brief periods of exercise can pay dividends, and there are various approaches people can take to work around mobility and other issues. Explore chair exercises Just because you are seated doesn’t mean you can’t get a workout in. Seated chair exercises can work various muscle groups. Seated arm rows, tummy twists, overhead arm raises, hand squeezes with a tennis ball, inner thigh squeezes, leg lifts and extensions, and many other exercises can be customized to be performed in a chair. Work out in the water Exercising in the water can assist with movement and reduce strain on the body. The Arthritis Foundation says the water’s buoyancy supports body weight, which minimizes stress on joints and can alleviate pain. Water provides gentle resistance as well - up to 12 times the resistance of air. That means it’s possible to build strength and muscle

even just walking or swimming around a pool. Use resistance bands Resistance bands are like giant rubber bands that can be used to build up strength and flexibility. Resistance bands are effective, low-cost gear that can offer high-impact results for building muscle, staying fit and increasing mobility. Resistance bands can be used in lieu of hand weights for many exercises and be ideal for those who find barbells and dumbbells are challenging to maneuver. Mind-body exercises are an option Elder Gym®, a fitness from home service for seniors, suggests exercises like Tai Chi and yoga for those with limited mobility. These exercises integrate awareness of body movement with the exercise through coordinated breathing. The exercises encourage people to focus on slow, fluid movements and deep stretching. Seniors and others with limited mobility are advised to first discuss fitness regimens with a physician to get a green light to proceed. Then exercise regimens can be started gradually and altered to become more vigorous as the body acclimates to exercise. Increase duration and frequency as strength and endurance builds.

Senior Living

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Senior Living

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There are many reasons to get in shape. Weight loss is a prime motivator, as is reversing a negative health effect, such as high cholesterol or increased diabetes risk. Routine exercise also can improve life expectancy. WebMD says exercise keeps the body and brain healthy. That’s why exercise should be an important component of daily life no matter one’s age. Research published in the journal Immune Aging found that how people age is 75 percent lifestyle and only 25 percent genetics, which underscores the importance of the lifestyle choices people make. Cardiorespiratory fitness Many health experts say that cardiorespiratory fitness may be just

published in 2014 in the journal Aging & Disease. In a study involving 11,335 women, researchers compared V02 max, also known as aerobic capacity, in women with mortality data. Women who were fit from a cardiovascular perspective had a lower death rate from all causes, irrespective of the women’s weight. Manage stress and mood Exercise has direct stress-busting benefits that can promote longevity. The Mayo Clinic says physical activity can increase the production of endorphins, which are the body’s feel-good neurotransmitExercise keeps the body and brain healthy. That’s why exercise should be an important ters. In addition, exercise can imitate the effects of stress, helping component of daily life no matter one’s age. as valuable a metric to determine aerobic capacity can deliver oxy- the body adjust its flight or fight reoverall health as blood pressure gen to tissues and cells efficiently sponse accordingly, and help them and lipid levels. People with a high to fuel exercise, according to data See EXERCISE Page 8

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Senior Living

EXERCISE FROM PAGE 7 cope with mildly stressful situations. While engaged in exercise, people may forget about their problems as they are focused on the activity at hand. Improve bone health Strength training and physical activity can stave off the effects of frailty and osteoporosis, which affects bone strength. A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2017 found that hip fractures are associated with diminished quality of life and survival among the elderly. One in three adults aged 50 and over dies within 12 months of suffering a hip fracture, and older adults have a five- to eight-times greater risk of dying within three months following a hip fracture. Building muscle strength, balance and bone density through exercise can reduce falls and frailty, helping to prevent fracture-related health risks. Addresses sarcopenia The health and wellness resource Healthline defines sarcopenia as the loss of muscle mass specifically related to aging. Doctors once considered this muscle loss inevitable, and it can affect stamina and lead to weakness. However, new indications suggest that exercise is the main treatment regimen for sarcopenia, particularly resistance training. This is designed to improve muscle strength and help balance hormone levels by turning protein into energy for older adults. These are just some of the ways exercise can help older adults live longer, healthier lives.

Four easy tips to help older adults stay active at home StatePoint

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many older adults are following the advice of public health experts and remaining at home to limit risk of exposure. Bad weather conditions can also keep people inside for days at a time. But a strong body and mind are as important as ever, and the good news is being indoors doesn’t mean having to give up on exercising. There are many great health benefits to staying active, such as improving mobility and balance, developing muscle and bone strength, increasing energy and managing weight. Exercise can also reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. According to Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer for Medicare at Cigna, the advantages aren’t just physical: “Keeping active has a positive impact on mental health, too,” she said. “With regular exercise, many older adults enjoy better sleep, clearer thinking, lower stress and improved mood.” According to Cigna, which serves many older adults through its Medicare Advantage plans, here are four simple tips for exercising in the comfort of home: 1. Make a plan. What is your long-term goal? Having something to work toward is great motivation to keep up daily activity and set yourself up for success. Before you begin any physical activity, talk to your doctor

Senior Living

about your health goals. Your doc- wellness journey. tor can provide guidance on exer-

2. Take it slow. You don’t have to

cises that are safe and attainable as

run a marathon or even lift weights

you begin a new chapter of your to keep fit – the most important

thing is to just move. Start by walking around your house a few times a day or doing some gentle stretching. Just adding five minutes of activity to your day can make a difference in your overall health and mood. As your body gets used to daily movement, you can enhance your physical activities as recommended by your health care provider. 3. Use what you have. You don’t need a gym to get a healthy workout. In fact, there are plenty of exercises you can do using items found around the house. For example, “chair dips” are an effective arm and shoulder workout – just place both feet on the ground, face away from a chair and support your body by putting your hands on the seat behind you with straight arms. Next, raise and lower yourself by bending and unbending your arms. You can even exercise while seated. Hold your leg out in front

of you and trace each letter of the alphabet. Work your feet and leg muscles by laying a kitchen towel on the floor, then use your toes to grab, release and push the fabric. 4. Check your health care plan benefits. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you might be eligible for extra benefits such as athome fitness programs, including free on-demand workouts accessible from your computer, smart device or phone, as well as gear, such as resistance bands. Find more healthy aging and exercise tips at cigna.com/medicare/ healthy-aging/physical-activity. “As you start, remember to be flexible and stay positive,” Dr. Conflitti suggests. “Changing habits can take time, but every step is progress. If you haven’t reached a goal, don’t be hard on yourself – it’s most important to continue at your own pace.”

Senior Living

MetroCreative

Hardworking adults spend years striving to achieve their professional goals. Along the way, planning for retirement is a way to ensure all that hard work pays off when the time comes to call it a career. In the United States, men and women nearing retirement age may be thinking about when they should begin collecting their Social Security retirement benefits. Social Security is a social insurance program instituted by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1935. The program consists of retirement, disability and survivor benefits, and workers in the United States contribute to Social Security each week. The decision about when to claim Social Security retirement benefits is one all those who have contributed to the program must eventually make. In recognition of the difficulty of that decision, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers the following tips to people wondering when they should begin collecting their Social Security benefits. •Confirm your full retirement age. Full retirement age refers to the age at which people can begin collecting their full benefits. Depending on the year you were born, you can begin collecting your full benefit at age 66 or 67. Claiming your benefit before you reach full retirement age will lead to a permanent decrease in your monthly benefits. Conversely, claiming after you reach full retirement age will lead to a permanent increase in your monthly benefits. Since the stakes are so considerable, it’s vital for adults to confirm their full retirement age before they claim their benefits. •Delay claiming if you can. The CFPB notes that you can expect to get an additional 5 to 8 percent in monthly benefits for every year you wait to claim your Social Security benefits after age 62, maxing out at age 70. If you can afford to do so, wait to claim your full benefit until age 70, as doing so can translate to a benefit that’s 32 percent higher than it would have been had you claimed your benefit at age 62. •Budget for retirement. Short- and long-term budgeting for retirement can help you assess how much money you will need to cover your expenses when you stop working. This step can help you understand how much a reduced or increased Social Security benefit will affect your bottom line in retirement. •Continue working. Remaining in the workforce full-time or even part-time can have a considerable impact on the size of your Social Security benefit. The CFPB notes that continuing to work for one or two additional years can replace low- or no-income earnings from your earnings record, thereby increasing your benefit. •Consider the long-term needs of your spouse. Surviving spouses receive the higher of the two spouses’ benefits. So it makes sense for the higher earning spouse to wait to collect his or her benefit until he or she reaches full retirement age. The decision about when to collect your Social Security benefit is complex. Discussing your options with your spouse and financial advisor can help you make the most informed decision.

If seniors have had a hard time adapting to technology, their families can try these strategies to make that transition go more smoothly.

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Children, adolescents and young adults likely cannot imagine a life without modern technology. Technology may have pervaded every part of life in the 21st century, but it wasn’t so long ago that phones were still attached to walls and people had to watch their favorite shows and films exclusively on televisions instead of having the option to watch them on devices like smartphones and tablets. The transition to life in the age of technology went smoothly for most segments of the population, but some aging adults have had a more difficult time making the adjustment. That difficulty was apparent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, when public health agencies like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged aging adults to limit interactions with people outside their homes. Such recommendations forced many seniors to communicate with their families exclusively over the phone or

via video conferencing apps like Zoom. If seniors have had a hard time adapting to technology, their families can try these strategies to make that transition go more smoothly. •Go over product manuals with seniors. The senior caregiving experts at Home Care Assistance note that older adults are less likely to learn through experimentation than they are by reading instructions in the manual. When helping seniors learn to use new devices, go over the owner’s manual with them as you set up the device. Mark important pages in the manual so seniors know where to go for quick answers if they experience any issues logging in or using certain apps. •Look for senior-specific devices and guidebooks. Seniors make up an enormous segment of the population, and tech companies have long since recognized that there’s a market for products designed specifically for aging men

See TECHNOLOGY Page 12

Senior Living

Five tips to protect seniors from financial scams right now

StatePoint

Social isolation among seniors is not only linked to numerous negative health consequences like depression and cardiovascular disease, but it’s also a primary contributing factor in financial exploitation and scams. Estimated to affect one in 10 older adults and cost billions annually, the threat of elder financial fraud is pervasive, and especially so right now. With seniors more isolated than ever due to the pandemic and stimulus checks being sent to millions of Americans nationwide,

experts suggest that seniors and their families be extra vigilant. “Scammers look for key time periods where money and private financial information are in motion. Not only is IRS fraud one of the most common and successful types of scams that exists, as a general rule, additional money equates to additional fraud,” says Ron Long, head of Aging Client Services at Wells Fargo. “Scammers are banking on the fact that many seniors are apart from families and friends due to COVID-19. When someone is alone, physically or socially,

they often miss out on the added benefit of a second pair of eyes and ears.” Compounding the risks associated with isolation is the number of seniors who feel their chances of falling victim to a financial scam is unlikely. According to a recent Wells Fargo study conducted by The Harris Poll, 69 percent of all seniors age 60 and above believe they’re not likely to be susceptible to a financial scam, despite nearly all seniors (97 percent) acknowledging that older people are very or somewhat susceptible to becoming a victim. When asked about their peers, the poll found that 47 percent of all seniors knew someone who had already fallen victim to a scam. “The results indicate what most of us want -- the ability to age relatively unaffected from the realities associated with aging,” says Dr. Marti DeLiema, a gerontologist and consultant for Wells Fargo’s Aging Client Services. “The problem is that when someone doesn’t feel they’re at risk, they’re unlikely to take precaution.” To better protect seniors from elder financial fraud and abuse, consider these tips from Wells

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Fargo: 1. Don’t wait for a crisis. Seniors should speak with trustworthy family members about financial plans, as well as consult them when something doesn’t feel right. 2. Stay up-to-date. Seniors and families should draft and periodically update legal documents such as wills, healthcare directives and powers of attorney. 3. Automate. Seniors should consider signing up for direct deposit, automatic bill pay and large transaction alerts. 4. Prioritize security. Seniors should keep checks and credit cards locked away, and update passwords when information is compromised. They should also carefully review credit reports, account statements and bills for unusual activity or charges. 5. Be aware. Families can help seniors stay aware of the latest and most common scams, as well as help them identify potential red flags, including: •Alleged emergency situations involving family members, often grandchildren, requiring imme-

See SCAMS Page 15

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Senior Living

Safety renovations for seniors’ homes MetroCreative Feeling safe and secure at home is a priority for any homeowner. But safety is of particular concern for aging men and women who are at greater risk of being involved in accidents at home than younger men and women. Harvard Health Publishing says that accidents at home are among the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. The chances for fatalities increases as one ages, and by age 75 and older, men and women are almost four times as likely to die in a home accident as people a decade younger. As people age, their balance, eyesight and general physical abilities can begin to diminish. Further-

more, a fall or incident that may only bruise a younger individual can cause more serious breaks or damage for seniors, resulting in potentially lengthy recovery times. The Home Care Assistance organization says that one million elderly people are admitted to the emergency room for injuries every year. People concerned about the safety of their homes or the homes of their aging loved ones can retrofit such properties to make them safer. Falls - According to The Senior Social Club, which offers care and community services to seniors, falls are the most common accidents affecting seniors. One out of every three seniors aged 65 and older falls at least once a year.

Fallon County Public Health

In addition to working with doctors to improve mobility and modify medications that may cause unsteadiness, changes around the home can help. Grab bars placed in bathrooms and high-traffic areas can help seniors get stay more stable when changing from sitting to standing positions. Potential tripping hazards should be assessed. Area rugs without nonskid backings, clutter on floors, extension cords that extend into walking areas, and uneven flooring pose tripping hazards. Anti-slip coatings can be added to floors to reduce the risk of tripping. Poorly lit staircases and entryways also can contribute to falls. Consider the installation of motion-activated lighting so that dim areas can be automatically brightened when necessary. A nightlight or LED lights placed near molding can help guide seniors to the bathroom during midnight visits. Physical limitations - Arthritis can impede seniors’ ability to turn

TECHNOLOGY FROM PAGE 10

Our health department provides a variety of services to people of all ages and income. Some examples of these are immunizations, family planning, blood pressure clinics, WIC, equipment loans, medication setup, housekeeping services for elderly or those who qualify, and much more. Feel free to call or visit for additional information. COVID-19 tests and vaccinations by appointment only. Staff Nurses: Kim Bryan, R.N. Scotti Robinson, L.P.N. Public Health Specialist: Mindi Murnion Administrative Assistant: Melissa Staker Home Health Aide: Karlene Kloetzke

Address: 225 S. 3rd St. West PO Box 820, Baker, MT 59313 Phone: (406) 778-2824 Hours: Week Days 8:00AM-Noon and 1:00PM-5:00PM

on and off appliances, water faucets or handle certain kitchen tools. Kitchen and bathroom modifications can include the installation of ergonomic and user-friendly handles and spigots. Task lighting can make it easier to prepare meals, and appliances that automatically turn off after a certain period of time can be a safety feature for forgetful individuals. Reorganize kitchen cabinets to make commonly used items as accessible as possible. Smart Homes - Friends or family members can have greater control over seniors’ homes by installing smart home systems. This way they can remotely adjust thermostats, control lights, view cameras, engage locks or alarm systems, and much more without having to be at the home. This can seniors allow seniors to maintain their independence while offering peace of mind to their loved ones. Certain home modifications can reduce seniors’ injury risk.

and women. When shopping for devices for seniors, look for those that have been designed to help them overcome issues that have proven problematic for aging adults in the past. Devices that feature touchscreens with large menus, easily accessible navigation tools and simplified features can help seniors as they learn to use new technology. •Be patient. Some seniors are excited by the prospect of learning to use new technology, while others may be hesitant. Patience is essential when working with an aging loved one who’s intimidated by technology. Take the time to explain apps and features and don’t take it for granted that seniors will know how to use a device or recognize what a device can do. Today’s seniors may not have grown up with technology at their fingertips, but they can still learn to use devices to their advantage.

Senior Living

Signs of unsafe driving in older drivers MetroCreative A license to drive has long been symbolic of independence. Teenage drivers long for the day they earn their licenses and can take to the road without mom or dad riding shotgun, while aging drivers want to keep driving as long as possible so they can come and go as they please in their golden years. There’s no formula drivers and their families can employ to determine when it’s time to take the car keys away from senior citizens. Thankfully, fatal collisions involving older drivers have declined considerably in recent decades. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, collision-related fatalities among drivers ages 70 and older declined by 15 percent between 1997 and 2018. A host of factors have no doubt contributed to that decline, including lane-assist technology and forward collision warning systems that have become standard offerings on many modern vehicles. As much as technology has helped make driving safer for everyone, aging drivers should still keep an eye out for certain signs that may indicate their skills behind the wheel are diminishing and potentially compromising their ability to drive safely. According to AARP, the following are warning signs of unsafe driving. •Delayed response to unexpected situations: Frequent close calls and narrowly avoiding collisions when other drivers stop suddenly indicate reduced response time that can put aging drivers at an elevated risk of being involved in an accident. •Becoming easily distracted while driving: Distracted driving has become a significant concern in recent decades, but it’s often associated with young drivers. However, aging drivers who are easily distracted also pose a safety risk to themselves and other motorists. •Decrease in confidence while driving: Only drivers will know if they feel confident enough

to drive safely, and it’s vital that aging drivers be honest with themselves when assessing how they feel when driving. •Having difficulty moving into or maintaining the correct lane of traffic: Lane-assist technology can help drivers recognize how often they’re staying in the correct lane of traffic. When the warning bell goes off frequently, it might be time for older drivers to reconsider if it’s safe for them to be behind the wheel. •Hitting curbs when making right turns or backing up: Hitting curbs when turning or backing up indicates drivers may be having difficulty controlling their vehicles and/or seeing the road, both of which indicate it’s no longer safe for drivers to get behind the wheel. •Getting scrapes or dents on car, garage or mailbox: These signs also indicate drivers are having trouble controlling their vehicles. •Driving too fast or too slow for road conditions: This indicates drivers are not as alert to their surroundings as they need to be to stay safe on the road. It’s not easy for aging drivers to relinquish their drivers’ licenses. Learning to recognize

potential warning signs of unsafe driving can help aging drivers make the safest decisions for themselves, their passengers and their fellow motorists.

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Senior Living

MetroCreative Health care plans provide access to medical care and other necessities and reduce out-of-pocket health-related expenses. Each plan is different, and depending on where you live, your coverage may vary. People quickly find that many healthcare plans do not include provisions for long-term health care, such as paying for nursing facilities. Understanding how health plans work and learning about potential financial reviews for nursing home payment qualification is a good idea for anyone concerned about financing their future health care needs. Health care basics In the United States, health care is largely privately managed, with most employers offering access to various health coverage plans. Government subsidized plans include Medicare, which is for retirement-age individuals and younger people with disabilities. Medicaid is a joint state- and federally-run government program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. In the United States, unless an individual meets low-income criteria, nursing home care is paid for by the resident; otherwise, people who qualify for Medicaid can have their nursing home expenditures payed for by that pro- Understanding how health plans work and learning about potential financial gram. To receive Medicaid assistance, applicants should expect a financial reviews for nursing home payment qualification is a good idea for anyone con-

cerned about financing their future health care needs.

review, including a look-back period. What is the look-back period? The senior health, finance and lifestyle resource Senior Living advises that Medicaid is a “last resort” method of financing nursing home costs. Individuals are expected to use other means of payment first and “spend down” their assets. When financial resources dwindle, Medicaid will kick in to provide coverage. To ensure that individuals simply do not transfer money out of their accounts to avoid paying for nursing home care by their own means, Medicaid requires a look-back period into applicants’ finances to determine if there were any violations to rules regarding asset transfers. Most people engage in some sort of long-term planning to protect a portion of their assets so that they can be used to support spouses or children. According to rules, an applicant is permitted to transfer certain monies to his or her spouse, provided the spouse isn’t also applying for long-term care through Medicaid. Most money and tangible asset transfers (check with your state Medicaid office for the most current rules) must have taken place 60 months (5 years) prior to application for Medicaid. Penalties will be instituted when rules are broken, namely gifts or asset transfers that take place within the look-back period. This could delay Medicaid acceptance. Paying for long-term care can be complicated business with look-back periods and required spend-downs. It is in a person’s best interest to seek the guidance of a financial planner who specializes in elder care to navigate these financial waters.

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diate payment. •Lottery winnings requiring upfront cash payment for taxes and other fees. •Phone calls from alleged government agencies, such as Social Security, threatening arrest or penalties. For more information on fraud prevention, visit wellsfargo.com. “Aging resiliently requires planning ahead and not shying away from difficult conversations,” says Long. “We have to talk with our older loved ones about the risks, the warning signs and prevention -- and we have to keep talking.”

MetroCreative Many people are quick to think of growing older in a negative light. Although there certainly are some side effects of aging that one may wish to avoid, people may find that the benefits of growing older outweigh the negatives. Seniors are a rapidly growing segment of the population. In the United States, the Administration on Aging states that the older population persons 65 years or older - numbered 46.2 million in 2014 (the latest year for which data is available). With so many people living longer, it’s time to celebrate the perks of getting older rather than the drawbacks. Here are some great benefits to growing old. •Higher self-esteem: The insecurities of youth give way as one ages, and older people have less negativity and higher self-esteem. A University of Basel study of people ranging in ages from 18 to 89 found that regardless of demographic and social status, the older one gets the higher self-esteem climbs. Qualities like self-control and altruism can contribute to happiness. •Financial perks: Seniors are entitled to discounts on meals, museum entry fees, movies, and other entertainment if they’re willing to dis-

close their ages. Discounts are available through an array of venues if one speaks up. Seniors also can enjoy travel perks, with slashed prices on resorts, plane tickets and more. The U.S. National Park Service offers citizens age 62 and older lifetime passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for just $10 in person ($20 online or via mail). •Reasoning and problem-solving skills: Brain scans reveal that older adults are more likely to use both hemispheres of their brans simultaneously - something called bilateralization. This can sharpen reasoning skills. For example, in a University of Illinois study, older air traffic controllers excelled at their cognitively taxing jobs, despite some losses in short-term memory and visual spatial processing. Older controllers proved to be experts at navigating, juggling multiple aircrafts simultaneously and avoiding collisions. •Less stress: As people grow older, they are able to differentiate their needs from wants and focus on more important goals. This can alleviate worry over things that are beyond one’s control. Seniors may realize how little the opinions of others truly mean in the larger picture, thereby feeling less stress about what others think of them. Growing older may involve gray hair or wrinkling skin, but there are many positive things associated with aging.

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