Senior Lifestyles February 27, 2013
Thomasine Durham, a resident at Windsor Manor in Indianola, spends time with her dog, Bup. Residents with pets are more active and less secluded. Page 6. A SUPPLEMENT TO THE RECORD-HERALD AND INDIANOLA TRIBUNE
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5 common myths that can derail retirement income (BPT) — Do you dream of the day you can retire, but aren’t sure how to get there? You’re not alone. Many people find it easier to avoid reality when it comes to planning for retirement. “That can lead to big mistakes in their retirement income planning,” said Zachary Gipson, vice president of retirement and wealth planning at USAA. Here’s a look at five common myths that could
derail your expectations for income when you retire. Myth 1: You won’t be around long enough to go through your money. The reality: Life expectancies are at record highs in the United States, so it’s important to acknowledge that you or a family member might spend as many years in retirement as you did working. According to a 2010 report by the National
Academy of Social Insurance, for a 65-year-old married couple, there’s a 48 percent chance that one spouse will live to age 90. To help stretch your money, consider incorporating immediate and deferred annuities into your planning. Created to provide guaranteed, lifelong income in retirement, they also can offer guaranteed growth while See RETIRE, Page 5D
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you’re saving for it, Gipson said. A long retirement extends your exposure to one of financial planning’s most subtle enemies: inflation. As you invest, it’s important to seek a mix of assets that guard against the declining value of the dollar and that is in line with your risk tolerance and goals. Myth 2: You should get out of stocks when you retire. The reality: Stocks can help provide the longterm growth you need to make your assets last longer since your retirement could span several decades. You’ve probably heard you should reduce your investment risk as you age. But with traditional pensions being replaced by 401(k) plans, you’re wholly responsible for making asset allocation decisions. As Gipson put it, “Everyone now has to be a pension fund manager with their own money, and most people just aren’t equipped to do that.” Gipson agreed with the notion of dampening portfolio risk at retirement, but that doesn’t mean getting rid of stocks entirely.
Rather, regularly reviewing, and if necessary, rebalancing your portfolio based on your risk tolerance can lock in gains from strong-performing asset classes and allow you to buy those that underperform at cheaper prices. Myth 3: You can just keep working. The reality: Counting on being able to work as long as you want is dangerous, Gipson said. Employers are feeling pressure to cut costs, and with high unemployment, finding work is always a challenge. A disability also could force you to stop working prematurely. Many people think they can simply work longer if they don’t have enough money to retire. According to a recent survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 74 percent of workers plan to work at least part time during their retirement years, and working in retirement has become a necessity for many. Good planning doesn’t rely on good fortune. Rather, your plan should both keep you from having to work the rest of your life and deal with the consequences of unexpected surprises that prevent you from earning a paycheck. Myth 4: An inheri-
tance will bail you out. The reality: You might be hoping for an inheritance as a potential retirement boost. But hope is not a strategy, and counting on an inheritance can create big problems if it doesn’t come through. Many people who expect to inherit money never do so, Gipson said. And even for those who do inherit money, it’s often too little or comes too late to make a difference in their retirement planning, he said. The safer thing to do is to treat an inheritance as an unexpected bonus rather than relying on it. Myth 5: Your taxes will be lower in retirement. The reality: Big government deficits make future tax increases much more likely. Also, taking money out of retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, creates taxable income that can push you into higher tax brackets. One suggestion Gipson offered is to consider converting part of your eligible retirement assets to a Roth IRA. By doing so, you’ll pay taxes now, but you’ll create a tax-free pool of money to tap in retirement. Diversifying with both Roth and traditional IRAs is a possible way to handle future tax uncertainty.
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The right pet can provide companionship to seniors Seniors feel less isolated and enjoy more physical activity when they care for a pet By Jerilee Mace Special to The Record-Herald
Windsor Manor in Indianola recognizes the benefit of pet ownership for seniors is well-documented; they’ve also seen it first-hand. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, research shows it can lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular disease
and feelings of stress, lower cholesterol levels and improve socialization and overall health. That translates to fewer doctor appointments, increased sense of responsibility and alertness, reduced sense of loneliness, increased activity during the day, plus good old-fashioned fun! “We feel the positives of residents having pets
far outweigh any negatives,” said Windsor Manor Life Enrichment Coordinator, Daphanie Chirch. “Knowing we accept their pet makes moving in a lot less scary and reduces their stress. The transition is easier because the resident views their animal as a loved one and not just a pet. “We notice that residents with pets are more active, less secluded and even our residents who don’t have pets enjoy the company of the animals here at Windsor Manor,” she added. Thomasine Durham, a
resident at Windsor Manor, says she wouldn’t have moved in without her dog, Bup, a rat terrier. “While I have other family that lives away, Bup is my family here. He’s good company and makes living here less monotonous; he’s a little bit of home.” Not everyone has a beloved pet already, but before you rush out and buy that dog, cat, or bird for your loved one, make sure you are making the right pet adoption decision. According to AARP, senior citizens need and See PET, Page 9D
Thomasine Durham, a resident at Windsor Manor in Indianola, holds her dog. The facility allows residents to keep pets. Pets provide companionship and encourage physical activity. MICHAEL ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD
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Projects, events keep Vintage Hill residents active By Kevin Kirkpatrick kkirkpatri@dmreg.com
A 100-year-old resident at Vintage Hills Retirement Community of Indianola celebrated Valentine’s Day by making scarves and donating them to a local church. Velma Newman, originally from Indianola, has called Vintage Hills home since June 2012. She has been knitting scarves for 90 years and has since
made thousands. Newman is just one of many active residents at Vintage Hills. Since arriving at Vintage Hills in July 2011, Newell Foust has written one book about his life, and he is currently writing another to share with his family and friends. “It’s a book about my life. It’s about humorous things that happened to me,” Foust said last week. “I guess I led a pretty in-
teresting life.” Foust organized a community craft fair at Vintage Hills last October and is organizing another one this fall, with the proceeds being donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. Foust, who grew up in Liberty Center and worked as a CPA, said he regularly attended numerous craft shows, where he sold wood bird See SENIORS, Page 8D
Velma Newman has been knitting scarves for 90 years. PHOTO COURTESY OF VINTAGE HILLS
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Vintage Hills resident Vivian Reinaberger greets guests, gives tours and calls bingo among her various activities. MICHAEL ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD PHOTOS
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A new three-story co-op living facility is currently under construction at Vintage Hills. Annette Grochala, executive director, said the facility is scheduled to open in August and would be open to people ages 55 and older. She isn’t sure exactly how many units will be available. “They live independently there,” she said. “They would be able to purchase services, like meals and housekeeping.”
houses and squirrel feeders. Vivian Reinaberger, a resident since February 2011, does everything from greeting guests at the door and directing them around the community, to setting up and tearing down events and calling bingo. “She’s at the window first thing in the morning wanting to know what she can do,” said Annette Grochala, executive director. Reinaberger also loves postcards. She regularly participated in postcard shows in Cedar Rapids and Wichita, Kan., where she bought and sold post cards. At her peak, she had “thousands” of postcards. Former Fifth Judicial Associate Judge John
Crouch recently hosted a cribbage tournament at Vintage Hills, and claims to be one of top Wii bowlers at the retirement community. “Time goes fast when you are having fun,” he said. Crouch also helped coach mock trial at Indianola Middle School for 10 years. Crouch, from Indianola, served 35 years on the bench in the fifth judicial district. “We made state every time I was one of the coaches, but they had a lot of good coaches,” Crouch said. Crouch said he likes the size of Vintage Hills. “I like it because we’re the smallest of the big three around here and you’re not fighting crowds ever,” he said. “It’s a nice, quiet, peaceful place.”
Newell Foust and John Crouch are two of the active residents at Vintage Hills. Foust wrote a book about his life and raised money for Alzheimer's research with a craft fair. Crouch, a former judge, helped coach the Indianola Middle School mock trial team.
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appreciate the company of a pet probably more than any other age group. An important thing to consider for an elder who is getting a pet is the anticipated lifespan of the chosen animal. Will someone who selected a pet at age 65 still be willing and able to care physically and financially for the animal at age 75 or 80? At Windsor Manor this situation has always resolved itself. “Often another resident or staff person will adopt a pet if need be,” says Chirch. Windsor Manor currently has five pet residents. The AARP also cautions to never get any type of pet for an elder citizen without consulting with the individual first. If
“When mobility decreases, owning a bird or even a fish can make a huge difference in the cognitive function of the individual.” DR. SCOTT MOLINE, veterinarian at Kindness Pet Clinic
they are in agreement and are willing to assume all the responsibilities of caring for an animal, take them with you when you go to a kennel or breeder and let them select the kind of pet that appeals to them. A loving pet can definitely bring its owner many years of satisfaction and affection. “I think the most important thing to consider is matching the pet with the ability and function of
the individual,” said Dr. Scott Moline, a veterinarian at Kindness Pet Clinic. “Research the characteristics, needs and habits of each type of pet and select the one that is the best fit. “In general, smaller bred adult dogs that are not hyper or mature cats make the best pets if the individual is mobile,” he continued. “When mobility decreases, owning a bird or even a fish can make a huge difference in the cognitive function of the individual because of the socialization it brings.” If a pet adoption is well-thought out, it can bring a great deal of joy into a senior’s life. As this site (www.dogadoption-andtraining-guide.com) says, pet adoption is a bit like dating; there has to be some chemistry or it won’t work.
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Residents encouraged to nominate senior volunteers The search is on for Iowa’s outstanding senior volunteer. The Salute to Senior Service program, sponsored by Home Instead Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior
Care network, honors the contributions of adults 65 and older who give at least 15 hours per month of volunteer service to their favorite causes. Nominations are accepted through March
31. State winners will be selected by popular vote at SalutetoSeniorServi ce.com. Online voting will take place from April 15 to 30. From those state winners, a panel of senior care ex-
perts will pick the national Salute to Senior Service honoree. Home Instead Inc. will donate $500 to each of the state winners’ favorite nonprofit organizations, and their stories will be
posted on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame. In addition, $5,000 will be donated to the national winner’s nonprofit charity of choice. To view the contest’s rules, visit Saluteto
SeniorService.com. Completed nomination forms also can be mailed to Salute to Senior Service, P.O. Box 285, Bellevue, NE 68005. For more information, call 515978-7991.
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5 steps to taking control of your heart health (BPT) — More baby boomers and older adults are taking a proactive approach to heart health. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle in your golden years and dealing with any type of diagnosis head-on is the smart way to keep your heart pumping strong for many years to come. Following these five easy steps can help you take control.
1. Exercise your heart by staying active. Increasing your heart rate through daily exercise can help keep your heart healthy and help you live longer. Good hearthealthy activities include walking, swimming and
bicycling. Stay motivated by exercising with a friend.
2. Eat heart-healthy foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables are fantastic for heart health. Make it your goal to eat a variety of colors every day. Whole grains and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids also are good choices.
3. Consult your doctor about heart-healthy supplements. As we age, sometimes our bodies can’t absorb vitamins and minerals as well as when we were younger. Many people
take vitamin D and a lowdose aspirin daily once they hit their 50s or 60s. Ask your doctor for recommendations.
4. Schedule your annual physical. An annual physical is the cornerstone of preventative care. At your appointment, make sure you get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Have your doctor explain what those numbers mean for you.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No matter what, when it comes to the health of your heart, ask questions. If you are diagnosed with a slow heartbeat and need
a pacemaker, talk with your doctor about your options and determine if a pacemaker that is approved for use in an MRI may be right for you. Marilyn Rose of Richardson, Texas, ate healthy, exercised regularly and scheduled yearly physicals, but at age 80 she frequently felt tired and short of breath. Rose was scheduled for an echocardiogram, a heart test that allows the doctor to see the movement of the heart, and it was then that she learned she had a condition called bradycardia, or a slow heartbeat. Rose needed a pacemaker to help her live a full life, but she learned that historically, pacemakers have not been approved in the U.S. for use with MRIs.
She was concerned; she knew at her age the likelihood that she might need an MRI at some point was high. After talking with her doctor and asking plenty of questions, Rose learned that the FDA had approved the first pacemaker that was fit for use in the MRI environment. Today, after getting her pacemaker, she’s feeling great and is back to her regular life, swimming, knitting and playing with her five grandkids. Her friends call her the “Energizer bunny,” and with her pacemaker she says she feels better than she did before. For Rose, asking the right questions made a life-changing difference. Rose’s story is just one example of how the deci-
sions you make today can impact your health tomorrow. She is now part of an educational campaign called “Join the Pace Makers,” because she wants to share her experience and help inform others about heart health and their options when it comes to choosing a pacemaker. Whether you want to take on your golden years with a heart-healthy outlook, or you are a child of aging parents and you want them to live a long, full life, these tips can help you reach your goals. If you know someone who needs a pacemaker, you have an opportunity to make a difference. Learn more and become a Pace Maker at www.JoinThePace Makers.com.