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ACTIVITIES FOR MODERN EMPTY NESTERS
BY BRANDPOINT
The rewardsofparenting arebittersweet. Raisingchildren successfully meansthey willone dayleave home andembarkonlives of theirown.Oncethe proverbialchicks leavethe nest,individuals maybeleftwithalot of empty home andalot of time to fill.
Accordingtothe U.S. Census Bureau,there were 22.5 million emptynesters in thecountry in 2020,withmosthavingbecomeempty nesters betweenthe ages of 40 and60. Statistics Canada says roughlyone-thirdofadultsbetween the ages of 20 and34lived with theirparents in 2023.Althoughsome parentswhose children have reachedadulthood stillprovide financial assistance to theirgrown children duetohigh costsofliving, many emptynesters in their fifties havegreater financialresources andmuchmore time to fill theirdayswithactivitiesunrelated to parenting. Buthow does onespend thosehours whentheyhad been filled with parenting-related obligationsand activities forsolong?
1.Takecareofyourself. Afterall thoseyears of puttingchildren first, nowisthe time to make yourself thepriority. Exploreall thewaystoengage in self-care. Maybeyou were thinking about signingupfor amonthly massagepackage at a nearby wellness clinic butprocrastinatedbecause of theadded expense? Or youmay have wanted to splurgeonafacialornew hair treatment? Now is thetimetomakethose appointments.
regularly. Youcan reachout to oldfriends and startaweeklywalking group, join abookclub, sign up fora fitnessclass together,orevendoa monthly wine anddinemeet-up at newrestaurantsinthe area.
5ACTIVITIES
2.Prioritizehobbies. Identify rewarding hobbiesthatmight have been pushed to theback burner foryears.Ifyou always wanted to learn anew language,why notimmerse yourself in it andthe associated culturebyspendingamonth or more in acountry wherethatlanguageis spoken? Nowcan be agreat time to pick up new hobbiesaswell. Aimfor activities that aresocial in nature,likethe ever popularpickleball.
5.Adoptapet. When children were stillat home youlikelylavishedattention on them each day.You canredirectsomeofthataffection to a petwho needsagoodhome. Visitanearbyanimalshelter andpickout apup or kitten looking foragoodhome.
EMPTYNESTERS HAVE MORE FREE TIME TO REDIRECT TO THEIROWN PASSION PROJECTS ANDINTERESTS.
THEFOLLOWING AREFIVE UNIQUE WAYS EMPTY
NESTERSCAN STAY BUSY AND SOCIALLY ENGAGEDASTHEY SEEK TO AVOIDEMPTY NEST SYNDROME.
3.Travelfarandwide. Travel is apopular pastimeamong emptynesters andretirees. When younolongerhavetocoordinatetravelaround school schedulesand holidays,you cantake advantageofgreat dealsonoff-peaktraveland really seethe countryoreventhe world.
4.Indulgeyoursociallife. If parentingmade it hard to attend certainsocialfunctions,now you’ll have thetimetoengagewithfriends more
ACTIVITIES
THAT PROMOTE COGNITIVE HEALTH
BY BRANDPOINT
Maintaining physical health as a body ages is an important consideration, and often one of the first things that comes to mind when people think about being healthy. Yet physical health is only one component of a healthy lifestyle; individuals also must pay attention to what they do to promote cognitive health
A 2023 study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes of Health indicated that some decline in cognitive abilities is a natural part of the aging process. Attention, memory, executive cognitive function, language, and visuospatial abilities all exhibit measurable declines with age, according to the study.
Just because some measure of cognitive impairment occurs as the years march on doesn’t mean that seniors are powerless against Father Time Certain behaviors and activities can help improve cognition.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
It is important to stay physically active, not only for the body, but also for the brain. Harvard Health says research shows when animals exercise regularly, the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain increase. More oxygen can reach an area of the brain that is responsible for thought and help improve brain function. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar, all of which can be beneficial to the brain.
ENGAGE IN RELAXING ACTIVITIES
People who are depressed, sleep-deprived or anxious tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. While this may not be an indicator of cognitive decline, it is important to engage in behaviors that promote happiness and restfulnesss for mental health. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and activities that help a person smile and laugh can be good for the brain.
PARTICIPATE IN STIMULATING ACTIVITIES
Stimulating activities, like word games, gardening, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, can help maintain cognitive function and enhance memory, says Healthline. Doing things that require mental effort can help stimulate and maintain cognitive function and also may improve emotional well-being
READ MORE OFTEN
Various studies indicate that reading can promote strong mental health In addition to keeping a person entertained or informed, reading exercises the brain. There are new words to learn, new scenarios to imagine and locations to envision. Sharing a summary of what was read with others also helps work the brain in different ways, all of which are good for cognitive health.
MAKE NEW RECIPES
Browsing through a recipe, shopping for the ingredients, putting the ingredients together, and producing the finished product all can work the brain. A person is reading, engaging in math, predicting the results, and utilizing the senses during the process of cooking. Various activities can promote strong cognitive health and may help to reduce or delay cognitive decline through the years.
Erickson Funeral Director
FITNESS REGIMENS
FOR THOSE 50+
BY BRANDPOINT
Fitness is an important component of overall wellness. Indeed, staying active has been linked to several noteworthy benefits, including decreased disease risk and improved mental health
Routine exercise helps a person burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Tufts Medicine says weight gain is common among aging individuals, with both men and women tending to put on weight in their mid-sections Weight gain is a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Older adults may need to step up their fitness regimens to combat growing waistlines.
Staying active also can help with muscle and bone density, which can decline with age. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says exercise is important for maintaining bone strength as the body ages. Strength-training exercises put stress on bones so they can make bones stronger.
Now that it is apparent why fitness is key during senior years, it’s time to explore some routines that may be best for people age 50 and older.
YOGA
Yoga is a low-impact practice that improves muscle strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility. All of these factors are important for seniors. For those who find that conventional forms of yoga are too taxing on joints and bones, chair yoga is a lower-impact form of the exercise.
CYCLING
Riding a bike is a cardiovascular workout that offers a wide range of benefits Most people find riding a bike is easy on the joints, and regular cycling can increase muscle strength and enhance flexibility. The pace and intensity of rides can be customized depending on riders’ speed and the routes they ride.
PILATES
Joseph Pilates developed an exercise routine that now bears his name in the early twentieth century. Pilates emphasizes core strength and stability but works all the major muscle groups in the body. Since it is another low-impact exercise, it can be suitable for people with joint issues.
Brandpoint Photo
BODY WEIGHT EXERCISES
As individuals age, they may find that working with dumbells, barbells or weight equipment at the gym is too taxing Using body weight to build strength is a low-intensity option Squats, wall push-ups, chair push-ups, and resistance bands can be used to build strength.
WALKING
Walking is an unsung hero in the fitness realm. According to Better Health Channel, just 30 minutes of walking every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. Walking is low-impact and less taxing on joints than jogging or running.
Adobe Stock Photo
PROTEIN GOES PLANT:
BY BRANDPOINT
(BPT) - You don't have to go vegan to get the benefits of plant-based protein. Here's how to sneak more into your routine - without overhauling your diet Forget food fads and restrictive rules. Today's wellness movement is all about adding the right things in - especially when it comes to protein. Whether you're a weekday vegetarian, a smoothie lover, or just trying to incorporate more plant protein in your diet, one thing is clear: Plant-based nutrition is a staple, not a trend. It might be surprising but data from researchers at Abbott and The Ohio State University found that more than 1 in 3 of adults over 50 years old are not getting the
daily recommended amount of protein they need Plant proteins are a great place to start.
WHY THE PLANT-BASED BOOM?
More than 70 million U.S. households now identify as flexitarian, meaning they're cutting back on meat and dairy and increasing plant-based meals and foods. Their reasons? Health, sustainability and energy Increasingly, people are turning to plant-based protein to help them feel strong, stay active and support long-term wellness. In fact, 96% of people buying plant-based drinks aren't vegan or vegetarian
5 SURPRISING WAYS TO POWER YOUR DAY WITH PLANTS
1 ADD IT TO OVERNIGHT OATS
Overnight oats are back and better than ever. Mix rolled oats with an Ensure Plant-Based Protein shake, chia seeds and cinnamon. Let it sit overnight in the fridge for a revamped grab-andgo breakfast option. One Ensure Plant-Based Protein shake offers 20 grams of plant-based protein, 25 essential vitamins and minerals, and 5 grams of fiber.
2 SWAP CROUTONS FOR ROASTED CHICKPEAS
Top your salads with crunchy roasted chickpeas instead of croutons. They add texture, flavor and a solid dose of protein and fiber.
3 TURN SOUP INTO A SUPERFOOD
Stir pureed white beans or lentils into soups and stews for a creamy texture and extra protein.
4 MAKE A DENSE BEAN SALAD
Swap in beans like chickpeas, black beans and great Northern beans for leafy greens to make a hearty salad that's packed with fiber and protein. The best part? Dense bean salads can marinate in dressing and soak up flavors, giving them a longer fridge life and making them perfect for meal prepping and enjoying as leftovers
5 USE QUINOA AS A BASE FOR BOWLS
Swap rice for quinoa in grain bowls. It's a complete protein and pairs well with roasted veggies, beans and tahini dressing for a satisfying, balanced meal
You don't need to overhaul your diet to reap the benefits of plant-based eating. Small, smart swaps can help you feel stronger, more energized and more in control of your health - one bite (or sip) at a time
Brandpoint Photo
THREETIPSTOSTRETCH YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS
BY BRANDPOINT
Cost-of-livinghas garnered significant attention in recent yearsand was one of thekey issues surroundingthe 2024 presidential election in theUnitedStates. That extraattention is warranted, as a recentBankrateanalysisofdatafromthe U.S.BureauofLabor Statistics found thatconsumerpriceswere23 percentmore expensivein February 2025 than they were in thesamemonth in 2020.
RETIRE FROM PAGE 7
Rising consumer prices have been a cause for concern among people from all walks of life, but retirees might be among the most vulnerable to such increases. Lacking a desire to return to the workforce or opportunities lucrative enough to make such a transition worthwhile, retirees may be looking for ways to stretch their retirement savings. The following three strategies may help seniors do just that
1.
SEEK THE HELP OF A FINANCIAL PLANNER.
Some seniors may see working with a financial planner as another expense at a time when they’re trying to cut costs, but such professionals can provide a notable return on investment Financial planners can help seniors currently navigating complex financial waters without a compass direct their resources toward low-risk vehicles that can grow wealth with the goal of ensuring a rising cost-of-living does not drain existing savings and leave seniors destitute. Even incremental growth can help combat inflation, and financial planners can identify options that promote growth while limiting risk.
2 TAKE UP GARDENING.
People from all walks of life have lamented rising grocery bills in recent years, but seniors are not helpless against rising food prices. The Economic Research Service at the U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture estimates food prices will increase by 2.2 percent in 2025 Retirees are uniquely positioned to combat those increases, as many have the time and space to grow their own foods at a fraction of the cost of buying the same items at the store. Though gardening requires an investment of time (to learn the trade) and money (tools and a landscape adjustment, if necessary), it’s possible to recoup such initial costs rather quickly. A 2021 report on the website Greenhouse Today estimated that a single tomato plant, which in 2025 typically can be purchased for less than $10, can yield 20 to 30 lbs. of tomatoes, producing somewhere between 20 and 90 tomatoes (size of the tomatoes will affect total yield) Grocery shoppers know that one pound of store-bought tomatoes is likely to cost around $5, give or take a dollar or two. In this example, seniors can save a substantial amount of money by growing their own food at home. Seniors can even join gardening groups where each member grows a particular food and then yields are shared among the group, leading to even more savings over time.
3. REQUEST GENERIC
MEDICATIONS.
The cost of medication is not fixed and is often vulnerable to changes in governmental policies However, it’s fair to note that many seniors spend thousands of dollars per year
on medication. Seniors can request generic alternatives to brand-name medications. The health care experts at Humana estimate generic drugs cost 80 to 85 percent less on average than brand-name drugs. That’s a considerable cost savings, and that advantage could prove even more significant if policy changes increase out-of-pocket medical costs for seniors in the coming years.
THESE THREE STRATEGIES CAN HELP SENIORS MANAGE THEIR MONEY AND PROTECT THEIR RETIREMENT SAVINGS IN AN
ELEVMI
BY BRANDPOINT
(BPT)-Caringfor alovedone with Alzheimer'scan be overwhelming. Nearly 70%offamilycaregiverssay that coordinating care is stressful, and two-thirds struggle to find information to supporttheir lovedone's needs according to arecentreportfromthe Alzheimer'sAssociation.These challenges,combinedwiththe emotionaland physical toll of caregiving, makethe journeyespeciallydifficult.
To help,anew AI-powered app, Elevmi,offersimmediate,personalized supporttocaregivers. Elevmi canhelpcaregivers find answersrelated to Alzheimer'scaregivingatamoment'snotice, record observations,prepare fordoctors'visits, andmore.
Elevmi: Free personalized AI supportfor caregivers,bycaregivers Caregiversoften become thego-to resource fortheir lovedones. Now, they have an assistantontheir journey: "Elle",the app'sconversational AI.Elleanswers Alzheimer'scare-relatedquestions,providesinformation aboutmanagingsymptoms, preparingfor doctors' visits andmore, and offersreminders,all basedontrusted sourceslikethe National Institute onAging,partofthe National Institutes of Health.
Developedwithinput from over300 caregivers,Elle'sfeaturesare designed to delivermeaningful, practicalsupport to help usersmanagetheir lovedone's conditionand theirown well-being
"Caregiversare oftenthe backbone of Alzheimer'scare, balancingan immenseloadofresponsibilitieswithlittlesupport," said Sanket Shah, PresidentofOtsukaPrecision Health,Inc., theapp developer. "With Elevmi,wewantedtoprovide caregivers with ahelpful,easy-to-use resource to help manage beinga caregiver, includingaccesstoaccurate, up-to-date information on thecondition."
INFORMATIONAND RESOURCESFOR ALZHEIMER'SCARE
Alzheimer'sisa complexand multifaceted condition-withElevmi, caregivers canstayuptodatewithknowledge aboutAlzheimer's disease. Elevmi helpscaregiversunderstanddisease progression, symptommanagement, andcaretipsthatcan make ameaningfuldifference in theirdaily routines.
Elevmiprovidescaregiverswithinformationthatmayhelpthem:
•Anticipatechanges in behavior,suchasincreased agitationduring the evening(sundowning), difficultywithdaily routines,orchanges in communicationabilities.
•Understandmedical recommendationsbyexplainingthe purposeof cognitiveassessments,the potentialimplicationsofmedicationadjustments,orthe importance of physical andoccupationaltherapies
•Prepare forupcomingdoctorvisitsbyallowingcaregiverstotrack observationsoftheir lovedone over time,craft effective,meaningful questionsfor healthcare providersoncondition management,and conduct
structured check-instoprovide helpfulupdates on aloved one'sneeds
•Accessresources with information on howtomanage symptoms like wandering, difficultysleepingand changesin appetite,all tailored to theirloved one'suniquecondition basedonthe questionsacaregiver asks
•Helpsupport theirown mental health with features such as stress management techniques,mindfulness exercises,and reminderstotakebreaksand care forthemselves.
Elevmi helpsthe individual receivingcarebut also prioritizes thementaland emotionalhealthofcaregivers. "You need asupport system.You need to take care of yourself. It's alongdifficult journeyattimes," said Deanna,aprimary caregiverand member of theElevmidesigncommittee.
GETSTARTED WITH ELEVMI
Elevmi is designed to be easy to useand accessible forAlzheimer's diseasecaregivers.
Here'showyoucangetstarted forfree:
Downloadtheapp: Elevmi is availableoniOS® and Android™ devices. Simply visit theApp StoreorGooglePlay andsearchfor Elevmi.
Createanaccount: Setupan accountbyenteringyouremail addressand creating asecure password.
Explorethefeatures: Once logged in,use Elevmi's conversational AI,Elle, to ask questions, getpersonalizedcare tips,and preparefor doctor visits
Stayinformed: Access expert-backedresources aboutAlzheimer's disease includinginformation on symptommanagementand care strategies.
Todownloadandlearnmore,visit www.elevmi.com.
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PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES
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Brandpoint Photo
FCOMMON FINANCIAL SCAMS
THAT TARGET SENIORS
inancial scamsare as oldas theconcept ofcurrency. But consumers’ vulnerabilitytoscams has seeminglyincreased in thetwenty-first century,whenthe Internet anddevices like smartphoneshaveenabled scammers to gain access to potentialvictims’ financialinformation andevengain virtualentry into theirhomes.
Seniorsare targeted by financialscammerswithsuch frequency that theterm“elder fraud” hasentered theEnglish lexicon andisnow widely recognized as anotable threat to individuals age60and older. In recognitionof that threat,the ElderJustice Initiative aims to supportand coordinate U.S. Department of Justiceefforts to combat financialfraud that targetsolder adults.Those efforts areongoing andinclude several initiativestoeducate older adults aboutelder fraud, including
warning seniorsabout some notablescams that criminalsuse to targetolder adults.
•SocialSecurityAdministrationImpostorScam: When perpetrating this scam,criminals typicallycontact prospective victimsvia telephoneand falselyclaim that suspicious activity haspromptedthe suspension of theirSocialSecuritynumber. Scammersmay also indicate moneymustbewithdrawn from a potentialvictim’sbankand stored on gift cardsfor security’s sake. It’s importanttonotecallerIDspoofing is oftenutilized whenperpetratingthisscamsoanincomingcallappears to be coming from theSocialSecurityAdministration.
•TechSupportScam: This scam involves criminalsclaiming toberepresentatives from widely recognized companieswho are callingtoinformseniors that virusesormalware have been detected on theirdevices.Somealsomay claima target’s computerhas been hacked.The FederalTrade Commission notesperpetratorsofthisscampretend to be tech supportand request victimsenablethemtoremotelyaccesstheir devicesor computer. Granting such access provides an avenue to view sensitive information,but scammers also maydiagnosenonexistent problemsand charge afee.But thescamdoesnot always stop
BY BRANDPOINT
there. Some call back laterand offer arefund to accountfor services that cannolongerbe rendered or to correctanovercharge. The scammers then requestvictims’specificbankingdetails underthe guiseof“correcting” thesealleged oversights.
•LotteryScam: Thelottery scam involves scammers callingpotential victimsand informingthemtheyhavewon aforeign lottery or sweepstakes. Perpetrators of this scam typicallyidentifythemselvesaslawyers,customs officialsorlottery representatives. The telemarketersbehindthisscammay be based in Jamaica, butthe U.S. EmbassyinJamaica warnsthatthose behind thescamwillask winnerstopay variousfees, includingshipping andcustoms duties,until victims’ fundsare exhausted.
•RomanceScam: TheFTC warnsthat wildly populardatingsites,socialnetworking platformsand chat roomsprovide opportunities forscammerstoidentify andexploit potentialvictims.The aimofthese scams, which many victimsare tooashamed to report even aftertheyrealize they’vebeenvictimized, is to convince targetstosendmoney in thename of love.But theEJI warnsthatonlinelove interestswho askfor moneyare almost certainly scam artists.
Theseare just ahandful of themanyways that modern scammers target seniors. More information aboutthese andother scamsis availableatjustice.gov/elderjustice.
Brandpoint Photo
HOW SENIORS CAN CULTIVATE A NEW HOBBY
BY BRANDPOINT
Retirement is often characterized as a carefree time in life when adults who spent years in the workforce get to enjoy the fruits of their labors But upon retiring, many retirees find themselves fighting boredom. A recent study from Indeed found that, as of March 2022, 3.2 percent of workers who retired a year earlier had already reentered the workforce. No two retirees are the same, and a host of variables, boredom among them, likely compelled recently retired professionals to go back to work
Retirees who like the freedom of not working but are confronting a good bit of boredom can consider these tips to cultivate a new hobby that can help them pass the time in a rewarding and engaging way
•Identifynew(orold)interests. Many retirees discover new passions in retirement, while others turn back the clock and revisit favorite hobbies from their youth. A good way to begin cultivating a new hobby is to jot down a list of activities you always found interesting but never had the time to learn or became too busy to fully invest in Some seniors hit the links for the first time in retirement, while others return to school to study subjects, they find interesting but did not engage with during their college years. The options are endless and jotting down a list of new or old interests is a great way to get the ball rolling
•Embracenewwaystoengageapassion. Virtual resources like online courses and book clubs conducted over Zoom with fellow readers across the nation and possibly even the globe are a great way to cultivate a new hobby in retirement. Virtual resources can be especially beneficial for seniors with mobility issues
•Considerlocallybasedresources. Community parks departments and libraries may offer an array of free or affordable opportunities for seniors to engage with a new hobby. Parks departments may offer anything from cross country skiing tutorials to age-based hiking excursions, while libraries may offer weekly crafting sessions or wellness programs to local residents. In addition to providing fun ways to discover and cultivate a new hobby, programs offered through parks departments and local libraries are great ways to meet fellow retirees.
•Putyourexperiencetouse. Retirees with years in their field don’t have to go back to work to make use of their professional expertise. Contact local youth organizations or outreach programs sponsored by churches, libraries or local law enforcement agencies and offer to share your expertise with young people. Such opportunities allow retirees to continue to engage with their professions and help a younger generation of aspiring professionals gain valuable insight into fields they’re interested in.
There’s no shortage of ways for seniors to overcome retirement boredom and cultivate rewarding hobbies.
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WhereEvery DayFeels LikeaGetaway
Resort-style senior living with allthe comforts of home—and none of thehassle.
Wake up to freshair,friendlyneighbors,and anew senseoffreedom.
At Ashlar Village, you canenjoy chef-prepared meals, scenic walking paths, engaging programs,and convenient on-site healthcare— allinone vibrant, maintenance-free community.
Fromrelaxing mornings on your patio to evenings filledwith music, laughter, andconnection, life hereisdesignedaround whatmatters most: you.
This isn’t just where you live. This is whereyou thrive.
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