5 Questions to Ask When Shopping for Hearing Aids...pg. 12
Only 39 percent of Americans have developed an emergency plan, yet 80 percent of Americans live in counties that have been hit with a weather-related disaster since 2007
Are You Prepared For When Disaster Strikes?
Essential Preparations for Disaster Preparedness
1. Sign up for local text alerts and warnings and download weather apps to your smartphone.
2. Develop an emergency communication plan for your family. Have an out of state contact in case local lines are too crowded.
3. Collect important documents and keep them in a safe place. is will help you evacuate without delay and get you back on track a er the disaster passes.
4. Gather emergency supplies. Pack a “go bag” to evacuate quickly and have supplies in the home you can use without water or power.
Grab-N-Go Kit
Pack supplies for at least 3 days in a 5-gallon bucket or backpack
Emergencies can happen at any time...at any place. Have an emergency kit available in your car, at home and at work.
Dry or canned food and drinking water for each person
Can opener
First aid supplies and rst aid book
Copies of important documents such as birth certi cates, licenses, and insurance policies
“Special needs” items for family members such as infant formula, eyeglasses and medications
•Over 28 years of excellence with DSHS state inspections
•Dedicated, expertly trained staff
•We offer a transitional whole care approach from adult day stay, short-term respite, residential living, to end of life supportive care.
WELCOME TO COMPASS & CLOCK
My baby sister celebrated her 60th birthday this year. A milestone that my much younger self thought to be ancient. Sometimes, that number still momentarily retains the stigma of “old”, until it hits me that I’m 62. But looking at my sisters, our friends, and a video of me riding a mechanical bull only weeks ago, we don’t seem old to me.
That’s not to say I’m in denial about my age; not at all. I’m confident in my age and appreciate the hard-won wisdom I’ve acquired. What I dispute is our culture’s tendency to treat seniors as diminished and the resulting attempts of our aging population to seem younger than they are.
Youth is broadly characterized by an explosive period of learning and exploration. Taking chances. It would stand to reason then, that if you continue to cultivate your curiosity by pursuing new skills and experiences, especially those outside your comfort zone, you’ll discover your personal fountain of youth. Not to feign youth, but to nourish your vitality.
Boomers and Gen-Xers are rejecting the culture’s disregard for the aged. Anecdotally, my family alone is a great example of defying stereotypes. My older sister sold everything she owns, works remotely, and lives on the road following her dream to photographically document her travels. My younger sister left a stable job, built her own successful marketing business, and recently purchased her first home. I’ve been living transnationally for two years in a country, quite literally, on the other side of the globe from the USA. We had great role models in our parents as they traveled the world and had some pretty epic parties in their retirement. Now, after our mother’s death, our 91-year-old father has moved from the east coast to the west coast and still lives independently.
It isn’t your chronological age that drives you to chase your dreams and ambitions, it’s your passion.
When you’re healthy and have access to resources it may be easier to embrace your age. Going boldly while plagued with health and/or financial issues is far more challenging, but not impossible. They can be the motivation to prove vigor and defy expectations.
Don’t allow our youth-oriented culture to age-shame you. You have earned every kernel of wisdom in your arsenal. While new endeavors can be scary at any age, it has always been the process of working toward a goal that builds character and knowledge. Wear your age and experience proudly, harness your ambition, and make those dreams reality.
You can read about 'The New 65' on page 7.
No matter what your age, finances, or health status, Compass and Clock is here to help you with:
Visit our website at www.compassandclock.com to choose how you receive the future planning information we offer: subscribe to our YouTube channel, podcast, and newsletter, or sign up for home delivery.
Mary Coupland Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Founder, Owner, and CEO, Compass & Clock
Member of NAIPC WA Chapter (National Aging in Place Council)
Member of Kitsap Provider Group
Member of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce
Past Board Member Peninsula Services
Past President, Board of Directors, Mavericks Bainbridge
Past Board Member, Bainbridge HS Baseball Boosters
Attorney and Principal of Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano & Lind, P.S.
With over 27 years of legal experience, Tony focuses on estate planning, estate & gi taxation, elder law, & complex probate matters. Admitted to Practice in Washington, North Carolina, and Texas (Inactive)
Washington State Bar Association APEX Award Winner – 2016
2021 Best of Kitsap Award Winner
Member – Kitsap County Bar Association
Board Member and Treasurer – Kitsap Humane Society
Past Board Member – North Kitsap Fishline, Kitsap Legal Services, and West Sound Academy
Retired US Navy JAG – 25 Years Total Service
Presenter – 2020 65th Annual Estate Planning Seminar Sponsored by University of Washington and the Estate Planning Council of Seattle
Presenter – 2019 and 2020 Kitsap Estate Planners Seminar Sponsored by Kitsap Community Foundation and Olympic College
Volume 15
We are a group of compassionate, experienced, dedicated professionals. Our goal is to provide you with all the current news and resources you need to stay on top of your game for middle age, retirement and well into your senior years.
125 Questions to Ask When Shopping for Hearing Aids
15Alzheimer's Help Line
16Dear Marci
18Snoring: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
20Independence with Durable Medical Equipment
22The Bene ts of Non-Surgical Knee Decompression
24The Bene ts of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
27Opening A Door is Easier Than Ever
28A Busy Girl in a Busy World
30How Weather Impacts Aging
33Embracing AI for a Healthier & Better Life HOUSING OPTIONS
34Will Aging Boomers Rekindle the Senior Housing Market?
36Warning Signs That At Home Care is Needed
37When Mom & Dad Won't Move LEGAL GUIDANCE
38Document Storage & Retention
39Is Living in a 55+ Community for You? LEISURE PURSUITS
40Arm Strength May Prevent a Fall
42If Your Retirement Goal is 70
44Dressing for a Nice Restaurant
46House & Pet Sitting FAMILY SUPPORT
48A Guide on How to Reduce Loneliness
50RESOURCE DIRECTORY
By Mike Adams
How Is Your Financial Advisor Doing? M
ost investors have little or no idea of how well their accounts are doing when compared to what they might be doing. In other words, they do not know if they are “leaving a lot of money on the table.” Their advisor may be telling them they are meeting their financial goals on their financial plan and that might be so. But will the financial plan withstand Great Recessions like the one in 2008-9 or inflation periods like 2021-2022? Probably not. What will be the impact if the market hits even worse situations since that is very possible?
If your TV has no picture when you turn it on, you know you have a problem. When the warning lights come on in your car, you know you have a problem. When the electricity goes off in your house you know you have a problem.
The biggest concern of most people is outliving their nest egg. When the “golden years” become the “olden years.” It’s not pretty.
potato chips, nuts, pretzels, and M&Ms with this warning –ABSOLUTELY NO BROWN M&Ms.
So why the hang up on brown M&Ms? Had they had a bad experience? Did they just want to make some poor caterer hand pick the candy?
It is particularly important that investors check their accounts performance. It should not be complicated. Most people and organizations figure out an uncomplicated way to check performance.
Let me illustrate. When bands and performers come to Seattle, they send a document that spells out what they want to eat, drink, how the stage should be set up and a whole list of requirements. Sometimes they ask to paint the dressing rooms. One performer asked for a bucket of ice and a fifth of Jack Daniels. Stage managers from one venue will talk to the previous stage manager: “The contract says two cartons of cigarettes. Will they have some left or do we need to buy two cartons?”
Some contracts will be longer and some smaller. Van Halen was a leading band in music in the 1970s and 1980s. They were very flamboyant for their time. In that period of time most bands had a three- or four-page contract, but Van Halen had a 53-page contract they sent ahead. They had a point-by-point layout of how they wanted the stage arranged and equipped. But they also included food. On even days they wanted roast beef, fried chicken, or lasagna with sides of brussels sprouts, broccoli, and spinach. On odd days they wanted steak or Chinese with green beans, peas, or carrots. Under no circumstance would the band accept paper or plastic plates. For munchies they required
When their contract was leaked to the press, reporters and critics assumed it was a classic case of rock star excess. Their demands were laid out in a 53-page contract that was almost like a small telephone book. Sometimes they trashed their dressing rooms when they left. What kind of demand was ABSOLUTELY NO BROWN M&Ms? Just a classic case of rock star excess was the explanation.
That explanation was far from the truth. The Van Halen show was an extravaganza. They had a colossal stage set, booming audio, and spectacular light effects. All required a great deal of space, structural support, and electrical power.
Many arenas where they played were outdated. The 53 pages laid out point by point instructions to ensure enough physical space, enough load bearing capacity and enough electrical power. Van Halen did not want anyone killed or injured in their performance. (It happens when stages are not set up correctly. Singer Olivia Rodrigo fell through a trap door on stage in the last year.)
When Van Halen arrived in a new city how could they be sure that the instructions were followed in detail to ensure no one was killed or injured? Of course, they asked the stage manager. But they really wanted assurance beyond what they were told. How did they verify? THE BROWN M&Ms!
David Lee Roth, the lead of Van Halen, as soon as he arrived, the first place he headed to was to the dressing room to see if there were brown M&Ms. If there were indeed brown M&Ms in the snacks Roth knew the contract
Financial PLANNING
had not been read in detail. That meant the band would have to do a serious line check and verify the physical space, the load bearing capacities and electrical power situation themselves. When the concert was over, they would trash the dressing room so the next promotors would think they were rock star excessive and not realize the reason for the brown M&Ms.
Most investors get their financial plan and are assured they are doing the best possible. But shouldn’t investors adopt the Van Halen plan and verify how they are doing? Most financial advisors are doing the best they can do. But are they falling short of what is possible? Van Halen chose the brown M&M test.
It’s not that complicated for most investors as they look at their accounts and hear from their advisors how well they have done. Most investors are not showing how they might have done considerably better with a different manager or a different lineup of investments.
Most investors accept at face value their advisor is doing his best for them. But it does not mean the investor is getting the best advice or the best long-term management.
In our opinion investors would do well to have the Van Halen brown M&M test. For investors that means
comparing their investment results against the S&P 500 Total Return Index. There are literally over a million indexes. The S&P is in our opinion the most difficult. That truly tells the brown M&M story.
• It’s not that complicated for individual investors.
• How much did you start with?
• How much did you add or withdraw?
• What were the gains?
• What is the ending balance?
Josh Brown, who you may have seen on CNBC, authored a book: Backstage Wall Street. This is what he wrote:
"Most of the brokers [financial advisors] I know and have met over the years are phenomenal, world-class salespeople…But a great many of these security selling savants don’t attain the knowledge necessary to actually accomplish anything for their clients… Selling one’s expertise is much easier than actually developing an expertise, especially as it pertains to investing.”
Van Halen had an extravagant performance, and they had a system to ensure that their stage was set up correctly. Do you, the investor, have your own brown M&M test? If not, how can you be sure you are getting the best advice?
The “New 65”
By Gary Floring
Turning 65 has traditionally been considered a major milestone age. It is associated with retirement, Medicare, and becoming an official “senior citizen” in our culture. Over the past few decades, life expectancy has dramatically increased due to advances in medical treatment and technology, as well as a general growth in healthy lifestyles.
For people turning 65 this year, life expectancy in the year of their birth (1960) was 66.6 for men and 73.1 for women. Today, those numbers are 81.9 and 86.4 respectively, an average increase of more than 20 percent. People of all ages are embracing life and living to the fullest. Many seniors enjoy healthier lifestyles than their predecessors, including better nutrition that enhances their life expectancy.
The “New 65” generation of today is challenging old stereotypes. They know that life beyond 65 can be filled with passion, purpose, and potential, all of which drive fulfillment and happiness in their Golden Years. This new generation is emboldened to try new pastimes, stay physically active, and importantly, becoming more engaged with social activities, clubs, and hobby groups. Today’s seniors not only express enthusiasm for life, but some researchers strongly believe such active passions may help to counteract cognitive decline (i.e., Alzheimer’s).
Instead of citing a cliché such as “65 is the new 45,” this new generation celebrates their age and embraces all the opportunities it provides. In this context, one might say “Sixty-five is the New 65!” In other words, today’s seniors seek to not just survive but thrive. Some people start their dreams of a new business or leverage personal hobbies into income-producing work while reaping the reward of doing something they are enthusiastic about. Others set out on long road trips to explore all the countless horizons our country has to offer. Traveling internationally and taking cruises are still another way people discover new places and experience cultural variety. No matter their age, abilities, potential, or challenges, they have found their own way to experience purpose with a passion.
According to the website www.growingbolder.com, the seven keys of happiness are:
HAVE PURPOSE. It’s crucial that we have a reason to get up and get out of bed every morning.
EMBRACE CHANGE. If you fear it or fight it, you may end up on the couch, isolated.
STAY CURIOUS. Never stop learning. Saying yes to new
experiences and learning new things boosts confidence and can expand life in countless and unpredictable ways.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF. Now is the time to cultivate a kinder inner voice. Give yourself grace and become a friend to yourself instead of another critic.
FIND JOY IN LITTLE THINGS. Noticing good things, however small, helps develop a sense of hope, optimism, and happiness. Train your brain to see what’s good around you.
STAY CONNECTED. Nurture your relationships with others. It’s been proven that social connection is vital to our health and happiness, because “community is immunity.”
PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. A simple smile, a word of encouragement, a plate of cookies, a phone call to check-in, or a helping hand. Random acts of kindness are contagious. People who receive acts of kindness are more likely to be kind and generous themselves.
Now that you realize all the richness that can been experienced by turning the “New 65,” don’t waste another moment to get out there and start living large!
Gary Floring, We Know Medicare 101 Professional, 360633-7626, https://weknowmedicare.org/gary-floring/
Two Decades of Service: An interview from the podcast 'Reverse Mortgage Radio'
RM Radio: Ted, thank you for sitting down with us today. You’ve spent the last 21 years as a reverse mortgage professional, earning the title The Voice of Reverse Mortgage. Over two decades, you’ve seen the industry evolve tremendously. To start with, what are the most significant changes you’ve witnessed in the reverse mortgage landscape since you began?
Ted Butler: Great question! When I first entered the industry, reverse mortgages were often misunderstood. Many people thought they were a last resort for financially struggling seniors. Over the years, education and regulation have transformed perceptions. One of the biggest changes has been the government’s involvement through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program, created in 1987 and signed into Federal law in 1988. These additions have provided safeguards to make reverse mortgages more consumer friendly.
Additionally, financial planners now view them as strategic tools rather than just emergency funds. Technology has also played a massive role—when I started,everything was done manually, but today, we have online applications, educational webinars, and more sophisticated calculators to help seniors make informed decisions.
RM Radio: Since you mentioned misconceptions, what do you think are the biggest myths surrounding reverse mortgages, and how do you address them?
Ted Butler: One of the biggest myths is that the bank will take your home. In reality, with an FHA-insured reverse mortgage, the borrower retains homeownership, just like
with a traditional mortgage. The difference is that instead of making monthly payments, the loan balance grows over time and is typically repaid when the borrower sells, moves out permanently, or passes away.
Another common myth is that reverse mortgages are only for people who are desperate. While they do help those with financial challenges, they are increasingly being used as a smart financial strategy by affluent retirees. Some use them to delay Social Security benefits, fund long-term care, or diversify retirement income.
There’s also the concern that heirs will be left with massive debt. The truth is, heirs have options—they can sell the home, refinance it into a traditional mortgage, or walk away without any personal liability, thanks to the nonrecourse feature of HECMs.
RM Radio: That’s incredibly enlightening! Given these myths and misunderstandings, how has consumer education improved over the years?
Ted Butler: It has improved significantly, but there’s always more work to do. Twenty years ago, most people learned about reverse mortgages through word of mouth or the occasional newspaper ad. Today, we have online education portals, government-mandated counseling, financial workshops, and YouTube channels explaining the ins and outs of these products.
One of the biggest game-changers has been the rise of independent financial advisors incorporating reverse mortgages into their retirement planning discussions. More seniors are proactively seeking information
Markus Winkler
rather than waiting until they are in financial distress. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) have also played major roles in ensuring clearer communication and ethical lending practices.
That said, misinformation is still widespread, particularly on social media. This is why professionals like myself continue to push for greater transparency and accurate reporting on what reverse mortgages can and cannot do.
RM Radio: With all of these changes and the growing awareness, what trends do you see shaping the future of reverse mortgages?
Ted Butler: The future is bright!! I think we’re going to see even more innovation in how reverse mortgages are structured and marketed. HUD just increased their HECM lending limit to $1,209,750! Proprietary reverse mortgage products—those not insured by the FHA—have been growing in popularity. These products cater to higher-value homes and provide more flexibility than traditional HECMs.
Another trend is the integration of reverse mortgages with holistic retirement planning. More financial advisors are recognizing the benefits of leveraging home equity as part of a well-rounded retirement strategy. We’re also seeing younger retirees, in their early 60s or even mid-50s, considering reverse mortgages earlier rather than waiting until their late 70s or 80s.
Technology will continue to improve accessibility. The application process is becoming more streamlined, and artificial intelligence is playing a role in helping borrowers understand their options better.
Finally, policy changes will always shape the industry. As retirement demographics shift and more people enter retirement with mortgage debt, I expect further refinements to reverse mortgage regulations to ensure sustainability and affordability for future generations.
Add to that purchase, the use of this program to buy a home is dramatically changing the acceptance of the program, not only by consumers, but Realtors and Builders as well.
RM Radio: Those are some exciting developments! Finally, what advice would you give to seniors and their families who are considering a reverse mortgage but are hesitant?
Ted Butler: My biggest piece of advice is to get educated. Don’t rely on hearsay or what a friend told you—talk to an expert, do your research, and understand how the product fits into your unique situation.
I also recommend including family members in the conversation. Heirs should be aware of how a reverse
mortgage works so there are no surprises down the road. A lot of hesitation comes from misinformation, so once people see the facts and understand the safeguards in place, they feel more confident in making a decision.
Finally, work with someone who is transparent and ethical. Reverse mortgages aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. A good advisor will walk you through all your options and make sure you’re making the best choice for your financial future. If something feels rushed or too good to be true, take a step back and reassess.
RM Radio: Ted, this has been an incredibly insightful conversation. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experiences with us. It’s clear that reverse mortgages have come a long way, and your dedication to educating seniors has made a real difference!
Ted Butler: Thank you! It’s been my pleasure. Helping seniors make informed decisions about their home equity is my passion, and I’m glad to be part of an industry that continues to evolve for the better.
The Reverse Mortgage Radio Podcast can be found online at Spotify, iHeart, Apple, YouTube, and Podbean. Ted Butler, Home Equity Retirement Specialist NMLS #71436, Serving WA, CA, AZ, ID, OR. (425) 891-6644.
RETIREMENT PREP TIP SHEET
RETIREMENT PREP TIP SHEET
Planning for retirement involves a mix of financial, legal, practical, and lifestyle considerations. Here’s a list of important things to take care of before retiring, ranging from big-picture planning to smaller, often-overlooked details.
Planning for retirement involves a mix of financial, legal, practical, and lifestyle considerations. Here’s a list of important things to take care of before retiring, ranging from big-picture planning to smaller, often-overlooked details.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Assess Your Retirement Income
Assess Your Retirement Income
Review Social Security benefits and determine the best time to claim.
Review Social Security benefits and determine the best time to claim.
Estimate pension, 401(k), IRA, and investment withdrawals.
Estimate pension, 401(k), IRA, and investment withdrawals.
Consider creating a budget based on projected income and expenses.
Consider creating a budget based on projected income and expenses.
Pay Off Debt
Pay Off Debt
Prioritize paying off mortgages, car loans, and highinterest debt.
Prioritize paying off mortgages, car loans, and highinterest debt.
Reduce credit card balances and avoid new longterm loans.
Reduce credit card balances and avoid new longterm loans.
Review Investments & Portfolio Allocation
Review Investments & Portfolio Allocation
Shift towards lower-risk investments to protect your savings.
Shift towards lower-risk investments to protect your savings.
Ensure you have enough liquid assets for emergencies.
Ensure you have enough liquid assets for emergencies.
Understand Healthcare Costs
Understand Healthcare Costs
Research Medicare plans and supplemental insurance (Medigap).
Research Medicare plans and supplemental insurance (Medigap).
Consider long-term care insurance or alternative care strategies.
Consider long-term care insurance or alternative care strategies.
Tax Planning
Tax Planning
Plan for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts.
Plan for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts.
Consider Roth conversions or tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.
Consider Roth conversions or tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.
Know how Social Security and pensions are taxed.
Know how Social Security and pensions are taxed.
Establish an Emergency Fund
Establish an Emergency Fund
Keep at least 6–12 months of expenses in a liquid account.
Keep at least 6–12 months of expenses in a liquid account.
LEGAL & ESTATE PLANNING
LEGAL & ESTATE PLANNING
Update Your Will & Estate Plan
Update Your Will & Estate Plan
Ensure your will is up to date and reflects your current wishes.
Ensure your will is up to date and reflects your current wishes.
Set up a trust if needed to avoid probate and simplify inheritance.
Set up a trust if needed to avoid probate and simplify inheritance.
Review & Update Beneficiaries
Review & Update Beneficiaries
Double-check your 401(k), IRA, life insurance, and other accounts.
Double-check your 401(k), IRA, life insurance, and other accounts.
Create or Update Power of Attorney (POA)
Create or Update Power of Attorney (POA)
Assign financial and healthcare POAs in case you become incapacitated.
Assign financial and healthcare POAs in case you become incapacitated.
At the point of setting up your POA’s it’s encouraged that you have them set up so they are effective immediately, as this makes it much easier should you become incapacitated.
At the point of setting up your POA’s it’s encouraged that you have them set up so they are effective immediately, as this makes it much easier should you become incapacitated.
Prepare Advance Directives
Prepare Advance Directives
Have a living will and medical power of attorney in place.
Have a living will and medical power of attorney in place.
Organize Important Documents
Organize Important Documents
Store financial records, property deeds, insurance policies, and passwords securely.
Store financial records, property deeds, insurance policies, and passwords securely.
Make sure a trusted person knows where to find them.
Make sure a trusted person knows where to find them.
HOUSING & HOME MAINTENANCE
HOUSING & HOME MAINTENANCE
Decide Where You Want to Live
Stay in your current home or downsize?
Decide Where You Want to Live Stay in your current home or downsize?
Consider senior-friendly communities or assisted living options.
Consider senior-friendly communities or assisted living options.
Renovate for Aging in Place (if staying in your home)
Renovate for Aging in Place (if staying in your home)
Install grab bars, non-slip flooring, and better lighting.
Install grab bars, non-slip flooring, and better lighting.
Consider a first-floor bedroom/bathroom if mobility may become an issue.
Consider a first-floor bedroom/bathroom if mobility may become an issue.
Upgrade major appliances or roofing to avoid future big expenses.
Upgrade major appliances or roofing to avoid future big expenses.
Review Property Taxes & Home Insurance
Review Property Taxes & Home Insurance
See if you qualify for senior tax exemptions.
See if you qualify for senior tax exemptions.
Ensure your home insurance policy is appropriate for your needs.
Ensure your home insurance policy is appropriate for your needs.
Declutter & Organize
Declutter & Organize
Simplify possessions to make downsizing easier later.
Simplify possessions to make downsizing easier later.
Digitize important documents and sentimental items.
Digitize important documents and sentimental items.
HEALTHCARE & INSURANCE
HEALTHCARE & INSURANCE
Choose a Primary Care Doctor & Specialists
Choose a Primary Care Doctor & Specialists
If relocating, find new doctors in your area.
If relocating, find new doctors in your area.
Ensure they accept Medicare or your insurance plan.
Ensure they accept Medicare or your insurance plan.
Plan for Long-Term Care
Plan for Long-Term Care
Research assisted living, in-home care, or nursing home options.
Research assisted living, in-home care, or nursing home options.
Discuss preferences with family members.
Discuss preferences with family members.
Check Life & Health Insurance Coverage
Check Life & Health Insurance Coverage
Determine if you need additional coverage.
Determine if you need additional coverage.
Review any employer-provided insurance that may end at retirement.
Review any employer-provided insurance that may end at retirement.
SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS
SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS
Build a Retirement Routine
Build a Retirement Routine Plan hobbies, volunteering, or part-time work to stay engaged.
Plan hobbies, volunteering, or part-time work to stay engaged.
Strengthen social networks to avoid isolation.
Strengthen social networks to avoid isolation.
Discuss Plans with Family
Discuss Plans with Family
Make sure loved ones know your wishes for care, finances, and housing.
Make sure loved ones know your wishes for care, finances, and housing.
If relocating, consider proximity to family members.
If relocating, consider proximity to family members.
Explore Travel Plans & Budget for Leisure Plan major trips early when health is better. Take advantage of senior discounts and travel rewards.
Explore Travel Plans & Budget for Leisure
Plan major trips early when health is better. Take advantage of senior discounts and travel rewards.
Stay Physically & Mentally Active
Stay Physically & Mentally Active
Join exercise programs, social clubs, or take up new learning opportunities.
Join exercise programs, social clubs, or take up new learning opportunities.
Maintain a strong sense of purpose post-career.
Maintain a strong sense of purpose post-career.
Health CARE
By Evan Grolley, Au.D., CCC-A
Hearing aids are usually a blind purchase; most people who are shopping for hearing aids have never done so before and are relying on the expertise of their audiologist or hearing aid specialist. We don’t see a lot of hearing aid advertisements on TV touting special features to look for, like we do with cars, phones, stereos, and other things. Most first-time buyers have no idea what hearing aids cost, let alone the intricacies of navigating the myriad features, styles, and manufacturers. So, we rely on that aforementioned expertise, or on consumer reports online, or on the experiences of our friends and family. But there are problems with those approaches as well.
When we use consumer reports online to select hearing aids, we’re assuming that the hearing aids are doing all the work. This leaves the hearing aid provider out of the equation, even though they are the ones programming the hearing aids and setting them up for you. If the hearing aids don’t fit correctly, they aren’t going to sound right no matter which ones you get. And when we rely on the expertise of the audiologist or hearing aid specialist, we assume that the provider can steer us in the right direction. A good provider will not just put a product in front of you and say “this is the one you want.” Instead, they will ask questions to get at the heart of your needs and priorities. Things like:
Five Questions to Ask When Shopping for Hearing Aids
“Where do you have the most difficulty understanding speech?”
“What are your biggest concerns about hearing aids? Is it the way they look, the way they feel, the way they sound?”
“Do you have any physical limitations that might make it difficult to use hearing aids?”
“What are your typical listening environments on any given day? Are you going out to noisy restaurants or movie theaters, or are you mainly communicating one-on-one?”
The answers to these questions help us figure out a style and price point that will meet your needs. For example, someone who has arthritis or neuropathy might have more difficulty getting certain hearing aids on their ears compared to others – you wouldn’t want a tiny hearing aid with the smallest available battery if you didn’t have the dexterity to operate it properly. But there are also questions that you can ask, both about the provider and about the devices, that can help you make the right choice as well.
1. Do I really need hearing aids? It seems like a silly question to ask. After all, why would you be reading an article like this if you didn’t already think you needed hearing aids? But the fact is that not everyone who has hearing loss will use hearing aids, because not everyone with hearing loss perceives an impairment. And they obviously don’t help if you don’t use them. So, you should ask this question, even when confronted with a hearing test
that shows a hearing loss, and pay careful attention to the answer you get.
A good provider will explain that different people perceive hearing loss differently. Some people with mild hearing loss will feel like they have a lot of difficulty, and some people with much worse hearing loss feel like they do fine. This is because of differences in our abilities, environments, and personalities. Some people are better at using visual and contextual cues than others; some people have better communication partners than others, and some people are just better at faking it than others.
Other providers will talk to the hearing test instead of talking to the patient. So be wary of someone who doesn’t check in with you to see whether the results of the hearing test are consistent with the difficulties you’re experiencing.
2. What kind of improvement can I expect from hearing aids?
Once we have established that you do have a hearing loss and feel like you need help, we can start talking about potential solutions and expectations. There
are lots of different hearing aids out there, and they all have different philosophies and algorithms for processing sound. So, with this question, we want to establish where you’re having the most difficulty, set some goals for improvement, and determine whether hearing aids can help us reach those goals.
The biggest complaint from most people with hearing loss is that they can’t understand in noisy environments, so we see a lot of patients looking for improvement in this area. To help answer this question for you specifically, think about the areas where you’re having the most difficulty and set some goals for yourself. The goals should be specific and quantifiable (so not something like “I want to hear everything better”). Share those goals with your audiologist and see whether they think the goals are reasonable. And ask how they will measure your progress toward achieving those goals. Some sample goals are:
Converse in a moderately noisy restaurant for 30 minutes with only infrequent need for repetition.
Be able to understand the television with the volume set 20 steps lower than where I have it set right now.
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Reduce my need for repetition in a quiet conversation by 50 percent.
3. What services are included with my purchase? This question gets at the heart of different models for hearing aid sales. There are essentially three different models: (1) bundled; (2) unbundled; and (3) mixed. A bundled model is one in which you are charged for the hearing aids and nothing else. The audiologist does not tell you what services are included but rather says that all services are inclusive in the cost. This can cost more or less in the long run, depending on how frequently you are returning for follow-up services like programming and maintenance, but it really lacks transparency. How much do the hearing aids actually cost? What services are included and what would they cost if they were charged separately?
An unbundled model is different. Your bill is itemized according to the hearing aids you’re buying, and each service performed. This is the most transparent way to price out the purchase because you’ll see exactly what you’re getting. Services like a conformity evaluation (more commonly called a Real Ear Measurement) should show up on the bill, so you know they were done.
A mixed model is a combination of the two. You buy the hearing aids and usually some kind of service package to go along with it. Again, you’ll want clarification on what services are a part of that package. But the nice thing about this option is that you can make your hearing aids either bundled or unbundled, so there’s more flexibility.
Regardless of the model that is used, you’ll want to make sure you receive some basic services with your purchase. The audiologist should explain how to use the hearing aids, how to clean them, how to operate the controls – what we call a “hearing aid orientation.” But they should also perform a Real Ear Measurement; this test checks the sound at your eardrum to make sure the hearing aids are hitting your amplification targets. Only about 30-40 percent of hearing aid providers do this test even though it’s the gold standard for fitting hearing aids, so it’s not guaranteed that you’ll have it included.
4. What is the office policy for returns and exchanges? Every state has a different policy about the mandatory trial, or rescission, period. Here in Washington State, you are required to have at least 30 days during which
you can return or exchange hearing aids. Many offices provide a 60-day period to give you some extra time to get used to them and make sure that they work for you.
Beyond the duration of your trial period, you should also make sure you’re comfortable with the office. Washington State defines “reasonable cause” for rescission of a hearing aid sale, and some offices will not take a return when they are not legally obligated to do so based on that definition.
5. What is the warranty on the purchase?
Hearing aids usually come with a warranty that protects against manufacturer defects and loss or damage. This warranty is important because hearing aids are electronic devices that operate in a hot and humid environment (AKA: your ears!). So, even though they are much more durable than they used to be, they do occasionally break down. Some parts can be replaced in your audiologist’s office, but sometimes the hearing aids need to go to the manufacturer for repair. These types of repairs are covered under the warranty.
Loss or damage is a different story. Each manufacturer has a loss/damage warranty that covers a one-time replacement, usually with a deductible. But once you use that warranty, you can’t use it again unless you purchase a new warranty. Make sure to ask the audiologist about the duration of the warranty, the cost of a deductible, and whether there are any options to extend your warranty if the loss/damage deductible is used.
Beyond these 5 questions, there are also some other questions you can ask about specific features if they are important to you. For example: is Bluetooth connectivity available? Can I get a charger that will still work when the power goes out? Are there other accessories to help with noise? The features should be geared toward meeting your communication goals that were touched on earlier but can also just make it easier to use your hearing aids. Answering these questions can help decide on the right product and provider for you, so you can be confident with your decision and with your communication.
Evan Grolley, Au.D., CCC-A, owner Link Audiology. 360-5514800, 3 locations, Vashion Island, University Place, and Silverdale, https://linkaudiology.com/
Alzheimer’s Helpline
Today, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 126,000 in Washington. Many individuals and family members or friends who are serving as unpaid caregivers are often left in the dark about what to expect or where to turn for help.
Whether an individual is worried about their own memory loss or someone they know, or is one of the 247,000 unpaid caregivers in Washington, the free Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline is a vital and important resource, no matter when or where the individual currently is in the Alzheimer’s journey.
Individuals can contact the Helpline day or night to:
•
•
•
•
• “Our expert staff can address and answer questions like memory loss, safety issues and some of the new treatment options that may delay clinical decline or help temporarily address symptoms,” said Meghan Means, Director of Programs and Services for the Association’s Washington and North Idaho Chapter.
In addition, staff can address:
•
•
•
• Where to find care consultations or dementia care navigation services
“Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming and no one should go through it alone,” said Means. “The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline –800.272.3900 – is here day or night to help individuals and families navigate disease-related challenges throughout the disease course.”
There are three ways to connect with the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline:
• Legal and financial documents for future care.
• Aging and brain health.
• Referrals to local programs and services
Q & A
Dear Marci
Dear Marci,
I delayed enrolling in Part B and D. I was told I could do so because I had job-based insurance. I recently received a letter informing me I will be charged a late enrollment penalty. I don’t think I should have to pay a penalty; how do I appeal my late enrollment penalty?
- Lee (Bowling Green, KY)
Dear Lee,
Everyone has a right to file an appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding their late enrollment penalty (LEP) determination. Since you had job-based coverage while you delayed enrolling in Parts B and D, you have good reason to appeal. Below you will find information about appealing the Part B and D LEP.
Appealing Part B LEP
If you meet any of the following reasons you can appeal to remove the Part B LEP or lower the penalty amount:
• You had job-based insurance during some or all of the time period in question
• You were actually enrolled in Medicare Part B during some or all or the period in question
• You have a new Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
• You are enrolled in an MSP
Steps to Filing a Part B LEP Appeal:
1. Gather your evidence
• If you had job-based insurance:
Call your former employer or plan and ask for a letter proving that you were enrolled in coverage. Make sure to attach this letter to your appeal form.
• If you were actually enrolled in Medicare Part B during some or all or the period in question and being assessed in error
You can include proof of that coverage, including Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) showing payment for care, statements showing premiums paid, or other records.
Dear Marci is a biweekly e-newsletter designed to keep you -- people with Medicare, social workers, health care providers and other professionals -- in the loop about health care benefits, rights and options for older Americans and people with disabilities.
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2. Follow the directions on the letter informing you about the penalty.
• If you do not have this letter, you can use SSA’s request for reconsideration form. (Form SSA-561-U2)
Appealing Part D LEP
If any of the following reasons apply to you, then filing an appeal may result in the elimination or reduction of your Part D LEP:
• You have Extra Help
• You had creditable drug coverage during some or all of the time period in question
• You had non-creditable drug coverage, but your or your spouse’s employer or insurer told you it was
• creditable or didn’t inform you that it was noncreditable
• You were ineligible for a Medicare prescription drug plan (e.g., if you were living outside the U.S. or incarcerated)
• You couldn’t enroll into creditable drug coverage because of a serious medical emergency
Steps to Filing a Part D LEP Appeal:
1. Gather your evidence:
• If you had creditable drug coverage:
Call your former plan and ask for a letter proving that you were enrolled in creditable drug coverage. Make sure to attach this letter to your appeal form.
Your employer or union may also be able to confirm the fact that you had creditable drug coverage.
2. Complete the appeal form you received from your plan and attach any evidence you have
• If you don’t have an appeal form from your plan, you can also use this Part D LEP Reconsideration Request Form.
3. Mail everything to C2C Innovative Solutions. The appeal deadline is 60 days from the date you received
the letter informing you about the penalty. Be sure to follow the steps outlined above and file within 60 days. If you miss the 60 days deadline, you can write a letter explaining why you had good cause, or a good reason—like serious illness—that prevented you from appealing on time. Attach the letter to your appeal.
While your appeal is being considered, be sure to pay the LEP to your plan along with your premium. If your appeal is successful, your plan will pay you back for the LEP payments you made while your appeal was pending.
Hope this helps!
- Marci
Dear Marci,
I turned 65 last year but didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B right away, because I am still working and have employersponsored health insurance. A friend mentioned that I might have to pay a late enrollment penalty since I missed my Initial Enrollment Period. Is this true?
-Nereyda (Montclair, NJ)
Dear Nereyda,
Great question! Since you are actively working and covered by your employer-sponsored health insurance, you can enroll in Medicare Part B without penalty using a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP allows you to sign up for Part B anytime while you are still covered by the employer’s health plan or within eight months after your employment-based coverage ends. If you enroll during this period, you won’t owe an LEP.
Even though it sounds like you shouldn’t owe a Part B LEP, it can be helpful to know how these penalties work. Here is some additional information about LEPs:
1. Part B late enrollment penalty
You may owe a Part B LEP if you delay enrolling in Medicare Part B after you are first eligible. For each 12-month period you delay enrollment, you will owe a 10% Part B premium penalty. So, if you delay enrollment for 24 months, you will owe the normal premium amount for Part B, plus an additional 20%.
However, you shouldn’t owe an LEP if:
• You have insurance from your or your spouse’s current work and have been continuously covered since becoming Medicare-eligible (with no more than eight consecutive months without coverage from either Medicare or insurance from current work)
• You are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
• You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) because of exceptional circumstances.
2. Part D Late Enrollment Penalty
You may owe an Part D LEP if you delay enrolling in Medicare Part D after you are first eligible for it. For each month you delay enrollment, 1% of the Part D base premium is added to your regular Part D premium.
However, you shouldn’t owe an LEP if:
• You had creditable drug coverage during the time you delayed enrolling in Part D
• You qualify for the Extra Help program
You can prove that you received inadequate or inaccurate information about whether your drug coverage was creditable.
Most people don’t owe a premium for Part A because of their or their spouse’s Social Security work history. If you do owe a premium for Part A, you could owe a Part A LEP if you delay enrollment. Visit the Medicare website to find out more about Part A LEP.
Hope this helps!
– Marci
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Snoring: The Good. The Bad. & The Ugly
By Mary Coupland
Snoring is a noisy breathing pattern that occurs when air flow is obstructed while sleeping. It can be soft or loud and is often caused by relaxed throat muscles. Snoring can be a normal occurrence, but it can also indicate a sleep disorder or other health issues.
Snoring is one of those things that’s both common and frustrating—it can be harmless, hilarious, or even a serious health issue. Let’s break it down.
THE GOOD
It can be funny – Let’s be honest, sometimes snoring sounds ridiculous. From soft purring to full-on chainsaw mode, the variety can be amusing (if you’re not the one trying to sleep).
It’s often harmless – Light, occasional snoring is usually nothing to worry about.
It can be a sign of deep sleep – Some people snore more when they’re really relaxed, which can mean they’re getting good rest (even if their partner isn’t!).
THE BAD
Sleep disruption – Loud snoring can wake up the snorer or their partner multiple times a night, leading to fatigue and crankiness.
Health risks – Chronic snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
It can get worse with age – As we get older, our throat muscles weaken, making snoring more common.
THE UGLY
Social embarrassment – Snoring loudly on a plane, in a hotel, or even during a movie nap can be a bit humiliating.
Extreme volume – Some snorers reach decibel levels comparable to a lawnmower (seriously, up to 90 decibels!).
Medical complications – If snoring is due to sleep apnea, it can lead to chronic oxygen deprivation, headaches, memory issues, and even depression.
Men vs. Women: Snoring Differences
Men snore more – About 40% of men snore regularly, compared to 24% of women. This is partly because men tend to have narrower air passages.
Hormones play a role – Estrogen and progesterone seem to help keep the airway open, which is why premenopausal women snore less than men. After menopause, snoring rates go up.
Weight factor – Snoring is more common in overweight individuals, and men tend to store fat around the neck more than women, increasing their risk.
Women are more likely to underreport it – Men usually get called out for snoring, while women may be more likely to deny it or not even realize they do it.
How
Snoring Affects Relationships
Sleep divorce – Many couples end up sleeping in separate rooms due to loud snoring. This can actually save a relationship if sleep deprivation is causing resentment.
Blame game – If one partner keeps the other awake, it can lead to irritation, passive-aggressive comments, and even full-blown arguments.
Loss of intimacy – Sleeping apart can sometimes lead to emotional and physical distance.
Funny moments – Some couples find ways to joke about snoring, recording each other’s noises or making it a running gag.
Have you or your partner dealt with snoring issues? If so, has it been a dealbreaker, or have you found ways to manage it? Communication is key. Openly discussing the issue with your partner and working together to find solutions is crucial.
SOLUTIONS
Lifestyle changes – Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and avoiding large meals before bedtime.
Nasal strips– Nasal strips are adhesive strips placed on the nose to widen nostrils and increase airflow. They can reduce snoring and improve breathing by decreasing air resistance in the nasal passages. However, nasal strips may not address snoring caused by complex underlying issues like obstructive sleep apnea.
Mouth Pieces - mouth pieces, also called mouthguards, reduce snoring by expanding the airway, holding the tongue in place, or, in some cases, both.
Sleeping position - It may also help to ask the snorer to sleep with their head elevated or avoid sleeping on their back.
Pillows - anti-snore pillows are wedge shaped pillows that elevate the head and neck to keep airways open, and your head and neck in alignment to support the respiratory airways. The bottom line: using large or too many pillows may be soft for your head but bad for snoring and
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breathing patterns. Make sure your pillow keeps your head tilted slightly backwards or in a neutral position.
Food - Fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel help decrease inflammation and support better breathing. Herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce snoring and enhance breathing.
CPAP machine – If it’s sleep apnea, a CPAP machine can be a game-changer.
Earplugs & white noise – If you’re the non-snoring partner, this might save your sanity.
Use a decongestant - if you’re congested
Exercise regularly
Music - Listen to music before bedtime
Is it my fault if I snore? Although some snoring may be caused by allergies, blocked nasal passages, excess weight, or sleep position, the noises may occur simply because the organs and tissues in your throat are set up to do so. The good news is it may be completely natural and normal for you to snore.
Are You On e Right Path To Retirement?
• Get a handle on how much you have saved and how much your will need to retire.
• Determine where you want to live and do the research if that place is not your current residence.
• Prepare for time on your hands by choosing a hobby, part-time job, classes or volunteer to pursue.
• Lay the groundwork for tax-saving moves.
• Look for ways to reduce spending.
• Read Compass & Clock
Independence with Durable Medical Equipment
By Tammy Kvinsland
As we age, maintaining independence becomes a top priority. For many, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) plays a crucial role in preserving mobility, safety, and overall well-being. Whether it’s a simple cane or a high-tech mobility scooter, the right equipment can mean the difference between relying on assistance and confidently moving through daily life.
What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
DME refers to medical devices designed to aid individuals with health challenges. These devices often focus on enhancing mobility and assisting with everyday tasks. From canes and walkers to lift chairs and scooters, DME provides essential support to help people stay active and
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independent. For many seniors, the right equipment can even extend the time they are able to live safely at home before considering assisted living.
Preventing Falls—A Top Priority
Balance issues and falls are a serious concern for older adults. One in four seniors will experience a fall each year, and one in five of those falls will result in serious injury. Taking preventive steps can significantly reduce fall risks. Exercise, physical therapy, medication management, and removing household hazards are all effective strategies. But once these steps are taken, utilizing the right DME can further enhance safety and stability.
When is the Right Time to Start Using DME?
You don’t have to wait until you have a fall. Sometimes, the first fall is when you realize you need a little extra help. And you definitely should look into a cane, walker, or rollator. But once you have a fall, there are often more that follow. Getting ahead of that when you notice balance issues can be a lifesaver. With my own mother-in-law, we didn’t realize the need until after she fell out of bed— closely followed by a couple more spills that fortunately only resulted in bruising. But since she has been using her walker, she hasn’t had any spills. And we have added peace of mind, knowing we are doing all we can to prevent future falls.
Mobility Aids—Choosing the Right Support
Finding the right DME can make everyday activities easier and safer. Here are some options to consider:
Canes – Offer minimal assistance for balance.
Walkers & Wheeled Walkers (Rollator) – Provide increased support, often with a built-in seat for resting.
Bathroom Safety Equipment – Grab bars, toilet risers, and bath chairs help prevent slips in one of the most hazardous areas of the home.
Lift Chairs – Assist with standing up from a seated position with ease.
Tension Poles – Floor-to-ceiling support poles provide a secure anchor for transitioning between sitting and standing.
Wheelchairs & Power Chairs – Allow for independent movement with either manual or powered options.
Scooters – Lightweight, foldable models make travel and errands more convenient.
DME Beyond Mobility
DME isn’t just for movement—it can also help manage other health conditions:
CPAP Machines – Improve sleep quality for those with sleep apnea.
Oxygen Concentrators – Assist with respiratory conditions.
Continuous Glucose Monitors – Help those with diabetes track blood sugar levels.
But beyond style, getting the right fit is essential. Trying out DME in person before purchasing ensures comfort, safety, and effectiveness. A reputable DME supplier will have trained staff to help with proper fitting and instruction on safe usage. A demonstration of how to properly use the equipment is also very helpful. At Olympic Pharmacy and Healthcare Services, our certified DME specialists (CDME) are dedicated to providing expert guidance and personalized service.
Take Control of Your Independence
DME is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your quality of life, allowing you to stay active and independent. If you or a loved one could benefit from mobility aids or other medical equipment, visit a trusted DME provider and explore the many options available to support your lifestyle. Your independence is worth it!
nee pain is a common and often debilitating issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it stems from osteoarthritis, injuries, or overuse, chronic knee pain can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. While traditional treatments such as medications, injections, and surgery have been widely used, some individuals seek non-invasive alternatives that can provide relief without the risks and recovery time associated with surgical procedures. One such approach is non-surgical knee decompression therapy using the Knee on Trac system.
Understanding Non-Surgical Knee Decompression
Non-surgical knee decompression is a therapy designed to relieve pressure in the knee joint by gently stretching it, creating space, and promoting fluid exchange. The Knee on Trac system is a device that facilitates this process by providing controlled mechanical traction to the knee. This approach aims to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Unlike treatments that primarily focus on symptom relief, knee decompression seeks to improve joint function by reducing compressive forces that contribute to pain and degeneration. Some patients undergoing Knee on Trac therapy report improved range of motion, reduced stiffness, and a decrease in pain levels.
Potential Benefits of the Knee on Trac System
1. Pain Management Without Surgery
One of the main advantages of the Knee on Trac system is that it provides a non-surgical option for addressing knee pain. Many individuals facing knee issues may prefer to explore non-invasive treatments before considering surgical procedures, which often involve longer recovery times and potential complications.
2. Possible Reduction of Inflammation and Swelling
Inflammation contributes to knee pain and stiffness. The Knee on Trac system applies decompression, which may help improve fluid exchange within the joint. Some individuals experience reduced swelling and increased mobility following treatment.
3. Support for Joint Mobility and Flexibility
Restricted movement can make daily activities challenging. The controlled traction provided by the Knee on Trac system is designed to stretch soft tissues and potentially improve joint mobility.
4. Encouragement of Natural Healing
By reducing stress on the knee joint and facilitating nutrient flow to surrounding tissues, decompression therapy may support the body’s natural healing process. For individuals with osteoarthritis, this approach could help slow the progression of joint degeneration.
5. Reduced Reliance on Medications
Chronic knee pain is often managed with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, which may have side effects when used long-term. Knee decompression therapy provides an option that does not rely on medication.
6. Adjustable Treatment Approach
Each person’s knee condition is unique, and the Knee on Trac system allows for a customized treatment plan based on individual needs and comfort levels.
7. Alternative to Injections
While injections such as corticosteroids can provide temporary pain relief, they may not be a long-term solution for some individuals. Knee decompression therapy provides a non-invasive option that does not involve
repeated injections.
Knee on Trac Therapy at Living Well Bainbridge
Living Well Bainbridge offers Knee on Trac therapy as part of its approach to addressing knee pain. The team at Living Well Bainbridge considers various factors when determining whether this therapy is suitable for a patient and may integrate it with other treatments, such as physical therapy or lifestyle recommendations.
What to Expect During a Knee on Trac Session
For those considering Knee on Trac therapy, a session typically lasts between 10 to 15 minutes and includes the following steps:
Patient Positioning – The patient is seated, and the affected leg is secured into the Knee on Trac device.
Controlled Decompression – The system applies gentle traction to the knee joint.
Relaxation and Monitoring – The patient remains relaxed while the machine operates, with therapists monitoring progress.
Completion and Aftercare – Following the session, additional therapies or exercises may be recommended.
Some individuals report relief after a few sessions, while others may require ongoing treatment based on their specific condition.
Is Knee on Trac Therapy an Option for You?
Knee on Trac therapy may be worth considering for individuals experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, ligament strains, or general wear and tear. Those looking for non-surgical, drug-free options for managing knee discomfort may find it beneficial as part of a broader treatment approach.
Conclusion
Chronic knee pain can significantly impact daily life, and exploring non-invasive options such as knee decompression therapy may provide relief for some individuals. The Knee on Trac system is designed to reduce pressure on the knee joint and improve mobility without the need for surgery or medications. Those interested in this approach can consult with professionals, such as those at Living Well Bainbridge, to determine whether it aligns with their needs and overall health goals.
Brian Kovara DC, Chiropractor, Living Well: Chiropractic Care, 206-842-4929, Serving Kitsap and Surrounding Areas, http:// www.livingwellbainbridge.com
Knee Pain Slowing You Down??
Why Choose
Are you struggling with knee pain that limits your mobility and quality of life?
Knee On Trac Is An Innovative, Non-Invasive Solution
Ideal for individuals suffering from:
• Osteoarthritis
•Chronic knee pain
•Meniscus injuries •Ligament strains
•Post-surgical discomfort
206.842.4929 |www.livingwellbainbridge.com
Knee on Trac has given me back my ability to comfortably work on my feet all day. I can enjoy walking and exercising again without constant pain from my knee. I feel as though years have been taken off my knee.
~Andrew S.
Call TODAY to schedule an appointment to see if the Knee on Trac system is right for you. Mention this ad and save 50% off your initial evaluation consultation, knee and lower extremity neurologic and orthopedic examination and any necessary x-rays (savings of $125.00)
By Brian Kovara, DC
Spinal health plays a critical role in overall wellbeing, influencing mobility, pain levels, and quality of life. Many individuals suffer from chronic back pain due to conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. While traditional treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and surgery are often prescribed, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy has emerged as a viable, noninvasive alternative. This therapy is designed to alleviate pressure on spinal discs and nerves, promoting natural healing and pain relief.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a therapeutic technique that involves the use of a traction table or motorized device to stretch the spine gently. The process creates negative pressure within the spinal discs, which can help retract herniated or bulging discs, reduce nerve compression, and improve nutrient flow to the affected areas. By relieving pressure on spinal structures, this treatment aims to enhance the body’s ability to heal naturally without the need for surgical intervention.
Unlike conventional traction, spinal decompression therapy is performed in a controlled manner, with precise adjustments based on individual patient needs. Sessions
The Benefits of NonSurgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
typically last between 20 to 45 minutes, with multiple treatments over several weeks often recommended for optimal results.
Conditions Treated with Spinal Decompression Therapy
This therapy is widely used to manage various spinal conditions, including:
Herniated and Bulging Discs – The negative pressure generated during decompression therapy can help retract herniated or bulging discs, alleviating nerve compression and reducing pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease – By improving fluid exchange in spinal discs, decompression therapy may slow the degenerative process and enhance disc function.
Sciatica – This therapy can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing radiating pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
Spinal Stenosis – Decompression may provide relief from symptoms associated with spinal canal narrowing by reducing nerve compression.
Facet Syndrome – Spinal decompression can help alleviate pain related to facet joint dysfunction, which often contributes to chronic back discomfort.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) – Individuals who continue to experience pain after spinal surgery may benefit from decompression therapy as a non-invasive alternative for symptom relief.
Scientific Research Supporting Spinal Decompression Therapy
Several studies have explored the effectiveness of nonsurgical spinal decompression in treating chronic back pain and disc-related disorders:
A study published in the American Journal of Pain Management found that patients undergoing spinal decompression therapy experienced significant reductions in pain and disability scores compared to those who received standard physical therapy alone.
Research in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine reported that spinal decompression therapy was associated with pain relief and functional improvement in patients with herniated discs.
A clinical trial published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders indicated that spinal decompression therapy could enhance hydration and height of degenerated discs, promoting improved spinal health over time.
While more large-scale, long-term studies are needed, existing research supports the use of decompression therapy as a beneficial treatment for certain spinal conditions.
Key Benefits of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
1. Non-Invasive Pain Relief
Unlike surgical options such as spinal fusion or discectomy, decompression therapy does not require incisions, anesthesia, or extended recovery periods. Many patients experience pain relief without the risks associated with invasive procedures.
2. Reduced Dependence on Medications
Chronic back pain often leads to long-term reliance on painkillers, including opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs. By addressing the root cause of pain, spinal decompression may reduce the need for medication, minimizing potential side effects and dependency risks.
3. Improved Mobility and Function
Many patients report increased mobility and reduced stiffness after undergoing spinal decompression therapy. This can enhance daily activities, improve posture, and support overall spinal health.
•Non-Invasive & Drug-Free – A gentle, therapeutic alternative to surgery and medication.
•Targets the Root Cause – Reduces pressure on spinal discs and nerves for long-term relief.
•Enhances Healing – Promotes circulation and disc hydration to support recovery.
•Comfortable & Customizable –Tailored treatment sessions designed for your unique needs.
Call TODAY to schedule an appointment to see if the Spinal Decompression Therapy is right for you. Mention this ad and save 50% off your initial evaluation consultation, full spinal neurologic and orthopedic examination and any necessary x-rays (savings of $125.00).
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4. Potential for Disc Regeneration
Some studies suggest that spinal decompression therapy promotes disc hydration and nutrient exchange, potentially slowing degenerative processes and enhancing disc health over time.
5. Minimal Side Effects
Spinal decompression therapy is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects compared to more aggressive interventions. Some patients may experience mild soreness following treatment, but serious complications are rare.
6. Customizable Treatment Approach
Decompression therapy can be adjusted to suit individual needs based on the severity of the condition, patient comfort, and response to treatment. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical spinal decompression session involves:
Patient Positioning – The patient lies on a specialized table, secured with harnesses to target the affected spinal region.
Gradual Decompression – The machine applies controlled stretching forces to the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs.
Monitoring and Adjustment – A therapist monitors the process, adjusting settings as needed to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Post-Treatment Recommendations – Patients may be advised to perform specific exercises, maintain proper posture, or receive complementary therapies such as chiropractic care or laser therapy.
Most treatment plans involve multiple sessions over several weeks, with progress evaluated regularly to determine ongoing needs.
Is Spinal Decompression Therapy Right for You?
Spinal decompression therapy is a potential option for individuals experiencing chronic back pain due to discrelated conditions. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications include:
• Pregnancy
• Severe osteoporosis
• Spinal fractures
• Tumors or infections affecting the spine
• Recent spinal surgery with implants
A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary to determine if decompression therapy is appropriate for a specific condition.
Conclusion
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy offers a promising alternative for individuals seeking relief from chronic back pain and disc-related conditions. By reducing pressure on the spine, improving nutrient flow, and promoting natural healing, this therapy has the potential to enhance mobility and quality of life. While further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy, current studies suggest that decompression therapy can be an effective component of a comprehensive spinal care plan.
If you are experiencing persistent back pain and looking for non-invasive treatment options, consulting a healthcare provider about spinal decompression therapy may be beneficial. By exploring all available options, individuals can make informed decisions about their spinal health and overall well-being.
Brian Kovara DC, Chiropractor, Living Well: Chiropractic Care, 206-842-4929, Serving Kitsap and Surrounding Areas, http:// www.livingwellbainbridge.com
Opening A Door Is Easier Than Ever
You might think doorknobs have been around since, well since forever. But they are in the grand scheme of things a relative newcomer to human life. Until about 1878, humans used a variety of door handles that involved internal latches that used bolts or strings. A strap or string was threaded through a small hole in the door and looped around a wooden board which allowed the user to open the door. On Dec. 10, 1878, a then 16-year-old African American inventor named Osbourn Dorsey patented an internal latch that most of us would recognize today. It took quite a while for people to give up their old design, but Dorsey’s doorknobs and doorstops were cast iron, easier to operate, and provided common people with a measure of security that was previously unknown.
Over the past hundred plus years, doorknobs have changed as technology and manufacturing have changed. New doorknobs often include features such as keyless entry, remote access, and other advanced features. And of course, there are smart features that offer more convenience and security via access through your smartphone.
There are two kinds of interior doorknobs:
• Privacy doorknobs offer a means to lock a room and are most commonly used in bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Passage doorknobs offer a means to close a door but don’t feature a locking mechanism. These are ideal for laundry rooms and closets.
If you are looking at changes to interior doors, you might consider having doors removed where possible. Doorways for people using wheelchairs, walkers and scooters need a minimum of 32 inches of clearance through the interior of the doorway and need to take into consideration door hinges, jams and thresholds. Most new home doorways are 32 inches wide or narrower.
Because exterior doors are key access points to a home, these doors need to be secure. Today there are keyed and keyless entry knobs.
Keyed doorknobs are still traditional. They open with a key as the name implies. But they offer a variety of handles beyond the round one we are all familiar with. Aging in place may involve reassessing your doorknobs. That’s because the round traditional doorknobs can be difficult to operate with a loss of fine motor skills due to arthritic pain. Levered handles can be easier for those with limited motor skills or even for people who are most likely to be carrying
a child or groceries.
Keyless doorknobs by contrast don’t require a key but a number that is entered on a numerical panel on the front of the door. Keyless locks and entry systems can provide additional ease in managing a doorknob.
An electronic access control system can enable users to program who has access and when they have access. For seniors with mobility issues, access can be provided immediately to the premises with the help of access codes or cards. Fingerprint smart locks rely on Bluetooth and touchscreens and can simplify access.
When trying to set up a home to be safer and more accessible, we often consider things like ramps, handrails or safety bars but doors are a primary area to review. They are an access point, a point of safety and security, and they still need to function well and look good. There are many new options for accessing homes and rooms that consider mobility or impaired cognition. Consult with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and a licensed contractor to see what options are available to help you remain in your home.
Health CARE
A Busy Girl in a Busy World
By Beth Pratt
One weekend is spent traveling to visit the parents in Oregon as Dad continues his treatments for lung cancer, then the next with the step-children on their every-other-weekend visitation with their father and I. Then, there is that Saturday fundraiser I committed to emcee, and a Sunday walk-athon for which I am leading a team.
Turn the calendar page again, and back to Oregon, another weekend with the kids, another weekend with a work event, a trip for a concert in Seattle with a friend. Is my throat scratchy? Probably just allergies. I’m sure it’s fine.
And then, somehow, it is already January, and there just isn’t time to recover this weekend from a triple vaccine dose, I need to prepare for that weekend retreat. I’m sure it is fine. My husband is the one who spends time with students in a school, and he is up to date on his vaccines, he is always on time with that. I’m sure I’ll be fine.
And it was fine. Until it wasn’t. It really wasn’t.
On February 2nd, as the snow finally arrived, alongside a healthy dose of freezing rain, I delivered my well vaccinated and healthy husband to the Strait Shot bus to the airport for a week of training out of town. I was prepared for a week of snow days to work from home. I built a fire for me and the cats, made a pan of fried chicken wings and turned on a movie. And my throat started to itch. Then it started to burn.
By bedtime, I had a fever.
In the morning, I ached all over. I thought I had the flu. It wasn’t the flu. It was Covid.
The high temperature outside that day was 29. My driveway was a skating rink of frozen rain and snow, and I live on a private gravel road off a private chip-seal road in a rural area of a rural county. I had no real medication in the house. And I had no one to rely on for four more days.
So, in a fevered and pitiful physical state, I did my best. I rounded up a small pharmacy of Tylenol, Afrin, Vick’s Vapor Rub, various flavors of tea, Flonase, and an inhaler from a round of bronchitis last fall. I read through old physician’s notes, to remind myself when and how I could use Afrin.
I had no voice, no sense of taste or smell, and no energy. I parsed out the necessary daily tasks into small bursts. I have pets, they need care. So, feed. Rest. Water. Rest. Scoop cat litter. Rest. Repeat.
Without being able to safely drive, both because of my physical state and the road conditions, I was not about to try and get to the doctor’s office. It did not occur to me that I was missing the window for Paxlovid, the anti-viral drug often dispensed to Covid patients. That was perhaps the second largest mistake made in this story, second to having putting off the vaccine.
As I write this essay, I am at the end of week six of my Covid infection symptoms. In addition to respiratory symptoms that have continued to plague me, like a cough,
Tima Miroshnichenko
congestion, and a runny nose, let alone the loss of smell and taste, I am struggling with fatigue and brain fog that has, thankfully, lessened with time. However, with the reduction in energy has come a reduction in ability to stave off other viruses, and I managed, last week, to add a secondary respiratory infection on top of this one.
Telling myself, I am too busy to take care of “X” has become all too common for me, as “X” is often something that is solely for myself, some care that is needed for my health but not urgent, for my wellbeing but not medical, for my joy but not by prescription. But that can lead a person to some dangerous places.
I was not too busy to have a plan in place for this eventuality. I could have had a friend in town, an emergency contact, in case of such moments. A driver, a go-to-the-pharmacy-friend. A person with a voice when mine failed. A cat-sitter for when even scooping a litter box is too much to do.
Because when we decide we are too busy to take care of ourselves, aren’t we also deciding we are also so self contained that we don’t need to have such plans? Such care in place for ourselves? We ARE the caregiver, after all. We ARE the person upon whom others rely, right? Why in the world would we stop our business to do the mundane,
to do for ourselves the things we do for those for whom we would take care? Frankly, those for whom we would provide better care than we would for ourselves?
In the worst moments of those first few feverish days and nights, when I woke up at 2 AM and wasn’t breathing well, when I couldn’t walk across the room without feeling light headed, I found myself asking, are you too busy now? And yeah, I am. I am too busy to be taken out of my own life by a virus.
And so are you.
Vaccines are up to you personally, and I am not making a political statement. I am making a self-care statement. If you are a person who gets vaccines, don’t put it off because you are “too busy.” And if you get sick, go get treated. Get that Paxlovid, or Tamilflu. Don’t do what I did. Don’t end up alone, in a house in the woods without someone to drive you, without your brain at full function to make good decisions. You matter. To your loved ones and to your pets. And you should, above all, matter to yourself.
Beth Pratt, Executive Director Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center, 360-683-6197, https://www.sequimchamber.com/
Health CARE
How Weather Impacts Aging
By Bonnie Dickson
With both an aging population and climate change, researchers studying how the two intersect to find ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change warn that extreme weather is a growing public health concern whether that weather is hot or cold.
Take for instance heat. Its impact is expected to worsen as the frequency and intensity of heat exposure increases. The average number of heat waves per year has increased from two in the 1960s to six in the 2020s. One study projects that two-thirds of the American population will face perilous heat waves by 2053. Extreme heat is currently the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. but it is a concern in other countries as well. A Canadian heat wave in 2021 caused at least 600 deaths in British Columbia.
We don’t know as much about extreme heat as we do about other natural disasters such as flooding, hurricanes, or wildfires because those losses are often reimbursed by insurance companies and government programs so the financial information caused by those events are known and readily available.
Extreme heat on the other hand affects people’s health and those costs become buried in healthcare expenditures and are often harder to quantify. “Extreme heat, natural disasters (including floods, typhoons, and hurricanes) and changing patterns of infection due to climate change are predicted to lead to an additional 250 000 deaths a year worldwide from 2030 to 2050,” according to a study by the World Health Organization.
A study released in February 2025 from the journal Science Advances examined the relationship between outside temperatures and aging in a sample of over 3600 Americans aged 56 and up. Prior studies have shown the link between extreme heat and morbidity and mortality. This study found that the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme heat events contributed to health conditions that included hospitalization, cardiovascular disease, and death. But, that in addition, extreme heat accelerated biological aging leading to the development of disease and disabilities, causing age acceleration of between 1.83 and 11.71 years or more depending on temperature ranges. Participants in areas such as Phoenix, AZ, where temperatures may meet or exceed 90 degrees for more than half a year experienced up to 14 months of additional biological aging as compared to residents living in areas with fewer than 10 days of 90 degrees or more. Having a biological age greater than your chronological age is associated with a higher risk of death and disease according to researchers.
The study, which looked at participants throughout a sixyear study period during different times of the year, found that blood samples from those participants exhibited greater biological aging even after accounting for other factors such as physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. High exposure was associated with faster cognitive decline for African American residents of poor neighborhoods but had a much lesser effect on white or Hispanic or individuals living in wealthier neighborhoods. One reason for this is that older adults begin to lose their ability to sweat. Sweat provides a cooling effect. Cities can reduce the impact on seniors by planting more trees to provide more shade and increasing urban green space to
help cool older residents. But, without significant actions in this area, researchers predict an increase in frequency and severity.
HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES INCLUDE:
Heat syncope is sudden dizziness when you are active in hot weather. Heart medications or lack of acclimation can increase the likelihood of dizziness. Rest in a cool place, put your leges up and drink water.
Heat edema is a swelling in your ankles and feet. Put your legs up to help reduce swelling.
Heat cramps can result from hard work or intense exercise. Stop the physical activity and rest in shade or in a cool building, drink fluids such as water or sports drink. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
Heat rash results from heavy sweating. It causes red clusters of small blisters that may cause an itchy or prickly sensation. Use powder to soothe the rash and stay in cool areas.
Heat exhaustion can cause thirsty, dizzy, weak, loss of coordination and nausea feelings and can be treated with resting in a cool place and getting fluids. If you don’t feel better soon, get medical care.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Fainting, confusion or acting strangely, not sweating, dry, flushed skin, strong, rapid pulse or weak, slow pulse. Seek care immediately.
TIPS
• Check the weather.
• Plan for hot days.
• Get out of the sun and into a cool, ideally airconditioned place.
• Drink fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water.
• Lie down and rest.
WHAT RAISES THE RISK FOR HEAT ISSUES
• Health problems such as cardiovascular, lung, or kidney disease
• Changes in skin caused by normal aging
• Any illness that causes weakness or results in a fever
• Being on several prescription drugs at the same time
• Having obesity, overweight, or underweight
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
Health CARE
• Living in places without air conditioning or fans
• Becoming dehydrated
Because this magazine is coming out in the spring, you may no longer be concerned about cold weather events now but it’s only months until the cold weather will be back in the picture. And, unless you live in someplace like Phoenix, it will be a concern.
That’s because extreme cold poses another type of risk for older adults. What you didn’t feel or care so much about when you were younger may be life changing. As we age, people tend to lose muscle, and muscle is your body’s insulation and furnace all-in-one. Older adults also are more likely to have thinner skin. Heat escapes that thinner layer much quicker and blood flow, another change as we age, tends to be slower. So, heat escapes faster and your body takes longer to warm up.
In addition, medical conditions such as thyroid and diabetes can make it harder to stay warm. Parkinson’s disease and arthritis may make it challenging to add more layers, use a blanket or get out of the cold. Finally, people with memory problems may avoid taking precautions to maintain a normal body temperature such as warmer clothing.
Cold weather can cause or worsen other health problems. Blood pressure may increase because cold causes blood vessels to constrict to keep heat from escaping but it also opens up the opportunity for heart issues. Heart attacks and stroke are also more likely due to thickened blood, which can increase the risk of a blood clot. Chores such as shoveling snow can exacerbate heart issues.
Cold weather can also impede the respiratory system. Dry, cold air can irritate airways and worsen conditions like COPD and asthma.
Beware of how your medications may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Diuretics increase the risk for dehydration and dehydration increases the risk of hypothermia. Some medications can cause drowsiness or affect balance, including some over-the-counter medications for flu.
TIPS
• Keep your home’s thermostat at 68 degrees or highereven mildly cool homes can lead to hypothermia
• Take energy saving measures for your home
• Wear warm clothing even while indoors
• Use extra covers, warmer pajamas and consider a head covering when sleeping
• Exercise to build resilience
Health CARE
• Sign up for local weather events and pay special attention to windy or damp days
• Wear proper gear: hats, scarves, gloves, and dress in layers
• Let others know if you are planning to spend time outdoors
• Carry emergency supplies such as warm blankets and extra clothing
• Consider hand and foot warming products
• Wear waterproof clothing if its snowy or rainy
• Change out of damp or wet clothes as soon as possible
• Consider using delivery services to avoid going out
• Eat enough food to maintain your weight
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
EARLY SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
• Cold feet and hands
• Puffy or swollen face
• Pale skin
• Shivering or shaking
• Slowed or slurred speech
• Feeling sleepy, angry or confused
Regardless of whether you are talking about hot or cold weather, there are steps to protect yourself from extreme weather. Make sure your housing has adequate ventilation and insulation; buildings in heat prone areas should utilize reflective surfaces and avoid heat-trapping materials like concrete; increase greenspaces to mitigate pollution and provide shade; provide heat and cold shelters to offer physical safety; and educate the public about the dangers to themselves and to others when extreme weather events occur. Even simple measures can help to mitigate the dangers. Last year, people were taking advantage of a lot of movie theaters offering of a monthly movie watching rate. With more movie theaters offering a discounted rate, people were able to escape the heat during the highest heat part of the day but you can experience the same by going to a library, a mall or other public building. Check with local officials because extreme weather of either heat or cold often involves public health services.
Finally, if you are not a person needing extra help, check to see if there is a neighbor that does.
By Bonnie Dickson
Embracing AI For A Healthier And Better Life A
rtificial intelligence (AI). It’s all around us. As I begin to type, AI asks if I need any help. When I am researching a story, AI offers tips, bulleted lists, spelling and grammar corrections and the list goes on. It hasn’t progressed to the Jetsons but it’s getting there fast. Just a month ago stock in American AI companies took a dive over some DeepSeek news that completely shook how strong the US companies thought they were over Chinese AI companies. This is no longer some little side action in aggressive stocks. And if you are wondering why we care about this in this magazine it’s because AI is in just about everything that makes it possible to add convenience, access and companionship to senior care.
We saw this years ago when we first started reporting on watches, handheld computers and other technology to monitor patients at home. Now AI makes it possible to provide regular medical care by monitoring and tracking the biodata of patients without the patient ever needing to take a trip across town to the medical facility. Heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking and medication reminders can detect issues, empower the people using them and help maintain a healthier lifestyle. And there is AI to detect falls and alert emergency services. What used to be fairly spendy is now every day. It’s on your watch, your tablet, and the phone you carry like it’s your favorite blanky.
At about the same time, we started to see robots (have you seen the new rabbit robots they’ve rolled out for Easter) and other types of virtual assistants to cut down on social isolation. It’s in your grandchildren’s toys.
There is now conversational AI that can offer personalized recommendations and strategies for people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s. There is therapeutic AI that provides personalized music to ease anxiety and agitation in older adults (and by the way dogs). Voice activated systems like Alexa and Google Assistant make it easy to contact and communicate with other people without needing to understand how email or cell phones work. While it isn’t meant to replace human relationships, AI can make it easier to stay in touch with those humans.
One of the main concerns and challenges for seniors when it comes to anything tech is how to cross that digital divide but AI can help to bridge that gap, providing a more
approachable tool than prior versions. Voice assistance such as Alexa and Siri are intuitive and far more patient than the humans they are replacing, providing easier learning opportunities and the ability to experiment with more advanced settings at a pace that matches the user.
Older adults have more qualms about data privacy and security and for good reason, they are often the victims of fraud. But, many of the newer AI devices have built in security and privacy features to alleviate those concerns. Reputable devices prioritize user security and by learning to manage those settings, we can all learn to use AI more confidently.
Housing OPTIONS
Will Aging Boomers Rekindle the Senior-Housing Market?
By Mary Coupland
Yes, aging Baby Boomers are expected to significantly impact the senior-housing market in the U.S. and other countries. The oldest baby boomers turn 80 in less than a year, and the senior housing market is moving from surplus to shortage. Here’s why:
1. A Surge in Demand
The U.S. senior housing industry is currently navigating a complex landscape shaped by demographic shifts, economic factors, and evolving consumer preferences.
The aging Baby Boomer generation significantly impacts the senior housing market. As the largest aging demographic, the U.S. population 80 years and older is expected to increase by more than four million people to 18.8 million, by 2030, significantly increasing demand for senior living options.
However, construction of new units has not kept pace. The sector is expected to move from its former oversupply to a shortfall in the next five years. By 2030, 560,00 new units are needed to meet the demand, but only 191,000 will be added at current development rates, according to data service NIC MAP. This shortfall could result in waitlists and increased competition for available housing.
And finally, many Boomers are healthier and wealthier than previous generations, leading to a demand for higherquality, amenity-rich senior housing.
2. Changing Preferences
Unlike their parents, Boomers seek active lifestyle communities rather than traditional nursing homes. An active lifestyle community for seniors is often called an “active adult community” or “55+ community.” It is a residential setting designed for independent older adults who want to maintain an active lifestyle with access to various amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, social spaces, and organized activities. Essentially, these residential settings serve as a place to live with peers where they can socialize and pursue their hobbies without the burdens of homeownership and/or maintenance. They want to preserve their independence with resort-style amenities, and social engagement.
More Boomers prefer aging-in-place solutions. This is the idea that older people can live independently in their homes or communities as they age. Aging-in-place encourages older people to stay in their homes instead of moving into residential care. It’s a combination of having access to health and social services, such as in-home care, transportation, and community support; making some home modifications to your residence such as installing handrails or ramps, to help you stay safe; and interacting within your community by participating in activities at places like libraries and community centers.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are a senior living option that provides seniors with the opportunity to “age in place”, or live in one location for as long as they need. CCRC’s have been around for over a century, with their origins tracing back to the early 1900s, primarily starting in Europe and often associated with religious organizations; they saw significant growth in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. They are also known as life plan communities. This style of senior living allows families and residents peace of mind as they are designed with all levels of care in mind. Residents don’t have to worry about what living arrangements they will need when their needs change, because they offer a variety of care levels, from independent living to skilled nursing.
3. Market Adjustments & Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic hurt the senior-housing industry, but occupancy rates are now rebounding. Developers are adjusting by adding more infection-control measures and wellness programs.
High interest rates and construction costs have slowed new development, but demand is expected to outpace supply within the next decade. Consequently, companies like Welltower and Ventas are focusing on acquiring existing senior housing communities, which are currently more cost-effective than building new ones. This strategy has been positively received by investors, as reflected in their stock performance relative to the all-equity REIT index, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Policy discussions are also shaping the industry. Proposals to expand Medicare coverage for long-term home care services aim to enable more seniors to age at home, potentially reducing reliance on traditional nursing homes. This shift could impact nursing-home operators and
influence future development trends in senior housing. In summary, the U.S. senior housing industry is adjusting to demographic changes, economic pressures, and shifting consumer preferences. Balancing affordability, accommodating the desires of newer generations, and adapting to policy changes are central challenges that stakeholders must navigate to meet the evolving needs of the senior population.
4.
International Impact
Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia are also experiencing aging populations. In an age of shrinking populations, nations around the world are considering new uses of robots and automation to care for the growing number of elderly citizens. Japan, as a pioneer in aging, has been researching solutions for decades. The first major breakthrough in automated care is now taking place in a retirement home in Tokyo’s Nerima district – without any complex futuristic machines, however. Hitowa Care Services uses a platform called Lifelens, created by technology company Panasonic, which allows rooms to automatically watch out for patients. The room reports to the night shift when an inhabitant gets up from bed or has health problems, for instance.
China’s “one-child policy” has resulted in a significantly
Housing OPTIONS
smaller generation of young adults to care for a large aging population, creating pressure on the healthcare system. China is rapidly expanding senior-housing options due to its large aging population and shrinking family support systems.
5. Investment & Innovation
Investors are eyeing the senior-living sector as an attractive long-term bet.
New models such as intergenerational communities, co-housing, and tech-enabled senior living are gaining traction. As Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) approaches the age for 55-and-over communities, their preferences are influencing the market. Gen Xers prioritize active lifestyles and personalized experiences. Developers are responding by incorporating amenities such as pickleball courts, heated swimming pools, walking trails, and remote workspaces. Additionally, Gen X values privacy alongside socialization, leading to designs that offer smaller, intimate spaces over large, formal gathering areas. Bottom line, Boomers are re-igniting the senior-housing market. Developers, investors, and governments are racing to meet their evolving needs. The next decade will likely see a booming (pun intended) expansion of senior-living options worldwide.
19 Communities in WA & OR
Warning Signs That At Home Care Is Needed
Declining Personal Hygiene Mobility Issues
Declining Personal Hygiene Mobility Issues
Are showers less frequent?Are grooming habits altered, such as shaving, combing hair or trimming nails? Are the same clothes worn day after day? Do you notice body odor? Personal care and grooming can decrease due to physical challenges, cognitive changes or both. However, maintaining good personal hygiene is important at any age.
Are showers less frequent?Are grooming habits altered, such as shaving, combing hair or trimming nails? Are the same clothes worn day after day?
Do you notice body odor?
Personal care and grooming can decrease due to physical challenges, cognitive changes or both. However, maintaining good personal hygiene is important at any age.
Changes in Behavior or Mood
Changes in Behavior or Mood
Have sleep habits changed?
Is mom or dad spending more time alone? Are they reluctant to leave home?
Have sleep habits changed? Is mom or dad spending more time alone? Are they reluctant to leave home?
Behavioral changes, such as increased irritability, confusion, or withdrawal from social activities, can be red ags that your loved one may need additional support.
Behavioral changes, such as increased irritability, confusion, or withdrawal from social activities, can be red ags that your loved one may need additional support.
In-home caregivers provide care and daily living assistance to individuals in their own homes. Inhome care allows loved ones to stay home for longer while making life easier and providing peace of mind for family members and for the loved ones they care about.
In-home caregivers provide care and daily living assistance to individuals in their own homes. Inhome care allows loved ones to stay home for longer while making life easier and providing peace of mind for family members and for the loved ones they care about.
Mobility issues are a signi cant concern, particularly for those who are disabled, undergoing rehabilitation, or have chronic conditions. If your loved one has di culty moving around the house, is at risk of falling, or requires assistance, in-home care can provide the support they need to prevent injuries and maintain their independence.
Mobility issues are a signi cant concern, particularly for those who are disabled, undergoing rehabilitation, or have chronic conditions. If your loved one has di culty moving around the house, is at risk of falling, or requires assistance, in-home care can provide the support they need to prevent injuries and maintain their independence.
Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
Is your loved one’s home dirtier or messier now than it used to be? Is mail piling up and bills going unpaid? Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator or no food? If your loved one is struggling with tasks they usually handled with ease and their home is unsanitary, decreased vision and other changes in capabilities can make keeping up with household tasks more di cult.
Is your loved one’s home dirtier or messier now than it used to be? Is mail piling up and bills going unpaid? Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator or no food? If your loved one is struggling with tasks they usually handled with ease and their home is unsanitary, decreased vision and other changes in capabilities can make keeping up with household tasks more di cult.
Housing OPTIONS
When Mom & Dad Won’t Move
By Mary Coupland
As it pertains to long term care and senior housing what do you do when mom and dad are determined to stay put? They refuse to move, yet they aren’t as capable of living on their own in the big house as they used to be. How do you have this conversation with them, and how many times do you have this same conversation? What are the options for the family to help mom and dad enjoy their senior years safely?
This is one of the toughest challenges families face when aging parents need care but refuse to move. It’s emotional, frustrating, and often requires multiple conversations over time. Here’s how to approach it and what options exist:
HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION
Start Early (If Possible): If you see signs that your parents are struggling, bring it up sooner rather than later.
Frame it around their well-being, safety, and independence.
Choose the Right Messenger: Sometimes parents respond better to certain family members (a spouse, a favorite child, a respected sibling, or even a professional like their doctor).
Involve trusted advisors:—family doctors, clergy, or even a social worker can help persuade them.
Empathy First, Logic Later: Acknowledge their fears: loss of independence, leaving memories behind, financial worries.
Instead of saying, “You can’t take care of yourself,” try, “We want to help you keep enjoying life safely.”
Offer Choices Instead of pushing one solution, provide options: Would you rather have help at home or explore a community where you can meet new friends?
Control is important. If they feel forced, they’ll resist harder.
Have the Conversation Multiple Times: This isn’t a oneand-done talk. It’s a series of ongoing discussions.
Be patient. Resistance often fades over time as reality sinks in.
Options for Families
Modify the Home for Aging in Place: If they insist on staying, consider home modifications (grab bars, stairlifts, smart home technology).
In-home caregivers (private pay or through an agency) can provide assistance with daily activities.
Family members may need to coordinate care or move in with them.
IN-HOME CARE SERVICES
Companion care: For social interaction and basic help.
Personal care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, and medications.
Home health care: Skilled nursing services if they have medical needs.
Adult Day Programs: If they don’t need 24/7 care, adult day programs offer activities, meals, and medical supervision while allowing them to stay at home.
Senior Living Communities (If They’re Open to It)
Independent Living: For active seniors who don’t need daily help.
Assisted Living: If they need help with daily tasks but still want independence.
Memory Care: If dementia or Alzheimer’s is a factor.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): A mix of all levels of care in one place.
BRING IN A PROFESSIONAL MEDIATOR
Geriatric care managers or elder care specialists can help navigate difficult family discussions.
Legal & Financial Planning: Power of attorney, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid planning can all play a role in decision-making.
When Safety Becomes Critical: If your parents reach a point where living at home is dangerous (falls, wandering, medication mismanagement), intervention may be necessary. If they are diagnosed with cognitive impairment, a doctor may need to assess their ability to make decisions. In extreme cases, legal guardianship may be required.
Document Storage Retention
Legal retention periods,
requirements
and
guidelines
for how long different record types should be stored.
Financial Documents
Taxes: 3+ Years
Generally speaking, you should hold onto documents that support any income, deductions and credits claimed on your tax return for at least three years after the tax-filing deadline.
Bank Records: 1+ years
Legal Documents
Personal Identification: Keep these documents forever.
• Birth , Marriage, and Death Certificates
• Social Security Cards
• Adoption Papers
• Passports
• Wills and Living Wills
• Powers of Attorney
• Life Insurance Contracts
House / Condominium Records & Receipts: 3 years to the life of loan
Actual contract papers detailing your home purchase and original loan should be kept for the life of the loan. Other loan paperwork, such as refinancing agreements, should be kept for at least three years; some recommend keeping these as long as ten years.
Most bank statements should be kept accessible in hard copy or electronic form for one year, after which they can be shredded. Keep Annual Statements and anything tax-related such as proof of charitable donations should be kept for at least seven years.
Brokerage Statements: varies
Once you receive your annual statement in January, you should review it against your monthly statements to verify it is accurate.
It’s also wise to keep records of purchases and sales of securities in case you need to prove capital gains and losses at tax time. And remember—once you’ve claimed something on your taxes, it’s not a bad idea to keep it for seven years, just in case
IRA Contributions / Retirement / Savings Plan Statements: 6+ years
IRA contribution records should be kept from six years to permanently in case you need to prove you paid taxes on money when you withdraw it.
In general, 401k plan records must be kept for a period of not less than six years after the filing date of the IRS Form 5500 created from those records. However, records necessary to a participant’s claim for plan benefits must be kept longer.
Keep your quarterly statements until you receive your annual summary, then keep the annual summaries until you retire or close the account.
Is Living In A 55+ Community For You?
By Bonnie Dickson
t’s illegal to create housing for specific demographics except housing and communities for 55 +. So how do communities get away with restricting residents to a certain age? In 1995, the Fair Housing Act prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. This was a follow up to the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which was a major civil rights law passed in the 1960s that outlawed Jim Crow segregation in employment, schools and public places.
The purpose of the Fair Housing Act was twofold. First it was to prevent discrimination and second it was to reverse housing segregation that had occurred after decades of government practices that led to people of color being most likely to live in neighborhoods with limited access to jobs, healthy food, good schools and other resources. So, it seems counter-intuitive that an amendment to that act in 1995 would be to make 55+ communities legal.
The Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) is an exemption that allows potential buyers and people who want to live in an age restricted community to do so. It changed the definition of housing for older people by quantifying what the term ‘significant’ meant in the requirements. The new act required three things:
• At least 80 percent of occupied units must be occupied by at least one person 55 years of age or older. (A rule known as the 80/20 rule).
• The community has to create, publish, and follow policies that show its intent to house residents age 55 and older.
• The community must follow Housing and Urban Development (HUD) age verification rules.
All three of the rules need to be met for the community to be listed or promoted as age-restricted housing. One HOPA exemption that generally applies to senior care facilities, senior assisted living and similar housing allows a facility to be dedicated as housing for people 62 and older.
So, can you be younger than 55? Yes, kind of. Usually there is an exemption that allows for a spouse or person filling a similar role in the household, such as a roommate or partner, to be under 55. That individual would then count for the 20 percent occupancy rate. But a community’s covenant may not allow that younger person to remain if the older person no longer occupies the house for reasons such as death, divorce or separation.
Can your grandchildren or children visit? Usually an overnight visit is allowed but longer visits even from adult children may be limited depending on the community.
Can you rent your home? Every community is different and has specific covenants and guidelines just like communities with HOAs. There can and often are limitations on renting or leasing your property to someone else. Also, there may be limitations to prevent people renting their property as a short-term vacation property such as an Airbnb or for snowbirds while they are gone during the part of the year when they live elsewhere.
There are many options for people who are 55+. Whether those options work for you is going to depend on whether their rules and requirements are something you can live with. Be sure, before you make the move that you understand those bylaws and any fees that come with living in a 55+ community and anticipate how aging may change your housing needs.
Leisure PURSUITS
Arm Strength May Prevent A Fall
By Bonnie Dickson
It’s spring and it’s usually fall when we pull out the fall prevention articles but a couple months ago, I started seeing some interesting studies about fall prevention. A lot of people will fall between now and fall, on average about one person over the age of 65 falls every second according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 32,000 deaths result each year. So, it seemed timely to bring it up early.
The usual suggestions, and ones I have made as well, are to make your home safer by removing loose rugs, installing grab bars and the like. And exercise. The CDC recommends things like Tai Chi to simultaneously develop balance and leg strength. In fact if you look up exercises for older adults to prevent falling, they nearly always are suggestions on how to strengthen leg muscles.
But a doctor out of the University of Arizona Health Sciences wants to change the focus. Jonathan LeeConfer, PhD authored an article on how he believes that concentrating on arm strength may also benefit older adults.
Lee-Confer spent time right out of college working as a research technical assistant at a skilled nursing facility and saw firsthand the number of people being treated for falls. That’s when he began studying past research on fall prevention and realized that the main focus was on the role of leg strength.
This caused him to return to his studies but this time in biomechanics. Previous studies suggested that there is a backward loss of balance when the arms swing forward to try to correct the loss of balance and move the body forward, but Lee-Confer designed a study that compared participants with two loose and free arms with participants with constricted arms. This new study found that restricting the arms created a fall rate three times higher than when both arms were free. Lee-Confer then studied fall rates for those with a single arm free and found
that those participants falling to the same side as the constricted arm also had a fall rate three times higher than when both arms were free. However, if the fall was in the same direction as the free arm, the fall rate mimicked the fall rate as if both arms were free.
He also found significant changes in how older and younger adults react to loss of balance. For instance, an older adult moves four inches further than younger adults and possibly more telling, when younger adults first begin to start to fall they accelerate their arms significantly faster than older adults.
This suggests to Lee-Confer that if older adults train by doing quick arm swings they may be able to correct a fall quicker and prevent the fall in the first place. His work is currently looking at how coordinating arms and legs through activities such as walking may prevent falls.
But for now, he recommends that older adults can benefit from adding arm abductor exercises to the leg exercises commonly recommended.
So, what are arm abductor exercises? Here are two:
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms down at your sides. Then raise your arms out to the sides until parallel to the floor, then return to starting position.
Stand with arms at your sides, palms facing forward and slowly raise one arm until parallel to the floor, then return to starting position.
You can do either of these exercises with a lightweight dumbbell, a resistance band or your own body weight. There are also options for doing the same exercises from a sitting position.
Lee-Confer recommends that the exercises be done quickly to help train your arms to respond quickly. The quicker your arms make the swing, the better chance that your arms will correct for the falling movement and hopefully prevent the kinds of injuries that require physical therapy for the next 8-12 weeks or worse.
Leisure PURSUITS
If Your Retirement Goal Is Age 70, Odds Are You Won't Make It
By Bonnie Dickson
If you haven’t retired, you probably have a goal for when you will. Retirement isn’t on my horizon for at least five years and better would be if it was nine years before retirement. Honestly, I won’t pay off my home until I am 65. I have plans to make some changes to my house and would rather not pay for them when I am on a limited income. Then too, unless we see major changes in Social Security, I won’t hit full retirement age for Social Security until I am 68 and I don’t expect that number to go down in the next eight years. There are other good reasons to postpone. Medicare doesn’t kick in until 65 so retiring early means finding a way to pay for medical benefits. And the real kicker is most Americans don’t save nearly enough and a little more time can be super beneficial.
A Transamerica survey found that 56 percent of retirees retired sooner than planned and only 37 percent retired on their own schedule. Why? Unfortunately, we don’t always get to choose when we retire or even why. Medical issues, family members with medical issues, jobs that go away, and life. They all get in the way of the dream or at least the aspiration. Only 21 percent retired earlier than planned because they were financially able to do so. Health and
layoffs are the two most significant reasons. Since the beginning of this year alone, 30,000 federal employees have been laid off or fired. But, it hasn’t just been the government. So far, in the first couple months of 2025, Starbucks, Chevron, JP Morgan Chase and other similar sized companies have laid off 50,000 people.
People often think that they are going to work part time jobs for a while so they can gradually leave the work force but where are the part time jobs for older workers? And many older workers find that part time work means taking a pay cut. Something they might think they are willing to do until they must do it.
So, you must plan. Despite years and years of agencies and companies telling people that they must save, Americans just don’t do it. And while we plan for children, plan for school and plan for the weekend, we mostly don’t do anything to plan to retire other than mark our 65th birthday on a calendar. If you wish to do it right, you must put some time and energy into it and figure out when you really can afford to retire.
Here’s another option. Plan to retire early and if you retire later, you’ll benefit from the additional income or the ability to change plans. So, decide you want to retire at 70 but determine that any work after the age of 67 is a bonus.
Focus on broad retirement goals. Save aggressively later in life but save always. Sometimes saving becomes easier as we age. Most of us make more money the longer we have held a job and at the same time we have fewer expenditures because our kids have grown, we’ve finished paying off school, we’ve accumulated all the things we thought we needed, etc.
Don’t get caught up in the numbers. There are tons of articles out there that will tell you that you need to save a million dollars in order to have enough money in retirement. If there were an equal number telling you that you should save a million dollars before having children, you could almost bet that no one would have children. One of my grandfather’s favorite poems talked about a man and a woman getting married. He carried a cane, she was missing her teeth, but the two of them had waited to get married until they could afford it.
Work to stay healthy. The single most expensive thing you will ever have to pay for is your health. As we get older our health often starts failing so working to be the most healthy we can be can postpone the inevitable doctor bills and doctor visits, the need for help to do routine things, and the need to move to a location where we will be safe and cared for. If you can only invest in one thing, invest in your health.
Leisure PURSUITS
Keep skills up to date so that you don’t become obsolete. Covid killed more than people. People who couldn’t find ways to improve their skills or stay relevant when businesses closed, started requiring workers to work remote or changed their procedures, didn’t return to work.
Get educated about finances. One of the most important things you can do to prepare for life in retirement is to fully understand 401(k) plans, Social Security and other retirement plans. No one cares more about your financial situation than you. If you are married and your spouse usually handles the monetary aspect of your marriage, it’s time that burden becomes shared.
About 60 percent of Americans cited Social Security as their primary source of income. If you file for Social Security early, you are cutting an already small paycheck into even smaller pieces. In contrast only about 10 percent of Americans have 401(k) or IRAs as their main source of income after retirement.
Finally, and this may be the most important part of that survey, the study indicated that despite smaller paychecks most people enjoy their retirement. It turns out that most Americans just really enjoy having the freedom to do the things they’ve always wanted to do even if they have less money to do it with.
Leisure PURSUITS
Dressing For a Nice Restaurant: The Do’s and Don’ts!
By: Lisa M. Kemmerling
It’s exciting to plan travel and the fun that is involved in your day-to-day journey. Retirement aspirations often includes going to a fancy restaurant or two, either near home or further abroad. However, despite the excitement there is often the headache of what to pack, especially what’s required, if a visit to a fancy restaurant is involved. In today’s world is “nice dressing” sometimes not nice enough?
A few important statistics regarding travel: Adults 60 and above accounted for 37 percent of travelers in 2023. Nearly 52 percent of seniors aged 50+ say travel and vacation is their number one expense when it comes to their discretionary spending.
Recently, on an extended stay to Europe, in and around the regions of Italy and Switzerland we discovered that dressing nicely can mean vastly different things. Casual dressing has become quite popular whether traveling abroad or in the USA. Some individuals find that day attire is just as good as evening attire. I’m here to tell you that this is definitely not the case.
As a seasoned traveler and fashion consultant, it was my personal mission to see how the international community
dressed when it came to dinner out. The range is wide, as it truly depends on the location of the restaurant and whether it’s family style or fine dining, and whether said restaurant has a dress code in place.
While abroad, we discovered fashions very similar in style to American communities: lots of sweaters, nice jeans (although jeans ripped at the knee were not in attendance generally), booties, jackets and lots of scarves. For the heavily populated areas of Como and Lugano, the daytime attire was accepted in nice restaurants as so many young people attend university nearby and there was a large concentration of tourists around the area not planning to head back to their hotel to change for dinner.
When attending a restaurant that has 4 or 5 stars on the outside of the building it may be worth it to check with the maître d’ to see if they have specific attire regarding evening dining.
As we prepared to leave the Northern part of Italy and journey to the South (Amalfi Coast) the styles drastically changed, from casual to chic warm weather attire such as beautiful dresses, fashionable sandals or heels for the ladies and men dressed in their perfectly pressed linen shirts and slacks, with a nice jacket and impeccable shoes. For a fun birthday celebration, we decided to book at a
Michelin rated restaurant, (aka fine dining). Preparing ahead of time is essential to know what the expectations are, which is what we did. The rules stated “No shorts, No flip flops, No jeans, No swimwear, Nothing with graphic art on your shirts, or offensive language and no ripped attire.” Seems clear, right?
This beautiful restaurant nestled in the hills of Positano offered amazing views by day and balmy breezes by night, with seven coveted tables each evening. Each table with beautifully dressed couples and a single table with a client seated with flip flops and shorts. Perhaps he didn’t get the memo? Trying not to judge a book by its character as you never know, maybe his luggage was lost in flight, maybe he didn’t read Italian? Maybe he was the owner of the restaurant? No. He was a traveling American who didn’t pack anything dressy for the evening dinner hour. Perhaps, the moral of the story is to expect the unexpected, especially when traveling internationally and fine dining is part of the plan for the day.
Many retirees travel by cruise ship and the rules for dinner are clear: always pack something nice or dressy as they
say in the world of fashion. Evening events on cruise ships often require nice attire as mentioned above. If attending the captains’ special dinner, you’ll most likely see some of the ladies in long ball gowns and some of the men in tuxedos.
It’s truly not necessary to run out and buy a bunch of fancy clothes for dining out, however, it’s important to read the rules of etiquette prior to going. Wherever your future travels take you on a trip to Europe, or a river or ocean cruise, a good rule of thumb is to check out the places ahead of time that you’ll be visiting and determine whether packing a few dressier pieces of clothing may be required. “Take only memories, leave only footprints.”-
Chief Seattle
Lisa Kemmerling is the owner of Clean Lines Fashion Consulting, helping individuals with their packing needs for travel, as well as finding current styles for both men & women. You can contact her at: lisa@cleanlinesfashion.com or 925-518-4950
House & Pet Sitting: See The World & Stretch Your Retirement Dollars
By Mary Coupland
‘Serial house sitting and pet sitting’ refers to the practice of looking after someone’s home and/or pets while they are away, typically on a temporary basis. People who engage in this usually move from one assignment to another, staying in various homes for short or long periods.
Imagine being able to spend a few weeks on an exotic tropical island, passing your days sightseeing or sitting by the pool. Now imagine that the house you stayed in didn’t cost you a dime.
That’s the promise of serial house and pet sitting: the chance to enjoy free accommodations in potentially any locale around the globe. For retirees with no obligations that lock them into any one place, it may seem like an ideal way to launch your retirement years, freeing you from a mortgage or long-term care housing costs. However, you need to be realistic about securing back-to-back jobs to sustain this lifestyle. Keep in mind this gig might not be for everyone, but for those that love to travel and aren’t tied down, it’s definitely something to consider.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
House sitting: The sitter looks after a homeowner’s property, ensuring everything runs smoothly, such as collecting mail, taking care of the garden, and keeping the house secure.
Pet sitting: Involves taking care of pets, such as feeding them, walking them, playing with them, and sometimes administering medications, while the owner is away.
Benefits for Retirees:
Affordable Travel: House sitting can be a cost-effective way to travel, as many sitters do not pay rent or accommodation fees. This can allow retirees to explore new locations without the high costs associated with hotels or rentals.
A Change of Scenery: After retirement, some people may want to experience different places or change their environment without the pressure of constantly needing to book hotels or make long-term commitments.
Purposeful Engagement: Looking after a home or pets provides retirees with a sense of responsibility and
purpose. Many retirees enjoy staying active and involved, and pet sitting, for instance, offers the chance to care for animals without the long-term commitment of owning them.
Social Interaction: Depending on the situation, retirees may interact with homeowners, neighbors, or local communities, keeping them socially engaged and connected.
Flexible Lifestyle: House sitting offers flexibility, as retirees can choose assignments that fit their schedule, allowing them to decide how long they want to stay in one place or if they want to move to the next assignment.
Physical Activity: Looking after pets or maintaining a home often involves physical tasks like walking pets, gardening, or cleaning, which can help retirees stay active and healthy.
Minimal Expenses: Many house-sitting opportunities include free accommodation, and sometimes meals, so retirees can reduce their living costs and have more disposable income.
This lifestyle offers a mix of adventure, new experiences, and a way to keep busy while maintaining financial flexibility. Some gigs may pay, but most involve free accommodations while the sitter covers their own food and transportation in exchange for caring for someone’s home or pets.
I asked my friends, Sean and Wanda Winker, Bainbridge Island, WA., to share their story with us…
“We retired in 2019 when our youngest graduated from Bainbridge High School. Our retirement goal was to travel the world. But first we had an important assignment; to help with daycare for our second grandson who had just arrived in San Antonio. So, we bought a townhouse in San Antonio and moved there. In early 2020 just as we were planning our first trip, Covid put our plans on hold. After the shutdown the grandkids relocated to Colorado. So, we decided to sell our place, almost everything we owned, and pack our backpacks.
On our move from Bainbridge to San Antonio our beloved ageing Shi Tsu, Maverick, passed away. When we discovered TrustedHousesitters (THS), we realized it was the perfect fit for our lifestyle. We could travel and enjoy the benefits of having pets in our life. Initially, since housesitting can be competitive in highly desired locations, we built up our references by accepting sits that weren’t in high demand. These sits were typically short in duration and not in prime locations. Accepting these sits helped us create a strong profile, making it easier to secure sits in
Leisure PURSUITS
locations that were high on our list of places we wanted to visit. We now focus on longer sits, as they allow us to establish a routine with the pets, become acquainted with the neighbors, and integrate into the local community. In addition to THS, we have done sits for friends and found sits on Facebook as well as through other house sit services.
Over the past four plus years of travel, our journey has continued to evolve. We’ve found that housesitting works exceptionally well for us in a lot of circumstances such as when visiting more expensive locations. We have done housesits in the US, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. Housesits that are of a relatively long duration are appealing to us. They allow us to keep transportation costs down while enjoying a home-like experience. One sit of ours has been recurring for six years now and allows us to visit friends on Bainbridge Island every July-August.
In many countries that we have travelled to, particularly in Southeast Asia, we don’t consider housesitting as much of an option. Firstly, there aren’t many opportunities. My belief is that this is due to a few factors; not as many people own pets, they don’t travel as extensively, and if they do go away, they have family take care of their pets. Secondly, accommodation in these countries is very affordable so it’s not worthwhile for us to housesit.
The experience has been incredible—we’ve met wonderful people and pets, and we’ve even been invited back to several of our previous housesits. We continue to shape our travels around house sitting opportunities, using them as a foundation to explore new countries and nearby regions.”
Does this sound like something that could appeal to someone you know or to yourself? Before diving into fulltime house sitting, retirees should test it out first and see if they enjoy the responsibilities and frequent moves. And once you do that, come up with a plan.
You will need to decide if this is this short-term, like 5 years or do you see yourselves doing this on a long-term basis, like 10 years or more. Other things to consider would be speaking with your financial advisor and accountant to see how this lifestyle, if it’s taking place outside the United States, affects your Social Security and Medicare benefits, as well as annual taxes. Lastly, don’t forget to make sure your passport isn’t about to expire within the next 12 months; know where you can travel to easily on a U.S. passport; and understand what type of Visas you need to house sit and pet sit in foreign countries.
By Carrie Chavez, Community Relations Director
Loneliness can be a challenging aspect of aging, but it doesn’t have to define the senior years. At Bainbridge Senior Living, we strive to help seniors overcome loneliness, fostering a sense of connection and fulfillment.
A Guide on How To Reduce Loneliness
community, providing an ideal environment to make new friends and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle.
Ways To Overcome Loneliness & Become Connected in Your Community
Join Social Groups: Participate in local clubs, hobby groups, or community centers. Whether it’s a book club, gardening group, or art class, engaging in shared activities can provide a platform for forming new friendships and connections.
Embrace Technology: Harness the power of technology to bridge the gap between loved ones. Video calls, social media, and online forums can connect friends and family members, providing a virtual support system that transcends physical distances.
Volunteer Opportunities: Explore volunteer opportunities in your community. Contributing time and skills to a cause you are passionate about not only gives a sense of purpose but also facilitates social interactions with like-minded individuals.
Senior Living Communities: Consider joining a senior living community like Bainbridge Senior Living for a builtin social network. These communities offer a range of activities, events, and shared spaces that foster a sense of
Attend Senior Centers: Senior centers host a variety of activities and events. From fitness classes to educational seminars, these centers provide a welcoming space to socialize and connect with peers.
Pet Companionship: Pets can be wonderful companions, offering unconditional love and emotional support. If possible, consider adopting a pet as it can bring joy, routine, and a sense of responsibility, mitigating feelings of loneliness.
Cultivate Hobbies: Explore or rediscover hobbies. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, engaging in activities provides a sense of fulfillment and can lead to meeting like-minded individuals.
Stay Active: Physical activity not only contributes to overall health but also provides opportunities for social interaction. Joining exercise classes, walking groups, or even participating in gentle activities like yoga can foster connections with peers.
Family and Friends Involvement: Strengthening connections with family and friends is crucial. Regular visits, phone calls, and planned activities with loved ones
can
Reducing Loneliness in a Senior Living Community: A Holistic Approach
At Bainbridge Senior Living, we understand the importance of community and connection in the lives of our residents. Loneliness can significantly impact mental and physical health, which is why we offer a variety of activities and programs designed to foster social interaction, engagement, and a sense of belonging. Here are some of the opportunities available to senior housing residents:
Diverse Activities and Events: Select a senior living community with a wide range of activities catering to different interests and hobbies. From arts and crafts to fitness classes, there’s something for everyone. Regular social events, such as movie nights, game days, and themed parties, provide fun and relaxation while encouraging residents to mingle and build friendships.
Gardening Programs: Gardening clubs offer residents the chance to engage in a therapeutic and rewarding activity. Whether they have a green thumb or are just starting out, gardening provides a sense of purpose, reduces stress, and allows for social interaction in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Community Trips and Outings: Exploring the local community is a great way to stay connected with the world. Regular trips to local attractions, parks, and museums, as well as shopping excursions and visits to the theater not only offer entertainment but also create shared experiences and memories among residents.
Dining Experiences: Dining rooms are designed to be welcoming places where residents can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals together. Special dining events, such as holiday feasts and themed dinners, add a festive touch and provide opportunities for socializing.
Overcoming loneliness is a journey that involves actively seeking connections and embracing the multitude of opportunities available. Fostering social interactions, staying engaged in the community, and nurturing relationships, allows residents to embark on a fulfilling chapter of their lives, rich with meaningful connections and shared experiences for a supportive and vibrant lifestyle.
(Please see our ad on page 7) Serving Clallam & Je erson County (360) 633-7626
https://weknowmedicare.org/gary- oring/
Suseyi
(see
Serving
Professional Moving Services
www.kitsapmovers.com
Real Estate Advising & Property Management
Real Estate & Construction
(see
Health & Home Planning Directory
Kitsap County
Easter Seals Adult Day Services
Bremerton
Adult Day Care
Aging in Place
WA State Nationwide
National Aging in Place CouncilWA Chapter https://ageinplace.org/
NAIPC (National Aging in Place Council)
https://ageinplace.org/
e U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention de nes aging in place as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level" e NAIPC is a senior support network that connects service providers with older adults, their families, and caretakers, across the U.S.
Air Medical Care Transport Services
Life Flight Network
Serving the Paci c Northwest Communications Center 24/7 (800) 232-0911 or (208) 367-3114
Alternative Healthcare & Medicine
Link Audiology
(see our ad on page 13)
Serving Kitsap, Pierce & Surrounding Areas
3 locations; Sillverdale, University Place, Vashon Island
(360) 551-4800
https://linkaudiology.com/
Cancer Care
Clallam County King County Kitsap County
Olympic Medical Cancer Center
Sequim
Paragon Dermatology
Sequim
Alzheimer’s Association
(Please see our ad on page 15, 21)
WA State Chapter (800) 272-3900
https://www.alz.org/alzwa
American Cancer Society (800) 729-3880
American Lung Association (800) 586-4872
AWAKE - Apnea Support (360) 792-6686
Bereavement, Hospice Support Group (360) 415-6911
Brain Injury Support (360) 475-6480
Breast Cancer Support (360) 792-6885
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Seattle
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Peninsula Poulsbo
Caregiver Support
Kitsap Caregiver Support Center
Givens Community Center - 1026 Sidney Ave. Suite 105, Port Orchard
NK Fishline, 19705 Viking Ave NW, Poulsbo (360) 337-5700/(800) 562-6418
Diabetes Support (888) 342-2383
DriveAble (253) 851-0007
Hepatitis Support Person (360) 876-3837
Lung Club Support (360) 792-6686
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) (360) 377-2910
NK Breast Cancer Support Group (206)-842-6218
Ostomy Support Group (360) 692-3869
Ovarian Cancer Support Group (360) 697-6123
Parkinson’s Support Group (360) 475-6480
Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's (888) 217-0577
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH) (360) 871-0997
Stroke Support Group (360) 337-8980
Care Managers, Clinical Social Workers & Geriatric Care Managers
Care Plans Plus
Serving the Olympic Peninsula (see our ad on page 49) (360) 881-7900
A Certi ed Aging in Place Specialist is a designation used to identify those individuals trained to help seniors and older adults live safely in their homes. Clallam County
Serving Pierce, Kitsap and King Counties (253) 906-9696
www.homesteadmove.com/
Caring
Certified Health & Wellness Coaching
& Massage
(Please see our ad on page 23, 25)
Serving Kitsap and Surrounding Areas (206) 842-4929
https://www.livingwellbainbridge.com/
Digestive Health and Endoscopy
Direct Primary Care
(Please see our ad on page 29) Serving Western WA (206) 375-4002 https://pinnacleseniorplacements.com/
Health Care Providers (cont'd)
Clallam County
Dr. Kevin L Conroy, ND
Port Angeles
Dr. Paul Cunningham
Sequim
North Olympic Healthcare Network
Primary Care
Port Angeles
Olympic Medical Center
Olympic Medical Heart Center
Port Angeles & Sequim Kitsap County
Olympic Medical Home Health (& Lifeline)
Port Angeles
OMP Primary Care
Port Angeles & Sequim
OMP Speciality Clinic
Port Angeles & Sequim
Equilibrium Natural Health Silverdale
HousecallMD.org
Kitsap, Clallam, Je erson
Kaiser Permanente
Port Orchard, Poulsbo, & Silverdale
Port Angeles Kitsap Medical Group
Bremerton, Kingston, & Manchester
Caregivers Home Health Inc.
Port Angeles, Sequim
Caregivers Home Health Inc
Port Townsend
Home Medical Equipment, Supplies & Accessories
Olympic Pharmacy & Healthcare Services
(Please see our ad on page 20)
Serving Gig Harbor and surrounding areas
Available for mail orders
(253)858-9941 https://www.olympicpharmacy.com/
MobliWear is a Wearable Watch Fall Detection, Alerts, Monitoring, and Custom APP (888) 877-7564 https://mobliwear.com/
Sequim
Lincare
Port Angeles
Olympic Oxygen Services
Sequim Lincare Bremerton Performance Home Medical Bremerton & Silverdale Tim’s Home Medical Supplies Bremerton
Ensuring older adults can live more independently https://www.nobi.life/en
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Hospice & Palliative Care Serving King, Kitsap & Pierce Counties
Hospitals & Clinics
Clallam County
North Olympic Healthcare Network 240 W. Front St., A Port Angeles (360) 452-7891
Je erson County
Je erson Healthcare Medical Center & Emergency Dept 834 Sheridan Street Port Townsend (360) 385-2200
Hospitals & Clinics (cont'd)
Kitsap County
CHI Franciscan Family Medicine Clinic 4207 Kitsap Way Bremerton (360) 782-5700
St.
Medical Center 1800 NW Myhre Rd. Silverdale (360) 337-8800
1 Boone Rd Bremerton (360) 475-4000
Franciscan Urgent Care 1344 Wintergreen Lane, Suite #100 Bainbridge Island (206) 201-0488 St. Michael Medical Center 2520 Cherry Ave Bremerton (360) 744-3911 Virginia Mason Medical Center 1344 Wintergreen Lane NE Bainbridge Island (206) 842-5632
Certi ed Professional Guardians (CPG’s are appointed by the Courts to protect, advocate for, and serve the interests of disabled and vulnerable adults.)
Clallam County Je erson County
Bridge Builders
Sequim Caring Choices
Elaine Morgan & Kathleen Traci Port Ludlow
Estate Planning, Business, Real Estate, & Elder Law Attorneys
Tony Hinson
Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano & Lind
19717 Front Street NE
Poulsbo (360) 779-5551
https://www.sherrardlaw.com/
Kitsap County
Hayes Gori, PLLC Bainbridge Island
Richmond & Richmond Port Orchard
Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman & Cure Bremerton
Fiduciary Services
Pro ducia
(Please see our ad on page 9)
Serving the Puget Sound & Surrounding Area
(206) 573-5276
www.pro ducia.com
Heidi Abrams
Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano & Lind
19717 Front Street NE
Poulsbo (360) 779-5551
https://www.sherrardlaw.com/
Je erson County
David Faber, Faber Feinson PLLC Port Townsend
Mason County
Rick Biehl Law Allyn
Matt Lind
Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano & Lind
19717 Front Street NE
Poulsbo (360) 779-5551
https://www.sherrardlaw.com/
Pierce County
Law O ces of Bryana Cross Bean Gig Harbor
(Executor/PR, POA, Trustee, Family CFO &
Personal Injury & Civil Litigation Attorneys
Colleen E. Mriglot
Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano & Lind
240 Madison Ave North
Bainbridge Island (206) 842-5681
https://www.sherrardlaw.com/
William S. McGonagle Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano & Lind
240 Madison Ave North
Bainbridge Island (206) 842-5681
https://www.sherrardlaw.com/
Leisure and Family Support Directory
Athletic Clubs & Senior Fitness Program
Casinos, Resorts & Lodging, Golf & Country Clubs
End of Life Planning and Legacy Planning
Shows and Entertainment. Find who’s playing in your neighborhood and embrace the local and national artists this year.
Residents are met where they are with our caring team helping each resident retain maximum independence for as long as possible. Providing world-class living options that are specifically tailored to meet each of our resident’s individual needs.
Memory Care
For our Memory Care residents our experienced team provides industry renowned care for residents living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of memory-related illness.
As part of our Memory Care services we also offer a Bonded Pairs® program allowing pairs to remain living together even if one person is living with a memory-related diagnosis (in select communities). Bonded Pairs are often married couples but can also be siblings or a parent and child….as long as the criteria is met, we can help. As long as the loved one with dementia is safe, our goal is to keep those bonded pairs together as long as possible with less heartache, worry and expense.
