Seniority inland by UTCP

H EALT H + FINANCE S + RE S OURCE S

SENIORITY S

DIEGO in l a n d Fa l l / Win ter 2 0 13

An Active Resource for 55+

+Let Inga Tell You: Remodeling Her Estate Plan +Communities Offer Diverse Services, Classes +Key Steps to Keep Your Bones Strong

P u b l i c at ion of M a in Street Media S an D iego

At Palomar Health, we’re forward thinkers. We invest in the latest technologies. We build new facilities with the future in mind. We anticipate health needs across all ages and stages of life. Why? Because at the center of everything we do is one thing – you. Our physicians, nurses and staff work to ensure you receive the very best care in a comfortable, healing environment. They work to earn your trust. Because trust will always be our greatest innovation. ■ ■ ■ ■

Skilled Nursing Adult Behavioral Health Home Health Care Radiology Services

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Wound Care Centers Rehabilitation Therapy Home Caregivers Lifeline Medical Alert Service

Palomar Medical Center 2185 Citracado Parkway Escondido, CA 92029 442.281.5000 Palomar Health Downtown Campus 555 East Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92025 760.739.3000 Pomerado Hospital 15615 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064 858.613.4000

Palomar Health accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare. To choose a physician, call 800.628.2880 or visit www.PalomarHealth.org/doctor.

Choose Care You Can Trust.

Choose Arch Health Partners. Arch Health Partners understands that establishing a strong relationship with a primary care physician is important. With nearly 90 experienced primary and specialty care physicians in multiple locations, we provide convenient, individualized care that you can trust. Through our affiliation with Palomar Health, Arch Health Partners patients have access to all Palomar Health facilities, including the new Palomar Medical Center, Palomar Health Downtown Campus, Pomerado Hospital and Villa Pomerado among others.

Your choice for excellent care is clear. In fact, the Integrated Healthcare Association has chosen Arch Health Partners as a Top Performing Medical Group for our achievement in quality measures and use of technology, for four consecutive years. When it comes to your health, finding the right physician is essential. Choose Arch Health Partners – we accept most health insurance plans and our experienced team of physicians is here for you. Poway • Ramona • San Marcos • 4S Ranch • Escondido

858.675.3100 • www.ArchHealth.org

Got M edicare? VISIT TODAY!

161 Thunder Drive Suite 102 Vista, CA 92083

THREE STEPS to finding the right plan!

Meet one of our local Health Plan Advisors

*1-888-988-8072

We will review different plans and help you understand your options!

Enroll in a plan that suits your needs and fits your budget! (Toll Free) Monday - Friday: 8AM - 6PM

*1-888-988-8072 | www.sbhis.net *Calling this number will connect you to a licensed agent. SBHIS represents various Medicare Advantage (MA), Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs), as well as other types of health plans.

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Table of C ontents

5.......Let Inga tell you: Remodeling her estate plan 6.......Communities offer variety of services, classes 10.....Key steps to take to keep bones healthy and strong 12.....Best ways to shed pounds after 50 14.....Finding time to exercise 16.....Things to consider as retirement approaches 18.....How to make informed healthcare decisions 20.....Ways to avoid overspending as retirement nears 22.....Did you know: Baby Boomer facts 24.....How to improve your heart health 26.....Essential senior resources Published by MainStreet Media San Diego 565 Pearl Street, La Jolla, CA 92037 | (858) 459-4201 Phyllis Pfeiffer, Publisher Don Parks, Chief Revenue Officer/General Manager Contents of Seniority San Diego ÂŠ 2013-2014

You Deserve Award Winning Care

Come find out why we are the best in San Diego County. Offering Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy among other great services for your loved ones. Please call or stop by one of our locations for a tour. La Jolla Nursing & Rehabilitation 2552 Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla CA 92037 858-453-5810 www.lajollanursingandrehab.com

Encinitas Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 900 Santa Fe Dr. Encinitas, CA 92024 760-753-6423

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Valle Vista Convalescent Hospital 1025 West 2nd Ave. Escondido, CA 92025 760-745-1842 www.vallevistanursingandrehab.com

FIVE STAR RATED

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Let Inga Tell You...

Remodeling our estate plan Y

when both kids and families show up. We think ou know you’re it will make a wonderful remodel for someone. getting older But we’re not those someones. when you catch I’ll confess that a part of me has always your adult kids walking regretted that the timing was never right for around with a tape that view remodel (divorce, college bills, etc.). measure envisioning As we’ve explained to the kids, the house, the the remodel after cars, and their educations are finally paid for. you’re dead. Actually, We’re definitely not looking for more debt, exin our younger son’s case, he’s sort of hoping cept at tax time when we realize our deducfor the remodel before we’re dead. “You could tionless tax burden singlehandedly supports really do something with this place,” he enseveral branches of thuses hopefully when state and federal govhe and his wife and the ernment. kids and dog are down We’ve told our for the weekend. He enyounger son that we visions, at minimum, a think all of his remodel second story master ideas are wonderful and suite angled to maximize that we will be happily what would be an unoblooking down (or up) on structable ocean view, a them when the time wrap-around front porch comes. He actually for waving to the neighowns his own house in bors in our family-friendL.A. so it’s not like he ly neighborhood, and and his family don’t reconverting the ill-conhave a nice roof over sidered 1955 garage retheir heads. But I think model back into a gaWhen our kids do the remodel, if you grow up in La Jolrage (amen to that). all we ask is an ocean view. la, you never lose the We’re very clear that his draw to this place. fantasies include a reOf course, the other way you know you’re model to his specifications on our dime. getting old besides the kids standing on the We couldn’t agree more that this tiny roof with a sketch pad is you have to set up house on a prime lot could be morphed into a those nagging Living Will instructions. (It’s really fantastic place. It’s had a lot of interior pretty much all down hill once you wake up on upgrades over time but it is still the original your 50th birthday and find both an AARP card 1947 footprint. Its 1,600 square feet (including and an appointment for a routine colonoscopy the converted garage) felt enormous when my in the mail.) But one does have to decide at ex and I bought it in 1973, much smaller when we added two kids, positively palatial when the kids departed, and now totally sardine-ish C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 7

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Art classes are one of the ways groups keep seniors active.

Communities offer variety of services, classes R an ch o Bernar d o

Rancho Bernardo Senior Services serves seniors from all area communities. The office, 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14, offers many free programs including free hearing tests and blood pressure checks. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For appointments, reservations and more information, call 858-487-2640. Free services offered by appointment: notary; veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; benefits consultation fourth Wednesday; legal assistance by local attorneys noon to 2 p.m. Mondays; Medicare/ long-term care insurance consultation third and fourth Fridays; financial planner consultation noon to 2 p.m. second Tuesday; income tax or estate planning consultation questions by appointment. Hearing test last Thursday, every other month. Hot meal program available for home delivery in Rancho Bernardo, $4.40 for regular, $5 for diabetic. Drivers are also needed. AARP Driver Safety Program is the first

and second Friday of the month ($12). Free blood pressure checks are 10 to 11 a.m. second and fourth Wednesdays. No appointment necessary. * * * * *

The Ed Brown Senior Center at Rancho Bernardo, located at 18402 W. Bernardo Drive in Rancho Bernardo Community Park, is a community facility offering various activities and free services for seniors that enable older adults to remain active, healthy and connected to life. Call the center at 858-4879324, or check the online calendar at www. edbrowncenter.org for upcoming events. The center offers over 35 classes and activities each week, including yoga, arthritis and balance, watercolor, line dancing, ballroom dancing, zumba gold, ukulele, Qigong and Fit â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Fun. The center holds a weekly tea dance 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays from 1 and bingo at 1 p.m. every Friday. CO N T I N U E D O N P A G E 8

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C o N T I N U E D F R o M PA G E 5

some point who will make decisions for one’s health care once neither you nor your spouse are able to. Did we want to appoint our older son, the clinical social worker who runs programs for the homeless and has done hospice care? Or should we go for the younger son who has an MBA? In our fantasies, the social worker kid is sitting by our bedside adjusting our blankets and patiently listening to our endless repetitious stories as he quietly strokes our hands. The MBA kid, we envision, is parked on the other side, ear buds cranked up to 120 decibels to drown out the annoying stories, comforting us with one hand, and calculating the negative cash flow of long-term care on his Blackberry with the other. Next thing we know, Pffft! Someone accidentally trips over the plug and we’re buried in the back yard. For the record, the MBA kid does not find this story funny at all, insisting that a business

degree would hardly prevent him from making compassionate decisions about our care. And besides, he points out, there’s barely enough room in the back yard to park the two of us without having to replace the entire irrigation system. And where’s the economy in THAT? Actually, said my husband, Olof, the tripping over the plug part, intentionally or not, didn’t sound half bad. Put us out of our misery. Besides, for all we’d know, it was the social worker kid, driven cumulatively mad after the 500th repetition of the infamous dead possum incident, whose foot suddenly intersected with the power cord. And if it came right down to it, burying us in the back yard (despite being massively illegal) actually sounds kind of charming given our fondness for the place. But one request: When you do the remodel, can we have a spot with a view? ■ — If you like La Jolla resident Inga’s lighthearted looks at life, you can find her in the La Jolla Light or at www.lajollalight.com.

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CO N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 6

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RB Jewish Senior Center, located at 16934 Chabad Way in Poway, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., and offers a variety of programs. The center also serves freshly cooked gourmet kosher meals at $4 per person. Take out is also available. Reservations are preferred a day in advance by calling 858-487-4873. Po way

Poway Senior Center, located in Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Drive, offers “Feeling Fit” exercise, yoga, tai chi, knitting, ceramics. Call 858-748-6094 for more details. Win up to $1,199 playing bingo 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Open to all 18 and over. Proceeds benefit the nutrition program. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a requested donation of $4. Transportation is available to and from the center for lunch. Homebound seniors can have lunch delivered daily. Learn to line dance noon to 2 p.m. Fridays. A free beginning jewelry-making class is 1 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Bring your beads and supplies. Call 858-748-6094 for details. Membership is $35 per year, non-members pay a nominal fee per class. Free medical and legal assistance available. Call 858748-6094 for more details. * * * * *

The Poway Adult Day Health Care Center, located at 12250 Crosthwaite Circle, at Danielson Street, offers affordable respite for caregivers through their day programs. Call

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858-748-5044. The Adult Day Health Care program provides physical, occupational and speech therapies as well as nursing, personal care and dietary services. As well as nursing, personal care and dietary services. Seniors enjoy the social day program that provides a structured, individualized program of therapeutic and social activities designed to enhance cognitive and physical functioning in a comfortably air conditioned building. A laughter yoga program has recently been launched. A nutritionally balanced lunch is included and transportation to and from the center is available when needed. A four-hour, halfday program is also now available. To receive a complimentary visit day, call the center for more information A caregiver support group meets 10 to 11:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Call for information or to arrange complimentary adult day care during the support group. Trans-Med offers no-cost transportation for non-emergency medical purposes to qualified seniors over 60. Find out more at the center. A vehicle donation will support the center’s programs and may reduce your taxes. Call 866-244-8464 for details. * * * * *

North County Inland Center, a Jewish Family Service social and wellness program for adults 60-plus, is located in Temple Adat Shalom at 15905 Pomerado Road in Poway. Call 858-674-1123. The center offers an array of exercise programs, lectures, entertainment and more every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Lunch and transportation are also available. For more information, to make reservations or receive a monthly newsletter, call Melinda Wynar, program coordinator, at 858-6741123. R an ch o P ena squ it os

The Rancho Family YMCA offers Active Older Adult (AOA) activities at its facility at 9410 Fairgrove Lane in Rancho Penasquitos. Membership is not required. For more information, call 858-484-8788, ext. 226. ■

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Transportation Options On t he G o : Offered by Jewish Family Service, On the Go provides transportation options to all area seniors, 60 and over, in northern San Diego and North County Inland. For more details and reservations, call 858-6377320 or visit www.jfssd.org. On the Go offers four options to seniors: Rides & Smiles: Volunteer drivers, using their own vehicles, provide individual transportation to non-emergency medical appointments, personal appointments, banks, pharmacies, hair salons, volunteer and social activities, and more. Rides must be reserved at least one week in advance and are provided for a donation, depending on distance. On the Go Shuttles: Door-to-door shuttles are $4 each way. Reservations must be made three business days in advance. On the Go Excursions: Join other seniors on trips to Balboa Park, winery tours, museums and historic sites, community fairs and Padres games, to name a few. Cost is $6 and up

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depending on the destination and admittance fee. Social & Wellness Shuttle: Providing seniors door-to-door round trips to the North County Inland Center in Poway and the University City Older Adult Center for $4 each way. Make reservations three business days in advance. T ran sM e d: Low-income seniors living in North County Inland can get free rides from home to a physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, medical facility or pharmacy and back via TransMed. For eligibility details, information, schedules and reservations, call Tara Guggino at 858-4495366 or email tarag@powayadhc.org. Funded by a grant from the San Diego Association of Governments, the transportation program utilizes the wheelchair-accessible vans and buses operated by the Poway Adult Day Health Care Center. Communities served are Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Ramona, Scripps Ranch and Mira Mesa. â&#x2013;

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seacrest village

retirement communities

Come Home to Seacrest.

Imagine always having delicious meals served by friendly waitstaff, professional housekeeping service, chauffeured transportation, 24-hour security, emergency alert system, fitness opportunities and more. And...imagine never having to call the gardener, plumber or electrician. Enhance your retirement experience at Seacrest Village!

Seacrest Village at Rancho Bernardo Nellie Cohn Residence

12730 Monte Vista Road Poway CA 92064

(858) 485-0700

seacrestvillage.org

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Key steps to take to keep bones healthy and strong

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s men and women age, many take steps to improve their overall health. These steps can be as simple as cutting back on dinner portions or as significant as joining a gym and committing to an exercise regimen. One of the best things men and women can do to improve their health, as well as their quality of life, as they age is to protect their bones. Though some are aware of the importance of protecting their bones, which weaken as the aging process progresses, leaving older adults susceptible to fractures, many might not know that protecting their bones is quite simple. What’s more, many of the roughly two million bone fractures caused by osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle from loss of tissue, are preventable. Men and women who heed the following tips to help protect their bones can reduce their risk of fractures as they age.

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Get a bone density test from your doctor and then get out and get moving to protect your bones. tified cereals and juices, dark leafy greens like broccoli, almonds and a host of dairy products.

* GET youR cALcIum ANd vITAmIN d.

Many people are aware that calcium and vitamin D promote bone health. However, a 2005 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocriology found that 52 percent of postmenopausal women on osteoporosis treatment had insufficient levels of vitamin D, despite being told by their doctors to take both vitamin D and calcium. If your diet does not include adequate vitamin D, which can be found in fortified dairy products, egg yolks and fish, then vitamin D supplements can help meet your needs. Calcium can be found in a variety of products, including for-

* vIs IT you R ph ysIc IA N . Few people

might know that bone health is actually measurable. A bone density screening can assess your bone health, while FRAX®, an online tool developed by the World Health Organization, evaluates an individual’s risk of fracture based on a host of factors, including age, weight, height and medical history. FRAX® models give a 10-year probability of fracture, which can help prevent injuries down the road for people whose risk might not be immediate. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends all women be-

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the strength-training materials you will need, but you can also purchase hand weights or additional resistance training products to ensure your bones are getting adequate exercise. Consult a physician before beginning an exercise regimen, especially if you have recently had a fracture. More information about bone health is available at www.nof.org. ■

gin bone density screenings at age 65. However, women with additional risk factors, including smokers, those with low weight or a thin frame, family history of osteoporosis, late onset of menstrual periods, and a history of anorexia or bulimia, should consult their physician about screenings regardless of their age. * GET o uT AN d E x E R c I s E . Exercise is another great way to protect your bones. Unless you suddenly embrace competitive weightlifting, exercise won’t increase your bone density, but it will help you maintain the bone density you already have. Something as simple as walking can help maintain bone density, as can other weight-bearing activities like jogging. Cardiovascular weight-bearing activities can be coupled with strength training, which recent studies have found may improve bone mineral density, something that could delay the onset of osteoporosis and reduce your risk of fracture. A gym will likely have all of

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Best ways to shed pounds after 50

osing weight is a goal for many people regardless of age. While youngsters and young adults might be able to get away with a few extra pounds without suffering any significant consequences, older adults carrying extra weight might be putting their overall health at considerable risk. Shedding weight after the age of 50 is not always easy. As a person ages, muscle mass tends to dwindle while body fat has a tendency to increase. Since fat burns fewer calories than muscle, it is easier to gain weight as we grow older. But weight gain is not inevitable. In fact, men and women willing to make certain changes with regard to diet and exercise can shed pounds after 50 while preventing future weight gain. D iet

Men and women need fewer calories as they age. For example, men and women in their 40s may need as many as 200 calories more per day than they will when they reach their 50s. Counting calories might seem difficult, so men and women in their 50s and older who don’t think they can count calories can try to eat more low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Consuming fewer calories often requires changing dietary habits, not only with regard to what you’re eating but also how you’re eating and even how you shop for food. If you often go out for lunch, bring your lunch from home to gain greater control of your daily caloric intake. If you’re too exhausted to cook every night, prepare meals in advance to have healthy, homemade meals waiting instead of ordering takeout or delivery. When

Men and women need fewer calories as they get older and consequently need to change their eating habits.

shopping for food, avoid doing so on an empty stomach so you’re less inclined to buy unhealthy snacks. E x er c i s e

Exercise is another essential component to shedding pounds after 50, though you should always consult a physician before you begin a new exercise regimen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that regular exercise can help older men and women prevent the onset of a host of ailments, including heart disease and diabetes. In addition, the CDC notes that regular physical activity as one ages helps muscles grow stronger, which increases the chances that an individual will be able to perform necessary daily activities without the assistance of others. Maintaining that independence into older adulthood is a goal for many men and women, and it’s a goal that’s far more realistic for men and women who

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exercise than it is for those who don’t. When coupled with a healthy, low-calorie diet, routine exercise can help men and women over 50 shed extra weight and keep the weight off once it’s gone. According to the CDC, older adults need at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week and muscle-strengthening activities twice a week. Muscle-strengthening activities should work all the major muscle groups, including the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. Muscle-strengthening activities include lifting weights, working out with resistance bands, exercise such as push-ups and sit-ups that use body weight for resistance, and yoga. Even gardening that involves digging and shoveling can be considered a muscle-strengthening activity. Weight gain is often an expected side effect of aging. But men and women don’t have to gain weight as they get older. Some simple dietary changes and a commitment

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Weight lifting when coupled with a healthy diet will help men and women lose weight.

to routine exercise is all it takes to shed weight after 50 and keep that weight off once it’s gone. ■

S P O N SO R E D C O N T E N T

Arch Health: Your Partner in Wellness Special Nutrition Concerns for Seniors

Prepared by Janice Baker, RD, CDE, CNSC, BC-ADM, Arch Health Partners

ood nutrition is essential to our quality of life. Obstacles to healthful eating as we age can get in the way – leading to serious medical issues later. Some concerns include:

1. Weight management: As we age, we need fewer calories. However, we still need the same amount, or more of essential nutrients. Limit high-calorie foods and keep active. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. 2. Constipation: Include high-fiber foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Drink plenty of fluids each day. 3. Poor dental health: This affects the ability to eat a healthy diet. Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and examinations. 4. Digestion: As we age, we produce less saliva and stomach acid which helps the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Eat smaller, frequent meals and chew food thoroughly. 5. Sense of taste and smell may decrease: To compensate, some may prefer very sweet or salty foods leading to weight gain or excessive fluid retention. Use low sodium seasonings or lemon juice for flavoring. Discuss nutrition concerns with your physician. Consult a Registered Dietitian for nutrition therapy and meal planning – especially when medical problems impact your food intake. For more health tips, or to learn about Arch Health Partners, visit www.ArchHealth.org.

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Get up early to exercise and you’ll start your day feeling great.

Finding time for exercise

any men and women cite hectic schedules as the primary reason they fail to get enough exercise. Commitments to work and family may dominate your schedule, but daily exercise can drastically reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes and help reduce stress. Because exercise can vastly improve quality of life and even life expectancy, it’s imperative that even the busiest men and women find time to exercise several times per week. The following are a handful of ways to do just that. *

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Many men and women find their commutes to be a significant waste of time. But instead of sitting in traffic or napping on public transportation, consider transforming your daily commute into an exercise regimen. If you live close to your office, ride your bicycle to

work each day rather than driving or taking the bus or train. If that’s not an option, avoid working during your commute so you aren’t stressing out on your way into or home from the office. Instead, spend your commute listening to an audiobook in the car or reading a book or watching a movie if you take public transportation. Use your commute as an opportunity to exercise, ease into your day or unwind after a long day rather than extending the workday. * Ma ke t h e mos t o f you r l u n ch ho ur. Many working professionals are

aware that a big lunch in the middle of the day can drain them of energy and make the afternoon crawl. So instead of indulging in a big lunch, use your lunch hour to squeeze in a workout. If your company has an on-site fitness facility, visit it during your lunch hour. If not, walk around the campus during lunch instead of sitting at your desk. Exercising

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during your lunch hour is a great way to squeeze in a workout, and chances are your afternoon productivity will benefit from your midday workout. * G et up early. Men and women who workout in the morning often rave about the impact such workouts have on the rest of their days. While it might not be easy to rise when it’s still dark out, waking up as little as 30 minutes before you normally would can work wonders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week and some muscle-strengthening activities that focus on all the major muscle groups on two or more days per week. So setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier and making the most of that dusty fitness equipment in the basement is all that stands between you and a much healthier lifestyle. Once you get used to exercising in the early morning hours, you might realize just how

much more energy you have throughout the day and how little you miss that extra sleep in the morning.

SPO N SO R E D CO N T E N T

AIS: Helping Seniors & Disabled

Jody Hubbard: Long-term care insurance specialist

hen you don’t know where to turn for comprehensive information and impartial help, turn to Aging and Independence Services, a division of San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency. AIS provides more than 30 different programs that benefit older adults and individuals with disabilities. AIS can help with finding in-home care, meal programs, classes, reporting suspected elder abuse, volunteer opportunities, veterans services, and much more.

For more information about AIS, visit www.ais-sd.org or www.sand iego.networkofcare.org/aging. You can also contact the AIS Call Center toll-free at (800) 510-2020.

* Fo rg o h appy h ou r f or wor kou t h our . The days when professionals

would finish off a workday with a few drinks at a nearby tavern are largely a thing of the past, but some professionals still like to indulge in one or two alcoholic beverages at the end of the workday. If that’s your modus operandi but you bemoan your lack of time to get to the gym, then say goodbye to happy hour in favor of working out at the gym. Working out after work is a healthier way to relieve stress than having a few drinks, and choosing to work out instead of going out for drinks is a great way to trim your waistline. Daily exercise can drastically improve your quality of life while significantly reducing your risk for potentially deadly diseases. And even the busiest men and women can find time to exercise every day when motivated to do so. ■

ould you be one of the 70 percent of adults over 65 who will need longterm care? How will you pay for it without depleting your financial resources? How will it affect not only your quality of life, but that of your loved ones? Long-Term Care Insurance • Provides for care at far less expense than paying out-of-pocket. • Allows you to stay in your home. • Removes the financial, physical and emotional burden from family members. • Leaves your estate planning intact. Jody Hubbard, CPA, has specialized in long-term care insurance for more than 15 years. Plan for your future care needs with a free no-risk consultation and quote. Call Jody at (760) 944-3777.

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Retirement can be a difficult adjustment, but planning can ensure it’s an exciting time.

Things to consider as retirement approaches

hough many people are delaying retirement, the day will still come when they leave their jobs behind and retire. Retirement can be a difficult adjustment that takes some getting used to, but it can also prove an exciting time, especially for those who planned ahead to ensure their retirement was a time to be cherished and not feared. Whether retirement is right around the corner or still a decade or so away, men and women should consider several factors to make sure their retirement years are an enjoyable time that allows them to live life to the fullest. * I n com e : Just because you’re no longer

working doesn’t mean you won’t have income. Government benefits, retirement accounts and perhaps even some light consulting work are just a few ways retirees can earn an income. Though your retirement income will likely pale in comparison to your income as an adult working full-time, estimate what that income will be so you can get at least an idea of how much will be coming in each month. * Monthly expenses: Once you have an idea of what’s coming in, estimate how much will be going out each month. Certain costs associated with working, such as the cost of commuting and maintaining a professional wardrobe, can be removed

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from the ledger. But other expenses, including utilities, car payments and possibly even a mortgage payment, will still need to be made. Once you have an idea of your projected income and your expenses during retirement, work on a prospective budget that details what you will need to live on during retirement. * EmpLo ymE N T: Many people now look at retirement as the end of one career and the beginning of another. As retirement draws closer, men and women might want to consider turning an interest or passion into a second career. Such a move might make retirement more exciting while removing some of the fear of finding enough things to pass the time that many people have with regard to retirement. * RELo cAT I o N : Where to spend your retirement years is another thing to consider before the big day arrives. Do you, like many retirees, prefer to stay in your own home? Do you want to relocate to a warmer climate or

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move to another country? Do you want to move closer to your children and grandchildren? Do you want to split your time in separate cities? Is a retirement village something you might be amenable to? Each of these options is different, and each requires a different financial commitment, so carefully consider where you want to spend your retirement and then consider how you can make those wishes a reality. * m EdIcA L cosT s: Private insurance or government-sponsored programs likely won’t cover all of your medical costs, which typically increase as a person ages. There are various ways to prepare for the medical costs that might arise during retirement, and the earlier you start that preparation the less stressful paying for medical care as you age figures to be. Retirement should be an exciting time for men and women, especially for those who have spent years planning their retirement to ensure it’s as enjoyable as possible. ■

WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN, TURN TO US Whether the need is for an evaluation, a referral for services, or a check on someone’s safety, people turn to Aging & Independence Services, a division of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.

Here are just some of the programs we offer: Adult Protective Services - In-Home Supportive Services - Care Management Veterans Services - Project CARE - Health Promotion - Meal Programs Family Caregiver Support - Intergenerational Programs - Volunteer Opportunities Public Administrator/Public Guardian/Public Conservator and more

Aging & Independence Services

County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency Aging & Independence Services

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How to make informed healthcare decisions

he typical healthcare patient has changed in recent years. No longer are individuals putting all of their healthcare decisions into the hands of nurses and doctors. Patients are more informed than ever before and are interested in taking a more active role in their own care. Thanks to the Internet, people are able to access information that, in the past, was not easily available. A few decades ago, medical data may have been elusive and filled with confusing jargon the layperson might not have understood without a crash course in biology. However, today there are different websites that clearly spell out information about certain illnesses and diseases. This means that patients may no longer be walk-

ing blindly into appointments with doctors. Facing an illness is never easy, and the decision-making abilities could be hampered by emotions and the desire to improve as quickly as possible. Patients who do not have all of the facts may have to rely solely on the expertise of caregivers and physicians when making important healthcare decisions. By knowing the avenues of information, a patient can find assistance with careful decision-making. While learning about an ailment is important, there are some things to consider.

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Total Care Experience at HearUSA

Encinitas Nursing Honored for AwardWinning Rehab Care

earUSA, part of a national network of hearing centers, provides screenings, hearing aid help, dispensing and physician referrals. You will receive a full diagnosis and introduction to treatment. After your diagnosis, you can sample our many hearing aids. “When you come to HearUSA, you’re getting a total care experience. We’re going to find the best hearing aid for your needs,” says Marnie Lewis, HearUSA’s audiologist. We conduct follow-ups to make sure your hearing aid is working at top capacity, and adjustments can be made on the premises. HearUSA, 14845 Pomerado Road, Poway, (858) 435-0190 or visit www.hearusa.com

* T he I nternet i s n ’t f oo lpr oo f.

Many online medical sites are very reliable and offer a wealth of pertinent information. They can be good starting points when seek-

hen choosing a skilled nursing facility, the quality of the care is more important than marble floors and fancy decorations. Encinitas Nursing and Rehab Center has repeatedly won honors from the American Health Care Association for awardwinning care, outstanding service and successful patient outcomes. We provide affordable advanced rehabilitation care, IV therapy, wound care and other services. When it comes to your health, quality matters.

Encinitas Nursing and Rehab Center www.encinitasnursingandrehab.com or call (760) 753-6423.

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ing information on a particular condition. It is in your best interest to visit sites that are wellknown and monitored by respected medical affiliations. Other sites may be peppered with exaggerated claims or misinformation. Therefore, do not go by online information alone.

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a second opinion or go to a published medical journal to find out more about a condition. You have rights as a patient to be comfortable with the advice doctors give and be as involved in your treatment as you want to be.

* oN L IN E FoR u ms cou L D Do moRE hA Rm Th A N hEL p. Many people turn to on-

* D o N ’ T sE L F - DI A g No s E .

It can be easy to use the Internet line forums and blogs to gain as a means to narrowing down insight into particular diseases. symptoms and making assumpWhile these forums may be tions about what ailments you good sources of support, informay have. Instead of using the mation published on these Internet to self-diagnose your Let your doctor condition, leave the diagnosis diagnose your condition. sites could be misleading, inaccurate or unsafe. Before trying up to your doctor and rely on any proposed treatment, it is online information after you are best to consult with your doctor. diagnosed. This can improve your underHaving a general knowledge of a medistanding of the condition and any potential cal condition can enable healthcare consumtreatment options. ers to make more informed decisions about * sEEk o T hE R Av E N u E s oF IN F o R their situations. ■ m ATIo N . You should never hesitate to seek

WE’RE WITH YOU

When you need reliable transportation, help paying bills, or want to volunteer in your community. When you need a warm meal delivered, personalized care, or to connect with others at a social & wellness center. Even when you just need a friendly conversation— we're here for you, throughout the entire aging process. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you.

www.jfssd.org/olderadults • (858) 637-3040 Serving the Entire Community

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Ways to avoid overspending as retirement nears

hen the nest is empty and the kids no longer need financial support, many men and women find themselves with some extra money in their budget. Fewer mouths to feed and no more college tuition bills can give parents a sense of financial freedom they may not have had since before starting their family. But that freedom can also lead to overspending, something that can put retirement in jeopardy if people are not careful. Though it’s understandable to splurge on a well-deserved getaway once the kids have finally left the house, it’s important for adults to ensure that such splurging does not become routine. The following are a few ways men and women with some newfound disposable income can avoid overspending and putting themselves in financial hot water as they get closer to retirement.

* Pay with ca sh wh enev er possi b le. Swiping a debit card or credit card is

certainly a convenient way to shop, but it can also be dangerous. Many people find it difficult to keep track of their spending when they use debit cards or credit cards to make their purchases. Using cash to make purchases, especially daily purchases like a morning cup of coffee, reduces the likelihood of overspending. An effective way to use cash is to withdraw money from the bank once per week and use that as your weekly supply of money. If you find yourself frequently running out of money each week, then you’re likely spending more than you should. * K eep a finan c ial jou rnal . Men and women who must adapt to having newfound disposable income may find it is not much different from younger men and wom-

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Personalized Service for all Your Financial Needs Integrated Planning Services-Cook and Cook Associates

or retirement, financial planning or even health insurance for your employees, rely on Integrated Planning Services — Cook and Cook Associates, to handle all your financial planning needs. Husband-and-wife team Larry and Katie Cook have been working together in San Diego as Cook and Cook Associates for 25 years. “Our whole focus is financial planning, retirement planning and estate planning,” said Larry Cook. “We also do business planning for small businesses.” The Cooks have lived in Rancho Bernardo for six years. Larry specializes on retirement planning, 401Ks and annuities. Katie’s areas of expertise include business health, as well as health and life insurance. Cook and Cook Associates, who work with more than 80 companies, custom design a financial plan to fit the client’s individual needs. “We really help individual families and [small] businesses protect their assets, grow assets, and when the time comes, distribute their assets,” said Cook. “We make sure they get the maximum amount of money each month, so they never outlive their money.” To schedule an appointment with Integrated Planning Services – Cook and Cook Associates, visit their website at www.cookandcookassociates.com or call (858) 361-0734 or (858) 361-0735.

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en learning to manage their money when they first start working. Some of those lessons, like saving more than you spend, might need to be relearned. One way to get a grip on your spending is to keep a financial journal to track your daily and monthly expenses as well as larger purchases like a new television. Write down the monthly expenses you know you have each month, such as a mortgage payment or a car note, and each and every purchase you make, including how much you spend on dining out each month. Do this for at least a couple of months. When you have logged several months’ activity, examine your journal to see if there are any expenses that can be trimmed to save money. * DoN ’ T g o o v E R b o A R D R E WA R D INg y o uR sE L F. Once your last child has

left the nest, the temptation to reward yourself with a luxury item or two might prove overwhelming. After all, raising a family and paying for college tuition has no doubt required substantial sacrifice on your part, so

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it’s well within reason that you want to reward yourself after all these years. Avoid overdoing it so your finances aren’t stretched too thinly. A vacation with your spouse is reasonable, but buying a villa overseas might be a little over the top. Luxuries can be nice, but they can also drain a budget. Your monthly expenses once the kids have moved out should be lower, so if you find your cost of living has increased now that your nest is empty, you might be forced to determine which of your expenses are luxuries and which are necessities. * TAkE A DvA N TA gE oF you R “ ExpER IEN cE. ” Though accepting a “senior” dis-

count might be a blow to your pride, it also can be a boon to your bottom line. Many establishments, including gyms, restaurants and movie theaters, offer discounts to men and women age 55 and older. This can help you save a substantial amount of money over time, and no one has to know you’ve started cashing in on your experience. ■

Law Offices of Ramon E. Lewis

Elder Abuse Attorney Physical Abuse•Financial Abuse•Neglect

Family members are often the first to recognize and report elder neglect or abuse. If you suspect someone you care about is being abused or neglected, you can help. TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION and contact the Law Offices of Ramon E. Lewis for effective, confidential and professional legal representation.

858.259.9696 “After many years defending corporate owners of nursing homes, I decided I would rather help protect those who cannot protect themselves... My experience makes me uniquely qualified to represent these individuals and their families at the level they deserve.” – Ramon E. Lewis

www.raylewislaw.com | 11943 El Camino Real #220 San Diego CA 92130

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Did you know: Baby Boomer facts

he Baby Boomer generation is one of the most influential demographics in the world today. Boomers represent roughly 28 percent of the total population of the United States, according to “Baby Boomer” magazine, and this means they are the largest generational segment as well as the single largest economic group in the United States. They hold 70 percent of the U.S. wealth and are expected to inherit millions of dollars over the course of the next 20 years. Baby boomers comprise a population of adults who were born between 1946 and 1964. That makes boomers people who are between 49 and 67 years old. Many of these baby boomers have grown to be household names and influential individuals in all areas of business. Actor Brad Pitt is a baby boomer, as is President of the United States Barack Obama. Director Peter Jackson, singer k.d. lang and business mogul Donald Trump all belong to the baby boomer generation. Here are some additional facts and figures about baby boomers: * Baby boomers have more discretionary income than any other age group. * Baby boomers own 80 percent of the money in savings and loan associations. * Baby boomers spend more money than other groups. * Baby boomers account for nearly half of all consumer demand. Baby boomers have been known to have an unprecedented impact on American culture, society and the economy, and that influence is bound to continue for several more years.