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Golden Horizons Administrator, Suelinn Nelson shares facility achievements Pg. 2

Char-Mac/The Ridge Find out how these successful facilities can benefit you!

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Steps to take for

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PRESERVING YOUR BRAIN

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SPECIAL EDITION OF:

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Oct. 25, 2017

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Golden Horizons, “where life begins again...” Our communities are a place where conversations and welcoming faces are easy to come by. You will find the apartments and health care combine with independence for an active and social lifestyle. The compassionate staff will guide you to find the best level of care options to fit your individual needs giving you security and peace of mind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Suelinn Nelson, RN, is the Administrator at Golden Horizons and has the following to share: “I am really fortunate to be the Administrator for Golden Horizons. I knew that when I took this job it would be three-fold: administration, nursing and marketing. I’ve also added housekeeping, ALA and cooking to my resumé as well. I like to lead by example and jump in to help wherever there’s a need.

Chuck Lane, one of the owners, said, “to be successful you have to be honest, communicate, be respectful and follow through.” I have put those words on my office wall to guide me and keep me focused.

We have great news to share. Every two years, Golden Horizons is subject

Aging Gracefully

to an inspection from the Department of Inspections and Appeals. In June of this year, we proudly received a Deficiency Free Survey! This is our second deficiency free survey – the first being in 2015. Our staff is committed, dedicated and very caring so it comes as no surprise that we were able to achieve this! We continue to strive every day to maintain this standard, keeping Golden Horizons a wonderful place for your loved ones.”

Ida County Courier • the Holstein Advance

Golden Horizon of Ida Grove offers the following types of care: •Assisted Living Rooms •Memory Care Rooms •Independent Living Options Assisted Living - Golden Horizons offers Assisted Living services tailored to meet the individual needs of our residents. We base our philosophy of care upon resident choice, dignity, privacy, individuality and independence.

Our personalized approach allows us

to meet the requirements of each of our residents right in the comfort of their own apartment. A service plan is developed by our Registered Nurse, the resident, and their family, which together orchestrates a variety of services to support the resident’s independence, self-direction, and participation in decisions. These additional services are available to meet your individual care needs.

Memory Care - Golden Horizons has developed a Specialized Care Program with the individualized needs of our residents in mind. This program and living environment its the needs of residents who may be dealing with memory loss or physical limitation where higher staff to resident ratio is an added bene it. We recognize each resident’s awareness and habits, and have designed a senior community that is much like home to meet any medical, physical and social challenges that may be. Our staff detects changes in resident needs and has been trained to modify their care accordingly.

With the resident’s individual needs in mind, our health care services are tailored to it perfectly, allowing our residents to maintain the highest level of personal well-being.

Shopping for an assisted living facility The decision to move yourself or a family member to an assisted living facility can be dif icult. When men and women begin to experience dif iculty with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing or getting around, families may need to explore assisted living facilities.

The majority of residents in senior living are those who may need assistance with one or two daily activities, but who are otherwise mobile and self-suf icient. Families faced with moving relatives into assisted living facilities can consider the following pointers to ind facilities their loved ones will enjoy.

• Consider the arrangements and services offered. Some facilities offer single rooms, while others provide apartment-style living. Most assisted living facilities provide a variety of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, exercise and wellness classes, and social activities, for their residents. Investigate the offerings at each home you visit, looking for a facility that best suits your loved one’s needs.

• Inquire about staff and their schedules. It is important to know how many staff members a facility has and how many people are working at any given time. Do staf ing schedules differ at night? If a resident has a particular rapport with one staff member, can he or she be requested?

Look for a facility that is well-staffed and adept

at dealing with elderly men and women.

• Learn about individual service plans.

Many assisted living facilities create individual service plans, or ISPs, for their residents to ensure individualized care is given. These plans are important for the safety and comfort of residents and also can help maximize a person’s independence. Some communities offer memory care programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders.

• Consider the security in place. A good assisted living facility has a 24-hour support system in place and immediate access to care.

Rooms may be equipped with emergency phones that can be accessed day or night. Many homes have check-in desks so that residents are accounted for when going on outings and for announcing guests.

• Check on licensing. In the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements for assisted living facilities. Con irm a facility is licensed and that it meets the expectations of the local regulatory agency. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been iled against the home.

Assisted living facilities can meet the needs of people who cannot live independently but do not require the around-the-clock care of a nursing home.

Welcome to Golden Horizons Where Life Begins Again...

Our community is a place where conversations and welcoming faces are easy to come by. You will find that our apartments and health care combine independence for an active and social lifestyle with personal care in a warm, noble setting.

At Golden Horizons, we provide: • 24-hour staff • 27 Assisted Living Apartments • Respite Care

Assisted Living 800 Byron Godbersen Dr. Ida Grove, IA 51445 Phone: 712-364-4128 Fax: 712-364-2002 www.goldenhorizons.org

Ida County Courier • the Holstein Advance

Aging Gracefully

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

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Volunteering as an older adult: How to find the right fit for your new lifestyle Many parents feel involving their children in volunteering at an early age can have a profound, long-lasting impact on their kids. But youngsters are not the only ones who can reap great rewards from volunteering, as studies show that men and women at, beyond or approaching retirement age also benefit greatly from volunteer work.

Research from the Corporation for National and Community Service found that more than 20 million older adults contributed in excess of three billion hours of community service time each year from 2011 to 2013. The reasons why older adults volunteer are varied, but, in its 2014 survey, the AARP’s Experience Corps found that 97 percent of its volunteers indicated that their volunteer work with the organization gave them a sense of purpose.

Older adults who want to volunteer but have little or no history with volunteering might not know where to begin with regard to finding the right opportunity. The right fit can make all the difference for volunteers and the people they help, and the following tips might help older adults as they look for an opportunity that best utilizes their skills and experience.

Know your schedule Older adults who are still working but want to volunteer may have a firm grasp on their schedules, but even retirees should not overestimate how much time they have to volunteer. Be-

fore you begin to look for an opportunity, write down your commitments and daily schedule, using this list to determine how much free time you have to volunteer. Some opportunities require greater time commitments than others, so make sure you know just how much time you can devote to an opportunity before signing up.

Give due considera on to your experience Older adults who have retired or are on the cusp of retirement have a lifetime of experience they can use to help others. Imparting wisdom learned in your professional life can provide a sense of purpose and even make you feel as though you are still actively involved in the industry where you built your professional reputation. But life experience can also prove invaluable in volunteering opportunities. Mentoring programs give volunteers the chance to help young people, and such opportunities can involve more than just offering professional advice.

Don’t downplay the significance of certain opportuni es Volunteering opportunities come in many variations, and each is significant in its own right. Coaching a grandchild’s soccer team can have as significant an impact on the people you help as other volunteering opportunities.

Volunteers offer their time because they have a passion to help others, and

Finding the right volunteer opportunity can make all the difference for older men and women who want to give back to their communities. that help can be given in a myriad of ways.

Leave me for the rest of your life Volunteering is a selfless act, and volunteers are the backbone of many successful charitable organizations. But older men and women should leave time for the rest of their lives as well.

Retirement should be fulfilling but also include time for recreation, so don’t downplay how important hobbies are to you in an attempt to find more time to volunteer. No retiree wants to grow resentful of his or her volunteer work because it leaves little time for other pursuits, so do your best to balance your charitable endeavors with the other things in life that matter to you.

600 Morningside St. Ida Grove

712-364-3327

A study in the journal Neurology suggests that working out is the most effective way to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers studied roughly 700 study participants from Scotland, all of whom were born in 1936. Each participant reported their levels of leisure and physical activity at age 70, rating their physical activity on a scale from moving only to perform household chores to participating in heavy exercise or competitive sport several times per week.

Participants were also asked to rate how often they engaged in social or intellectual activities. At age 73, participants received an MRI to measure certain biomarkers in their

brains. Those who participated in more physical activity showed less brain shrinkage and fewer white matter lesions, both of which can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

And while social and intellectual activities can be bene icial in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, the study found that social and intellectual engagement weren’t as helpful to the brain as physical exercise. The types of physical exercise most bene icial to the brain are still being studied, though information presented at the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference suggested that strength training is perhaps the most effective form of exercise.

Key Rehab provides our residents PT, OT & Speech Therapies seven days a week Allen • Jennifer - PT Rainy • Gordon • Cara - OT Courtney - ST

Our caring staff works with doctors and therapy to provide the best care — whether your stay is short term or you make Morningside your home.

For more information, contact:

Todd Riessen: Administrator Megan Ross: Social Services

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Physical activity and proper diet and nutrition can help people age 50 and older maintain their physical health.

But there are also ways aging men and women can preserve brain health in an effort to prevent or delay the cognitive decline that affects millions of seniors across the globe.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of keeping the brain healthy. However, a decline in brain function can result in poor concentration, memory loss and a host of other issues. Sometimes, by the time symptoms present themselves, it may be too late to reverse any damage.

Aging Gracefully

Research suggests that a combination of nutrition and mental, social and physical activities may have a greater impact with regard to maintaining and improving brain health than any single activity.

Harvard Medical School also states that volunteering, caring for others and pursuing hobbies may bene it the brains of older adults.

A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found participants who reported higher levels of purpose in life exhibited superior cognitive function despite the accumulation of abnormal protein depositions (amyloid plaques and neuro ibrillary tangles) in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Having a purpose also may help those who do not have Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to the suggestions mentioned above, those who want to boost brain health can consider these strategies.

Start exercising the brain early on A study published in 2012 in the British Medical Journal examined cognitive function in people ages 45 to 70. Researchers found evidence of cognitive decline in the 45-year-old participants as well as the older participants. It’s

Ida County Courier • the Holstein Advance

iterranean diet, which is generally high in natural sources of omega-3, including ish and mono-unsaturated fats from olives, olive oil, nuts and seeds. Supplements also may help, but individuals should consult with their doctors about which products to take.

never too early to put a brain health plan into motion.

Read more books Reading can open individuals up to new vocabulary and scenarios that promote a stronger brain and recall ability.

Enrolling in an education course at a local college, community center or online also may be bene icial.

Hit the gym Several studies suggest an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. This could be because exercise elevates heart rate, which pumps more blood to the brain and body.

Challenge the mind Men and women can engage in challenging activities that stray from their routines. Puzzles, strategic games, jigsaw puzzles, or dif icult hobbies can bene it the brain.

Keep a close-knit group of friends Regular conversation and social interaction is a key component of any brain health wellness plan.

Slowing cognitive decline and promoting greater brain health should be a priority for adults of all ages.

Supplement with DHA DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is dominant in the brain. Adhere to a Med-

We care The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the elderly are more likely to die of a vaccine-preventable disease than other age groups. The immune system begins to decline as we age, so the body can bene it from the disease ighting boost provided by vaccinations. Individuals at any age should discuss immunizations with their doctors, but it’s a particularly important conversation for those age 50 and older.

Vaccine schedules and recommendations may vary depending on where a person lives, but the following immunization recommendations are offered courtesy of the CDC. • Influenza: An annual lu shot can help prevent the nearly 36,000 deaths that occur due to lu each year in the United States. The lu vaccine is designed to combat the current strain of lu, so it is recommended anytime between September to March, which is the prime lu season. People age 50 and older should opt for the injection rather than the nasal form of the vaccine.

• Tdap: This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis and is especially necessary for people who have close contact with young infants. Pertussis, or whooping cough, can be passed on to youngsters and make them very ill. If you’ve never received a Tdap vaccine, the

CDC suggests getting it at least once. Individual tetanus boosters should be received every 10 years.

• Pneumococcal: Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. It can cause pneumonia, blood infection, ear infections, and even bacterial meningitis. This vaccine is given to adults age 65 and older or to younger adults at their physicians’ discretion.

• Hepa s A: Individuals with medical, occupational or lifestyle conditions, such as healthcare workers or people with chronic liver disease, may need a two-dose series of the hepatitis A vaccine.

In addition to these shots, there are vaccinations that can help prevent other illnesses, such as shingles. Shingles is a condition that affects those who had chickenpox as children, and can be quite painful. A vaccination is an easy way to avoid it. Many local pharmacies now offer on-site immunizations, saving people a trip to the doctor’s of ice.

Adults who are avid travelers to various parts of the world that may bring them in contact with animals or people who do not receive the same course of immunizations may need additional vaccines. Speak with a doctor about which immunizations are recommended before travel.

ABOUT O RT H O PA E D I C S

Douglas Bolda, MD

Bradley Lister, MD

Lori Johannsen, PA-C

Live your life pain-free. Crawford County Memorial Hospital features a full-line of orthopaedic solutions including knee and hip replacement, treatment of fractures, and surgical and non-surgical treatment for shoulders, elbows, knees and feet. When you partner with Douglas Bolda, MD, Bradley Lister, MD and Lori Johannsen, PA-C, you will find highly experienced and skilled professionals to serve your orthopaedic needs close to home.

For more information about the orthopaedic services at CCMH, or to make an appointment, call 712-265-2700.

CRAWFORD COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL | www.ccmhia.com | 712.265.2500 TOLL FREE 888.747.0852 | 100 MEDICAL PARKWAY | DENISON IA 51442

Ida County Courier • the Holstein Advance

Char-Mac Assisted-living in Holstein and the Ridge Senior living component have established exceptional reputations for quality Assisted-living, and have been recognized as leaders in the State of Iowa. Char-Mac programs are locally-owned and managed, which is the key to our success. We love what we do, and enjoy serving our local family members.

The Char-Mac Assisted and Senior living are very proud to serve our local veterans. Char-Mac programs are very pro-

Aging Gracefully

active with the Veterans’ bene its under the VA Improved pensions. Any active war-time veteran, who was honorably discharged (or their surviving spouse), may be eligible for inancial assistance from the VA for their Assisted-living fees.

Char-Mac will assist with the VA application paperwork. We are happy to be of assistance in this complicated arena.

Another intriguing fact is that 100% of the Char-Mac & Ridge fees are medically tax deductible. This fact is a signi icant tax issues for our local families who

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

can deduct these charges on their tax liabilities.

The Ridge Senior living offers an inhouse movie theater, as well as beautiful spacious apartments (875-1076 sq. ft.) These apartments are 1-2 bedroom units that have breath-taking views over the Holstein golf course. The common areas have lovely comfortable areas to entertain guests. The Ridge is licensed as Assisted-living , which means we can bring assisted-living services directly to you at The Ridge. There is 24 hour staff

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oversight available on campus. In addition, we have a guest hospitality apartment for visiting family members.

Come tour our award-winning programs and make it your new home. It is our desire to help serve our family and friends from all our local communities.

Join us at our facility; we want to help everyone retain their quality of life.

Don’t get left out in the cold; reserve your apartment today; 712-368-4893.

We do participate with Iowa Elderly waiver funding too.

The Ridge Senior-Living/ALP 1500 S Kiel St., Holstein, IA (712) 368-4893

We love what we do!

Great meals & warm hearts await your arrival!!!

Join us before the snow starts flying!

801 Benning Dr., Holstein, IA

712-368-2555

Can’t ya just feel the warmth?

Independent living with a touch of assistance.

Wartime Veterans: First billing cycle FREE!

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

It is 2 a.m. and that cough and stuffy nose you have been battling is still keeping you up. You reach for the nighttime cold relief medicine only to find it expired a few months ago. If you take a dose to ease your symptoms, will you be putting yourself at risk?

This situation is a relatively common occurrence. Many medicine cabinets are stocked with over-thecounter drugs as well as prescription medications that may be past their expiration dates. It is a good idea to routinely discard expired medicines, but if you happen to take a drug that has passed its expiration date, you will most likely suffer no ill effects.

According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, the expiration date on a medicine is not the dates when a drug becomes hazardous. Rather, it marks the period of time after which a drug company can no longer guarantee the efficacy of the medication. Since 1979, drug manufacturers selling medications in the United States have been required by the Food and Drug Administration to stamp an expiration date on their products. This is the date until which the manufacturer can still guarantee full potency of the drug.

Expiration dates also may be a marketing ploy. Francis Flaherty, a retired FDA pharmacist, has said drug manufacturers put expiration dates on products for marketing purpos-

Aging Gracefully

es rather than scientific reasons. It doesn’t make financial sense to a company to have products on the shelves for years. Therefore, most drug manufacturers will not do long-term testing on products to confirm if they will be effective 10 to 15 years after manufacture.

The U.S. military has conducted their own studies with the help of the FDA. FDA researchers tested more than 100 over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Around 90 percent were proven to still be effective long past the expiration date -- some for more than 10 years. Drugs that are stored in cool, dark places have a better chance of lasting because the fillers used in the product will not separate or start to break down as they might in a warm, humid environment. Storing medicines in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life.

Although a pharmacist cannot legally advise consumers to use medication past an expiration date, most over-the-counter pain relievers and drugs in pill form should still be fine.

Certain liquid antibiotics and drugs made up of organic materials can expire faster than others. For those who still want to err on the safe side, routinely clean out medications from cabinets once they expire. However, if an expired medication is taken by mistake, there’s little need to worry about potentially adverse effects.

125 S. Main St. Galva, IA (712) 282-4426

Sole 2 SOUL offers: •State-of-the-art treadmills •Elliptical cross-trainers •Assorted bikes •Bow Flex Extreme weight machine •Hand weights •Physio balls •Stretch bands •Exercise videos

HOURS: Daily, 4 am-10 pm 365 days/yr.

WEEKLY GROUP FITNESS CLASSES: •Yoga (Mondays, 6 pm) •Zumba (Wednesdays, 6 pm) •Step Aerobics/Weight Circuits (Thursdays, 5:45 am) •Chair Yoga Class (NEW!) (Thursdays, 9 am)

Ida County Courier • the Holstein Advance

Eating healthy foods and exercising may not be enough to sustain health, as hormonal changes and other health effects as a person reaches age 50 can have a profound impact on his or her nutritional requirements. The following are a few things men and women over 50 may want to consider as they look to eat a healthy diet for years to come.

Vitamin D Both men and women age 50 and up have a reduced ability to produce vitamin D through exposure to the sun. Extra vitamin D will be needed from foods and supplements. Everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 Οg), according to Canada’s Food Guide.

Without adequate vitamin D, bone strength and health can deteriorate because vitamin D promotes calcium absorption.

Friendly fats People over age 50 should increase their intake of unsaturated fats and reduce consumption of saturated fats. Nutrient-rich unsaturated fats can guard against heart conditions, protect against stroke, keep skin supple, and even help men and women maintain good neurological health. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in nuts, olives, seeds, and fatty ishes.

Increase protein According to Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition

and Dietetics, as they age, men and women need more protein in their diets to maintain their muscle mass. The amount of protein needed at a younger age no longer may be adequate. Look for lean sources of protein from ish and poultry.

More fiber Eating more iber can help with digestive and intestinal problems, such as constipation. Constipation can occur when iber intake is not enough, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle. The best way to get iber is through diet. Leave the skins on fruit and vegetables and choose whole fruits over juices. Whole-grain breads and cereals also are good sources of iber.

Fewer calories The National Institute on Aging says women over the age of 50 need between 1,600 and 2,000 calories, depending on how physically active they are. Men need between 2,000 and 2,400 calories per day. With each passing year there is a decrease in the energy required to maintain body weight, so caloric intake should be adjusted accordingly.

More water As a person ages, his or her body may not signal it is thirsty as well as it once did, so it’s possible that you may not recognize when you are thirsty or dehydrated. The Mayo Clinic recommends around nine to 10 cups of beverages per day to remain hydrated.

M AT T E R OF BALANCE MATTER OF BALANCE is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The program is designed to benefit older adults who: ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS LEARN?

They gain confidence by learning to: ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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Contact Horn Community Health for more information: 712.364.7311

Ida County Courier • the Holstein Advance

One of the best things about aging is being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor without as many obligations as you might have had when you were a younger adult. For example, many men and women have a lot more freedom to travel once they turn 50.

Many of today’s older adults have a wealth of discretionary time, and those who focused on retirement planning from an early age have the money to fund a recreational lifestyle. Travel companies and other businesses understand that Baby Boomers and other seniors are valuable customers and are rolling out the red carpet with a bevy of discounts and perks.

AARP Services, Inc. has long been a trusted resource in senior-based information and resources. The organization continues to broker relationships with various companies to arrange deals on travel-related services and products for older men and women. Members of AARP can link directly to deals through the organization’s website.

In addition to companies that work with AARP, many other travel companies have discounts or other perks available to men and women over 50. All consumers need to do is inquire about such bene its. When in doubt, log on to the company’s website or give their customer service department a call.

Here are some other ways to secure deals on travel and other services.

Do some networking Fellow seniors who log in to chat rooms or who are members of social clubs may have the inside scoop on age-based travel deals. Learn the ropes from oth-

Courier

OR

Try nego a ng with vendors If you cannot ind a senior discount, consider negotiating with vendors for deals. Local hotels or businesses may prove more lexible than national chains. It never hurts to ask for a senior discount. ers who have been there before you and take notes on which companies offer the best deals.

Read the fine print Understand the details of senior discounts and compare them to other promotions offered to anyone, regardless of age. You may be able to get a better deal or combine offers if you’re not locked into a senior plan.

Also, check the dates when deals are valid to ensure you can travel when you want to.

Always carry proof of age Whether it is a driver’s license, AARP card, passport,

Ida Co Cou unty Courieer & Reminder, inc. [a division of mid-america publishing corp.]

214 Main St. · P. O. Box 249 · Ida Grove, IA 51445 ❘ 712.364.3131 idacourier@frontiernet.net • www.idacountycourier.com • www. holsteinadvance.com

Mapleton, IA • 712-881-7144 Heights Home Health in Mapleton, Iowa is a full-service, Medicare/ Medicaid certified agency that provides home care for patients with varied needs and health problems. Our comprehensive services include patient care as well as teaching in the home.

H HH

SERVICES: •PT and OT •Speech Therapy •Skilled Nursing •Skilled Wound Care •Wound Vac •Nutritional Support •PEG Tube Feeding

•Parental Nutrition •IV Medications •Medication Supervision/ Administration •Post Surgical Care •Homemaker/Bath Aide

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Explore airline perks Men and women 55 and older may be eligible for “golden-agers” discounts at major airlines. Such deals are not typically advertised, so you may need to speak with an airline representative to secure the discount.

Seniors also can request special services, such as baggage assistance, priority seating and a ride to the gate, at the airport.

THE

Heights Home Health

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

or birth certi icate, carry proof of your age at all times.

You do not want to miss out on a discount because you cannot verify you are 50 or older. Though being mistaken as younger could be a boost to your ego, it will not bene it your bottom line.

Join the readership today by subscribing to the: Ida County

Aging Gracefully

COUNTIES SERVED:

•Monona •Ida •Woodbury •Crawford

Embrace flexibility in scheduling Unlike students or business travelers, seniors tend to have freedom with regard to the days of the week when they can travel. You have the lexibility to go and come as you please without having to coordinate with vacation time or school breaks. Use this to your advantage and travel during off-peak times when crowds will be small and rates may be lower.

Don’t feel down if you’re approaching another milestone birthday. Entering into your golden years gives you access to a variety of perks and discounts that can save you time and money on travel.

1525 West 5th Street Storm Lake, Iowa 712.732.4030

We see you more clearly with 3D mammography.

Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area. 3D mammography produces images of your breast tissue in one millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for our radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible.

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Investors know that money management can be difficult. The ebb and flow of the economy can be similar to a roller coaster, with soaring highs followed by steep drops, and those changes all affect investors’ bottom lines. It’s no wonder then that many investors over 50 envision the day when they can get off that roller coaster and simply enjoy their money without having to worry about the everyday ups and downs of the market. But managing money after 50 is about more than just reducing risk.

Reducing risk as retirement draws near is a sound financial strategy that can safeguard men and women over 50 from the fluctuations of the market.

That’s true whether investors put their money in stocks, real estate or other areas that were not immune to the ups and downs of the economy. But there are additional steps men and women can take after they turn 50 to ensure their golden years are as enjoyable and financially sound as possible.

Prioritize saving for retirement Men and women over 50 know that retirement is right around the corner.

Despite that, many people over 50 still have not prioritized saving for retirement. It’s understandable that other obligations, be it paying kids’ college tuition or offering financial assistance to aging parents, may seem more immediate, but men and women over 50 should recognize that their time to save for retirement is rapidly dwindling.

An individual retirement account, or IRA, is a type of account men and women who meet certain eligibility requirements can open to save money for their retirement.

Unlike a 401(k), a type of retirement account that is provided by an employer, an IRA must be opened by an individual. Another difference between a 401(k) and an IRA is that men and women can withdraw money from their IRAs before they reach retirement age to pay medical expenses without incurring the penalties that apply when 401(k) account holders prematurely withdraw money from these accounts. One similarity between 401(k) accounts and traditional IRAs concerns taxation. Account holders of both types of accounts do not

Aging Gracefully

Just because you are retired does not mean your bills will magically disappear. In fact, some of those bills, such as the cost of medical care, are likely to increase.

So now is the time to make retirement a priority if you have not already done so. It might be nice to finance a child’s college education, but that should not be done at the expense of your retirement nest egg. Kids have a lifetime ahead of them to repay college loans, while adults over 50 do not have that much time to save for retirement.

Start making decisions People retire at different times in

pay taxes on their contributions to those accounts until they begin to withdraw money in retirement (prematurely withdrawing money from a 401(k) will incur taxes and fees). But men and women who open a Roth IRA pay their taxes up front, meaning they won’t be paying taxes down the road when they withdraw money in retirement. Each type of IRA comes with its own set of rules and restrictions, including contribution limits and eligibility requirements based on earned income. In addition, men and women with a traditional IRA must begin to withdraw their money by the time they reach age 70.5, while those with a Roth IRA can leave their money in their accounts as long as they please.

Ida County Courier • the Holstein Advance

their lives. Some people want to keep working as long as they are physically and mentally capable of doing so, while others want to reap what their lifetime of hard work has sown and retire early. Finances will likely play a strong role in when you can comfortably retire, so start making decisions about your long-term future. Do you intend to stay in your current home or downsize to a smaller home? Will you stay in your current area or move elsewhere? These decisions require a careful examination of your finances, and many will hinge on how well you have managed your money in the past and how well you manage it in the years ahead. Managing money after 50 requires more than just allocating resources. Sound money management after 50 also means making decisions about your future and taking the necessary steps to ensure those decisions come to fruition.

Pay down debt Men and women over 50 are not often associated with debt, but that’s a misconception. Thanks in part to the recession that began in 2008 and led to high unemployment, many people in the baby boomer generation, which includes people born between the years 1946 and 1964, went back to school to make themselves more attractive to prospective employers. While that might have been a sound decision, it left many deeply in debt. According to a 2013 report from the Chronicle of Higher Education, student loan debt is growing fastest among people over 60, and that debt is not inconsequential. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported in 2013 that the aver-

age student loan debt of those over the age of 60 who still owe money is more than $19,000, a considerable increase from 2005, when the average debt was $11,000. Men and women over 50 who are still carrying debt should eliminate consumer debt first, as such debt tends to be accompanied by higher interest rates than mortgages and student loan debt. Paying down debt can help reduce stress, improve your quality of life and free up money for living and recreational expenses once you retire.

Examine your insurance policies Your approach to insurance should change as you get closer to retirement.

For example, you want to maximize your liability insurance on homeowners and auto insurance policies. This ensures the money you have set aside for retirement won’t be going to a third party should you be at-fault in an auto accident or if someone suffers an injury at your home. Experts recommend liability insurance be substantial for men and women over 50, with some suggesting it be as high as twice your net worth.

If it wasn’t already, securing longterm disability insurance should be a priority once you have turned 50. A sudden accident or illness at 55 that prevents you from working could prove devastating to your financial future if you do not have disability insurance. Some employers offer long-term disability, though many people are left to secure policies on their own. Regardless of how you get your disability insurance, make sure you have it and that it provides adequate coverage should you succumb to an illness or injury and be unable to work.

Medicare can be complicated.

A Farm Bureau agent makes it easy.

Call me to find a Medicare supplement plan that’s right for you.

This is a solicitation of insurance. Wellmark Medicare supplement insurance plans are not affiliated with any government agency. To be eligible, you must reside in the service area of the plan. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Denise Van Dusen 409 2nd St., Ida Grove (712) 364-2931