Paul and Kathy Anderson walk the Paul G. Boorman Trail.
CITY TRAILS offer exercise space for seniors By Christina Cavazos
ccavazos@news-journal.com
O
n beautiful spring days, Paul and Kathy Anderson enjoy walking a mile or two at one of Longview’s many trails. Not only do the trails give them the chance to take in the fresh air and sunshine, they get a plethora of health benefits from walking.
“I have a bad knee so walking helps strengthen that,” Paul Anderson said. “It helps our heart. It helps our lungs,” his wife Kathy Anderson added. According to the health organization
American Senior Communities, walking offers many benefits to seniors. It’s a lowimpact exercise that can be an effective way to reduce chronic conditions and improve overall health. Health benefits include that it improves heart health, lowers blood sugar, reduces pain, promotes social engagement and boosts mental health, according to American Senior Communities. The cities of Tyler and Longview offer many trail systems that can be utilized by seniors to assist in improving their health. Frank Smith, a retired military veteran, walks three to four miles per day with his dog, Casper, at the Paul G. Boorman Trail. “You need exercise to improve your circulation. I’m trying to get more people to walk,” he said. “I’m 75. I’m trying to get
everyone else moving. Get off the couch, stop watching TV and get your blood circulating.” In addition to the health benefits of walking, Smith enjoys spending time on the city’s trails. His 7-year-old Alaskan malamute, Casper, enjoys the trails, too. Casper also enjoys visiting Stragent Dog Park on the Boorman Trail. The Andersons said they also enjoy Longview’s trail system. They visit the trails, typically the Boorman Trail, at least three times a week. They also are excited for the city’s trail extension which will create a 10mile trail system and connect existing trails together. “This is a real jewel in Longview. Not a lot of other cities have this,” Paul Anderson said. “We tell other people about it.”
City of Longview Walking Trails
City of Tyler Walking Trails
Paul G. Boorman Trail: A 3-mile trail that runs through the Grace Creek corridor, including Lois Jackson Park Cargill Long Trail: A 3-mile trail along a wooded corridor among central Longview neighborhoods and parks Guthrie Trail: A 1.25-mile trail that surrounds Guthrie Park and Rotary Park Julieanna Trail: A 0.75-mile trail surrounding McWhorter and Ward parks
Faulkner Nature Trail: Located at Faulkner Park, the nature trail features more than 8 miles of trail Legacy Trail: A 4.5-mile trail situated on the Old Cotton Belt train route, the trail runs on the eastern and western sides of Old Jacksonville Highway Lindsey Park Trail: Located at Lindsey Park, the trail system features more than 10 miles of trails for biking, hiking and walking Rose Rudman Trail: A trail that encompasses Tyler’s Southside Park, the Rose Rudman Trail provides space to jog, walk or bike Windsor Grove Nature Trail: Located at the intersection of Lyons Avenue and Front Street, this wooded nature trail features space to hike and bike
Akin Trail: A 0.75-mile trail at Akin Park
Frank Smith and his dog Casper enjoy Paul G. Boorman Trail. Photos by Michael Cavazos/M.Roberts Media
Benefits of Walking for Seniors
Improves heart health: Getting the heart rate up reduces the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Lowers blood sugar: A 15-minute walk after a meal helps reduce spikes in blood sugar as the body uses the blood sugar more effectively to strengthen muscles. Reduces pain: Studies have shown that walking helps reduce some pain from chronic conditions such
©2021, M. ROBERTS MEDIA
as arthritis. Walking can help strengthen abdominal and back muscles, too. Promotes social engagement: Walking offers an easy, cost-effective way for seniors to meet up and socialize. Boosts mental health: Endorphins released during physical activity, such as walking, help create a sense of well-being, reduce anxiety and boost mood. Source: American Senior Communities
SECTION C | FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021
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GOLDEN YEARS M
how to build friendships
aking friends as a child or even as a parent to school-aged children is relatively easy. Classrooms and school functions facilitate the building of friendships. Even as one gets older and enters the workforce, it’s not uncommon for people to become friends with their coworkers.
As people near retirement age, their situations may have changed considerably. Children have moved out, careers are coming to an end and friendships may be hard to maintain due to people relocating or traveling. Older adults may aspire to make new friends, but they may not know how. According to Irene S. Levine, Ph.D., The Friendship Doctor and contributor to Psychology Today, it is not unique for seniors to want to make new friends. Age can be a barrier because there are stereotypes that pigeonhole people of certain ages. But Levine notes that state of mind and physical ability is not directly tied to chronological age. Making friends is possible at any age. These guidelines can help along the way. Explore online connections. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Gerontology found seniors (even those in their 80s) who stay connected with friends and family using social media report feeling less lonely and better overall. Connected seniors also demonstrated higher executive reasoning skills. There are plenty of ways to meet new people online by joining social media groups that cater to your interests. In person meetings in particular cities or regions of the country also can make for great ways to make
new friends. Exercise caution when meeting people in person after contacting them online. Bring another person along, whether it’s a spouse or an adult child, to ensure that you are safe. Volunteer your time. One way to meet new people is to get involved with causes or activities you love. This serves the double benefit of getting you outside and active and puts you in touch with people who share your passions and interests. Attend alumni events. If you have an interest getting in touch with someone from your past and reconnecting, make the time to attend school reunions and other alumni activities. It can be fun to reconnect with friends from high school or college. Join a gym. The local gym isn’t just a great place to get physically fit. Group exercise classes also can be ideal places to meet other people who enjoy working out. Strike up a conversation with another class participant you see on a regular basis. Once you develop a rapport, schedule lunch dates so your friendship grows outside of the gym. Making friends is not just for the young. Men and women over 50 also can find ways to build new friendships. © Metro Creative
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Texas Bank & Trust:
What will the Economy Look Like in 2021?
BY SHERRY GIBBON COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER TEXAS BANK AND TRUST
Saving strategies
as retirement draws near
Professionals on the cusp of retirement are often excited about what lies ahead. Some prospective retirees may look forward to traveling once they no longer have to go to work each day, while others may plan to return to school. Regardless of how adults envision spending their retirement, they’re going to need money when they’re no longer being paid by their employers. As retirement nears, some professionals may be concerned that they haven’t saved enough. There’s no onesize-fits-all answer in regard to how much money people will need in retirement. People who are worried they haven’t saved enough can try various strategies to build up their account balances before they officially call it a career. Take advantage of catch-up contributions. Adults who are 50 or older are eligible to take advantage of catch-up contributions. These are designed to help people over 50 contribute more to certain retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA, than statutory limits would otherwise allow. There are limits that govern the amount of money people can designate as catch-up contributions, but taking advantage of this perk can help people save more as retirement draws closer. Consider relocating. A recent study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that
housing costs accounted for 49% of seniors’ spending. Professionals nearing retirement who live in areas traditionally associated with a high cost of living can begin to rethink their long-term housing strategy. Relocating to an area with a lower cost of living is one option, while those who prefer to remain in their current town or city can consider downsizing to a smaller home to reduce their property taxes and monthly utility bills. Continue investing. Conventional wisdom suggests moving away from investing in stocks the closer you get to retirement. Though that’s a sound strategy, professionals who are trying to build their retirement savings in the final years before retiring could be missing out on significant growth by abandoning stocks entirely. Speak with a financial advisor about stock-based investments and your risk tolerance. Maintaining a diversified portfolio with a little risk can be a great way to grow your savings as retirement draws near. Professionals approaching retirement may be dealing with a mix of excitement and anxiety, particularly if they’re concerned about their retirement savings. Various strategies can help quell such anxiety and make it easier for professionals over 50 to build their savings as retirement nears. © Metro Creative
As I am writing this, I think back to the start of 2020, when I first heard the term COVID-19. I originally thought it cannot be as bad as I am hearing. Reality set in when individuals I knew lost their lives to this deadly virus. COVID-19 has impacted us financially, as individuals, and our local and national communities have suffered, too. Lives have been lost, jobs have been lost, and businesses have closed as an effect of COVID. Then, we received hope of a vaccine to attack this pandemic and, at the end of 2020, individuals started receiving much-needed doses. But, how long will it take for our lives to get back to normal and how long will it take for us to recover financially? These are important questions for every individual. If you live in the state of Texas, as of March 10, 2021, you know that businesses have now been allowed to resume 100 percent capacity. With Governor Greg Abbott opening up Texas, the hope is that many individuals can get back to work and businesses can generate new jobs for the unemployed, which, in turn, will put money back circulating into the local economy. The enjoyments we once took part in will return, such as going to the movies, concerts, athletic events, and eating out at restaurants. As the number of individuals receiving the vaccine increases, we will see more changes impacting our daily lives. As individuals are vaccinated, some may feel a sense of security or freedom to return to small social gatherings and outings. What impact is all of this still having
on our economy and what can we look forward to in 2021? Of course no one knows for sure, but economists and individuals can tell us what to expect based on past trends. With a new U. S. President in the White House and the Democratic Party having control of both houses of Congress, how will this affect financial markets and our retirement savings? Again, economists will consider the history of the market and make their predictions. Nevertheless, considering all of the adversities and changes last year – COVID-19 vaccinations, loss of jobs, business closures, and a new administration in Washington – there has been a huge impact on the economy and how individuals will invest and spend their available funds. To find out more, Texas Bank and Trust Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Kimberly Spinks, will speak on the economy at our next OMNI “Zoom” event. Make plans to join us on Thursday, May 6, at 12:00 p.m., to hear her remarks on what to expect with the 2021 economy. If you are interested in attending this OMNI event, please contact me at 903237-5568, or register online at www. texasbankandtrust.com. ____________ OMNIClub is a great opportunity to make new friends, meet your TBT trusted advisors, and stay informed of changes in the financial industry. Membership is easy! Simply maintain a minimum $5,000 balance in any account with Texas Bank and Trust. For more|information about membership or OMNI activities, contact Community Relations Manager Sherry Gibbon at (903)237-5568 today!
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ull up a chair and enjoy a plate of fun and food at our spring barbecue. Attendees will be served delicious Texas BBQ and live entertainment while visiting with Buckner Westminster Place residents and staff. Our Meat & Mingle event is just one example of the bold and sweet events we serve up at Buckner Westminster Place throughout the year!
Thursday, April 22 • 4-6 p.m.
Buckner Westminster Place • 2201 Horseshoe Lane • Longview, TX 75605
Register Online at rsvp.org/415576 or call 800-246-4215 and provide RSVP Code 415576 Please RSVP by April 16th as space will be limited and by reservation only. YOUR SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY, AND WE’VE TAKEN ALL PRECAUTIONS. To accommodate proper social distancing, we’ve limited event seating and tables will be arranged properly to remain at an appropriate safe distance.
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HEALTHCARE W
You Have a Choice!
e love choices; more than that we love our right(s) to make choices. We opine about our “rights and freedoms” and bristle when we feel they are infringed upon. However, when it comes to healthcare, we too often forget we have a say in what happens. Our doctor makes a referral, and we simply agree with no questions asked. We need to ask questions! We need to know our options; and we need to take charge of our own healthcare. Many physicians are financially connected to other entities and are therefore incentivized to refer to those entities. We need to ask if the healthcare professional is affiliated with that entity and if that affiliation is the basis of the referral. We need to ask about other options. The bottom line: we have a choice! My brother and I were faced with this very dilemma when our father needed hospice care in 2013. The oncologist referred us to “his hospice”. It did not sound like we had a choice. We did not ask questions and went with his recommendation.
The care my father received was not up to our standards. We quickly fired the company and did what we should have done from the beginning: we searched out the very best hospice agency in Northeast Texas. We researched, asked questions, read reviews, and talked to people about their first-hand experience(s). One name continued to come up: HeartsWay Hospice of Northeast Texas. HeartsWay took wonderful care of my father. I was so impressed with the care my father received that I accepted a position with the company a little over a year after his passing. They have since taken care of my mother and numerous other family members and close friends. HeartsWay Hospice is a nonprofit that focuses on patient care. We do not have investors; therefore, our resources go into our patients & families so that we give the highest level of care. HeartsWay Hospice is the most awarded hospice in The State of Texas and one of the most highly rated hospice agencies in the country. HeartsWay Hospice is based in Longview and has strong ties with the community. We do not answer to some corporate headquarters in a big city. We answer to our local community and the families we take care of.
My brother and I had to realize we had a choice regarding our father’s care. We chose the best care we could find. We chose HeartsWay Hospice of Northeast Texas. We all have choices regarding our healthcare. Do not simply allow your care to be dictated to you. Choose wisely. Demand the best. It is your right after all. REX FENNELL DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES HEARTSWAY HOSPICE OF NORTHEAST TEXAS
Evaluating seniors’ biggest expenses New parents may not be able to visualize that one day their largest expenditures won’t be centralized around providing necessities for their children. Adults go though many years of paying for diapers, toys, clothing, food, and education for their children. Yet, when the children have flown the coop, spending patterns change, and even more changes await come retirement. According to a 2020 survey from the financial services firm Edward Jones, 68% of workers soon to retire said they had no idea how much they should be setting aside for expenses, particularly health care and long-term care. Professionals approaching retirement would be wise to analyze the Consumer Price Index Elderly (CPI-E). It is a good reference to estimate which future expenses will cost the most after retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at consumer spending and uses various data to determine the rate of inflation in key areas that apply to older adults starting at age 62. Individuals may be surprised to learn about where they’ll be spending the bulk of their money when they get older. Here’s a look at some key categories.
food costs may decline when there’s only two mouths to feed, food and beverage spending may go up due to more leisure time and dining out. Utilize senior discounts by shopping on days when stores offer percentages off purchases. Save money on restaurant spending by eating out at lunch instead of dinner, splitting plates or skipping appetizers.
Healthcare Experts warn that while many expenses decline in retirement, health care spending increases. According to Fidelity, the average 65-year-old couple retiring in 2020 in the United States needed roughly $295,000 just to cover
their retirement health care expenses. Those with family histories of severe illnesses or those with preexisting conditions will need even more. It’s also important to realize that roughly half of the population will need long-term care at some point, offers The Motley Fool, and that requires advanced budgeting as well. Many people find that Medicare supplement plans can bridge the gap in expenses that government-run plans will not cover. Saving through a health savings account (HSA) when employed also can create extra cash on hand for retirement expenses. Understanding which retirement expenses will be high can help people plan better for the future. © Metro Creative
Housing
According to data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available, housing accounted for roughly 49% of all spending for seniors. Focus should be centered on lowering those costs when a fixed income is imminent. The possibilities include paying off a mortgage; downsizing a home to have a lower rent or mortgage payment; refinancing a home to a fixed-rate loan so that costs are predictable; and taking on a tenant to offset costs.
Food
The cost of food will not change dramatically, but it can eat into your budget. Even though
Individuals may be surprised to learn about where they’ll be spending the bulk of their money when they get older.
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Friday, April 9, 2021 TYLERPAPER.COM 5C
Fact or Fiction: Cranberries and Bladder Health By Dr. William R. Armstrong About 60% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their life. One of the most widely held beliefs about UTIs is that you can prevent or even cure a UTI by drinking cranberry juice. Cranberries contain A-type proanthocyanidins, an active ingredient that may prevent the adherence of bacteria to the bladder wall. However, most studies suggest that both pure cranberry juice and cranberry supplements do not have enough of the active ingredient to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. The clinical studies on the effectiveness of cranberry juice in UTI prevention are conflicting. Some studies show a reduction, while others do not. According to the American Urological Association’s guidelines on recurrent UTIs in women, clinicians may offer cranberry supplements as there is little risk associated with these supplements. If you struggle with frequent UTIs, cranberry juice won’t hurt, but there is no guarantee that it will help. To prevent UTIs and to help with symptoms, try making the following changes to your diet: • DO drink lots of water. This will help flush bacteria out of your urinary system. • DO take probiotics, such as plain Greek yogurt or fermented foods like pickles. They contain good bacteria to help combat the bad bacteria. • DO eat plenty of fiber. Constipation can cause pressure on the urinary tract, which can block urine flow and allow bacteria to grow. Adding more fiber to your diet, along with more water, helps with healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. • DON’T drink alcohol, coffee or other sources of caffeine until any infection is fully treated. They can irritate your bladder. • DON’T eat spicy foods. They can irritate your bladder. • DON’T eat a lot of acidic fruit, like oranges or lemons, while you have an infection. They can also irritate your bladder.
Dr. William R. Armstrong Board-Certified Urologist UT Health East Texas Urology Center in Tyler
William R. Armstrong III, MD, is a board-certified urologist at UT Health East Texas Urology Center in Tyler.
For more information on bladder health, visit https://uthealtheasttexas.com /services/urology
UT Health East Texas Silver Elite Free Membership Program for Adults 60+ UT Health Tyler offers UT Health East Texas Silver Elite, a complimentary program for people 60 and older. Members receive exclusive in-hospital benefits, free educational seminars and invitations to health fairs and screenings. Join today!
Visit UTHealthEastTexasSilverElite.com to sign up or learn more.
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Vitamins & Supplements for healthy
F
or many adults, aging gracefully and maintaining health are key goals in the golden years. But as the years progress, it can become more difficult to get all of the vitamins and minerals needed simply from a healthy diet. Vitamins and supplements can help seniors receive the nutrients they need, but local experts caution the best advice regarding vitamins is to “keep it as simple as possible.”
By Christina Cavazos
ccavazos@news-journal.com
“Most studies have found that just your regular, multivitamin works really well in most cases,” said Shawn Sams, co-owner and pharmacist of Louis Morgan No. 4 in Longview. Sams said Louis Morgan offers a variety of multivitamins that range in price, but he said it’s important to know that you don’t have to buy the most expensive vitamin on the market to get a good product. Louis Morgan often recommends Cerovite Senior tablets for seniors 50 and older, he said. Before taking additional supplements beyond a multivitamin, it’s best to consult with a doctor or health care provider. At Louis Morgan No. 4, pharmacy staff can run a vitamin depletion report that can help the team recognize what nutrients a patient needs. “We have programs that can help us analyze your prescription drugs, tell us what nutrients they are known to deplete and we can help make sure those vitamins get replaced,” Sams said. While the recommended supplements for seniors will differ based upon each individual’s needs, Sams said some of the most common vitamins or supplements include Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 and Zinc. Calcium plays a key component in aging, and calcium deficiencies can lead to brittle bones or bone diseases such as osteoporosis. A calcium supplement can help the body offset that deficiency.
aging
Vitamin D also plays a key role in supporting skeletal health by building and protecting bones. It also aids in the absorption of other vitamins, such as calcium, Sams said. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a key role in immune system health and metabolism, while Vitamin B12 helps support energy production, keeping red blood cells and nerves healthy. Sams said a methylated Vitamin B12 helps seniors absorb the vitamin more effectively. Methyl B12 is a form of the vitamin that’s already in its active state, which makes it more biologically available to your body. Meanwhile, Zinc is an essential nutrient that helps the body with a variety of functions including protein synthesis and immune function. Sams said Zinc is an antiviral that can help stop viruses from replicating; that made it a useful supplement for individuals to consider during the past year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For those considering adding vitamins and supplements to their daily life, Sams encouraged speaking with a pharmacist for recommendations. “Some vitamins may interact with prescription medications. If you consult with us, we can help you time everything out so that you’re able to take your prescription medicine and your vitamins at intervals so that they don’t interfere with each other,” Sams said. “We can help solve timing issues.”
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We can help! CALL TODAY! 903-297-2817 or 903-720-7917 911 W. Loop 281, Ste 13 / Longview, TX 75604 www.LifeSpanTX.com Admission of clients and employment wil not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other basis prohibited by statute.
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The pharmacy at Louis Morgan No.4 in Longview.
Photos by Michael Cavazos/M. Roberts Media
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Changing banks shouldn’t be hard. Manage your finances anytime, anywhere with our comprehensive banking services. Open an account online anytime or at these branch locations. LONGVIEW ___________________ DOWNTOWN 903-237-5500 300 East Whaley PINE TREE FINANCIAL CENTER 903-295-4281 NE Intersection of Loop 281 & Gilmer Road NORTH LONGVIEW 903-234-4600 3622 McCann Road
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