Lifestyles After 50 Lake Edition, August 2015

For Our Tech Giveaway!

THE RETIREMENT REVOLUTION

Easy Summer Salads

ENJOY SUMMER!

5

Best Places to Live

Spend the Day Out with

The Cannonball Train TRAINS RUN DAILY! Departures Begin at 10 am, thru 6 pm

Come ride Florida’s historic movie train. See robbers and marshals battling it out! Experience old time railroading featuring spike driving. See exciting displays in the depot as well as other free activities. Join our honorary student and junior engineer program and sit in the engineer’s seat of our steam locomotive. Tour our historic red wooden caboose and see the old time motorcars too.

Events priced separately, train rides to Aesop’s Park are specially priced at $12 for adults and $8 for kids.

Combination discounts and group rate available.

Tickets will sell fast!

ALL ABOARD!

The 5 Best (And Worst) Places to Retire in the U.S. W here are the best places to retire in the U.S., and how does your home state rank? Kiplinger rated all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on health care, activities, cost-of-living, taxes, crime rate and the presence of a robust retirementage population. Here are their top five: Top 5 Places to Retire 1. Delaware: The First State is tops for retirees. Delaware’s population includes a great number of residents who are 65+.

Delaware levies no sales tax and modest income taxes, from which Social Security benefits are exempt. City of choice: Milford.

Total population: 908,446 Share of population 65+: 14.9% Cost of living: 6.4% above U.S. average Average income for 65+ households: $47,860

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Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 2

2. Florida: Warm weather and beautiful beaches may not hurt the state’s appeal, but the tax picture is the main attraction.

Florida has no state income tax, estate tax or inheritance tax, and it doesn’t tax Social Security or other retirement income.

Cities of choice: Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Vero Beach, Gainesville, Tampa.

Total population: 19.1 million Share of population 65+: 17.8% Cost of living: 4.6% above U.S. average Average income for 65+ households: $45,144 3. West Virginia: For retirees hoping to explore the outdoors, West Virginia is almost heaven with its Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River. If that’s not enough to get you singing “take me home,” perhaps the low cost of living can entice you. For homeowners age 65 and older, the median home value is just $91,400, tied with Mississippi for the lowest in the nation.

Rental costs are also rock-bottom for retirees. City of choice: Morgantown.

Total population: 1.9 million Share of population 65+: 16.5% Cost of living: 2.0% below U.S. average Average income for 65+ households: $37,788 4. Pennsylvania: Though the overall cost of living is above average, housing for people 65+ is reasonably priced. The median home value is $149,300 for this age group, or $15,100 below average, and crime rates are safely below average. Plus, Pennsylvania’s tax laws help offset some costs for retirees: Social Security benefits and payouts from 401(k)s, IRAs, deferredcompensation plans and other retirement accounts are all tax-exempt. Cities of choice: Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Total population: 12.7 million Share of population 65+: 15.8% Cost of living: 14.8% above the U.S. average Average income for 65+ households: $43,356 5. South Dakota. Safety and affordability are two good reasons to retire here. Crime rates are low, and the median home value for residents age 65 and older is just $111,300, about one-third less than the U.S. median. Lifetime health care costs for an average, healthy 65-year-old couple in South Dakota are expected to total nearly $25,000 less than the national average. A favorable tax environment with no state income tax adds to the attractiveness.

Cities of choice: Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

Total population: 825,198 Share of population 65+: 14.5% Cost of living: 0.1% above U.S. average Average income for 65+ households: $37,102 5 Worst Places to Retire The following states might be great places to work, raise a family or visit, but they hold the least appeal when judged strictly as retirement destinations, with taxes and above-average living costs that can strain fixed incomes.

1. District of Columbia 2. California 3. New Mexico 4. New York 5. Minnesota To learn more, visit www.kiplinger.com.

Moving On Up

Lee,Readers, Collier & Charlotte Edition Dear

Pinellas/Pasco In this issue, you’ll findEdition some helpful monthly downsizingPublished tips on how to by do the same.

NewsinConnection U.S.A., Inc trouble s They come handy if you have I’m surrounded by making decisions or letting go of certain President President Reeves boxes. BoxesRichard of every things, like I Richard do. (ButReeves I need all of those richard@lifestylesafter50.com size, filled with dishes kitschy richard@lifestylesafter50.com coffee mugs.)

Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing and office supplies, This month’s issue is all about Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing J. Beck Tracie Lukens, retirement toiletries andKathy pantry living.

KathyExperts J. Beck at Kiplinger Editor items, kathy@lifestylesafter50.com gadgets and lay out kathy@lifestylesafter50.com the pros and cons of renting Editor linens. Some boxes are labeled “fragile,” versus buying, as well as some of the Editor Tracie packed with any Lukens of my memories top places to retire, based on their value Tracie Lukens editor@lifestylesafter50.com that happen to be breakable. Most are and healthy, active communities. (Guess editor@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Emeritus labeled “books, books, books.” which state made the list!)

Janice Doyle Editorsome Emeritus Harvey, my orchid, is safely cushioned We also talk about of the new trends Janice Doyle Office Manager in my car and awaiting new digs and in retirement living that are popping up Vicki Willis sunnier windowsills.

I can’t help but around the nation—from Office Manager communities share hisvicki@lifestylesafter50.com enthusiasm, if a plant can be that offer subsidized housing in exchange Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com said to have such a thing. for volunteering for families in need; Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw For most of my adult life, I’ve lived in to seniors who are starting their own Administrative Assistant allie@lifestylesafter50.com one apartment after another, never settling “Golden Girls” Allie houses Shawand having the inProduction one place for more than a yearDesign or two. time of their lives.

Supervisor/Graphic allie@lifestylesafter50.com A first house is813-689-6104 an exciting and terrifying Supervisor/Graphic Design thing; I’ve never been so broke and so OnProduction retirement Distribution 813-689-6104 Nancy Spencer: 941-244-0500 optimistic at the same time. But my Retirement is not just a chance to enjoy husbandnancy@lifestylesafter50.com and I are finally putting down some well-deserved leisure time, but also Distribution Nancy Spencer: 941-244-0500 roots, planning for a family, a garden and an opportunity to use the freedom and Advertising Sales nancy@lifestylesafter50.com other Questions/Customer things that grow with time. any funds you’ve saved up to start a new Service Working at this magazine, I know more career, reinvent yourself Sales or do something 813-653-1988 • 1-888-670-0040 Advertising than a few people who are going through you’veQuestions/Customer always dreamed of,Service if you so Nancy Kuehne: 239-822-6150 a similar process, but with a marked choose.

In this issue, we share the stories 813-653-1988 • 1-888-670-0040 nancyk@lifestylesafter50.com difference. They’ve hit retirement and are of four retirees who have done remarkable preparing for an entirely new lifestyle. things with their “second act.”

Our other editions: Our other editions: For some, this means downsizing and I’m learning that a retirement full of Sarasota Edition: Sarasota/Manatee Tampa Bay Edition: County transitioning to a smaller residence. It’s purpose is not just aHillsborough goal to strive for, Tampa Bay Edition: Hillsborough County Lake Edition: Lake/Marion Counties no small feat, going through a lifetime’s but a necessity. Barbara Morris, speaker Suncoast Edition: Pinellas/Pasco Counties Sarasota/Manatee worth of possessions and the memories andSarasota author Edition: of anti-aging journal “Put Lake Edition: Lake/Marion Counties Southwest Edition: Lee/Collier & Charlotte that go along with them, trying to decide Old on Hold” (PutOldonHold.com) learn more, call 1-888-670-0040 To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040 whatTo you can take with you. shares why: I’mNews watching my parents go Inc. through Connection USA, News Connection USA, Inc. Boxlast 638of their kids 638 ramifications this process P.O. as the “RetirementP.O. hasBox deeper FloridaThey 33583-0638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 leavesSeffner, the house. are paring than most people realize.

It is closure on down theFax: clutter and finally getting to a lifetime of work into which you poured (813) 651-1989 Fax: (813) 651-1989 some www.lifestylesafter50.com projects they weren’t able to get your heart and soul.

It’s a reminder www.lifestylesafter50.com that to before. the end of life is getting closer. Because

A

Published monthly by News Connection I’m writing this,U.S.A., Inc

Sarasota/Manatee Edition the brain is no longer required to perform Published monthly by at a consistent peak level, cognitive Connection U.S.A.,The Inc cliché, abilitiesNews begin to atrophy.

“Use it or lose it” becomes reality.

President “Even moreRichard tragic Reeves is the loss to society richard@lifestylesafter50.com of a lifetime of acquired wisdom, skills, experience and education—a treasure trove Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing of precious assets abruptly Kathy J. Beck abandoned as valuelesskathy@lifestylesafter50.com and discarded in the pursuit of a lifestyle dedicated to leisure.

Editor “Assuming health is good, age 50 (if Tracie Lukens not before) is a good time to plan for editor@lifestylesafter50.com a productive second life. Keep in mind Emeritus that your ageEditor at retirement—whatever it Janice Doyle is, is not old. Disregard the ignorance of a backward culture that continues to Office Manager propagate the myth that age 60 is old, Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com or worse, elderly. Those who buy into that nonsense handicap themselves, Administrative Assistant preventing realization of their Allie Shaw full potential. allie@lifestylesafter50.com “Many, and perhaps even most people, Supervisor/Graphic Design doProduction not spend their work years doing 813-689-6104 what they really enjoy, and chances are you may be one of those people. If there Distribution Nancyjob Spencer: 941-244-0500 is a dream or career that interests nancy@lifestylesafter50.com you, now is the time to start planning to make it happen.

Remember, Advertising Salesyou have a second life ahead that, at point, is a Questions/Customerthis Service blank canvas. You •are in control of the 813-653-1988 1-888-670-0040 kind of picture that gets painted on it.” other editions: Lifestyles Our After 50 wants to know: Southwest Edition: Lee/Collier & Charlotte how are you planning to spend your Tampa Bay Edition: Hillsborough County retirement? What will you do, see Pinellas/Pasco Counties orSuncoast create?Edition: Where will you live or Lake Edition: Lake/Marion Counties travel? Email a sentence or two to To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040 editor@lifestylesafter50 magazine and we’llNews share Connection them with ourUSA, readers.

Inc.

P.O. Box 638 Seffner, 33583-0638 Your secondFlorida act is just starting; may

your retirement be651-1989 everything you Fax: (813) dreamed it would be. www.lifestylesafter50.com —Tracie Lukens

Lake, Marion & Sumter Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc

President Richard Reeves richard@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Tracie Lukens editor@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Emeritus Janice Doyle Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw allie@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design 813-689-6104 Distribution Nancy Spencer: 941-244-0500 nancy@lifestylesafter50.com

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Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

As a reader of Lifestyles After 50, you are creating an established relationship with our advertisers. You may be contacted by email, telephone or mail as allowed by law.

As a reader of Lifestyles After 50, you are creating an established relationship with our advertisers. You may be contacted by email, telephone or mail as allowed by law.

As a reader of Lifestyles After 50, you are creating an established relationship with our advertisers. You may be contacted by email, telephone or mail as allowed by law.

As a reader of Lifestyles After 50, you are creating an established relationship with our advertisers. You may be contacted by email, telephone or mail as allowed by law.

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 3

New Books “I See You Made An Effort”

By Annabelle Gurwitch

Every seven and a half seconds, someone in America turns 50. While some people like to say that “50 is the new 40,” actress, comedienne and New York Times bestseller Annabelle Gurwitch believes “50 is still F-ing 50.”

In her wickedly funny collection of essays, Gurwitch

explores the hazards of reaching the half century mark, aging out of your wardrobe, outsourcing your endocrine system and falling in lust at the Genius bar. From the woman the Washington Post calls “hilarious,” this new book is the ultimate coming-of-middle-age story.

Available on amazon.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 4

“A Dying Trade: Memoirs of a Nursing Home Proprietor”

By William Webb When people send a loved one to a nursing home, they are literally entrusting their most cherished possession to people they hardly know.

While the dark side of nursing homes occasionally hits the headlines, they’re usually presented as the perfect place for someone to live out their final years.

In a fascinating new novel by William Webb, one nursing home owner bares all— details the public seldom become privy to. It all plays out in this hilarious, heart-breaking and hugely thoughtprovoking story, inspired by real-life events. Available on Amazon.com.

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

S

aturdays Art exhibit: “Conceptual Journeys.” Artists take the viewer on separate journeys through concepts that are realized in wood and paint. Free. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery. 352-383-0880.

S

aturdays Central Florida Dance Club presents a Saturday night dance for couples and singles. $6. 7:30 to 10:30. Eustis Senior Service Center.

352-383-0209.

S

undays Summer Film Series. Enjoy cutting-edge art documentaries and feature films starting at 2 p.m. Free for members; included in admission cost for nonmembers. Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala. 352-291-4455.

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White Elephant Bingo from 1 to 2 p.m. at Forest Community Center, Ocklawaha. More info at 352671-8560 or marioncountyfl.org/parks.

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Glo with the Flo 5K. A fun night time 5K Glo Run through the streets of downtown Ocala. Citizens’ Circle. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. For details, contact 352-402-5222.

22

Divas and Diamonds Show.

Renowned tribute artist Stacey Whitton Summers as Marilyn Monroe, Shania Twain and Martina McBride brings her highly acclaimed one-woman show to Mount Dora. $15/$20/$30. 7 – 9 p.m. Mount Dora Community Building. 352-217-8390

8

Strut Your Mutt. Does your dog have what it takes to strut his/her stuff? Your pup can vie for the title of king or queen! $75. 6 – 10 p.m. Eustis Community Center. Register at 352455-5941 or www.strutyourmuttfs.com.

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10

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Market Night with Cactus Jack & The Cadillacs. Sing and dance along to your favorite tunes. Free. 5 – 9 p.m. Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages. 352-750-5411.

12

Yoga for Veterans. For our activeduty and military veterans.

Breath, movement and relaxation are combined in a way that supports overall physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. 12:15 p.m. Bliss Yoga Center, Ocala. 352-694-9642.

12

Take Charge of Your Diabetes.

Educational program from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Master The Possibilities - Adult Education Center, Ocala. Info/register at 352-854-3699.

15

and 16 Mount Dora Seafood Festival presenting Alex Marley & The Rebel Band. Bring a chair/ blanket and enjoy an evening of reggae as only the Marley family can deliver.

Free to attend. Seafood, cocktails, beer and wine for purchase. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Elizabeth Evan’s Park, Mount Dora.

352-383-2165 or mountdoralive.com.

15

Ocala Farm Market. Produce, crafts and more. 9 a.m. Downtown Square, Ocala. Free entry. 352-426-8244.

Rocky & The Rollers Unplugged. Rocky brings back his famous “unplugged” performance made famous at Church on the Square! $27. 7 p.m. Savannah Center, The Villages. 352-753-3229.

Butterfly and Wildflower Hike.

It may be hot outside, but the butterflies are out in force. Learn about the relationships these winged wonders have with native plants. Free.

9 – 11 a.m. at PEAR Park Wildlife Conservation Area, Leesburg. RSVP to 352-253-4950 or www.lakecountyfl. gov/parks.

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Themed Tour: When Small is Huge. A docent-led tour of the permanent collection that focuses on small details that play huge compositional roles. 2 – 3 p.m. Free for members/included in regular admission of $8/$6 for non-members. Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala. 352-291-4455.

S

ept. 4 Family Food Truck Night.

Visit City Hall Park every first Friday of the month for food and Music On Montrose. Free admission. 5:30 p.m. Historic Downtown Clermont.

352-247-4640.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email calendar@srnewsconnection.com.

News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. August 10 for September event.)

A Word From Our Readers I

n the editorial last month, Lifestyles After 50 asked for your thoughts: What makes Florida great? What is your favorite thing about living in or visiting the Sunshine State?

We heard back from Kathleen Walzl of Lady Lake, FL.: “Florida has the best of the old and new.

Both wonderful beaches and winding roads through wooded countryside beckon.

The exceptional Florida State Parks offer not only outdoor enjoyment but also the interesting heritage of the state’s eventful and colorful past. Lush vegetation and beautiful flowers abound under blue skies and Florida sunshine! Busy or laid back, whatever your style, it’s all here in Florida!”

Lifestyles After 50 Wants to Know: What Was Your First Car? In 200 words or less, tell us the make, model, year, how you came by it and why you love it!

Include your name and city if you desire, along with a hi-res photo of your car and email it to editor@lifestylesafter50.com so we can share it with our readers!

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 5

What’s Next? Creating Your Second Act R

eaching retirement age doesn’t mean it’s time to slow down. Once people hit midlife and beyond, they are filled with valuable insights and life skills with significant time to dedicate themselves to a project. Currently, 9 million of those age 65 years or older have already moved into “encore careers,” which are second acts made up of equal parts social impact, personal fulfillment and additional income. Here are four individuals who transformed their lives in their second act.

Innovation It’s never too late to pursue your passion of becoming an inventor. At age 84, George Weiss created and designed the board game Dabble in his Brooklyn, N.Y. home’s basement workshop. The fast-paced word game aims to improve a child’s vocabulary, spelling and quick thinking, according to its website.

“This may be my first real success,” Weiss said. “All through the years I never stopped inventing. Although, I never

really became successful.” Today, the need to see our involvement as game is available in 50 stores around the collaboration, not competition.” country as well as for mobile devices and as a computer game.

Volunteering “I taught school Business for about 36 years.

Monica Stynchula Then it was, ‘Oh, of St. Petersburg, what a delight!

FL was a medical Retire, read, social worker and watch movies and administrator who shop.’ I got bored decided to retrain in two weeks,” in electronic said Judy Weiphert of Tom’s River, NJ. health record She decided to look into volunteer (EHR) technology as an encore career. work at a local food pantry, and noticed As a long-distance caregiver for her a homeless man in need of good socks. parents, she saw a need for better “So every Wednesday, I came (to the communication between loved ones and pantry) loaded with white socks. Then I health care professionals. She worked started volunteering nearly full time and to develop a web platform for a virtual that was it. I was in,” she said. support network that others like herself Weiphert has been at the food pantry could use, and REUNIONCare was and clothing center—now a nonprofit born. (reunioncare.com) called the Tom’s River Community “We can synthesize our collective Church Outreach—for over 14 years, experience and apply them to new providing food, clothing, transportation industries. Longevity gives us the time and other services for anyone in need. and energy to solve social problems, “My volunteering gives back for all the leaving behind a legacy for generations times that people helped me earlier in my after us to embrace. Younger generations life,” Weiphert says. Someone will ask me:

‘Can I pay you for that?’ And I say, ‘Pay it forward to someone who needs assistance.’

I would say to other older adults—don’t fear retirement. I’m having a great time.”

Pursuing Passion “When I found out that 34 men in my senior community were WWII veterans, my film career was started,” said Michael Rothfeld of Elkton, FL. Since his retirement in 2000 from teaching Special Education for 35 years in a Brooklyn High School, he formed a nonprofit called Any Veteran to produce documentaries about local veterans.

He recorded their stories, sent them to the Library of Congress and premiered the WWII documentary at the Flagler College Auditorium to over 800 people.

“Older workers often have more life skills, background information and knowledge history. Given a chance, the older generation will surprise many with what they do to better educate the community.”

(Info from Bobby Grajewski, President of Edison Nation Medical; and Encore.org)

Buy, Rent or Retirement Community?

I

t’s the downsizer’s dilemma that many face after retirement. Which option will give you more for your money or best meet your changing needs? Here’s the breakdown:

equity from a home sale and it’s invested at 6% a year, that’s $18,000 in earnings the first year. Even after taxes, that can go a long way toward rent, he says.

Renting Pros

• Stability: It’s a renter’s market right now, which means landlords can afford to charge more and be more selective about their tenants. With a mortgage, you can avoid the unpredictability of rent hikes or fluctuating prices. The housing market is just starting to rebound, and there are still good deals on homes to be found.

• Flexibility: Renting may be the better choice if you’re not sure where you want to settle long term. You avoid the hassle of buying and selling a home every three to five years and the added costs of closing and real estate broker fees. It also makes it easier to take extended trips, or to leave if the housing situation doesn’t work out.

Mortgage Pros

• Limited upkeep costs: Renting means less money spent on ownership-related expenses, such as remodeling, repairs and home/lawn maintenance.

• Ownership: Your decision will depend a lot on nonfinancial, emotional issues as well. If you buy, you have the satisfaction of owning your own place and fixing it up the way you want.

• More liquidity: If you sell your house and move to a rental property, you can add the extra capital from the house sale to your investments, which tend to grow at a faster rate than home value appreciates, according to Rich Arzaga, chief executive officer of Cornerstone Wealth Management, in San Ramon, Cal. “For example, if you pull out $300,000 in

• Long-term asset generation: Arzaga ran some calculations for Kiplinger’s Retirement Report. He looked at a hypothetical 65-year-old couple in the 25% tax bracket who sold a fivebedroom house this year and cleared $550,000 after expenses. He ran three scenarios: buying a $230,000 threebedroom house with cash, buying that

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 6

house with an 80% 30-year mortgage and renting a comparable three-bedroom house for $1,250 plus utilities.

Arzaga assumed that the couple’s investments—$100,000 in a traditional IRA and $100,000 in a taxable account (before the sale)—would grow at an annualized rate of 6.9% before inflation, and factored in ownership-related costs and annual rent increases.

The analysis showed that renting was a better financial option for the first ten years after downsizing. If the couple rented, they would have $576,202 in total assets (home sale proceeds and investments) 10 years later. If they bought the house with cash, they would have $542,800 (home equity and investments). The couple with a mortgage would end the 10 years with $572,071 (home equity and investments).

However, buying with a mortgage is the better option generally after 10 years. In year 11, the couple who bought with the mortgage had more in total assets than the renter—and the gap widened as the years went by, Arzaga says, “due to the tax-free growth of equity in the house, whereas the investment account is likely to be taxed every year.”

Keep Your Needs in Mind Buying may be the better plan if you are in good health and have a long retirement ahead of you. But if you think you might need assistance sooner, renting or moving to a retirement community may offer you more flexibility.

Independent living averages at $2,500 a month, while assisted living runs around $3,500. Though retirement communities are costlier than renting a standard apartment or making mortgage payments, the convenience of included services like meals, activities, health care or assistance with daily tasks can make it worth the price tag if it means extending one’s independence. Certain residences, like continuing care retirement communities, offer different levels of care and payment models that give you the option of transitioning to a different level of care within the same community, rather than relocating altogether.

There is a lot to consider when moving later in life. Weigh your finances, wants and needs carefully; only you can determine the best fit for you.

(Info from Kiplinger)

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 7

Thrifty After 50: 8 Career and Learning Savings Tips

By Kerry Hannon, AARP Jobs Expert hinking about going back to school or getting more from your career later in life? These tips can help you save at work, increase your earnings and get the education you need to change or further your career without taking a chunk out of your savings.

1. Know what you’re worth. Find out the typical pay for the job you seek, or before asking for a raise.

Government salaries are posted on the Office of Personnel Management’s website. Private-sector pay rates are found at PayScale and Salary.com.

2. Track your miles. The business rate for 2015 is 57.5 cents per mile. Use sites like MapQuest to calculate the distance for even short business trips and get reimbursed by your employer.

3. Let your job send you to school.

Around half of employers offer college education assistance, and you might not even need to be studying something directly linked to your work. Generally, you don’t have to pay federal income tax on the first $5,250 of assistance.

4. Check out the American Association of Community Colleges’ Plus 50 Initiative. It’s designed to help students 50-plus train for new jobs. (http://plus50.aacc.nche.edu) 5. Sign up for a free or mostly free MOOC (massive open online course) through portals such as Coursera (coursera.org), Khan Academy (khanacademy.org), Class Central (class-central.com), edX (edx.org), and apps like iTunes U. 6. Negotiate for a fast-track degree.

You may be able to reduce tuition by getting the college to waive some required courses because of your work and life experience.

7. Snap up an older-student grant, scholarship or fellowship. Some groups and foundations offer them, though it may take some sleuthing to track down. Start your search at Fastweb.com and FinAid.org.

8. Get free or discounted college tuition. Nearly 60 percent of U.S. colleges and universities let older students take classes either tuitionfree or at rock-bottom prices. Inquire about specific residency, age and other requirements at schools in your area.

T

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Superior Residences Day Stay & Guest Stay Program We understand that caring for someone 24 hours a day can be a difficult task. Whether you need to take a well-deserved vacation or run errands for a few hours, Superior Residences will care for your loved one while you are away.

Day Stay– $12 per hour Guest Stay– $150 per night Call Derek Gisburne for a personal tour and let us show you how we can give your loved one the best possible care.

(352) 861-2887 www.SuperiorALF.com 2300 SW 21st Circle Ocala, Florida Assisted Living Facility #9673

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 3 8

Downsizing Made Simple

By Elle Layne

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f you’re faced with the daunting task of moving an entire lifetime of memories and, well...stuff...to a smaller place, like me, you may be wondering where to start. These seven tips can help you cut the clutter fast and take the stress out of downsizing. Keep calm and move on!

Start now. Moving is hectic enough without the pressure of deciding at the last minute which of your most precious possessions you must part with. If you sort everything out ahead of time, you’ll have the instant benefits of less clutter and less to take care of (and maybe even some extra money in your pocket!) But most importantly, you’ll have peace of mind—especially if you’re ever faced with an emergency and have to relocate quickly or trust others to do it for you.

Break it up. A whole house is overwhelming. Take it room by room, starting with the one that contains items of the greatest sentimental value.

(These are the tough decisions.) Make four piles—keep, donate, give to family members and trash. Give yourself a few days for each room and keep a layout of your new residence handy as a guide for how much you can bring with you.

Let it go! Ask yourself these questions: Is it stained, damaged, worn or disfunctional?

Is it replaceable? Can someone else get more use out of it than me? If the answer is yes to any of these, throw it away or put it in the donate pile if it’s in decent condition. If you haven’t used it (or even looked at it) in the last two years, send it on its way. Multiple items? You only need so many pots and pans! Take the items you use the most and discard the extras. Try to avoid “maybe” piles. Handle an item once and make your decision—it will keep you from second-guessing yourself.

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LifestylesAfter50.com

Keep the memory, not the material.

There may be years of memories in that collection of items, but if there’s no room to bring it all with you, try saving three to five of your favorite items and taking a photo of the rest to display.

If you have stacks of old photo albums, home videos or important documents, digitizing services can help you scan, save and preserve them on discs or online to help you save space.

If it’s meant to be a gift or legacy, think about giving it now. You lose clutter and you get to see the recipient enjoy it! Involve your family. Do they even want the item? You may be holding on to something that will only be sold or discarded later.

If you have items of particular monetary or sentimental value, giving them away yourself can help curb conflicts later on and ensure they get to the right person.

Donate or sell. Choose your charity wisely. Furniture, clothing and household items in good condition can be donated for tax deductions to organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army and ReStore.

Other items, like computers or historical memorabilia, may be better received by schools or museums.

Consider appraising antiques or larger items before selling them yourself, or use an auction house to get the highest price for your items. For junk: services like Bagster (thebagster.com) or 1-800-GOTJUNK will help you collect and dispose of materials at your house. For everything else: yard sale!

Get help. If the project is too much to take on yourself, a senior move manager might be an option. For a fee, professionals can help you through the entire downsizing, packing and moving process, stress-free. Visit www.nasmm. org to find a move manager near you.

Meet the “Cat” With X-ray Vision O

ften called a “cat scan,” Computed Tomography (CT) is a non-invasive medical test used to look at the lungs, bones, soft tissues and/or blood vessels.

CT uses an X-ray tube that rotates 360º around the area being scanned, capturing multiple pictures—or “slices”—as it goes. The anatomical information is sent directly to a computer, where sophisticated software combines the images to create a nearly 3-D composite image of the organ, bone or object.

The image is then available for immediate storage and rapid sharing with your doctor, and for creating hard copy images for review by your doctor and your Board Certified RAO radiologist.

The most advanced CT is the 16-slice helical scanner, which takes more pictures at a faster speed than conventional CT,

enabling it to catch small lesions that may otherwise go undetected. “It captures more images in less time for a more complete and accurate picture than standard CT models,” says Mark Yap, MD. “That’s why we use it exclusively.”

CT Scanning is effective in identifying issues within the chest, heart, abdomen, head and limbs, and for detecting certain cancers, like colon and lung.

A recent government study showed that heavy smokers may reduce their risk of death from lung cancer by 20 percent simply by having an annual CT scan. CT also assists with cancer treatment staging and monitoring, making it one of the most powerful allies against disease.

For more information, please contact RAO via email at: info@raocala.com.

The doctors at Radiology Associates of Ocala are dedicated to providing the highest level of care with fast, accurate and non-invasive imaging technology.

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 9

LivMD: Making Waves In The Research Community I f ten minutes per day and something the size of a bathroom scale could make you healthier, wouldn’t you try it? Marodyne Medical, a research and development company that specializes in interventions for illness, disease and injury, created LivMD, a device that uses low-intensity vibration to benefit your whole body—in just ten minutes daily.

Developed by Marodyne Medical’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Clinton Rubin, LivMD, cleared by the FDA as a Class 1 medical device, is designed to help you maintain overall wellness through the use of low-intensity vibration. By standing on LivMD for ten minutes daily, the low-intensity vibrations “...improve localized circulation during use, strengthen and recondition those under-going rehab, restore motion to joints, redevelop muscles, assist as an adjunct treatment for obesity and relieve aches and pains throughout the body,” according to Marodyne Medical.

“The vision of Dr. Rubin, the founder of Marodyne and scientist behind LivMD technology, is to offer the world

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 10

a safe, convenient, non-drug, scientifically proven approach to maintaining musculoskeletal health and wellness,” said Patrick Foote, Chief Operating Officer of Marodyne Medical.

LivMD has more than 25 years of scientific research developing low-intensity vibration technology from esteemed institutions such as NASA and National Institutes of Health. The research was “initially focused on maintaining and improving bone density and treatment of osteoporosis for various age groups,” Foote said.

The past ten years of research, however, have shown that lowintensity vibrations may aid in much more than bone health.

Dr. Clinton Rubin, Distinguished Professor and Chair “Most recent information is of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University showing that these low-level According to Marodyne Medical, vibratory signals may be helpful to improving neurocognitive challenges not only is LivMD the product of facing humans, helping to overcome nearly three decades of low-intensity neuromuscular weaknesses, particularly vibration research, the device or one of as a result of aging or infirmity,” its prototypes has been used in studies all over the world that focused on “maintain Foote said.

or improving bone quality, mobility and balance, back pain relief, and wound-healing.

Visit Marodyne.com or www.LivMD.US to learn more about low-intensity vibration technology and how Marodyne’s LivMD may improve your health.

“The vision of Dr. Rubin, the founder of Marodyne and scientist behind LivMD technology, is to offer the world a safe, convenient, non-drug, scientifically proven approach to maintaining musculoskeletal health and wellness...”

Choosing the Right Sunglasses UVA, which is responsible for skin tanning and aging.

UVB, which is linked to sunburn and skin cancer; a large portion is absorbed by the atmosphere’s ozone layer.

S

unlight, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has been linked to several eye conditions, including cataracts and early onset age-related macular degeneration. It’s hard to avoid the sun, but it is easy to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses need not bear a designer label or cost hundreds of dollars to do their job properly.

As the eyes age, problems with vision become more common. Learn how to recognize the risk factors and symptoms of specific eye diseases— cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — and what steps you can take to prevent or treat them before your vision deteriorates.

Sunglasses are labeled according to guidelines for UV protection established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The two forms of UV light that affect health include:

Before buying sunglasses, look at the ANSI label; even inexpensive sunglasses can be effective.

Cosmetic: Lightly tinted lenses, good for daily wear. Blocks 70% of UVB rays, 20% of UVA and 60% of visible light.

General purpose: Medium to dark lenses, fine for most outdoor recreation.

Blocks 95% of UVB, 60% of UVA, and 60% to 90% of visible light. Most sunglasses fall into this category.

Special purpose: Extremely dark lenses with UV blockers, recommended for places with very bright conditions such as beaches and ski slopes. Blocks 99% of UVB, 60% of UVA, and 97% of visible light.

A darker looking lens may not provide better UV protection than a lighter lens.

If you aren’t sure what kind of sunglasses to buy, or think you may be at high risk for eye disease, check with your eye doctor. (Harvard Medical School)

Dogs Could Be Called Wonder Drugs

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ogs can provide people with many things. Protection, friendship, and unconditional love top the list, but they may also provide health benefits, too.

A new study finds dogs can lower a person’s blood pressure, improve your psychological health, and even get you to exercise more.

“That dog can’t walk itself, so you have to get out and walk the dog. And by the nature of just walking—these people were moving for an hour a day. We know that walking an hour a day is going to have health benefits,” says Dr. Scott Bea, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Researchers at the University of Missouri’s Research Center for Human-

Animal Interaction looked at the benefits associated with having an animal companion. For 12 weeks, people were encouraged to walk on an outdoor trail for one hour, five times a week. Results show the older people who walked their dogs improved their walking capabilities by almost 30 percent compared to people who walked with a friend.

Researchers say they also had more confidence on the trail and increased their speed.

Human walking buddies tended to discourage each other and used excuses, such as the weather, to avoid the walks. The results show only a four percent increase in their walking capabilities.

Researchers say many of the same benefits can apply to other pets, too. Dr. Bea agrees.

“Human-animal interactions are full of good feelings. Animals respond to humans with a kind of unconditional acceptance; we don’t get that all the time from other human beings, so we see that it has a tension-reducing aspect to it. Just repetitive acts like petting an animal has tension-reducing properties,” he says.

(Cleveland Clinic) Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 11

FINANCE

Even With A Late Start, There Are Ways To Invest For Retirement

I

f you’re worried that you haven’t saved enough for retirement, you are not alone.

As they near retirement, many people find they are less than confident that their savings or monthly Social Security check will be adequate to meet their financial needs.

Fortunately, if you are in your 40s or 50s and have a decade or more before retirement, you still have time to take meaningful steps toward building your retirement nest egg.

To help, here are some tips from the experts at First Investors.

Tech Talk Giveaway: Lenzcase reading glasses at different strengths: + 2.0, +2.5, +3.0 and +3.5.

The Lenzcase will be available soon; preorder at www.lenzcase.com.

To enter the giveaway, just email editor@lifestylesafter50.com or snail mail us at:

Attn: Lenzcase Giveaway News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

W

elcome to this month’s Tech Talk column, where we cover the latest apps, products and websites that make life a little easier.

This month, we’re giving away a Lenzcase—an iPhone 6 case that comes with a spring-loaded, built-in, backup set of reading glasses. Just a fingertip touch to the spring-loaded readers snaps them halfway open for a quick ten second read, or you can withdraw the lenses for hand-held normal reading.

When you’re finished, just slide the lenses back in until it locks home for safe and secure holding until next time.

The Lenzcase comes with a set of four Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 12

Send us your name, address and phone number by August 19. The drawing will be held on August 20, and the winner will be contacted and announced in the next issue of Lifestyles After 50. Look for more giveaways in upcoming editions. Good luck!

Congratulations!

To last month’s winner: Sandy Brand of Wimauma They won the Solar Shield Sunglasses!

First Things First To start, you should evaluate the potential sources of your retirement income. Social Security is one traditional source. To get an estimate of your Social Security benefits, visit the program’s website at www.ssa.gov/mystatement.

Company pensions may be another source of retirement funds, although they are far less common today. Even if you will one day be a recipient of one or both of these programs’ benefits, they will likely provide only a portion of what you’ll need to live comfortably. That means that your personal savings and investments must generate a significant part of your retirement income.

Jump-Start Your Investments Since you’re getting a late start, you’ll want to get the biggest “bang for your buck” from your investments. Here are some strategies to consider: • Get with the program—It’s always a good idea to use tax-advantaged programs.

If your employer sponsors a retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA, you should consider enrolling. If you’re self-employed, look into establishing a retirement plan such as a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP). Although plans differ in a number of ways, all offer tax-deferred contributions and growth, which help your funds accumulate faster than they would in a taxable account. Some companies even make

matching contributions to employee accounts, which is something you’ll want to take advantage of, if available.

• Open an IRA—Even if you contribute to an employer-sponsored plan, you may want to go one step further and open an individual retirement account (IRA).

Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth and penalty-free withdrawals in certain eligible situations.

Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified distributions. And don’t forget an IRA for your spouse.

• Go on automatic pilot—The old adage of “pay yourself first” is still a valid idea, particularly with investments. One way is to sign up for a systematic investment plan, whereby a fixed amount of money is automatically transferred on a regular basis from your paycheck or bank account into your investment account.

• Consider variable annuities—If you’ve reached the annual contribution ceilings of your employer-sponsored plan and IRA, you can further supplement your retirement funding with annuities. A variable annuity is a contract with a life insurance company that allows you to accumulate money on a tax-deferred basis. And, unlike other taxadvantaged vehicles, variable annuities do not have an annual contribution limit.

• Get the balance right—Getting the right mix of stock, bond and money market mutual funds is important. For growth potential, you’ll want to have an appropriate allocation of stock mutual funds in your portfolio.

Of course, pursuing faster growth entails greater risks. And with your compressed time horizon, you may have difficulty riding out and rebuilding your portfolio after the inevitable stock market downturns.

• Contact your financial representative—Whether it’s helping you to establish financial goals for retirement, selecting an IRA, offering advice on the right balance in your portfolio or helping you navigate complex risk and tax issues, there are a number of ways you can benefit from a strong relationship with a financial representative.

To learn more, you can visit www.firstinvestors.com. (NAPSI)

The Retirement Revolution

By Tracie Lukens ging isn’t a straight line. We all age in different ways, with different needs at different times. And as more boomers begin to hit retirement age and beyond, many are rethinking traditional one-sizefits-all retirement communities. They’re demanding new solutions to the rising costs of care and housing. Creative minds are championing initiatives that will help give retirees more choice and control over their housing and lifestyle. As part of a year-long project that looks at 50+ living trends, Next Avenue (nextavenue.org) explores some of the newest models that are revolutionizing retirement: The Technology Model “My patients were telling me, ‘Don’t you ever think of putting me in a nursing home,’” said Dr. Allan Teel, a family physician and author. “But there were not very many options for these very fragile but very proud people.”

He realized that some of his elderly patients could avoid moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home if they had the right support at home. To help meet this need, he founded Full Circle America, a for-profit telemedicine program.

Full Circle America provides patients with user-friendly home health monitoring equipment and covers any healthcare and living needs with a combination of paid staff, family and volunteers, reducing the daily hours someone needs for personal care and supervision from 24 to just two, with 22 hours of monitoring via webcam and volunteers, Teel claims.

According to FullCircleAmerica.com, the program (of technology and paid caregiving) costs $100 – $400 a month depending on the level of monitoring, plus a start-up $500 for equipment. The telemedicine service is an additional $200 per month. Compared to the $2,500 and up monthly cost of an assisted living facility, however, Teel believes this model may be a more appealing option to those who prefer to age at home with as much independence as possible.

The Village Model A village is a not-for-profit organization of older adults in a community who join resources to help one another stay in their neighborhood as they age.

Each village member pays a yearly fee that the village uses to provide support and services, such as social clubs, weekly exercise classes, transportation to doctors’ offices and grocery stores, access to reduced-fee home medical care and

A

home repair services. Villages The “Golden Girls” Model rely on volunteers and paid staff Shared housing has been growing members help them access the in popularity among boomers. In services they need to age in place. this model, two or more unrelated Beacon Hill Village in Boston, retirees live together for lower costs established in 1999, was one of and companionship; sometimes called the pioneer village communities, “Golden Girls” housing (from the hit TV as is Washington D.C.’s Capitol show). There are different arrangements: Hill Village (CHV). To give Some singles live in separate suites but you an idea of the membership share common spaces for group meals cost, CHV charges an annual and gatherings; some own/lease and fee of $530 for individuals manage a property equally, while others ($800 per household) to tap into live in a landlord/tenant arrangement. the services provided by the Brenda Krause Eheart, Generations of Hope founder. When a divorce left Bonnie Moore, now village, with financial assistance 70, living alone in a newly remodeled in Chiefland, Fla., where light pollution home in 2008, she searched for and found programs for those who qualify.

“I don’t want a so-called expert is low. Spruce Creek Fly-In, just south of four roommates to fill the empty bedrooms. determining how I should be treated or Daytona Beach, is a haven for aviators.

“Living with others at this stage in my life what should be available to me,” 72-year- Nalcrest, near Orlando, is one of the has been so much more fun and rewarding old Susan McWhinney-Morse, one of more unusual communities—composed than I ever imagined,” said Moore. “In Beacon Hill Village’s founders, told The mainly of retired mail carriers and their addition to contributing rent that makes New York Times. “The thing I most cherish families (and no dogs allowed!) my mortgage affordable, my roommates Meanwhile, university-based retirement have become an important part of my life. here is that it’s we, the older people, who community residents like those at Oak We throw parties together, get to know one are creating our own universe.”

Over 200 similar villages are part of Hammock in Gainesville, (oakhammock. another’s friends, and help each other out.” a nationwide organization called the org) can take advantage of campus events The success of this model depends Village to Village Network. Find a like concerts, sports and arts programs, on how well roommates communicate, or sit in on classes at low or no cost. village near you at vtvnetwork.org. so choosing the right one is important.

Senior artists colonies like the one in Resources like goldengirlsnetwork.com The Purpose-Driven Model Burbank, California (seniorartistscolony. and nationalsharedhousing.org offer In Rantoul, Illinois, a community named com) provide apartment rentals where shared housing tips and roommate finders.

Generations of Hope (generationsofhope. artists, writers, musicians and dancers org offers its senior residents subsidized can hone their crafts in open studios, take What’s next for retirement living? As housing to live in a community that needs workshops or perform for their neighbors. technology and social support networks their help. They pair families raising “The instructors are very professional,” grow, communities that are run by senior foster children with older residents who artist colony resident Nailah Jumoke residents rather than businesses are on volunteer at least six hours per week told USA Today. “We do yoga; we do the horizon. Retirees are sharing costs, doing such things as babysitting, tutoring, meditations. I’m learning I am also pursuing passions and giving back to their gardening or serving as a crossing guard. an artist. I ask myself, where did this communities like never before. Boomers The strength of this model is that the talent come from? I’m always finding have more choices about how to spend families with children who have special out more and more about myself at this their retirement, and where this enterprising needs get extra support, while the older beautiful age at 64.” generation goes, others will follow. residents who choose to live in the community benefit from a greater sense Senior Housing Options: How Do They Compare? of purpose and connection.

“It’s figuring out what’s in our hearts and Feature or Service Independent Living Assisted Living Nursing Home translating it to workable models,” says Approx. Monthly Cost $1,500 – $3,500 $2,500 – $4,000 $4,000 – $8,000 Mark Dunham, external affairs counsel for Generations of Hope. The model is Meals Per Day Meal Plan Options 3+ 3+ gradually expanding to other states.

Medication Management No Yes Yes The Niche Model Personal Care No Yes Yes Some retirees are joining communities Mobility Assistance No Yes Yes established by people who share a common Accepts Wheelchairs No Varies Yes identity, such as sexual orientation, labor union membership, artistic inclination or Alzheimers/Dementia Care No Varies Varies religious faith. The appeal comes from the On-Site Nurses No Varies Yes unity of like-minded retirees—a place to pursue one’s interests and lifestyle with Transportation Most Yes Most Yes Yes other enthusiasts, free of censure.

Incontinence Care No Yes Yes There’s a niche community out there for Housekeeping Varies Yes Yes almost every interest. Stargazing parties abound at Chiefland Astronomy Village Source: APlaceForMom.com Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 13

Could Stem Cells be the Next Penicillin?

By David Ebner, Staff Writer We will never forget the day that four young men from Liverpool, England walked onto the stage of “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964. The bright stage lights and the squeals from the crowd rained down on the group, and that grainy black and white image was pinned as a significant moment in history.

The introduction of stem cell research to the world stage was not filled with as much fanfare.

There were no screaming fans when the first stem cell therapy was conducted through a bone marrow transplant in 1956. The long hours that scientists spent researching and studying cells in laboratories were not recorded in the pages of Life magazine. Even in 2012, when the two scientists who discovered the application of stem cells as the building blocks for human life won a Nobel Prize, the response was limited to the medical community.

However, the impact of stem cells on the healthcare and medical industry has been anything

but small. Adult stem cells live Medical Director, Dr. Burton all over the body, and if extracted Feinerman, said, “Stem cells are and reintroduced to the body, they important because they offer a can specialize as whatever type of different approach. Instead of just cell they are near. For example, if treating symptoms and making the stem cells were removed, isolated patient a little more comfortable, and reintroduced to the lungs of stem cells target the disease and the patient with COPD, the stem can repair the damaged tissue.” cells would become healthy lung Even though they don’t often cells. These new cells would be take center stage, life-changing disease free and would regenerate advancements in medical more disease-free lung cells, therapies, like stem cell treatments, inevitably increasing lung function. are occurring every day. The The discovery of penicillin was an Treatments like this could mean the people that have sought these early example of ground breaking difference between struggling for innovative treatments are already medical advancements changing the course of modern medicine. air and breathing easier. seeing these advancements in The staff at the Lung Institute action, and although there may not (lunginstitute.com) have successfully performed such be screaming fans, the stem cell fan base is growing procedures on over 800 patients. The Lung Institute’s every day with people that can now breathe easier.

MEDICARE ANSWERS

Can I Appeal a Hospital Discharge?

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ear Marci, My father has Medicare and is in the hospital after a fall. His doctor and nurses say that he is ready to be discharged from the hospital, but he feels that he is not yet well enough to return home. He has some lingering health issues and wants to stay in the hospital for a few more days. Can he appeal a hospital discharge? —Fred (St. Louis, MO) Dear Fred, Yes, people with Medicare can appeal a hospital discharge if they are not ready to leave.

To appeal, first consult the Important Message from Medicare notice, which the hospital should provide you at least once during your inpatient hospital stay.

Among other things, the notice tells you how to request a review of your case by the Beneficiary and FamilyCentered Care Quality Improvement Organization, often called the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO).

The QIO is an independent body that reviews hospital discharge appeals for Medicare beneficiaries.

Know that while the QIO is reviewing the appeal, the hospital must also provide you a more detailed notice that explains

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 14

why it thinks you are ready to leave. This is called a Detailed Notice of Discharge.

In the meantime, the QIO will review your medical records and contact you for your opinion on the discharge.

The QIO should make its decision and call you within 24 hours of receiving all the information it needs. If the appeal to the QIO is successful, your care will continue to be covered.

If your appeal to the QIO is unsuccessful, you will not be held responsible for the cost of the 24-hour period while you waited for the QIO to make a decision.

If you remain in the hospital after that period, you may be responsible for the cost of your care if you do not win at a higher level of appeal.

You can choose to move to higher levels of appeal. To read about the higher levels of Medicare appeals for ending care, visit www.medicareinteractive.org. Be sure to follow rules and deadlines.

Keep in mind that there are also options for continuing your father’s care after he is discharged from the hospital. He may benefit from home health services or from care at a skilled nursing facility.

—Marci

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 15

Want to Fix New Information Day Escape: St. Augustine Augustine, the nation’s In Your Mind? Make Mistakes! St.oldest European founded

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aking the right kind of errors while you’re learning can improve your aility to embed new information in your memory, but the mistakes must be related to what you want to learn, not just random guesses.

Research published recently in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition suggests that both younger and older adults are better able to learn information if they have worked out the answer through trial-and-error guesses that have something in common with the correct answer. For example, participants who were asked to remember a target word (“a rose”) by being presented with its category (“flower”) and asked to guess at the possible answer were much better able to remember the word later than those who had been given the correct answer right away.

The study authors theorize that by guessing first, rather than reading the answer, participants had to think harder

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 16

and make connections that made it easier to remember the correct answer later.

Even making wrong guesses helped recollection, as long as the information was closely related. On the other hand, the research suggests that when guesses are not meaningfully related to the information to be remembered (such as guessing at “a word that beings with ro...”) and result in random guesses (“road, rope”), guessing appears to clutter up memory.

(From Massachusetts General Hospital: Mind, Mood and Memory)

city, is celebrating its 450th birthday this year (though she doesn’t look a day over 400!) Established in 1565, this romantic city invites you to explore old Spanish castillos, historic sites and mythical fountains. And in honor of the St. Augustine City Hall and Lightner Museum city’s milestone anniversary, a week of festivities will be held from Sept. States. Take a tour and hear the cannons roar.

4 to 8. “Celebrate 450!” features a street $10. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 904-829-6506. and music festival, commemorative re-enactment, procession, Mass, cake St. George Street: Take a stroll cutting ceremony and many other events. on this beautiful historic street and For a complete schedule of events and browse gift shops and restaurants. (floridashistoriccoast.com) locations, visit staugustine-450.com.

Other Must-Sees: Lightner Museum: This Victorian hotel-turned-museum is full of GuildedAge trappings, stately architecture and a ballroom that was once the world’s largest pool! $10/adults. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (lightnermuseum.org) Castillo de San Marcos: This romantic castillo on Matanzas Bay is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United

The Fountain of Youth: Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is the original site of the nation’s oldest city and the home of the magical spring discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, according to tradition. You don’t want to leave without taking a drink! While you’re there, enjoy living history exhibits and more. $15/adults, $14/ seniors 60+. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. (fountainofyouthflorida.com)

TRAVEL

The Uniquely Gorgeous Gorge

By Andrea Gross; Photos by Irv Green

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’m standing on a narrow footbridge, surrounded by moss-laden trees and listening to the rumbling sounds of Oregon’s Multnomah Falls. Looking up, I peer through the mist to see more than a thousand gallons of water per second cascading down the 620-foot falls that many consider to be the most beautiful spot in the entire 80-mile Columbia River Gorge.

Officially the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which parallels the river from The Dalles in the east to the outskirts of Portland in the west, consists of 292,500 acres in southern Washington and northern Oregon. It’s possible to speed through it in an afternoon—a quick look here, a photo stop there—but it’s better to explore it more leisurely, whether cruising on a paddlewheeler like those that plied the Columbia River 150 years ago, or by driving along the aptly-named Historic Columbia River Highway.

Today, cruise companies operate paddleboats reminiscent of those that were used on the Columbia 150 years ago.

Multnomah Falls is one of the highest year-round waterfalls in the United States.

From either vantage point, water or road, the views are magnificent—4,000foot tall cliffs, towering mountains, abundant vegetation and more waterfalls than in any similarly sized area of North America. Why, there are more than seventy waterfalls just on the Oregon side of the river.

My husband and I stand on the bridge and consider our options. Do we want to see more waterfalls? If so, we have our choice of at least ten trails that will lead us through forests dotted with falls.

Or do we want breathtaking views? In which case, we can undertake the sevenmile trek to the top of Larch Mountain.

A woman at the visitor center suggests we drive. “That way you can see the views, hike around the mountain top and drive back down,” she says. This strikes us as a brilliant solution and is exactly what we do. It’s a clear day and, as the song goes, we can see forever.

There, across the river, are the two highest mountains in Washington: Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. Here, on this side of the river, we can see Oregon’s two tallest peaks, Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson, as well as Mount St. Helens, which is easily recognizable because it has no peak at all.

St. Helens quite literally blew its stack in the spring of 1980 when a massive eruption sent 1300 feet of mountaintop into the valley below. More than 200 square miles of vegetation were scorched, turning once lush forest into a barren moonscape. Today, thanks to extensive salvage and recovery efforts, green again covers the hills.

While all of these mountains are active volcanoes, it’s been 150 years since Mount Hood erupted, and the U.S. Geological Survey says an explosion is not imminent. Thus reassured, we cross our fingers and rent a rowboat so we can enjoy one of the mountain’s fish-filled lakes. We return in late afternoon, wet, sunburned and without a single fish.

Booneville Lock and Dam spans the Columbia to connect Oregon and Washington.

Mount St. Helens has undergone an extensive program of reforestation.

To see fish we go to Bonneville Lock and Dam, a complex that includes a fish hatchery and fish ladder as well as a spillway dam, powerhouse and navigation lock. Taken together, the center improves navigation along the Columbia, provides electricity to the Northwest and supports a fish production program that helps maintain the population of fish that would have otherwise been reduced by the construction of the dam.

But Mount Hood does more than provide recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. It also creates a protected environment for agriculture, blocking much of the rain that would otherwise destroy the fruits that make the nearby area one of Oregon’s most fertile regions. We stop in The Dalles, which is a major producer of the Royal Anne Cherries that are transformed into maraschinos. Try as we might, we can’t find a sweet shop that will make us an old-fashioned sundae topped with a bright red, decadently sweet cherry.

Therefore, we head over to the tasting room of Barnard Griffin Winery. There is more than one way to enjoy the fruits of the Gorge’s agricultural region!

Oregon is among the top five wine producing states in the U.S.

We intersperse our outdoor activities with visits to the numerous museums and interpretative centers that line the Gorge.

We learn about Gorge geology and step inside a mock volcano at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, see Indian artifacts and a raptor show at the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, learn about Oregon Trail pioneers at the Wasco County Historical Museum and visit a Lewis and Clark outpost at Fort Clatsop.

A great horned owl stars in the raptor show at the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center.

We had come to the Gorge because we’d heard it was beautiful, and it is.

But we left having learned that it offers much more than a place to ogle and hike.

It’s a place where we could glimpse the geologic forces and historic events that have made the Northwest what it is today.

That’s a lot to accomplish in only eighty miles.

For more info, visit traveloregon.com.

American Cruise Line offers eightday trips through the Gorge on their 120-passenger paddlewheeler, Queen of the West. Visit americancruiselines.com to learn more.

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 17

Explore Nature’s Water Parks and More in Ocala

By The Ocala/Marion County CVB

F

amilies, couples or friends looking for an exciting and distinctive stop on their summer adventure can explore countless attractions, both on land and water, throughout Ocala/Marion County. Keep cool at crystal clear fresh water springs or take a stroll through historic Downtown Ocala.

If making a splash is on your summer to-do list, plan to stop at Wild Waters at Silver Springs, a longtime family favorite that’s been newly renovated. This oneof-a-kind waterpark offers a cool time for the entire family, where you can relax by the wave pool or take a plunge down one of the high-speed waterslides.

There are also several natural springs sprinkled throughout the Ocala National Forest, one of the most popular being Juniper Springs, located about 28 miles east of Ocala. The forest’s springs stay at 72 degrees year round, making them a fantastic spot to cool off from Florida’s summer heat.

Another popular spring is The Salt Springs Recreation Area, also located in the Ocala National Forest. Its name

Spend a relaxing afternoon tubing on Rainbow River.

originated from naturally occurring minerals carried to the surface from underground aquifers, providing a level of salinity not found in the other springs.

The semi-tropical foliage of pines and palms at the campground is a winning combination for a summer outdoor experience, perfect for the entire family to enjoy.

During the summer the Rainbow River, located in Dunnellon, is the ideal aquatic sanctuary for tubing. A natural

landmark, this family-friendly river shimmers with silver and turquoise hues and stays at a cool 72 to 74 degrees yearround, perfect to drift away for three to four hours of downstream relaxation. It is ideal for swimming, bird watching, scuba diving, boating, kayaking and paddle boarding as well.

KP Hole Park, known as ‘The Tuber Ride of Generations’ and the ‘Rainbow River Classic’ has been a local and tourist go-to for more than 60 years. Water adventurers

can bring their own floats (60” and smaller) or rent one for their excursion.

Carney Island Park at Lake Weir is another great recreational area for those looking for a little bit of everything.

With over 750 acres of sand hill islands, causeways, wetlands systems and shoreline beaches, this destination offers hiking, swimming, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and sand volleyball courts fit for the true adventure seekers.

Picturesque Tuscawilla Park, located near Downtown Ocala, offers a chance to enjoy an afternoon on the grass or a good-old-fashioned picnic with your family or loved ones. Visitors can also enjoy a bit of culture, as the Tuscawilla Park’s Second Annual Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition’s 10 installations are on display through mid-September.

To sweeten your visit, stop by Ocala’s Chocolate and Confections featuring hand-dipped chocolate fruit, truffles, eight different fudge varieties and handscooped ice cream.

To develop personalized travel itinerary, book accommodations and learn more about the destination, visit www.OcalaMarion.com.

RECIPE

Simple, Satisfying Summer Salads T

hese quick and healthy salads are perfect for picnics and cookouts.

Find more great recipes at HealthHub (http://health.clevelandclinic.org).

Watermelon, Tomato and Herb Salad With Feta This salad takes advantage of two of summer’s best produce options— watermelon and tomatoes! Served with fresh herbs, red wine vinegar, sliced almonds and feta cheese, the unlikely combination is full of flavor and low in calories.

Ingredients 6 cups seedless watermelon, cubed 4 cups fresh tomatoes, cubed 1 tsp coarse salt (such as kosher or sea salt) 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1.5 Tbsp red wine vinegar ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped 2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped ¼ cup sliced almonds ½ cup feta cheese Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 18

Directions Combine watermelon, tomatoes, salt and toss to blend. Let stand for 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix vinegar, olive oil and basil, then pour over the watermelon and tomato mixture. Top with sliced almonds and feta cheese.

Serve chilled.

Fresh Mediterranean Bulgur Salad This salad offers the fresh taste of grape tomatoes, cucumbers and dill in an olive oil, lemon and vinegar dressing.

Kalamata olives give it zing and whole grain bulgur makes it satisfying.

Ingredients 1 ½ cups uncooked bulgur 1 seedless (or deseeded) cucumber, peeled and chopped 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved ½ cup kalamata olives, halved A few tablespoons of fresh dill

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar Juice of ½ lemon Salt and pepper, to taste Directions Heat a large skillet over medium heat; spray with a non-stick cooking spray. Add the bulgur and toast it for about 5 minutes.

Remember to keep the grain moving the whole time to prevent burning.

Add about 3 cups of water to the bulgur and cover it with a lid or some aluminum foil. Let the grain simmer for around 20 minutes or so, or until the bulgur is soft.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, grape tomatoes and olives. Add the vinegar, lemon juice, about 2 Tbsp of olive oil, and some salt and pepper to taste. Let the flavors marinate for a few minutes.

If there is any excess water left in the bulgur in the skillet at this point, drain it, then fluff the bulgur with a fork.

Combine bulgur with vegetables and dressing, then garnish with fresh dill.

Stir and let the flavors meld for an hour or so in the fridge. Serve cold.

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 19

Last Month’s Answers

July Sudoku

Marky Wineland is last month’s winner!

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Aug. Sudoku Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Aug. 20 will win.

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Word Search August In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Question: What are the two flowers that represent July?

Your Answer: Send in the correct answer to be entered in a drawing to win a prize valued at $25 or more each month. Deadline for entries Aug. 16, 2015. Drawing held Aug. 20, 2015.

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Last month’s answer is “Julius Caesar” Elaine Evans from Englewood is last month’s winner!

Play more trivia online and win more prizes at www.lifestylesafter50.com

Click on the Trivia Palooza button and answer a Trivia question each week for a chance to win a prize at the end of each month.

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Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 20_R

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

Personality Disorder, or Pain In The Neck?

sz

FREE INFORMATION SERVICE Lifestyles After 50 for information please return completed form to:

News Connection USA, Inc. • P.O. Box 638 • Seffner, FL 33584

By Fred Cicetti

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. A friend who uses a lot of psychobabble described a new woman in our retirement community as having a “personality disorder.” I would call this woman a pain the neck.

What’s the difference between a personality disorder and just a lousy personality?

People with a personality disorder are more than just pains in the neck. They have serious trouble getting along with others. They are usually rigid and unable to adapt to the changes life presents to all of us. They simply don’t function well in society.

People with personality disorders are more likely to commit homicide and suicide and suffer from social isolation, alcohol and drug addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-destructive behavior such as excessive gambling.

About one in seven U.S. adults has at least one personality disorder, and many have more than one. Personality disorders are usually first noticed around the teen years. However, personality disorders can surface at any time, including old age. About one in ten older adults living at home may have a personality disorder. This figure is even higher among adults living in nursing homes.

Childhood experiences and your genes play major roles in personality disorders.

However, personality changes can be brought on in older adults if they have trouble handling the losses of family and friends, other major life changes or their own medical problems.

Mental health professionals place personality disorders in three categories or clusters. People in Cluster A exhibit eccentric behavior. Those in Cluster B are dramatic, emotional or erratic. And those in Cluster C are fearful.

The following are some examples.

The descriptions are very brief because of space requirements. You could write pages to describe each disorder.

In Cluster A are schizoid, paranoid and schizotypal personality disorders.

Schizoid personalities are introverted

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daydreamers who fear intimacy with others. Paranoid personalities don’t trust people and see them as deceitful or worse. Schizotypal personalities are eccentrics who act inappropriately and often claim they have supernatural gifts.

In Cluster B are antisocial, borderline and narcissistic personality disorders.

Antisocial personalities are belligerent rule-breakers who often get into legal difficulties and fall into substance abuse. Borderline personalities are unpredictable, self-destructive and often see things in black and white. Narcissistic personalities overstate their own importance and need constant attention.

In Cluster C are avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. Avoidant personalities can’t handle rejection well and may have no close relationships outside of their family. Dependent personalities lack selfconfidence and rely on others to make decisions for them. Obsessive-compulsive personalities are unsatisfied perfectionists who are so detailed-oriented that they have trouble making decisions.

The symptoms of Cluster A and Cluster B personality disorders may diminish with age. Those with Cluster C personality disorders often experience worsening symptoms as they get older.

There’s no cure for these conditions, but psychotherapy and medication for symptoms such as anxiety and depression can help. The symptoms of some personality disorders also may improve with age.

If you would like to ask a question, write to fred@healthygeezer.com. All Rights Reserved © 2015 by Fred Cicetti.

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Last Month’s Winner Was: S. Vanchoff — Congratulations!

Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 21

8 Free Things Last Month’s Answers

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he best things in life are free, especially if you’re on a fixed income. The internet is a great place to find free or discounted services and entertainment if you know where to look. Here are eight free things every savvy boomer should take advantage of:

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Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 22

1. Coupons There are many coupon code sites on the internet, but a few particularly useful and reliable ones are RetailMeNot (retailmenot.com) and GoodRx (goodrx. com). RetailMeNot, accessible via website or smartphone app, lets you search for a particular store and displays all available coupons. Search GoodRx for your prescriptions and see price comparisons for pharmacies in your area and find coupons to ensure you pay the lowest price.

2. Music Never run out of new music to listen to with sites and apps like Songza (songza.com), Spotify (spotify.com), and Last.fm (www. last.fm). Songza provides music playlists according to your mood, and the options change depending on the time of day.

Spotify’s playlists are arranged by artist, song, album, genre and mood, and Last. fm offers personalized recommendations based on what you listen to.

3. Ebooks Get access to millions of ebooks for free through sites like Open Library (openlibrary.org) and Project Gutenberg (gutenberg.org). Open Library has ebooks available to read or borrow (just like you would at a regular library) with many classic titles. Project Gutenberg contains over 46,000 books, many of them more obscure titles whose copyrights have expired. If you prefer to listen to books, visit LibriVox (librivox. org) for free public domain audiobooks.

4. Fitness It’s easy to manage your weight and fitness even without gym memberships.

MyFitnessPal (myfitnesspal.com) is a website and app that lets you track your daily calories, fitness and water intake.

MyFitnessPal alerts you if you’ve come close to or gone over intake levels of things like sodium or cholesterol, and you can access forums for tips and discussions with other users. And with DoYogaWithMe. com, you’ll never miss (or pay for) a yoga class—just log on and choose a video based on your experience level and style of yoga you like best and do some sun

salutations in the comfort of your own home (or hotel room, or wherever).

5. Language Classes Learning a new language or brushing up on rusty language skills is easy with the app DuoLingo. Also available online, DuoLingo (duolingo.com) makes learning a language fun with game-like challenges. All lessons alternate between speaking, listening and translating questions. DuoLingo currently offers nine languages, including Spanish, Italian and French.

6. Shipping Supplies Never pay for shipping supplies like boxes and envelopes again. The USPS website offers supplies of all sizes that can be shipped free right to your front door.

Visit store.usps.com/store and scroll to the bottom, then click on “Free Shipping Supplies.” Note: these supplies can only be used to ship through the USPS, and not another carrier such as UPS or FedEx. 7. Sheet Music For the musically inclined, IMSLP. org (International Music Score Library Project) provides thousands of classical music scores and recordings that are in the public domain. Browse scores by composers (such as Beethoven and Mozart), time period, melody or instrumentation. Musopen (musopen. org) offers recordings and sheet music as well as educational resources.

8. A Listening Ear When you find yourself needing to talk to someone impartial but are unwilling or unable to shell out the money for a few minutes on a therapist’s couch, try 7 Cups of Tea (7cupsoftea.com) or Blah Therapy (blahtherapy.com). 7 Cups of Tea connects you to trained active listeners who are there to chat about your problems in life and your stresses.

You and your chats always remain anonymous, and you can choose to be connected to the first available listener, or browse and select a specific listener.

Blah Therapy offers a similar free and anonymous chat with others without requiring a sign up, and offers access to their community if you choose to sign up. For those dealing with depression, the MoodGym from the Australian National University (moodgym.anu. edu.au) is a training program that teaches “behavior therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression.”

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4119 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Florida.

4344 SWF LOOKING FOR SWM 7084 YY, SWF looking for SWM who has an easygoing personality, between the ages of 70 – 84 and at least 5’9” or taller.

I like movies, cooking, dining out, long walks, day trips and country music. ISO a man to laugh with me and enjoy the simple things. Ocala, Wildwood area.

4447 FRIENDS FIRST SW lady looking for man who likes to slow dance, take walks, go to movies and dine out. I am 76, a Southern Belle and I do not cook!

In search of a kind and funny gentleman to spend time with. NS, social drinker, slim and dark hair. Ocala area.

4448 IF YOU RESPONDED to my ad I did not receive it. Please re-contact me. SWF, 65YY Into garage sales and flea markets. Quiet country girl ISO

handyman, must have common sense, NO B.S. or liars. I have psoriasis, 5’2”, 110 lbs., blonde hair, not ugly, send picture please and phone number. Will call all.

4482 WOMAN LOOKING FOR A SWM. Enjoy traveling and people and having God first in your life.

friend? Companionship, adventure, excitement, romance. It’s never too late to try. Age open, Phone number please.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4441 INCESSANT, PASSIONATE, FAITHFUL, GENUINE Dare to think and be young gain. Age is merely a number. Pure romantic (real) love is totally cerebral and emo tional. I am building a home in the B.V.I. on the beach. Dare to be there with me!

4467 IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! SWM looking for a SWF. I’m a normal guy, 5’8”, 170, blue eyes, light brown hair, 58 YO. I like all types of things, just need someone to do them with. Also, I am a softball coach. Is your family OK with you seeing someone? Age is open.

Telephone number please.

4474 SWM SEEKS SWF LADY Are you alone? It’s not a good feeling.

Are you mature, mentally stable, easygoing? Would you enjoy a

Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FFFriendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

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