Senior Attitude 2018

ATTITUDE +

Senior

BEGINNING A WORKOUT

at any age or skill level The benefits of regular

EYE EXAMS FOR SENIORS Seniors can take key steps to

BUDGET FOR RETIREMENT

October 28, 2018

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SENIOR ATTITUDE

1

BEGINNING A WORKOUT at any age or skill level

(BPT) - Our bodies crave exercise at all ages, whether that means daily walks, fitness classes or a night of dancing. Although physical fitness may look different at age 65 than it did at 20, being active on a regular basis is still important to maintaining health and well-being.

Exercise helps establish better balance and flexibility and reduces falls. It improves sleep patterns and boosts mood. But it can be difficult to adapt our fitness routines or start new ones as our bodies change with age.

An overview at www.cdc. gov outlines weekly goals for amount and types of exercise for people over 65. Below are five exercises that can be modified for different skill levels and range of motion and can be done almost anywhere, anytime.

If you prefer working out in a gym environment, some health plans, including UnitedHealthcare, offer gym memberships at no additional cost. To learn more, visit UHCMedicarePlans. com.

Talk with your doctor about healthy ways to incorporate fitness into your routine. For individuals recovering from an injury, consider seeking advice from a physical therapist who may identify areas requiring special focus.

Squats

A familiar movement, bending and lifting to pick up a grandchild or a bag of groceries requires training to help avoid back injury. Fine-tune your form by trying this move that can build muscle strength in the glutes, abdomen and leg muscles. Begin by standing in front of a chair. With your weight in your heels and big toes, slightly drive your knees out, squeeze your glutes and lower yourself to the chair. To come up, lean forward slightly and push your knees out again.

Repeat. If you’re able, try the move without the chair.

2 SENIOR ATTITUDE

Push-ups

Drop and give us two, or 10 or 12. No matter how many push-ups you can muster, making time for this all-star exercise offers a high return on investment - building strength, balance and stability. For beginners, push-ups can be done against a tall counter, rather than all the way down to the floor. Stand with your palms on a counter and feet flat on the floor. Keeping your elbows tight to your side, lower your upper body slowly until it taps the counter. Hold the position for one second, come up and repeat. As you get stronger, you can progress to lower counters or tables until you’ve made it to the floor.

Single-leg balance drill

Boost your stability and balance by including this exercise into your at-home workout rotation. It can even be done while brushing teeth or washing dishes. Start by removing your shoes so your foot muscles can feel the floor. Stand with your feet flat on the floor, then shift your weight to your left leg and slowly bend your right knee, aiming to get your thigh parallel to the floor. Hold for five to 10 seconds, depending on your strength and stability, then, return that foot to the floor.

Repeat this motion 10 times on the same leg, before switching to the opposite side. To increase difficulty, add some weight to one hand and transfer it from hand to hand while balancing. And don’t worry - a little wobble means you’re making those muscles work!

Planks

Side, center, forearm or - you guessed it - all of the above!

Planking is a great way to engage your abdominals while strengthening and lengthening spine, back and shoulder muscles. Begin on all fours, with your hands under or slightly behind your shoulders. Extend

your legs straight behind you and come up onto your toes.

Keep your eyes focused downward, pull your belly button toward your spine and lower your midsection so your body forms a straight line. Beginners can drop their knees to the floor.

Engage your core and hold the pose for 10 to 15 seconds. For side planks, start lying on your side, with knees stacked one on top of the other and bent so your heels are behind you.

Rise up onto one elbow, stacked under your shoulder, with your palm spread. Squeeze your glutes and lift your hip. Look forward and raise your top hand to the ceiling.

Yoga

If you haven’t already, it’s time to give yoga a go. This holistic practice blending exercise and mindfulness is time-tested, has few age or ability barriers and offers benefits ranging from increasing flexibility to reducing falls. Two good starting positions are downward dog and warrior one. For downward dog, start the same way you start a plank but push your backside to the ceiling rather than toward the floor, so your legs are straight and your torso is straight. Keep your heels down and head relaxed. The

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more flexible you are, the closer together you can keep your feet.

From downward dog, raise one leg and step it forward and place it between your hands. Walk your hands back, lower your back heel and slowly rise up.

Bend your front knee and raise your hands above your head.

You are now in warrior one.

---------------------------Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year.

Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

October 28, 2018

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST EYE EXAM

?

Your vision depends on receiving quality eyecare and regular exams.

Associates in Family Eyecare is a leading provider of optometry services and vision care products in the Loveland community! Our experienced doctors and staff offer comprehensive vision examinations using state of the art equipment, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems.

We offer a complete collection of frames including:

• Cataracts • Glaucoma • Macular degeneration • Computer Vision Syndrome • Dry Eye • Lazy Eye

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VERA BRADLEY

CALVIN KLEIN VERA WANG

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Focused on Providing Quality Eyecare

(next to Safeway on Hwy. 34)

(970) 669-4587 www.banfordstraub.com October 28, 2018

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SENIOR ATTITUDE

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Stay agile: 5 tips for

EASIER AGING IN PLACE (BPT) - While many of us may dream of retiring and moving away to a beautiful beachside resort or quiet cabin by the lake, the reality is that most Americans look forward to remaining in their own homes as long as possible so that they can continue to enjoy familiar comforts, activities and loved ones. In fact, an AARP survey recently found that 87 percent of U.S. adults 65 and older and 71 percent of those 50 to 64 wish to stay in their current houses as they get older.

Fortunately, it’s becoming easier for seniors to maintain their independence and stay at home longer than ever before thanks to the increasing range of services offered to this fastgrowing market. This is great news, considering that by 2035, one in three American households are expected to be led by someone 65 or older.

Unlike previous generations who were often forced to leave their homes due to difficulties in keeping up with home maintenance and personal care as well as expanding healthcare needs, businesses today offer solutions to these challenges and more.

If you are an aging adult or have parents or other loved ones who are getting older, here are some important services and options that can make aging in place easier.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Making your home more easily navigable will make a huge difference should mobility become an issue. Modifications such as ramped or no-step entrances, wider halls and doorways, lowered electrical 4 SENIOR ATTITUDE

controls, lever-style handles, and adapted tubs and showers can be planned over time to help with budgeting.

HOUSECLEANING SERVICES

Hiring a professional company to regularly come in and take care of routine housework can take away a huge burden, freeing you up for more enjoyable activities while ensuring your home stays clean, tidy and welcoming to friends and family. A de-cluttered home can also be safer for you, eliminating tripping hazards and the need to reach higher places and carry cleaning equipment. Hiring a trusted service provider like Merry Maids ensures a comprehensive cleaning every time. Merry Maids can customize home cleaning plans to accommodate any needs.

EMERGENCY ALERT SERVICES

GROCERY PICK UP OR DELIVERY

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Fortunately, many grocery stores are now competing to remain relevant in their industry by offering low-cost curbside pick-up or home delivery services. That pays off for seniors who want to continue to choose their own foods but find shopping or travel physically challenging. Many services even allow you to pick out specific cuts of meat or pieces of produce online.

Thanks to the buying power of baby boomers, businesses will continue to step up to the plate with new products and services to serve their needs. If you’re part of that generation, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the latest offerings aimed at making your at-home life easier and more comfortable.

Think about signing up for a personal emergency response system that can immediately call for medical or police assistance at the push of an (often wearable) button. Many now offer GPS tracking, activity monitoring, fitness tracking, fire and carbon monoxide detection and other advanced features.

If you’re nearing the point at which you’re unable to drive, you may wish to research other ways of getting you where you wish to go. Depending on your budget, your options might include a service such as Uber, a private car service, a dial-aride service, traditional public transportation or paratransit.

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October 28, 2018

LIFELONG COLORADO initiative launches Denver Regional Council on Aging— On Sept. 18 Colorado became the third state in the nation to be designated as age-friendly, joining AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The recognition comes as part of the state’s introduction of Lifelong Colorado, an initiative that addresses the challenges of a growing population of older Coloradans. It aims to significantly increase the number of age-friendly cities and counties in Colorado.

Lifelong Colorado is a growing collaboration among Colorado’s Governor’s Office, the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), DRCOG, AARP, Colorado Counties Inc., the Colorado Municipal League, and several communities around the state. It will be co-chaired by Colorado’s Chief Operating Officer and Lieutenant Governor Donna Lynne and John Suthers, mayor of Colorado Springs.

See all that you can

Kirk Eye Center

ACCEPTING

NEW

PATIENTS!

Now Three GREAT Reasons to Choose Us Introducing Dr. Dustin Asay Dr. Asay joins Dr. John D. Kirk, and Dr. John Colvin at Kirk Eye Center.

Dr. Dustin Asay, Dr. John D. Kirk, Dr. John Colvin

Dr. Asay is passionate about dry eye disease and works with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan.

Common Eye Condition Treatments: Cataract Care • Glaucoma • Diabetic Retinopathy Retinal Disease • Macular Degeneration • Dry Eye Specialized contact lens fittings

DRCOG’s Boomer Bond program played a large role in the designation and the formation of the state’s initiative, as communities throughout the region have gone through the assessment process to examine how they might improve conditions for residents who wish to age in place.

Lifelong Colorado will provide a statewide umbrella of resources for communities, identify and encourage best-practices, empower and facilitate local and regional efforts, and coordinate common public information strategies. The state’s Senior Advisor on Aging will assess the efforts and advance the initiative so that it is sustainable in the years to come.

Find more information about Lifelong Colorado at colorado.gov/pacific/ dola/lifelong-colorado-initiative.

THANKS LOVELAND! We APPreCIAte your votes MAKIng us one oF tHe Best FInAnCIAl AnD Best InvestMent servICes In lovelAnD!

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300 E. 29th Street – Loveland Loveland, CO 80538 Toll Free (877) 622-5591

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935 N. Cleveland Ave. Loveland, CO 80537

970.669.9720

On-Site Surgery Center for Great Patient Care and Convenience 3650 East 15th Street Loveland, Colorado

669-1107

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Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates.

Investment Center Advisor Group (ICAG) is not affiliated with National Planning Holdings, Inc. or with Investment Centers of America, Inc. Not FDIC Insured | Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency Not a Bank Deposit

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SENIOR ATTITUDE

5

The Benefits of Regular

EYE EXAMS FOR SENIORS

By Emma Castleberry, Senior Attitude Eye care is an often overlooked component of general health. While it’s recommended that adults get their eyes checked every year, it’s not uncommon to let this healthy check-up habit slide. But it’s risky to wait to see an eye doctor until after you’re already having problems with your vision. Instead, regular eye exams should be a part of your annual healthcare routine. These exams are even more important for senior citizens than they are for the rest of the population.

“A lot of eye problems develop as we get older, including cataracts, glaucoma and dry eyes,” says Teri Dutton, office manager at Associates in Family Eye Care. “An eye exam is more than just a vision check.

It’s a complete health check of the eyes.”

Cataracts and glaucoma are two of the most significant eye conditions for seniors, and both are not easy to self-diagnose.

“Cataracts can develop so slowly that you are not aware that 6 SENIOR ATTITUDE

“Unless you’re getting your eyes checked regularly, you don’t know you have glaucoma until you have lost your vision completely.”

—Teri Dutton, Associates in Family Eye Care

your vision has deteriorated,” says Dr. John Kirk of Kirk Eye Center. Sometimes individuals with cataracts will experience haziness of vision which alerts them to the problem. “Glare at night can hinder driving and you may not be able to do the close-up things you used to, like sewing or painting.”

Glaucoma, on the other hand, is known as “the silent illness.”

“Unless you’re getting your

eyes checked regularly, you don’t know you have glaucoma until you have lost your vision completely,” says Dutton. A pressure test is the only way to identify glaucoma. “Glaucoma has no symptoms at all, and if left untreated, it can cause permanent blindness,” says Kirk.

“The only way to protect your eyes is to see your ophthalmologist regularly.”

Dutton adds that many people think that they don’t need to see an eye doctor because their basic vision is fine.

“It’s not just about whether you can read street signs,” she says. “It’s an internal health issue.” Additionally, eye doctors might be able to diagnose other conditions through an eye exam. “People sometimes have other health conditions, like diabetes, that they don’t know about,” says Dutton. “An eye doctor can sometimes tell that they have these problems in the eye exam.”

Many might be surprised to learn that eye exams are covered by medical insurance.

“With the exception of the writing of a prescription for

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glasses, the visit is considered a medical visit,” says Dutton.

“A lot of people are reluctant to come because of concerns over the cost, but it’s covered by medical insurance.” Kirk explains that an eye exam usually takes between one and two hours. The appointment will begin with several specialized tests, completed by a technician, that are done to prepare you for your visit with the doctor. “Among other tests, you will probably get a refraction to see if you need a glasses prescription or a change in your current prescription,” says Kirk. “The pressure in your eyes will be measured and you will be dilated so the doctor can get a good view inside your eye.” Dilation is a simple process in which eye drops are administered to widen your pupils, which lets in more light and allows the doctor to see more of the interior and back of the eye.

Eye sight is a major component in maintaining a high quality of life. “Life without your vision would be really difficult,” says Dutton. The risks to your eyes are very real and very dangerous, so it’s important to be diligent about maintaining your eye health with regular exams. “There are many eye problems that do not show symptoms and the only way for you to protect your precious sight is to see an eye doctor on a regular basis and to carefully follow any instructions you may be given,” says Kirk. Most of the eye issues that arise later in life are preventable if you see an eye doctor and get prompt treatment. “It’s the easiest doctor visit a person can have,” says Dutton. “No needles involved!”

October 28, 2018

5 hazards on the road to the

MEDICARE PART D PLAN that’s best for you

(BPT) - Some experts estimate that as many as 80 percent of Medicare beneficiaries choose to stay in a Medicare prescription drug plan (“Part D plan”) that doesn’t match their needs. Studies show that these individuals could benefit from cost savings and better coverage by taking the time to select a different Part D plan. If you decide to evaluate your Part D coverage, here are some common hazards to avoid along the way to finding the plan that’s best for you.

HAZARD 2: Failing to check if or how your drugs are covered

HAZARD 1: Getting distracted by premiums

HAZARD 3: Forgetting to look for a plan that offers preferred pharmacies

Cost may be the determining factor in many of your purchases. However, when shopping for a Medicare prescription drug plan, cost, or specifically the plan’s monthly premium, should be only one of the factors to consider. If you’re a person who takes only one or two prescription drugs, you may opt for a lower-premium Part D plan.

However, if you take three or more medications, you may need more comprehensive coverage, which may result in your considering a higher-premium plan.

Always evaluate your overall annual cost for the plans you are considering.

Your Medicare Part D plan will include a list of covered drugs called a formulary. Be sure you check if your prescribed drugs are on the list and, if so, how they are being covered by the plan you’re considering. Remember to check the copay for each medication, which will vary from one plan to another.

Plans that provide a preferred pharmacy network offer cost savings to members. Checking the local preferred retail pharmacies within the plan’s network that you’re considering may offer you the greatest retail pharmacy savings. Plans that offer mail delivery in their preferred network for medications you use regularly provide the convenience of having them delivered right to your door.

Mail delivery may offer more savings than what you would get at a preferred retail pharmacy.

HAZARD 4: Selecting a plan without checking the stars

Remember to check each plan’s Star Ratings before you make your choice. The plans are ranked from one to five stars based on criteria set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, such as customer service and quality of care offered to a plan’s members.

HAZARD 5: Detouring from your roadmap

By staying informed and do-

ing your research early, you can prepare and follow a roadmap to help you reach the desired destination: the Medicare Part D plan that’s right for you. Avoiding detours along the road could save you money on next year’s plan, which will help you remain on the medications you use by providing coverage that best meets your needs.

Learn how to prepare for the road ahead before the start of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) by visiting roadmapformedicare. com.

Dementia and hearing loss • Adults with mild hearing loss are two times more likely to develop dementia.

Get immunized here. Be safe there.

• Adults with moderate hearing loss are three times more likely to develop dementia.

• Adults with severe hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia.

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Call us today at (970) 663-1802 to receive your FREE hearing screening with one of our hearing experts!

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2011). Hearing Loss and Dementia Linked in Study. Retrieved from: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/ news/media/releases/hearing_loss_and_dementia_linked_in_study © 2018 Starkey Hearing Technology. All Rights Reserved. 10/18

October 28, 2018

2033 Boise Avenue

(Across from McKee Med. Center)

970.669.7500

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SENIOR ATTITUDE

7

CONSIDERING ASSISTED LIVING

By Judy Finman, Senior Attitude In its Guide to Choosing an Assisted Living Community, the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA.org), says: “Assisted Living is the senior living option that combines housing, support services, and health care, as needed. Seniors who choose assisted living enjoy an independent lifestyle with assistance customized to meet their needs, benefits that enrich their lives, and an environment that promotes well being and family connectedness … Staff is available to meet both scheduled and unscheduled needs.

Communities typically offer dining, as well as social and wellness activities designed to support a well-rounded lifestyle…”

Of course, costs vary from one community to another and even within each community, depending on factors like apartment size, and types of services residents need. ALFA says that “assisted living often is less expensive than home health services or nursing home care in the same geographic area. The basic rate may cover all amenities and personal services or there may be additional charges for special services. Most assisted living communities charge month-to-month rates, but a 8 SENIOR ATTITUDE

few require long-term arrangements.”

These are among many factors caregivers and family should consider before making the decision for a loved one to move into assisted living.

Lakeview Commons Assisted Living, Loveland Lakeview Commons, part of Columbine Health Systems, is an intimate 50-bed community named after its beautiful location nestled near Lake Loveland and the Benson Sculpture Park. Since 2000, Lakeview has offered restaurant style meals, 24-hour caregiving staff and a variety of activities to emphasize resident engagement.

Three different private room sizes offer flexibility, with each featuring a kitchenette, walkin closet, and added bathroom storage. Lakeview Commons values resident involvement in all aspects of their care to make the community feel more like home.

Lakeview Commons is designed for those who need a little more assistance in their daily lives. The activities department provides activities for a variety of interests and abilities, including recreation, community outings, spiritual programs, brain games, arts and crafts, bingo, and happy hours. The housekeeping and maintenance staff strives to ensure a clean

“The most important factor to take into consideration is: what are the needs of your loved one, and can the facility meet those needs?”

—Janel Baily, Lakeview Commons Assisted Living

and safe environment for every resident, the staff, and their families. Laundry services, medication administration, and general care are provided by trained care providers and Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP). Their nurses are available eight hours a day and work closely with the residents, care providers, QMAPs and other services.

Lakeview Commons also offers an array of support services onsite for added convenience, including a physician, nurse practitioner, ophthalmologist, podiatrist, physical, occupational, and speech therapists and a full service beauty salon. They value each resident as an indi-

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vidual and consider their care plan and needs.

Janel Baily, administrator of Lakeview Commons Assisted Living, addresses some of the factors for caregivers to consider before deciding it is the right time for their loved one to join an assisted living community like Lakeview Commons.

“The most important factor to take into consideration is: what are the needs of your loved one, and can the facility meet those needs?” she says.

“There are many factors that should come into play when deciding on a facility, such as the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility – especially the dining room, resident rooms and common areas.

Other items to look at are that the activity department has a calendar of events that cover a wide variety of activities, and when [you are] on a tour, do the residents look engaged? How does staff handle visitors? Do the staff members look happy?”

Baily suggests, “Every facility would prefer a scheduled visit; it’s easy to make all of the above happen when a tour is scheduled. I would recommend showing up unexpected, during business hours Sunday-Saturday to truly get a feel for the facility.

“Additionally, pricing is always an important factor. You want to make sure it’s affordable for a few years. If funding is an issue ask if the facility has resources to help navigate through financial pieces such as Medicaid. It’s also important to ensure the facility has good relationships/partnerships with rehab or skilled nursing facilities, as transitioning can be very difficult. At Columbine we really emphasize a continuum of care so our residents can transition as seamlessly as possible all the way from our patio homes, independent, assisted living facilities all the way through skilled nursing facilities.”

Another consideration is how to know when the time is right.

“This is a harder question to answer as the ‘right time’ is different case by case,” Baily October 28, 2018

says. “When family members start wondering if their loved one needs a higher level of care, the answer is that they probably do. As an example, if concerns are related to memory issues and a resident may not remember meal times, if they ate, or worse, if they took their medications, they could greatly benefit from assisted living.

“We typically see families are ready prior to the resident, and although those can be difficult conversations to have, we often see that when those conversations happen and the family supports a move to an assisted living facility, that resident (as well as family) experience higher quality of life.

“At Lakeview we often hear from our families about the tremendous relief they feel once their loved one moved in; they could finally rest knowing that their loved one was cared for and happy.”

Baily adds, “The benefits of assisted living facilities over in-home health care are that they are staffed 24/7.

Unless a senior has a live-in care provider, relying on a visiting home health agency is often not a safe option. Let’s say you have a home health worker visit your mom every morning and you might be lucky enough to go by after work to visit with her at night; if she fell at 8 a.m. and you didn’t get there until 6 p.m., that 10 hours your mom would be lying on the floor.

In assisted living the facilities staff checks on the residents every two-to-four hours.

“Other benefits specific to Lakeview Commons are that the reasonable monthly cost includes: medication management including administration and ordering, transportation to medical appointments, thriving activity department, 24/7 staff assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. We also include housekeeping, laundry services, three restaurant-style meals a day, drink and snack cart in-between meals.”

October 28, 2018

Think you’re too old to quit smoking?

THINK AGAIN

older, but age itself shouldn’t be an obstacle.

Misconception 3: Changes in an older smoker’s lifestyle make it harder to quit.

Truth: Older smokers are

(BPT) - It’s no secret that tobacco smoke can be deadly.

It is strongly linked to everything from cancer and stroke to pulmonary issues and heart disease.

Although the prevalence of smoking in the U.S. decreased from 21 percent to 17 percent of adults over the past five years, according to America’s Health Rankings, the risk of dying from cigarette smoking has not decreased. In fact, the risk has increased over the past 50 years, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in five deaths is estimated to be attributed to smoking.

One reason it’s still so deadly is that tobacco addiction is tough to break. Much of the dramatic drop in smoking rates over the past quarter century is due not to people quitting but to fewer starting in the first place.

Even as overall smoking rates have declined, the rate has hardly budged among those 65 and older. Nearly 9 percent of adults aged 65 and older were regular smokers in 2017, meaning more than 4 million older adults could benefit from kicking the habit.

Several common misconceptions about smoking and older adults persist. Eliminating these is an essential step in helping long-time smokers quit

once and for all.

Misconception 1: After smoking for decades, quitting won’t make much of a difference to someone’s health.

Truth: Quitting smoking later in life can reduce the risk of diseases like cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, according to Everyday Health. And people who quit in their 60s are likely to live longer than those who continue to smoke. Additionally, the CDC says, stopping smoking can benefit most major parts of your body - including improving blood flow to help wounds heal properly, and even keeping hearing and night vision sharp.

Misconception 2: Older smokers have a more challenging time quitting than younger smokers.

Truth: While older smokers

are less likely to attempt quitting, studies quoted at ScienceDirect.com show they are more likely to be successful than younger smokers when they do attempt to quit. That doesn’t mean smoking is necessarily easier to quit as people get

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often making major changes in their lives, from retiring to downsizing their home to making room in their lives for grandchildren. These changes often trigger natural shifts in perspectives and behaviors that can be useful in quitting. The prospect of babysitting a new grandchild or visiting a longawaited vacation destination can be a powerful motivator to put away cigarettes for good.

Misconception 4: Older smokers have a harder time finding support to help them quit.

Truth: Medicare covers eight

smoking cessation counseling sessions every 12 months at no cost to individuals as long they visit a Medicare-participating provider. In addition, Medicare Part D and many Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage will cover medications that can help with nicotine withdrawal, providing extra help to battle cravings.

There are also many phone and online resources free to individuals ready to stop smoking or quit tobacco use.

The bottom line

Research not only shows that people can still reap health benefits when they quit later in life, but also that once an older person has made up their mind to quit, they have a good chance of success. A smokefree life can be yours at any age SENIOR ATTITUDE

9

What To Do When Hearing Aids Have Stopped

HELPING YOU HEAR

Are you wearing powerful hearing aids and still straining to hear what is being said in a conversation? Is talking on the phone increasingly difficult?

Have you stopped listening to music because it is no longer enjoyable? Do you avoid noisy, social situations because it has become more and more difficult to engage in conversations?

Hearing aids help many people by making the sounds they hear louder. Unfortunately as hearing loss progresses, sounds need to be made louder and clearer. If hearing loss has progressed beyond receiving benefit from a hearing aid, using only a hearing aid can be like listening to a loud, badly tuned radio. It may be loud enough to hear parts of what is said, but the words are not clear anymore.

If life has started to sound like a loud, badly tuned radio, it is time to consider a different hearing solution like a cochlear implant.

A cochlear implant is a surgi10 SENIOR ATTITUDE

cally implanted medical device that replaces the function of the inner ear (cochlea) and is designed to mimic natural hearing.

Cochlear implants help those with moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears who are not receiving enough benefit when using hearing aids. Additionally, unlike hearing aids, most cochlear implants are covered by Medicare. They are also covered by many insurance plans and typically Medicaid.* A cochlear implant is designed to provide clearer sound to help you understand what is being said, especially in noisy environments like conversations in loud restaurants. Struggling to hear and communicate can be stressful if your hearing aids are no longer providing you enough benefit. Cochlear implant technology and innovations today can help you to regain your ability to hear conversations and communicate with family and friends, talk on the phone, listen to music, watch and hear the

TV, and so much more.

Tom Kelley, 72, was doing well with hearing aids for years until even the most powerful hearing aids stopped providing him enough benefit.

“I was still hearing okay, but I wasn’t understanding what I heard,” said Mr. Kelley. “I found myself withdrawing from social groups, although I always tried to participate, but I was just lost.

I started to feel more isolated, and I was pulling away. I certainly avoided the phone, but my hearing loss progressed to where I was losing key words in a sentence. I was finally encouraged to get an evaluation for a cochlear implant.”

Hear more from Mr. Kelley on how his life changed when he went forward with his cochlear implant, going from four percent hearing in his “bad ear” to 90 percent hearing: A cochlear implant is a good next step to explore when hearing aids are no longer helping.

Learn more about cochlear implants, and find a local clinic near you to speak with an audiologist about cochlear implants today at Cochlear.com/US/CochlearImplants. * Covered for Medicare beneficiaries who meet CMS criteria for coverage. Coverage for adult Medicaid recipients varies according to state specific guidelines. Contact your insurance provider or hearing implant specialist to determine your eligibility for coverage. © Cochlear Limited 2018. All rights reserved. Hear now. And

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always and other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited or Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Views expressed by Cochlear recipients, hearing health providers or other parties are those of the individual. Talk to your health care provider to see if you are a candidate for Cochlear™ technology and to understand the associated risks and benefits.

Individual results may vary.

Are you tired of missing half of what people say? Maybe it’s time to have a different conversation. These Loveland businesses can help you find hearing solutions that fit your need and lifestyle.

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US health agency urges early vaccinations to

FIGHT FLU THIS SEASON

By Howard Cohen Miami Herald (TNS) The flu was everywhere last year. A Centers for Disease Control doctor said the past flu season was one of the deadliest.

So the CDC is urging people to act now, just before the October start of the 2018-19 flu season, and get vaccinated. That advice applies even to people who delayed a few months into the previous flu season and were vaccinated earlier this year.

Some of the age ranges for certain vaccines have been lowered and some vaccines were reformulated to better prevent currently circulating viruses.

Getting a vaccine doesn’t mean you won’t get the flu, but if you do get sick it could be less severe, experts say.

A 2007 CDC study found that the flu vaccination significantly reduced a child’s risk of dying

from influenza. The study analyzed data from four flu seasons from 2010 to 2014 and found that “flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-associated death by half, or 51 percent, among children with underlying highrisk medical conditions and by nearly two-thirds, 65 percent, among healthy children.”

Vaccines to fight the flu can also protect women during and after pregnancy and protect a baby after delivery, the CDC said.

The push to take the flu seriously is especially relevant given the severity of the recent season. Vaccines are available at pharmacies and most doctors’ offices.

“The 2017-18 season was the first season to be classified as a high severity across all age groups,” the CDC reported. The flu-like-illness activity increased in November, “reached an

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starts to increase in October and November. The peak of flu comes sometime between December and February, but the season it can last as late as May. “It is not possible to predict what this flu season will be like,” the CDC says “While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season varies from one season to another.”

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extended period of high activity during January and February nationally, and remained elevated through the end of March,” the CDC reported.

Adult deaths from the flu are not nationally notifiable, the CDC said, but children’s cases are tabulated. The number of pediatric deaths attributed to the flu, as of Aug. 25, was 180 — the highest since 171 died during the particularly severe 2012-13 flu season.

Of the 180 children who died in the past year, 80 percent had not been vaccinated during the season, the CDC said.

In addition, the duration of cases at or above the national baseline was 19 weeks, “making the 2017-2018 season one of the longest in recent years,” the CDC said.

According to the CDC, flu viruses are most common in fall and winter. Influenza activity

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columbinehealth.com SENIOR ATTITUDE

11

CACIO E PEPE

comforts empty nesters when the kids fly the coop

By Leah Eskin, Chicago Tribune (TNS)

The fledgling travels light. One piece of checked luggage, one carry-on, one personal item that can be stowed beneath the seat. All it takes is a puff of the chest, a flap of the wings and a leap.

Leaving the parent birds alone in their nest.

It’s a sturdy home. They’ve spent years dragging in twigs and stuffing the gaps, making it warm, stable and snug. Now, as the birdlets gather their laundry, earbuds and courage, the rooms seem strangely roomy.

The big birds puff their chests, flap their wings and take their own leap. Maybe they can pull the twigs in tighter, settle down, pair up. They start with a nest of noodles.

It’s warmed with pepper, snug in sauce and just enough for two.

Cacio E Pepe INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

• 6 ounces dry spaghetti

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Makes: 2 servings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 teaspoons freshly, coarsely ground black pepper • 3/4 cup freshly, finely grated ParmigianoReggiano • 1/3 cup freshly, finely grated pecorino

1. Boil: Heat a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Stir in spaghetti, lower heat a bit and cook until almost tender-but-firm (say, 1 minute less than the package suggests). While pasta is cooking, set a large serving bowl over the pot to warm for a minute or two. Scoop out 1 cup cooking water. Drain pasta.

2. Emulsify: In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Scatter in pepper and toast, swirling pan, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Careful of spatter, pour in 1/2 cup cooking water, boil 1 minute. Slide in cooked spaghetti and toss with tongs to coat each strand.

3. Toss: Heap pasta into the warmed bowl. Sprinkle on half the cheese, and toss. Sprinkle on remaining cheese, and toss until pasta is coated in creamy sauce, drizzling in a little more cooking water, if needed. Cover and let rest 1 minute. Toss. Taste for salt (it won’t need much). Twirl a nest of pasta onto each of two plates. Enjoy!

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October 28, 2018

Mayo Clinic Q&A:

TREATMENT WITH MEDICAL CANNABIS From Mayo Clinic News Network Mayo Clinic News Network(TNS)

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Medical marijuana is now legal in the state where I live.

What conditions can it be used for and how effective is it? Do people who use medical marijuana need to be concerned about addiction?

A

: Medical marijuana, also called medical cannabis, can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions. The specific disorders it can legally be used to treat vary from state to state. To date, it appears to be most effective for treating muscle spasms, chronic pain and nausea. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a form of medical cannabis to treat severe childhood epilepsy. There is no convincing evidence that cannabis used to treat medical conditions leads to cannabis dependence.

Marijuana comes from the Cannabis plant. In its leaves and buds are substances called cannabinoids. The plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, but two are of particular interest for medical purposes: THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the primary mindaltering ingredient in marijuana October 28, 2018

that makes people “high.” CBD does not trigger changes in the brain that lead to a high.

Possession of marijuana is illegal under federal law in the U.S. However, 30 states and the District of Columbia currently have laws legalizing medical cannabis in some form.

To obtain medical cannabis in those states, your health care provider certifies that you have a condition that allows you to buy medical cannabis from an authorized dispensary.

The conditions that qualify for treatment with medical cannabis differ considerably among the states where it’s legal. Some states have only a few qualifying conditions, while others have dozens.

A recent report from the National Academies of Science reviewed and summarized the medical literature published about medical cannabis, specifically examining its effectiveness and safety. It concluded that medical cannabis was particularly effective for easing chronic pain, especially pain caused by nerve damage. It can effectively control nausea and vomiting and is often used to manage those symptoms in people undergoing chemotherapy.

Medical cannabis also has been shown to be useful in relieving painful muscles spasms caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries.

The drug approved by the FDA for epilepsy is a liquid medication that’s sold under the brand name Epidiolex. It can be used for patients age 2 and older to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Epidiolex is a pharmacy-grade product composed almost entirely of CBD. It’s the first FDA-approved

drug that contains a purified drug substance that comes from marijuana.

Examples of additional conditions that may benefit from treatment with medical cannabis, and are approved for its use in some states, include anxiety and depression, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), inflammatory bowel disease, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism. Additional study is needed to further define the specific benefits medical cannabis may have for these and other related disorders.

If you are interested in exploring medical cannabis as a

treatment option for a disease or condition you have, talk with your health care provider.

If your provider isn’t familiar with it, ask if there’s another clinician in his or her practice who can answer your questions. In states where medical cannabis is legal, the state’s department of health often has a website with details and resources to help patients who want to learn more about the benefits and risks of medical cannabis.

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SENIOR ATTITUDE

13

Seniors can take key steps to

BUDGET FOR RETIREMENT

By Shelley Widhalm, Senior Attitude Working hard for 40 or so years can make retirement look like a dream, but before that day comes, it’s a good idea to establish a budget.

Seniors can take a few steps toward financial security to avoid working longer, having to take a part-time job to supplement Social Security payments, withdrawing money from investments or changing their lifestyle.

“With proper planning, retirement can be wonderful.

If you’re struggling financially, that’s a different picture,” said Natalie Shamley, investment advisor representative for the Investment Center Advisor Group, 300 E. 29th St., in Loveland, led by certified financial planner Kevin Dunnigan. “If you don’t have enough money, it makes life more difficult. …

If you don’t take some time to look at everything, this is how you’re going to have problems in retirement.”

As a first step, Shamley recommends reviewing six to 12 months of bank statements, credit card statements, checkbook entries and paycheck stubs and the previous year’s tax return to identify monthly expenses that will not change in the retirement years. The documents will point out the amount spent on rent or a mortgage, utilities, car and other types of insurance, loans, and bills for phone, cable television and internet.

“This helps you identify the monthly expenses that won’t change once you retire, so that you know what it costs you to live on an annual basis,” Shamley said.

Once the list of monthly expenses is created, Shamley advises reviewing it to identify what is essential—such as housing, food, clothing, transportation, health care and having a phone—and what can 14 SENIOR ATTITUDE

With proper planning, retirement can be wonderful. If you’re struggling financially, that’s a different picture.”

—Natalie Shamley, Investment Center Advisor Group

be considered discretionary and the senior can live with it. The discretionary items might be cable TV, gym memberships and subscriptions, she said.

Other expenses to consider are non-monthly bills, such as for property taxes, auto registration and life insurance premiums, which can be added up and divided by 12 to determine the monthly amount, Shamley said. Also to consider is health insurance, especially for those

who have not reached 65, the age to qualify for Medicare— health insurance can cost up to $1,000 a month, she said.

“The older you get, the more insurance costs,” Shamley said.

Once expenses are identified, the next step is figuring out income from investments, Social Security payments, employment and other sources, Shamley said.

Shamley recommends meeting with a financial planner to determine how much can be taken out of investments on a monthly basis to supplement what is earned from Social Security and other income sources.

The amount of Social Security payments varies depending on when withdrawals begin, Shamley said. Optimal is waiting for full retirement age at around 65 or 66 years, which varies with each individual, or extending that out to 70, so that payments increase by 8 percent a year, she said. After age 70, seniors do not need to wait to with-

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draw from Social Security, and they can earn as much as they want after their full retirement month, she said, adding that she recommends talking with a tax professional to get advice on their taxes.

“None of us want to go back to work. I’d rather work a year or two longer and have no financial problems in retirement,” Shamley said. “It’s worth seeing if you can wait if you have longevity in your family.”

Before the day of retirement arrives, Shamley recommends building up a savings account, aiming to put aside 10 to 15 percent of monthly income, which, over time, will build up to a substantial amount. With 401K retirement accounts, money also is automatically put in every month that also adds up over time, she said.

The average 50-year-old has put aside $50,000, which is not enough for the retirement years and will run out in five years if $10,000 a year is spent, she said.

“Just years and years of putting in a little bit every month, no matter what the market does, adds up after 40 years,” she said. “As much as you can put away so you can make your retirement easier it’s better, especially if you have an employer-sponsored plan where the employer contributes.”

To ease into those retirement years, planning ahead is important, especially as seniors get used to a certain lifestyle and may not want to change, Shamley said.

“I personally don’t want to take a step backward where you have time but no money,” Shamley said. “It’s planning, so I will know I won’t outlive my money. It’s just keeping an eye on what your expenses are and making adjustments along the way. ... It’s easier to make small changes than all of a sudden having to make a very difficult change.”

October 28, 2018

AARP Launches First Smart Speaker App to

EMPOWER OLDER AMERICANS AS ADVOCATES, VOTERS

“Raise Your Voice” Informs on Drug Costs, Medicare, Polling Places and More AARP announced the launch of “Raise Your Voice,” the nation’s first comprehensive advocacy and voting app for smart speakers. The voice-enabled

experience is designed to help AARP’s 38 million members and all Americans age 50-plus to use their smart speakers to engage on a range of advocacy issues – including Social Security, Medicare, prescription drugs, Medicaid and caregiving – as well as in nonpartisan voter education and support. The app works on Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

“This groundbreaking skill empowers voters at a time when people are looking for trustworthy, accessible sources of information,” said John Hishta, AARP Senior Vice President of Campaigns. “AARP is setting a new standard for effective, technology-enabled advocacy nationally and in voters’ home states. Making your voice heard is now as easy as turning to your smart speaker.”

There are more than 54 million smart speakers in the Unites States (source). Further, with a

48 percent annual growth rate, it is expected that by the end of 2018 more than 90 million Americans will use a smart speaker at least once a month (source). Americans 50 and over account for about a quarter of owners, according to Edison Research and NPR (source).

To invoke the app, the user simply says their smart speaker’s wake command, followed by “Open Raise Your Voice.”

Beginning October 18, the user can direct “Raise Your Voice” to look up polling information and send it directly to the user’s cell phone. Similarly, the user can command the app to provide information on five AARP issue areas and receive detailed information via text. The development team is currently building out a contact-your-representative feature and additional issue areas.

“Traditional voter education is laudable and important

work, but it’s a leap forward to develop technology that better supports voters as they seek out the location of their polling place, information on key issues, and the ability to contact their elected officials,” said Sami Hassanyeh, AARP Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy and Membership. “We pushed the boundaries of current technologies because we believe in the value of civic engagement and want to use the latest technology in service of it. A year ago we began offering a voice-enabled news briefing, so it was only natural to move from providing information to a deeper level of engagement.”

A demonstration of the app is available at www.aarp.org/ raiseyourvoice. AARP also offers the AARP Now mobile app and a number of podcasts that are accessible through Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

SOCIAL SECURITY:

Don’t be misled by false Medicare or Social Security ads

By Nicole Tiggemann Tribune News Service (TNS)

Online and otherwise, there’s a lot of information out there, and sometimes it’s difficult to tell what sources are credible. With millions of people relying on Social Security, scammers target audiences who are looking for program and benefit information.

The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or nongovernment businesses from October 28, 2018

using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare).

People are often misled by advertisers who use the terms “Social Security” or “Medicare”. Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available

• A Social Security number for a child.

Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline Social Security Administration P.O. Box 17768 Baltimore, MD 21235 You can learn more about how we combat fraudulent advertisers by reading our publication What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10005.pdf.

If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete ad, including the envelope, to:

You can also report Social Security fraud to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report.

directly from Social Security free of charge. These services include getting: • A corrected Social Security card showing a person’s married name; • A Social Security card to replace a lost card; • A Social Security Statement; and

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SENIOR ATTITUDE

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ome places have a policy of S providing excellence in retirement living. Others have a histor y of it.

The promise of providing exceptional senior care options isn’t just something found in a mission statement. It’s at the core of who we are. For more than 90 years, the Good Samaritan Society has offered housing and supportive ser vices to seniors of all faiths and beliefs.

To learn more, call (970) 669-3100.

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. Some services may be provided by a third party. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. © 2016 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved.

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October 28, 2018