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2 • Nov. 18, 2017 • Perspective: Senior Living
Benefits of aging can outweigh negatives Many people are quick to think of growing older in a negative light. Although there certainly are some side effects of aging that one may wish to avoid, people may find that the benefits of growing older outweigh the negatives. Seniors are a rapidly growing segment of the population. In the United States, the Administration on Aging states that the older population - persons 65 years or older - numbered 46.2 million in 2014 (the latest year for which data is available). Statistics Canada reports that, in July 2015, estimates indicated that there were more persons aged 65 years and older in Canada than children aged 0 to 14 years for the first time in the country’s history. Nearly one in six Canadians (16.1%) was at least 65 years old. With so many people living longer, it’s time to celebrate the perks of getting older rather than the drawbacks. Here are some great benefits to growing old. • Higher self-esteem: The insecurities of youth give way as one ages, and older people have less negativity and higher self-esteem. A University of Basel study of people ranging in ages from 18 to 89 found that regardless of demographic and social status, the older one gets the higher self-esteem climbs. Qualities like selfcontrol and altruism can
contribute to happiness. • Financial perks: Seniors are entitled to discounts on meals, museum entry fees, movies, and other entertainment if they’re willing to disclose their ages. Discounts are available through an array of venues if one speaks up. Seniors also can enjoy travel perks, with slashed prices on resorts, plane tickets and more. The U.S. National Park Service offers citizens age 62 and older lifetime passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. • Reasoning and problem-solving skills: Brain scans reveal that older adults are more likely to use both hemispheres of their brains simultaneously - something called bilateralization. This can sharpen reasoning skills. For example, in a University of Illinois study, older air traffic controllers excelled at their cognitively taxing jobs, despite some losses in short-term memory and visual spatial processing. Older controllers proved to be experts at navigating, juggling multiple aircrafts simultane-
With so many people living longer, it’s time to celebrate the perks of getting older rather than the drawbacks. ously and avoiding collisions. • Less stress: As people grow older, they are
able to differentiate their needs from wants and focus on more important goals. This can alleviate
worry over things that are beyond one’s control. Seniors may realize how little the opinions of oth-
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Perspective: Senior Living • Nov. 18, 2017 • 3
Combat problem of social isolation, loneliness (NAPS)—Did you know that an estimated one in five adults over age 50 are affected by isolation? This is a problem, as research has shown that prolonged isolation can be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day—and these negative health consequences of chronic isolation may be especially harmful for older adults. Here are some suggestions to combat the problem of social isolation and loneliness: • Nurture and strengthen existing relationships; invite people over for coffee or call them to suggest a trip to a museum or to see a movie. • Schedule a time each day to call or visit someone. • Meet your neighbors. • Don’t let being a nondriver stop you from staying active. Find out about transportation options. • Use social media to stay in touch or write letters. • Stay physically active. • Take a class. • Revisit an old hobby. • Volunteer. • Visit a senior or community center to see what’s going on. • Check out faith-based organizations’ groups and events. To connect to aging services and programs in your area: Contact the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, a part of the Administration for Community Living. This nationwide service is a trusted gateway to connect older adults and
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4 • Nov. 18, 2017 • Perspective: Senior Living
Companion animals benefit seniors Pets can provide affection, entertainment Companion animals bring great joy to their owners. The u n co n d i t i o n a l l ove cats and dogs provide appeals to people of all ages. While many people associate pets with kids who can’t wait to welcome the first cat or dog into
their homes, pets can benefit aging men and women as well. It’s not uncommon fo r s e n i o rs to fe e l lonely or depressed when they retire, their children move away or they lose a spouse or close friend or friends. The Ameri-
can Humane Society s t a te s t h a t s t u d i e s show pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company and entertainment. Pets also provide much-needed mental stimulation, and many pet owners
f ind their pets help them become more physically active as well. Seniors who adopt p e t s m ay a l s o fe e l a sense of purpose when helping animals wh o m ay n o t h ave anywhere to live. This is particularly true
The unconditional love cats and dogs provide appeals to people of all ages. While many people associate pets with kids who can’t wait to welcome the first cat or dog into their homes, pets can benefit aging men and women as well.
of older companion animals, which many yo u n g fa m i l i e s a re understandably hesitant to adopt. Mature pets might be an ideal fit for seniors. When seniors are looking to adopt a pet, there are various reasons why older pets or particular animals might be the perfect fit for them. • Adult pets may already be house trained. This can save seniors the trouble and effort of training them. • Seniors may find that cats fit their lifestyles more than dogs, as cats are less active and do not need to be walked or played with as much as dogs. Cats a l s o a re s m a l l a n d easily maneuverable, meaning even seniors who have arthritis or other physical limitations should be able
to easily care for cats. Many cats are also content to spend long periods of time sleeping on their owners’ laps. • Small dogs that can be active within the house might be a good idea as well, especially for seniors with mobility issues. They’re also easily transported to and from vet appointments. It’s important that seniors carefully weigh the benefits of adopting a pet against any limitations they may have. Having a backup plan for care i s adva n ta ge o u s a s well. Seniors should also be hesitant to adopt a pet if they anticipate frequent travel or medical care that requires they be away from home for long periods of time.
Perspective: Senior Living • Nov. 18, 2017 • 5
Renew commitment to staying fit (StatePoint) Staying active doesn’t just keep a waistline in check, it benefits every part of the body, including the brain. Now is the time to renew your commitment to staying fit. Here are some top tips to get moving more. • Rethink Your Commute. Leave the car keys at home and lace up your sneakers instead. Commuting to work by bike is a great way to book-
end the work day with some aerobic activity. • Take a Walk. Even the most adventurous weekend warriors are sometimes required to sit or stand in place for long stretches in the workplace. If your job keeps you sedentary, break up the day with a brisk walk outdoors during lunch. Throughout the day, stretch your legs with a loop around your work station. It sounds counter-intuitive, but
a short break spent being physically active can help boost your overall productivity. • Get Out of Town. Skip the gym and plan a day or weekend trip dedicated to physical fitness. Whether it’s hiking a nearby trail, kayaking a local river, or doing yoga in the park, there’s nothing like getting your exercise fix in nature. • Gear up. New tech gear is helping support people’s efforts to get
Wanda Dillard, 96, throws her bowling ball during a game on Monday at Bowling World in Fort Smith. Staying active benefits every part of the body, including the brain.
outdoors and stay fit, so consider gearing up before your next adventure. Fo r exa m pl e, Ca s i o’s PRO TREK WSD-F20 Smart Outdoor Watch is water-resistant and equipped with GPS capabilities and a full-color map display. Users can download maps in advance to continue getting navigation guidance even when they are offline or
out of range. Vital information, such as travel speed, elapsed time and distance, is close at hand without checking your smartphone -- making it a good choice for cyclists. Other tools include a compass, altimeter and barometer. • Try Something New. Change up your fitness routine from time to time to avoid hitting a
plateau. This will keep things mentally interesting so you don’t lose interest in exercise. What’s more, a new class or activity may “surprise” your body by working different muscles in a new way. Wi t h a few s i m p l e strategies and the right tools, incorporating fitness into your life can be fun and easy.
6 • Nov. 18, 2017 • Perspective: Senior Living
Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7 Medicare plans can offer benefits through SilverSneakers (NAPS)—With more than 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, the number of people eligible for Medicare is growing rapidly. Medicare Open Enrollment started Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, a time when millions of people are evaluating their health plan options to ensure their coverage meets their retirement lifestyle. When looking at Medicare plans, people generally check to make sure their physician is included in the plan’s network and prescriptions are covered, but it’s important to see which unique benefits and perks a plan offers to take full advantage of the program. There is much more than standard health care available. Medicare plans can offer benefits including a free gym or fitness facility membership through programs such as SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading community fitness program designed specif ically for older Americans. Exercise is
key to helping people live their best lives as they age, maximizing their health and wellbeing to maintain an active lifestyle. No matter a person’s goal—from running a marathon for the first time to keeping up with grandkids—SilverSneakers members enjoy the many benefits of the program, including: • Membership to more than 14,000 fitness locations: SilverSneakers m e m b e rs h ave u n re stricted access and unlimited visits to every f i t n e ss a n d we l l n e ss facility in the national network, including each location’s basic amenities, such as weights, treadmills, pools and more. • Specialized fitness classes: SilverSneakers offers a variety of classes in partnering locations that are designed to accommodate all fitness levels and interests. Led by certified SilverSneakers fitness instructors, classes range from SilverSneakers Classic and Splash, to SilverSneakers BOOM®, a
When considering Medicare plans, many people look for those that cover fitness membership. fast-paced, higher-intensity class designed for baby boomers and active older adults. • Friendship and community: So much more than an exercise prog ra m , Si lve r S n e a ke rs helps foster new friendships with a welcoming and support-ive member community that becomes one of close friends. • Quality of life: The program changes lives
by engaging participants in physical activity to help them do more of what they love. In fact, 91 percent of members say SilverSneakers has improved their quality of life. More than 14. 5 million people are eligible fo r t h i s p ro g ra m o ffered at no additional charge through the nation’s leading Medicare Adva n t a ge, Me d i c a re Supplement and group
retiree plans. You can check your Medicare plan online to see if you are eligible for the pro-
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Perspective: Senior Living • Nov. 18, 2017 • 7
Smartphone generation gap exists (Brandpoint/Consumer Cellular) — Smartphone technology may seem complicated and flashy, but don’t believe anyone who says it’s only for the young. In fact, 73 percent of those 50 to 59 years old now own a smartphone, according to a 2016 survey from AARP. Going one step further, a recent study of smartphone user habits by the Pew Research Center concludes that 92 percent of those aged 50 and above now use text messaging, 80 percent use their phones to access the internet and 87 percent use them to send and receive email. Still, a significant smartphone generation gap exists within the baby boomer set. While smartphone owners 50 to 59 regularly perform common daily tasks and even occasionally play a game on their smartphones, AARP’s study noted adults 60 to 69 are far more likely to rely on a laptop or desktop computer for email or internet use, and tend to avoid apps and games altogether. Obstacles to smartphone enjoyment It’s no great mystery why certain baby boomers have been hesitant to fully embrace smartphone technology. Traditionally, mobile phones have simply not been designed with seniors in mind.
Rather, they are designed for the larger share of the market represented by younger users, who grew up playing high-tech games, surfing the web and using touchscreens. Software interfaces are often not particularly senior friendly. Small content size and busy screens can be difficult to read and comprehend. The challenge of navigating multiple menu levels is simply not intuitive for many older users. The small physical size of many devices, and the even smaller size of things like number keys and icons, present challenges that can make smartphones frustrating for seniors to use, and sometimes even seem a little intimidating. Growing choices to satisfy senior needs Fortunately, the wireless industry has responded, and the gap is quickly being filled. Savvy manufacturers and specialized carriers have recognized the potential of the senior market, resulting in more and better choices than ever. Samsung’s Android smartphones, for instance, include a simplified version of its operating software designed to make navigation more convenient. Called “Easy Mode,” this optional setting is found in nearly every modern Samsung de-
vice. Easy Mode enlarges the size of text and icons, and allows users to put everything within easy reach on a single screen. Mo s t A n d ro i d a n d iPhone models also offer options within the Settings menu that allow users to adjust things like font size and screen brightness to tailor the user experience to their specific needs. With any Android smartphone, users also have the option of downloading a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store, which provides big pictures and text to simplify navigation. There’s even a growing segment of the carrier market focusing on seniors. Some carriers have gained popularity among older users by offering simplified smartphones with convenient emergency calling features. Opening up new worlds Beyond a slight learning curve, there’s no longer any reason for seniors to feel left out, or even limited, by smartphone technology. By integrating new, senior-oriented designs and features, today’s smartphone experience can be as simple and user-friendly as they need it to be. The Pew study reveals just how integral smartphones have become to the lives of users over 50. Going beyond stan-
dard uses, 39 percent in this age bracket also use their phones to access information about health conditions; 34 percent use them to do online banking. Fifty-five percent use smartphones for
social networking, and another 55 percent use their phone’s features for entertainment. There are truly almost no limits on what can be done with a smartphone. No longer a mere toy or
gadget, it has evolved to become an indispensable modern tool. The good news for older users is that it is also now more accessible than ever.
8 • Nov. 18, 2017 • Perspective: Senior Living
It is possible to live comfortably on less Many people look toward retirement with mixed feelings. There is the anticipation and excitement of no longer having to stick to a set schedule. However, there may be some trepidation about living without a steady income. Bloomberg financial experts found the number of Americans aged 65 and older without a disability that weren’t in the labor force rose to 800,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016. This has become a long-standing trend of Baby Boomers leaving the workforce and entering retirement. Yet, a
Statistics Canada study of people between the ages 60 and 64 who had left longterm employment found 43 percent of them were working again, most within a year of leaving their job. Although boredom may have compelled many of those people to reenter the workforce, some may have started working again to make ends meet. Researchers found the higher the earnings in one’s late 40s, the more likely a retiree is to go back to work. While retirees may need to alter their spending habits, it is possible to live hap-
pily on less. Here are some ways to do just that. • Accurately assess home expenses. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling says the cost of home-related expenses accounts for roughly 45 percent of spending for retirees. Individuals can add up exactly how much their homes are costing them and then decide if downsizing is a practical solution. • Invest in health care. Unexpected health care costs can quickly deplete individuals’ finances. That’s why it is essential to have a solid insurance plan in
place. Health care planning also may include thinking ahead to long-term care. • Use alternative transportation. Cars can be expensive. A budget-friendly alternative to driving is to use public transportation or transportation services provided to seniors free or for nominal fees. • Take advantage of senior discounts. Many restaurants, stores and service centers offer discounts to seniors. The starting age for discounts may vary from store to store, so always ask. • Shop for food differently. Shopping sales and mak-
Annuities can help accumulate retirement funds (NAPS)—On average, boomers—an estimated 74.9 million Americans aged 53 to 71 in 2017—can expect to live to around age 85, according to the Social Security Administration. This good news can come at a steep financial cost, however. According to a study commissioned by Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement (CSR), 69 percent of boomers admit they don’t have or don’t know whether they have the financial resources to live comfortably in retirement to age 85. In fact, many boomers save less as their age increases. Data from the latest CSR report reveals that 21 percent of middle-income baby boomers now save a smaller percentage of their paycheck than they did before the financial crisis of 2007. In addition, 24 percent
say they no longer save at all, putting them at greater risk of outliving their savings. When it comes to living longer, retirees can’t depend on personal savings alone or expect to stay in the workforce, as unexpected health issues associated with age can make stretching savings difficult and working even part-time untenable. In recognition of National Annuity Awareness Month this June, boomers might want to look into annuities. Annuities are designed to help you accumulate money for retirement or turn your retirement savings into a steady income stream. You pay a lump sum into the annuity and get regular payouts, even in the best-case scenario that you outlive your planned retirement. Boomers worried about outliving their nest eggs
could consider indexed annuities. These provide opportunities to earn interest based on changes in an external market index while protecting existing retirement funds from downside market risk. The product doesn’t pay out until later in life and helps provide additional peace of mind for an extended life span. Here are some additional points to consider when deciding whether annuities are right for you: Know the basics: The primary goal of an annuity is to provide a steady stream of income during retirement. Your principal is traditionally not af-fected by market gains or losses; your interest accumulates on an incometax-deferred basis and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Do your research: Bear in
mind that different annuities can carry management fees from the insurance companies involved and you should make a point to ask if the annuities you’re interested in carry any fees. You don’t want to be surprised by any hidden costs as you consider these options. Talk to a financial advisor: Just as there are a few types of annuities, they aren’t your only option, so be sure to speak to a financial professional to learn more about these and money-saving retirement investments, such as mutual funds, IRAs and Roth IRAs. For a free downloadable booklet on top tips for retirees, including safety and security, reducing falls, fighting loneliness, managing prescription drug costs and more, visit www.BankersLife. com/TopTips4.
ing more meals at home can help seniors save money. The market research firm NPD Group found
that in-home meals cost about one-third of what it costs to eat the same food at a restaurant.
Perspective: Senior Living • Nov. 18, 2017 • 9
Preplanning funeral ensures wishes are honored Coping with the death of a loved one is never easy. Dealing with a sudden, unexpected death of a beloved friend or family member can be even more difficult, especially for those people who have to make important financial decisions while grieving. To remove the burden and stress associated with funeral planning, many adults preplan their funerals. Adults can be as specific as they prefer to be when preplanning their funerals, and doing so gives relatives peace of mind knowing that their
loved ones’ funeral services were conducted in accordance to their own wishes. Preplanning a funeral may sound morbid, as few people want to think about their deaths or discuss dying with their families. But there are numerous benefits to preplanning funerals. Preplanning provides time to make the best decisions. Men and women who preplan their funerals have ample time to decide just what they want their memorial services to be like and how
they want to fund those services. Men and women trusted to make those decisions upon the death of a loved one will need to make those decisions more quickly and likely won’t be in the correct frame of mind to make decisions that will honor their loved one’s legacy. Preplanning ensures your wishes are honored. Men and women who formalize their funeral plans will ensure their wishes are honored. That can give men and women peace of mind and will provide peace of mind to
the loved ones they leave behind, who can attend funeral services knowing those services are being conducted in adherence to their loved one’s wishes. Even men and women who discuss their wishes for their funerals with loved ones may not have those wishes honored if they are not put in writing. Preplanning can help control costs. Preplanning often includes men and women setting aside money for their funerals before they pass away. Knowing that a funeral,
which can be expensive, is already paid for can provide additional peace of mind. Instead of worrying that their relatives will be forced to handle the burden of financing their funerals, men and women who preplan can rest easy knowing their insurance money and life’s savings will be going to their surviving loved ones and not toward paying for funeral expenses. Preplanning protects families faced with sudden death. Few people want to think about their deaths, and fewer still
want to think about dying suddenly and/or dying young. Preplanning a funeral and setting money aside early can protect and help families faced with sudden deaths. That can be especially important for young parents, who won’t want to leave their spouses and children financially destitute should they suddenly pass away. Preplanning a funeral may not be something to look forward to, but doing so can protect families and provide some peace of mind.
Find out which vaccines seniors need Doctors can explain vaccine safety, importance to health (NAPS)—Sometimes, what you don’t know can hurt you. Consider this: Smallpox vaccines were used as far back as the Revolutionary War. This serious disease, which has killed more people than all the wars combined, has been wiped from the Earth by vaccines. It’s a shame that recently the safety of vaccines has been questioned. It’s time people focused on the facts. Vaccines have long been one of the safest medical treatments. No credible study has proven
otherwise. Just like other medicines, vaccines are approved by the FDA. By and large, the rewards of prevention are worth the small risk of any vaccine’s side effects. Another fact is that va c c i n e s f o r m a t u r e A m e r i c a n s c a n s av e lives. When seniors get pneumonia shots, they co u l d l e n g t h e n t h e i r life expectancy by four years. Flu shots can also protect seniors from a debilitating illness with life-threatening consequences. Vaccinations are generally affordable
and they are safe.
What To Do If you have questions about a vaccine, talk to your doctors. They can explain the safety of vaccines and their im-
portance to your health. There are three easy steps you can take to get protected: 1. Find out which vaccines you need. You can go to the RetireSafe website, www.retiresafe.org,
and click on the vaccine icon on the left side of the home page. It will take you to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site that will ask you questions about you and your life. It will then
give you a list of vaccines you may need. 2. Discuss the vaccines on the list with your doctor or health care professional. 3. Get the recommended vaccinations.
10 • Nov. 18, 2017 • Perspective: Senior Living
Assisted living facilities can benefit seniors For many seniors, a day arrives in their lives when it is no longer safe or practical to live at home alone. Assisted living facilities can help seniors adjust to their new situations. Such facilities typically offer comfortable surroundings, caring staff and all the amenities of home. Although fellow residents can provide companionship and friendships can develop over the course of time, assisted living facility residents also enjoy regular visits from family and friends. Such visits keep seniors connected with their loved ones and can help break up routines that, over time, may be-
come monotonous. Some people may feel a n x i o u s o r aw k wa rd v i s i t i n g a ss i s te d l iving facilities because it may shed light on the frailties or specialized needs of loved ones. This may be especially true if a loved one has a physical, neurological or mental illness. Rather than avoiding visits, individuals can follow these guidelines.
Time visits right Many residents have the most energy in the morning or early afternoon right after meals. Call ahead to find out if there are any medical appointments or outings planned. Visiting during
Assisted living facilities can help seniors adjust to no longer living at home.
meals or activities can be fun because you’ll be engaged and will have something to keep both of you busy.
Limit distractions Find a quiet and comfortable place at the facility where you can spend time with your loved one. This way you can focus most of your attention on the person
you are visiting, and he or she can do the same. A sitting room or an outdoor area can be a nice place to spend time away from television or other people’s conversations.
Plan an excursion If you are able to take the resident off of the property, arrange to take them somewhere that
would interest them. Do not plan too much, because you want the excursion to be fun, not taxing.
Bring along items Gifts are not necessary, but photos, books, puzzles, or even keepsakes from home can serve as catalysts for wo n d e rf u l c o nve r s a tions.
Help the conversation along If a loved one has dementia, visits can be especially challenging. However, simply being present can be comforting for the person even if conversation becomes stilted during the visit. Be patient and positive. Find topics that stimulate responses, and fill in if things get quiet.
Perspective: Senior Living • Nov. 18, 2017 • 11
Help keep data safe from cyber-criminals by MELISSA ERICKSON More Content Now
In the world we live in, it’s not a matter of if someone will try to steal your information but when. The latest major data breach at credit bureau Equifax affected 143 million U.S. consumers. Last year, data breaches at Arby’s, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Kmart, Brooks Brothers and Chipotle all made headlines. While you’re checking
Facebook 10 times a day, be diligent and check your online bank and credit card statements, too, because theft of credit card information through retail stores and restaurants is becoming more common, said Gary Warner, a cybersecurity expert and director of the Center for Information Assurance and Joint Forensics Research at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Advances in customer security include the addition of computer chips to
credit and debit cards, but there are still many things people can do to protect themselves. Here are five ways Warner suggests to keep your data safe when shopping or eating out. 1. Never swipe your card if it has a chip The magnetic stripes on traditional credit and debit cards store data, such as a cardholder’s name, card number, expiration date and country code. Whoever accesses this data can make purchases online or create a copy of the card.
The chip encrypts your payment information. 2. Consider using another form of payment If a merchant is unable to process chip card payments, consider using cash or mobile payment such as Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay. Using a credit card instead of a debit card will prevent your bank account from being drained if your information becomes compromised. 3. Sign your name instead of using your PIN
Eldercare Locator assists seniors ( NA P S ) — I f yo u o r someone you care about is an older adult, you should know about the Eldercare Locator. The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging, an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living is a nationwide service that connects older adults and their caregivers with information on aging services. Callers to the Eldercare Locator receive information about federal, state and local services such as transportation, in-home supportive services, and health and wellness programs. Information Specialists are there to help guide callers to the correct resources. You can call the Elder-
The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging, is a nationwide service that connects older adults and their caregivers with information on aging services. care Locator at (800) 6771116 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
ET to speak with a knowledgeable Information Specialist, or you can visit the
website, www.eldercare. gov to find local resources on a broad range of topics.
If paying with a debit card is your only option, sign for the purchase instead of typing in a personal identification number. You can do this by asking the cashier to process the card as a credit card or by selecting “credit card” on the display. 4. Be cautious when opening emails After a big data breach makes the news, hackers ramp up efforts to steal by sending malicious emails about the breach or offers for free credit monitoring. A malicious email will contain links that direct you to fake websites that try to steal your information. If the email looks credible, go to the company’s main website instead of clicking on any
links inside the email. If a data breach has occurred, companies almost always provide information and instructions for those affected on their website. 5. Monitor your accounts Scan credit card and bank statements every month for any unauthorized charges. Pay close attention to small charges. Criminals only need to steal a small amount of money if they have stolen information from thousands of customers. No one should care as much about your money as you do. Check your bank statements and credit report frequently both now and after the latest data breach fades from the headlines.
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12 • Nov. 18, 2017 • Perspective: Senior Living