Senior Health & Beyond EXPO 10/2022

Americans age 65 and older are a ected by Alzheimer’s Disease

In 2022, the total national cost for caring for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias was estimated at $321 billion.

59% of family caregivers

of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias rated the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high.

Alzheimer’s disease remains the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older.

Currently, clinical trials are researching new therapies for those battling Alzheimer's. By enrolling you have the opportunity to play a more active role in your own healthcare while also helping others get a chance for new therapeutics.

How Can I Participate?

To find a clinical trial right for you, visit ClinicalTrials.gov and/or talk to your health care provider.

You can learn more about clinical trials and current trials being conducted by Otsuka by visiting https://otsuka-us.com/ clinical-trials or scanning the QR code.

For Immediate Support

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900

Otsuka is a healthcare company with an unwavering belief of doing more. We are not bound by what others have done before and strive to defy limitation, so that others can too. We do everything in our power to reach our mission in three di erent categories: Neurosciences, Nephrology, and Digital Innovation.

Support Groups: https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groups

General Support: https://www.alz.org/help-support

An Interview with Donna Stefans Learn about life-care plans from birth to legacy

Alzheimer’s & home care. Every adult should have an Estate Plan, regardless of age or wealth.

What happens to your assets if you become sick or pass away? Is your family protected?

Here at Stefans Law Group, we help you create the road map for your life, family, and finances. Asset protection planning enables you to safeguard your assets in advance so that your hard-earned money can pass to your loved ones. We want to make sure the things that keep you up at night are taken care of by planning during your lifetime and after.

Donna Stefans, Esq. Founder and Lead Attorney Stefans Law Group PC

Donna Stefans, founder and lead attorney at Stefans Law Group PC, has over 20 years of experience in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Geriatric Care Management, Special Needs Planning, Retirement Income Planning, Medicaid optimization, and Income Tax & Asset Management, giving her the ability to create and maintain holistic life-care plans for clients - from birth to legacy.

Q&A

Who needs an Elder Law Attorney?

Elder law includes estate planning, in which everyone aged 18 and over needs to protect themselves and their loved ones in case of unexpected illness or death. It is crucial to be prepared, whether it be basic estate planning and wills to serious issues such as dementia,

What is asset protection planning in Elder Law?

The cost of custodial care can be very expensive. Often, asset protection trusts are used to safeguard assets, such as the home, and enable people to get the care they need and be as comfortable at home.

Do you have the right people in charge of your financial and medical needs in the event of a crisis?

Be sure to choose someone you think can best honor your wishes and preferences for your care and finances to ensure your proper care when you are in need.

Why choose us?

Stefans Law Group PC focuses on holistic planning solutions that integrate all aspects of wealth preservation and care for our clients to help achieve lasting confidence. We will work as a team, connecting you with staff members whose knowledge and guidance can benefit you and your loved ones in the planning process. g

Michael Krantz Licensed Sales Representative

Medicare Made Clear

Michael Krantz helps pre-retirees and retirees navigate the complex landscape as it relates to Medicare.

His unique, real-world experience working with individuals has helped develop his approach to create tailored and dynamic solutions that address client insurance needs, goals, and expectations, through the life of the client and beyond.

Michael currently holds his life, health, and accident insurance licenses in New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Texas, and Florida. He is part of a select group of agents that has been authorized to offer AARP Medicare Plans from UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. As an authorized to offer agent, he has met specific qualifications and requirements to ensure that every interaction and conversation will meet expectations.

His mission is to provide personalized, caring, and expert advice to each and every client so they get the most out of their coverage. Please feel free to contact Michael Krantz at michael@projectmedicare.com or call 212-705-8745. g

What’s happening at the Expo

STRETcH IT OUT WITH cLUB PILATES

fREE HEARINg ScREENINgS

Free hearing screenings are being offered to attendees, courtesy of the Hearing Center of Long Island. No appointment needed, but it's first come first served for complimentary screenings conducted by Dr. Lawrence Cardano. g

fREE SENIOR ID cARDS

Provided by Town of Hempstead Town clerk Kate Murray

The Senior Identification Program is a great service made available to all senior citizens (age 55 and up) in the Town of Hempstead. These (free) Town of Hempstead Senior I.D. Cards are complete with a photo, physicians’ contact information and emergency phone numbers. Allergies and other vital information can also be printed on these wallet-sized cards. The Town Clerk’s Office regularly travels to area senior centers to provide this service.

Members of churches, senior clubs and other organizations can also call the Town Clerk’s Office to set up their own dates. Of course, the service is also available at the Town Clerk’s Office. For further information, please call (516) 812-3046 or visit www. HempsteadNy.gov g

Join Club Pilates in warming up your body with some simple exercises and stretches! Club Pilates offers classes that are designed to target each individual's specific needs and abilities. Pilated can see intimidating with all it's equipment, but it's actually suitable for any one, at any age. There are various versions and variations of the workouts that are curated for your body, while still achieving an excellent and effectiveworkout and stretch session. You can test out a free intro class to see if it's for you. Increase mobility, flexibility, strength and most importantly, feel good! Check out Club Pilates at 1674 Merrick Rd, Merrick. For more information call (516) 550-7088 or visit clubpilates.com g

Meet and greet with Senior America Queens including Live Tap Dance Performance from Ms. New York Senior America Seasoned Steppers You too can be a Ms. Senior America!

Ms. New York Senior America is a non-profit (501C-3) organization committed to helping seniors and veterans. Our members are women over age 60. We have changed the lives of seniors, and have celebrated and honored veterans since 1972. Our dance troupe, The Seasoned Steppers, volunteer their time visiting nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and Veteran Hospitals. Come meet our former Queens of Senior New York, members, and The Seasoned Steppers to enjoy a Tap dance. We are Seniors, We Care about Seniors, We Help Seniors! g

BRINg YOUR ITEMS Have your antiques, jewelry, coins and gold evaluated by Syl-Lee Atiques. Syl-Lee Antiques offers convenient, confidential, and courteous house calls as well. They have been buying antiques from homes in the Long Island and New York City areas for over 40 years.

Khurshid

Wasser

Otsuka is a healthcare company with an unwavering belief of doing more. Otsuka is not bound by what others have done before and strive to defy limitations so that others can too. The staff does everything in their power to reach our mission in three different categories: Neurosciences, Nephrology and Digital Innovation.

Aetna is a Medicaid managed long-term care health plan in New York part of Aetna, a CVS Health Company. Aetna Better Health’s goal is to keep members safely in their homes as long as they can. They can help arrange for supportive services that are needed to make that possible.

The Hearing Center of Long Island believe sthat you should have the fulfilling life and satisfying relationships you want, no matter your age. Untreated or undertreated hearing loss interferes with this. That is why the Hearing Center of Long Island provides their unique, proven, hearing loss treatment plans. For more information go to: www.HCLIBookOffer.com

Soaring on the wings of compassion, excellence and innnovation, the staff at Parker Jewish is comitted to superior patient care within a warm and supportive environment. Since its foundation in 1907, their empahsis on a compassionate and caring environement while also improving quality of life has never ceased.

Located along the boardwalk of Long Beach, NY, Long Beach Assisted Living offers 24-hour care in a comfortable and relaxing setting. The caring, licensed staff promotes friendships and independence with recreational activities such as group yoga, dance, and stretching; clubs like art, journaling, and musicians; and various kinds of therapy.

AgeWell New York brings communities their healthcare coverage needs. Their primary goal is to match you with a tailored plan that meets your needs while saving you money and gaining independence. Members receive help managing their financial and personal needs, giving the gift of maintaining overall well-being so you can “live well, feel well, AgeWell in New York.”

Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a division of Cassena Care — whose core concepts are renew, restore, and rehabilitate — is committed to optimizing both physical and emotional health creating building blocks for a healthy future. The exceptional staff is determined to improve quality of life while in our care until they return home, never losing sight of joy or independence.

With over 30 years of experience in social work, nursing homes and geriatric care management, the staff at Full Circle Medicaid offers knowledge in aiding clients and their families with community Medicaid, Recertification, setting up Pooled Income Trusts and obtaining Home Care.

Donna Stefans, founder and lead attorney at Stefans Law Group PC, has over 20 years of experience in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Geriatric Care Management, Special Needs Planning, Retirement Income Planning, Medicaid optimization, and Income Tax & Asset Management, giving her the ability to create and maintain holistic life-care plans for clients - from birth to legacy.

With so many choices available, it's vital to choose a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility that offers care that can make a difference. Located directly on the beautiful boardwalk in Long Beach, our facility is the perfect place for our residents to enjoy the outdoors, both with staff and family. Come see the Beach Terrace Difference!

Grandell Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, provides comprehensive inpatient care to adults of all ages. The staff welcomes each and every short-term and long-term resident as a whole person. Our dedicated team is committed to providing outstanding care, in a friendly, clean, safe, and comfortable environment, ensuring that each resident's needs are met.

Ensures access to safe, reliable utlity service at reasonable and fair rates. From gas and electric to steam, telecommunications and water, the New York State Department of Public Service provides these services to New York State's residential and business consumers.

Gale

Law Group

Healthfirst

Center of

Island

Silverman

Strong

Beach

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Long Live the Brain!

Fun, simple activities you can do at home that help boost brain health

By Kristen Castillo

It’s important to keep your brain sharp as you age.

“In order to engage our brains for an ideal level of challenge, we should aim for something that is new, novel and challenging to maximize our effort — grow our brains, new neurons and strengthen our neuronal networks,” says certified brain health coach Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A., founder of Your Brain Health Matters, LLC.

Dr. Culler says brain health is 70 percent lifestyle and 30 percent genetics. She encourages people to think about brain fitness the same way they think about physical exercise. That means giving your brain a 15- to 20-minute daily workout, adding up to at least two hours a week.

Read on for easy ways to stimulate your brain.

game On!

Playing games — whether it’s chess, puzzles or computer games, such as Words With Friends or gem matching — may help your brain to stay engaged.

For example, smartphone apps can be an entertaining and challenging activity for the brain. One app, Elevate, which was Apple’s pick for 2014’s top app, uses artificial intelligence to create custom exercises for each user, tailored to their personal goals.

In a four-week study of 125 Elevate users, conducted for the game company by a researcher at California State University, Stanislaus, and Nichols Research, Inc., participants who had access to Elevate games and training

exercises improved their test scores “69 percent more than the control group, which did not have access to the games and exercises.”

While research on the overall benefits of cognitive games is mixed, one study shows participants may get good at a mind-stimulating activity, such as crosswords, even if those gaming skills don’t transfer to other brain health, like attention to problem-solving.

Still, that doesn’t mean the activity isn’t valuable. You can have a healthier, happier life by participating in games and activities you enjoy.

“Having fun with new learning experiences or engaging in topics that are of interest to us can pique our curiosity and increase our likelihood to

stay engaged,” says Dr. Culler.

Read

Challenge your brain with reading but mix up your habits.

Dr. Culler suggests reading a different section of the newspaper than you usually would or reading a new magazine. Next, read some passages out loud, which she says can activate different areas of your brain.

Read your newspaper, book or magazine with the intent to share the message with friends. You will be more mindful and process the information differently.

Set New goals

Try new things. Set an intention to do something new, such as visiting museums, attending talks, etc., for the

next week or month. Map it out and invite a friend. Dr. Culler says both the planning process and socialization have brain benefits, too.

Meditate

Clearing your mind can be good for your brain as well.

“Set aside time daily to cool your brain, practice mindfulness or meditate,” says Dr. Culler. “Meditation is an excellent brain workout, and studies have found numerous benefits for the brain. If meditation is not a daily part of your routine, aim to add it in.”

She recommends starting with a few minutes of meditation a day and working up to 20 minutes or longer.

Healthy Habits

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America encourage people to adopt healthy habits to help improve brain health. Among their recommendations:

Get moving: “Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain.” This can include brisk walking.

Eat healthy: “In general, foods that are ‘heart heathy’ are also ‘brain healthy.’” Avoid processed and fatty foods as well as salt and sugar. Instead, eat berries, broccoli and other fresh foods.

Get consistent sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of shut-eye nightly, as proper sleep helps memory and thinking.

Mix up your routine: For example, “brushing your teeth with your nondominant hand stimulates the brain by forcing it to think outside of its normal routine.”

Sleep struggles: Your changing body & sleep patterns

Parents often monitor their kids’ sleeping patterns as a way to ensure they’re getting a quality night of zzz’s. But who monitors our sleeping routines once we’re older? How are we supposed to know whether we’re getting enough sleep or how to prepare for if we need more? According to the National Sleep Foundation, one of the most common concerns elderly people have is that they sleep for less time than when they were younger, plus they may report waking up multiple times during the night or having

difficulty falling asleep in the first place.

There are various stages of sleep that cycle throughout the entirety of one’s night — light and deep — and many seniors tend to experience an increase in their number of light stages, which could cause more tiredness throughout the day. A major factor contributing to this change is linked to medications prescribed for physical and psychological illnesses, although some of it is completely natural. For example, as we age, we organically tend to get

tired earlier in the evening and, in turn, rise earlier in the morning. A sleep therapist can help change your circadian rhythm, utilizing light therapy, traditional therapy or other resources. For a list of sleep therapists near you, call your health insurance company or look on its website.

If you’re looking to take matters into your own hands, there are many homeopathic and natural remedies that are quite easy to introduce into your nightly and daily routines. At night, try to avoid television, the computer and your cell phone for at least one hour before you retire to the bedroom. Because your body wants to stay awake when it thinks it’s daytime, these devices can create a sort of fake “daylight” effect, throwing off your natural sleep rhythm. You also should try to avoid drinking water or other liquids for at least an hour before bedtime.

Stretching and meditation are also great tools to help slow down your system into complete relaxation mode, calming and quieting the mind. If you have trouble meditating on your own, there are many assisting apps you can use; however, if you require assistance, make sure that your phone or other device has the light turned all the way down so that you avoid bright lights as recommended above. You might also try taking a warm bath or shower before

sleeping, making sure to focus on slow breathing and the way the water feels on your skin. Sometimes humming slowly or chanting a mantra can also calm your mind and put you into a completely surrendered state of calm.

If none of the above works, melatonin is a great natural sleep aid that will help sooth you into sleep without giving you some of the “hangover” effects you may feel from an over-the-counter or prescribed sleeping pill. Melatonin is a natural chemical found in the body, so taking it merely enhances your body’s ingrained clock that tells it when to go to sleep. This shouldn’t be used nightly, however. It should be used only when necessary. That’s because when the brain is exposed to too much melatonin, it becomes unresponsive, according to Richard Wurtman, who pioneered the use of melatonin in helping people sleep.

Of course, you want to slightly tweak some of your daytime habits, as well. When you wake up, try to get your body moving immediately with a walk or a mini-workout in your home. Maybe that means dancing or swaying or circling your arms, but whatever you decide to do, make sure that your heart rate and breath increase. And if you like a morning cup of coffee or tea with caffeine, wait to have it until after you have a full cup of water. Also, make sure you don’t have anything with caffeine after 2 p.m.

Make every bite count...Eat your way to longevity

Eat right for life and make every bite count. Choose from the many superfoods that will help your body fight off the damage caused by aging. Just work them into your daily and weekly meal plans and you'll be getting extra vitamins, antioxidants and other substances that will help your body fight age-related illnesses and be anti aging resources for you. It’s never too late to start.

Avocados

Sure, they're high in fat, but avocados contain healthful monounsaturated fat, which has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. They're loaded with fiber (11 to 17 grams per fruit) and are a good source of lutein, an antioxidant linked to eye and skin health.

Walnuts

We all know that we need to eat more omega-3s and that fish are a great source, but reports of possible mercury contamination of fish may scare some folks off. That's where walnuts come in. It turns out that walnuts are a great (and mercury-free) source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Eat a handful or two a day for all your omega-3 needs.

green Vegetables

Of course, most of us need to eat more vegetables — but here's the thing, we all really need to do it. If everyone gets five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, we'd see a

decrease in heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and more. So find some way to eat one more veggie or fruit this week, then add another next week until you get to nine servings. Focus on leafy or deeply colored vegetables for the most benefit.

Beans

Beans are a great source of healthy protein and antioxidants. Really, beans are a wonder food — high in protein as well as fiber, generally in a low-calorie package. Beans can replace meats as a protein source in many meals when the goal is to reduce caloric and fat intake.

Beans can be used to thicken sauces or make foods more hearty, helping to stretch them further.

Beans are a necessary part of any healthy vegetarian diet. If you don't want to go all the way to vegetarianism, then just start by substituting a few meals a week with bean-based entrees.

Water

Water is good for you. This seems pretty basic. There is some disagreement among medical experts about whether drinking tone of water is really a good idea, but while they sort that out stay focused on water. Your goal should be

Take those steps! Keep moving— at every age

Exercise and nutrition are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle throughout one’s life, and as we age, our requirements are ever changing. A growing body of research illustrates how regular exercise is especially important for seniors, and how more seniors are opting for an active lifestyle instead of a sedentary one. This article will show you the benefits of exercise for older adults, the seven best forms of exercise for seniors, and a few exercises that may be hazardous to seniors’ health.

Health benefits of exercise in older adults

Our biology changes as we get older, causing seniors to have different reasons for staying in shape than younger generations. Though physical fitness provides benefits at any age, the health perks physically fit seniors enjoy are more notable. Physicians and researchers say seniors should remain as active as possible, without overexerting one’s self. In older adults, exercise helps you live a longer, healthier, and more joyous life.

More exercise means more independence for seniors: Seniors that exercise regularly are less likely to depend on others. According to Harvard Medical School,

to make water your primary drink. This way, you'll be drinking a no calorie, no chemical drink all day long instead of the many, many high-calorie, high chemical alternatives.

Berries

Berries are packed full of antioxidants and other chemicals that your body can use to make repairs and prevent some of the damage caused by aging. Best of all, berries taste really good. Be sure to eat your berries without any sauces or sugars. Just enjoy them plain for their goodness.

green tea

Green tea has been a longevity supplement in Asia for thousands of years. It is a great thing to work into your daily life. Green tea contains high concentrations of just the chemicals your body needs. Green tea is also inexpensive, delicious and gives a mild (and gentle) energy boost from its caffeine.

Melons

When we think of fruit, we don't always think of melons. Perhaps you should — melons have some of the best nutritional profiles of all the fruits. They are pulpy (so they fill you up) and contain lots of vitamins. Work melons into your daily/weekly diet and you'll be reaping health benefits as you enjoy them. g

regular exercise promotes an older adults ability to walk, bathe, cook, eat, dress, and use the restroom. If self-reliance is a priority, exercise is one of the best ways to maintain independence for older adults.

Exercise improves balance for older adults: Falling down is a much bigger deal for older adults than younger ones. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is admitted to an emergency room for a fallrelated injury, and every 19 minutes, a senior dies from a fall, according to the National Council of Aging. Though no two falls are alike, and preventing falls is very complex, regular exercise reduces the likelihood of falling by 23%.

Regular exercise means more energy: Though it seems counter-intuitive, being inactive makes you tired and being active gives you more energy. Any amount of exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which are essential neurotransmitters linked to pain mitigation and a sense of well-being. Endorphins combat stress hormones, promote healthy sleep, and make you feel more lively and energetic, overall.

Exercise helps prevent and counteract disease: Heart disease, osteoporosis, depression and diabetes are common diseases among older adults, and are often deadly. Fortunately, adopting a more active lifestyle can contribute to the prevention of these diseases, or reduce the unpleasant symptoms of these diseases if you already have them. If you are at-risk for disease, exercise may be the key to warding off an unpleasant condition.

Regular exercise improves brain function: One of the most remarkable developments in health science is the revelation that the mind and the body are much more closely linked. A healthy body likely means a healthy mind, and seniors that exercise on a regular basis have improved cognitive health, according to research from NCBI. More recently, a study from the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, regular exercise has been shown to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease

What’s best for seniors

Exercise is crucial for older adults, but it can be hard to know where to begin. If you haven’t worked out for a while, re-entry into the active world can be daunting. There’s also a good chance the exercises you were once accustomed to aren’t ideal for older adults.

Before you launch into an exercise regimen, it’s important to check with a physician to ensure you’re healthy enough for exercise, and to see which exercises are ideal for your current fitness level. g

EAT RIgHT AND you’ll be better off throughout the decades.