DDC_Looking Forward_073119

Looking Forward Planning for Life After 50

With informative features on finance, health and wellness, retirement living and more!

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Health screenings men should discuss with their physicians Routine doctor visits are a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. As noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, even men who feel healthy and live active lifestyles must make routine visits to their healthcare providers. Such visits can assess risk for future medical problems and offer men the opportunity to update vaccinations. Routine health checkups also give doctors a chance to screen for medical issues.

Doctors consider a man’s age and other risk factors to determine when and how frequently he will need certain medical screenings. For example, while men between the ages of 40 and 64 are often advised to get blood pressure screenings at least once per year, those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and other conditions may need more frequent screenings.

No two men have the same medical histories, which only highlights the need for men of all ages to schedule annual physical exams with their physicians.

Such exams can reveal potential problems and also make for great opportunities to discuss more specific medical screenings with their physicians. The following are some general screening tests and

guidelines recommended for all men between the ages of 40 and 64, courtesy of the USNLM.

Prostate cancer

The USNLM notes that most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their physicians.

Ethnicity and family history are some of the recognized risk factors for prostate cancer. As a result, African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer in a first degree relative younger than 65 should discuss screenings beginning at age 45. There are pros and cons to prostate cancer screenings, and these should be part of men’s discussions with their physicians.

Colorectal cancer

All men between the ages of 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer.

Physicians may recommend colorectal screening for men under age 50 with a family history of colon cancer or polyps.

In addition, physicians may consider screenings for men under 50 who have a history of inflammatory bowel disease.

Cholesterol

The USNLM advises men to have their cholesterol levels checked every five years.

Men with certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, may need to be checked more often.

Diabetes

Diabetes screenings are recommended every three years for men age 45 and older. Men who are overweight and younger than 45 should ask their physicians if they should be screened before they reach 45.

Osteoporosis

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, but that doesn’t mean men are immune to this condition marked by a weakening of the bones due to tissue loss. Fractures after age 50, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and low body weight are some risk factors that can make men vulnerable to osteoporosis.

Health screenings can catch diseases and other conditions in their early stages when they’re most treatable. Such screenings should be a vital part of men’s health routines.

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How to prepare your family when an aging loved one is moving in

No man or woman, regardless of his or her age, wants to consider that a day may come when they need to rely on loved ones to help them perform everyday activities. But every day tens of millions of people serve as unpaid caregivers for their aging friends or family members.

A 2015 survey from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that approximately 34.2 million people had provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months. Many unpaid caregivers are pulling double duty, caring for their aging parents while also raising families of their own.

While there’s no guarantee that aging men and women will require care, caregivers figure to become more necessary as life expectancies increase.

In fact, recent years have seen the senior population in the United States exceed 50 million for the first time in the country’s history, and figures from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that figure will continue to rise until 2029.

Men and women who are preparing to welcome an aging loved one into

their homes may wonder how to make that transition go smoothly, especially if they have young children at home.

The following are some tips that can help families prepare to welcome an aging friend or family member into their homes.

• Speak with your loved one’s physicians. Speak with an aging loved one’s physicians so you can get a complete picture of their physical and mental condition. This can give you an accurate depiction of how much care your loved one needs now and how much they might need in the future if their condition worsens.

• Discuss forthcoming changes as a family. Once you gain a full understanding of your loved one’s physical and mental condition and before this person moves into your home, discuss it with your family.

Adding a new member to your household will affect everyone, so each member of the family, including young children, should be included when discussing how the family dynamic will change. Parents

must recognize that even young children may be asked to make sacrifices to accommodate aging loved ones. Explain these sacrifices in advance and how important it is to make an aging loved one feel welcome when they move in.

• Discuss conditions with children.

Children may recognize their grandparents or elderly loved ones have physical limitations, but they likely won’t understand conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Parents can ask a physician about how to explain cognitive decline to young children.

Children may not recognize cognitive decline as readily as adults, so parents may need to discuss these conditions with their children periodically and/or if the conditions worsen.

Millions of people across the globe welcome aging loved ones into their homes when they can no longer care for themselves. Such caregiving changes family dynamics, and these changes should be discussed before and after a loved one moves in.

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Funeral Planning 101

By Scott Olson We plan and save for births, education, weddings, and retirement among other things. No one can contest the intelligence in doing so, however only a very small percentage of people plan and save for death. The national average for pre-planning a funeral is 75 -80 years old and less than 25% of the population does so. However, it’s an inevitable situation that you can either plan for, plan and fund, or leave to your family members to do so at your passing. There’s no right or wrong and every family and situation is different. Just as every family is a little different, so too are funeral homes, and selecting a funeral home is a very personal decision.

The difference between pre-planned and pre-funded funeral services is pretty simple and both have merits. Pre-planned funeral services are simply an individual’s specific funeral plan and necessary documents stored in a location known to other family members, usually at the funeral home. It simplifies the process once death has occurred and is a great idea for individuals who won’t deplete their assets in a long term care facility.

Pre-funded funerals are the same as pre-planned, with the addition of funds invested in either an insurance policy or a trust account. Pre-funded funerals take on different forms: guaranteed, nonguaranteed, revocable and irrevocable.

With guaranteed plans, the funeral home assumes the risk of the contract if

the investment doesn’t grow at the same rate as the funeral home’s inflation. At the time of death, no additional funds for the guaranteed portion of the contract will be needed. On a non-guaranteed policy or portion of the contract, the investment is not guaranteed to cover the costs of the funeral at the time of need, and additional funds may be necessary.

Not every funeral home offers guaranteed contracts, so this is an important question to ask.

Revocability is something to consider in Medicaid spend down scenarios. In order to be illegible for State aide, a funeral contract must be irrevocable, meaning it can’t be canceled without the funds being returned to the State.

There’s an obvious financial reason for pre-planning and funding a funeral, now let’s discuss the emotional side of things. By eliminating the emotional burden, family members are spared from thinking about funeral service logistics and searching for pertinent information, they simply need to pick a time and day for the service. In addition, the possibility of emotional overspending is eliminated.

Family members who have been involved with a pre-arranged funeral considered the deceased to be organized, competent, intelligent, loving and thoughtful.

So, why don’t people pre-arrange funeral services? Individuals fear that a funeral home may sell or go out of business or that they may relocate to a different town. While most pre-arranged

policies are easy to move in the event of a relocation or business closure, you may lose the guarantee in the process.

Because of this, relocation and selecting a reputable funeral home are something to consider. Funeral homes traditionally are referred by word-of-mouth and personal experience. Along with speaking to friends or clergy members, the general public can utilize sources such as the Comptroller’s Office, Better Business Bureau and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Now, more than ever, it’s important to understand with whom you are working and why, when it comes to pre-paid funeral plans.

Be aware of the vast differences in payment plans that are offered. With some funeral homes, if you fall behind on payments, large penalties may be assessed. Others may cancel the policy, leaving the client with nothing. Reputable firms simply reduce the amount of the benefit. In a relocation event, do the earnings of the policy transfer or simply the face value? Know where and how the funeral home is investing the funds, how long it has been in business, and what other people think about the firm.

Most importantly, do you feel comfortable with the people at a particular funeral home? Take the time to do your research and discuss your options with a financial planner.

Scott Olson is the fifth generation operating his family’s funeral home, Olson Funeral and Cremation Services.

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Or Contact Jane Burden: 815.963.6521 • jburden@olsonfh.com Wednesday, July 31, 2019 | LOOKING FORWARD | 5

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How to pay for senior living

(BPT) - Shopping. Cooking. Cleaning. The burdens of living alone were taking a toll on Joyce, who at 89 was the oldest resident in her apartment building.

Though she’d spent a lifetime saving money, Joyce wasn’t sure what she could afford. Her daughter Sandy knew it was time to talk about senior living.

“It took some convincing to help her understand this was what she had saved for,” said Sandy. “With the sale of her house and retirement savings, she could live comfortably in independent senior living.

Plus, she would be around people her age, have plenty of activities and three nice meals a day.”

Joyce’s senior living journey isn’t unique. Most people are either not prepared for the potential costs of senior living, or think they’re not prepared.

A survey of 2,000 Americans 18 to over 51 for Brookdale Senior Living revealed 65% aren’t saving money to pay for senior living, and 21% said they

won’t be able to pay for it or don’t know how they’ll pay for it. Only half said they have a plan in place.

Mary Sue Patchett, Brookdale’s executive vice president of community and field operations, recommends avoiding sticker shock by assessing current expenses. You may find that freeing yourself of expenses tied to living in a house - mortgage, food, transportation, utilities, home maintenance and more - and incorporating these into one payment for a senior living community is more costeffective than expected.

Patchett recommends seeking a flexible pricing structure at a senior living community, as one size does not fit all. Making a choice that fits your situation means you won’t be paying for unnecessary services.

Sandy found two locations that fit her mom’s needs and compared costs of living alone to the cost

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of senior living. They landed on a Brookdale community near Sandy’s home.

“Adult children must understand their parent’s misgivings and help them decide what’s best,” said Sandy. “Considering my mom’s age, senior living was a smart move. The cost is comparable to living alone and provides peace of mind for everyone. We know she is eating, socializing and safe.”

How do people pay for senior living, and how can you keep costs affordable?

Current assets and income are what most people use to pay for senior living, just as they would pay for expenses staying in their current home: savings, pension or retirement plan funds, social security and annuities.

Like Joyce, one big source of funds comes from the sale of their current home.

Long-term care insurance is a possible source for those with chronic disability or illness, if they have a policy.

Rules regarding benefits and eligibility vary per state and policy.

Veterans’ benefits, through the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension, can help veterans and spouses offset costs of long-term care and/or assisted living at some communities.

Medicaid options may provide some assistance for assisted living, depending on where you live and if you qualify. Do not confuse Medicaid with Medicare, which does not cover assisted living costs.

Family support is another source to consider for help with the cost of assisted living. In many families, children or other family members contribute to the cost of senior living. It’s best to discuss possible support with family before the need arises.

By selecting a senior living community that provides just the amount of care you need, you can keep costs low. Many communities offer options from apartments with kitchens and guest rooms to just a bedroom and bath. Opting for a roommate can save a lot. Senior living communities offering independent and assisted living or other care services on one campus helps couples stay together, even when they need different levels of care, and make it easier to move from one area to another if needs change.

Now is a good time to assess your situation and talk with your spouse or family about your needs and desires down the road. Planning ahead lets you tour communities and decide what services and amenities you want and need.

Forty-eight hours after Joyce moved to Brookdale, she was thrilled with her decision. Sandy immediately noticed Selling or cashing out a life insurance policy may be a change in her mom. She met a group of ladies she one route for those who no longer need life insurance. refers to as “the girls” and quickly found her purpose There are many options, so you should shop around. as the community librarian. She’s happier than she was Consult your tax, financial and legal advisors to determine in her apartment, and according to Sandy, that makes it the implications of this option. worth every penny.

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DeKalb Area Retirement Center

“Why Oak Crest and why now?”

You often hear people say they haven’t really given a lot of thought to retirement. It’s one of those things that will happen whether we’re ready or not. In a perfect world, we’d all stay young and healthy. The reality is that we don’t live in a perfect world, and “ready or not” will eventually catch up to us. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to be outrunning Father Time for as long as I can and plan to do it at Oak Crest. With the new Oaks Apartments, I was able to select my new apartment and customize it to my taste. I love the great people who live and work here and the wonderful amenities and services. Everything I could want from a full kitchen and balcony to great meals and a state of the art wellness center and pool are right here and at my fingertips. The guarantee of future care when I need it is the icing on the cake. So, when people ask me Why Oak Crest now, I respond, why not?

Joan Stanley, Resident since December 2016

Joan Stanley

For more information call (815) 756-8461 • 2944 Greenwood Acres Dr. • DeKalb, IL • www.oakcrestdekalb.org Wednesday, July 31, 2019 | LOOKING FORWARD | 7

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6 questions to ask your healthcare provider about out-of-pocket medication costs (BPT) - Even in the privacy of a doctor’s office, many patients hesitate to discuss one subject - money.

While nearly one in four Americans over the age of 50 feels stressed about their medical bills, only half of those have spoken to their healthcare provider about it, according to a University of Michigan poll. But it pays to ask about the cost of your treatment. The same poll found that two-thirds of patients who talked to their healthcare provider about drug costs received a recommendation for a lowercost alternative.

Speaking with your healthcare provider about treatment options and out-ofpocket costs should be one of the first things you do after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. But sometimes it can be hard to know how to start the conversation, or what questions to ask.

As the largest independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people pay out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed treatments, the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation helps patients manage the financial burden of care every day. Dan Klein, President and CEO of the PAN Foundation, suggests asking your healthcare provider the following questions if you are concerned about the cost of your medication.

providers or their staff can usually provide an estimated cost for a treatment or can call your pharmacy and find out. This simple question is an easy way to start the cost-of-care conversation and let your healthcare provider know that you want to explore ways to minimize your costs.

common part of cancer treatment plans but are sometimes more expensive than traditional intravenous (I.V.) administration. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider if there is a cheaper treatment option for you that meets your healthcare needs.

2. Does this medication have a generic equivalent that I can use?

Many brand-name drugs, especially those that have been on the market for a long time, have generic equivalents that are significantly cheaper. These generic copies contain identical active ingredients and are rigorously tested by the FDA to ensure they are as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

5. Do you have drug coupon discount cards for my medication, or free samples?

Drug companies often give healthcare providers discount coupons or free samples to dispense to patients. It can be easy for healthcare providers to forget about these, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Drug manufacturer discount coupons can only be used by those with commercial insurance, not by people with Medicare or Medicaid.

3. Could a change in dosage or frequency help reduce my costs, but still be effective?

Out-of-pocket costs should not prevent you from accessing and adhering to your treatment. But controlled changes to your dosage or frequency may help you lower your costs without compromising effectiveness. It’s crucial that this is only done under medical advice, as making cost-cutting decisions without your healthcare provider’s input can be harmful.

6. Can you or someone in your office help me find financial assistance to cover my costs? Is there a charitable foundation that I can apply to?

Charitable foundations, like PAN, can help patients pay their out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications. Your healthcare provider’s office should be familiar with these programs and can point you in the right direction. You can learn more about patient assistance charities and connect with resources to help you manage your chronic illness 4. Is there a less expensive way to receive at panfoundation.org. You can also 1. Can you or someone in your office help my treatment? download the FundFinder app from that me find out how much this medication Depending on your condition, there website, which will notify you when will cost out-of-pocket? may be multiple ways to receive assistance becomes available from any of Although drug prices fluctuate, and treatment, some more expensive than the major charitable patient assistance patients pay different amounts depending others. For example, oral anti-cancer foundations. on their health insurance, healthcare agents have become an increasingly 8 | LOOKING FORWARD | Wednesday, July 31, 2019

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Mindfulness and its proven impact on loneliness: What you should know (BPT) - Maybe you know someone who stands by taking five minutes each morning to meditate or finds time after lunch to quiet his or her mind and focus on breathing. Whatever the method may be, incorporating “mindfulness” practices into your life can have a wide range of positive health benefits like improving your memory, sleep and immune system; reducing stress and feelings of loneliness and increasing compassion toward others and yourself.

Mindfulness means taking time to pay attention to yourself and your thoughts and feelings. Read on to learn how you can put mindfulness into practice in your life to help improve your overall health.

How to make mindfulness a routine part of your day. * Find five to ten minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath.

(Helpful hint: Put your phone on silent or in another room so you can concentrate!)

Take the time to notice where your mind goes and how your body is feeling. You just might find that this helps you focus and prioritize your day. * Before you go to bed take time to focus on the good things that happened

that day. Write your thoughts down in a journal. Writing them down can help you deliberately recognize the positive, even on a tough day. * Search for “mindfulness apps” on your smartphone or tablet that lead you in a mindfulness exercise. For many people, using an app is an easy way to remain consistent with the practice. And many of these apps are free!

Feeling lonely? Mindfulness can help.

Mindfulness has been shown to help older adults overcome a silent but urgent health issue: loneliness.

It is estimated that more than half of adults age 65 and over regularly experience moderate to severe loneliness.

Loneliness is characterized by a marked difference between someone’s desired companionship and actual relationships.

Through unique studies conducted by UnitedHealthcare and AARP, researchers are applying the techniques of mindfulness to help combat loneliness in older adults.

Loneliness poses a serious threat to the quality of life for older adults. It is linked to negative health outcomes such as higher risk of dementia, mortality

and disability.

“The health risk of chronic loneliness, in older adults, is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and has a greater impact on mortality than obesity,” said Dr. Charlotte Yeh, M.D., chief medical officer, AARP Services Inc. “That is why UnitedHealthcare and AARP Services Inc. are collaborating to identify actionable solutions, geared for any individual across the spectrum of loneliness.”

Researchers looked at whether mindfulness interventions, like breath awareness, self-compassion and kindness exercises, could positively impact a person’s optimism and quality of life - all factors that help reduce loneliness.

Conclusions were encouraging: Mindfulness activities were shown to decrease loneliness among older adults. The research demonstrated that mindfulness reduced stress, and improved memory, sleep, the immune system, resiliency and compassion for self and others.

Although loneliness is complex and challenging to address, a mindfulness practice may help you live your best life.

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How to choose a dementia caregiver When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, a family’s life can turn upside down.

In such situations, families may not know much about the disease, including what to expect with treatment and how soon before the dementia patient begins to need care that the family cannot capably provide.

Over time, dementia patients’ loved ones are likely to benefit from the expertise and assistance of qualified dementia caregivers.

It can be overwhelming for loved ones to offer the right level of care for someone who is unable to perform the activities of daily living. Bathing, medication management, dressing, and feeding are often very difficult for dementia patients.

The Alzheimer’s Association says that providing good care for someone with dementia goes beyond meeting basic needs. It also means finding caregivers who treat the whole person and provide an environment that can enable the person to be safe yet independent.

In order to get started, one should first assess the needs of their loved one with dementia. How many services he or she will require depends on whether that person can use the bathroom, walk, eat, or bathe independently. Alz.org says care needs tend to be lesser in the early stages of dementia.

However, during the middle and end stages of dementia, 24hour supervision and potentially more intensive medical care may be necessary.

Some families start with a visiting caregiver who can come to the house. For example, a service like Visiting Angels is certified to offer care according to advanced dementia care protocols after working with leading dementia specialists.

Caregivers may offer companionship and helpful reminders.

Others may assist clients with personal tasks. One key aspect of dementia care is preventing wandering. Alz.org indicates that six in 10 people with dementia will wander. A person with Alzheimer’s may not remember his or her name or address and can become disoriented, even in familiar places. Caregivers can put protocols in place to help reduce wandering. Alert bracelets and GPS tracking devices can help in this regard as well.

At some point, caregivers can help families transition someone with dementia to nursing facilities with memory care divisions. Social workers and other aides may help families navigate the legalities of medical insurance and long-term care insurance as well as government assistance programs that may help offset the costs of more intensive care.

It’s never too soon to develop a care plan for someone with dementia. Qualified and compassionate caregivers can help ease the burden of dementia on patients and their families.

Start Living a Carefree Lifestyle

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Exercise and aging: How to work out safely after 50 In an ideal world, people young and old exercise each day. But as men and women age, finding time to work out is not so easy.

Commitments to work and family often take precedence over daily exercise. As a result, many people 50 and over might not have exercised regularly or at all in many years.

But as children grow up or even move out, people facing down their golden years are often compelled to get back in the gym.

That’s a wise decision that can increase a person’s chances of being healthy and happy in retirement. But before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury.

• Speak with your physician. The National Institute on Aging notes that even people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can be physically active. However, anyone with such a condition and even those who don’t fall into those categories should consult with their physicians and receive a full physical before exercising. Such a consultation and checkup can shed light on any unknown issues, and physicians can offer advice on how to safely manage any problems that may arise.

• Begin with low-intensity exercises. Even if you feel great and have maintained a healthy weight, don’t push yourself too hard at the start. Your body needs time to adjust to physical activity, so choose low-intensity exercises like walking and light strength training so your muscles, tendons and ligaments can adjust. Initially, exercise every other day so your body has ample time to recover between workouts.

• Choose the right places to exercise outdoors. Exercising outside provides the best of both worlds for many people,

providing a chance to get healthy all while enjoying the great outdoors. When exercising outdoors, choose areas that are not remote and where others can see you and offer help if you suffer an injury or have an accident. Boardwalks, public parks and outdoor gyms are safer places to work out than wooded areas or other places well off the beaten path.

• Stay hydrated. The NIA notes that many people lose their sense of thirst as they age. But just because you aren’t thirsty does not mean you don’t need water, especially while exercising. Water regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints, thereby decreasing your risk of injury during exercise.

Exercising after 50 can help people live healthy well into retirement. But caution must be exercised when aging men and women return to exercise after a long break.

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Smoking doesn’t help your depression.

Quitting can.

Rebecca, age 57, Florida

For free help, call

1-866-QUIT-YES. CDC.gov/tips Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 12 | LOOKING FORWARD | Wednesday, July 31, 2019

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