Looking forward 8 12 16

LookingForward

Friday, August 12, 2016

Planning for Life After 50

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

DAILY CHRONICLE

Guidance and hope for people living with the most-common

age-related vision problem (BPT) - Silver screen icon Bette Davis once famously pronounced “getting old ain’t for sissies.” Caring for yourself or a loved one with age-related health issues is no picnic, either. Of all the health issues you may face as you age, vision problems can be particularly devastating.

Yet, a new study reveals that many people still don’t understand the leading cause of legal blindness for older Americans - a condition that could seriously affect their quality of life.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older, affecting an estimated 15 million people, according to Macular Degeneration Partnership. Prevent Blindness America estimates that 2 million Americans are living with an advanced form, or end-stage macular degeneration, where central vision is completely blocked in both eyes and that number is expected to increase as the baby boomer cohort ages. Damage to the macula the part of the retina that perceives color and fine detail - results in the inability to see images in straight-ahead vision, and, therefore, affects a person’s ability to read, drive, watch TV, focus on small objects, and even see the faces of family and friends.

Despite the prevalence of macular degeneration - more than 40 percent of older Americans have it or know someone who does - three out of four people don’t know it’s the leading cause of blindness in people older than 60, according to an awareness survey by Wakefield Research.

What’s more, 66 percent say they aren’t confident they could care for a loved one if he or she developed AMD. As macular degeneration worsens and vision diminishes, the need for caregiving increases. In

fact, more than a third (35 percent) of people who know someone with macular degeneration say they frequently assist the patient, the survey found.

“As their visual acuity decreases, AMD patients may feel the need to ask for help with tasks of daily living, such as shopping, writing checks, or reading menus, hinders their independence,” says Dr. Mark Milner, associate clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine, and the co-founder and co-medical director of the Eye Center of Southern Connecticut and Precision LASIK Group. “This puts them at higher risk of feeling depressed, and makes it critical for patients, their caregivers and their physicians to develop an individualized management plan that incorporates a range of treatment and caregiving strategies.”

As the need for care increases, the patient becomes more at risk of developing depression and anxiety, a study in Clinical Ophthalmology found.

Milner offers some tips for people with AMD and their caregivers: *Make the most of every dialogue with your doctor. Prepare a list of questions to discuss, asking about your specific diagnosis and available treatments *While there is no cure for AMD, lifestyle changes may help slow its progression. If you smoke, quit. Try to lose weight if you need to, and monitor your blood pressure. Be sure to talk to your doctor about these health concerns, too. Simple changes like adjusting lighting and investing in an e-reader that allows you to enlarge print can also make everyday life easier.

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* Have a serious conversation with your doctor and your family about whether it’s still safe for you to drive. * Seek support. You can find low-vision resource centers and AMD awareness groups across the country. Online resources like the new website, AMDAffectsMe.com, sponsored

by CentraSight, can offer comprehensive information about how AMD is diagnosed and treated, as well as stories from caregivers assisting their loved ones living with end-stage AMD. * Research the latest treatments. Medical science is always making progress toward treating incurable conditions like AMD. For example, an FDA-approved and Medicareeligible surgical device is available for patients today living with the most advanced form of the disease. The implant magnifies images approximately three times their size onto the healthy portion of the retina, enabling patients to discern the object of interest. To learn more about the implant, visit www.CentraSight.com or call 1-877-99-SIGHT. “As you grow older, it’s important to monitor your vision health, since the early and intermediate stages of macular degeneration usually have no symptoms,” says Dr. Samuel Masket, a clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “Only a comprehensive, dilated eye exam can detect AMD. The good news is that preventive and treatment options for patients with macular degeneration have advanced remarkably just in the past 10 years. Now these patients may be able to improve their vision and maintain as much of their independence as possible.”

Choosing a Retirement Community Ask most seniors where they would prefer to spend their golden years and they will say they would prefer to remain in their own homes as long as possible. But ask those same seniors and they will tell you they aren’t sure how they would manage if they could no longer care for themselves or what are the options available to them.

For those people planning ahead for tomorrow and the unknowns associated with life, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) may offer the best of the best. With options ranging from independent living to 24-hour nursing care, Continuing Care Retirement Communities are the answer for an increasing number of people planning for the future. For those sold on the idea of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, the following steps might make the process easier: Prioritize Make a list of those things that matter most to you. For many people location is a key factor.

The average person lives within fifty miles of their birthplace. If you enjoy a rural lifestyle, or if proximity to family is important, or you enjoy the sights of the city or the atmosphere of life in a university town, then add it to your priority list.

The list can be as specific as you want but will go a long way in narrowing your search.

Research You will be much more up to speed on terms, jargon and options if you do a little homework before setting out. Many consumers will limit their search to not-for-profit organizations or those with a particular sponsorship or affiliation. Spend some time visiting with friends and then log on to the Internet. There is a wealth of information available. Most retirement communities have websites and many share photos, list amenities, services and contact information.

Accredited?

Some continuing care retirement communities are accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF).

Accreditation indicates to the public that the community has the financial resources necessary to meet the present and projected needs, has knowledgeable administrative staff, and provides sufficient financial information to residents and applicants. It not only provides assurance of quality and integrity, but it offers the public a standard for comparisons in evaluating retirement communities.

Visit The retirement decision may be one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Take the time to visit the communities, talk with the staff, take a tour, and meet the residents. Many of the communities offer educational/entertainment

programs open to the public. This is a great way to experience the community first-hand.

Fees Get a clear understanding of pricing and fees.

Most communities have an entrance fee based on the size of the apartment/duplex and offer a refundable portion over a set number of years.

The monthly fees vary widely from community to community, level of care and services and amenities. Also, ask for the community’s history of fee increases and a copy of their most recent financial audit. A reputable community will have this information readily available and will be more than willing to share it.

What if I outlive my resources?

Many not-for-profit retirement communities have a charitable fund to provide life care to those who outlive their resources. Other types of retirement housing may discharge an individual when they exhaust their resources or require additional care.

Knowing up front what you can expect when the time comes will go a long way in providing you peace of mind and future security.

There is a myriad of retirement living options available to consumers today. Taking the time to research and select the one that best meets your interests today and your needs of tomorrow is time well spent.

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Oak Crest’s 24 new 900’, 1200’and 1600’independent living apartments, featuring balconies, heated parking and access to our on-site wellness center and pool are opening in October of 2016.

Come experience new friendships, opportunities and a guarantee of future care and peace of mind. Our independent living, assisted living and nursing care services are second to none. Our goal is to meet and exceed your expectations. Now is the perfect time to make plans for your future. Call today for a personal tour and to find out more about options to fit your lifestyle.

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What you think you know about

Social Security may be totally wrong (BPT) - Americans may have faith in the Social Security system, but many still don't really understand how it works. That's a key take-away from a recent survey of Americans' knowledge of Social Security retirement benefits. While 63 percent of respondents said they do believe Social Security benefits will be available to them when they retire, many were confused about who qualifies for benefits, how much they'll be eligible to receive, and when they can start drawing benefits without penalty.

The survey, by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), included a true/false quiz about Social Security facts.

Just 28 percent of those surveyed scored a passing grade, and only one person out of the 1,500 polled was able to answer all survey questions correctly. The survey results illustrated a significant lack of knowledge about Social Security, including: • Although 75 percent of those surveyed thought being an American citizen is a requirement to receive Social Security retirement benefits, this is not the case.

Non-citizens lawfully living in the U.S., and who have permission to work here, can obtain a Social Security number, pay into the Social Security system and draw benefits.

• More than seven in 10 respondents

mistakenly thought that 65 is the age when everyone can begin drawing full retirement benefits. Actually, your full retirement age depends on what year you were born.

• Fifty-five percent of those surveyed incorrectly believed they could continue working during retirement while collecting full Social Security benefits, regardless of their age. If you work during retirement, but have not yet reached your full retirement age, your Social Security benefits may be reduced if you earn too much. Once you reach full retirement age, those withheld benefits will be repaid over your lifetime.

Perhaps the greatest Social Security deficit in this country is the lack of education around the retirement benefits of the program," says Michael R. Fanning, executive vice president, U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual. "With millions of Americans nearing retirement each year, many may be at risk of underutilizing a critical component of their retirement income stream."

Still, some good news emerged from the survey. Americans seem aware that Social Security should be only one component of their overall retirement savings plan. Just 39 percent said they expected to rely more on Social Security than their personal savings or income during retirement, and just 15 percent expected to rely solely on Social

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You can test your Social Security knowledge by taking the MassMutual quiz.

Here are some Social Security facts to help improve your knowledge: • No single filing strategy works for everyone filing for Social Security benefits; there are just too many variables. For example, a married couple may have hundreds of options for filing for Social Security retirement benefits.

• Americans are living longer. It's no longer sufficient to plan for just 10 years of retirement. You may well need savings and income to carry you for three decades or longer.

• While Social Security can be an important component of your retirement plan, you need to have other income as well. Under- or over-valuing your Social Security retirement benefits could keep you from getting a true picture of your retirement savings plans. A qualified financial professional can better help you understand how Social Security fits into your personal situation.

For additional information on saving for retirement and Social Security benefits, visit MassMutual.com/SocialSecurity or the Social Security Administration.

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More options than ever for

families needing elder care More Americans than ever before are now older than 65, and in just four more decades, for the first time in history, there will be more seniors in the U.S. than people younger than 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Given those numbers, is it any surprise that many families wrestle with decisions for how to take care of aging parents, grandparents and other loved ones?

"Deciding how to take care of an aging loved one can be a challenging, emotionally wrenching experience," says Danielle Russell, vice president of operations and business development for Assisted Transition, a network of independent consultants that help families find elder care. "The good news is that as the population of elders has expanded, so have elder care options."

Just 20 years ago, families might have had to choose between putting a parent in a nursing home or having one younger family member quit a job to stay home and care for the parent.

Today, options abound and it's important to know what's available before making such an important decision.

Russell offers some background on seven of the top types of senior care: Assisted living communities - Seniors who require assistance with daily activities such as dressing, eating or bathing may still wish to live as independently as possible. Assisted living communities strive to provide an appropriate

level of care while allowing residents to maintain as much independence as possible. Seniors who are no longer able to live completely independently, but who do not need nursing home, Alzheimer's or dementia care, may find this type of arrangement works for them.

Respite/short-term care - This type of care provides short-term breaks for families that may need elder care for a short time - a few hours, a day or a weekend, for example. Options can include an in-home skilled health assistant, an adult day program outside the home, or residential respite care facility.

Independent living communities - In these residential communities, seniors can live by themselves with minimal assistance for certain tasks and needs. Elders with mild mobility issues or forgetfulness might do well in this type of environment.

Rehabilitation centers - A senior recovering from a minor health issue may require extra care and therapy to regain the ability to live independently.

Rehabilitation centers provide care as well as occupational, physical or speech therapy.

Dementia care - Dementia is a progressive disorder that weakens memory, impairs judgment and diminishes mental abilities. Elders experiencing dementia may need an increasing level of care. Dementia care can occur inside the home or in a care facility.

Start Living a Carefree Lifestyle The Supportive Living Program is available in Illinois to seniors 65 or older who need help maintaining their independence regardless of their financial resources

Alzheimer's communities - A progressive, incurable cognitive disorder, Alzheimer's affects memory and mental abilities. Patients usually require a high level of care with everyday tasks, but may be in physically good health. Alzheimer's communities specialize in caring for patients who require this high level of care.

Skilled nursing homes - Licensed by the state in which they operate, skilled nursing homes provide the highest level of medical care outside a hospital. These round-the-clock residential facilities care for patients who require a high level of care, such as those who are bed-ridden or suffer from chronic health issues that require 24hour access to medical aid.

Even the most diligent families may have difficulty sorting through all the elder care options and decisions they face during the stress-filled process of choosing care. Many seek advice and expert assistance, such as from Assisted Transition, that can help ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care for his or her needs. The organization offers information, resources and free placement services to families looking for senior care and housing options. Assisted Transition provides referrals to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, residential care homes, senior housing and other industry resources. To find a consultant near you, visit www.assistedtransition.com.

• On-going health monitoring and nursing assesments • Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, personsal hygiene, grooming, getting to and from activities, and dining • Medication set-up, reminders and assistance • Three restaurant style meals served daily plus snacks • A range of interesting and varied programs and events • Assistance with transportation needs • 24 hour staffing by certified nurses assistants • On-site beauty/barber servies

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Friday, August 12, 2016 | LOOKING FORWARD | 5

How to eat after 50 Dietary recommendations change for people age 50 and older.

As people age, their dietary needs begin to change. Foods that were once staples of your diet as a youth may be restricted once you hit a certain age, while other foods you may have always avoided may now be necessary to fuel and support a healthy body.

Eating healthy foods and exercising may not be enough to sustain health, as hormonal changes and other health effects as a person reaches age 50 can have a profound impact on his or her nutritional requirements. The following are a few things men and women over 50 may want to consider as they look to eat a healthy diet for years to come.

Vitamin D Both men and women age 50 and up have a reduced ability to produce vitamin D through exposure to the sun. Extra vitamin D will be needed from foods and supplements. Everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 µg), according to Canada’s Food Guide. Without adequate vitamin D, bone strength and health can deteriorate because vitamin D promotes calcium absorption. Vitamin D also has other roles, including helping neuromuscular and immune function and reducing inflammation.

Friendly fats People over age 50 should increase their intake of unsaturated fats and reduce consumption of saturated fats. Nutrientrich unsaturated fats can guard against heart conditions, protect against stroke, keep skin supple, and even help men and women maintain good neurological health.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in nuts, olives, seeds, and fatty fishes.

Increase protein According to Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as they age, men and women need more protein in their diets to maintain their muscle mass. The amount of protein needed at a younger age no longer may be adequate. Look for lean sources of protein from fish and poultry. Beans are also a low-fat source of protein that can help fulfill daily protein requirements.

More fiber Eating more fiber can help with digestive and intestinal problems, such as constipation. Constipation can occur when fiber intake is not enough, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle. The best way to get fiber is through diet. Leave the skins

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on fruit and vegetables and choose whole fruits over juices. Whole-grain breads and cereals also are good sources of fiber. Dry beans and lentils can add a fiber boost.

Always increase fiber slowly to determine your tolerance.

Fewer calories The National Institute on Aging says women over the age of 50 need between 1,600 and 2,000 calories, depending on how physically active they are. Men need between 2,000 and 2,400 calories per day.

With each passing year there is a decrease in the energy required to maintain body weight, so caloric intake should be adjusted accordingly.

More water

As a person ages, his or her body may not signal it is thirsty as well as it once did, so it’s possible that you may not recognize when you are thirsty or dehydrated. The Mayo Clinic recommends around nine to 10 cups of beverages per day to remain hydrated.

Eating healthy and changing one’s diet is important as a person ages, as dietary needs at age 50 may be quite different from what they were at age 30.

5 questions you should ask your pharmacist

(BPT) - A visit to the pharmacy can be about more than just picking up prescriptions or supplies for the medicine cabinet. It can actually be an important, and convenient, time to ask your pharmacist key questions that could impact your health.

Dr. Andria Fetterman, a faculty member in South University Savannah's School of Pharmacy, encourages people to use their pharmacist as a resource for information about everything from prescription medication to lifestyle changes.

Fetterman says there are five key questions you should frequently ask your pharmacist.

What can I expect from this medication?

Fetterman says whether you're picking up an overthe-counter remedy or a prescription, you should feel free to ask your pharmacist what to expect from the medication.

"Many medications have potential side effects that you should be aware of before you take them," advises Fetterman. "It may be something as mild as a little stomach discomfort or drowsiness, but knowing what to expect will help you handle any potential side effects. Also, knowing what to expect could keep you from blaming any new, unrelated symptoms on your medication."

You should also ask how long it will take for your medication to make you feel better. Fetterman says most antibiotics should have you feeling better in three to five days, but an anti-depressant may need to be in your system for three weeks

before you begin to feel its effects. If a prescription medicine doesn't seem to be working in the proper time frame, you should let your doctor know. Remember that sudden discontinuation of some medications, without proper professional advice, can be costly to your health.

How long should I take an over the counter medication before I call my doctor?

Over-the-counter medicines can provide relief for a number of ailments, but sometimes you need to see a doctor either for a prescription or a correct diagnosis of your symptoms. Fetterman says your pharmacist can help guide you when you're not sure if it is time to see a doctor.

"A pharmacist can give you advice on how quickly you should see symptom relief with an over-thecounter medication," says Fetterman. "Many times, people will treat themselves too long with over-the-counter medicine or will switch from one product to another looking for relief, and many times don't go to a physician when they need to."

How do I manage my condition?

"When someone leaves the doctor's office after a diagnosis, they may be scared or shell-shocked," Fetterman explains. "There may be questions about medication or daily management that they didn't think to ask. That's where a pharmacist can help."

Fetterman uses Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure as examples. "A pharmacist can counsel you about weight loss, healthy eating and ways

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to promote cardiovascular activity. With proper disease management, some patients can actually reduce or eliminate their need for prescription medication altogether."

Do these medicines mix?

Fetterman says it is important to ask a pharmacist about whether any new medication will mix well with other things you are already taking.

"Dietary supplements, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can interact or interfere with prescription medications. When you are having a prescription filled, your pharmacist should ask you about all other medications that you're taking. If you're on prescription medication, check with the pharmacist before beginning any new over-the-counter supplements or medication to make sure it is safe."

What should I do about my persistent, minor symptoms?

Fetterman says you should never hesitate to ask a pharmacist about a persistent, minor symptom that might be bothering you.

"If you're having a non-specific or persistent symptom that you think is minor, you should still ask your pharmacist about it," says Fetterman. "A pharmacist can recommend an over-the-counter medicine that may relieve symptoms, but can also advise you to see a doctor about your symptom rather than ignoring it.

"A pharmacist can be a great source of health information. All you have to do is ask."

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