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Senior Living PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER 50

THE TIMES Saturday, February 26, 2022

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

Qualities to look for in a post-retirement job

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Saturday, February 26, 2022

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The notion of relaxing on a beach all day in one’s golden years is still a retirement dream for millions of adults across the globe. But many individuals also harbor a desire to keep working after retiring. Whether it’s a volunteering gig or a part-time job retirees are looking for, certain qualities can make an opportunity uniquely suited to a post-retirement job.

also is more likely to provide the types of benefits seniors are looking for in post-retirement work. For example, researchers at Boston College’s Sloan Center on Aging and Work found that seniors who find a job or volunteering opportunity truly engaging are more likely to benefit psychologically from those experiences than those whose post-retirement work is not engaging. If seniors find themselves simply going through the motions with their post-retirement work, they can look for opportunities that they can be more enthusiastic about.

• Flexibility: Retirees may be looking to contribute to their communities or simply earn a little spending money, but they will likely still want the freedom to travel or spend time with their families whenever they choose. So flexibility is something to look for in a postretirement job. This is what makes consultant work so attractive to retirees. In-person hours may not be required of consultants, who can then offer their input while visiting their grandchildren or traveling the world.

• Socialization: Though the ability to work from home can make it easier for retirees to earn some extra money, some seniors aren’t concerned about their finances but want to work so they can get out of the house. In that case, look for a job that offers the opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Socializing as an older adult is a great way to fend off loneliness.

In addition, one study published in 2007 in the journal of the American Public Health Association found that social support networks have a positive effect on cognition among older

• Pressure-free: Regardless of what retirees did for a living prior to calling it a career, chances are they dealt with work-related stress.

In fact, the American Stress Institute reports that 83 percent of workers in the United States suffer from work-related stress, while Statistics Canada reports that 62 percent of Canadian workers say work is their main source of stress. After a lifetime of confronting work-related stress, individuals who want to work in retirement should look for pressure-free opportunities. This is an important quality, as the ASI indicates that stress has been linked to increased rates of heart attack, hypertension and other disorders. adults. So a post-retirement job that enables retirees to socialize could delay or reduce the severity of age-related cognitive decline.

• Engagement: A job seniors find engaging

™

The right post-retirement job may differ from what individuals looked for during their careers.

Various qualities can combine to make for a postretirement gig that benefits seniors in myriad ways.

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health for people with diabetes and heart disease.

Seniors can reap these benefits by going for a dip in their own backyard pools or a local body of water, such as a lake or ocean. Many swim clubs also offer discounted memberships to seniors, making these another great and affordable way to reap the benefits of swimming.

• Fishing: Of course not all outdoor activities need to make seniors huff and puff. Fishing provides a great reason to get outdoors, and many individuals devoted to fishing report feeling less stressed after a day spent casting for their favorite fish. Individuals who consume what they catch also can benefit by improving their diets, as the American Heart Association notes that consuming certain types of fish has been linked to a lower risk for heart disease and obesity.

a trail for seniors whether they’re seasoned or novice hikers.

• Hiking: Hiking provides a great workout and an ideal opportunity to spend time in an idyllic setting. The U.S. National Park Service notes that hiking helps individuals build stronger muscles and bones, improves their sense of balance, has a positive effect on heart health, and can decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems. Hiking is an especially attractive outdoor activity for seniors, as many parks feature trails with varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring there’s

• Water aerobics: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water-based exercises can be especially helpful individuals with chronic diseases, a category many seniors fall into. The CDC notes that one study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology found that improves the use of joints affected by arthritis without worsening symptoms. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also notes that swimming can lead to improved

Does pain keep you from enjoying activities you love?

• Volunteering: Local environmental groups often sponsor cleanups at parks and waterfront attractions like beaches and lakes. Volunteering with such organizations is a great way to get outside and give back, and working with likeminded individuals can be a great way for seniors to meet new people. In addition, a national study sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2019 found that 88 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who initially reported a lack of companionship reported a decrease in feelings of isolation after volunteering.

The opportunities for seniors to enjoy the great outdoors are endless. Taking advantage of such chances can benefit seniors in myriad ways.

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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Saturday, February 26, 2022

The great outdoors beckons people of all ages.

Fresh air can be hard to resist and the benefits of spending time outdoors are so numerous that it behooves anyone, including seniors, to answer the call of nature.

According to researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, human beings benefit both physically and psychologically from spending time in nature.

Such experiences can reduce stress and help lower heart rates, potentially decreasing individuals’ risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Forest Service notes that spending time outside in green spaces has been linked to a lower risk of depression.

Seniors who are retired or even aging empty nesters who are still in the workforce can make great use of their free time by venturing into the great outdoors. The following are a handful of senior-friendly outdoor activities that provide a great reason to get off the couch and take in all that Mother Nature has to offer.

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Outdoor activities that are perfect for seniors

What seniors should know about social media safety Seniors might not be the demographic individuals initially associate with social media.

However, Pew Research notes that seniors’ social media usage has been steadily rising for a number of years, proving that individuals 65 and over are not tech-averse.

Pew data from 2019 indicates that 46 percent of individuals 65 and older use Facebook. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be a great way to stay connected with family and friends and stay up-to-date on community events. But social media usage is not without risks, especially in regard to users’ safety. Seniors without much social media experience can heed these safety tips as they navigate popular platforms and discover all they have to offer.

• Examine your account settings. Social media users can control their privacy settings so they can decide who can (and can’t) view their online activity. Each platform is different, but profiles set to public generally allow anyone to view individuals’ activity, so seniors should set their profiles to private to limit access to their information.

• Be mindful of your social media social circle. It’s easy to make virtual friends via social media, but seniors should be mindful of who they accept as online friends. Carefully consider each friend request and decide just how big or small you want your social media community to be. Many individuals prefer to limit their

online social circles to individuals they know well and want to stay in touch with, and that can serve as a good measuring stick when deciding whether or not to accept a friend request.

• Avoid sharing personal information.

Seniors are no doubt aware that they should never share especially personal information, such as their Social Security number. However, seniors also should hesitate to share personal information like vacation plans. Seniors who post about upcoming trips could return home to find they’ve been victimized by criminals who scoured their social media accounts and learned when they were going to be away. A good rule of thumb is to keep personal information private and limit posts to information that is not overly specific or sensitive.

• Recognize the threat posed by scammers.

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Social media platforms have had varying degrees of success in regard to keeping their sites scamfree. But scammers find a way, and users must take steps to avoid being victimized. Never click on a link within a post from someone you don’t know and avoid anyone soliciting donations through social media platforms.

Seniors are engaging with social media more than ever. Such engagement requires seniors to be mindful of the many ways to protect their privacy when spending time online.

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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Saturday, February 26, 2022

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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Saturday, February 26, 2022

MORRIS HOSPITAL - Advanced, with most patients only needing complex ear surgeries that are acetaminophen for pain control typically performed in university following surgery.” medical center settings are now Dr. Bartindale is also able to being done at Morris Hospital. perform cochlear implant surgery Fellowship trained at Morris Hospital on appropriate otolaryngologist Matthew patients. A cochlear implant is Bartindale, M.D., performs a small device that is surgically the majority of ear surgeries implanted in the inner ear to help completely through the ear canal improve hearing for patients whose with the goal of avoiding an hearing loss is severe enough that external incision when possible. He traditional hearing aids no longer joined the Morris Hospital Medical help. It is a one-hour outpatient Staff in 2020. surgery requiring a one inch “The ear is amazingly complex incision behind the ear. and contains some of the smallest “With a cochlear implant, we structures in the human body,” can actually restore hearing for explains Dr. Bartindale. “I do the someone who is deaf,” says Dr. grand majority of my operations Bartindale. through a 7mm (1/4 inch) Dr. Bartindale also performs speculum, without making any surgeries at Morris Hospital external incisions.” that correct Eustachian tube There are a few reasons Dr. dysfunction, canalplasties to widen Bartindale is able to perform the ear canal, and ossiculoplasties complex ear surgeries this way. One to reconstruct damaged hearing is because of his advanced training. bones.

A graduate of Loyola University Generally, symptoms of ear Stritch School of Medicine, he problems include chronic ear completed an otolaryngology drainage, ear fullness, pressure, residency at Loyola and then pain, ringing in the ear, and hearing went on for additional fellowship loss. When left untreated, ear training in advanced otology and problems can lead to more serious lateral skull base surgery at Puget problems, including deafness and Morris Hospital Otolaryngologist, Matthew Bartindale, M.D. Sound ENT in Seattle, Washington. increased risk of dementia.

The other reason is the “We always try conservative sometimes result when patients have chronic availability of specialized methods of treatment first, but instrumentation and equipment, including an ear ear infections or poor eustachian tube function. sometimes surgery is needed to correct ear The surgery to remove cholesteatomas is called endoscope and a specialized otology microscope. problems,” says Dr. Bartindale. tympanomastoidectomy.

The endoscope is essentially a narrow rod with Along with his special interest in ear disease, “While tympanomastoidectomies for a lens at the tip that allows Dr. Bartindale to see Dr. Bartindale has clinical expertise in pediatric cholesteatomas have been performed for years, around corners in the ear, while the microscope ENT, thyroid disease, nose and sinus disease, being able to resect many of them without provides a 3 dimensional, magnified view inside snoring and sleep disorders. An independent having to remove the back of the ear canal or the ear. physician on the Morris Hospital Medical Staff, make an external incision is really what’s most One type of ear surgery Dr. Bartindale Dr. Bartindale is with ENT Surgical Consultants significant for patients at Morris Hospital,” performs at Morris Hospital using these and sees patients at offices in Morris and Joliet. explains Dr. Bartindale. “The advantage is that instruments is removal of a cholesteatoma, He can be found on the Morris Hospital website it makes recovery from surgery much easier, or skin cyst inside the ear. Cholesteatomas by going to morrishospital.org/doctors.

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Advanced Surgical Techniques at Morris Hospital Resolve Many Ear Problems

Why it pays for seniors to maintain good credit

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Saturday, February 26, 2022

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The benefits of maintaining good credit include looking more reliable in the eyes of prospective employers and securing lower mortgage interest rates when buying a home. Those rewards can benefit anyone, but they’re especially enticing to young people.

But what about seniors? Do individuals stand to benefit significantly from maintaining good credit into their golden years?

According to the credit reporting agency Experian, senior citizens tend to have the best credit scores of any consumer demographic. That could be a byproduct of years of financial discipline, and there are many benefits to maintaining that discipline into retirement.

• Home buying and borrowing: Buying a home is often considered a big financial step forward for young people, but that doesn’t mean aging men and women are completely out of the real estate market. In its 2020 “State of the Nation’s Housing” report, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University reported that the share of homeowners age 65 and over with housing debt doubled to 42 percent between 1989 and 2019. In addition, 27 percent of homeowners age 80 and over were carrying mortgage debt in 2019. Maintaining strong credit after retirement can help homeowners who still have mortgage

debt get better terms if they choose to refinance their mortgages. Even seniors who have paid off their mortgages can benefit from maintaining good credit if they decide to downsize to a smaller home but cannot afford to simply buy the new home outright.

• Rewards: Retirement is often associated with travel, recreation and leisure. Such pursuits can be more affordable when seniors utilize rewards-

based credit cards that help them finance vacations, weekend getaways and other expenses associated with traveling. Seniors who maintain strong credit ratings into their golden years may have more access to the best travel-based rewards cards than those whose credit scores dip in retirement.

• Unforeseen expenses: No one knows what’s around the corner, but savvy seniors recognize the importance of planning for the unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic seemingly came out of nowhere, and among its many ripple effects was the sudden job loss experienced by seniors. The JCHS report found that 21 percent of homeowners age 65 and over had reported loss of employment income related to the pandemic.

Unforeseen medical expenses also can compromise seniors’ financial freedom. Maintaining a strong credit rating into older adulthood can help seniors navigate such financial uncertainty more smoothly. Such a strategy can help seniors secure low-interest loans or credit cards that can help them pay down sudden, unforeseen expenses without getting into significant debt.

The importance of a strong credit rating is often emphasized to young people. However, a strong credit rating can be equally beneficial for seniors.

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Travel perks and discounts for seniors

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Airline tickets Before booking a flight, it is worth investigating if a particular airline carrier offers senior discounts. The global pandemic has changed how some airlines do business, and many have faced significant adversity since early 2020. Airlines trains through providers like New York City’s may offer more affordable flights to drum Metropolitan Transportation Authority. up business. In the past, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airlines, and United Accommodations Airlines have offered various discounts for people Getting there is one thing, but seniors also ages 65 and older. can receive discounts on hotel stays or cruise cabins. AARP reports that many major hotel Ground travel and motel chains offer senior discounts between Flying isn’t the only mode of travel available.

5 and 15 percent. Royal Caribbean has offered AARP partners with various car rental senior discounts on select sailings and stateroom companies to offer senior discounts. Seniors categories. Smarter Travel notes that most chains also may be entitled to discounts of 5 percent or require travelers to book directly rather than more on tickets from Greyhound, Amtrak, and through an online booking agency/deal site to be Trailways. Seniors who live in metropolitan areas eligible for discounts. also may get reduced fares on public buses and

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Dining out Many restaurants, and national chains in particular, offer senior discounts with or without AARP membership. Applebee’s offers 10 to 15 percent off to those age 60 or older. Brick House Tap & Tavern, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Denny’s, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse, and many others provide discounts or special senior pricing.

Tours and more Seniors also can speak with travel agents or booking services about discounts on sightseeing tours and other vacation excursions.

One of the perks of getting older is the chance to save money on travel-related services.

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The Times - Delivering Your Community • Saturday, February 26, 2022

Having made it to their golden years, seniors enjoy not only the privilege of earned wisdom, but also a few perks that come with aging.

Many adults who have reached a certain age are entitled to an array of discounts, which take into consideration seniors’ fixed retirement incomes.

Discounts are available on various services, including many travel options.

Seniors have a lot of time to devote to recreational pursuits. This list of available travel discounts can help seniors get the most bang for their vacation bucks.

The Times - Delivering Your Community • Saturday, February 26, 2022

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Morris Hospital Cardiologist Gives Advice for Getting a Good Blood Pressure Reading

MORRIS HOSPITAL - While nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure, many don’t even know it. That’s why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly -- something you can easily do at home with a simple blood pressure machine.

When checking your blood pressure at home, you will want to make sure you get a good reading and that you understand what the numbers mean. Morris Hospital Cardiologist Syed Ahmed, M.D., offers this helpful information for those checking their own blood pressure.

Q: What is blood pressure?

Dr. Ahmed: Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels.

Q: How is blood pressure generated?

Dr. Ahmed: Blood pressure is generated by the pumping of the heart and the pulsatile movement of blood vessels.

Q: What is considered a normal blood pressure?

Dr. Ahmed: A systolic blood pressure of 120129 mmHg and diastolic BP less than 80 mmHg is considered normal. A systolic BP between 130-139 mmHg and diastolic BP between 80-89 mmHg is considered stage 1 hypertension (high blood pressure), while a systolic BP above 140 mmHg and diastolic reading above 90 mmHg is considered stage 2 hypertension.

Q: Why is it important to check the systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

Dr. Ahmed: A high systolic reading (the top number) indicates that you have an increased risk of heart disease and is linked to heart attacks, heart failure, kidney disease and overall mortality. A high diastolic reading (lower

number) increases your risk of aortic disease.

The aorta carries blood and oxygen from the heart to the abdomen and chest. People with an elevated diastolic reading are more prone to developing abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Q: Is there a better time of day to check your blood pressure?

Dr. Ahmed: The best time of day to check your blood pressure is in the morning when you wake up and in the evening before you go to bed. You can take one or two readings to make sure your results are accurate. If you measure your blood pressure daily, be sure to take it at the same time every day.

Q: How can I get the most accurate reading when checking my blood pressure at home?

Dr. Ahmed: For the most accurate reading, you should avoid smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages, or exercising for 30 minutes before checking your blood pressure. You should also empty your bladder and rest at least 5 minute before checking your blood pressure. When you take the blood pressure reading, sit with your back straight and supported. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your legs should not be crossed. Make sure the bottom of the blood pressure cuff is above the bend of your elbow.

The BP cuff should not be placed over any cloth or clothing, and the arm being using to measure the BP should be raised to the level of the heart.

Q: Is there a difference between blood pressure monitors?

Dr. Ahmed: Blood pressure monitors with an inflatable cuff that goes over the biceps (upper arm) tend to be more accurate than those that go over the wrist or finger. The cuff should be the right size for your arm. A cuff that is too small or too big can give inaccurate readings.

Morris Hospital Cardiologist Syed Ahmed, M.D. Q: What can I do to lower my blood pressure?

Dr. Ahmed: In addition to talking to your doctor about medical therapy, there are things you can do to help lower your blood pressure: • Reduce salt intake. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2.4 grams of sodium (equivalent to 6 grams of salt) per day for individuals with high BP. AHA also recommends the “DASH diet” as a way to lose weight and control BP. • Reduce caffeine intake. No more than 1-2 cups of coffee a day.

• Reduce alcohol intake. 1-2 beers a day or up to 10 ounces of wine is permitted.

• Engage in physical activity. 20-60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3-5 times per week is recommended. During exercise, you want to increase your heart rate to within 60-90% of your maximum heart rate based on your age. To estimate your maximum age-related heart rate, subtract your age from 220.

Dr. Ahmed is a board certified cardiologist with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists.

Along with Dr. Dr. Mary Gordon, Dr. Athar Saeed, and Cardiology Nurse Practitioner Alyssa Dearth, the practice has office locations in Ottawa, Morris, Dwight and Channahon. For more information, go to morrishospital.org/ cvspecialists, or call 815-705-1000.