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Get your dream retirement home Steps to help feel young and healthy Rising burden of Alzheimer’s Ways to keep health care cost low The importance of proper nutrition

Earl Johnson

Local awarded for his service to aviation in the community

Senior Lifestyles

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 2

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from the President Ilene Brass

My husband, Veryl, and I at 76 years of age researched a location to retire that believed in giving back. Knowing that Park Centre is a continuing care retirement community and we will never be asked to leave, regardless of our finances gave our family peace of mind. And, the sense of community and maintenance free lifestyle was just what we were looking for. When Veryl passed away, I knew we had made the right decision. This caring community lifted me up and provided the support I needed.

We, at Park Centre, are typical of all who live in Newton. We are teachers, business people, factory workers, farmers, raise flowers and gardens,

is President of the Park Centre Resident’s Association

woodworker artisans, artists, students, etc. We give back in numerous ways in Newton including through civic groups such as The Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and our different churches.

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 3

Small nest egg, big dreams? Tips for buying your retirement home Brandpoint Planning for retirement means making a lot of decisions, including when you’ll stop working, how much you’ll withdraw from your savings each year, and where you’ll live.

Many Americans view retirement as an opportunity to move into a house they’ll love and live in for all their golden years. In fact, 64 percent of retirees either have moved or plan to move, according to a Merrill Lynch survey.

Some retirees move to be closer to children or grandchildren, to down-size into a more manageable home, live in a warmer locale, or to secure a more luxurious home where they can easily age in place.

“The decision of where to live in retirement is important and can directly affect quality of life in your golden years,” said Geoff Lewis, President of RE/ MAX, LLC. “Research

by Trulia shows that in virtually all areas of the country, it makes better financial sense for retirees to buy a home, rather than rent. In fact, buying is nearly 42 percent cheaper than renting for seniors across the country.”

With offices in more

Don’t delay If possible, don’t wait until poor health or declining finances force you to move somewhere that’s not your ideal location. Move while you’re still young enough to enjoy your dream retirement home.

Get professional financial advice It’s important to protect your nest egg and keep it growing throughout retirement.

A professional financial planner can help you understand what size mortgage is right for you, so your dream home doesn’t strain your finances.

Brandpoint Photo Planning for your dreams retirement home requires years of planning and saving to afford what you want. The decision as to where to live can affect quality of life.

countries than any other real estate brand, RE/MAX agents have helped millions, including retirees, find the home of their dreams.

Lewis and the RE/MAX team offer some advice for buying your retirement home: Have a plan Ideally, you should think about where you

want to live long before retirement, but it’s never too late to think about your priorities. Do you want to be close to family or health care resources? Do you desire a home in the mountains or somewhere you’ll never see snow again?

Trulia’s research shows that some of the cities most popular for retirees are also ones

where buying a home can save you the most money over renting. Desirable, warm-weather locations in Florida and Arizona offer significant value, even in regions where average home prices are higher.

Make a list of what you want in a home location so you’ll have a starting point for your search.

Be mindful of amenities When choosing a location and a home, in addition to your personal priorities, it’s important to keep in mind accessibility to amenities important to seniors.

Community features such as good transportation, quality of roads, safe neighborhoods, and access to health care, socialization opportunities, shopping and cultural venues are all options to consider.

Rely on real estate pros Once you know where you want to be, it’s time to find a real estate agent.

Well-versed on local real estate trends, RE/MAX agents can help retirees sell their current home so they can make the purchase of their dream retirement home a reality. Visit www.remax. com to search for an agent.

Focus on must-haves Make a list of musthave features and those you would like your retirement home to have.

Share the list with your agent to help him or her focus on properties that meet your criteria. Your list of must-haves and desirables will likely be very different from the list you made when you bought your first home.

Now, a single-level house with large bathrooms and a level lot may be more desirable than a two-story with lots of bedrooms and a big backyard.

Finally, says Lewis, keep in mind whether you plan to age in place.

“More Americans are looking for homes that will allow them to stay independent and living on their own throughout their retirement years,” he said. “If that’s your plan, look for home features that will help facilitate that, like wider doors, few or no exterior stairs, and good lighting.”

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 4

You CAN Affo rd McCa n n!

McCann Village Apartments are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Housing assistance is available. Those who qualify do not pay more than 30% of their annual adjusted income for rent and utilities (except for telephone, cable services and internet). You may apply if you are 62 years of age or above, mobility impaired and age 18 or older, and within HUD established income limits.

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 5

3 steps to reach 100 feeling youthful and healthy Brandpoint What will your life be like when you turn 100? A century ago the question seemed almost flippant, a needless consideration for most people, but today it’s very real.

The percentage of people living to 100 has grown almost 66 percent in the last 30 years, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The MDVIP Health and Longevity Survey reveals that more than half of Baby Boomers and Generation Xers want to live past the age of 90. More than a quarter want to live beyond 100. The majority from both generations also believe advances in science and technology are going to keep more people alive past the age of 100.

However, these findings come at a time when the life expectancy of Americans has declined for the first

time in two decades and one in two adults is living with at least one chronic disease.

“To reach their longevity goals, Americans can no longer afford to put their health on the back burner,” says Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP. “Most people don’t wait until they’re 60 to start saving for retirement.

The same should go for their health, where making small investments today can pay big dividends many years down the road.”

Many chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, are preventable through simple lifestyle changes. Still, nearly two out of three Boomers and Gen Xers admit they could be doing a better job of exercising regularly, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight.

The key to greater longevity is prioritizing your health now — when you’re well — to prevent problems later on. Whether

you’re age 38 or 68, arm yourself with the right knowledge and tools to set realistic health goals and help you stay on track to achieving them.

You can start today by asking three questions:

W

hat’s your number?

When’s the last time you had your blood pressure or cholesterol levels checked? Maintain a current record of your vitals and lab results along with your family history. Make sure you discuss these details with your doctor, who can help identify your risk for certain conditions and suggest lifestyle changes based on the results.

For example, if you know you have pre-diabetes or are at a moderate risk for developing heart disease, you can work with your doctor on modifying your diet and increasing your physical activity. These d a t a points serve as an important guide i n

managing your health and can be the difference between preventing an issue and treating it.

W

hat’s up, doc?

Going to the doctor is an essential component of maintaining good health but choosing the right doctor directly affects the benefit of each visit.

Surprisingly, the survey revealed that one out of three Gen Xers avoid going to the doctor out of fear of finding something wrong.

It’s important to find a primary care doctor you trust, who makes you feel at ease and takes the time to know you and your medical history.

“Having Dr. Gassner on my side has been the best medicine,” says Rose Demitrack, a 101-year-old patient of MDVIP-affiliated physician Dr. Lawrence Gassner in Phoenix, Arizona. “He spends time with me and makes sure I’m doing the right things. Plus he always makes me laugh, which is one secret to staying young. I may be older than

most, but I still feel young on the inside.”

In the current healthcare environment, an appointment with a doctor is usually scheduled weeks in advance, and after a long wait in the waiting room, patients often feel rushed through the visit. Patients deserve better and you should shop around for a doctor whose goal is to build a relationship and keep you well.

W

hat’s the plan?

Whether your goal is to lose 10 pounds or to lower your blood pressure, you need a plan to get you there. “I tell my patients to think of it as a business plan for their health,” says Dr. Steven Wilson, an MDVIP-affiliated family practitioner in Redlands, California. “First determine your health goals and make them the focus of your attention.

Discuss your goals with your doctor who can help you formulate a health plan for the next year and beyond.”

Once you have your plan established, it’s up to you to execute it. Many people don’t stick with a plan because it’s hard to stay disciplined and easy to fall back into old habits. So don’t be afraid to consult your doctor along the way.

Your doctor is your partner in your health journey, and working together could give you a better chance at seeing exactly what your life will be like when you reach 100.

To learn more about MDVIP’s national network of more than 900 primary care physicians who deliver personalized care with an emphasis on prevention and a close doctor-patient relationship, visit MDVIP.com.

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 6

Hometown ‘hero’ shares aviation legacy

By Kayla Langmaid Newton Daily News

A hometown hero continues to be recognized and thanked 60 years later for turning a passion into a legacy, which is known as the Newton Municipal Airport — Earl Johnson Field.

Earl Johnson, 91, of Newton, received a trophy this month, just one of many of his recognition’s, during a visit Park Centre residents took to the airfield.

President of Johnson Aviation Ethan Nasalroad said Park Centre reached out to

him about hosting a tour of the airport, as well as awarding Johnson for his service to aviation in the community over the years.

“We gave a tour on how everything relates to Earl and how he was so influential,” Nasalroad said. “We talked about the airport that Earl started in 1949, and in 1955 it was him and Fred Maytag that flew around the county to find a spot for the current airport, which was moved to its current spot and its been Johnson Aviation ever since.”

Johnson said he moved from Monmouth, Ill. after

YOUR

serving in the U.S. Navy for three years, however, Johnson built model airplanes as a child and had always been fascinated by them.

Johnson said that’s when he came up with the idea to revive a once defunct airport in Newton.

“I bought the airport for $6,000,” Johnson said. “I used my GI Bill as much as I could.”

Johnson’s friend Evelyn Kuhns said, “I think 99.4 percent of every male in Jasper County took flying lessons from Mr. Johnson,” Kuhns said.

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File Photo Earl Johnson, creator of Newton Municipal Airport — Earl Johnson Field, worked as an aircraft dealer, charter pilot, corporate pilot, airport manager, flight instructor and pilot examiner.

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 7

Johnson Continued from Page 6 Kuhns said it wasn’t uncommon then for three to four people to go in together on buying an airplane and then take flying lessons.

Johnson worked as an aircraft dealer, charter pilot, corporate pilot, airport manager, flight instructor and pilot examiner in the new and growing industry, he set an extremely high standard for safety and quality.

During his career in the airport fixed based operator business, he drove change and growth in general aviation. He was charged early on with growing and developing high standards for aviation in central Iowa, Nasalroad said.

He was instrumental in keeping the airport

Submitted Photo Pictured from left, previous owner of Johnson Aviation Bill Smothers, Johnson Aviation creator Earl Johnson and Johnson Aviation President Nathan Nasalroad.

up-to-date with current technology and new safety standards as the field became more complex.

Johnson has been recognized in the Iowa Aviation Museum in Greenfield as a first

generation fixed based operator and at the Spaulding Center for Transportation, Iowa Transportation Museum as a “hero of industry and technology.”

“Earl’s impact on aviation is this not only did Kayla Langmaid/Daily News Earl Johnson, 91, is the creator of Newton Municipal Airport - Earl Johnson Field. Johnson received an award this month when Park Centre residents visited the airfield.

File Photo Hometown hero Earl Johnson was honored by Park Centre residents this month. Johnson, 91, has played an integral part in Iowa’s aviation history and the Newton Municipal Airport airfield is named in his honor.

he teach a lot of people how to fly, if you look at any corporate aviation in Des Moines or Central Iowa and around the state, they have learned to fly from Earl Johnson Aviation or bought a plan from Earl Johnson Aviation,” Nasalroad said. “His legacy is really that there is literally hundreds of pilots or flight departments that started because of Earl or people who got their career’s started with their pilot’s

license.”

Likewise, Johnson’s family members look at Earl as a hero.

“He is someone to look up to and respect,” Ron Hotger said of his step-father. “It’s an honor to be his family.”

Hotger’s wife, Judi, said over the years Johnson had helped the couple on their farm and has been there to support them and help with whatever they needed.

Ron Hotger said Johnson didn’t cut any

corners when it came to his work.

“He just insisted things be done a certain way — the right way,” Hotger said.

Today Johnson still considers aviation a beloved hobby. He returns to the airfield every Tuesday afternoon with three other men and they participate in “hanger talk.”

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 8

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To receive your copy of the book, please come to the Newton Daily News office during regular business hours. Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 9

Tips to reduce Rising burden of Alzheimer’s disease on health costs, caregiver health and 65+ population your health care expenses Brandpoint Health care costs are in the news all the time. You hear about them at work and when you’re with friends and family. The comments are always the same. Health care is getting more and more expensive and it seems to be outpacing the money you make.

Fortunately you’re not helpless when it comes to controlling your health care costs.

While some treatments simply have to be done in order to support your health, there are other things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones while looking out for your pocketbook at the same time.

Employ these five tips today and you’ll enjoy the care you need without breaking your budget.

• Focus on your health first. When it comes to controlling your health care expenses, you actually have more control than you think - a lot more. The decisions you make every day — what to eat, whether or not to smoke, how much to exercise — all play a dramatic role in your overall health. So take charge, dine on fruits and vegetables, take a run and kick that nicotine habit for good. Each of these little decisions will benefit your health and your budget.

• Be decisive with your deductible. Your insurance deductible is a fixed cost and one you’ll pay every single year before receiving network coverage support. But once it’s paid, you’ll enjoy the full coverage of your plan.

Thus, if you have another treatment or procedure coming up, don’t put it off any longer than you have to. Undergoing additional procedures in the same year means you get more coverage while paying only one deductible.

Many health plans also cover preventive services in full, without going against a deductible.

• Be smart about where you go for care.

While health care facilities across the country are all capable of delivering compassionate, quality care, they are not all priced the same. According to a Blue Cross Blue Shield, COSTS | 10

Brandpoint Kristen Beatty’s 78-yearold father, Ray, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about 10 years ago. Since then, he has developed a sense of paranoia, insomnia and the delusion that people are stealing from him. Though Beatty and her brother constantly reassure their father to allay his fears, the daily struggle can take its toll. Beatty’s mother, Sue, had previously cared for Ray for about five years. In 2012, Sue died unexpectedly of a heart attack, or as Beatty puts it, she died of a broken heart.

“She was exhausted from the constant care and the pressure that came with it,” Beatty said. “She was eating super healthy, walking every day and taking very good care of herself, so I truly believe it was the stress. My brother and I feel guilty because we could have supported her better, but she wouldn’t ask for

help. She wouldn’t consider moving him to a facility or going to support groups.”

The stress and the pressure Beatty’s mother faced is not unlike the experiences of millions of other Alzheimer’s caregivers around the nation, who primarily care for people with the disease because of their desire to keep their family member at home, their proximity to the person with dementia or their perceived obligation - all pressures that can lead to harsh consequences for caregivers.

For example, more than one in three caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias report their health has gotten worse due to care responsibilities, compared with one out of five caregivers for older people without dementia. And depression and anxiety are more common among dementia caregivers than among people providing care for

individuals with certain other conditions.

These findings are part of the Alzheimer’s Association “2017 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report,” released recently. The report analyzes new research about cost, prevalence, incidence, caregiving, and mortality and morbidity. The report found a dramatic surge in deaths from Alzheimer’s - the only cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

Meanwhile, deaths from other major causes are decreasing. Between 2000 and 2014, deaths from heart disease decreased 14 percent, but deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 89 percent.

Another finding was the growing cost burden of Alzheimer’s. For the first time ever, it now costs over a quarter of a trillion dollars ($259 billion) annually to care for individuals living

with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States - $56 billion of which is coming right from individuals’ pockets. According to the report, out-of-pocket costs for people affected

by Alzheimer’s are startlingly high, despite support from Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, annual per-person payments for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are almost five times higher ($10,315) than those for seniors without these conditions ($2,232).

According to Beth Kallmyer, vice president of constituent services for the Alzheimer’s Association, providing ongoing support for the estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s will need to remain a national policy priority moving forward, as the population at risk for Alzheimer’s is projected to nearly double from 48 million to 88 million by 2050.

“As the number of people with Alzheimer’s continues to grow, so does the impact and cost of providing care to our health system and the millions of unpaid caregivers,” Kallmyer said. “While we’ve seen increases in federal research funding and access to critical care planning and support services, there’s still an urgent need to expand options and support for family-centered and community care and to fund more research that can bring us closer to effective treatment options and, ultimately, a cure.”

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 10

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Costs Continued from Page 9 The Health of America Report, 29.8 percent of emergency room visits were for conditions that could have been treated in retail clinics. The same research also found consumers saved money on outof-pocket costs by visiting retail clinics for routine services when compared to doctor’s offices, and the visits were much more inexpensive than receiving the same treatment in the emergency room, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

• Ask questions.

Your provider may know best, but it’s all about your health.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, not only about the procedure itself, but about the price of the procedure

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and if there is anything you can do to reduce the expense.

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at the same time.

• Embrace an HSA. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a cost-effective way for people who don’t use a lot of health care services, to

access care and pay for services up until they reach their deductible. Plus the money you save in your HSA can be used to pay for co-insurance payments or co-pays at your doctor’s office, and it’s also an eligible tax write off, opening the door to further savings. There are ways you can manage your health care spending. Follow the tips above and be an active participant in your role as a health care consumer and you’ll be surprised at how much you save. To learn more about the The Health of America Report, visit www.bcbs.com/ healthofamerica.

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 11

New rotator cuff procedure helps tendons heal Brandpoint The rotator cuff is one of the most important parts of the shoulder, as it consists of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place and allow the body to lift the arm and reach for items. Unfortunately, rotator cuff injuries are the most common source of shoulder pain and disability, affecting more than 4 million Americans annually, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A rotator cuff injury can greatly reduce quality of life, as it makes daily activities painful and difficult to do.

Those who suffer from rotator cuff disease often avoid surgery to repair the tear because they hear about painful, lengthy postoperative rehabilitation and time away from work. In addition, traditional proce-

dures have focused only on biomechanical repair of the tendon without addressing the underlying biology, which can result in tears progressing and re-tears in the rotator cuff tendon after an initial repair.

A new technology is now available that helps tendons heal by stimulating the growth of new tendon tissue. The Rotation Medical Bioinductive Implant, which is about the size of a postage stamp, is inserted through a small incision during a short, minimally invasive procedure.

Surgical staples hold the implant in place until fibers and tendons of the rotator cuff grow into the implant. The first-of-itskind implant can provide a range of potential benefits, including shorter rehabilitation, faster recovery, prevention or slowing of disease progression, healing of par-

tial-thickness tears, and decreased risk of developing a subsequent tear.

For people like Starr Boykin, a company executive of Mobile, Alabama, the implant can be life changing. Boykin, who is also involved in competitive fishing tournaments, was recovering from rotator cuff surgery in her right shoulder when, in physical therapy, her left shoulder began to hurt from what turned out to be another rotator cuff tear. Despite multiple surgeries on her left shoulder, pain persisted for over a year.

“My doctor told me there was nothing else they could do, that I needed reverse shoulder replacement,” Boykin says. “Being a professional fisherwoman and having already undergone serious shoulder surgeries, this really upset me.

I got a second and then a third opinion, and the

two other doctors told me the exact same thing.”

After hearing about a physician in Florida who was using the Rotation Medical Bioinductive Implant, Boykin met with Dr. Christopher O’Grady at the Andrews Institute, who evaluated her case and told her shoulder replacement surgery was not her only option.

“Starr was a great candidate for the Bioinductive Implant because her injury wasn’t a technical problem, it was a biology problem,” Dr. O’Grady says. “The implant didn’t just temporarily repair her rotator cuff, it completely healed the injury and gave her the ability to achieve functional range of motion more quickly than a traditional, more invasive surgical treatment.”

Despite several previous failed rotator cuff surgeries, Boykin is mak-

Brandpoint Photo Fisherwoman Starr Boykin is back to fishing in tournaments after rotator cuff surgery with the Rotation Medical Bioinductive Implant.

ing a full recovery and is back to competitive fishing.

“After the surgery I felt an immediate difference,” Boykin says. “After six months, I was back to fishing in tournaments and paddling in my kayak. I’m so grateful for the Rotation Medical technology, which gave me

full use of my arm and shoulder and has given me my life back.”

For more information about the Rotation Medical Bioinductive Implant or to find a surgeon near you, www.rotationmedical.com. For important safety information, visit http://rotationmedical. com/our-solution/risks/.

Proper nutrition is key to senior health Brandpoint Americans are now living longer than ever before. In fact, one of the fastest growing segments is people over the age of 85 who will represent 20 percent of the population by the year 2040. Because we are living longer, certain conditions specific to seniors are also on a steady rise.

Dehydration, falls, fractures, cognition loss and attention deficits are now becoming more commonplace.

In a recent paper titled “Salt Appetite Across Generations”

presented at a medical conference in Switzerland, Israeli researchers from the University of Haifa indicated that among seniors, a reduced sense of thirst could increase the increased risk of serious dehydration. They also noted that the appetite for salt does not diminish with age, and suggested that this could be used to help sustain hydration and prevent the dangerous symptoms that result from dehydration.

Another study published in the American Journal of Hypertension identified significant

risks to cardiovascular health and longevity from consuming any less than 1, or more than 3 teaspoons of salt per day. Fortunately, most Americans, including seniors, when left to their own choice consume right in the middle of this range.

Seniors in assisted living centers can be especially susceptible to the dangers of low salt diets.

In 2013 a task force of 12 professional medical, nursing, and nutritional organizations assembled by the Pioneer Network published the “New Dining Practice Standards.” Their report

concluded that low salt diets were contributing to malnutrition and weight loss among a significant percentage of seniors in assisted living facilities.

Low salt diets can also cause seniors to suffer from mild hyponatremia, an electrolyte imbalance in the blood which may not sound bad but can lead directly to walking impairment, attention deficits and a much higher frequency of falls. Several recent medical papers found a direct relationship between hyponatremia and unsteadiness, falls, bone fractures and attention deficits.

Falls are one of the most serious problems for the elderly and about a third of people over 65 fall at least once every year.

Fall-related injuries in the elderly are associated with numerous psychological and physical consequences and are a leading cause of bone breakage and hip fractures, which can lead to complications and permanent disability or death. Some seniors do need a low salt diets but many do not, and it should not be assumed that they all do or benefit from when in fact the opposite may be the case.

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2017 –Page 12

All the Comforts of Home (Because it is!)

We currently have openings for Independent Living • No buy-in • One delicious meal from our amazing kitchen per day • Light housekeeping • All utilities (except telephone) Enjoy the security of home with the comfort of family and friends Call today for a tour and to hear about our Spring Specials!

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