Living Senior for Summer 2022

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SUMMER 2022

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Since 1982, we’ve provided comfort and quality of life for our patients across Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Our experienced and compassionate staff ensure dignity for our patients and peace of mind for their loved ones along the end-of-life journey. We know that it is not an easy decision to make, but knowing your care options brings peace of mind.

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need more support turn to Beloit Regional Hospice.

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Retired Illinois State Police captain honored with ISP Achievement Medal

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker recently awarded retired Illinois State Police Captain Donald Norton with the Illinois State Police Achievement Medal to honor his 30 years of service to ISP. Norton, now 91, served from 1960 to 1990 in the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation and Division of Narcotic Control, and was commander of Illinois State Police District 3, now known as District Chicago.

He was previously awarded

the Medal for Honor, which is awarded to Illinois State Police personnel who perform a heroic act that “by its nature results in saving a life, preventing a serious crime, or apprehending a person who committed a serious crime.”

Pritzker said Norton remains committed to ISP, providing military guidon flags for each cadet and recruit class for several years.

Norton has also developed flags for the office of the ISP director, first deputy director and each division. Pritzker said

those flags will be encased at a 100th anniversary ceremony this Friday.

“A veteran of the Korean War and the US Department of Justice, Captain Norton has spent more than 50 years in service of his community, to his state, and to his country,” Pritzker said.

“He is among the very best of Illinois. So without further ado, it is my honor to bestow the ISP Achievement Medal on him today,” he added.

Norton thanked the governor for his efforts on behalf of ISP

and for attending ceremonies for officers killed in the line of duty.

Pritzker bestowed the medal in his Capitol office as part of a commemoration of the Illinois State Police’s 100th anniversary.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government that is distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Bustos secures support for rural veterans in appropriations markup This would be aimed at permanently easing the burdens of rural veterans with limited travel options.

• Support to improve transportation for rural veterans: This bill included language strongly encouraging the Veterans Healthcare Administration and Veterans Transportation Program to incentivize Veteran Transportation Services locations to adopt on-demand shared ride microtransit service to increase access, coverage and efficiency.

Additional Bustos priorities included were: • Support for veterans with investments in health care, including targeted investments that advance women’s health, mental health and homelessness assistance.

• Infrastructure investments to construct critical facilities on military installations, including family housing and childcare centers, and improvements to Veterans Affairs facilities.

• Facility investments responding to the challenges posed by Russian and Chinese aggression.

• Increased environmental change and resiliency funding to help military installations adapt to rising sea levels and worsening natural disasters.

Officer retires Congratulations to Captain Timothy Owens for his 35 years of dedicated and loyal service to the Winnebago County Corrections Bureau. “You will be greatly missed. We wish you well in retirement,” department officials said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY SHERIFF Living Senior

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LIVING SENIOR - SUMMER 2022

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of Committee a comprehensive military construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill that would protect our national security, rebuild vital infrastructure and uphold our commitments to servicemembers, veterans and their families.

“After putting their lives on the line for our nation, no servicemember should struggle to access VA benefits because they live in a rural community,” said Congresswoman Bustos.

“Today, we advanced a VA funding bill that will continue to advance telehealth services and expand transportation options for rural veterans. It’s our job to make sure that each and every one of our heroes can get the benefits they’ve earned and deserve.”

Congresswoman Bustos secured the following priorities to support Veterans: • Support for VA telehealth service: Support for the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate current telehealth services, in order to improve and inform a sustainable Telehealth Service model for the future.

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Beloit Regional Hospice named a 2022 Hospice Honors recipient Beloit Regional Hospice has been named a 2022 Hospice Honors recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst, a leading provider of billing and coding services, CAHPS surveys and advanced analytics. Hospice Honors is a prestigious program that recognizes hospices providing the highest level of quality as measured from the caregiver’s point of view.

“Hospice Honors recipients are industry leaders in providing quality care and constantly seeking ways to improve,” HEALTHCAREfirst Vice President Revenue Cycle and CAHPS Ronda Howard said. “We are honored to be aligned with

such high performing agencies like Beloit Regional Hospice and we congratulate them on their success.”

Award criteria were based on Hospice CAHPS survey results for an evaluation period of October 2020 through September 2021.

Award recipients were identified by evaluating performance on a set of 24 quality indicator measures.

Performance scores were aggregated from all completed surveys and were compared on a questionby-question basis to a National Performance Score calculated from all hospices contained in the HEALTHCAREfirst’s Hospice CAHPS database.

Hospice Honors recipients include those hospices scoring above the HEALTHCAREfirst National Performance Score on 20 of the evaluated questions.

HEALTHCAREfirst holds a special recognition, Hospice Honors Elite, to honor hospices scoring above the HEALTHCAREfirst National Performance Score on all 24 of the evaluated questions.

Please visit HEALTHCAREfirst’s website at www.healthcarefirst. com to learn more about HEALTHCAREfirst’s Hospice CAHPS survey program as well as the Hospice Honors awards.

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Jack and Imogene Jack and Imogene Ehle Ehle

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Jack and Imogene Ehle

Early retirement has advantages as well as disadvantages. Individuals are encouraged to consider both to make the best decision for them.

METRO CREATIVE PHOTO Living Senior

Retirement is a milestone that is often the byproduct of decades of hard work. Though a growing number of working professionals have no intention of ever retiring, the vast majority of adults look forward to the day when they can call it a career.

The prospect of early retirement is enticing to millions of people. Though retiring early may seem like a no brainer for individuals in position to do so, a careful consideration of the pros and cons of early retirement can ensure people make the best decision.

Benefits of early retirement

For many people, early retirement is less about finding a beach to relax on and more about pivoting to a second career. In fact, a recent report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute indicated that 74 percent of workers plan to get a new job after they retire.

In such instances, early retirement is often about turning a long-time passion into a second career. That can help adults achieve a lifelong dream, making it one of the better reasons to retire early.

Another advantage to retiring early is the chance to spend more quality time with family.

One study from the American Psychological Association found that more than half of working professionals now check work emails after work hours, including on weekends.

Forty-four percent even check their email while on vacation. Early retirement enables individuals to escape that round-the-clock career commitment, affording retirees a chance to spend more unfiltered quality time with the people they love most.

Retiring early also provides an opportunity to escape a daily grind that many people have indicated has become increasingly burdensome in recent years.

The 2021 Work and Well-Being Survey from the American Psychological Association found that 79 percent of the roughly 1,500 adults surveyed had experienced work-related stress in the month prior to participating.

Work is a leading cause of stress for many people, and stress has been linked to a host of health problems. Individuals who can retire early can benefit from less stress in their lives.

Disadvantages to retiring early

Retiring early can seem like a dream, but it could turn into a nightmare for people

whose finances aren’t as robust as they need to be to support a lengthy retirement. One report from the Boston College Center for Retirement Research found that around 50 percent of working families face a significant decline in their standard of living during retirement.

Life expectancy has been on the rise in developed countries since 1900, so retiring too early carries some significant financial risk for people who have saved but not necessarily saved enough.

Retiring early also could make people more vulnerable to cognitive decline than they would be if they keep working.

One study from researchers at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews found that people who wait until age 67 to retire experience less cognitive decline than people who retire prior to turning 67.

Out-of-pocket medical costs are another significant disadvantage to retiring early.

Employer-sponsored medical insurance tends to cost individuals less than private plans, which is a significant consideration for individuals at a point in their lives when they may need to visit doctors more often.

Early retirement has its advantages and disadvantages. Individuals must consider both to make the best decision for them.

LIVING SENIOR - SUMMER 2022

The pros, cons of early retirement

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HERITAGE WOODS named among best in nation

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Heritage Woods of Rockford as being among the best in the nation for assisted living.

The affordable assisted living community is located at 202 N. Showplace Dr. in Rockford, Illinois and features 99 private apartments for older adults who need personal assistance and support services to maintain their independence.

The U.S. News designation of 2022-23 Best in Assisted Living was awarded only to the communities that earn the highest possible rating on consumer satisfaction surveys of residents and family member of residents.

The surveys were administered between March 2021 and February 2022 and reflect the viewpoints of more than 200,000 residents and

family members in thousands of senior living, assisted living, and memory care communities nationwide.

The community is managed by Gardant Management Solutions, Inc., which is based in Bourbonnais, Illinois.

More than 20 Gardant-managed communities were recognized by U.S. News with Best in Assisted Living and Best in Memory Care designations.

“We are honored that Heritage Woods of Rockford was among the communities recognized by U.S News as being among the best in the nation,” says Rod Burkett, Gardant CEO. “We are committed to our mission of enriching the lives of the residents we serve by providing them with the Love, Compassion, and Dignity they deserve in addition to the personal assistance and support services they need.”

Heritage Woods of Rockford is

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certified to operate through the Illinois Supportive Living program and is designed serve adults 65 years of age and older of all incomes.

This year marked the U.S. News inaugural Best Senior Living ratings.

Ratings were provided for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities based on consumer satisfaction data collected from nearly 2,500 communities nationwide.

For assisted living and memory care, factors that were evaluated by U.S. News included value and the quality of care, activities, management, staff, food, maintenance, and housekeeping.

In 2019, Heritage Woods of Rockford was awarded a Bronze Quality Award from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living.

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Raising children is a significant responsibility. Parents know there’s no such thing as a day off, which is why the first day they come home to an empty nest can be so confounding.

After roughly two busy and likely hectic decades or more of looking after their children, parents whose sons or daughters have left home for the first time may experience feelings of sadness and loss.

That’s not unusual, as the Mayo Clinic notes it’s a phenomenon known as “empty nest syndrome.”

Though it’s not a clinical diagnosis, empty nest syndrome can be a difficult hurdle to overcome, especially for parents who find themselves suddenly bored after years of being so busy. Empty nesters looking to banish boredom can consider these strategies.

• Give your home a new look. Parents go to great lengths to make their homes welcoming safe havens for their children.

Moms and dads often joke that, between play rooms and study areas, kids get the bulk of the real estate under their roofs.

Now that the children have moved out, parents can take back that space and refresh

their homes.

A home that’s adapted for empty nesters will look quite different from one designed for families with young children. So a renovation or redesign can provide plenty of work that can fill idle time and instill a sense of excitement about the future.

• Become a weekend road warrior.

Newly minted empty nesters are likely still working full-time. But now that there’s no soccer practices or band recitals taking up valuable real estate on your weekend schedule, Saturdays and Sundays can provide perfect opportunities to travel.

Plan routine weekend getaways, choosing different locales for each trip. Visit a city one weekend and devote a subsequent trip to the great outdoors.

• Reconnect with old friends. Some individuals experiencing empty nest syndrome may be hesitant to admit they’re experiencing feelings of sadness and loneliness. But a recent Sky Mobile study of parents of teenagers in England found that 47 percent were fretting about having an empty nest.

So it’s likely that old friends and fellow parents are experiencing feelings associated

with empty nest syndrome. Reaching out to old friends is a great way to reconnect and can provide an outlet to discuss feelings parents might be hesitant to share with others.

But empty nesters who experience significant feelings of sadness and loneliness are urged to speak with a health care professional as well.

• Replace kids’ activities with your own. After years of toting kids from one extracurricular activity to another, empty nesters can now do the same for themselves.

Visit local community centers and libraries and ask about classes for adults.

Many offer classes on everything from crafts to sports.

Adults also can research continuing education programs at local colleges and universities if they’re interested in a career change or pursuing an advanced degree for personal enrichment.

Newly minted empty nesters can look at their empty nest as an opportunity to engage in activities that pique their interests after years of catering to the needs and wants of their children.

Newly minted empty nesters can look at their empty nest as an opportunity to engage in activities that pique their own interests after years of catering to the needs and wants of their children.

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LIVING SENIOR - SUMMER 2022

How empty nesters can overcome boredom

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LIVING SENIOR - SUMMER 2022

How to make new friends after 50

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The early years of midlife are a hectic time for many people. Around the time many people reach their late 30s and early 40s, they’re balancing the responsibilities of a career and a family. But as people enter their 50s, some of those responsibilities tend to be less significant, leaving more time for recreational pursuits.

Hobbies and other pursuits outside of work are often more fun when enjoyed with friends. People over 50 undoubtedly recognize that it’s not always so easy to make new friends, even though it’s undeniably beneficial to have supportive relationships into your golden years. A study from researchers at Michigan State University found that valuing friendships was a stronger predictor of health and happiness among older adults than valuing family.

Making friends after 50 might not be as simple as it was during your school days, but these strategies can help men and women in midlife build new friendships.

Identify your interests Those older than 59 who have spent the last couple of decades building a career and raising a family can give some serious thought to their interests outside of work or passions they hope to pursue now that they have more time to commit to such pursuits.

The more interested you are in a given activity, the more likely you are to stick with it. And the longer you stick with something, the more likely you are to meet like-minded individuals (i.e., future friends) willing to make similar commitments.

Utilize social media In years past, men and women older than 50 may not have had any readily available tools to reach out and connect with new people. Social media has made it much easier to build such connections.

Even the most obscure passions likely have a social media group of locals devoted to them, and these groups can be great ways to meet new people.

A local runner’s club may have its

own social media accounts, and local governments and community groups often share information about sports leagues and other groups via social media.

Go on group outings Communities often sponsor group outings to museums, the theater, sporting events, and other day trips. Signing up for a bus trip to a local museum presents a great opportunity to meet people who share your interests, providing the potential to build lasting friendships built on a foundation of shared interests.

Broaden your horizons Just because you’re in your 50s doesn’t mean your friends have to be.

Don’t hesitate to invite younger or older acquaintances and colleagues over for dinner or on weekend excursions. Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages, so you could be missing out if you’re not willing to extend a hand in friendship to people of different ages and backgrounds.

Making friends after 50 can be challenging. However, various strategies can help men and women in that stage of life create connections with new people.

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(METRO CREATIVE)

Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of tips to help promote brain health help reduce the risk of cognitive decline: Exercise regularly Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking.

Maintain a heart-healthy diet Stick to a meal schedule full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthful diet is linked to cognitive performance. The Mediterranean and DASH diets, which emphasize whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fish and berries, are linked to better cognitive functioning, and help reduce risk of heart disease as well.

you, like completing a jigsaw puzzle, playing strategy games or challenge yourself further by learning a new language or musical instrument.

Keep your heart healthy Recent study shows strong evidence that a healthier heart is connected to a healthier brain. The study shows that aggressively treating high blood pressure in older adults can help reduce the development of mild cognitive impairment.

“Incorporating these behaviors become especially important as we age,” Jervier said.

“But they are good guidelines to follow at any age. Research suggests that incorporating these behaviors in combination will have the greatest benefit, but even if you begin with one or two you’re moving in the right direction,” she added.

To learn more about ways to reduce your risk of cognitive decline by making lifestyle changes, go to alz.org.

Get proper sleep Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime.

Stay socially and mentally active Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health, so stay connected with friends and family. Engage your mind by doing activities that stump

Lifetime Achievement Award Hononegah School Board Member and retired principal, Eric Flohr, was presented with the Stateline Chamber of Commerce’s Cyndy Fogarty Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations Mr. Flohr!

HONONEGAH SCHOOL DISTRICT PHOTO Living Senior

LIVING SENIOR - SUMMER 2022

In light of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging all Americans to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

There are currently more than 6 million Americans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, including 230,000 Illinois residents.

Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, one in three seniors age 85 and older will have Alzheimer’s disease. While some brain changes are inevitable as we age, there is a growing body of research to suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, including healthy eating, exercising regularly, not smoking and staying cognitively engaged may help us age healthier and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

“Understanding the role healthy behaviors may play in reducing cognitive decline is a robust area of research currently,” Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Executive Director Delia Jervier said. “Researchers are working to determine what may be the optimal lifestyle ‘recipe’ to reduce cognitive decline, but there are steps we can take now to age well and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers these five tips to promote better brain health in an effort to

STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

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Seven behavioral health tips for older adults Older adults experiencing a behavioral health issue such as anxiety or depression may be embarrassed and think they simply need to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” but helping them seek help can empower them to live their best lives, according to experts.

“Everyone is different, but there are tools for better health, including therapy, medication and self-care,” said Dr. Lindsay Evans-Mitchell, medical director for behavioral health for Cigna Medicare Advantage.

Behavioral health disorders affect one in five adults over 55. Older men have the highest suicide rate of any age group or gender.

Among men who are 75 and older, the suicide rate is 40.2 per 100,000 – almost triple the overall rate.

The most common behavioral health disorder in older adults is dementia, and its incidence is growing as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Experts project that more than 9 million Americans 65 years or older will have dementia by 2030. Anxiety disorders and mood disorders are also common among older people.

Dealing with a behavioral health issue? These self-care tips can help: 1. Find a provider. “Cognitive disorders, such as dementia and mood disorders, often look the same,” Dr. Evans-Mitchell said. “Only a trained professional can make an accurate diagnosis.”

For help finding a provider, reach out to your primary care physician or health plan, such as Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Also consider virtual therapy. It’s easy to schedule and offers the convenience of seeing a therapist without leaving home.

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2. Nurture yourself. Good nutrition feeds the body and mind. If you have questions about nutrition for older adults, consult your physician or a registered dietitian. Additionally, drink water throughout the day. “Dehydration can worsen cognitive issues,” Dr. Evans-Mitchell said.

3. Sleep well. Like all adults, older people need seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. Dr. Evans-Mitchell noted that older people’s tendency to go to bed early, wake up early, and nap throughout the day can disrupt healthy sleep cycles and limit rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, potentially contributing to behavioral health issues.

4. Exercise. Even moderate exercise can improve mental and physical health.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans describes benefits such as improvements in brain health, better cognitive function, and reduced risk of anxiety and mood disorders. People who exercise also tend to sleep better.

Having trouble getting started? Some Medicare Advantage plans include a fitness benefit, which can pay for a gym membership or provide at-home fitness tools.

5. Head Outside. Being outside has numerous benefits, including vitamin D absorption needed for cognitive health.

Additionally, research has shown that chemicals released from trees can stimulate brain functions. Don’t forget • CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

LIVING SENIOR - SUMMER 2022

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Four tips to confidently care for gray hair

STATEPOINT PHOTO Living Senior

oil production of the scalp for healthier looking hair.

Add shine

Counteract gray hair’s natural tendency to get dull and brassy. Every seven to 10 days, use a toning gloss to enhance your hair’s natural, gorgeous hue. While toning gloss is a service typically performed in a hair salon, you don’t need any special skills to achieve these results at home with Le Color Gloss by L’Oreal Paris.

The line offers three shades of silver for all hair types and textures, helping you tone, color, boost shine and deeply condition, no matter what shade of gray you’re rocking. Whether you’re silver, silver white or silver opal, here’s how to use the product effectively: 1. Evenly distribute Le Color Gloss through clean, damp hair all the way through the ends (use a wide-tooth comb for thicker curly hair textures).

2. Leave it on for 5-15 minutes. (Review Fight frizz instructions for specific development time Gray hair can have a frizzier, more wiry for your shade and desired result.) texture than you may be accustomed to.

3. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.

Tame tresses by using a silk bonnet or silk If you’re looking for even more color or pillowcase at night and by getting sufficient want to build a deeper result, especially on hair-healthy nutrients in your diet, including non-color-treated hair, use again after seven biotin, zinc and vitamin E. days.

Be sure to also drink plenty of water.

“I like this option because it’s easy Staying hydrated promotes circulation and for anyone to use. It’s also infused with

coconut oil, so not only will it not damage hair, but it’s also super conditioning,” says Colombini. “I recommend using it in the shower on your shampoo day.”

Prime for blow-drying Now that warm weather is here, you’re likely going out more and styling your hair more. Remember though that gray hair can require a bit of extra TLC, making it especially important to protect your hair from all this extra heat.

After towel drying your hair, apply EverPure Weightless Blow Dry Primer.

Providing up to 450 degrees F heat protection and up to 48-hour frizz control, this nourishing heat protectant will keep hair looking nourished, smooth and beautifully shiny, without weighing it down.

Be confident So much of rocking a look is the energy you bring to it. Radiate confidence in your decision and remember everything that your natural hue symbolizes: empowerment, wisdom, grace and experience.

“Gray hair isn’t ‘giving up.’ Quite the contrary. It’s a gorgeous color in itself,” says Colombini. “It just requires maintenance.”

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The pandemic led many women to confidently embrace their silver hair, not only as a practical move, but as a stylish statement. With elegant stars like Helen Mirren and Andie MacDowell proving that gray is glamorous, (and younger stars even dyeing their hair gray to get in on the trend) you may be feeling empowered to show off your naturally silver strands.

Experts say that there are a few things to know that can help you make the transition gracefully.

“While I love this trend, it’s true that the grow-out process can get a little dicey and create challenges,” says Jonathan Colombini, celebrity hairstylist.

“Like any other hair color, gray requires specific maintenance. It can be wiry, dull and brassy without intervention. But loweffort solutions can ensure you look great and help you confidently own that color.”

To make a silver statement, consider Colombini’s best kept secrets:

Remember everything that your natural hue symbolizes: empowerment, wisdom, grace and experience.

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State Fire Marshal Matt Perez announces retirement Perez served seven years as Illinois State Fire Marshal and 37 years in public safety

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provide coverage to over 70 percent of the State, including the Blended Basic Operations Firefighter Academy conducted by the Illinois Fire Service Institute.

This program is free to volunteer firefighters and offers online, hands-on training at regional training sites in order to achieve certification.

Under Perez’s leadership, the agency developed programs which addressed hazards faced by firefighters including carcinogen exposure reduction and firefighter mental health.

The agency also helped firefighters navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. They tracked quarantined and COVID positive firefighters throughout the State in order to identify hotspots and helped ensure mutual aid to fire departments that quickly became short on personnel, especially in rural areas where fire stations are farther apart.

The agency helped secure PPE and testing resources for fire service members and created a one-time COVID Relief Grant for small rural departments.

This grant provided funds to help make up for lost fundraising revenues, which helped keep the lights on at the station and fuel in trucks.

“Serving as State Fire Marshal has been a true honor.

Working together with the 14fire service organizations to make our firefighters safer and

visitors.”

Perez currently serves as an executive board member of the National Association of State Fire Marshal’s and has received numerous leadership awards from Illinois fire service organizations. Norman Perez – OSFM’s unofficial mascot – was also set to retire at the end of last month.

Dale Simpson will assume the role of Acting Fire Marshal until a permanent replacement for Perez is named.

Simpson was hired into the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal in July 2013 as a Fire Matt Perez Prevention Inspector, became Fire Prevention Division more efficient has been very Manager in 2016, and has been rewarding,” Perez said. the Bureau Chief of Operations “Although the COVID pandemic has been challenging, since 2019.

He retired from the it has united us as a fire service community and reaffirmed that Springfield Fire Department Illinois is home to the best fire after 26 years, where he served as a firefighter, followed by the service in the nation. I wish you all the best and I know you Division Chief of Fire Safety, will all continue to accomplish and finally, as the City of Springfield Fire Marshal. amazing things,” he added.

Perez also previously According to Perez, the State Fire Marshal’s Office “is filled served as a fire and arson investigator, juvenile fire with caring, amazing people setter intervention specialist, who go about their jobs with Explorer Post Coordinator, pride. I am lucky to have CERT Coordinator and as a worked with so many great senior staff member of the fire people that have made Illinois department. safer for our residents and

HEALTH TIPS

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

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Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez was set to retire at the end of June. Perez has served for more than seven years as Illinois State Fire Marshal and over 37 years in the public safety field. Before beginning his career in the fire service, Perez worked for two years as a patrol officer in the Kane County Sheriff’s Department. He then joined the Aurora Fire Department where he served 27 years and became certified as a paramedic, an arson investigator, and rose to the rank of Assistant Chief.

“Matt Perez has been an outstanding Fire Marshal for all of Illinois, serving through administrations on both sides of the aisle and championing districts urban and rural alike,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

“His decades in service offer an example in excellence for public servants across government, and while I’m sad to see him leave, his mark on the Fire Marshal’s office will long outlast his time in office thanks to his leadership and mentorship. I wish Matt Perez all the best in retirement – he has earned it well,” he added.

While serving as State Fire Marshal, Perez worked with the Governor’s office and legislators to increase funding for training, education, equipment and vehicles for Illinois Firefighters.

Several innovative programs were established to help volunteer firefighters, who

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A fiftieth birthday is often characterized as a milestone moment. Despite that reputation, upon crossing the half-century threshold, individuals typically don’t feel that much different than they did when they were still a fun-loving 49-year-old.

Though there might not be much to distinguish a 49-year-old from a 50-yearold, a fiftieth birthday is a good time reassess certain parts of life, including finances.

Conventional financial wisdom has long suggested reducing risk as retirement age draws closer. But a 2021 survey from American Advisors Group found that 18 percent of respondents indicated their intention to work past the age of 70, while another 12 percent indicated they have no plans to ever stop working full-time.

Conventional financial wisdom rooted in retiring around the age of 65 may not apply to individuals who intend to work well past that age. That means recently minted fiftysomethings could benefit from adopting a new perspective on managing their money after they reach 50.

• Work with a fiduciary. Fiduciaries differ from other financial advisors in a significant

way. According to Investopedia, fiduciaries are legally bound to put their client’s best interests ahead of their own.

Working with a fiduciary can provide peace of mind for individuals who want to know the person they’re trusting to guide their financial decisions is working on their behalf.

That peace of mind can be especially valuable for individuals over 50 who don’t have as much time to make up for financial losses as younger people.

Investopedia notes that some brokerage firms do not want or allow their brokers to be fiduciaries, so investors should make sure they’re aware of the legal responsibilities of anyone they trust to manage their money.

• Monitor the progress of your retirement accounts. Tracking the performance of retirement accounts like a 401(k) and IRA takes on more significance after 50, even for individuals who don’t see themselves retiring anytime soon.

Monitor how particular investments are performing and reallocate funds if certain ones have not performed well in some time.

Most investments will go up and

down, but people over 50 can monitor performance more closely than they used to so they get an idea of which ones are working for them and which could be compromising their ability to enjoy financial flexibility in the decades to come.

• Resist the temptation to avoid stocks entirely. A recent study published in the medical journal The Lancet found that life expectancy, which has increased dramatically across the globe since 1900, is expected to continue increasing in developed countries in the decades to come.

That means people won’t only be working longer, but living longer as well.

Investors 50 and over can prepare for that longer life expectancy by utilizing the growth potential of stocks even after they hit the half century mark.

Limiting exposure to risk after 50 is still important, but avoiding investment risks entirely could lead to a financial shortfall down the road.

Managing a portfolio after 50 requires careful consideration of various factors.

Deft management of an investment portfolio after 50 can ensure investors don’t outlive their money.

The age of 50 is a good time to reassess certain parts of life, including finances, according to industry experts.

LIVING SENIOR - SUMMER 2022

What to do with your portfolio after 50

METRO CREATIVE PHOTO Living Senior

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Rockford Fire retiree Congratulations are in order for Rockford Fire Department Driver/Engineer Terry Robinson on his retirement after 27 years of service to the department and the citizens of the City of Rockford.

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ROCKFORD FD PHOTO Living Senior

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Let’s face it. Many men don’t like dealing with health issues. They don’t like talking about it, they tend to procrastinate when it comes to potential symptoms, and they really don’t like visiting the doctor – it usually takes a persistent wife or significant other to even make the darn appointment.

June is National Men’s Health Month.

It’s a time to encourage all men to take their health seriously, make necessary lifestyle changes and get reacquainted with their physician.

According to Dr. Mohammed Khan, a family practice physician with OSF HealthCare, the reasons vary. For some men, it’s a macho thing. They don’t need any help. For others, they don’t want to make the time to address their health, and for others it’s simply a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

“A lot of men don’t feel like anything is wrong,” Dr. Khan says. “‘I’m doing fine. I’m feeling fine. I don’t need to see a doctor.’”

But they do.

A few years ago, Cleveland Clinic surveyed men ages 18 to 70 across the country and found that only three in five men get an annual physical, and just over 40 percent go to the doctor only when they

fear they have a serious medical condition.

For starters, Dr. Khan recommends all men should have an annual physical to (using a car analogy) make sure all the parts under the hood are working efficiently.

It’s also the time to catch any potential problems.

“What we do during a wellness visit is to go over your entire history, address any questions or concerns, we do some basic bloodwork, check for diabetes, and check your cholesterol,” Dr. Khan says. “I can tell you at least five or six patients every couple of months that I see, who haven’t been seen in more than a year, I check them for diabetes and guess what? They have diabetes.”

In addition to diabetes, men should have annual screenings for hypertension and cholesterol, as well as certain cancer screenings. Also, self-exam is important when it comes to issues such as testicular cancer, which is more than 90 % curable if caught early enough.

“For men the common screenings are colon cancer and prostate cancer screening,” Dr. Khan says. “Colon cancer screening is typically age 50 and is repeated every five or 10 years, depending on what they see.

“In some cases where there is a family history of colon cancer, sometimes the screening will start at age 40, whereas prostate cancer screening will start at 46 or 47 and that’s an annual screening.”

Another issue affecting men is stress.

Whether it is job or family related, or stems from health or financial issues, everyone has reason to worry from time to time. Dr. Khan recommends several options for dealing with anxiety, which if not handled properly, can cause major health problems.

“If you keep it inside you tend to get stressed out,” he says. “There are a few ways to handle stress. You can go see a counselor or a therapist.

“There are some people who are not open to discussing these things. What I tell them is to use exercise as a stress reliever.

Go for a walk or a run or hit the gym every so often. That helps relieve the stress and anxiety.”

No one is invincible and problems are going to crop up at some point in our lives.

The key, Dr. Khan says, is to take care of ourselves, listen to our bodies, and check in with the doctor at least once a year. It’s the least we can do not only for ourselves but our loved ones.

Only three in five men get an annual physical, and just over 40 percent go to the doctor only when they fear they have a serious medical condition.

OSF HEALTHCARE PHOTO Living Senior

LIVING SENIOR - SUMMER 2022

A subtle reminder to all men: Check-ups matter

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At Prairie View, we understand that home is where the heart is and for most of us, that is right here in Winnebago. Warm and friendly neighbors and the small town atmosphere make this a great place to live.

At Prairie View, our hometown assisted living community, you can continue to live, shop, worship, see your doctors and maintain your friendships with neighbors in the Winnebago area.

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Prairie View Assisted Living Prairie View features roomy, bright apartments, wonderful amenities and spacious community areas – everything you need under one roof and without leaving Winnebago, the place you love.

At Prairie View Assisted Living, neighbors care about neighbors, friendships are made and no one needs to feel lonely or bored. Fun residents and friendly staff – makes a difficult decision easier.

Prairie View Assisted Living announces new WIN-WIN program to benefit Winnebago High School Sports

This program will donate $250 to Winnebago High School Athletic Department for each new permanent move into the community!

WINnebago seniors will win because they get to remain living in the community they love while receiving discrete services and the help they need to stay independent. Prairie View has long enjoyed a close relationship with the local school, providing area kids an ongoing opportunity to interact with and learn from their elders. The seniors love the kids and look forward to all of these get-togethers. Many holidays have been celebrated together. Prairie View seniors have attended the Senior Prom at the high school, participated in the Veteran’s Day Breakfast, hosted area kids for Halloween, enjoyed various singing groups from the school. Prairie View has also offered area kids an opportunity to learn on the job by offering credit for work at the community. This is a WIN-WIN for all.

Prairie View, which opened in 2008, is a 30 unit licensed assisted living community with one- and twobedroom apartments and offers a cozy residential setting for seniors who are independent but may need some assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, taking medications or preparing meals. It is a viable alternative for seniors who do not need the acute services offered by a nursing home. Prairie View is a vital member and resource for the local community.

500 E. McNair Road, Winnebago, Illinois

815-335-1800