Senior LIVING
A Blank Slate Media/Litmor Publications Special Section • February 15, 2019
38 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 15, 2019
Keeping fit in the winter months Stretching, body weight exercises key to staying in shape while cold intensifies BY LY N D A SCHOETTL The road to ďŹ tness knows no season, and every day holds an opportunity to build strength, improve balance and maintain exibility. Thirty minutes of exercise three times a week can help you maintain or build ďŹ tness and improve circulation, which will help you stay warm. At a minimum, get up and move around every 30 minutes or so. Joints are less exible, muscles lose strength and visual acuity and reaction time decrease with age. Combat decline with strength training and moderate cardio activity, such as walking or stair climbing. A pair of 2-3 lb. weights, resistance bands or holding a can in each hand adds resistance. Set aside a regular time each day to exercise. Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes that don’t slide. Standing/sitting exercises Use a chair or wall for support during standing exercises
for balance. Repeat each exercise 10 times, switching legs as applicable. Bicep curls— builds arm strength In a seated or standing position, keep arms by your side. Alternate curling arms up to shoulder. Slowly return to starting position. Chair arm presses— works triceps muscles While sitting in a sturdy chair, place hands on the arms on the chair and press up, use arms to lift your body to hover over the seat and return to seat. Chair stands— Strengthens thighs and core. Helps balance. Place a sturdy chair against a wall. Sit, cross arms across your chest, rise to a standing position. Try not to use the chair for support. Lower down into the chair. Keep abdominals tight as you raise and lower your body. This exercise is most effective when you rise up quickly
and lower down slowly. Wall push-ups– Works chest muscles, arms, back Stand just over one arm’s length away from the wall with feet hip width apart. Place hands at on the wall at shoulder height and a bit wider than shoulder width. Keeping back straight, make a slow, controlled movement in four counts towards the wall, bending elbows out. Push back to standing up straight in four counts. Knee lifts—Strengthens quadriceps, hamstrings, supports knees, helps balance Stand alongside a sturdy chair that is supported by wall (seat facing in). Hold back of chair. Lift knee to hip height, straighten leg out in front slowly. Bend knee, lower to oor. This exercise can be done while sitting. Shoulder stretch Stand facing a wall at a distance of one foot. Crawl ďŹ n-
gers forward up the wall to feel a nice stretch while keeping shoulders down and back. Hold. Repeat. Hamstring curls– Works hamstring, gluteal muscles Holding onto a sturdy chair braced by the wall for balance, stand straight with legs shoulder width apart. Stand on one leg and curl the heel of the nonsupporting leg up towards your back, release slowly. Lateral legs lifts– Works outer thighs, gluteal muscles Using a chair for support; lift leg out to the side as high as is comfortable in a slow controlled movement, then slowly lower leg to return to both feet on the ground. Calf raises—strengthens and stretches calves Using a chair for support, lift up on heel to tiptoe, then lower down. Next, lift up toes to stand on heels, and then lower toes.
Balance Builders One leg stand Standing close to a wall or chair, stand on one leg as long as possible. Repeat as often as you can comfortably. Wall walk Walk heel to toe along the length of the wall. Reverse direction. Safety Tips Start slowly. Warm up and cool down by stretching by moving around a bit. Use a chair or wall for support. Drink water before, during and after exercise. Lynda Schoettl, a certiďŹ ed ďŹ tness instructor at Jeerson’s Ferry Life Plan Community, is certiďŹ ed in Senior Nutrition and Personal Training, and is a Fall Proof Balance and Mobility Specialist and a Functional Aging Specialist. www.jeersonsferry. org.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 15, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
WELCOME TO THE UN SEMINAR Are you planning to attend a seminar about trusts, wills and Medicaid planning to get answers to your questions about whether or not you need to have a trust or how to protect your home from Medicaid?
Let us save you some time. There’s no need for you to travel to the seminar, sit through the sales pitch and then make an appointment to meet an attorney and use a discount coupon to get half the answers.
HERE ARE THE ANSWERS ONE Unless your estate is worth more than $11.4 million per person – that’s $22.8 million for a couple – your heirs will not pay federal estate taxes. New York State’s estate tax exemption is $5.74 million per person. Estate taxes are not a reason for a trust. TWO Federal and New York State law does not allow Living Trusts to be used to protect you or your spouse from the nursing home costs. Only a trust created by a probated will can protect a surviving spouse. Medicaid planning and Living Trusts are incompatible. Trying to use a Living Trust for Medicaid Protection will only cost you MORE. THREE If you own your house jointly with your spouse, it has special creditor protection and is an exempt asset for Medicaid eligibility purposes. If you transfer it to a Living Trust, it loses the creditor protection and its Medicaid exemption status too!! FOUR
There are no one-size-ďŹ ts-all estate plans or trusts. FIVE Probate is different from estate administration. Probate is the process where a judge determines that your will and estate plan have met the requirements of law. That’s all! In Nassau, Suffolk and Queens counties, probate usually takes less than a month after " Sometimes it’s good to avoid probate, but Medicaid and routine estate planning are not reasons to do so. SIX The administration of a will and trust are virtually identical. Assets must be valued, debts paid and distributions made to the
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40 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 15, 2019
A trust for adult children at home? Estate plans needed to address growing trend of multi-generational households be given a ‘right of first refusal’ to purchase the house from her siblings before it is sold to third parties. The estate plan can be further customized to allow a child to pay off her siblings using private installment notes with a modest rate of interest. This flexible structure protects those who will likely not qualify for a conventional mortgage. Thought must also be given to long term care needs. Absent Long Term Care insurance, Medicare and a supplement will only cover up to 100 days of rehabilitation following hospitalization. After this, a nursing home can place a lien on real property in the parents’ names. To prevent these long-term care claims, some people transfer ownership of their homes to one or more children. I would never, in a million years do this and neither should you! The kids may be the nicest people in America, but there will still be negative consequences. First, if my home is in my son’s name, I will lose any appli-
the other hand, will commence the running of the so-called 5 year lookback period for Medicaid, it will preserve any applicable property tax exemptions during my life. I can still sell the property if I wish (and get my $250,000 capital gains exclusion), the children will pay no capital gains taxes upon future sale, and I can protect the property from my children’s divorces or other possible liabilities. Note, that I can only get ANN-MARGARET these great benefits if the trust CARROZZA is not purely irrevocable. When creating a trust, it is critically imcable property tax exemptions. portant to retain as much power Next, I’ve given the kids a capi- as possible. For example, I want tal gains problem. A simple gift to be able to remove and replace will saddle the children with my the trustee at any time. original purchase price as their I also want to be able to ‘tax basis.’ remove and replace the benSo, even if they keep their eficiaries. Without this power, I word to let me live in the house, would be unable to do anything they will be hammered with tax- if a child predeceases me. es when they sell the property at The power to change benmy death. Last, a simple trans- eficiaries also allows me to temfer will subject the property to porarily remove a child who is claims by an in-law if my child about to go through a contengets divorced. tious divorce. Once it is over, I A properly drafted trust, on can replace her as a beneficiary.
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Another great benefit of the house being owned by the trust is that the family will avoid a lengthy probate process. It is now very easy to avoid probate on our liquid assets by naming beneficiaries. The trust is the best way to ensure that the family isn’t forced through probate because of the house. The bottom line is that a major life change, such as children moving back home, should cause us to revisit our old estate planning. A fresh and creative approach can ensure maximum security and resultant happiness for the whole family. Ann Margaret Carrozza is a practicing Asset Protection attorney who also served as a state assemblywoman for 14 years. She is a legal contributor to TV shows and is the author of Love & Money, Protecting Yourself from Angry Exes, Wacky Relatives, Con Artists and Inner Demons. She can be reached at 718.224.4746. Visit www.myelderlawattorney.com for more information.
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An increasing number of American adults are moving back in with their parents. Since 2000, there has been a 30 percent increase in the number of multi-generational households. The arrangement is often prompted by an economic setback such as a divorce or a job loss. Sometimes, a child comes home to help an ailing parent. Either way, this should prompt an estate planning review. A will that leaves everything to all children equally, gives no legal protection- or roof over the head- of the child living in the house. A big conflict can develop between the child living at home and the heirs who want to sell the home quickly. At a minimum, I advise my clients to give the ‘resident child’ a certain period of time to make other arrangements. This can take the form of a right of occupancy for a term of months or years, during which the child at home is responsible for all carrying expenses. Upon conclusion of the term, the child can
How Can I Tell If I Have Glaucoma? What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, causing permanent vision loss. Most commonly, the damage occurs when your eye’s internal fluid pressure rises too high. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. What causes glaucoma? The exact cause of glaucoma is not known. For some reason, the passages that normally allow fluid within your eye become clogged or blocked. Fluid within your eye builds up and increases pressure on the optic nerve. The nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve are easily damaged by this pressure, resulting in vision loss. An injury, infection or tumor in or around the eye can also cause the pressure to rise. People who have glaucoma with normal eye pressure likely have poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Who gets glaucoma? Glaucoma most frequently occurs in individuals over the age of 40. In some families, the disease is hereditary. It is estimated that over 2 million Americans have glaucoma, and this number is expected to rise as the U.S. population ages. How is glaucoma harmful to vision? The optic nerve, at the back of the eye,
carries visual information to the brain. As the optic nerve fibers are damaged, the amount and quality of information sent to the brain decreases and a loss of vision occurs. Will I go blind from glaucoma? If diagnosed at an early stage, glaucoma can often be controlled with little or no further vision loss. If left untreated, first peripheral vision and then central vision will be affected, and blindness may result. How Is glaucoma detected? A comprehensive optometric examination will include tests for glaucoma. A simple, painless procedure called tonometry measures the internal pressure of your eye. Health of the optic nerve and your field of vision will be checked. How is glaucoma treated? Glaucoma is usually effectively treated with prescription eye drops and medicines that must be taken regularly. Some cases require laser therapy or surgery. Will my vision be restored after treatment? No. But early detection and treatment can control glaucoma and reduce the chances of vision loss.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 15, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING ADVERTORIAL
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50 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 15, 2019
How to eat after 50 Friendly fats People over age 50 should increase their intake of unsaturated fats and reduce consumption of saturated fats. Nutrient-rich unsaturated fats can guard against heart conditions, protect against stroke, keep skin supple, and even help men and women maintain good neurological health. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in nuts, olives, seeds, and fatty fishes. Increase protein
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s people age, their dietary needs begin to change. Foods that were once staples of your diet as a youth may be restricted once you hit a certain age, while other foods you may have always avoided may now be necessary to fuel and support a healthy body.
Eating healthy foods and exercising may not be enough to sustain health, as hormonal changes and other health effects as a person reaches age 50 can have a profound impact on his or her nutritional requirements. The following are a few things men and women over 50 may want to consider as they look to eat a healthy diet for years to come.
Vitamin D Both men and women age 50 and up have a reduced ability to produce vitamin D through exposure to the sun. Extra vitamin D will be needed from foods and supplements. Everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 µg), according to Canada’s Food Guide. Without adequate vitamin D, bone strength and health can deteriorate because vitamin D promotes calcium absorption. Vitamin D also has other roles, including helping neuromuscular and immune function and reducing inflammation.
According to Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as they age, men and women need more protein in their diets to maintain their muscle mass. The amount of protein needed at a younger age no longer may be adequate. Look for lean sources of protein from fish and poultry. Beans are also a low-fat source of protein that can help fulfill daily protein requirements. More fiber Eating more fiber can help with digestive and intestinal problems, such as constipation. Constipation can occur when fiber intake is not enough, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle. The best way to get fiber is through diet. Leave the skins on fruit and vegetables and choose whole fruits
over juices. Whole-grain breads and cereals also are good sources of fiber. Dry beans and lentils can add a fiber boost. Always increase fiber slowly to determine your tolerance. Fewer calories The National Institute on Aging says women over the age of 50 need between 1,600 and 2,000 calories, depending on how physically active they are. Men need between 2,000 and 2,400 calories per day. With each passing year there is a decrease in the energy required to maintain body weight, so caloric intake should be adjusted accordingly. More water As a person ages, his or her body may not signal it is thirsty as well as it once did, so it’s possible that you may not recognize when you are thirsty or dehydrated. The Mayo Clinic recommends around nine to 10 cups of beverages per day to remain hydrated. Eating healthy and changing one’s diet is important as a person ages, as dietary needs at age 50 may be quite different from what they were at age 30.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 15, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
Senior living options abound
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enior living communities often present an affordable and comfortable option for adults over the age of 55. Filled with like-minded and similarly aged residents, these communities can be the right fit for individuals no longer interested in or capable of taking care of a larger home. Senior communities are located all across the country. Finding one that meets your needs takes only a little research. Although they are often moderately priced and offer a variety of amenities, senior living communities sometimes suffer from a bad reputation. But such communities are not the “old age homes� that some people purport them to be. Rather, they’re entire living neighborhoods that cater to the needs of an active resident base. These communities can range from independent living private homes or condos to managed care facilities. Residents may be able to enjoy organized outings, recreation, shopping, and socialization without having to venture far from property grounds. Some communities offer food services or an on-site restaurant.
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Did you know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do to promote their long-term health. The CDC recommends that men and women age 65 or older who are generally fit and have no limiting health conditions need at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, each week. In addition, such people should perform strength-training activities that work all major muscle groups at least two days per week. While many fit older men and women with no preexisting health conditions
are capable of these activities, those able to push themselves a little further can opt for 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as jogging or running, combined with the same strength-training regimen. A combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity coupled with strength training may also provide adequate physical activity for aging men and women. Before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women should consult with their physicians to discuss any limitations they may have and how to manage those risks while still being physically active.
• Determine the fees associated with a community. Can Medicaid or longterm care insurance pay for all or a portion of the fees? Which types of services does the monthly fee cover? • Who is eligible to live in the community? Some restrict all residents to a particular age, while others do not. Rules may be in effect that include an age cut-off limit. • Investigate the types of residents and who would be your immediate neighbors. What percentage of people live in the community all year long, and how many are part-time residents? • Look into the particular home owner’s association rules. Bylaws may indicate that the property must be kept in a certain manner. You may not be able to paint exterior items a certain color, nor put up fencing or set up outdoor patio furniture. Get the details before you sign anything. • Is this the type of community where you can age in place? Meaning, are there separate accommodations if you eventually need assisted living care? Some communities offer living options that vary depending on residents’ ages.
Fifty-five and older communities offer conveniences that many find irresistible. They’re frequently located close to shopping, dining and healthcare providers. Taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance expenses may be covered in one fee. Clubhouses, golf courses, lakes, card rooms, and many other offerings are designed to appeal to residents of many ages.
• Be sure there are activities or amenities that appeal to you. You eventually want to find your niche and get together with a group of friends who share the same interests.
Now that baby boomers have reached the age where retirement communities are a consideration, there has been an influx of interest. Those considering a move to one of these communities should research some information before purchasing a unit.
• Some communities are gated, which can increase feelings of safety. If this is a priority, look for housing under security.
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• You may want to find a community close to your children or other relatives. This way you will not have to travel far to visit others, and they will be able to visit you easily in return.
Following these guidelines can mean discovering a community where anyone can feel comfortable for years to come.
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52 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 15, 2019 ADVERTORIAL
UNDERSTANDING VEIN DISEASE by Dr. Mark Schwartz MD, FACS, RPVI
Vein problems are common in the U.S. and around the world. By age 50, nearly 40% of women and 20% of men have some type of significant vein disorder. Leg pain, swelling, bulging varicosities, and ulcers caused by vein insufficiency are common reasons our patients suffer and lose time from work. Spider veins are often unsightly as well as uncomfortable. Vein disorders are manifested in a variety of ways. Varicose veins are large, blue, ropy structures which bulge in the skin and are often unsightly as well as painful. Spider veins are small blood vessels in the skin, either
Correction of the probblue or red, and often lem relieves pain and arranged in clusters swelling within one to or branches. Stasis two months. Some dermatitis is the red patients with vein or brown skin color insufficiency suffer change around the night time leg cramps ankle and lower leg, and restless leg syncaused by chronic drome. Once the leg venous stasis. Venous ulcers develop on the Dr. Mark Schwartz veins are corrected, one-third of patients are inside of the ankle most commonly, but sometimes completely relieved of these on the outside as well. These symptoms. ulcers are very painful, and are due to abnormal leaking veins in All patients with symptomatic the legs. Many patients suffer vein insufficiency can be treatleg pain and swelling from ed, almost regardless of age. We chronic leg vein congestion. have treated patients as young as This too is caused by abnormal 16 and as old as 95. Most leaking veins of the legs. patients suffer from varicose
veins, leg pain and swelling, restless legs, numerous painful superficial veins, and some suffer from very painful vein stasis ulcers. Surprisingly, many patients and their doctors are not aware that underlying vein incompetency is the reason patients are suffering from leg pain, heavy legs, and swelling. For more information on how to schedule a free vein screening with Dr. Mark Schwartz at the North Shore Vein Center, call 516-869-VEIN (8346) or visit our website www.LongIslandVein.com
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