Senior Lifestyles 2016

s o se senior LIFEST YLES

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | THE RECORD | SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016

Senior Lifestyles

Riverboat travel:

By Charleen Earley

3

TRAVEL

Popular among seniors

W

hen it comes to travel and fun, our millennials are budget-conscious and want to do everything on their own (self-guided tours) – but it’s quite the opposite with our aging baby boomers.

“Budget and tours is not much of an issue for them,” said Sheila WardShaw of Sheila’s Creations Travel in Stockton. “They like to go on tours when they travel by land to Europe.”

“They’re doing more exploratory travel too, many of them going to Europe. They choose Hawaii, because it’s comfortable, and now riverboat traveling is becoming more popular,” she added.

Sheila said seniors started making the riverboat travel popular, because they’ve traveled everywhere else already. Riverboat travel allows them to see new places they would not normally see on big tours.

“At the same time, it gives them a relaxing environment on the trip – it has a calming influence,” Sheila added. “It’s convenient too, because it drops them off at the doorstep of the town or city, so they don’t need to take a shuttle, limo or taxi.”

Activity level, she said, depends on the senior.

“There’s a group of seniors who

are still very physically active; they still want to do the adventures and zip lining,” she said. “Because they’re older, doesn’t mean their tastes have changed!”

Katherine Setness, owner of Setness Tours Travel Adventures in Stockton, who refuses to call seniors

“seniors,” said she plans for the active and accommodates the less active.

“The biggest change I’ve seen in the past 10 years is a shift from ‘seeing’ to ‘doing,’” said Katherine.

“Previous generations made lists of things to see, often through the windshield. Now we can see things on the Internet in 10 seconds.

So they make a list of things to do – a bucket list. This includes seeing, hearing and tasting.”

Popular among her elderly clientele, Katherine said are daytrips that include the theatre, anything floral and anything with good food.

“We live in a great area for daytrips where we visit San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma wine country, gold country, the peninsula and everything in between,” she said.

Multi-generational groups are common on the trips they organize.

“Sometimes it’s a mom (75) with daughter (50) on a trip

to San Francisco. Then the daughter will travel with her daughter (25) to Italy or Cambodia and Vietnam,” said Katherine.

Randy Cesena, director of operations at I Need a Vacation travel agency in Stockton, said river cruising is popular among their baby boomers as well.

“Their itineraries are more unique and off the beaten path,” he said.

“Their particular product is not stuffy – it’s a casual atmosphere with the five-star service.”

Another trend with senior travel is not so much where, but who accompanies them.

“Seniors are traveling with their grandchildren more often now, and we’re also doing a lot of family vacations with seniors,” said Randy.

“It’s a growing segment of the business. It’s retired grandparents who want to spend time with their kids and grandkids, so they’ll go to Disneyworld or take a Disney cruise line – so it’s all geared very much at the entire family.”

4

Senior Lifestyles

TRAVEL

The beauty of

UTAH

PARKS

Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Red Canyon

PHOTOS BY CR RAE

By CR Rae More Content Now

U

tah is loaded with a natural beauty that is beyond belief. It is a playground for hikers, bikers, walkers, runners, scenery seekers, history buffs, skiers and more.

National parks are plentiful in the Beehive State. Once home to the likes of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, today visitors come from all over to be amazed by the serenity of the canyons where Cassidy and the Kid used to hide out.

GETTING YOUR FEET WET A great way to get to know Utah is to begin with a visit to Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park.

Zion offers a breathtaking scenic drive, hiking, camping and adventuresome exploration. A drive will take you through the main part of the canyon surrounded by high cliffs, along the river and eventually to higher elevations with spectacular views.

Hikers can explore waterfalls, a hanging garden and emerald pools.

One of the most popular hiking areas is the Zion Narrows, a wading hike through the Virgin River – hikers must get their feet wet, there is no trail. The walls of the canyon reach more than 1,000 feet above.

The Narrows can be seen by

Zion National Park

walking the paved wheelchairaccessible Riverside Walk from the Temple Sinawava. A variety of hikes through the Narrows are available and can take an hour to an all-day adventure. Be aware that some hikes need permits.

The best thing to do before taking on the Narrows or any activities in Zion is to stop by the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The shuttle service runs from March 12 through the end of October, and on weekends in November. Riding the shuttle is convenient and free.

Whether you go into the wilderness or hop a shuttle to see the park, visit www.nps.gov/zion/ for updates on conditions, alerts, fees, permits and everything you need to know before

One of the most popular hiking areas is the Zion Narrows, a wading hike through the Virgin River – hikers must get their feet wet. arriving in Springdale, Utah, and Zion National Park.

HOODOOS AND MORE Just about an hour and 20 minutes northeast of Zion, canyon enthusiasts will find Bryce Canyon.

Bryce has a uniqueness of its own – hoodoos. These oddly-shaped rocks stand tall from the bottom of the canyon and are formed by erosion.

Bryce has the largest display of hoodoos in the world.

Unlike Zion, where the walls stand

Senior Lifestyles

5

Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

majestically above you, visitors to Bryce view the canyon from overlook points above hoodoos.

The park offers something for all visitors, whether it is taking in the views from the observation points – each offering unique scenery – or riding horseback. Bryce offers ranger programs that include moonlit guided hikes, stargazing, hiking trails and more.

Bryce also offers a shuttle service beginning in April and continuing through September. The updated schedule is available on the website, www.nps.gov/brca.

Although the canyon is open yearround, Bryce can get multiple feet of snow, sometimes making areas impassable or shutting down some of the overlooks until plowing is complete.

The park is open 24 hours a day. The visitor center is open year-round (see updated seasonal hours on website). It is here that you will find all the available activities and ranger and junior ranger programs to make the most of your visit.

Camping is permitted in both parks.

Consult the websites for rules and regulations as well as closures, times and prices.

TRAVEL ON While driving along UT 12 west of Bryce, get your camera ready as you pass through part of the Dixie National Forest known as Red Canyon – it is truly

Zion

a not-to-miss photo op. Small hoodoos are visible from the roadside overlook and there are some short trails.

To the east of Bryce in Cannonville is Kodachrome Basin, a state park that delivers peacefulness, a variety of colors and interesting beauty. There is camping at the park, hiking trails and guided horseback rides. Visit http://stateparks.utah.gov/ parks/kodachrome-basin/ for details and advisories.

The 47-mile scenic road that leads from Kodachrome to U.S. Highway 89 offers an interesting side trip. Cottonwood Canyon Road, a dirt road that is passable with a standard car in good conditions, is worth the time, if conditions allow. It shows a side of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and offers a slow, relaxing scenic ride. Before traveling, check with the Bureau of Land Management for conditions: 435-644-1200.

To the east of Bryce in Cannonville is Kodachrome Basin, a state park that delivers peacefulness, a variety of colors and interesting beauty.

6

Senior Lifestyles

HEALTH

ALZHEIMER’S

&

SLEEP

BIGSTOCK.COM

Studies connect lack of sleep, dementia

Good-sleep tips Dr. Robert S. Rosenberg’s tips for getting good sleep:

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

T

here is a growing body of evidence that poor sleep may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia that accounts for between 60 and 70 percent of dementia cases.

“Good sleep is definitely important for overall health, and it’s very important for cognition,” which relates to judgement, memory and thinking, said Dr. Keith Fargo, director of scientific programs and outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association.

The connection may be “bidirectional,” Fargo said.

“Poor sleep may increase the risk for developing dementia, and dementia can interfere with the ability to sleep,” Fargo said.

It’s a vicious cycle. Further research is needed to study the connection to see if improving sleep can prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s progression, Fargo said.

Possible causes While scientists don’t completely understand the connection, one popular theory examines the role of beta-amyloid, a toxic protein that builds up and forms plaques in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s, Fargo said.

Older individuals who wake frequently during the night and those who get less than five hours of sleep nightly “demonstrated increased beta-amyloid, the precursor of Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Robert S. Rosenberg, board-certified sleep medicine physician and author of Sleep Soundly Every Night, Feel Fantastic Every Day.

1. Stick to a set sleep/ wake schedule, even on weekends.

2. Turn off computers,

Studies also show that sleep but not Tums, Rolaids or milk of iPads, cellphones and other apnea — brief interruptions of magnesia, Fargo said. sources of blue light at least 60 minutes before bedtime. breathing that repeatedly wake “It was an important study, but people at night — may also be it’s not going to change medical 3. Exercise for at least 30 linked to Alzheimer’s. practice,” Fargo said. minutes five times a week.

“One recent study demonstrated Alzheimer’s and antacids may be 4. Get the television out of that people with sleep apnea, associated rather than a cause-andthe bedroom. when untreated, were prone effect link, he said.

5. No caffeine within eight to develop mild cognitive “It’s not clearly understandable hours of bedtime. impairment five years earlier what the link is, and other factors” 6. Keep the bedroom at a and Alzheimer’s 10 years earlier,” such as body weight and diet, were comfortable temperature, Rosenberg said. not well controlled in the study, and if pets interfere with Many people who struggle Fargo said. your sleep, they should not with sleep apnea may not even be in bed with you.

Dementia is fatal know it. It affects more than 18 Memory loss is what first comes million Americans, according to to mind when people think of the National Sleep Foundation, Alzheimer’s, but “dementia is a fatal brain disease. yet “there’s a simple fix, a CPAP (continuous positive It destroys the brain and causes all sorts of other airway pressure) machine” that uses mild air mental and physical problems,” Fargo said. It is the pressure to keep airways open, Fargo said.

“There’s a lot of misconception that there’s nothing loss of mental and physical function that leads to you can do to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, but death.

On the other hand, sleep problems are treatable. there are,” Fargo said.

“Make sleep a priority,” Rosenberg said. “If you Alzheimer’s-antacid study are beginning to have problems with your memory, Also in the news recently was a study published planning, organizing and paying attention, or trying in JAMA Neurology that found that patients who to remember where you parked the car or where you regularly use a type of antacid known as a proton put your keys, don’t just write it off as part of getting pump inhibitor were 44 percent more likely to older or having too much on your mind. It may in develop dementia compared with patients who fact be a warning signal that the quality or quantity were not receiving those medications. Proton pump of your sleep is in need of attention,” he said. inhibitors include Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid

Senior Lifestyles

7

FITNESS

Brain fitness: A top priority for our seniors

By Charleen Earley

T

hey’re here! Our baby boomers are all grown up, and not only that, they are living longer, healthier and more active lives than ever before. So with that, come their needs, whether it’s to live in a retirement community or their own home.

“I’m a huge proponent of socialization for our seniors,” said Marcia Fitzgerald, Senior Administrator at O’Connor Woods in Stockton for 27 years. “Socialization is so important for seniors who can’t drive at night – such as going to evening performances like the symphony.”

She said many seniors who live at home can become isolated.

“One of the benefits of living in a senior community is that you have so many excursions to choose from, on or off campus,” she said.

She said senior housing is not for everyone, since some seniors will say “you’ll have to carry me out of here, I’m not leaving my home!” It’s important, she said, to make sure you have home care for them, skilled nurses

to assist with bathing and monitoring their medications.

Within O’Connor Wood’s Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Fitzgerald said their nonprofit organization, which sits on 34 acres, meets several needs of their elderly, from spiritual and social to physical and mental.

“Our Brain Fitness class is pretty popular here, and we have over 50 residents taking it,” said Fitzgerald. “This class is a combination of keeping their mind and body active and vital.”

The course description states, “participants learn how to stimulate the brain and memory retrieval to keep their brains strong as they age. Each class includes activities to stimulate the brain with exercises that target underlying brain skills that allow individuals to process information quickly and efficiently.”

“Not only do we have classes to stimulate the brain, but also classes to promote exercise, a healthy diet and good sleep,” added Fitzgerald.

With 251 independent living apartments and cottages, 85 assisted living accommodations, 20 apartments for memory care (expanding by 12 additional rooms this month) and 100 skilled nursing beds, Fitzgerald said not every resident is ready to settle down – and still have travel needs.

“We have some folks moving here in their late 60s who want to retire, yet still want to travel but not have home-ownership!” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald offered other retirement communities to look into, such as The Commons on Thornton, Atria Bayside Landing and Rio Las Palmas.

8

Senior Lifestyles

HEALTH

STayinG Safe, effective exercises for seniors

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

y

ou’re never too old to have a fitness routine that can make your body stronger, flexible and more stable to protect you from injury, experts say.

“As we age, our goals for exercising change. When we are young, we exercise to stay fit and healthy. When we are old, we exercise not only to stay fit and healthy, but also to maintain our independence and avoid disability including muscle weakness, chronic illnesses and balance loss,” said physical therapist and certified geriatric specialist Doug Schrift, creator of Elder, a senior fitness program.

“The good news is that much of the impairments, limitations and disability seen

in old age are preventable and even reversible. In other words, we may have some genetic predisposition to a decline in health as we age, but much of the aging process is something we can actually control with exercise and a healthy lifestyle,” Schrift said.

Start slow, but start It’s a common misconception that exercise is unsafe for older people, but the opposite is true. The risk of being a “coach potato and leading a sedentary lifestyle is much greater than anything related to exercise,” said Dr. Chhanda Dutta, chief of the Clinical Gerontology Branch of the National Institute on Aging Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology.

“Sedentary older adults will experience a progressive decline in most of their

Types of exercise Exercise and physical activity fall into four basic categories — endurance, strength, balance and flexibility, Dutta said.

Most people tend to focus on one activity or type of exercise and think they’re doing enough, but each type is different.

Doing them all offers more benefits, and mixing it up helps reduce boredom and cut risk of injury. Here are the four categories with examples of exercises: Endurance

Endurance, or aerobic, activities increase your breathing and heart rate. They keep your heart, lungs and circulatory system healthy and improve your overall fitness. Building your endurance makes it easier to carry out many of your everyday activities.

• Brisk walking or jogging • Yard work (mowing, raking, digging) • Dancing

Flexibility

Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay limber. Being flexible gives you more freedom of movement for other exercises as well as for your everyday activities.

• Shoulder and upper arm stretch • Calf stretch • Yoga

Strength

Strength training or resistance exercises make your muscles stronger.

Even small increases in strength can make a big difference in your ability to stay independent and carry out everyday activities such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries.

• Lifting weights • Using a resistance band • Using your own body weight

Balance

Balance exercises help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults. Many lower-body strength exercises also will improve your balance.

• Standing on one foot • Heel-to-toe walk • Tai Chi

STrOnG body systems,” Schrift said.

“This includes a decrease in oxygen absorption, increase in body fat, decreased glucose tolerance, loss of muscle mass, loss of flexibility, weak bones and decreased balance and reaction times. In addition, they will experience other age-related declines, including impaired memory, and a decrease of all senses including vision, hearing, smell and taste,” he said.

The key is to create a routine and stick with it, Dutta said. “It will take time before you’ll see benefits, and you’ll have to stick with it to see results,” she said.

For starters, just get up and get walking. “I

recommend walking briskly for 20 minutes as a separate activity every day, in addition to 30 cumulative minutes of activity. Jack LaLanne famously said, ‘Walking is the king of exercise,’” Schrift said.

Go4Life (go4life.nia. nih.gov) is an exercise and

physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging designed for seniors, whether they’re becoming physically active for the first time, returning to exercise after a break, or adding more exercise and physical activity into their routines.

Senior Lifestyles

SOCIAL MEDIA FREEPIK.COM

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

How to post safely

S

haring personal information online can put a person at risk, but that doesn’t just include financial information. What you post on social media about your health can be just as risky.

“Health information is sensitive, and what strangers know about it can affect your job and your life. People will misuse it. There are three sensitive areas of personal information that you must protect: kids, cash and kidneys,” said Parry Aftab, an attorney specializing in Internet privacy and security law and executive director of WiredSafety, a network that assists cyber-abuse victims.

Aftab recently launched CyberWellness.com, an online safety training program and resource for medical professionals and the public.

While you can control what you share online, you cannot control what others will do with that information, she said.

“You wouldn’t put a sign in your front lawn that says, ‘I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer,’ but that’s just what you’re doing when you post online,” Aftab said.

People may judge you and treat you differently. It could affect your credit score or a loan application. If your boss thinks you may be on certain medications, it may affect how he feels you can do your job.

You could even be fired.

“Once you post it online, all bets are off,” Aftab said.

Protect your

PRIVACY Be careful posting health updates online

Questions to ask first “Social media is a great way to update family, friends and acquaintances on important things going on in your life. If you choose to post personal health updates on any social media platform, always remember the real purpose behind it – to inform and share information with those you care about and who care about you,” said Jody Gastfriend, vice president of senior care at Care.com.

Here are some questions Gastfriend suggests you should ask yourself before posting health information online: • What exactly would you like to share?

• Is it sensitive personal information?

• Who is going to see this information?

• Is this the right time to share this information with everyone?

• How will this news affect others?

• Will I feel the need to post follow-up information or updates, and will I feel comfortable doing that?

• Why do I want to post this information on social media?

The key to not oversharing is understanding your goal for posting information online, Aftab said. If you’re looking for support for a medical condition, try being generic with your posting: “Someone I know is struggling with diabetes, please send thoughts and prayers” or “I’m looking for information about colon cancer. Can anyone help?”

“Consider a website like Caring Bridge (caringbridge. org), which allows you to share updates and information securely with your family and friends.

Using a trusted online resource may mitigate the risks of oversharing to a group of potential strangers and enable you to communicate news in a thoughtful and controlled fashion,” Gastfriend said.

Another way is to “hide behind a persona,” Aftab said. You can create a anonymous Facebook account with no photo of yourself if you really need to vent.

“Just be sure not to ‘friend’ anyone you know,” she added.

Before posting health information online, it’s a good idea to share the news personally with those closest to you.

“Doing it the other way could cause tension,” Gastfriend said. “Consider how your announcement will affect others. This is not just about the news you’re sharing, but how you’re sharing it.”

9

10

Senior Lifestyles

RELATIONSHIPS

Safety tips for dating online

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

O

nline dating is booming among older adults because not only is it a productive way to meet a romantic partner, but it can be fun. The share of 55- to 64-year-olds who sign up for dating sites has doubled from 6 percent in 2013 to 12 percent in 2015, according to the Pew Research Center.

Whether single, widowed or divorced, “boomers are one of the largest markets in online dating,” said online dating expert and digital matchmaker Julie Spira, founder of CyberDatingExpert.com.

While people are “comfortable” dating online, they need to be aware of the risks involved, which are similar to those in dating offline, Spira said: “You have to use the same common sense and trust your intuition when meeting someone online, just like you would when dating in person.”

A positive online dating experience starts with writing a good profile, said boomer online dating expert Ken Solin, author of The Boomer Guide to Finding True Love Online. Too many people – males in particular – don’t fill out a full profile, he said.

“They’ll write one-liners such as ‘I like

sports.’ That doesn’t tell a person anything about you,” Solin said.

“The best thing is to be genuine. Talk about yourself like you’re talking to your family or neighbors, not the person you want to be,” Spira said.

PLAY IT

Red flags Here are some things to watch out for to stay safe when dating online: • Look out for “a sense of desperation,” Solin said. Steer clear if someone professes instant feelings of love or writes things like “I can’t wait to fall in love again,” or it’s “destiny” or “fate” that you’re together.

• Do a little cyber-sleuthing. “Check out if what they’ve said online matches up with their Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram account,” Spira said. “You have so many tools at your fingertips. Use them.”

• Many profile photos are out of date or even fake, Solin said. You can plug the photo into Google Images and do a reverse search to see if it’s a stock or fake photo, Spira said.

• “If the topic of money comes up – for an airline ticket or for a sick relative – run the other way and block them. It’s a scam,” Solin said.

• If you both live in the same area and

safe

haven’t set a potential date after a week or two, start to wonder why. “If you’re not in the same city, hop on a Skype call.

Make it fun. Put some lipstick on, grab a glass of wine and have a dinner date,” Spira said.

Keep personal info safe Some other things to watch out for are someone who asks for your address, said OurTime’s relationship expert, Dr. Terri Orbuch.

“Remain anonymous until you feel comfortable,” and guard your personal

information, such as your full name, phone number and email address, she said.

“Avoid people who don’t give you straight answers. End communication with someone who talks in circles and/ or seems uncomfortable when you ask them questions. If someone speaks in hushed tones or ‘has to go’ all of a sudden, it may indicate the person is not single, or has something else to hide. Be wary of someone who is vague, won’t answer direct questions or can only meet at odd hours,” Orbuch said.

Senior Lifestyles

11

BiGSTOCK.COM

AGING IN PLACE

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

O

ne of the hottest sectors of tech development is aimed at America’s graying population, and rightfully so. People 65 and older represented 14.1 percent of the population in 2013 and are expected to be 20 percent of the population in a decade, according to the Administration on Aging.

While technology has its limits compared to human caregivers, it can help solve dayto-day living challenges and keep people connected to family and friends. Consumers crave technology that allows seniors to age in place, and the industry is responding, said industry analyst Laurie Orlov, founder of Aging in Place Technology Watch.

“It’s not that technology is replacing something; instead it’s enhancing seniors’ quality of life,” she said. “Look at this statistic: 46 percent of women 75 and older live alone.”

Their quality of life improves if they are able to connect to the internet, stay in touch with family and feel safer in their homes, she said.

“The industry has changed in the last 10 to 12 years,” said Jim Miller, a syndicated columnist and author of The Savvy Senior.

As the technology of video and sensor monitoring improves and costs decrease, “it’s easier than ever to keep tabs on a loved one when you can’t be there,” Miller said.

From a $2 billion industry in 2015, “the marketplace for technology to assist aging adults” is expected to grow to more than $30 billion in the next few years, Orlov said.

That doesn’t mean tech has to be costly.

“It’s gotten pretty affordable. A mobile medical alert may set you back $1 a day more or less, and it’s the same for sensors,”

EYES & EarS

Tech can provide safe monitoring of seniors who live alone Miller said.

Here are a few of the tech devices available that allow seniors to live better independently: • Video monitoring: With sound and high-resolution video, systems like Nest Cam, Piper NV and Simplicam can be your eyes and ears on your aging parents, with livestreaming capabilities to your smartphone or computer. These security systems can be used for children and pets, too, but work well to monitor an elder living alone, Miller said. They require Wi-Fi and can provide motion and sound detection to alert you if a loved one is not moving or if an unrecognized person is in the home. Smart cameras like Netatmo’s new Presence can even tell the difference between people, animals and vehicles outside the home, which will go a long way toward making a woman on her own feel safer, Orlov said.

• Sensor monitoring: For people uncomfortable with the idea of Big Brothertype surveillance, sensor monitors such as Silver Mother “are a less invasive option” and can be used to monitor an aging parent’s health and activity, Miller said. Small wireless sensors can be placed around the home on objects like pillboxes, refrigerators and microwaves, TV remotes, key chains and front doors to detect activity. They can track a home’s temperature when paired with smart thermostats and record sleep times and quality when attached to mattresses.

Notifications come through text messages, emails or phone calls.

• Medical alert systems: With the danger of falling, emergency response technology is imperative for seniors who live alone. The “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” pendants have come a long way in recent

years, and the ones from Medical Guardian, LifeFone, Bay Alarm Medical and other companies are much more sleek and modern.

While they save lives, some seniors still attach a stigma to the wearable devices, so tech companies have responded with other choices. Lively is an emergency response and home monitoring kit that comes with a watch.

Just like pendants, simply press a button to summon help as long as you’re within 1,500 feet of the in-home hub. Available in white or black with five wristband choices, it’s waterproof and includes a step counter. Splash and Consumer Cellular Ally offer small tech accessories that require no base unit and can be carried in a pocket, worn on a wristband or belt, or used as a key chain or on a lanyard.

Both rely on a wireless network and operate anywhere for hands-free communication to a 24-hour response team.

“It’s not that technology is replacing something, instead it’s enhancing seniors’ quality of life.”

Laurie Orlov, founder of Aging in Place Technology Watch

12

Senior Lifestyles

FINANCES

Sarah Schneider/More Content Now

Is a reverse mortgage for you?

$

When it can help and when it doesn’t

By Erika Enigk More Content Now

A

ccording to a poll done by Bankrate. com, two-thirds of Americans say they are not able to save enough for retirement. On top of that, living on a Social Security budget can be difficult.

Richard Glover, director of the reverse mortgage division of American Fidelity Mortgage Services in Lisle, Illinois, said the reverse mortgage program offers peace of mind for retirees, as well as comfort in the golden years.

“Most people don’t want to move out of their house, and most people live longer when they (stay),” he said.

How it works A reverse mortgage pays off the traditional mortgage on a home, allowing homeowners to convert some of the home’s equity into a cash loan.

The loan comes due when a homeowner moves out or dies, and rates may be fixed or variable.

Homeowners are still responsible for paying property taxes and upkeep on the home.

The home must be insured

and in at least average condition, Glover said.

There are several disbursement options available, including monthly payments for life, a fixed payment amount for a fixed period of time (such as $1,000 monthly for the next five years), a lump sum and a line of credit.

There are no restrictions on how homeowners spend the money. While some choose to use it for things like travel, most use it to supplement income to maintain their lifestyle and stay active in retirement, Glover said.

Not for everyone While reverse mortgages are becoming more popular as a retirement tool, they’re not for everyone, Glover said.

For one thing, the youngest homeowner must be at least 62. Also, not every type of property qualifies.

Owners must live in the home for six months plus one day out of the year.

Retirees who own property they plan to leave to children, such as a lake house that’s been in the family for generations, would probably

not be well served by a reverse mortgage.

Those who plan to move in a few years should also not consider this plan, according to information furnished by One Reverse Mortgage in its blog, Retiring Wise (https:// www.onereversemortgage. com/reverse-mortgage-blog).

Once a home is sold, the loan comes due.

Finally, a home might not be worth enough to make a reverse mortgage a viable option.

Be informed While the minimum age to qualify for a reverse mortgage is 62, future retirees should begin planning for it years before, Glover said. If set up correctly, it can be a valuable piece of a retirement plan.

However, retirees could come across financial pitfalls if they don’t plan well, and the reverse mortgage plan can be a complicated thing for a beginner to understand.

Retirees who receive Medicaid benefits may lose them if they take too high a payment from the plan.

Supplement Security Income may also be affected.

It’s important to choose a disbursement that meets the homeowners’ needs without having a negative impact elsewhere, Glover said, and having a reliable financial

planner to offer guidance is the key.

“The knowledge and experience of the person doing a reverse mortgage is very important,” he said.

Senior Lifestyles

13

DOWNSIZING

T REN or TO BUY

PHOTOS: PRESERVATION maryland/WIKIPEDIA/BIGSTOCK

TO

That is the question for retirees

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

L

ooking to settle down, empty nesters? When the kids are out of the house and it’s time to downsize, the question often is, should you rent or buy?

The old cliche says that renting is like throwing money down the drain. While some lifelong homeowners may find the idea of renting a challenge, boomers have become one of the major drivers of the rental market, according to research by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

“Several considerations should go into a decision about renting versus buying. The answer depends on many factors, but the cost of living in the area plays a major role in determining the

answer,” said Lori A. Trawinski, director of banking and finance for the financial security team at the AARP Public Policy Institute.

“Estimates of costs for both types of housing should be developed and compared. Many online calculators are available that can help people with these calculations. Some factors regarding renting include: Is suitable rental housing available?

If so, at what cost? Can your budget handle subsequent increases in rent?” she said.

“When considering buying: Can you afford mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance costs going forward?

Of course, personal preferences are also important to consider,” Trawinski said.

Advantages of renting While some may rent because they can’t manage a mortgage, others choose this flexible option because it fits their lifestyle, said Shelby Heinemann, manager at Florida Network Property Management in Jacksonville, Florida.

“With renting you’re not going to be tied down. Most people 55 and older who have a home have paid it off by now. They don’t have home payments so the thought is, what else could they be doing with their money? Renting offers options,” Heinemann said.

A home may be a good investment but it is not a very liquid asset, meaning that if you want to use your money for a dream trip to Europe or for medical expenses, it’s not very easy

to get your hands on.

When downsizing, “people don’t want or need as much house.

They don’t want to worry about doing yardwork or be responsible for expensive home maintenance repairs,” such as fixing a leaky roof or replacing the motor in the air conditioner, Heinemann said.

Renting also offers the flexibility to change things up, whether that means leaving a cold Northern clime for a few months to be a snowbird in the South or renting a home for a year or two to be close to children and grandchildren, Heinemann said.

Advantages of buying That doesn’t mean that owning a home isn’t worth it for some people, especially for those “who have it in their heart that they want to own where they live,” said Mike Bugg, president of Jacksonville, Florida’s The Condo Group.

“It’s a huge psychological process, and owning offers distinct advantages,” Bugg said. When you own you’re more invested in the home, feel more secure and form stronger ties to the community, he said. Plus, part of the mortgage is tax-deductible.

“Even at retirement age, it’s worth it to buy because people are living so much longer and are still active and fun. They’re living exciting lives and want a fresh, new home in a community that represents who they are at this stage in life,” Bugg said.

“You may as well make the most of it.”

Senior Lifestyles

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING “Thinking and planning about end-of-life wishes and priorities before a person n life there are difficult finds him or herself in a crisis conversations, but one of is so important, and can’t the most heart-wrenching be stressed enough. Proper can be the question of how you advance care planning can would like to die. take time, it isn’t necessarily End-of-life planning something you can sit down isn’t easy to talk about, and do fully in a few minutes,” but is an opportunity not Radulovic said. Conversations to be missed, said Harriet with loved ones, medical Warshaw, executive director professionals like your doctor, of The Conversation Project spiritual care providers like (theconversationproject.org), a chaplain or Rabbi are all a nonprofit started five years basic steps. ago to spur conversation about “One of the first steps is end-of-life wishes. to recognize the importance” “Ninety percent of people say of end-of-life planning that talking with their loved and start the conversation, ones about end-of-life care is Radulovic said. important, but only 30 percent How to start have done so. Eighty-two When an adult child percent said it’s important to put their wishes in writing, but is having an end-of-life conversation with an aging only 23 percent have actually done it. Sixty percent of people parent, “be respectful. Parents like to be asked for their advice want to make sure their family isn’t burdened by tough and help. No matter how old they are, they’re still your decisions, but only 56 percent have communicated their end- parents,” Warshaw said. You could phrase the question of-life wishes,” Warshaw said. as, “I’ve really been thinking People often die in a way about planning for my own they may not want to because future, and I want your help. they haven’t expressed their wishes to family members and Have you thought of what you physicians, said Jon Radulovic, want…?”

“Talking about end-of-life spokesman for the National planning gives the gift of Hospice and Palliative Care certainty so that others won’t Organization.

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

i

More tips Here are a few more tips from The Conversation Project: • You don’t need to have the conversation just yet. It’s OK to just start thinking about it.

• You can start out by writing a letter — to yourself, a loved one or a friend.

• You might consider having a practice conversation with a friend.

• Having the conversation may reveal that you and your loved ones disagree. That’s OK. It’s important to know this, and to continue talking about it now — not during a medical crisis.

• Having the conversation isn’t just a one-time thing.

It’s the first in a series of conversations over time.

For more information, CaringInfo (CaringInfo.org) offers a range of resources and tools about hospice and palliative care, advance-care planning, caregiving grief and more. For an easy-touse living will, check out Aging With Dignity’s “Five Wishes” (agingwithdignity. org/five-wishes/ about-five-wishes-nhdd).

BiGSTOCK.COM

14

HaVE a PLan How to talk about end-of-life planning be conflicted or confused over what you want,” Warshaw said. “Do it early and often to normalize the conversation.”

The conversation is also not easy for doctors. Thirty percent of cardiologists and primary care doctors reported they were

not comfortable initiating a conversation about end-of-life planning, according to a 2015 survey by the Mayo Clinic.

As baby boomers continue to break records for longevity, times are changing. As of January 1, 2016, Medicare will

now reimburse doctors for having conversations about advance-care planning with patients, Warshaw said.

Before that, some private insurance covered the cost, while others didn’t.

Senior Lifestyles

15

NURSING FACILITIES

hOMe aWay fROM Choosing a nursing facility

HOME

More resources Care.com suggests these online resources to find a quality nursing home: · Alzheimer’s Association’s Community Resource Finder (communityresourcefinder. org): Locate nursing homes

by ZIP code or city and state.

Filter by length of stay, payment accepted, type of care offered. · Medicare.gov’s Nursing Home Compare (medicare.gov/ NursingHomeCompare/search. html). Locate nursing homes

by ZIP code or city and state.

Filter results by payment options (Medicare, Medicaid) depending on client’s financial status. Prioritize results by overall rating (5-4 stars) and health inspection rating. · Better Business Bureau, bbb.org

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

W

hen a family member can no longer live safely on their own, it’s a tough decision to move them into a nursing home. How can you be sure strangers will take good care of your loved one?

Nursing homes provide round-the-clock nursing care for people who do not need to be in a hospital setting. In America, 1.6 million older Americans live in nursing homes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The most important part of the search for a quality nursing home is understanding what your parent or loved one wants,” said Jody Gastfriend, senior vice president of senior care at Care.com. “Involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.

“The most important part of the search for a quality nursing home is understanding what your parent or loved one wants.”

Jody Gastfriend, Care.com

It’s crucial to the process and your relationship to have an idea of what your loved ones want to happen as they age. The decision to move into a longterm care facility is emotional, financial and personal, and the more open the dialogue can be in a family, the better. Empower your parent or loved one to help with decisions if possible.”

What to look for Some important, basic safety areas you should cover when reviewing a facility: 1. What are the security measures in the facility?

2. Are rooms held for residents if they need to be hospitalized or go to rehab? For how long?

3. Do residents have roommates? What happens if there is a grievance?

4. Are there windows in each room? Safe, outdoor areas to sit or walk?

5. Are there special accommodations or services

for dementia or Alzheimer’s residents?

Nursing home care can be costly, so be sure to check if there are any additional costs not covered in the basic room rate, and look at the facility as a resident, not a visitor, Gastfriend said.

“Don’t judge the facility by how beautiful the lobby is. It may matter to you but it won’t matter to your loved one. Focus on the quality of care and the interactions between residents and staff. Does the facility look and feel welcoming? Does the staff appear friendly and know residents by name? Do the residents appear well-groomed and appropriately dressed for the season?” Gastfriend said.

When you visit a nursing home, challenge your five senses.

“Do you see real care going on? Are patients being ignored when they ask for help? Do

you hear happy and engaged people? Is the staff interacting with patients? Do you smell anything unpleasant? Visit the dining room and ask to see the kitchen and taste some offerings. Will your loved one have access to snacks and drinks? And finally, touch surfaces and inspect the cleanliness of common areas,” Gastfriend said.

Once you choose a facility, visit frequently at various times throughout the week.

“Get to know the staff on different shifts. Build a relationship with the professional caregivers.

Communicate directly when you have concerns, but also take time to show appreciation,” Gastfriend said. “No place is perfect. But if you build a strong and positive connection with the nursing home staff, it will most likely benefit your loved one.”