209 Senior Living - Issue #14

ISSUE #14

Getting Ready to Retire

How to save more for retirement after age 50

Bolstering Your Brain Brain-healthy habits to embrace

Caring for Caregivers How to offer helpful support to caregivers

Caring Support when it matters most

ISSUE #14 PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen GENERAL MANAGER Drew Savage ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George DESIGNER Sharon R. Hoffman ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Chuck Higgs SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Maddie Marhulik Beth Flanagan

Liz Mora

Dawn Hamilton

Corey Rogers

Maddie Hayes

Melody Wann

Michelle Kendig

Charles Webber

Rich Matheson

Jennifer Webber

Hospice Team Members & Services Our team of healthcare professionals include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical social workers, counselors, therapists, aides and specially trained volunteers, all working together to provide: Nursing Care • Patient Family Education Pain & Symptom Relief • Family Support Spiritual Support • Respite Care Volunteer Services • Bereavement Programs Home Medical Equipment & Supplies All Medications Related to the Hospice Diagnosis

To advertise in the next Senior Living, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 138 S. Center St. • Turlock, CA 95380

©Copyright 2016. Senior Living All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Senior Living is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Senior Living are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Senior Living management or owner.

Senior Living assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

Optimal Hospice is available 24/7 to provide support for patients and families.

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C O N T E N T S FINANCIAL PLANNING...................................... 5 HEALTHY LIFESTYLE............................................. 6 TECHNOLOGY UPDATE...................................... 8 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE............................ 10 GETTING ORGANIZED..................................... 12 HOSTING ELDER GUESTS................................. 13 NEWS & INFORMATION.................................. 15 FRAUD PREVENTION........................................ 16

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LIVING

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209 SENIOR LIVING | FINANCIAL PLANNING

How to save more for retirement after age 50

Whether it’s advice from their parents, a response to television ads urging viewers to save for retirement, or their own financial savvy, many of today’s young professionals recognize the importance of saving for retirement from the moment they receive their first paychecks. But men and women over 50 may not have been so practical, and many such professionals may feel a need to save more as their retirements draw ever closer.

Saving for retirement might seem like a no-brainer, but the National Institute on Retirement Security notes that, in 2017, almost 40 million households in the United States had no retirement savings at all. In addition, the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that Americans have a retirement savings deficit of $4.3 trillion, meaning they have $4.3 trillion less in retirement

savings than they should.

Men and women over 50 who have retirement savings deficits may need to go beyond depositing more money in their retirement accounts in order to live comfortably and pay their bills in retirement. The following are a few simple ways to start saving more for retirement.

Redirect nonessential expenses into savings. Some retirement accounts, such as IRAs, are governed by deposit limits. But others, such as 401(k) retirement plans, have no such limits.

Men and women can examine their spending habits in an effort to find areas where they can cut back on nonessential expenses, such as cable television subscriptions and dining out.

Any money saved each month can then be redirected into savings and/or retirement accounts.

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Reconsider your retirement date.

Deciding to work past the age of 65 is another way men and women over 50 can save more for retirement. Many professionals now continue working past the age of 65 for a variety of reasons. Some may suspect they’ll grow bored in retirement, while others may keep working out of financial need.

Others may simply love their jobs and want to keep going until their passion runs out. Regardless of the reason, working past the age of 65 allows men and women to keep earning and saving for retirement, while also delaying the first withdrawal from their retirement savings accounts.

Reconsider your current and future living situation. Housing costs are many people’s most considerable expense, and that won’t necessarily LIVING

change in retirement. Even men and women who have paid off their mortgages may benefit by moving to a region with lower taxes or staying in the same area but downsizing to a smaller home where their taxes and utility bills will be lower. Adults who decide to move to more affordable areas or into smaller, less expensive homes can then redirect the money they are saving into interest-bearing retirement or savings accounts.

Many people begin saving for retirement the moment they cash their first professional paycheck. But even adults over the age of 50 sometimes feel a need to save more as their retirement dates draw closer, and there are many ways to do just that.

209 SENIOR LIVING | HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Brain-healthy habits to embrace

S

eniors can include healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise and balanced diets, to reduce the risk of dementia and other neurological issues.

Cognitive decline is a condition that is often associated with aging, but even middle-aged people can experience memory loss or cognition issues.

The Alzheimer’s Association says that more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. By 2050, that number could rise to as high as 16 million people. More than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, says the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association.

Although there is no definitive way to prevent dementia, living a long, vibrant life may be possible by encouraging some healthy habits for the brain. It is never too late or too early to begin health and lifestyle changes.

EXERCISE

Becoming more active can improve brain volume, reduce risk for dementia and improve thinking and memory skills. The journal Neurology found that older people who vigorously exercise performed better on cognitive tests than others of the same age, placing them at the equivalent of 10 years younger.

Increased blood flow that occurs with physical activity may help generate new neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory.

The Harvard Medical School says

better on tests of mental function than those who consumed less caffeine. Caffeine may help improve attention span, cognitive function and feelings of well-being.

Information from Psychology Today also indicates caffeine may help in the storage of dopamine, which can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. In addition, compounds in cocoa and coffee beans may improve vascular health and help repair cellular damage due to high antioxidant levels. aerobic exercise may help improve brain tissue by improving blood flow and reducing the chances of injury to the brain from cholesterol buildup in blood vessels.

WORK THE BRAIN

QUIT SMOKING

The Alzheimer’s Association indicates that evidence shows smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline. Smoking can impair blood flow to the brain and cause small strokes that may damage blood vessels.

EAT HEALTHY FOODS

Foods that are good for the heart and blood vessels also are good for the brain. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fishbased proteins, unsaturated fats, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Neurologists state that, while research on diet and cognitive function is

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limited, diets, such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to a lower risk of cognitive issues.

CONSUME CAFFEINE

Caffeine may help boost memory performance and brain health. A Journal of Nutrition study found people ages 70 and older who consumed more caffeine scored LIVING

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can create new brain connections and more backup circuits, states Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Working the brain through puzzles, reading and participating in social situations can stimulate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule essential for repairing brain cells and creating connections between them.

A good way to combine these lifestyle factors is to take an exercise class with friends, mixing the social, stimulation and exercise recommendations together.

Cognitive decline can come with aging, but through healthy habits, people can reduce their risk of memory loss and dementia.

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CHANGES EVERYTHING

209 SENIOR LIVING | TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Seniors becoming more tech-savvy Technology is the future, and digital communication has opened many doors for people around the world.

Although younger generations have grown up with technology at their fingers, Baby Boomers and older adults did not. But in spite of that, studies show that growing numbers of seniors are open to the idea of technology and even seeking ways to further their use and knowledge.

According to a 2014 study

by Pew Research Center, 59 percent of seniors regularly use the internet — a 6 percent increase from the previous study conducted in 2012. Today, 67 percent of adults age 65 and older say they go online.

Pew also says that, although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, four in 10 seniors now own smartphones, which is more than double the amount that did in 2013. Seniors in Australia are especially tech savvy, as Deloitte’s mobile consumer survey found 78 percent of Australian seniors aged 65 to 75 own a smartphone, up from 69 percent in 2016.

While stereotypes have long painted seniors as technologically inept, seniors are actually more socially and digitally engaged than ever before. Seniors use technology in many different ways.

Some use mobile apps to manage medications and doctor’s appointments and

monitor their fitness regimens.

Some families employ 24/7 alert systems or smarthome technology to keep seniors comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible. Noninvasive, “smart” technology can analyze factors such as whether or not doors are left open, if there has been movement in a home, or whether appliances/lights are on or off. This represents a great way for families to stay informed and provide assistance even if they are not nearby.

SilverSurfers, a senior-based information website, says other tech that seniors are embracing includes online dating; audio and digital books; online shopping, which is especially valuable to seniors who have mobility issues; and social media, which can keep seniors connected to others and feeling less lonely.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco found 18 percent of American seniors live alone, and 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness can increase death risk. Social media and internet connectivity can be an important tool in helping seniors feel like active members of society.

Technology is no longer just for teenagers or active workers. Seniors are increasingly embracing technology and becoming a fast-growing demographic for tech usage.

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Did you know?

Over the last decade, seniors have become increasingly more savvy in regard to social media usage.

The Pew Research Center found that, in 2015, around 35 percent of people age 65 and older reported using social media. That’s a large jump from just 2 percent in 2005. As of 2016, 65 percent of people between the ages 50 and 64 reported using social media, according to Pew. Social media usage among seniors continues to climb, although young adults still comprise the demographic most likely to use it. Among seniors ages 50 and older, Facebook is by far the most popular social media platform used, followed by Pinterest and LinkedIn.

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MANAGED BY:

209 SENIOR LIVING | PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Why buy life insurance?

Facing one’s mortality and the prospect of leaving family members behind is not always easy. Death, financial security and planning for the future are all difficult subjects, but planning ahead can make matters much easier in the long run.

Life insurance needs frequently come up when making plans, and many people find that purchasing a life insurance policy is a worthwhile investment. Life insurance holds an important place in overall financial planning. One of the most apparent benefits of life insurance is that it will provide a considerable sum of cash upon the insured’s death, which can be put toward the cost of funeral arrangements, housing and dependent care.

Beyond end-of-life bills and care, life insurance can offer other advantages, say the experts at Allstate Insurance Company. Life insurance can

provide a family with a financial safety net. When a beneficiary is named, life insurance can serve as an inheritance for that person or people. Heirs may face estate taxes after a loved one dies, and life insurance benefits may help offset all or a portion of the costs.

There may be benefits to life insurance while a person is living as well. The life insurance information site Term Life 2 Go says that, depending on the policy, life insurance can be borrowed against to pay off debt, buy a house or live off of dividends from the life insurance investment. This can provide a source of supplemental retirement income.

Gateway Financial advisors say that many life insurance plans are extremely flexible and can be modified as needs change. Death benefits may be decreased if desired, and premiums can be skipped, reduced or increased.

Business owners also can use life

insurance policies to their advantage.

Including life insurance with the list of other benefits offered to prospective employees can entice top-notch candidates. Sole proprietors may use life insurance as a business continuation plan so that insurance proceeds can keep the business in the black until it is sold or a replacement owner is found.

Shopping for life insurance requires careful research and an understanding

of the products available. Consumers should have a thorough understanding of term and whole life policies, what premiums will cost, what the death benefit will pay, and if there are any living benefits. For example, living benefits may cover some costs for chronically or terminally ill people.

Working with an experienced life insurance advisor can help people navigate the types of policies available to them.

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All of us at Bethany Home wish you and your family an abundantly blessed Holiday Season!

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Make the most of every day!

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209-847-0314

209 SENIOR LIVING | GETTING ORGANIZED

Is it time to Downsize?

“I’m just not ready yet”, “I have too much stuff ”, “I just don’t know where to begin”, I’m not ready to give up my home”. These are just a few of the comments I hear when it’s time to consider downsizing. Many seniors no longer see the obvious dangers their home now possesses. At a younger age, navigating stairs, for example, you probably didn’t give it a second thought. However, navigating them as you age can mean some very real dangers. Walk through your home and really assess how at risk you may be.

There are currently so many options available for seniors to consider when downsizing. A smaller home?

Independent living? Assisted care or even memory care? It simply depends on your needs. It’s not a loss of independence, you’re actually taking control BEFORE something happens.

Something to keep in mind is after the age of 74, falls take over as the #1 cause of death, with motor vehicle crashes dropping to #2.*

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO GET STARTED:

1. Start with getting the right attitude!

Keeping an open mind to change will make the change easier.

2. Specific physical actions you can take…. consulting with a Senior Real Estate Specialist, writing lists to better compartmentalize the various parts of downsizing.

3. Don’t delay!

Delaying only compounds the problem. It does not disappear but only comes back with an urgency, forcing everyone to respond immediately when fewer options will be available.

4. Create a housing plan!

We have an insurance plan, we have a

financial plan, but how many of us have a housing plan? Don’t wait until circumstances dictate your move.

DETAILS OF YOUR PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE:

• Organizing the downsizing….

Pack up those items that are near and dear to you that you plan on keeping.

Start to pass things on to your kids or friends, give away the rest. I start by going through the house and using different colored post-its for the various items, yellow for items I want to keep, green for the items going to the kids, and so on. The amount of clutter that you end up dealing with will be so much more reasonable.

• Find your Realtor, hopefully an SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) • Knowing the market value of your home.

This is where your Realtor will come in handy.

With pre-planning, you will help minimize your family's financial and emotional burdens.

• Improving the condition of the house.

Many times, seniors choose to downsize because the house becomes too difficult to take care of. I highly recommend getting home inspections prior to placing your home on the market. Knowing beforehand, the items that need replacing or repairing will go along way with a potential buyer.

• Timing the sale. Your Realtor will be able to go over the current market trends to better guide you with the proper timing.

All in all, if you are considering downsizing, I urge you to seek out a Senior Real Estate Specialist who can truly assist and help you navigate through the challenges that can lie ahead.

Ashley Vella, Managing Partner, FDR 3639, Jack and Joanne Deegan, Ambassadors

Story contributed by Susan Baudler, Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist Berkshire Hathaway Home Services- Central Valley DRE# 01894922

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209 SENIOR LIVING | HOSTING ELDER GUESTS

Prepare for visiting elder guests Homeowners may find themselves hosting senior guests several times throughout a typical year. These occasions can be wonderful opportunities for making memories, but homeowners may need to take certain precautions to ensure that guests are safe and comfortable. This may involve making some minor modifications around the home.

Mobility and comfort needs for seniors may differ those necessary to accommodate other guests. Meeting the needs of

senior guests may involve any of the following.

• Make sure pathways leading to and from the home are level, cleared and easy to see.

• If possible, add a ramp over stairs that lead to the front door.

Ensure handrails are sturdy.

• Remove clutter and excess furniture if a guest visiting will be using a walker or a manual/ motorized wheelchair.

• Remove accent rugs from a home, and be sure that any mats are secured with nonslip material.

• Increase lighting in entryways, staircases and hallways, especially areas leading to kitchens or bathrooms.

• If guests will be staying

overnight, arrange sleeping accommodations on the first floor and/or in a room closest to the bathroom.

• Well-placed grab bars in the bathroom can be an asset. See if you can borrow a portable shower seat to make bathing or showering easier for overnight senior guests.

• For long-term guests, consider replacing round doorknobs and other pulls with lever-action ones that are easy to grab.

• Concessions may need to be made concerning interior temperature, noise levels and television viewing.

Several easy modifications can be made to make senior guests feel comfortable when visiting others.

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209 SENIOR LIVING | NEWS & INFORMATION

Wireless technology takes hearing aids to new levels Hearing loss may not be something people want to contemplate, but it is more common than many people may think.

Hearing deficits may occur from birth or be acquired due to injury or prolonged exposure to loud noises.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says approximately 15 percent of American adults (37.5 million people) aged 18 and older report some trouble hearing. Age is the strongest contributor to hearing loss, with people age 60 and older with the highest levels of impairment.

People with hearing deficits can access a growing number of assistance devices to make their lives easier. From telephones and doorbells that trigger a blinking light rather than a bell to closed captioning and voice-to-text conversion to a greater understanding and widespread usage of sign language, the deaf and hearing impaired have many options to help them overcome hearing loss.

As technology advances, so, too, do the options for the hearing impaired. One innovative piece of gadgetry is sophisticated wireless hearing aids that are compatible with personal electronic devices.

Thanks to Bluetooth technology, hearing aid manufacturers are harnessing this science to expand on the abilities of hearing aids and to develop new products. In the past, in order to use an MP3 player or mobile phone, a person would need to remove traditional hearing aids to accommodate a pair of earbuds.

Furthermore, hearing aids may have had their limitations in filtering ambient noise. Although Bluetoothpowered hearing devices are still in their infancy, Oticon, a global hearing technology company, has

developed their own communication and entertainment solution called ConnectLine that enables people to connect hearing aids with different devices. This transforms hearing aids into a personal wireless headset for listening to music, watching television or video chatting.

Many other companies, such as ReSound and Starkey, also offer Bluetooth-enabled devices. Their devices may be compatible with Android and iPhone models, some of which may only require an app or direct connectivity to the device. In fact, Apple has patented a specific Bluetooth connectivity with certain hearing aid manufacturers. Others may require an accessory of some sort to make connections possible, especially when pairing with a TV or other audio device.

Thanks to cutting edge technology, assistive listening devices have improved considerably.

Individuals should speak with their hearing care professionals about their daily needs concerning hearing aids and explore the options in wireless hearing aid technology that can work seamlessly with their devices.

Support for caregivers is helpful

U

sing a network of community support can help caregivers manage stress.

At some point in a son or daughter’s life, the role of caregiver may shift. Where parents once took care of their children, aging parents very frequently rely on their children to care for them.

Adult caregivers typically want to do right by their aging loved ones but sometimes find that the demands of medical and emotional support can dominate their lives — so much so that their own children and other household responsibilities are neglected. The Mayo Clinic says it is natural to feel sad, alone, frustrated, and even angry when serving as a caregiver to an elderly parent.

However, it’s also important to recognize the signs that the burden has become too much and to look for ways to lighten the workload.

Anyone can get caregiver stress, but the National Alliance for Caregiving says women are more susceptible than men.

Those who are responsible for helping someone with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or a debilitating illness are also at a high risk of developing their own medical issues. These responsibilities can affect the quality of caregivers’ sleep and impede their ability to relax and unwind.

Finding relief from caregiver stress can involve a few different strategies.

Ask for more help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If other family members or siblings are unable to pitch in, look into the possibility of hired aides. These professionals can be excellent and trained sources of support who assist with activities of daily living, remind patients to take their medications and assist in coordinating medical checkups.

Consider watchdog technology. Smart homes have enabled remote control of many household systems, making it possible to monitor thermostat temperature, water leaks or floods, appliance and light usage, and much

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more. Video and sound surveillance can offer peace of mind to those who cannot be with their loved ones constantly.

Another option is a product called Care Coach. This is a digital tool that provides medicine reminders, health coaching, automated alerts, and an interactive avatar that can offer psychological and comforting support.

Explore respite care. Many rehabilitation and nursing facilities offer short-term respite care for loved ones so that caregivers can take the time to go on vacation or enjoy a day or two without having to check in on an elderly parent.

Facilities generally have 24-hour staff to monitor residents, provide meals and provide entertainment. The change of pace can also be stimulating to the senior, and respite care can be a gradual introduction to long-term care.

Embrace community resources.

Seniors may be eligible for low- or no-cost services like visiting nurses, meal delivery and adult day programs. This network of support can further alleviate caregiver stress.

Talk it out. Work with a licensed therapist to find other coping strategies for dealing with the mounting pressure of being a caregiver. Talk therapy and relaxation techniques can help curb stress.

Being a caregiver is a rewarding but demanding responsibility. Utilizing all possible resources can make the job easier.

209 SENIOR LIVING | FRAUD PREVENTION

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“Care with Dignity”

• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing Services • Secure Memory Care Unit 5 out of 5 Stars Rated Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Call and schedule a tour Today! 209-823-1788 469 E. North St., Manteca, CA 95336 • stjudecarecenter.com

SENIOR 18 LIVING

PRESTIGE ASSISTED LIVING AT MANTECA

Curious about senior living?

Don’t just settle for care, expect Prestige!

What your typical senior community provides: • Three meals per day • Personal care services • Medication management

Discover the Prestige Difference Everything they do…PLUS: • Full-time RN and Licensed Nursing team • 2018 Readers Choice award winner • Award-winning Expressions memory care • Transitional care for patients with memory impairment Take financial possession of your apartment

by Sept 30th and receive $1000 off your first two full month’s rent.

Prestige Assisted Living at Manteca 1130 Empire Ave., Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 645-6245

SENIOR 19 LIVING

licernse #397004125

CATARACT SURGERY • GLAUCOMA CARE • RETINAL SERVICES EYELID SURGERY • LASIK • VISION EXAMS • GLASSES • CONTACTS

Joseph Zeiter, M.D.

John Zeiter, M.D.

Richard Wong, M.D.

John Canzano, M.D.

Joseph Zeiter, Jr., M.D.

Michael Mequio, M.D.

Peter Hetzner, O.D.

Linda Hsu, O.D.

Steven Wood, O.D.

STOCKTON

Over 55 years of Vision Care

SENIOR 20 LIVING

Robert Pedersen, O.D.

LODI

Devinder Grewal, O.D.

Robert Dupree, O.D.

MANTECA TRACY

Jennifer Pham, O.D.

SONORA

209-239-3880 www.zeitereye.com

Ralph Miranda, O.D.