Spring 2013
Health & Fitness
Retirement Living
Spring Activities
2
www.pentictonwesternnews.com
Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
seniors on the go
Knowing when to make the move to assisted living Tracey van de Laar For the Western News
There are many phases as we live out our lives — and perhaps the most difficult decision to make is the decision to move into an assisted living residence. There are two ways to go about it: planning ahead and making the decision based on research and dialogue, which is certainly the least stressful way. Of course the decision can be put off until later, but typically this puts added pressure on making the decision under constraints of time, availability and even health issues. Sometimes a couple will experience one partner’s health deteriorate more rapidly than the other. Often the healthier partner will try and pick up the slack and pitch in to assist the ailing partner, often to the detriment of their own personal health and safety. Cooking the meals and cleaning the house, in addition to assisting a loved one, can prove to be too wearing and it is at
this point that it would be a good time to look at the options that an assisted living residence will provide. Retirement homes today, are a far cry from the “old folks homes” of the past. Retirement homes now focus on providing a home with all the amenities for those who treasure their independence yet value the benefit of having professional, medical care nearby should they need it. Assisted living residents have the option of purchasing extra packages of care should they require assistance with bathing, medications, daily nursing care and more. Another reason to consider an assisted living retirement home is when a spouse or partner has passed away and there is a sense of loneliness. Community is the essence of life at assisted living residences, and residents are encouraged to participate in activities that promote socializing and new friendships. There is typically an activity calendar of events for the month and this is designed for fitness, fun and companionship. There is a definite impact that relationships have on positively
promoting the health and wellbeing of a person. It is important to understand that everyone experiences life differently and there is a need for assisted living retirement Homes to provide a stimulating and fulfilling environment in which to live. There is the strong belief that an enjoyable, high quality of life should extend for an entire lifetime in a community that promotes health and happiness. So, take the first step and contact assisted living residences in your community and do the research on which assisted living residence will best suit you and/or your partner’s needs. Continue to live independently, but with the added comfort of knowing that as you age and your health or a loved one’s may deteriorate — that you are living amongst people who are there to provide that extra level of care — when you may need it most. Tracey van de Laar is the business assistant at The Hamlets at Penticton
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If you already volunteer or are considering volunteering, you can celebrate the incredible efforts of local volunteers on April 22 from 3-5:30 p.m. at Orchard House, 157 Orchard Ave., Penticton, or April 25 from 1-3:30 p.m. at Medici’s Gelateria and Coffee House, 522 Fairview Rd., Oliver. This is a time to meet other volunteers and representatives from organizations who depend on volunteers. There will be a variety of activities along with refreshments and door prizes. Local dignitaries have also been invited to join in this celebration. For further information, contact the South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre at 778-476-5661, toll free 1-888-576-5661, email info@volunteercentre.info, or visit the website at www.volunteercentre.info.
189500
• Studio • 1 bdrms • 1 bdrm w/den • 2 bdrms
MONTHLY RENT INCLUDES: • Three meals a day plus snacks • 24 hour staff care • Emergency call bells • Cable in suites • Weekly housekeeping/laundry
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• 24 Hour Professional Nursing Care • Dementia Care • Young adult/acquired Brain Injury Care • Developmental Disability Care • Respite Care Viewof our one g m fro isted Livin s s A Suites
Now in its 71st year, National Volunteer Week is all about volunteer recognition. This year’s celebration takes place the week of April 21 to 27. Volunteers make our communities resilient and our country vibrant. Today, volunteers are involved in more ways than ever. Volunteers complete tasks from smartphones while waiting at the bus stop. They sign and share petitions. They govern organizations as board members. They lead rescue efforts when disasters strike. Every day, Canadians lend a hand to their neighbours and friends. And many of them don’t realize that in doing so they’re volunteering. National Volunteer Week pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and talents to better our communities.
OTHER FEATURES: Therapeutic pool Hair salon Spa room Chapel Recreational activities and our own Hamlets bus for group outings
.
Mark your calendars!
Visit The Hamlets Booth
SENIORS EXPO
Fri. May 3rd & Sat. May 4th 10am - 4pm at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre
Please call The Hamlets at Penticton to book a tour of Assisted Living or Complex Care 103 Duncan Avenue Penticton, BC V2A 2Y3 info@thehamletsatpenticton.com
A Community Where Health & Happiness Are a Way of Life
250-490-8503
Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
www.pentictonwesternnews.com
3
seniors on the go
Vein Vein Treatment Treatment at at Penticton Penticton Laser Laser & & Skin Skin of the treated vessel. Walking is an of the treated Walking isplan an important part vessel. of the treatment important part of the treatment plan and patients are instructed to walk and patients following are instructed to walk immediately treatment for immediately following treatment for 30 minutes. It is normal for the inject30 It is normal for the injected minutes. area to bruise and swell, so visible ed area to bruise and swell, so visible improvement will only be noted after improvement will only be noted after the healing process is complete. the healing process is complete.
René Serbon
Penticton Laser & Skin Clinic René Serbon Penticton Laser & Skin Clinic
What is Ultrasound What Ultrasound guidedis Sclerotherapy? guided Sclerotherapy? What is sclerotherapy? What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy has been used for over Sclerotherapy haseffective, been usedsafe for over 75 years as an and 75 years as an effective, safe proven way to treat varicose and and spiproven wayTreatments to treat varicose and spider veins. are performed der veins. Treatments performed in the office and take are approximately in the offi ce and take approximately 15– 30 minutes. A tiny needle is used 15– 30 minutes. A tiny needle is used to inject the problematic veins with to inject the problematic veins with a medication that causes the veins ato medication thewithin veins collapse andthat die.causes Usually to and treatment, die. Usually 4-6collapse weeks after thewithin treat4-6 weeks after treatment, theare treated veins slowly dissolve and reed veins slowly dissolve and are reabsorbed by the body. Following absorbed by the body. Following the treatment sessions, compression the treatment stockings are tosessions, be worn compression for a specific stockings are to be worn forona the specifi period of time, depending sizec period of time, depending on the size
With this technique, sclerotherapy With this technique, sclerotherapy (echosclerotherapy) is done while the (echosclerotherapy) is done doctor visually monitors thewhile vein the on doctor visually monitors the vein on an ultrasound screen. This is necesan ultrasound screen. This is necessary to treat any deep veins that can sary toseen treatbyany veins not be thedeep naked eye.that can not be seen by the naked eye.
What causes varicose veins What causes varicose veins and spider veins? and spider veins?
Heredity, hormonal factors (puberHeredity, hormonal factors (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), aging, ty, pregnancy, menopause), aging, standing or sitting for long periods standing or obesity. sitting for long periods of time and of time and obesity.
Symptoms of Symptoms vein diseaseof vein disease
Leg pain and/or fatigue, bulging and/ Leg pain and/or fatigue, bulging and/
or “spidery” appearance of the vein, or “spidery”aching, appearance of thethrobvein, heaviness, burning, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping and restlessbing, cramping restlessness ofitching, legs are some of and the possible ness of legs are some of the possible signs or symptoms of venous disease. signs symptoms the of venous disease. If leftoruntreated, diseased vein If left untreated, the diseased can compromise the nutrition ofvein the can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammaskin and lead to eczema, infl ammation or ulcerations. tion or ulcerations.
Cost of treatments Cost of treatments
Cost for treatment of varicose veins Cost forestablished treatment of veins will be at varicose your complewill be established at your complementary vein assessment. Some costs mentary vein assessment. Some costs may be covered by extended medical may be covered by extended medical benefits. benefi ts. cosmetic treatment of spider Cost for Cost for cosmetic treatment of by spider veins is generally not covered exveins is generally not covered by extended medical plans. tended medical plans.
Instructions to Follow Instructions to Follow after Sclerotherapy after Sclerotherapy
The compression stocking(s) or tenThe stocking(s) or tensor compression bandage(s) should remain in sor bandage(s) should remain place for several days (including in at place several days (including at night).for Compression is an important night). an important part of Compression the treatmentis because it repart of the treatment because reduces the pressure of the blood it flowduces thethe pressure the blood flowing into treatedof veins. Walk for at ing into the treated veins. Walk for at
least 30 minutes immediately followleast 30 minutes immediately following your treatment and continue to ing your treatment and continue to walk for 30 minutes daily thereafter. walk minutes daily thereafter. Avoidfor any30high impact aerobics and Avoid any high impact aerobics and jogging for 1 week post treatment jogging for 1 week post treatment (unless otherwise instructed). (unless instructed). Do nototherwise be concerned if the injected Do not be concerned if the swollen; injected areas appear bruised and/or areas appear bruised and/or swollen; this is normal with many skin types this is normaldisappears with manyover skintime. types and normally It and normally disappears over time. It is not unusual to feel a hard cord or is not along unusual feel a hard cord or lump theto injected vein for 6-12 lump along the injected vein for 6-12 weeks, and possibly some tenderness. weeks, and possibly some tenderness. Sun tanning and exposure to the ulSun tanning and exposure to the traviolet rays may increase the risk ulof traviolet rays may increase the risk of skin darkening or pigmentation and skin darkening or pigmentation and should be avoided until the bruisshould be avoided until ing is gone. The use of an the SPFbruis15 or ing is gone. The use of an SPF 15 or higher sun block is a good precauhigher block ifis sun a good precautionary sun measure exposure is tionary measure if sun exposure is unavoidable. unavoidable.
For further information about For further information about Vein Treatment, phone or email Vein Treatment, phone or email our office. Please note, this inour office. Please note, this information is not exhaustive and formation is not exhaustive and should be discussed with your should be discussed with your physician. physician.
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4
www.pentictonwesternnews.com
Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
seniors on the go
It’s never too late to show your generosity Janice Perrino For the Western News
Do you sometimes feel like you get a letter from a charity every week asking for a donation? As much as we would like to be help these worthwhile charities, these days cash is tight! With rising electrical costs, housing prices and the worst has to be; the rising cost of gasoline, if you live on a fixed income, how can you possibly help your favourite charities and make a difference in your community. There is a way, in fact, there are several ways. You’ve heard the saying that most of us are richer after our death than we were when we were alive so why not consider designating some of your assets to your favourite charity
through your will. When writing or updating your will ask your legal advisor to have either a percentage or set amount from the residue of your estate directed to your charity. It might be more convenient for you to give a specific piece of property like a home, securities or other financial assets and the tax benefits are often quite substantial. Even a small percentage of your estate can be worth a great deal of money when you consider the value of your residence and your investments. In our case the generosity of people giving through their estates has allowed South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation to purchased literally millions of dollars worth of equipment for the Penticton Regional Hospital. So what other options are available to you?
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South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation Please support the Penticton Regional Hospital with a tax deductible donation Why make the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation part of your estate and tax planning? Bequeathing a portion of your estate through your Will or gifting assets during your lifetime are terrific ways to ensure health care excellence for years to come for your family, friends and loved ones.
Will you leave a legacy of hope and healing?
Have you decided you really don’t need your RRSP or RRIF? Where a donor names their charities foundation as the direct beneficiary of a RRSP or RRIF, the donor’s estate is entitled to a donation receipt for the amount paid out on death. In fact probate taxes can be avoided and the risk of creditor claims can be minimized. A life insurance plan allows you an excellent opportunity to make a generous contribution to your charity for relatively little cost. This can also offer immediate tax savings and ensures that your entire estate passes directly to your heirs and your favourite charity. If you already have an existing policy that you no longer need, consider designating the policy to your charity and receive a charitable receipt for its cash surrender value. If further payments are required on the policy, you will receive a charitable donation receipt for all payments made after the policy is assigned to the foundation. What if you need the income to live on but would really like to make a gift while you are still alive? Does your favourite charity have to wait until after your passing to see the benefit
of your generosity? No, you can make a make a major gift and continue to have the on-going income from your investment for the rest of your life. Charitable remainder trusts offer you a guaranteed lifetime income along with substantial, immediate tax savings. A donor irrevocably transfers assets (usually cash) to a trust and then designates a charity(s) as the recipient of those assets upon their death. The trust will pay income earned on these assets to the donor or other beneficiaries during their lifetime and then distribute the capital to the charity upon the death of this income beneficiary. The capital of the trust is not accessible to the donor, so the donor is entitled to an immediate tax receipt for the present value. To learn more about making these types of charitable gifts contact your insurance advisor, tax, financial or legal advisor or contact your favourite charity for more information. Janice Perrino is the executive director of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.
Laughter really can be the best medicine Laughter and music just may be good for the heart. Millions of people routinely take prescription medications or make dietary changes, such as eliminating salt from their diets, in an effort to lower blood pressure. However, for those who are interested in making some easy lifestyle changes that can result in modest reductions in blood pressure, listening to music or laughing more may do the trick. In a Japanese study, researchers explained that people who took part in bimonthly group
sessions built around music or laughter lowered their systolic blood pressure (the top number in the reading, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) by an average of five to six points after three months. In contrast, the average blood-pressure reading in a control group that received neither therapy didn’t move. According to experts, this decline in pressure is the equivalent of what someone could expect from adopting a low-salt diet or losing 10 pounds.
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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
www.pentictonwesternnews.com 5
seniors on the go
…And now a Word from the Residents. Mark Brett/Western News
ResideNt ANNe tResiddeR of the summerland seniors Village dances with ella Harbour (right) and tala Neufield of the Boys and Girls Club during the flash mob event in support of Pink shirt day at Cherry Lane shopping centre. A variety of events were held throughout the city and the country to raise awareness and opposition to the bullying of people of all ages.
Vibrant community a place to call home Sharon Lusch
For the Western News
The charming and very lovely town of Summerland has long been a desired retirement destination. Who wouldn’t want to live in the heart of the Okanagan among vineyards and wineries, in a delightful setting with great views of the lake and surrounding countryside, and close enough to shops and amenities to enjoy the best of all worlds? That’s a perfect description of Summerland Seniors Village. Summerland Seniors Village, a community comprised of assisted living and residential care apartments and rooms, offers a full range of services and care levels, allowing seniors to enjoy quality of life and to ‘age in place’ as their needs change. Residents can be as independent as they wish, but can also receive assistance when they need it. It’s ideal for couples who may have differing needs, and who wish to remain together. Food is a key to happiness and with that in mind, Summerland Seniors Village is working closely with corporate chef, Wolfgang Schmelzer to make sure that all needs are met. Basic home cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients is important to everyone, however the real answer to pleasing our residents, is making sure there is enough variety to tempt the palate on an ongoing basis. The social aspect of Village life is also hugely important. The Village bus carries residents to a variety of off-site activities and venues, and is just one part of a well-rounded and interactive entertainment, activity and recreation program. It’s important that residents continue to grow, and to learn. Daily interaction with others and with the community is important to healthy mental welfare. Summerland is a small community and many residents have lived in this area for a
good part of their lives. Ongoing community and inter-generational programs are encouraged to make sure that residents maintain their connection to friends and family in the community. Assisted living suites are studio, onebedroom or two-bedroom. Many suites have spectacular views over the orchards and lakes. Lunch and dinner are served daily in our bright central dining room, and residents and their families are invited to take advantage of all indoor and outdoor amenities. Families and friends are encouraged to visit and participate in activities, and families who live a distance away can be accommodated in one of our guest suites. Residential care rooms are private, fully furnished, and complete with two piece ensuite. We welcome residents requiring intermediate, extended, respite, dementia and palliative care. Summerland Seniors Village is one of 20 properties, owned and operated by Retirement Concepts, a Canadian owned company headquartered in Vancouver. Part of our mission is to improve the quality of life for seniors. We do that by providing seniors with elegant, comfortable surroundings and by giving them a choice of services and programs to suit their lifestyle. For a personal visit and more information, call Sharon at 250-404-4304 or visit our website at www.retirementconcepts.com. We are located at 12803 Atkinson Rd. in Summerland. There was never a better time to move in. Ask Sharon about our special ‘Move In’ package, where we will actually assist you in downsizing, packing and moving in. Sharon Lusch is the marketing and community relations consultant at Summerland Seniors Village.
ge a l l i V s r o i n e S at Thanks to aupls l and downs in afTf he we tenahantves anmetd
st : Dear Editor ered wth. ro g rs re are consid io n he se s e u w of y e an m ti of M - At this ed members m lu u S va t a k ed an id th es have r and so ld like to our families rs Vil- wou rs ke or w d an merland Senio f want ing, the staf ith that we just iv w L d d te is ue ss in nt , A co lage their to say, 2006. for since February, romoting our p in d ai ke “Thank You!” to ta nce and We would like de en p de r in nowlMargaret Frase healthy to this time to ack n io at uc h k our ed Esther Beckwit well as the edge and than as g, in ag r Win Kopf othe facility for an ties and pro vi ti ac Summerland . e supav h wonderful year ey th s m ra eas of g d Review As with all ar m the Summerlan ee plied. ar cerpted letter fro e e Ex er th s, our live
Margaret an d Win
Come, join us for lunch. See what living here is all about! Call Sharon to schedule a private tour: 250.404.4304
A Retirement Concepts Community
summerlandseniorsvillage.com
6
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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
seniors on the go
Keep an eye on potential threats to vision There are many conditions that can affect the vision of senior citizens and can lead to total vision loss if not monitored carefully. These conditions include: CataraCts: As we age, the lens inside the eye can become cloudy, causing blurry or foggy vision and other problems. This is referred to as a cataract, and is an extremely common condition in seniors. By the age of 80, more than half of all seniors have either had or are contemplating cataract removal surgery. (Surgery is currently the only treatment option for cataracts and is successful in nearly 95 per cent of cases.) GlauComa: This condition is marked by increased intraocular pressure and decreased visual function. Treatment for glaucoma may include medications or surgery. If there is a family history of the condition or it is diagnosed, your eye doctor may recommend that you get eye exams twice per year. aGe-related maCular deGeneration (amd): This condition involves deterioration of the macular (the most sensitive part of the retina, responsible for the central field of vision), is progressive and can lead to serious vision loss or even
total blindness. The biggest risk factor for AMD is age; middle age people have only about a two per cent risk of developing the disease, but this jumps to 30 per cent by age 75. Other risk factors
include a family history of the disease, smoking and obesity. Women and Caucasians also have an increased risk of developing AMD. Here are some tips for improving your eye health (as well as your overall health): n Eat your vegetables. Dark green leafy vegetables are the best sources of beta-carotene for a healthy macula. Popeye wasn’t just eating spinach to build strong muscles — he was building strong eyes too. n Reduce your intake of fat. n Quit smoking. If you are a smoker, your family and medical providers have probably been hounding you already to quit. Smoking is bad for your health in so many degrees. Smoking is a major risk factor for a number of health conditions including those related to your eyes. n Wear sunglasses. The intense UV rays are murder on your eyes. Sunglasses with 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection whenever you’re outside, even on overcast days. Sun-related damage is a serious risk factor for a number of eye conditions, including cataracts.
Glaucoma does not always exhibit symptoms As the human body ages, certain things might not work as well as they used to. Though no two individuals are the same, there are certain things people expect to deal with as they age. Changes in vision are one thing many people associate with aging. Some people maintain perfect vision throughout their lives, while others’ vision deteriorates and conditions begin to develop. Though not exclusive to the elderly, glaucoma is one such condition many seniors must deal with. But even though risk for glaucoma increases as a person ages, that doesn’t mean younger men and women should not familiarize themselves with this condition
and learn its symptoms and characteristics. In fact, glaucoma can be present for years before it’s recognized. This only further highlights the importance of understanding this condition so, should it appear, it can be effectively treated as soon as possible. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a term used to refer to a group of conditions that can cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain, and oftentimes optic nerve damage is a result of increased pressure in the eye. In the United States, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness. In Canada, the
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Glaucoma Research Society of Canada reports that more than 400,000 Canadians have glaucoma today. What role does intra-ocular pressure play? The eyes are filled with fluids that help maintain pressure in the eye. That pressure is called intra-ocular pressure, or IOP. IOP is not a bad thing, but high IOP is a risk factor for glaucoma. Measuring IOP is fairly easy. Doctors will use a tonometer to measure IOP, but men and women should know that normal IOP does not necessarily mean a person does not have glaucoma, nor does high IOP mean a person does have glaucoma. While high IOP is a risk factor for glaucoma and controlling IOP is a focus of glaucoma therapy, there is more to diagnosing and treating glaucoma than just focusing on IOP. What causes high IOP? The eye produces a fluid called the aqueous humor which is used to bathe and nourish the various parts of the eye. This fluid typically flows out of the eye through channels in the front of the eye in an area called the anterior chamber angle. When the flow of the aqueous humor is blocked or slowed, the fluid gets trapped in the eye and then IOP builds, at which point damage to the optic nerve can occur. Are all cases of glaucoma the same? Not all cases of glaucoma are the same. In fact, there are four major types of glaucoma. n Open-angle, or chronic, glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. The cause is unknown, but an increase in eye pressure occurs slowly over time as the pressure starts to push on the optic nerve and the retina at the back of the eye. This
type of glaucoma tends to run in families, so men and women who have a parent or grandparent who has had open-angle glaucoma should not miss appointments with his or her eye doctor, even if vision seems normal. This is especially important because most people with open-angle glaucoma have no symptoms until they begin to lose vision, though gradual loss of peripheral vision may occur. n Angle-closure, or acute, glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the aqueous humor is suddenly blocked. This is very noticeable, as it causes instant and severe pain as the IOP quickly increases. Risk for angleclosure glaucoma increases for those who have already had it one eye. Symptoms include decreased or cloudy vision, nausea and vomiting, seeing rainbow-like halos around lights, and reddening of the eye. n Congenital glaucoma: Congenital glaucoma is present at birth and results from an abnormal development of the fluid outflow channels in the eye. Symptoms are typically noticed when the child is a few months old. These can include cloudiness of the front of the eye, enlargement of one or both eyes, sensitivity to light, tearing, and reddening of the eye. n Secondary glaucoma: Secondary glaucoma results from other conditions, including uveitis, a condition where the middle layer of the eye, known as the uvea, swells and causes irritation. Secondary glaucoma can also result from systemic diseases and drugs such as corticosteroids. More information about glaucoma is available at the Glaucoma Research Society of Canada Web site at www.glaucomaresearch.ca. Venetian l Vertical l Wood Faux Wood l Pleated l Cellular
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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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Reducing risk of heart disease could save your life Heart disease doesn’t discriminate, affecting men and women regardless of their age or where they live. One Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke every seven minutes. So says the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, a charity that annually spends millions of dollars researching heart disease and promoting healthier lifestyles. For most men and women, the prevalence of heart disease is no great surprise. Nearly every adult can point to a loved one who has dealt with heart disease. Many men and women can even point to a friend or family member who lost their battle with heart disease. That familiarity should make people even more willing to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, something experts say is the best defence against heart disease and stroke. Though not all risk factors for heart disease can be controlled, there are ways to reduce that risk considerably. Control your blood pressure — High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk for heart disease. Blood pressure measures the pressure or force of blood against the walls if your blood vessels, also known as arteries. Having your blood pressure taken is a routine on most doctor visits, but many people are unaware what the number actually measures. The top number measures the pressure when the heart contracts and pushes blood out, while the bottom number is the lowest pressure when the heart relaxes and beats. Blood pressure that is consistently above 140/90 is considered high. A normal blood pressure is one between 120/80 and 129/84. Because of the relation between blood pressure and heart disease and stroke, men and women must take steps to control their blood pressure. Having your blood pressure checked regularly is a good start. Once you get checked, reduce the amount of sodium in your diet, replacing high-sodium snacks with healthier fare and monitoring sodium intake during the day. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends eating less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and that includes salt added when making meals or eating at the table. Maintaining a healthy body weight and successfully managing stress are additional ways to control blood pressure. limit alCohol Consumption — Excessive consumption of alcohol can contribute to high triglycerides, produce irregular
Limiting aLcohoL consumption to no more than one or two drinks per day is one way to reduce risk for heart disease.
heartbeats and eventually lead to heart failure or stroke. There is some evidence that people who drink moderately have a lower risk of heart disease than nondrinkers. But it’s also important to note that people who drink moderately also have a lower risk of heart disease than people who drink excessively. So when it comes to alcohol, moderation reigns supreme. One
or two standard drinks per day is enough depending on gender. The Heart and Stroke Foundation suggests that women who drink should not drink more than nine drinks a week, while men should not exceed 14 drinks in a single week. Of course, if there are extenuating circumstances then all bets are off. Men and women with liver disease, mental illness or a personal or family history of alcohol problems should avoid alcohol entirely. In addition, those taking certain medications should avoid alcohol consumption as well. For the latter group, discuss alcohol consumption with your physician when he or she writes you a prescription. Quit smoking — The decision to smoke tobacco is the decision to invite a host of potential physical ailments, not the least of which is heart disease. Smoking contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and increases blood pressure. As if that’s not enough, smoking also harms those around you. In Canada, nearly 8,000 nonsmokers lose their lives each year from exposure to secondhand smoke. What might surprise some people, however, is how quickly quitting smoking can reduce a person’s risk for heart disease. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, within 48 hours of quitting a person’s chances of having heart disease have already started to go down. For those who successfully avoid smoking for one year, the risk of a suffering a smokingrelated heart attack has been cut in half. After 15 years, the risk of heart attack is the same as someone who never smoked at all. embraCe physiCal aCtivity — People who are physically inactive are twice as likely to be at risk for heart disease or stroke than people who are physically active. Research has shown that getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week can help lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol while helping to maintain a healthy weight. If starting from scratch, even light physical activity can provide some health benefits. Gradually work your way up to more demanding activities, and make physical activity a routine part of your daily life. More information on heart disease and stroke is available online at www.heartandstroke.ca.
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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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seniors on the go
Senior years should be golden age of creativity Izayana Pineda For the Western News
One of the delights of retirement is the freedom to indulge in creative pursuits, whether it is sewing, woodworking, needlework, writing, crafting jewelry, or building the world’s most elaborate model railroad; seniors rank high in creative skills. With the demands of career and family waning, seniors gain a freedom to spend hours in self-expression which many have not have known since childhood. An example is poet William Carlos Williams, who was forced to retire from his medical career by a stroke in his 60s. He turned to an earlier interest — writing — and at the age of 79 won a Pulitzer Prize for his work. Studies are now showing that this outpouring of creativity is not only fun, it has health benefits as well. Gerontologist Gene Cohen began studying the link between creativity and aging almost 30 years ago. In a recent study of 300 seniors, he found those who participated in community art and music programs were less depressed and lonely; fell less often; visited doctors less often; and took fewer medications. Cohen also found that creative pursuits were embraced by seniors more enthusias-
tically than other health-giving activities. While an hour on the treadmill might be boring, an hour of writing or painting or carving or sculpting gives seniors a sense of mastery and accomplishment. In addition, many creative activities are group-based, so seniors get an opportunity to socialize while engaged in their chosen art form. A further advantage of creativity is that it can continue even when age-related ailments derail other activities. Art, music, poetry and crafts can counter the impact of health challenges and help preserve cognitive abilities and fine motor skills. Programs that introduce art therapy to seniors with dementia have shown that cognitive decline is not necessarily linked to artistic ability. Expression via paintbrush can continue despite the loss of verbal skills. The senior years may well be the golden age of creativity for many, who can draw on a lifetime of experience to illuminate their art, and who finally have the time to flex their creative ‘muscle.’ Perhaps a better image of aging is not the typical senior with a cane but a senior with a paintbrush. Izayana Pineda is the manager of Sun Village Retirement Residence.
Smoke alarms protect seniors B.C.’s campaign to see a working smoke alarm in every home has grown again, as the total number of free units available to vulnerable families rose by 4,000. Super Save Group has joined the campaign, making the additional Kidde alarms — valued at $145,000 — available for distribution to seniors throughout the province. Recent research by Surrey fire chief Len Garis, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of B.C., shows seniors make up nearly one-third of all B.C. fire victims, even though they account for just 15 per cent of the province’s population. “The driving force behind this campaign is recognizing how common it has been for households in B.C. and across Canada to lack functioning smoke alarms, and how that translates into dozens of preventable deaths every year in the very places where our families should feel most safe,” said Garis. “The support we continue to receive in working to tackle this important safety issue is just phenomenal. Our focus has been on permanent, sustainable solutions for everyone, and I believe we’re making real progress toward our goal.”
In March 2012, Justice Minister and Attorney General Shirley Bond and Garis launched a provincewide awareness campaign to save lives by having a working smoke alarm in every B.C. household. New partners continue to get involved, with fire personnel and local governments in more than 60 communities supporting the effort, backed by awarenessbuilding and donations by various media, business partners and professional organizations. “Our goal of a working smoke alarm in every B.C. home keeps gaining momentum. Super Save’s generous offer will help us reach our target more quickly, and in a way that helps some of the people who are most vulnerable to fatality in a fire at home,” said Bond. Data from the Office of the Fire Commissioner shows that among 11,000 residential fires throughout B.C. between 2006 and 2011, nearly 70 per cent of the fire scenes examined either had no smoke alarm or a smoke alarm that was not working. Research predicts working smoke alarms could reduce fire deaths by as much as 32 per cent and save 76 lives across Canada each year.
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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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Seniors often fall prey to charitable fraud Donating money to charity is one of the most selfless things a person can do. Unfortunately, criminals can easily prey on these selfless acts, using a person’s desire to help the less fortunate for their own personal gain. According to law enforcement officials, seniors should be especially mindful of fraud schemes. That’s because seniors are considered easy targets for criminals for a number of reasons. Police note that seniors are most likely to have a nest egg and an exceptional credit rating, making them very attractive to criminals. What’s more, seniors are more likely to be ashamed if they feel they have been victimized and therefore are less prone to report the fraud. But seniors should know that con artists don’t discriminate when it comes to their victims, and people of all ages are victimized each and every year, particularly during the holiday season when men and women most commonly donate. Before donating to charity this year, older donors should take the following precautions to reduce their risk of being victimized by con artists posing as charities. Get off the phone. Seniors are commonly victimized by con artists over the phone. No reputable charity will want you to donate over the telephone. Instead, the charity will want you to familiarize yourself with their mission and history and then make a donation based on your research. If a caller wants you to donate over the phone, simply request they mail you information about the charity and then hang up. If they’re a reputable charity, this should not be a problem. If the caller continues to pressure you for a donation over the phone, just
SeniorS Should exercise caution when speaking to people soliciting charitable donations over the phone.
hang up. A caller soliciting a donation might be a con artist, an employee of a for-profit fundraiser or an employee of the charity itself. Ultimately, if you decide to make a donation, don’t do so over the phone. Instead, send that donation directly to the charity to ensure the charity receives the entire donation, instead of a portion going toward a fundraiser. Don’t feel pressureD. No reputable charity pressures prospective donors into
making contributions. That’s because they don’t need to. A reputable charity can afford to keep its lights on and its programs running with or without your donation. If a caller or a letter is pressuring you to donate, don’t succumb to that pressure and kindly decline to donate. Don’t let “Gifts” pressure you. Another tool employed by con artists or even less reputable charities is to send “gifts” to prospective donors. These can include mailing labels or cards. The hope is that recipi-
ents will feel pressured into donating once they receive a gift. However, a charity that is worth a donation does not need to resort to such tactics, which are a waste of resources as well as a dishonest way to solicit donations. Seniors should not feel compelled to donate because they received free mailing labels. Verify all information. Con artists are especially good at impersonating a reputable charity, sending e-mails with a well known charity’s logo but a link that directs donors to a different website entirely. Never make a donation without first verifying a charity’s information, including how your donation will be used and how much of the charity’s budget goes toward the services and programs it provides. Charity Navigator, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping givers make smart donating decisions, recommends donors give to charities that direct at least 75 per cent of their budget on programs and services related to their mission. To avoid donating to a fraudulent or unworthy charity, research the charity and make sure your money will be going where you intend it to go. saVe all recorDs of Donations. It’s important to save records of any donations for tax purposes, but it’s also important for seniors to keep records to avoid fraud. Many con artists prey on seniors by pretending to represent charities seniors have donated to in the past. By keeping records of all past donations, seniors can easily verify if they have donated to a specific charity in the past and whether or not the person on the phone or the author of an e-mail or letter is telling the truth.
SAM HANCHEROFF
BOUNDARY-SIMILKAMEEN Oliver Office: 2-6030 Main St., Oliver 250.498.3388 Grand Forks Office: 7228 5th St., Box 2292, Grand Forks 250.442.2820
RICHARD CANNINGS
PENTICTON Penticton Office: 575 Main St., Penticton 778.476.1111 Summerland Office: 103-9917 Main St., Summerland 778.516.0080
Authorized by Heather Harrison, Financial Agent, 604-430-8600 | CUPE 3787
samhancheroff.bcndp.ca | richardcannings.bcndp.ca
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seniors on the go
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The need to save for retirement is something professionals start hearing about from the moment they begin their careers. Whether it’s parents extolling the virtues of retirement plans or employers who encourage their employees to take advantage of their retirement programs, saving for retirement is never far from the minds of professionals. As important as such savings can be, many workers are deciding to delay their retirements. As much as men and women envision retiring to a faraway seaside villa for their golden years, such retirements are not terribly common, and many older workers have begun to recognize the economic and social benefits of delaying retirement. Those undecided about when they want to say goodbye to the office should consider the following benefits to delaying retirement. n Fewer years to worry about financing your lifestyle. Thanks to advancements in medicine and more and more people living healthier lifestyles, men and women are now living longer than in years past. While living longer, healthier lives is a plus, it does have an effect on retirement. Because people can now expect to live longer, they must ensure their money lasts long enough. By delaying retirement, men and women will have fewer retirement years to finance. n More chances to save money. It might be your dream to retire early, but you could be doing yourself a great disservice by ending your career prematurely. Men and women at or near the end of their careers are often making more money than they ever have, which enables them to save more than they have in the past, especially if chil-
dren are full grown and supporting themselves. Take advantage of these high-salary years, even if it means working an extra few years. If you do, when you retire you could have substantially more in savings than you would have had you retired early. n Stay socially active. In addition to economic benefits, delaying retirement has social benefits as well. Many people get the bulk of their social interaction with colleagues and coworkers. When men and women retire, these opportunities for social interaction can dwindle rather quickly, and it’s not uncommon for retirees to battle feelings of isolation. Delaying retirement allows you to easily maintain contact with friends and colleagues, and can lead to a better quality of life. n The chance to give back. Many older professionals view retirement as being put out to pasture, where their years or experience aren’t utilized. However, individuals who delay retirement can use their extra years around the office as an opportunity to leave a legacy for the next generation. This is something professionals find especially valuable as their retirement draws nearer and they want to leave a lasting mark, be it on their company, within their industry or in the community in which their company operates. Delaying retirement provides more time to build this legacy, and can create a greater sense of fulfillment when men and women do decide to retire. Delaying retirement is growing increasingly popular. Men and women often see it as a chance to build a bigger nest egg and leave a more lasting legacy within their company and community.
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We all age a little bit every day, and like it or not, we can’t do anything about it. However, several lifestyle choices can help to slow down the effects of aging. Here are 10 examples: 1. Stop Smoking: cigarettes reduce a smoker’s life expectancy by about four years, not to mention the aging effects on skin, hair and teeth. 2. get Sufficient Sleep: aim to sleep eight hours a day. Not getting enough sleep is harmful to the skin and can cause unhealthy weight gain and a grim outlook. 3. uSe your memory: don’t forget that the brain is a muscle. Give it some exercise with word games, puzzles and stimulating discussion and readings. 4. Stay active: it’s proven that exercising for 30 minutes a day improves health. Do it every day, if possible.
5. fill up on antioxidantS: colourful fruits and vegetables are full of these compounds that protect the body’s cells and help boost the immune system. 6. reduce your Sugar intake: sugars promote weight gain and accelerate the aging of the skin. There is also some evidence that they compromise the immune system. 7. increaSe your calcium intake: calcium is essential for healthy skin and bones. 8. manage your StreSS: stress makes you look older, so aim for a balanced lifestyle through yoga, meditation, exercise and rest. 9. protect yourSelf from the Sun: the sun is the most important factor in aging skin and one of the main causes of skin cancer. 10. drink a lot: good hydration is vital for the body’s organs and for healthy looking skin.
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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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seniors on the go
Living green nothing new for seniors The senior demographic is quite possibly the best generation to emulate when trying to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. That’s because so many of the guidelines for being green are concepts that have been a part of seniors’ lives for decades. A portion of today’s seniors grew up during the Depression, when recycling and conservation weren’t the trends du jour, but survival strategies. In a time when money was scarce, many people made do with the resources they were dealt, stretching dollars just to stay afloat. Many of the concepts associated with today’s environmental movement are strikingly similar to the ones employed during the Depression. The behaviors of an elderly parent or grandparent that may have seemed eccentric or odd at one time are now turning out to be what many people are embracing in order to live green. Concepts like relying on reusable handkerchiefs instead of disposable tissues; reusing lightlysoiled napkins; collecting discarded items from the curb and repairing them for renewed use; saving cans or food jars and using them to store other items; buying local products from smaller vendors; and similar things are methods of living ingrained in the personalities of many older people. Frugality and awareness of
Recycling and Reusing items and reducing reliance on fuel are not new concepts for seniors, many of whom grew up during the great depression.
what things cost and what constitutes waste are other concepts seniors know well. Many have never adapted to the notion that products are disposable, preferring instead to hold onto appliances, electronics, clothing, and other items because they still have utility, not because the current season dictates they should be upgraded.
In 2008, Harris Interactive polled baby boomers ages 45 to 62 about their interest in the environment. Ninety-four per cent of respondents said they took steps in the past six months to do something green. More than 80 per cent were concerned about the environmental legacy that would be left for their grandchildren.
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While many seniors are going green today for altruistic reasons, it also makes good financial sense. Recycling items, conserving utilities and fuel and making smart choices can stretch a fixed income even further. Choosing to walk or ride a bike instead of getting behind the wheel may be not only environmentally friendly, but financially savvy as well.
Here are some ways of living straight out of the Great Depression that can be put to use today. Pass down clothing. Clothing that is gently worn can be passed down to children or even donated. walk. During the Depression, cars were a luxury many people could not afford. Walking or taking a bus or train were some popular modes of transportation, and such options are still available today. Use cloth diaPers and linens. Reusable items, like cloth diapers, handkerchiefs and linens, are more environmentally responsible. get oUtdoors. Instead of relying on television, which had yet to be invented during the Depression, children and adults went outdoors to socialize and have fun. oPen the windows. Instead of relying heavily on air conditioning, try opening the windows on nice days and let some fresh air in. Use clothes lines. Clothes dryers use about 10 to 15 per cent of domestic energy. A clothesline can help reduce electric bills and energy consumption. get into gardening. If you can grow what you eat, that reduces the dependence on commercially produced and harvested crops. Many elements of the go green movement are similar to those employed during the Depression, when survival mandated people reuse and recycle items.
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Understanding the basics of estate planning With regards to finances, the future is a big part of many people’s financial planning efforts. Be it the kids’ college tuition or the day when retirement finally arrives, financial planning is all about the future. Though college and retirement funds garner the most attention, men and women must also make time for estate planning. Estate planning is the process of arranging for the disposal of an estate and is done to help minimize uncertainty upon an individual’s death. This planning also reduces taxes and additional expenses that might arise if a person passes away without having left a will or another means of disposing of their estate. Regardless of the size of an individual’s estate, there’s no reason not to
have an estate plan in place. The following are some of the basics of estate planning, which should be a priority for men and women, young and old.
More than just a will
An estate plan is more than just a will. Though an up-to-date and specific will is an important element of a good estate plan, there are other elements as well. In addition to a will, an estate plan should assign power of attorney, which gives a person of an individual’s choosing the right to manage that individual’s financial affairs if they are unable to do so themselves. Power of attorney should be assigned in the case of a person’s death, but also if
an unforeseen medical issue arises and a person is no longer capable of managing their affairs. There are two types of power of attorney that are essential to know when estate planning. Springing power of attorney goes into effect when circumstances that the individual specified, such as incapacitation, occur. In order for this to go into effect, the agent designated must typically produce proof of an individual’s incapacitation. Durable power of attorney goes into effect immediately and the agent does not need to prove incapacitation. When choosing an agent to assume power of attorney, individuals need to make this decision wisely, choosing someone they trust who can competently manage their affairs.
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Assets include a host of things, from investment accounts to real estate to retirement savings. Individuals must take careful inventory of all of their assets and determine to whom these assets should go if they die or who should gain control of them if individuals become incapacitated. This means leaving no stone unturned. If there are any questions about specific assets, then legal wrangling or even government taxation upon these assets is likely to take place.
Understanding trusts
Many people hear the word trust associated with financial dealings and immediately assume it only applies to the wealthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. A trust enables someone to put conditions on
the distribution of their assets upon their death, including when and how these assets will be distributed. In addition, a trust might just protect these assets from creditors or lawsuits and help any heirs avoid probate court, which can be a costly and tedious process. Though trusts aren’t necessarily for everyone, they also aren’t exclusive to the very wealthy.
Allocation of assets
Many people make the mistake of leaving all of their assets to their spouses upon their deaths. While this is well-intentioned, it doesn’t always work out best for those with children. Individuals can leave an unlimited amount of money to their spouse upon their death, and that money cannot be taxed. However, when the surviving spouse dies, if he or she leaves that money to their surviving children, then they are likely going to pay significantly more in estate tax. In addition, when deciding to simply leave all assets to a surviving spouse, this is, in a sense, leaving the difficult decision of asset allocation to the surviving spouse. What’s more, should both husband and wife pass away in an accident at the same time and all assets were left to a spouse, this can make it very difficult, contentious and costly for surviving family members to divide up any assets left behind. Estate planning is something few people will embrace with open arms. But as morbid as estate planning might seem, it’s a necessary step for adults who want to secure their own futures should they become incapacitated or the futures of their loved ones when individuals pass away.
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†
990 W. Eckhardt avE. PEnticton, B.c.
250-770-2002 DL #D9653 *Model shown is the 2013 Impreza 2.0i 5MT (DG1 BP) with MSRP of $22,915 including freight & PDI ($1,595), documentation fees ($395) and battery and tire tax ($30). License, taxes, insurance and registration extra. †$1,500 cash incentive is for cash customers only and is available on all 2013 Impreza models. Cannot be combined with Subaru Canada supported lease/ finance rates. **0.5% finance and lease rates available on all new 2013 Impreza models for a 24-month term. Financing and leasing programs available through Toyota Credit Canada Inc. on approved credit. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. **/†Offers valid until May 1, 2013. See your local Subaru dealer or www.western.subarudealer.ca for complete details. ▲Ratings of “Good” are the highest rating awarded for performance in four safety tests (moderate overlap front, side, rollover and rear) conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) (www.iihs.org). To earn a 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK, a vehicle must receive a “Good” rating in all four of these tests. ◆Based on ALG’s 2013 Residual Value Award for best compact car.