MATURE
Lifestyles October, 2012 This issue sponsored by:
2 - Mature Lifestyles - October, 2012 - TheIntelligencer.com
Stick with an exercise program By Nicole Flounders, PT, DPT
As a Physical Therapist, I see many patients whose issues stem from a lack of regular exercise. Everyone knows exercise is important. Many don’t realize that regular exercise is beneficial for both your physical and mental state. Exercise prevents diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even Alzheimer’s. Starting a new exercise routine can be a daunting task. Here are some helpful hints to starting an exercise program: 1) Make it a social event: Exercise is always more fun with others. Gather some friends and plan a time to go for a walk. You would be surprised how quickly the time goes by when you are chatting with your friends. 2) Make it routine: It’s easier to exercise if you make it part of your daily routine like brushing your teeth. Try to exercise at the same time every day so that you don’t have to clear your schedule to exercise. 3) Do things you love: Find an exercise that you really enjoy; it will make it a lot easier to stick to your routine. If you don’t enjoy it, you probably won’t stick with it. 4) Break it up: If you don’t have the endurance to exercise for 30 minutes at one time, exercise for 15 minutes 2 times a day. You get the same cardiovascular and calorie burning effects with two 15 minutes exercise routines as one 30 minute bout of exercise.
ARA
Consult with a physical therapist before beginning an exercise routine. Nicole Flounders is a Physical Therapist working at Troy Physical Therapy in Troy, IL. You can contact her by phone at 618.667.3900 or by email at nflounders@collinsvillept.com.
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4 - Mature Lifestyles - October, 2012 - TheIntelligencer.com
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In this photo from Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, a couple strolls through a park by the harbor in Camden, Maine. The small coastal town is often cited in lists of best retirement places to move for people interested in cooler climates.
Retirees look to new locales Options exist beyond Florida and Arizona CAMDEN, Maine (AP) — When Peg Davis was ready to find a retirement community to move to, she looked north — not south — for a place to spend her later years. Rather than set her sights on Florida, Arizona or some other warm-weather locale, she packed up and moved from Big Flats, N.Y., to the small coastal Maine town of Camden. Davis, 73, was in search of the slow pace of a small town with
natural beauty, cultural opportunities and “a sense of place.” She hasn’t been disappointed since arriving in 2010. “I wouldn’t go south of Pennsylvania,” said Davis, who vacationed here for years before making the move. “My mind operates like a Mainer. It doesn’t operate like people who escape to Southern comfort.” See “OPTIONS” on Page 5 www.alhambracarecenter.com
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Options Continued from Page 4 The idea of people who uproot and move when they retire conjures up images of warm, sunny Florida or Arizona. But some of the older members of the baby boom generation, the 78 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964, are looking elsewhere, and a number of towns in cooler climates from Maine to Washington have become popular retirement destinations. Camden is frequently cited in lists of best places for retirees. Others that have merited mention include Asheville, N.C.; Ruidoso, N.M.; Durango, Colo.; the San Juan Islands in Washington’s Puget Sound; St. George, Utah; Medford, Ore.; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Kalispell, Mont.; and towns along lakes Superior and Michigan in northern Michigan. “Boomers and retirees these days are considering a much wider range of destinations for retirement, often choosing states that don’t commonly come to mind, such as Maine and Montana,”
said Mary Lu Abbott, editor of Where to Retire magazine. “Yes, the Sun Belt remains popular, but many people prefer a four-season climate and enjoy the changing of seasons. They seek towns that are safe and have active, appealing downtowns and good hospitals nearby, and increasingly they’re looking for places with a lower cost of living and lower overall tax rate.” Maine doesn’t have a low income tax rate and housing prices are high in Camden. But the town fits the bill in most other regards, drawing more and more retirees over the years, many of whom have some previous connection to the town, spending summers or vacations in the area. Camden, with a population of 4,850, has a picturesque harbor that is home to historic windjammers in summer and fall. Nestled at the base of the Camden Hills, the town has its own ski mountain. The downtown has stores and restaurants that are locally owned. Crime is low and incomes and education levels are high. In 1990, about 33 percent of residents were 55 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2010, nearly
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half were 55 and over. By last count, Camden has more people in their 60s than in their 20s and 30s combined. Camden’s median age is 53, which is old even by Maine standards. The Pine Tree State, with the nation’s oldest residents, has a median age of 42.7 years. Smaller, far-flung places aren’t for all retirees, of course. They can have long, cold, snowy winters and high housing costs. Many are remote, even isolated. Public transportation often isn’t available, and doctors can be in short supply in the more rural locales. Some have a shortage of cultural opportunities, good restaurants and part-time jobs. Different people have different ideas of retirement, said Leigh Smith, who moved to a Camden retirement community with her husband, Ron, from the Boston area in 2003. While Smith and her husband moved to Maine for retirement, a cousin of hers wasted no time moving away from Maine, to Florida, when he stopped working. See “OPTIONS” on Page 6
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Non-adherence takes its toll (ARA) - Millions of Americans are plagued by chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. These are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all existing health problems in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But there’s another, lesser-known condition that’s taking a huge toll on Americans’ health: nonadherence, a problem caused when patients don’t follow their doctors’ orders. While it may be hard to believe, the simple act of forgetting to take a pill or not filling a prescription at the pharmacy costs the U.S. as much as $317 billion each year on unnecessary medical expenses. Beyond the financial cost is the health impact: Non-adherence can
Options Continued from Page 5
“You think, my goodness, why would you retire to Maine? It’s snowy, icy,” she said. “But the winters here, I have found, are better and milder than Boston.” The idea of going to Florida didn’t appeal to the 66-year-old Smith because of
lead to additional complications, which in turn lead to more medical tests, emergency room visits and hospitalizations - all avoidable by simply taking medications as prescribed. A new Express Scripts survey found that more than 90 percent of the 40,000 adults polled agree that taking their medication is important for their health, ranking higher than avoiding smoking, eating healthy and getting enough exercise. Despite these findings, Express Scripts’ 2011 Drug Trend Report shows that for many diseases requiring drug treatments, less than half of patients take their medication as prescribed. So while Americans recognize the importance of adherence, their intentions and behaviors are not always aligned.
the humidity, crowds and hurricanes. She likes that life here has a slower pace but that there’s still plenty to do. “It’s like the 1950s here,” she said. “People trust each other. People don’t lock their homes or cars, although we do because we’re from Boston and it’s ingrained.” She and her husband like that they can walk to downtown, that performance centers and museums are nearby, and
that people are active around here — be it walking, biking, kayaking, boating, hiking or volunteering their time for community groups. It’s also important that a hospital is located nearby and there’s bus service from town when they want to go to Portland, Boston or New York. “When we first visited Camden, neither of us had heard of the town,” said Ron Smith, 70. “But when we were shown the area, we were sold on it pretty quickly.”
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8 - Mature Lifestyles - October, 2012 - TheIntelligencer.com
Associated Press
Sandy and Jerry Wiseman pose in the driveway with one of their two cars, in Schaumburg, Ill. Jerry Wiseman and his wife, Sandy, took refresher driving classes to help them stay safe behind the wheel for many more years.
Older drivers face confusing license laws By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jerry Wiseman notices it’s harder to turn and check his car’s blind spots at age 69 than it was at 50. So the Illinois man and his wife took a refresher driving course, hunting tips to stay safe behind the wheel for many more years — a good idea considering their state has arguably the nation’s toughest olderdriver laws. More older drivers are on the road than
ever before, and an Associated Press review found they face a hodgepodge of state licensing rules that reflect scientific uncertainty and public angst over a growing question: How can we tell if it’s time to give up the keys? Thirty states plus the District of Columbia have some sort of older-age requirement for driver’s licenses, ranging from more vision testing to making seniors renew their licenses more frequently than younger people. At what age? That’s literally all over the map. Maryland starts eye exams at 40.
Shorter license renewals kick in anywhere from age 59 in Georgia to 85 in Texas. The issue attracted new attention when a 100-year-old driver backed over a group of schoolchildren in Los Angeles late last month. That’s a rarity, but with an imminent surge in senior drivers, the federal government is proposing that all states take steps to address what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls “the real and growing problem of older driver safety.” See “LAWS” on Page 9
Laws
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Continued from Page 8 Here’s the conundrum: “Birthdays don’t kill. Health conditions do,” said Joseph Coughlin, head of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab, which develops technologies to help older people stay active. Healthy older drivers aren’t necessarily less safe than younger ones, Coughlin points out. But many older people have health issues that can impair driving, from arthritis to dementia, from slower reflexes to the use of multiple medications. There’s no easy screening tool that licensing authorities can use to spot people with subtle health risks. So some states use birthdays as a proxy for more scrutiny instead. Senior driving is a more complicated issue than headlinegrabbing tragedies might suggest. Older drivers don’t crash as often as younger ones. But they also drive less. About 60 percent of seniors voluntarily cut back, avoiding nighttime driving or interstates or bad weather, said David Eby of the University of Michigan’s Center for Advancing Safe Transportation throughout the Lifespan. Measure by miles driven, however, and the crash rate of older drivers begins to climb in the 70s, with a sharper jump at age 80, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Only teens and 20-somethings do worse. That rising risk reflects the challenge for families as they try to help older loved ones stay safe but still get around for as long as possible, which itself is important for health. The good news: Fatal crashes involving seniors have dropped over the past decade, perhaps because cars and roads are safer or they’re staying a bit healthier, said the Insurance Institute’s Anne McCartt. Yet the oldest drivers, those 85 and up, still have the highest rate of deadly crashes per mile, even more than teens. More often than not, they’re the victims, largely because they’re too frail to survive their injuries. And seniors are about to transform the nation’s roadways. Today, nearly 34 million drivers are 65 or older. By 2030, federal estimates show there will be about 57 million — making up about a quarter of all licensed drivers. The baby boomers in particular are expected to hang onto their licenses longer, and drive more miles, than previous generations. Specialists say more seniors need to be planning ahead like Jerry Wiseman and his wife Sandy. “Absolutely we want to be as good drivers as we can possibly be for as long as we can,” said Wiseman, of Schaumburg, Ill. At an AARP course, Wiseman learned exercises to improve his flexibility for checking those blind spots. He takes extra care with left-hand turns, which become riskier as the ability to judge speed and distance wanes with age. He knows to watch for other changes. “We’ll be ready when it’s time for one of us to stop,” he said. ••• Where you live determines what extra requirements, if any, older adults must meet to keep their driver’s license. Among the most strict rules: Illinois requires a road test to check driving skills with every license renewal starting at
age 75 — and starting at age 81, those renewals are required every two years instead of every four. At 87, Illinois drivers must renew annually. In Washington, D.C., starting at age 70, drivers must bring a doctor’s certification that they’re still OK to drive every time they renew their license. New Mexico requires annual renewals at 75. Geographic variability makes little sense, said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “Either I’m safe to drive or I’m not. Where I live shouldn’t matter,” he said. Yet when Iowa drivers turn 70, they must renew their license every two years instead of every five. Neighboring Missouri lets the 70-year-olds renew every three years instead of every six. Some states introduce age requirements after high-profile accidents. Massachusetts now requires drivers to start renewing licenses in person at age 75, with proof of an eye exam. The change came after an 88-year-old driver struck and killed a 4-year-old crossing a suburban Boston street in 2009. This summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a national guideline for older driver safety that, if finalized, would push states to become more consistent. Among the recommendations: Every state needs a program to improve older driver safety; doctors should be protected from lawsuits if they report a possibly unsafe driver; and driver’s licenses should be renewed in person after a certain age, tailored to each state’s crash data. Still, many states say their main focus should be on inexperienced teen drivers and problems such as texting behind the wheel. “Teens are risk takers. Our older drivers are risk avoiders,” said Alabama state Rep. Jim McClendon. Alabama drivers renew licenses every four years, with no older age requirements. New Hampshire last year stopped requiring road tests when 75-year-olds renewed their licenses. The law was repealed after an 86-year-old legislator called it discriminatory. It’s not the only state worrying about age discrimination. “You don’t want to go around and say, ‘This person is 85. We’ve got to take them off the road.’ That wouldn’t be fair,” said Assemblyman David Gantt of New York, where licenses last for eight years. On the other side is the family of a Baltimore college student who died last year after being run over by an 83year-old driver who turned into his bike lane. Maryland next month begins issuing licenses that last longer — eight years instead of five — despite an emotional appeal from the mother of Nathan Krasnopoler that that’s too long for the oldest drivers. “You should be looking at your drivers to be sure they’re able to safely drive. There’s plenty of research that as we age, things do change and we may not be aware of those changes,” said Susan Cohen, who now is urging Maryland officials to study adding some form of competency screening, in addition to the required eye exams, to license renewals. “Do we have to lose a 20-year-old with an incredible future ahead of him in order to determine that this particular driver shouldn’t be driving?” she asked. See “LAWS” on Page 11
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What’s new in the world of Social Security? Theresia French, Social Security District socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. pensions. However, Social Security does Our publications explain all of Social not count all of your income when it Manager in Alton discusses new issues with Social Security and and answers Security’s programs. You’ll find the “Get decides whether you qualify for SSI. For a publication” link at the left side of the example, we don’t count food stamps or frequent questions. home page at www.socialsecurity.gov. most home energy assistance. There, you’ll find information on all of For resources, we count the things our services. Dozens of our publications you own, such as real estate (other than are available in 15 languages. We have the home you live in), bank accounts, a Spanish language website that people cash, stocks, and bonds. A person with can explore too, at www.segurosocial. resources worth no more than $2,000 With Columbus Day in October, now gov. 1 may be able to get SSI. The resource limit is the season to explore and discover. If you have any questions that you is $3,000 for couples. Hop aboard, and discover a new world To qualify for SSI, you also must live can’t find answered in the publications, of service at www.socialsecurity.gov. click on our “FAQs,” or frequently asked in the United States or the Northern There is so much you can learn and questions. You’ll find the big question Mariana Islands and be a U.S. citizen so many things you can do on Social mark at the right of the page. or national. In rare cases, noncitizen Security’s website. Information on retireSo set sail for a new world of dis- residents can qualify for SSI. If you live ment, survivors, disability, Supplemental covery at www.socialsecurity.gov. You’ll in certain types of institutions or live Security Income (SSI), and Medicare are be pleasantly surprised at all you can in a shelter for the homeless, you may easily accessible on Social Security’s qualify for SSI. accomplish there. homepage. But the website offers much People with blindness or a disability more. who apply for SSI may be able to get You can apply online for Social free special services to help them work. Security retirement benefits. Not sure These services may include counseling whether you’re ready to retire? We can and job training. help you plan ahead and chart your The monthly maximum federal SSI course with our online benefit planpayment is the same nationwide and ners. Perhaps the most impressive of The Social Security Amendments of amounts to $698 for an individual and these planners is the online Retirement 1972 created a new federal benefit pro$1,048 for a couple. However, the amount Estimator, which you can use to get gram. This month, that program--The you receive depends on factors such quick and personalized estimates of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) proas where you live, your living arrangeyour retirement benefits based on dif- gram--celebrates its 40th anniversary. ments, and your income. Some states ferent scenarios. Administered by Social Security, SSI add money to the federal payment. Set your sights on our website and dis- is a needs-based program for people 65 Funding for the SSI program comes cover the online Social Security Statement. or older, blind, or disabled who have from the general revenues of the U.S. Your Statement provides a list of your limited income and resources. Treasury, not from Social Security payrecorded earnings and a written estimate For income, we count things such roll taxes. of your future Social Security benefits. as wages, Social Security benefits, and See “ANSWERS” on Page 12 You can get your own Statement at www.
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Laws Continued from Page 9 Traffic challenges change for older drivers, who are less likely than younger ones to be in crashes involving alcohol or speeding. Instead, they have more trouble with intersections, making left turns, and changing lanes or merging, because of gradual declines in vision, reaction times and other abilities, according to the National Institutes of Health. Scientists are hunting screening tests to check for such things as early warning signs of cognitive problems that might signal who’s more at risk. But such screenings are a long way from the local license office. In a closely watched pilot project, California tried a three-step screening process to detect drivers who might need a road test before getting their licenses renewed — but it didn’t reduce crashes, sending researchers back to the drawing board. Today, AAA’s Nelson said in-person renewals are “the single most effective thing states can do to improve safety.”
That’s because workers in the driver’s license office can be trained to look for signs of confusion or trouble walking as people come in — two big clues that they may have trouble behind the wheel — and refer those drivers for a road test or a medical exam to see if there’s really a problem. Virginia, for example, lets even the oldest drivers hold a license for eight years, but starting at 80 they must renew in person and pass an eye test. California has five-year renewals, and starting at 70 they must be in-person with both a written test and eye check. Those eye tests can make a difference. In senior-filled Florida, 80-yearolds renew their licenses every six years instead of every eight, with a vision check each time. A study found highway deaths among Florida’s older drivers dropped 17 percent after the vision test was mandated in 2003. How long between renewals is best? There’s no scientific consensus, but Nelson recommends every four to six years. Another big key: Programs that make it easy for doctors, police and family members to alert licensing officials to possibly unsafe drivers of any
age, so the experts can investigate. But in states that don’t allow confidential reporting, families in particular hesitate in fear of backlash if upset relatives learn who turned them in. Utah adopted confidential reporting in 2008 “to encourage more people to report problematic drivers without the risk of retaliation of repercussion,” said Chris Caras of Utah’s Department of Public Safety. Nor should the question be only whether someone should drive or not: Iowa is leading a growing number of states that customize license restrictions to allow people to stay on the road under certain conditions. People with early-stage Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, for instance, may qualify for a one-year license; people with other health conditions may be allowed to drive only during the day or within a few miles of home. In California, older drivers who fail a regular road test sometimes get a retest on familiar neighborhood roads to qualify for a restricted license. State traffic researchers expect demand for that option to grow, and are preparing to study if that tailored testing really assures safety.
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Answers Continued from Page 10 To learn more about SSI, read the online publication, You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11069. html or visit the SSI page at www. socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
Electronic payments: The best (and soon only) way to get your benefits Chances are, if you receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or any federal payment, you receive it electronically. More than 90 percent of people getting monthly Social Security benefits already receive electronic payments. If you don’t yet, that’s about to change. There is a U.S. Department of Treasury rule that does away with paper checks for most federal benefit and non-tax payments by March 1, 2013. With a few
exceptions, this mandate includes Social Security, SSI, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management benefits, and other nontax payments. People required to switch have the option of direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or they can have their monthly payment directed into a Direct Express debit card account (Treasury’s debit card program). Please visit www.godirect.org to learn more. So, why the push for electronic payments instead of paper checks received in the mail? There’s a list of reasons an electronic payment is better than an oldfashioned paper check. It’s safer: no risk of checks being lost or stolen; it’s easy and reliable: no need to wait for the mail or go to the bank to cash a check; it saves taxpayers money: no cost for postage and paper and printing; Treasury estimates this will save taxpayers $1 billion over 10 years; and it’s good for the environment: it saves paper and eliminates the need for physical transportation. If you still get your check in the mail, don’t wait for the new rule to go into effect next year--sign up for electronic payments now. Please visit
www.godirect.org today and begin getting your Social Security and SSI payments the safe, easy, reliable way-electronically.
Disabled? Apply for Social Security benefits from home If your disabling condition makes it hard for you to drive or arrange transportation to your local Social Security office, we have some good news. You can complete and submit your application for Social Security disability benefits from your own home computer. Get started at www.socialsecurity.gov/ disability. The application process involves determining 1) whether you have sufficient work to be eligible for Social Security; 2) the severity of your medical condition; and 3) your ability to work. Because we carefully review so many cases--more than three million each year--it can take us three to five months to determine whether you are eligible to receive benefits. See “ANSWERS� on Page 14
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Answers Continued from Page 12 The amount of time it takes to make a decision on your application can vary depending on a number of factors, such as: the nature of your disability; how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctors, hospitals, or other medical sources; and whether we need to send you for a medical examination in order to obtain evidence to support your claim. We do a number of things to speed up the process when we can. For example, our Compassionate Allowances initiative allows us to fast-track certain cases of individuals with very severe disabilities such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). There are 165 different types of disabilities that qualify for this expedited decision, and that list continues to expand. Learn more about Compassionate Allowances at www. socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances. Another way we speed up decisions is with our Quick Disability Determinations initiative, which uses technology to identify applicants who have the most severe disabilities and allows us to expedite our decisions on those cases. Read more about Quick Disability Determinations at www. socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/ qdd.htm. There are things you can do to help speed up the decision process too. The more information you provide up front, the less time it will take us to obtain the evidence we need--and the faster we can process your application. The types of information we need include: medical records or documentation you have; we can make copies of your records and return your originals; the names, addresses, and phone numbers for any doctors, hospitals, medical facilities, treatment centers, or providers related to your disabling condition; and the names, addresses, and phone numbers for recent employers and the dates worked for each employer. We also ask that you sign release forms that give us permission to obtain the information needed from third parties to make a decision on your claim. The best place to start is online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
Select “Disability Starter Kits” in the left column. There, you’ll find important information to help you with your application. If you’re not able to work due to a disability, apply online for Social Security disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
Don’t let identity thieves trick you Halloween is a time when many people like a good scare. Whether it’s a frightening costume party or a horrifying haunted house, kids and grown-ups alike line up for a good fright. What makes it enjoyable is that it’s all in good fun. People know that there is no real danger as long as precautions are taken. During the days before Halloween, it also happens to be National Protect Your Identity Week--from October 20 to 27. Identity theft is a real threat. Identity thieves victimize millions of people each year. Don’t be tricked by identity thieves; take the proper precautions. Be sure to safeguard your personal information, such as your Social Security number and mother’s maiden name. Identity thieves hunger for such information like trick-or-treaters hunger for candy. You can help protect yourself by not carrying your Social Security card with you and not providing your personal information to unknown sources over the Internet or by email. Be sure to shred any documents, bills, or paperwork before you throw it away. Most important, never reply to an email claiming to be from Social Security that asks you for your Social Security number or other personal information. If you think you’ve been the victim of an identity thief, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866653-4261. Or you go to www.idtheft. gov and click on the link for “Report Identity Theft.” Learn more about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064. html. If you want to get involved with Protect Your Identity Week, visit www. protectyouridnow.org. Don’t fall victim to an identity thief. Safeguard your identity and take precautions to keep the “bad guys” at bay--during Protect Your Identity
Week, Halloween, and throughout the year.
Questions and Answers GENERAL Question: I’m doing more things online, including shopping and paying bills. What are some things I can do at www. socialsecurity.gov? Answer: Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to take a look at your Social Security Statement, which allows you to check your earnings record and get an estimate of your future benefits. Revisit your Statement annually, around your birthday for example. If you’re ready to apply for benefits, you can do that online as well. Applying for Social Security retirement benefits online can take as little as 15 minutes. Once you’ve submitted your electronic applications, in most cases, you’re done! Also online, you can find more than 100 publications with information about Social Security and its programs. Most of these publications are in Spanish, and some of the most popular are available in 14 other languages. You can also estimate your future retirement benefit using our Retirement Estimator, which allows you to get personalized estimates based on different retirement ages and scenarios. The possibilities are endless at www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: I usually get my benefit payment on the third of the month. But what if the third falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday? Will my payment be late? Answer: Just the opposite. Your payment should arrive early. For example, if you usually get your payment on the third of a month, but it falls on a Saturday like it does this November, we will make payments on Friday, November 2. Find more information about the payment schedule for 2012 at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/calendar.htm. If you do ever miss a payment, be sure to wait three days before calling to report it missing. Of course, if you get your payments electronically, you’ll get your payment without having to wait for the mail. Find out more about electronic payments at www.godirect.org. See “ANSWERS” on Page 15
TheIntelligencer.com - October, 2012 - Mature Lifestyles - 15
Answers Continued from Page 14 RETIREMENT Question: I’m trying to decide when to retire. Can Social Security help? Answer: The best place to start is with a visit to the online Social Security Statement. The Statement provides you with estimates of benefits for you and your family as well as your earnings record and information you should consider about retirement and retirement planning. Find out more about the Statement--and get yours--at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. The “right” time to retire is different for everyone and depends on your individual situation. To help you make your own decision, we offer an online fact sheet with some of the factors to consider at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html. Question: I’ve decided I want to retire. Now what do I do? Answer: The fastest and easiest way to apply for retirement benefits is to go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. Use our online application to apply for Social Security retirement or spouses benefits. To do so, you must: be at least 61 years and 9 months old; want to start your benefits in the next four months; and live in the United States or one of its commonwealths or territories.
Supplemental Security Income Question: My only income is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). My sister recently died and left me a little money. Will this extra money affect my SSI benefits? Answer: It depends on the amount. You must report the inheritance to Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). SSI is a needs-based program for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled who have limited income and resources. We consider your inheritance as income for the month you received it. Accordingly, we may have to adjust your benefit for that month. If you keep the money into the next month, the money then becomes a part of your resources. A person with more than $2,000 or a couple with more than $3,000 in total resources cannot receive SSI, although there are exceptions. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: My mom receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI). She soon will be coming to live with me. Do we have to report the move to Social Security? Answer: Yes. She must report a change in living arrangements within 10 days of moving. The change may affect her benefit amount, and she could be penalized if she does
not report the change on time. Also, we need her correct address so we can send correspondence, even ifs he receives her payments electronically. Please have your mom call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800325-0778). Visit our website for more information at www. socialsecurity.gov. DISABILITY Question: I need to apply for disability benefits. Where do I start? Answer: Begin by looking at our Disability Starter Kit. You can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm or you can request a copy by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). The Disability Starter Kit will help you prepare for your application and interview. When you are ready, you can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability or make an appointment to apply in person at a local Social Security office. And remember: Our online disability application is convenient and secure. Don’t stand in line, go online, at www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: My husband has been in poor health for some time, and doctors have recently diagnosed him with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)--commonly referred to as Lou Gherig’s Disease. I’ve heard Social Security has a “fast track” for some people who are disabled. Can you tell me about it? Answer: We have two processes to “fast track” applications for disability benefits. Our Compassionate Allowances initiative allows us to fast-track certain cases of individuals with very severe disabilities. There are 165 different types of disabilities that qualify for this expedited decision, including ALS, and that list continues to expand. Learn more about Compassionate Allowances and see the full list of conditions at www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances. Another way we speed up decisions is with our Quick Disability Determinations initiative, which uses technology to identify applicants who have the most severe disabilities and allows us to expedite our decisions on those cases. Read more about Quick Disability Determinations at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/qdd.htm. MEDICARE Question: My aunt is considering applying for Extra Help with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs, but she has about $10,000 in the bank. Would she still be eligible with this much money? Answer: Based on the resources you mentioned, it sounds like she may qualify. However, there are other factors to consider. In most cases, recipients of Extra Help are limited to $13,070 (or $26,120 if married and living with a spouse) in resources in 2012. Resources include the value of the things you won, such as real estate (other than the place you live), cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds and retirement accounts. To learn more, visit the Medicare link at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
16 - Mature Lifestyles - October, 2012 - TheIntelligencer.com
Liver damage: Unmanaged condition exacts heavy toll (ARA) - Chronic liver disease, which often leads to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) saps the body’s vitality. Worse, it can rob someone of their mind. For about half of people with liver disease and cirrhosis, the condition progresses into overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a disorder that causes confusion, forgetfulness and poor concentration. These impairments accelerate when doctors fail to recognize HE early or when they treat individual episodes instead of managing HE on an ongoing basis to prevent recurrence. Many episodes of HE cause patients to be hospitalized. HE occurs when a damaged liver fails to filter toxins in the body. Those toxins then invade the brain, potentially causing long-term mental impairment. In one study, only 26 percent of patients demonstrated an ongoing ability to learn new information once they had been diagnosed with HE. The problem is growing. Liver disease affects nearly 6 million people in the United States, and many of those people develop cirrhosis and, as a result, HE. More cases of liver disease are reported every year. Patients who don’t know they have liver-scarring hepatitis add to the volume as do people who suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Manage HE as a long-term condition Recent scientific breakthroughs have made effective HE treatments available to liver disease patients, minimizing the condition’s effect on their lives. “The key to treating HE is to actively
manage it as a long-term condition,” says Dr. Arun Sanyal, chairman of the Division of Gastroenterology at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. “More than anything, it’s about vigilance against recurrence.” HE does not improve by itself and should be treated continuously with medication. Among the signs to look for in HE patients: • Loss of physical and mental control • Changes in personality or mood • Lapses in concentration and judgment * Shifts in sleep patterns and handwriting quality People with liver disease, as well as their families and friends, should be on the lookout for mental slowdowns and act swiftly. If liver disease patients or their caregivers recognize early signs of HE, they should consult a doctor immediately. Few with HE treated outside the hospital Unfortunately, though experts recommend treating HE continuously with prescription medication, many patients diagnosed with the condition are not receiving treatment. New data shows that outside of the hospital, 64 percent of patients who have been diagnosed with HE are not taking any prescription medication for their condition. This number includes patients who have had to be hospitalized for HE treatment in the past, yet are still not taking any prescriptions to manage HE.
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Doctors often prescribe lactulose first when patients are diagnosed with HE because it was the only medication available. However, there are problems with this traditional HE treatment. Many patients who take lactulose experience uncomfortable side effects, such as diarrhea, bloating and sickness, making it difficult to stay on the medication longterm and increasing chances of HE recurrences. These symptoms also contribute to dehydration and may occasionally worsen HE rather than improve it. When patients return home from the hospital, it doesn’t mean that the battle with HE has ended. Three of every four patients taking lactulose develop recurring episodes of HE after their first episode, and many require additional hospitalization. In addition to the physical and mental toll of these recurring HE episodes, the financial burden is high as well. The average HE-related hospital stay is six days, costing roughly $37,000. Compounded by the fact that many patients can never return to work, HE can be financially devastating to a patient and his or her family. Your physician can help find the best HE treatment options, including medicine that works over the long-term to manage HE. “If you have liver disease and notice a mental slow down, forgetfulness or changes in your sleep patterns, consult your doctor because these may be signs of HE,” Sanyal says.
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TheIntelligencer.com - October, 2012 - Mature Lifestyles - 17
ARA
Installing easy-access locks and doorknobs can simplify entering a home for seniors.
Home security updates for aging-in-place remodeling (ARA) - It’s hard to think about getting older, but it’s even harder to think about having to move out of the comfort of a beloved home when advanced age makes it difficult to get around your space easily and safely. But with today’s technologies, it’s easier to update your home in ways that make it possible for you or a loved one to age in place gracefully, without being forced to make major changes in the home’s structure or decor. Aging-in-place remodeling - adapting a home to live in it safely, comfortably and independently regardless of age or accessibility level - is becoming more prevalent as the population matures, and seniors overwhelmingly prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. Indeed, we are at the dawn of a new day: The number of adults age 65 and older is expected to nearly double over the next 20 years, and more than a third of American households already include one or more residents over the age of 60, according to AARP and the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, many in the 76-million member baby boomer generation are not only thinking ahead for their own future housing needs, but more than 60 percent are providing some kind of support for their parents. This can be especially challenging, given the current housing market and the fact that
many seniors are either living on fixed incomes or delaying retirement to make ends meet. The good news is that there are many easy-to-install, personalized products that can be incorporated into a very subtle remodel that fits the way people want to live now as well as later in life. Today’s tech-savvy seniors are increasingly embracing new technologies, enabling greater independence. Here are some tips for incorporating technology updates into an aging-in-place remodel: Install easy-access locks Doorknobs and house keys can be difficult to grasp and turn for people with arthritis or limited dexterity, so install door locks that provide easier access. For example, Schlage offers electronic keypad lever and deadbolt locks that deliver an easier, secure and flexible solution. To enter the house, simply enter a unique four-digit access code on the touch keypad, then press down the lever to open the door. For added convenience, the keypad locks have backlit keypads, making them easy to see in the dark. They come in attractive styles and finishes, blend beautifully with a variety of design motifs, and can be installed easily with just a screwdriver. See “SECURITY” on Page 18
18 - Mature Lifestyles - October, 2012 - TheIntelligencer.com
Research participation speeds treatment of Parkinson’s (ARA) - For people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the second most common degenerative brain disease after Alzheimer’s, a new Web-based service makes it easier to turn a difficult situation into something positive. Participating in research can be a great way for patients and their families to contribute to speeding a cure. Claudia Garrido-Revilla, 47, a busy mother of two who lives in Peoria, Ill., near Chicago, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in May 2010. She unexpectedly discovered that a passion for research participation has given her a new sense of purpose. “Completing a clinical trial makes me feel as if I’m doing something proactive toward finding a cure,” she says. Garrido-Revilla is one of more than 10,000 people — with and without Parkinson’s disease — who have registered with Fox Trial Finder (www.foxtrialfinder.org). This new website makes it easier than ever for everyday people to find the clinical trials that need someone like them, taking geography and medical history into account, and always safeguarding patient privacy. Thousands more volunteers are needed. “Participating in clinical research makes you an agent of change,” says Michael J. Fox in a statement released by the Parkinson’s research foundation he founded, which is behind Fox Trial Finder. “Completing a Fox Trial Finder profile is quick, easy, and it matters.” A critical shortage of volunteers Research into brain diseases like Parkinson’s is moving faster than ever. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) alone has invested $300 million in research since 2000, and promising potential drugs are advancing toward Parkinson’s patients (an estimated 5 million people worldwide, including 1 million Americans). But a key challenge in bringing these drugs to market is a critical shortage of volunteers for the clinical trials that are the final stage on the long path to regulatory approval. Research studies urgently need more people with and without Parkinson’s disease to participate in the scientific process. No amount of funding or other resources can make up for a lack of volunteers, notes Dr. Todd Sherer, chief executive officer of MJFF. “Currently, across all diseases, 85 percent of all clinical trials finish late due to difficulties finding enough participants,” says Sherer. “Even more disturbing, 30 percent fail to recruit a single subject. This under-enrollment stalls the drug development pro-
Security Continued from Page 17 Increase home security Another easy upgrade to consider is an alarmed lock, a cost-effective way to detect activity at the door. An alarmed lock will
cess, and new treatments take longer to get to the patients who need them.” Helping everyday people get involved It is not for lack of patient interest that Parkinson’s trials suffer from low enrollment. In fact, according to a recent survey, 88 percent of Parkinson’s patients say they are willing to participate in a clinical trial. Unfortunately, fewer than 10 percent ultimately enroll. MJFF created Fox Trial Finder to make it easier for everyday people to get involved in the research process. The tool is currently active in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and Australia, with plans to expand to Western Europe in 2013. The tool is user-friendly and volunteers can get started by answering as few as three basic questions (the more information provided, the better the matches will be). After providing basic information such as location and medical history, volunteers immediately see a list of the best potential matches in their area. State-of-the-art security protocols ensure that identity and personal information remain confidential. Research trial coordinators can also register with the site to search for qualified volunteers for their studies. Unique technology and the most complete list of trials “What makes Fox Trial Finder unique from a technology standpoint is that it pairs smart-match technology with two-way, anonymous messaging between potential volunteers and clinical trial teams,” says Sherer. “Our goal is to make this process easier for everyone.” By saving a profile, registered volunteers are notified when new studies that match their criteria come online, so there is no need to keep checking back. Furthermore, Fox Trial Finder staff ensures the most up-to-date list of ongoing trials, providing the most opportunities to potential volunteers. “If we don’t do it, who will?” Deb Faculak, 62, is another Parkinson’s patient and registered Fox Trial Finder volunteer. The tool helped her find and enroll in a trial studying a drug to treat dyskinesia — the uncontrollable movements that can be a side effect of levodopa, the best available treatment for Parkinson’s. Says Faculak, “The only way these drugs are going to be approved is to go through these trials, and if we don’t do it, who will?” To register, visit foxtrialfinder.org. For more information, contact support@foxtrialfinder.org.
sound an alert if someone starts to exit the home unattended. This can be a great help to those who not only need to look after their parents, but their grandchildren, too. Alarmed locks can also sound alerts for a variety of activities at the door, to increase overall home security. For example, the alarmed lock from Schlage will sound three distinct alarms to alert to various activi-
ties: 1. When a door is accessed, such as someone leaving the house 2. If someone is tampering with the lock 3. If someone is kicking or putting undue pressure on the door in an attempt to breakin The easy-to-install alarmed lock is battery-operated, requires no wiring, and can be retrofitted to fit an existing door.
TheIntelligencer.com - October, 2012 - Mature Lifestyles - 19
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20 - Mature Lifestyles - October, 2012 - TheIntelligencer.com
ARA
The simple act of talking to a friend or family member can ease the transition into menopause.
Support can ease menopause (ARA) - Most women remember having “the talk” with their mother. In that crucial time just before puberty, moms provide guidance and wisdom about the changes our bodies go through. But later in life, women experience another important time of change - menopause - and many approach it without the comfort and connection that comes from talking to other women about what they are experiencing. However, women are ready to change that - and as many as 80 percent of women believe it’s time for the conversation about menopause to change, according to a recent study conducted by Harris Interactive for Poise brand. Despite the fact that most women go through menopause, many feel anxiety about it. The study also found that more than 50 percent of women say that anxiety about menopause is caused by not knowing enough about this life stage. And when only 5 percent of women can name the top five symptoms of menopause, as the study found, it’s no wonder that women are concerned about not knowing what’s coming next. “The symptoms of menopause can vary widely,” says Dr. Cindy Long, an OB-GYN and former OB-GYN department chair at North Suburban Medical Center. “Some women will describe very minimal symptoms and many others may have severe, sometimes distressing symptoms. Many women are looking for non-medical options to help provide comfort from the variety of
symptoms they may experience.” In an effort to help women approach menopause with confidence, Poise brand is starting The 2nd Talk, a whole new way to talk about this life stage. The company is also introducing a line of feminine wellness products designed to provide comfort during menopause from hot flashes, vaginal dryness and odor. Each product works naturally with a woman’s body to address one of these needs, and includes a cooling gel, body cooling towelettes, personal lubricant, panty fresheners and a feminine wash. At the website The2ndTalk.com, women can read others’ stories about going through menopause, as well as get expert advice through a question and answer section, articles and more. Talking to other women who are going through menopause is an important way to gain knowledge while also finding support and fellowship. Having a dedicated venue to get the conversation started can give women more confidence to bring the subject up in other situations. “No doubt, it can be more fun to chat about vacations, movies or grandkids, but didn’t we share our concerns about pregnancies and childbirth when those topics were on our minds?” asks Dr. Vivian Diller, a clinical psychologist. “By starting the conversation about menopause with openness and confidence - and even a sense of humor - we make it more comfortable for women to express what they’re feeling.”
TheIntelligencer.com - October, 2012 - Mature Lifestyles - 21
Five money-saving tips for boomers and seniors
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Be a smart shopper. If you’re not into clipping coupons, that’s OK. There are other ways to save. For example, try store-brand products rather than automatically reaching for the brands you’ve always purchased - in many cases, you won’t be able to tell the difference. Buy in bulk if you use large quantities of something. Watch for sales on items you purchase regularly, but don’t buy something just because it’s on sale - if you wouldn’t have bought it otherwise, you’re not saving money. For bigger-ticket items, be sure to comparison shop to make sure you’re getting the best price. Websites such as pricegrabber.com allow you to research numerous retailers without leaving your home. Take advantage of free entertainment. Wondering what to do this weekend? Low-cost, or sometimes free, options are abundant. Check the events sections of local newspapers and websites to see what’s happening in the area - festivals, exhibits and other special events are often free, and high schools and colleges frequently host sporting events, plays, concerts and lectures that are open to the public. Libraries are also an excellent source of free entertainment - you can try out new authors, artists and genres with no risk by borrowing books, audiobooks, DVDs and CDs instead of purchasing them. You might even meet some interesting people while you’re out and about in the community. Reassess your gift-giving habits. If you’ve ever found yourself rushing to the mall to buy a last-minute gift for a loved one’s birthday, chances are you’ve spent more than you originally planned, settled for something you suspected the recipient might end up exchanging, or avoided the decision by purchasing a safe but impersonal gift card. However, most of us don’t really need more things. Instead, consider giving your loved ones the gift of a shared experience. If your grandson loves animals, take him to the zoo. If your sister is into jazz, take her out for an evening at a jazz club. Of course, you might not end up spending less money this way - experiences come in all price ranges - so do keep your budget in mind. The point is that instead of wasting money on something that might just sit in the garage for years, you’ll enjoy a meaningful experience together. And that’s what quality of life is all about. Carpet • Hardwood • Ceramic • Marble
(ARA) - Many Americans are in the process of reassessing their spending patterns, and boomers and seniors are no exception. Seventy-three percent of adults over age 50 started saving more or cutting back on spending last year, compared to 2010, according to a November 2011 report by the AARP. In many cases, the new spirit of frugality is not necessarily born out of financial necessity, but also out of a desire to simplify life, avoid excessive consumption and focus on what’s really important - family, friends and community. If you’re an adult over 50, maybe you’re exploring the hidden treasures of your own region instead of taking exotic vacations. Maybe you’re barbecuing with friends in the backyard instead of going out to eat. Maybe you’re spending more time playing with your grandkids instead of buying them the latest electronic gadgets. In short, you’re trying to cut back on spending without sacrificing quality of life. Here are five tips to help. Examine recurring expenses. It’s easy to overpay for utilities and other recurring expenses if you don’t periodically review your options and make sure you’re getting the best deal. Many utility companies offer senior discounts, for example, but you have to ask. Also consider a lower-cost no-contract cellphone plan. Consumer Cellular, for example, offers a variety of affordable no-contract voice and data plans that can be changed without penalty at any time. You’re never locked into a plan that forces you to pay for more service than you need, and complementary usage alerts mean you don’t have to worry about accidentally exceeding your maximum allowance. Flexible family plans where couples and families share minutes can save an additional $20 to $30 per month. Increase energy efficiency. Another way to reduce your bills is by increasing the energy efficiency of your home. You can unplug battery chargers when not in use, turn off appliances rather than leaving them in standby mode, use energy-efficient light bulbs and turn off the lights when you leave a room. If you’re able to invest a little to ensure longer-term savings - whether through weatherproofing or upgrading aging appliances - you can schedule an energy audit to find out how to get the biggest bang for your home-improvement buck.
ARA
More Americans than ever are looking forward to their golden years.
Americans optimistic on aging (ARA) - With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day - and according to recently released research, a majority of them expecting to live to nearly 90 - the celebration of older Americans is a developing trend, and more people are aspiring to live longer and better than ever before. The latest research conducted by Gallup and Robinson as part of Pfizer’s Get Old initiative asked more than 1,000 Americans 18 to 65+ years old how they feel about getting old. The results showed that priorities and perceptions about aging shift over time. Key findings of the research include: • Nearly half of those over 50 (41 percent) said they were “optimistic” about getting old as compared with “uneasy”, “angry” or “prepared” • A vast majority of those who feel aging is better than expected cite good health (74 percent), wisdom (72 percent) and greater appreciation for friends and family (72 percent) as the top reasons • 51 percent of all people surveyed think they look younger than their age, and 40 percent think they are wiser than their age • Given a list of lifetime achievements, those 18 to 34 (45 percent) rank having $1 million first, while those over 65 (48 percent) would rather see their grandchild graduate from college.
“We all have one thing in common - each day we get older. At every age and stage of our lives, we can make choices and take actions that will help us live longer and better. There are so many positive role models today who are changing how people think about aging,” said Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, Pfizer’s Chief Medical Officer. “There’s a huge opportunity to support the shift that’s underway. At GetOld.com, we want to hear what people want and need to live better and healthier and create a forum for dialogue on what it means to ‘get old’ today.” The Get Old initiative is supported by the following leading organizations: Easter Seals, International Longevity Center at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, Men’s Health Network, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, National Consumers League, National Family Caregivers Association, Patient Advocate Foundation, Society for Women’s Health Research, Visiting Nurse Associations of America and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. The goal of Get Old is to amplify the conversation on aging and learn more about how Americans at all ages are tackling aging for themselves, their family, and society. At the center of the initiative is a first-of-its-kind online community, GetOld. com, where people can discuss aging by sharing and viewing stories, photos, and videos about getting old.
TheIntelligencer.com - October, 2012 - Mature Lifestyles - 23
Bone health critical for men with prostate cancer (ARA) - Prostate cancer is a serious issue for men, with one in six diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. However, it is especially important for African-American men, who have a one in five chance of being diagnosed, which is the highest incident rate than any other group in the U.S. A recent survey of 90 men showed that men with prostate cancer aren’t thinking about a potentially serious health concern that nearly all patients with advanced disease will experience - bone problems. “Prostate cancer is a health concern that all men should be aware of, including African-American men who are at higher risk for this disease,” said Dr. Kris Gaston, urologist and clinical assistant professor of surgery/urology at the University of North Carolina. “I treat many of these men who are unaware of
their risk of prostate cancer and are often diagnosed at later stages of the disease.” When an African-American man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, he often has a more advanced level of the disease. In fact, a study looking at how prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body found that African-American men were more likely than Caucasian men to have widespread disease with pain in their bones and had lower physical activity status. These results may be because African-American men are less likely to get tested for prostate cancer. However, there are ways for AfricanAmerican men to protect themselves. It is important for men to look out for prostate cancer early by speaking with their physicians about the signs and symptoms of the disease. Bone health is a critical, yet often
Edwardsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
under-recognized facet of prostate cancer. In early stages of prostate cancer, a man may receive hormone therapy that can cause bone loss and weakening. When prostate cancer advances, the most common place for it to spread is to the bone. This can cause severe pain and lead to bone complications, such as fractures and spinal cord injury, which may require surgery or radiation. In fact, roughly 75 percent of patients with advanced prostate cancer and approximately 90 percent of patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer will develop bone metastases. Yet, results from a recent survey showed that only seven percent of men with prostate cancer were familiar with the potential for bone complications from cancer spreading.
Hospice of Southern Illinois opened the first hospice home in Edwardsville
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Relais Bonne Eau “Where Outstanding Care & Loving Staff Combine!”
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(relay-bone-oh) Your Community Hospice Home was designed for individuals and their families needing end-of-life care. x 16 Large Private Rooms x Family Gathering Room x Resource Library and Chapel x Silent call lights to maintain a peaceful environment
Call today for a tour 618-659-7900 or visit: www.hospice.org 7325 Marine Road, Edwardsville
24 - Mature Lifestyles - October, 2012 - TheIntelligencer.com
THE SAKSA FAMILY
SAKSA FUNERAL HOME EDWARDSVILLE, IL 656-7577
GRANITE CITY, IL 876-4321