LIVING
A Blank Slate Media Special Section • November 15, 2019
28 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019
Early signs and symptoms of dementia • Withdrawal - Moving away from social circles or friends. Refusing to join in or attend activities once familiar and fun.
BY L I N D S AY K N U D S E N November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. With more than 50,000 people on Long Island suering from the Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, many of us are all too familiar with the eects of cognitive impairment. As dementia is a disease that aects thinking and memory, it is among the most feared and most devastating. Dementia is not inevitable as we age. While “senior momentsâ€? can happen to anyone, at any age, most of those occurrences are, in fact, just moments. Here are some signs and symptoms to watch out for that may signal the onset of dementia: • Memory loss - Forgetting new information, relying on family or friends to help â€˜ďŹ ll in the gaps’ or for reminders. • DiďŹƒculty with tasks that were once familiar - Problems cooking a meal that was once familiar, diďŹƒculty using appliances, or completing a job task. • Time and place confusion - Struggling with dates, periods of time, or understanding a clock. Also, diďŹƒculties may arise with places, such as not being able to ďŹ nd the restroom in a familiar location. • Challenges with retaining
• Mood or personality changes - Irritation or depression are common symptoms. Forgetting or not understanding the cause of irritation. Additionally, unexplained anger, lack of, or too much sleep.
new information - DiďŹƒculty reading and understanding material, visual issues when driving, unable to recall recently learned information. • DiďŹƒculty with words or written language - Trouble ďŹ nding the correct word when speaking and/or mixing up words. Inability to write out a complete or coherent sentence. • Misplacing items - Putting items in unusual location, for example, placing keys in the refrigerator.
Losing important items such as wedding rings, money, or medication. • DiďŹƒculty problem solving - Forgetting how to balance a checkbook, or not understanding the meaning of the numbers they see. DiďŹƒculty with job tasks. • Poor judgement or decision making - Not understanding the value of an item and paying too little or too much. Making poor and/or dangerous driving decisions. Inability to comprehend risks.
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek medical help. Any person who experiences these symptoms should visit a doctor to rule out other underlying medical causes. Until there is a cure, the Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center is a critical resource that can help families ďŹ nd guidance, support and hope. Our licensed social workers provide trusted referrals, including doctors who may prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Living with Alzheimer’s and other diagnosed cognitive disorders is not easy and should not be undertaken without help from professionals. Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324516.php; Alzinfo. org; Lindsay Knudsen, LMSW, is the Director of Day Program Services at the Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center in Westbury. For more information visit www.lidementia.org.
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The Truth About Aging Information provided by Kelly Mattone, M.D. Aging is inevitable of course, however before we can try to fight it, fix it, or (gasp) accept it, it’s important to understand the root cause of aging. When you see visible signs of aging such as dryness, lines, wrinkles, jowls or even sagging skin, what your body is experiencing is a loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Collagen is a protein that provides the structural framework of your skin and keeps it smooth, firm and resilient while hyaluronic acid (HA), is a carbohydrate whose job is to absorb water into your skin to keep it plump, soft and hydrated. Therefore, the goal of all antiaging treatments is to improve the skin’s appearance by increasing collagen and hyaluronic acid. While there are many options available, Ultherapy is considered the gold standard as it is the only procedure that can re-grow brand new collagen in your skin. Ultherapy is a non-surgical procedure that uses the power of ultrasound to work deep below the skin’s surface to revive and create
new collagen, distinguishing it as the only FDA cleared procedure to LIFT and tighten your brows, jowls and neck. It is non-invasive and there is no downtime. Microneedling is a virtually painless skin rejuvenating procedure that results in the release of growth factors that increase collagen and elastin levels, restoring your skin’s natural elasticity and glow. Fibroblast skin tightening is a revolutionary method of facial rejuvenation that stimulates collagen production and significantly tightens, lifts, resurfaces and regenerates the skin. Dermal fillers such as, Restylane and Juvederm are hyaluronic acid gels that are injected directly into the skin to act as your own naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. These HA fillers soften laugh lines and enhance cheeks and lips immediately. A consultation with your cosmetic physician is the best way to determine which procedure is right for you.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
29
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30 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019
Senior living options abound
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enior living communities often present an affordable and comfortable option for adults over the age of 55. Filled with like-minded and similarly aged residents, these communities can be the right ďŹ t for individuals no longer interested in or capable of taking care of a larger home. Senior communities are located all across the country. Finding one that meets your needs takes only a little research. Although they are often moderately priced and offer a variety of amenities, senior living communities sometimes suffer from a bad reputation. But such communities are not the “old age
homesâ€? that some people purport them to be. Rather, they’re entire living neighborhoods that cater to the needs of an active resident base. These communities can range from independent living private homes or condos to managed care facilities. Residents may be able to enjoy organized outings, recreation, shopping, and socialization without having to venture far from property grounds. Some communities offer food services or an on-site restaurant. Fifty-ďŹ ve and older communities offer conveniences that many ďŹ nd irresistible. They’re frequently located close to shopping, dining and healthcare
providers. Taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance expenses may be covered in one fee. Clubhouses, golf courses, lakes, card rooms, and many other offerings are designed to appeal to residents of many ages.
may indicate that the property must be kept in a certain manner. You may not be able to paint exterior items a certain color, nor put up fencing or set up outdoor patio furniture. Get the details before you sign anything.
Now that baby boomers have reached the age where retirement communities are a consideration, there has been an inux of interest. Those considering a move to one of these communities should research some information before purchasing a unit.
• Is this the type of community where you can age in place? Meaning, are there separate accommodations if you eventually need assisted living care? Some communities offer living options that vary depending on residents’ ages.
• Determine the fees associated with a community. Can Medicaid or longterm care insurance pay for all or a portion of the fees? Which types of services does the monthly fee cover?
• Be sure there are activities or amenities that appeal to you. You eventually want to ďŹ nd your niche and get together with a group of friends who share the same interests.
• Who is eligible to live in the community? Some restrict all residents to a particular age, while others do not. Rules may be in effect that include an age cut-off limit.
• You may want to find a community close to your children or other relatives. This way you will not have to travel far to visit others, and they will be able to visit you easily in return.
• Investigate the types of residents and who would be your immediate neighbors. What percentage of people live in the community all year long, and how many are part-time residents?
• Some communities are gated, which can increase feelings of safety. If this is a priority, look for housing under security.
• Look into the particular home owner’s association rules. Bylaws
Following these guidelines can mean discovering a community where anyone can feel comfortable for years to come.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
31
32 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019
Easy ways to get more youthful-looking skin wrinkles on the face.
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ew people would pass up the opportunity to look younger. But men and women who want to look a little more like their younger selves without resorting to surgery can still have younger, healthier-looking skin without going under the knife. The following are a handful of natural ways to keep skin vibrant and youthful. • Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can add years to your life and improve your appearance. Smoking damages collagen and elastin in the skin, which are the substances that help keep skin flexible and firm. Also, smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and makes it difficult for it to receive enough oxygen to stay healthy. The act of smoking also can contribute to older-looking skin. Pursing the lips to draw on a cigarette, as well as squinting to avoid smoke in the eyes can lead to the formation of
• Steer clear of the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light damages the skin and can cause it to age prematurely. Also, inadvertent UV exposure, which can happen when running errands or sitting in front of an open window, also can affect the skin. Sun exposure is the top cause of uneven skin tone and dark spots. Always wear sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun. Applying sunscreen should become as automatic as brushing your teeth each day. • Drink more water. A dehydrated body will divert water to the organs that need it the most, including the liver and heart. When that happens, skin pays the price by not receiving adequate hydration for skin cell renewal. By drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water per day, you can ensure your body is getting the fluids it needs to fuel natural functions, including skin cell production. • Exercise. By working out you’ll promote good cardiovascular health, which in turn will deliver blood flow and nutrients to the surface of your skin. Skin cells are pushed to the surface of the skin,
helping to create a younger appearance and glow. Exercise also can help banish stress, which can contribute to an older appearance and frown. • Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol in excess can damage blood vessels over time. This can cause burst capillaries at the surface of the skin, which are highly visible. Drinking also may lead to flushing, which can affect appearance. People who have damaged their livers from drinking too much or abusing medication may develop jaundice, a medical condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin. • Avoid stressful situations. It’s impossible to avoid all the stressors in life, but taking steps to reduce stress can improve your psychological outlook and appearance. Stress can lessen your body’s ability to function properly, and that can affect the appearance of your skin. Stress-related insomnia can lead to under-eye bags and a tired appearance. And according to the Archives of Dermatology, stress can increase your risk of skin diseases and may cause wounds to take longer to heal.
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• Eat a healthy diet. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it makes sense that healthy foods will benefit the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax and fish oil are important for skin health because they support healthy cell membranes. Antioxidants like vitamins A and C also are beneficial because they fight the effects of cell oxidation and combat free radicals that can lead to illness. • Take care of your skin at night. Moisturizers and serums with concentrated blends of vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals are most effective at night. That’s because, when applied at night, such products are in contact with the skin for several hours without being wiped off. Just be sure to apply any products to clean skin for maximum effect. A dermatologist can recommend the right products for your skin type.
There are various ways to get more youthful-looking skin, many of which can benefit the rest of your body as well.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
41
How to avoid growing bored in retirement
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rom the moment young men and women first walk into the office for their first day as a working professional until the day they officially retire, the notion of planning for retirement is never far from their minds. But when the day to hang up the briefcase and donate all those business suits arrives, some retirees wonder what to do next. Some retirees know exactly how they will spend their days when they no longer have to work, while others who decide to play it by ear may find themselves battling boredom.
• Work part-time. Though it might seem odd to start working right after you retire, a part-time job can provide the type of structure you have grown accustomed to without all of the responsibility that comes with a full-time career. Part-time jobs can range from consultancy work that makes use of your professional experience to something entirely different like landscape maintenance at a nearby golf course that gets you out of the house and enjoying the warmer seasons. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s something you find fun and interesting.
For those among the latter group, it’s important to understand that many retirees find themselves bored once they no longer have to focus on a career. Jobs keep men and women busy and provide a sense of purpose in their lives, so it’s understandable that retirees feel bored once those jobs are no longer a part of their lives. But just because you no longer have an office to go to every day does not mean life cannot be as fulfilling or even more fulfilling than it was when you were still working. You just need to find something to avoid succumbing to retirement boredom.
• Embrace a new hobby. Working professionals often say they wish they had time to pursue a hobby. Now that you are retired, you have all the time in the world to do just that. Whether it’s perfecting your golf game, writing that novel, learning to cook like a gourmet chef or whatever else you might have always wanted to do, retirement is a great time to do it. • Get in shape. If retirement boredom has started to negatively affect your mood, one great way to conquer your boredom and improve your mood at the same time is to start exercising. Exercise is a natural mood enhancer.
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Embracing a new hobby is one way for recently retired men and women to avoid growing bored during retirement. When the body exercises, it releases chemicals knowns as endorphins, which trigger positive feelings in the body. In addition, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, boost self-esteem and improve sleep. Working out at a gym also is a great way to meet fellow retirees in your community, and the energy you have after exercising may give you the boost you need to pursue other hobbies. • Volunteer. If a part-time job is not up your alley, then consider volunteering in your community. Volunteers are always in demand, and volunteering with
a local charity can provide a sense of purpose and provide opportunities to meet like-minded fellow retirees, all while helping to quell your boredom. Retirees who love to travel can combine their passion for volunteering with their love of travel by signing up to work with an international relief organization that travels abroad to help the less fortunate. Upon retiring, many retirees initially find themselves coping with boredom. But there are many ways to avoid the restlessness of retirement.
42 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019
Appointment companions are a smart move
V Did you know? A 2017 report from the World Economic Forum recommended that the richest countries across the globe raise their retirement ages in order to prevent the collapses of pension systems. Full retirement age in the United States varies depending on when a person was born, though it’s currently between age 65 and 67. In Canada, eligible residents can begin receiving their full Canada Pension Plans at age 65. But longer life expectancies among today’s men and women as well as considerably longer life expectancies for babies born today is partly why the World Economic Forum recommended raising the age at which people can begin receiving their full benefits. Pension funds have been unable to keep pace as people are living longer but still retiring around the same age as they have for decades. That will create a considerable shortfall by 2050, when the World Economic Forum predicts eight countries, including the United States, Canada, India, and China among others, will face a combined pension fund shortfall of $400 trillion.
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isits to a physician are just one step people make in an effort to improve their well-being. While it’s important that everyone visit their physicians at least once a year for a checkup, seniors may need to see their physicians more frequently than other age groups. When visiting the doctor, it is easy for anyone to miss important components of what the doctor is saying, and it’s just as easy to misunderstand certain instructions or medication information. Seniors who bring companions along to appointments with their physicians can reduce the risk of misunderstanding advice or diagnoses given by their doctors.
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Taking notes Companions can jot down important notes about the appointment, such as dates and times for follow-up visits, medication advice and any other instructions that may be forgotten once the patient leaves the office. Companions can later translate the jargon-heavy language of a physician into an understandable language the patient can fully understand.
Medical history
Data from U.S. News and World Report states that about one-third of seniors still living on their own take a companion with them to their routine doctor’s office visits. Companions are typically spouses, but they can include children or other family members as well.
Sometimes a companion can be a useful resource, calling a doctor’s attention to a patient’s prior hospitalizations and illnesses. Companions can even call attention to any medications the patient is currently taking.
Patients may find there are many advantages to bringing someone along to an appointment. And companions may want to learn more about patients’ goals at each appointment prior to going along so they can prepare and know how to help during the appointment.
Very often a companion can operate as a patient advocate, clarifying questions or getting further information out of a doctor if the patient is hesitant to ask. If the information isn’t clear, the companion can raise red flags or ask to have the instructions put in a different light.
Listen People tend to forget at least half of what they hear in the doctor’s office, says the Archives of Internal Medicine. This tendency may be increased when patients are nervous about the potential outcome of their visits. Bringing a companion along means that both
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people are actively listening. Together, the information they’ve heard can combine to provide a full account of the visit.
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Translation Sometimes patients need companions who speak their native languages when their physicians do not. People are learning that bringing a family member or friend along to doctors’ appointments can be a smart way to make the most of doctor/patient interactions.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
43
ADVERTORIAL
The SECURE Act Looms Information written by Stephen J. Silverberg, Esq., CELA The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (the "SECURE� Act) has been on the radar since the spring. The Act, passed by the House of Representative on May 23, 2019, changes estate planning for retirement benefits from qualified plans and IRAs. Its passage by the Senate is imminent. The SECURE Act raises the age at which a participant must begin distributions to age 72 and allows contributions to an IRA after beginning distributions. More significantly, the Act eliminates the ability of most beneficiaries of an IRA, 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan (other than a spouse, disabled or chronically ill individual, or a minor child) to stretch the payment of inherited benefits over their life expectancy. Instead, they must withdraw the entire account balance within 10 years after the account owner’s death. When enacted, every estate plan including retirement assets will require a substantial overhaul. An additional provision of the
SECURE Act fixes an unintended consequence of the 2017 Tax Act. What came to light was the taxation of benefits paid to families of soldiers killed in action. The VA pays a Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (“DIC�) benefit. DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or disease. The Department of Defense also pays under a Survivor Benefit Plan (“SBP�). SBP is a lifetime annuity based on a percentage of pay (adjusted for inflation) and is paid to an eligible beneficiary. However, there is an offset for the Department of Defense benefits paid while also receiving Veterans Affairs benefits. This is sometimes called the Widow's Tax. The SBP is often assigned to the surviving children to avoid the reduction. When the SBP is paid to children under 18 (or 24 if a student), it is subject to the Kiddie Tax. Before 2018, the Kiddie Tax was based on the parent's income tax rate, and it was estimated the tax rate was
between 12%-15%. The 2017 Act raised the Kiddie Tax rate to 37% on unearned income over $12,500; surviving children pay a confiscatory tax. A provision was added to treat the SBP as earned income for Kiddie Tax. HERE IS THE HIDDEN PROBLEM Section 204 of the SECURE Act gives a safe harbor to 401(k) plan sponsors who offer an annuity option. It is seen as beneficial as many seniors feel they will run out of money during their lifetimes. (something I repeatedly heard while testifying on behalf of NAELA before the ERISA Advisory Council of the Department of Labor). This means if an employer picks an annuity provider, and it goes out of business or rips off workers, they could not sue the employer afterward. That could incentivize companies to find fly-by-night annuity providers that give good deals to the companies for business, making their money by ripping off the firm’s workers before filing for bankruptcy.
Annuities from retirement vehicles are only exempt for Medicaid eligibility purposes the State is designated the primary beneficiary of the annuity (a surviving spouse or disabled child may take precedence over the State). If the account holder requires Medicaid services, upon their death, the State is reimbursed for the cost of services provided to the account holder and the balance, if any is paid to the family. If the State is not designated as a beneficiary, the accountholder is ineligible for Medicaid benefits until the entire retirement account is exhausted. The SECURE Act does not mention this requirement so it is up to the individual to know the rules. BUT WAIT - THERE’S MORE Given the overwhelming bipartisan support for the SECURE Act in the House and Senate, it is almost certain the SECURE Act will be enacted in some form. Our office will be carefully following the progress of these two pieces of legislation and keep you posted on what’s going on.
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44 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019
3 money-saving Make vacations and travel tips travel a key component for retirees of your retirement T
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hen the time comes to bid farewell to conference calls, meetings and daily commutes, retirees have open schedules to fill with whichever activities they choose. Travel is one exciting way to pass the time. Traveling can be a rewarding prospect for active seniors, particularly those who successfully preplanned for retirement and have the income to fund various excursions. Many seniors, both in the United States and Canada, find that travel tops their to-do lists once they retire. According to Senior Travel magazine, new travel options are emerging for newly minted retirees looking for something a little different from the status quo. The list of destinations retirees have at their disposal is limitless. The following ideas are some of the more popular ways retirees choose to travel. Road trips rule. Taking to the highways and byways is an excellent way to see the country. Seniors can customize their routes depending on which places they want to visit. RV travel can be as comfortable or as rustic as
travelers prefer. Many seniors spend months traveling in their campers, which offer many of the same amenities of home. Campsites and special RV hookup sites offer the other necessities of traveling the open road. Genealogical tourism is popular. People hoping to trace their ancestry and visit their ancestral homelands are one of the fastestgrowing travel segments. Visiting an old church in Europe where ancestors were married or buying food from a market in which a great aunt or uncle once worked leads retirees on many international adventures. Such trips provide travelers with a unique opportunity to understand their roots up close and personal while enjoying some international travel along the way. Exotic tours can be exciting destinations. History buffs or adventure-seeking couples may be particularly attracted to exotic travel destinations that are slightly off of the beaten path. Travel tours may take vacationers to destinations such as excavation sites or backpacking through the rainforest. With passport in hand, seniors can go just about anywhere
their desires take them. Enjoy a relaxing seaside trip. A seaside vacation can be the perfect trip for seniors who want to put their feet up and sip some cocktails while watching the waves lap the shores. Many beach resorts offer all-inclusive packages for different age groups. Meals, excursions and hotel rooms can be bundled into one affordable, confusion-free price. Go cruising. Speaking of allinclusive vacationing, cruising seems tailor-made for those ages 50 and older because it offers the convenience of accommodations, food, entertainment, and transportation all in one. The various activities offered on the ship mean travelers can find ways to spend their time how they see fit. Cruising couples can opt to spend all of their time on the ship enjoying carefully prepared meals and entertainment or disembark and explore the various ports of call along the way. Now that they have more free time, retirees can gear up for travel adventures to remember.
hough a transient lifestyle is something few people aspire to during much of their lives, come retirement, the idea of staying in a place for only a short time has more appeal.
According to a recent study from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, 36 percent of baby boomers want to spend their retirements traveling. Many are succeeding in doing just that, as a study from the luxury travel network Virtuoso found that today’s seniors spent an average of just over $11,000 per year on travel. That was more than any other generation, highlighting just how much older adults like to get out and explore the world. Retirees who fear they cannot afford to travel can explore the various ways for seniors to cut costs and still satisfy their wanderlust during retirement.
1. Take advantage of age-related discounts. Some adults prefer to hide their ages, but when it comes time to travel during retirement, honesty is the best policy. Many businesses that cater to travelers offer discounts to seniors. Car rental agencies, hotels, travel agencies, and cruise lines may offer direct discounts to customers 65 and older, while membership in organizations such as AAA and AARP may make seniors eligible for additional discounts. Discounts on lodging and airfare might net the biggest savings, but even discounts on various smaller expenses can add up to big savings.
2. Don’t overlook travel agencies. While many prospective travelers’ first instincts are now to visit various travel websites in an effort to find the most affordable trips, it’s important that travelers not overlook travel agencies when planning trips. Travel websites, though a valuable resource, only list the hotels and airlines that agree to be included on their sites. While many participate, some do not, and those that do not may instead work independent of travel websites or partner with travel agencies. Travel agencies have access to the latest information, and many specialize in certain countries, knowing all the attractions visitors to their countries want to see. Travel agencies may offer packages that include admissions to popular attractions, which can be more affordable than planning a trip a la carte.
3. Travel as part of a group. Group travel may not appeal to everyone, but it should appeal to older, budget-conscious travelers. Retirees who are uncomfortable driving at home will likely be even less comfortable driving in foreign countries where the rules of the road are not the same. Traveling in groups, whether it’s with a retirement community, religious organization or another program, can save travelers substantial amounts of money. Many hotels and tourist attractions offer steep discounts for group tours, which can even be arranged through travel agencies. A hidden benefit of signing up for a group tour is the chance to meet new people and develop new relationships with fellow globetrotters. Many working professionals hope to spend the bulk of their retirement traveling the globe. While such a goal is potentially costly, there are various ways to save and still see the world.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
45
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46 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 15, 2019
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