Living 50 Plus August 2014

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

August 2014

Exercise and Aging Addressing common concerns about exercising at 50 and beyond

The Rebalancing Act How to regain balance in your personal and professional lives

Assessing Your Assets Managing money after 50

2 Living 50 Plus — August 2014

Investors know that money management can be difficult. The ebb and flow of the economy can be similar to a roller

coaster, with soaring highs followed by steep drops, and those changes all affect investors’ bottom lines. It’s no wonder then that many investors over 50 envision the day when they can get off that roller coaster and simply enjoy their

money without having to worry about the everyday ups and downs of the market. But managing money after 50 is about more than just reducing risk.

Reducing risk as retirement draws near is a sound financial strategy that can safeguard men and women over 50 from the fluctuations of the market That’s true whether investors put their money in stocks, real estate or other areas that were not immune to the ups and downs of the economy. But there are additional steps men and women can take after they turn 50 to ensure their golden years are as enjoyable and financially sound as possible.

• Prioritize saving for retirement. Men and women over 50 know that retirement is right around the corner. Despite that, many people over 50 still have not prioritized saving for retirement. It’s understandable that other obligations, be it paying kids’ college tuition or offering financial assistance to aging parents, may seem more immediate, but men and women over 50 should recognize that their time to save for retirement is rapidly dwindling. Just because you are retired does not mean your bills will magically disappear. In fact, some of those bills, such as the cost of medical care, are

likely to increase. So now is the time to make retirement a priority if you have not already done so. It might be nice to finance a child’s college education, but that should not be done at the expense of your retirement nest egg. Kids have a lifetime ahead of them to repay college loans, while adults over 50 do not have that much time to save for retirement.

• Start making decisions. People retire at different times in their lives. Some people want to keep working as long as they are physically and mentally capable of doing so, while others want to reap what their lifetime of hard work has sewn and retire early. Finances will likely play a strong role in when you can comfortably retire, so start making decisions about your long-term future. Do you intend to stay in your current home or downsize to a smaller home? Will you stay in your current area or move elsewhere? These decisions require a careful examination of your finances, and many will hinge on how well you have managed your money in the past and how well you manage it in the years ahead. Managing money after 50 requires more than just allocating resources. Sound money management after 50 also means making decisions about your future and taking the necessary steps to ensure

Managing money after 50

Balancing work and family life is a major challenge for many professionals. Many established

professionals find it stressful to juggle the demands of successful careers with the obligations they have to their families, and regaining that balance once it has been lost only adds to that stress.

Part of the difficult of balancing work and family life is that the challenge is ongoing. The threat of losing your work-life balance is never too far away, but there are steps men and women can take to regain that balance once it’s been lost.

• Start documenting your activities. No one operates at 100 percent efficiency all the time, but balancing obligations at work with those at home is especially difficult when time is routinely lost to trivial matters or tasks at work that can be delegated to others. These time-consuming tasks have a tendency to add up, but professionals rarely take note of the smaller tasks or distractions that cost them time. Start documenting your activities on a daily basis, jotting down how each hour of your day is spent, both at home and at work. Do this for several weeks, after which time

a pattern will likely develop, and you can see where you are wasting time and where you are being most efficient with your time. When you sit down to examine your notes, look for ways to free up time without sacrificing the quality of your work or the quality of time you spend with your family. Don’t be afraid to make changes.

• Don’t go it alone. Teamwork is important at home and around the office and can help overburdened professionals regain their work-life balance. If you tend to go it alone in the office, reach out to your colleagues more often, seeking their help on projects and offering your help in return. This can drastically cut back on the hours you spend in the office, giving you more quality time at home. But you also can work with your family to free up more time. Assign tasks around the house so you aren’t doing chores during the time you do have at home. Split cooking duties with your spouse or even the kids if they’re old enough and delegate other household tasks as well. Such tasks can be tackled while you’re at work so the family can spend more time together each night and on weekends.

• Stop emulating Atlas. In Greek mythology, Atlas was condemned to standing at the edge of the Earth and holding the weight of Uranus on his shoulders. Many professionals can no doubt empathize with Atlas, even if taking such weight on their shoulders was self-inflicted. Regaining work-life balance may require taking some of that weight off of your shoulders by learning to respectfully decline extra projects around the office or in your personal life. You can still pitch in on special projects at work without spearheading them, much like you can still spend time with your kids at the ballpark even if you aren’t their coach. Cutting back on your obligations is a great way to reduce stress and free up time to focus on the things that mean the most to you.

• Think outside the box. If you have examined your daily activities and commitments but can’t seem to find any ways to regain your work-life balance, start looking for unique ways to make the time you spend at work and the time you spend

at home more proportionate. Consider telecommuting one or two days per week to free up time to spend with your family. If moving is an option, consider moving closer to your office so you aren’t spending so much time commuting to and from work each day. Even if you have seemingly exhausted all options, chances are strong there is a solution to help you regain your work-life balance. But sometimes that balance requires a little creativity and some give-and-take with both your employer and your family. n

Regaining your work-life balance

Delegating more tasks at the office can help established professionals regain their work-life balance.

Living 50 Plus — Nevada Appeal / Record-Courier 3

those decisions come to fruition.

• Pay down debt. Men and women over 50 are not often associated with debt, but that’s a misconception. Thanks in part to the recession that began in 2008 and led to high unemployment, many people in the baby boomer generation, which includes people born between the years 1946 and 1964, went back to school to make themselves more attractive to prospective employers. While that might have been a sound decision, it left many deeply in debt. According to a 2013 report from the Chronicle of Higher Education, student loan debt is growing fastest among people over 60, and that debt is not inconsequential. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported in 2013 that the average student loan debt of those over the age of 60 who still owe money is more than $19,000, a considerable increase from 2005, when the average debt was $11,000. Men and women over 50 who are still carrying debt should eliminate consumer debt first, as such debt tends to be accompanied by higher interest rates than mortgages and student loan debt. Paying down debt can help reduce stress, improve your quality of life and free up money for living and

recreational expenses once you retire.

• Examine your insurance policies. Your approach to insurance should change as you get closer to retirement. For example, you want to maximize your liability insurance on homeowners and auto insurance policies. This ensures the money you have set aside for retirement won’t be going to a third party should you be at-fault in an auto accident or if someone suffers an injury at your home. Experts recommend liability insurance be substantial for men and women over 50, with some suggesting it be as high as twice your net worth.

If it wasn’t already, securing long-term disability insurance should be a priority once you have turned 50. A sudden accident or illness at 55 that prevents you from working could prove devastating to your financial future if you do not have disability insurance. Some employers offer long-term disability, though many people are left to secure policies on their own. Regardless of how you get your disability insurance, make sure you have it and that it provides adequate coverage should you succumb to an illness or injury and be unable to work. n

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Nutrition is important for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for men and

women over the age of 50, who can dramatically improve their quality of life by eating a well-balanced diet filled with vitamins and nutrients. Though that may seem like common sense, research has shown that men and women in this age group, who are often referred to as “Baby Boomers,” are not necessarily as healthy as they may seem.

While the baby boomer generation, which is generally regarded as those people born between 1946 and 1964, boasts longer life expectancies than any generation that came before them, some of that can likely be chalked up to advancements in medical care, including a booming pharmaceutical industry that seemingly has an antidote to every ailment. But a 2013 study from researchers at the West Virginia University School of Medicine found that baby boomers are less healthy than the generation that immediately preceded them, tending to be more likely to have higher levels of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. While that news might be sobering, it’s never too late for men and women over 50 to start eating healthier diets, which can reduce their risk of a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.

The following are a few ways men and women over 50 can alter their diets so their bodies are getting what they need to live long and healthy lives well into their golden years. As is always the case, men and women should discuss any potential changes to their diets with their physicians to ensure the changes will be both effective and healthy.

• Balance your diet. Kids hear of the benefits of a balanced diet seemingly from the moment they enter a classroom for the first time, but many adults fail to heed that basic advice as they get further and further away from kindergarten. When changing your diet, be sure to include plenty of protein and carbohydrates. Protein maintains and rebuilds muscles, which is especially important for aging men and women who might find themselves unable to keep up with the physical demands of everyday life as well as they used to. Including ample low-fat protein, which can be found in fish, eggs and low-fat dairy among other foods, will aid in muscle recovery, benefitting aging

athletes as well as those men and women over 50 who recently started exercising as a means to regaining their physical fitness. A diet lacking in sufficient protein can contribute to muscle deterioration, arthritis and even organ failure, so it’s important for men and women to prioritize including protein in their diets.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a balanced diet, as they are a great source of energy that can help men and women stay active well past the age of 50. Carbohydrates found in fruits, grains and vegetables are the most beneficial, as these contain valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

• Don’t denounce dairy. Dairy is a great source of calcium, which promotes strong bones and teeth. Men and women over the age of 50 want their bones to be as strong as possible because aging is one of the strongest risk factors for osteoporosis, a potentially debilitating medical condition in which loss of tissue causes bones to become brittle and fragile. Vitamin D is necessary to effectively absorb calcium, and vitamin D can be found in certain dairy products, including pasture-raised eggs and grass-fed cow’s milk, and can be generated when men and women get enough sunlight. Other healthy sources of vitamin D include salmon, light tuna packed in oil, sardines, and sun-grown mushrooms.

• Cut back on sodium intake. Cutting back on sodium intake can be very beneficial, especially for men and women over the age of 50, who are at greater risk of diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. But cutting back on sodium intake takes more than just throwing the salt shaker away. Processed foods, soups, canned goods, salad dressings, condiments such as mustard and ketchup, and breakfast cereals are just a few of the many products that may contain alarming amounts of sodium. That’s important to note, as excess sodium increases blood pressure by holding excess fluid in the body. That excess fluid puts an added burden on the heart, potentially increasing a person’s risk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, cancer, and kidney disease. The problem with cutting back on sodium is that salt is so often relied on to make foods taste better, and many people find salt-free foods bland. But the rewards of reducing sodium intake are so significant that it’s worth making the adjustment, especially for men and women over the age of 50.

No one is too old or too young to embrace a nutritious diet. But men and women over the age of 50 are in a unique position to vastly improve their quality of life by adopting a low-sodium diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. n

Nutrition and aging go hand-in-hand

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death across the globe. According to the World Health

Organization, ischemic heart disease, in which blood supply to the heart is reduced, is the leading cause of death in middle- and high-income countries and the fourth-leading cause of death in low-income countries.

Perhaps the most troubling fact about the prevalence of heart disease is that it can be largely preventable. The American Heart Association notes that there are several ways to easily improve heart health and avoid becoming one of the millions of people to succumb to heart disease.

• Embrace aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is essential to cardiovascular health. Daily aerobic exercise, which can be as simple as walking around the neighborhood, can help men and women lower their blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight and lower their bad cholesterol, which can circulate in the blood and cause blockages that can lead to heart attack.

• Adopt a low-sodium diet that’s also low in cholesterol. Diet can be a friend or foe with regards to heart disease. A heart-friendly diet that’s low in sodium and cholesterol can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels as well as a healthy blood pressure.

• Monitor your blood pressure. A blood pressure reading is a staple of many doctor visits, but men and women should monitor their blood pressure even when they aren’t visiting their physicians. High blood pressure does not always produce symptoms, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t potentially deadly. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and can contribute to heart and kidney disease. So be sure to monitor your blood pressure and discuss with your physician ways to lower high blood pressure. n

Improving heart health need not be difficult


When moving a relative into a nursing or an assisted living home, find a facility that’s close to home so men and women can still enjoy regular contact with friends & relatives.

Helping a loved one adapt to an assisted living home

Many older men and women find the transition to a nursing home somewhat difficult. Men and women tend to see a move to a assisted living or a skilled nursing home as a step toward surrendering their independence, and this can be a difficult hurdle

for seniors and their loved ones to overcome.

Adding to the difficulty is the fact that many men and women move into nursing homes because their physical or mental status requires the help of a professional nursing staff, leaving family members with little to no recourse when aging relatives protest the move. But there are ways to ease a loved one’s transition into a nursing home.

• Keep a positive attitude. The stress of moving an aging relative into a nursing home can be significant for all parties involved. But focusing on the positives of nursing homes, such as around-the-clock care and daily activities, can help aging relatives look at nursing homes in a new light. In addition, family members who familiarize themselves with nursing homes will begin to see they are often great places for aging men and women to socialize with others their age while receiving the care and attention they need. When discussing the move to a nursing home, focus on these positives and your relative will be more likely to follow your lead.

• Choose a nursing home that’s close to home. One of the more difficult parts of transitioning to a nursing home is the notion that men and women are leaving their lives behind once they move into a home. Choosing a nursing home that’s close to home and makes routine visits from friends and relatives possible enables men and women maintain a connection to their current lifestyle. A home that is miles and miles away from a person’s support system can foster feelings of isolation and loneliness.

• Plan trips with your loved one. Just because an aging relative lives in a nursing home does not mean he or she can no longer travel. If a relative is healthy enough to travel, include them on family trips and outings. This includes more routine events like weekly Sunday dinners, kids’ sporting events and other extracurricular activities. The more involved

your aging relative are in the daily life of your family, the more likely they are to see the advantages of living in a nursing home.

• Encourage your loved ones to take some personal items with them. When moving into a nursing home, men and women must leave behind many of their possessions. This is a simple space issue, as the rooms in a typical nursing home cannot accommodate a life’s worth of keepsakes and possessions. But that doesn’t mean men and women have to leave everything behind. Encourage your loved one to bring along some possessions, such as his or her family photos, a favorite chair or smaller mementos from places he or she visited throughout his or her life. Such items can make a nursing home seem less antiseptic and more like a home.

• Set up an e-mail account for your loved one. If your loved one still has his or her mental health, then set him or her up with an e-mail account. This allows your loved one to maintain daily contact with family and friends. Many of today’s nursing homes provide facilities where residents can access the Internet. If not, speak to the staff and ask if your relative can bring his or her own computer. If your relative will be able to routinely access the Internet, consider purchasing a digital subscription to the local newspaper so he or she can further maintain a connection to the community. n

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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder

that attacks neurons and essentially robs people of their memory and language skills. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are therapies that can slow its neurological impact. Recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s can encourage people to begin treatments that can stave off some of the more debilitating symptoms of this disease.

Though it’s most common among the elderly, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The Mayo Clinic says that the reasons behind the inception and progression of Alzheimer’s disease are largely unknown. It is believed damage starts a decade or more before problems become evident. Abnormal deposits of proteins begin to form the amyloid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain, and these formations are the hallmarks of the disease. Once-healthy neurons gradually begin to lose their efficiency and ability to function and communicate with one another. As more neurons die, entire areas of the brain shrink. The hippocampus, which is the area of the brain essential in forming memories, may soon become compromised.

Millions of people in North America are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease and many others will be diagnosed. The following are the most common early signs and symptoms of the disease.

• Memory loss: According to the Alzheimer’s Organization, early memory loss can include forgetting important dates or repeatedly asking for the same information. Forgetting recently learned information and having to rely increasingly on memory aids is another potential indicator of Alzheimer’s.

• Declining cognition: Impaired reasoning or judgment, trouble finding the right words and visual and spatial issues also may be early indicators of Alzheimer’s.

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Those with Alzheimer’s sometimes have trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules to a favorite game. People who were once good with numbers may now have difficulty balancing their checkbooks, while those who love to cook may have trouble following recipes.

• Time confusion: Another indicator of Alzheimer’s disease is losing track of time. One may have trouble understanding something that isn’t happening in the present. Alzheimer’s sufferers often forget where they are and how they got there.

• Misplacing items: Everyone loses something at a point in time, but those with Alzheimer’s may put items in unusual places. They may sometimes accuse others of stealing when they cannot retrace their steps and find items.

• Decreased judgment: Decision-making abilities may be compromised. A person with Alzheimer’s may take unnecessary risks or give away sums of money.

• Mood changes: People with Alzheimer’s may suffer from confusion, suspicious feelings, depression and anxiety. A person may upset easily or become anxious outside of his or her comfort zones.

Age and family history of Alzheimer’s disease are the biggest risk factors. The liklihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years after age 65, says the Alzheimer’s Organization. In addition, those with a parent, child or sibling who have developed Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than people with no such family history.

A physical and neurological exam, which may include blood tests and brain imaging, will be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals can learn more by making appointments with their doctors. n

The early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease

Though millions of people across the globe are living with Parkinson’s disease, many

people have limited knowledge of this disorder. The extent of many people’s experience with or knowledge of Parkinson’s disease begins and ends with Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox, two high-profile personalities who have publicly acknowledged their fight against this potentially debilitating disorder.

As much as Ali and Fox have done to bring awareness to Parkinson’s disease, the disorder largely remains a mystery, even to those medical researchers who have devoted their lives to finding both a cause and a cure for Parkinson’s. But there are some things the medical community does know about Parkinson’s, and a greater understanding of this disease might help find a cause once and for all.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, which means the symptoms will continue and worsen over time. Parkinson’s involves the malfunction and death of nerve cells in the brain known as neurons. Some of these neurons are responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As Parkinson’s progresses, less dopamine is produced, making it more difficult for a person with Parkinson’s to control his or her body’s movements.

What are some symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from individual to individual, but the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation notes that the primary motor signs of Parkinson’s include:• tremor of the hands, arms,

legs, jaw, and face• bradykinesia, or slowness of movement• rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk• postural instability or impaired balance and coordinationParkinson’s progresses slowly, and a person might begin to feel somewhat weak and notice slight tremors. These tremors gradually progress to additional symptoms. For example, a person might notice their voluntary movements, such as walking or even rolling over in bed, have become slower. Other symptoms can include difficulty rising from a sitting position or, in the later stages, difficulty swallowing.

Are there any known causes of Parkinson’s disease?

There is no known cause for Parkinson’s disease, but scientists are exploring a potential relationship between the loss of cells in other areas of the brain and body and Parkinson’s disease. According to the PDF, scientists have discovered that signs of Parkinson’s disease have been found not only in the mid-brain but also in the brain stem and the olfactory bulb.

Concerned men and women who have or have had a family member with Parkinson’s disease often want to know if there is a genetic link. Evidence to a possible genetic link remains highly controversial and inconclusive, so any potential genetic implications regarding Parkinson’s disease remain unclear.

Some evidence has suggested that toxins in the environment may cause Parkinson’s disease. These toxins, which include manganese, carbon monoxide and carbon disulfide, may selectively destroy the neurons that produce dopamine, potentially causing Parkinson’s as a result.

Certain medications and street drugs have also been known to produce symptoms similar to those associated with Parkinson’s. Antipsychotics used to treat severe paranoia and schizophrenia as well as MPTP, a synthetic heroin contaminant, can cause Parkinson’s-like symptoms.

More information about Parkinson’s disease is available at www.pdf.org.

n

What is Parkinson’s disease?


Exercise is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. Including exercise in your daily routine can lower your

risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and exercise can even sharpen mental acuity, reduce anxiety and improve mood. But as beneficial as exercise can be, many men and women, particularly men and women over the age of 50, who have not laced up their sneakers in years are hesitant to begin an exercise regimen for a variety of reasons, potentially putting their long-term health at risk.

Regardless of a person’s age, beginning a new exercise regimen can be intimidating. But it’s especially so for men and women over the age of 50, who might not know where to begin or how to approach adopting a healthier lifestyle. According to the National Institute on Aging, the following are a few points men and

women should know as they attempt to improve their physical fitness with a more active lifestyle.

• Exercise is safe even if you have not been physically active in a long time. Many older men and women worry that suddenly embracing physical fitness after years of inactivity may be detrimental to their health. But that’s only true if men and women don’t exercise caution at the outset of their routines. When beginning the routine, take things very slowly at first, choosing to walk or bike every day rather than hitting the treadmill and adjusting it to maximum resistance. When strength

training, start off with very little weight so your muscles can grow acclimated to the motions and you can get the exercises down pat. As you grow more comfortable and your body starts to feel more up to the challenges of daily exercise, you can begin to gradually alter your cardiovascular and strength training workouts to make them more challenging.

• Exercise can make existing medical conditions more manageable. Men and women over the age of 50 who have preexisting medical conditions are likely to find that exercise alleviates rather than exacerbates their physical problems. The NIA notes that studies have shown that regular exercise and physical activity can

benefit people with arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease. But it’s still recommended that men and women with preexisting medical conditions consult with their physicians before making any lifestyle changes. Some conditions may affect a person’s ability to be active, and it’s best to get the go-ahead from a physician before beginning an exercise regimen. Doctors may even suggest certain activities that have been known to alleviate particular conditions.

• Exercise reduces fatigue, so sitting around to preserve strength is not

effective. Exercise improves strength and energy levels, so sitting on the sideline to preserve your strength is counterproductive and could lead to serious medical problems. The “Report on Physical Activity and Health” from the U.S. Surgeon General’s office noted that men and women who are inactive are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who are more active. While getting adequate rest and giving your body ample time recover from physical activity is essential, your body won’t benefit by avoiding exercise to preserve your strength. However, even moderate physical activity performed on a regular basis can reduce fatigue.

• No one is too old to exercise. It’s not uncommon for men and women in their golden years to think they are too old to exercise. Some may feel that their toned down workouts cannot possibly be making much of an impact thanks to the physical limitations old age has put on their bodies, while others may think it’s unwise for someone in their 70s or 80s to be physically active. But no one is too old to exercise, as exercise helps the body stay strong and fit even when you can no longer max out on the bench press or squat hundreds of pounds. Scaling back your exercise routine will be necessary as you get older, but that does not mean you cannot still enjoy and benefit from physical activity.

Continuing to exercise as you age is a great way to improve your quality of life and stay as active as possible well into your golden years. n

Exercise and agingAddressing common concerns about exercise after 50

Exercising after 50 is a great way for men and women to improve their energy levels and manage many existing medical conditions.

A transient ischemic attack, often referred to as a “mini stroke,” is an event that’s similar to a stroke. When a person has a TIA, the symptoms are just like those of a stroke, but they last less than 24 hours before disappearing. However, that

disappearance does not mean a person is in the clear, as a TIA is a serious warning sign of stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, up to 40 percent of people who experience a TIA will go on to have an actual stroke, and studies have shown that nearly half of all strokes occur within a day or two of having a TIA. But even those people who do not have a stroke within 48 hours of having a TIA are still at risk of having a stroke. In fact, 10 to 15 percent of people who have a TIA will have a stroke within three months. Symptoms of a TIA are sudden and may include confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding; numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body; vision trouble in one or both eyes; trouble walking; dizziness; and/or loss of balance or coordination. Interrupted blood flow to the brain is often behind a TIA. A lack of blood and oxygen in the brain often leads to the temporary symptoms described above. Should you or a loved one exhibit any of the aforementioned symptoms, seek medical help immediately, even if the symptoms feel or appear as if they are subsiding. A quick response might just prevent a full-on stroke.

Did you know?


No one, regardless of age, is immune to random bouts of memory loss. While misplaced

car keys or forgetting items on your grocery list are nothing to get worked up over, many men and women over 50 do start to worry about memory lapses, especially when they start to occur with more frequency than they might have just a few years ago. But while memory loss might be quickly associated with aging, increased forgetfulness is not an inevitable side effect of getting older, a fact that those at or approaching retirement age should find comforting.

When considering the relationship between memory and aging, it’s important that men and women recognize the distinction between memory lapses and dementia, as the two are not one and the same. As a person ages, his or her hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation and retrieval of memories, often deteriorates. This can affect how long it takes to learn and recall information. But just because this process is slower does not mean it’s a warning sign of dementia, which is the loss of certain mental functions, including memory. Though taking longer to recall information can be frustrating, many people still retain their ability to recall information. In addition, while dementia brought on by conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease is untreatable, there are things men and women can do to strengthen their memories and reduce their momentary lapses in memory.

• Start playing games. Games that test the mind have long been believed to benefit the brain, though some remain

skeptical about the true impact of brain games. However, a University of Iowa study funded by the National Institute on Aging found that brain games may in fact pay numerous and long-term dividends. In the study, 681 healthy volunteers over the age of 40 were divided into four groups. One group played computerized crossword puzzles, and three other groups played a brain training video game from Posit Science designed specifically to enhance the speed and accuracy of visual processing. The volunteers showed less decline in visual processing as well as in other tests that measured concentration, memory and the ability to shift quickly between tasks, and the benefits from the training games lasted as long as seven years after training. Brain games are now more accessible than ever before, as players can access such games on their smartphones, tablets, ereaders, and computers. And in addition

to being effective, the games also provide entertainment value.

• Alter your routine. Many working professionals recognize that each day tends to have its mundane moments. The brain can grow accustomed to these moments, which tend to be a routine part of the day. But altering your daily routine can jar the brain awake, forcing it to focus during those times that had become mundane but now present new challenges. Something as simple as alternating driving routes to work from day to day or preparing some new, yet healthy, breakfast each morning can help the brain stay alert and sharp.

• Become a social butterfly. Maintaining a social life as you age is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. But there’s another reason to continue to be socially engaged. A 2008 study spearheaded by the clinical trials

administrative director at Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group and published in the American Journal of Public Health found that older women who maintained large social networks were 26 percent less likely to develop dementia than women with smaller social networks. In addition, those who had daily contact with friends and family cut their risk of dementia by nearly half. The study also noted that regular social interaction can delay or possibly even prevent cognitive impairment.

• Continue your career. While the idea of retiring poolside and watching the world go by might seem nice, such a scenario is not necessarily good for your brain. Numerous studies have shown the benefits that staying engaged in professional activities can have on brain health. The brain does not thrive if it’s sitting on the sideline. Staying active in your career will continue to provide the challenges your brain needs to stay sharp and avoid memory loss and struggles with concentration. Men and women who want to leave office life behind can branch out on their own and work as consultants or put their years of experience to use by teaching at a nearby university or secondary school. But heading off for the hammock once you have hung up your briefcase can prove troublesome for your brain. n

Memory loss is not an automatic side effect of agingStaying socially active after 50 can benefit the brain and even reduce a person’s risk of dementia.

It is 2 a.m. and that cough and stuffy nose you have been battling is still keeping you up. You reach for the

nighttime cold relief medicine only to find it expired a few months ago. If you take a dose to ease your symptoms, will you be putting yourself at risk?

This situation is a relatively common occurrence. Many medicine cabinets are stocked with over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription medications that may be past their expiration dates. It is a good idea to routinely discard expired medicines, but if you happen to take a

drug that has passed its expiration date, you will most likely suffer no ill effects.

According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, the expiration date on a medicine is not the dates when a drug becomes hazardous. Rather, it marks the period of time after which a drug company can no longer guarantee the efficacy of the medication. Since 1979, drug manufacturers selling medications in the United States have

been required by the Food and Drug Administration to stamp an expiration date on their products. This is the date until which the manufacturer can still guarantee full potency of the drug.

Expiration dates also may be a marketing ploy. Francis Flaherty, a retired FDA pharmacist, has said drug manufacturers put expiration dates on products for marketing purposes rather than scientific reasons. It doesn’t make financial sense to a company to have products on the shelves for years. Therefore, most drug manufacturers will not do long-term testing on products to confirm if they will be effective 10 to 15 years after manufacture.

The U.S. military has conducted their own studies with the help of the FDA. FDA researchers tested more than 100 over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Around 90 percent were proven to still

be effective long past the expiration date — some for more than 10 years. Drugs that are stored in cool, dark places have a better chance of lasting because the fillers used in the product will not separate or start to break down as they might in a warm, humid environment. Storing medicines in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life.

Although a pharmacist cannot legally advise consumers to use medication past an expiration date, most over-the-counter pain relievers and drugs in pill form should still be fine. Certain liquid antibiotics and drugs made up of organic materials can expire faster than others. For those who still want to err on the safe side, routinely clean out medications from cabinets once they expire. However, if an expired medication is taken by mistake, there’s little need to worry about potentially adverse effects. n

Are expired medications still safe?

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Living 50 Plus August 2014