Living 50 Plus - March 2014

LEADER PUBLICATIONS • MARCH 2014

LIVING50plus

Staying

FitYMCA offers variety ofsenior fitness classes

Residential living facilities focus on the needs of

aging community members

Niles women create hats, blankets for charity

Sewing for a Cause

A Place To Call Home

Page 2 Living 50 Plus • March 2014

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RiveRidge ManoR269-684-1111 • 1333 Wells St. Niles

Convenient Visiting Hours • Children & Pets Welcome

Serving the Niles Community with excellence for the past 60 years!

Riveridge Manor provides warm and personalized skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, wound care & memory care. Our facility is in a beautiful, wooded area surrounded by the sights & sounds of nature. Welcome

Home!

TOURS AVAILABLE

Let us help you see better:• Retinal Disorders & Treatments• Contact Lenses• Laser Vision Correction• Cataract and Advanced Lens Implants Including Toric for astigmatism• Treatment of Glaucoma & Laser Surgery• Diabetic Retinopathy• Cosmetic Reconstructive Surgery• Eye Muscle Imbalances

120 Longmeadow Village Dr., Niles • (269) 684-64002848 Niles Road, St. Joseph • (269) 428-3300

Clinical Research Site

www.greateyecare.com • 1-800-424-2393FREE WiFi

So much to see and do...

Great Lakes Eye Care

Please welcomeDr. Nick Patel, MD

Southwest Michigan’sRetinal Specialist

Please welcomeSarah M. Cho, OD

Research Director

From left to right: Duane A. Tolsma, O.D., John W. Marohn, O.D., Andrew M. Wang, M.D., Michael S. Seward, M.D., David L. Cooke, M.D., David N. Brown, M.D., Stanley W. Pletcher, M.D. and Ronald L. McKey, M.D.

Trust the care of your eyes to us

Both doctors are taking appointments

in our Niles and St. Joseph locations.

Page 2 Living 50 Plus • March 2014 Living 50 Plus • March 2014 Page 3

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By AMBROSIA [email protected]

Thanks to a group of Niles women, hundreds of cancer patients, local school children and newborns

were able to stay warm in 2013. Over the past several years, the Chat

and Stitch group at the Greater Niles Se-nior Center has been hard at work to cre-ate handmade items for those in need. Last year, the ladies donated more than 100 lab robes to Berrien General Hospi-tal, at least 300 chemo hats to South Bend Memorial Hospital, 200 baby bon-nets and matching blankets for newborns at Lakeland Hospital and countless scarves and mittens for area school chil-dren.

“Everybody has a reason, and mine happens to be crocheting,” said Dorthea Long, who has participated in the group for at least 12 years.

The group, which ranges from any-where between three and 1- women de-pending on the day, meets every Wednes-day at the senior center to enjoy each others company while creating new piec-es for causes that they feel drawn to help.

While the Chat and Stitch group meets just once a week, the ladies in the group say they spend much of their free time crocheting, knitting, tatting and sewing.

“When you sit down in the evening, what’s there to do if you don’t read a lot? I crochet,” said Eleanor Parker, another member of the group.

Judy Goddard said she focuses more of her time on tatting to create embellish-ments for other items. She said she be-lieves the art is dying and thinks it’s fun to keep it going.

Some members crochet baby hats while others knit baby blankets or lap blankets. Each member gets to choose who they give their items to, and the majority of

their products end up being donated to area hospitals and service centers.

“Last winter we had a Christmas tree and we stuffed it full of hats, scarves and mittens we made. We donated them to the (Niles) Service League and the Sal-vation Army, and they gave them to local children,” Long said.

Members said most of the materials used to create the pieces are donated by people in the community.

“We have lots of donated yarn, so we make things to donate to other people,” said Sandy Klekowski, of Niles

Although most of the hard work by the workers benefits other people in the community, stitching has also benefitted some of the members of the group them-selves.

“I was blind for seven years, and cro-cheting really helped my eyes adjust when they got better,” Klekowski said. “One of the founding members is actual-ly blind.”

Ultimately, members of the group say they stay committed because everyone benefits from their hard work.

“We like getting together to meet like

this because we can get help from others. If there’s a pattern we need or a stitch that isn’t working, we can help each oth-er out,” said Eleanor Parker.

“We make our hats and then we think, ‘how wonderful is it that someone is go-ing to get to wear that? Someone will stay warm because of us,” Klekowski said.

The Chat and Stitch group meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Greater Niles Senior Center, located at 1109 Bell Rd. in Niles. The ladies said they always welcome new members.

Leader photos/AMBROSIA NELDON

TOP: Members of the Chat and Stitch club, Judy Goddard, Eleanor Parker, Sandy Klekowski, Dorthea Long and Esther Porch work on their latest pieces, which they will donate to charities of their choice. Above: Judy Goddard works on tatting while Esther Porch crochets a baby blanket.

Chat and stitch club benefits community, group members

Reaping what they ‘sew’


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By CRAIG [email protected]

At 74 years old, Niles couple Rob-e r t a n d K a r e n

Loughin believe it is im-portant to maintain a healthy lifestyle — no matter what age you are at.

That means being ac-tive, eating right and stay-ing involved in the com-munity.

“If you don’t use it you lose it,” Karen siad.

About seven years ago, the Loughins found the perfect place to achieve their health goals — the Niles/Buchanan-YMCA.

Robert said they attend the YMCA about four times a week and partici-pate in about two fitness classes there per day.

The exercise has helped Karen with her balance and Robert with his over-all health.

“There are so many things I can do now that I couldn’t do when I first started coming here,” Robert said.

The Loughlins aren’t alone.

Many senior citizens in the Niles area are using the N-B YMCA to stay healthy.

“We offer a wide range of things for people of all ages,” said Lacey Peters, N-B YMCA marketing coordinator. “We have a lot of activities for seniors that offer a complete range of motion so they are working all the mus-cles. They can push them-selves to their own physi-cal fitness level and not anyone else’s. It’s never a competition.”

The YMCA offers sev-eral different low-impact classes designed for se-niors, including:

• Chair Aerobics — Whether seated, support-ed by a chair or standing free, participants engage in strength training, flexi-bility and balance exercis-es while benefiting from a cardiovascular workout.

• Fit for Life — This class concentrates on car-

Fitness at any age

ABOVE: Lester Walls, 81, loosens up his arms and shoulders during a low-impact chair a low-impact chair aerobics class Tuesday at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.LEFT: Betty Zellers, 93, flexes her feet during chair aerobics class.

Leader photos/CRAIG HAUPERT

Local YMCA programs focus on seniors


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Semester Begins in March

Offering classes to improve older adult life (50+) through intellectual challenge, spiritual reflection and

social interaction.

Fitness at any age

diovascular conditioning, muscle toning, power, en-durance, flexibility and strength.

• Just My Exersize — A weight loss program designed for beginners in a group environment

• Low-Impact Zumba — The fun and fitness of Zumba designed for be-ginners or active senior citizens.

• Silver Sneakers — A low-impact chair aerobics class promoting muscle toning, cardiovascular fit-ness and socialization.

For a more one-on-one experience, Peters said senior citizens can sign up for personal training.

“It’s great for people that don’t want to be part of that group setting,” Pe-ters said.

There’s also a free ori-entation session for new members wanting to use the exercise machines or cardiovascular equipment in the fitness facility.

Aquatic classes are also a good option for those looking for a low impact exercise, Peters said.

In addition to helping seniors s tay f i t , the YMCA also offers an op-portunity for participants to meet new people.

“Our instructors love when they are socializing and mingling with each

other. While they are do-ing it they are getting their exercise too,” Peters said.

There’s also a program designed for cancer survi-vors that is instructed by certified LIVESTRONG personal trainers.

“They work with them on their nutrition, health and fitness and overall well being of getting bet-ter and rehabbing,” she said.

The YMCA also offers fitness classes at area se-nior centers and assisted living facilities.

Class descriptions and schedules are available online at nb-ymca.org.

Leader photos/CRAIG HAUPERT

ABOVE: Nan Yob, 75, smiles while working her biceps muscles. TOP RIGHT: The YMCA’s chair aerobics class works on arm and shoulder flexibility. BOTTOM RIGHT: Robert Loughin, 74, lifts his arms during chair aerobics class


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LOWE CENTER, CASSOPOLI

• Friday, March 7 and 21 – 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. — Great De-cisions meets two Fridays a month. Discussion centers on foreign policy issues.

• Monday, March 10, 1 to 3 p.m. — Movies for Grownups will feature “Amour” a PG-13 film about an older couple who find their love put to the ulti-mate test. Free popcorn and water.

• Wednesday, March 12, 1 to 3 p.m. — Fall Prevention and Medication Safety is an interac-tive workshop designed for caregivers, health professionals and people of all ages. The breakout groups will discuss balance, medication safety and other critical issues.

• Monday, March 17, 12 p.m. — St. Patrick’s Day Party will be for wearing the green and having a wonderful lunch with friends. Cost about $5 per person.

• Monday, March 17, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. — NEW! Spring Cleaning is a wonderful day-long pro-gram that will give you hand-on experience of ways to prepare for spring cleaning in your

mind, body, spirit and in your home!

• Tuesday, March 20, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Estate Plan-ning Basics will help you better

protect your assets and deter-mine what steps you need to take.

• Brain Awareness Week will take place the week of March

10th. Stop by and gather free literature and other items that are geared to sharpening the gray matter.

• Friday, March 21, 1 to 2:30

p.m. — Read and Share Book Club is facilitated by Ellie Spar-row of the COA. March is “Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton

Cass County Council on Aging March events

Leader file photo

Cass County Council on Aging’s Front Street Crossing is located at 227 S. Front St. in Dowagiac.


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Cass County Council on Aging March events

FRONT STREET CROSSING,DOWAGIAC—

• Tuesday, March 10, 1 to 2 p.m. — Estate Planning Basics will help you better protect your assets and de-termine what steps you need to take.

• Tuesday, March 11, 1 to 3 p.m. — Movies for Grownups will feature “Amour” a PG-13 film about an older couple who find their love put to the ultimate test. Free popcorn and water.

• Tuesday, March 11, 1 to 3 p.m. — Introduction to Mixed Media Paper Art is a wonderful class that allows you to create greeting cards, sculp-tures, paper crafts and more from a variety of materials. Cost for materi-als is $5.

• Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27,

9 a.m. to noon. — NEW! Beginning Conversational Spanish, Level I is de-signed to help you learn the basic phrases that can get you started on this beautiful language.

• Brain Awareness Week will take place the week of March 10th.

Seniors can stop by either Cass County COA location for a copy of the March issues of The Messenger and look for the new catalog called “Enhancing Life.” The catalog pres-ents all programming from March through May.

The Lowe Center is located at 60525 Decatur Road and Hwy. 60 in Cassopolis. Front Street Crossing is located at 227 S. Front Street in Dow-agiac. Call (269) 445-8110 for addi-tional information.

Leader file photo


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We value the concept that aging is not a decline, but a continuous stage of growth and development in a human life. We have made a commitment to create a culture that fosters warmth and growth for our residents and for our employees. Residents can enjoy deliciously prepared meals, beautiful

courtyards, activity center with a kitchenette, multiple common areas for visiting with family, wireless internet, digital satellite TV, in house laundry and housekeeping, and church services just to name a few.

Comfort& Care for seniors

West Woods of Niles is a family owned and operated long term

care community. Our home offers private rooms, courtyards, and

common areas for visiting family & friends. Please come see us. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.

1211 State Line Road Niles, MI 49120269.684.2810

1125 E. Milham Ave., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49002

(269) 383-9112 • (800) 531-0272

+ Services available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

+ Home Health Care & Staff Relief

• Tuesday, March 11, 10 a.m. — Checkbook balancing sessions with Edgewater Bank.

• Wednesday, March 12, 9 a.m. — Coffee chat with Buchanan American Legion Ralph Rumbaugh Post 51, Dept. of Michigan Membership Direc-tor Larry Money.

• Wednesday, March 12, 12 p.m. — Potluck.

• Friday, March 14, 1:30 p.m. — Friday movie matinee featuring “Last Vegas” at the center’s library. Popcorn and beverage provided.

• Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m. — Traveling Euchre Tournament at Cass

County Council on Aging in Cassopo-lis.

• Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Chair Massage with Helen Keeler. Sign-up sheet at the center.

• Wednesdsay, March 19, 9 a.m. — Coffee chat with Buchanan Art Center President Darlene Clevenger and Exec-utive Director Janet Flahaven-Law.

• Wednesday, March 19, 9 a.m. — Brunch social sponsored by Buchanan Meadows

• Thursday, March 20, 11 a.m. — Book Club in the Center’s library

• Saturday, March 22, 6 p.m. — Mystery dinner theater: “You Have the

Right to Remain Dead.” Audience par-ticipation mystery-comedy by Pat Cook. Produced by special arrange-ment with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill. Directed by Marsha Gorbitz. Tickets are $20 and are available at the center.

• Wednesday, March 26, 9 a.m. — Board meeting the center.

• Sunday, March 30, 1 p.m. — Mystery dinner theater: “You Have the Right to Remain Dead.” Audience par-ticipation mystery-comedy by Pat Cook. Produced by special arrange-ment with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill. Directed by Marsha Gorbitz. Tickets are $20 and are available at the center.

Running events: • Annual bakeless bakesaleAs tradition has it, our Bakeless

Bake Sale is back for the season. Yep, that’s right, no need to bake, no need to buy, just consider what you might have contributed in time, energy, re-sources and/or buying items at a tradi-tional bake sale and enter the amount in in an envelope and send it to the center, 810 Rynearson St., Buchanan Michigan 49107.

• Free tax service for seniors: Dedicated volunteers and staff are

ready to help prepare regular taxes through April 12. Contact the center for more details 269-695-7119

Buchanan Area Senior Center calendar of events

Submitted photo

The Buchanan Senior Center is located at 810 Rynearson St. in Buchanan.


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Where you are may not beWhere you need to be!

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WEEKLY EVENTSMonday• 9 a.m. — Chair exercise• 12:30 p.m. — Wii Bowling• 1 p.m. — Scrapbooking

Tuesday• 9 a.m. — Oil painting• 10 a.m. — Bridge• 10:30 a.m. — Drumming• 1 p.m. — Euchre/Pinochle

Wednesday• 9 a.m. — Chair exercise• 10 a.m. — Line dancing• 10 a.m. — Chat and stitch• 2 p.m. — Tai chi exercise

Thursday• 10 a.m. — Pinochle • 10 a.m. — Pastels• 10:30 a.m. — Drumming• 1 p.m. — Cash BINGO

Friday• 9 a.m. — Chair exercise• 10:30 a.m. — Zumba Gold• 2 p.m. — Tai chi exercise• 2:30 p.m. — Tatting

OTHER EVENTS• Thursday, March 6, 6 p.m. —

Bookworms group• Friday, March 7, 9 a.m. — Let’s

Go Shopping: Healthy Foods• Tuesday, March 11, 9-11 a.m. —

Veterans’ service officer• Tuesday, March 11, 9-11 a.m. —

Blood pressure check• Tuesday, March 11, 9 a.m. — Ce-

ramics workshop• Tuesday, March 11, 1:30 p.m. —

Cancer support group• Wednesday, March 12, 12:30 p.m.

— Ice cream social• Thursday, March 13, 5 p.m. —

Woodcarvers• Friday, March 14, 10 a.m. — Vol-

unteers• Monday, March 17, 10 a.m. —

Card making• Tuesday, March 18, 1-2 p.m. —

Blood pressure check• Friday, March 21, 12-3:30 p.m. —

USDA/CSFP commodities• Monday, March 24, 9 a.m. —

Board meeting• Tuesday, March 25, 1:30 p.m. —

Cancer support group• Tuesday, March 25 — Foot care

clinic (by appointment) • Thursday, March 27, 5 p.m. —

Wood carvers• Friday, March 28, 10 a.m. — Volun-

teers

Greater Niles Senior Center March calendar of events


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269-932-4512,

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__Mar. 8 American Dream Tours Open House at Christos Banquet Center-Plymouth-9am-Noon__Mar. 29 Bobby Vinton-Honeywell Center__Mar. 30 Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash- Munster, IN__Apr. 26 Boogie Woogie Swing-Cornwell’s Dinner Theater__May 9 Holland Tulip Festival & Bill Cosby__May 9 Vince Gill-Honeywell Center__May 12-20 Southern Delights-Charleston/Savannah__May 18 Miracle on South Division Street-Theater at the Center-Munster, IN__May 20 Frankie Avalon – Drury Lane__May 22-26 Gaither Family Fest In Gatlinburg, TN__June 3-5 3 Day Mystery Tour ???__June 10 Daniel O’Donnell-Ft.Wayne__June 18-20 Niagara Falls – Ontario__June 23 Chicago Architectural Tour__June 25-29 Explore Our Nation’s Capital-Washington DC, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon & More__June 29 Putnam County Spelling Bee-Drury Lane__July 13-23 Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park by Train__July 27 Beverly Hillbillies-Theater at the Center- Munster, IN__July 30 Medieval Times, Navy Pier and Tall Ship Windy__Jul 31-Aug 2 Amana Colonies__Aug 5-8 Michigan Lighthouse Tour – Discovering Michigan’s Thumb & The Blue Water Area__Aug 16 Suds-Cornwell’s Dinner Theater__Aug 20-21 Mississippi River Cruise__Aug 21 The Shrine of Christ’s Passion, Our Lady of Pompei & Lunch at the Walnut Room__Aug 26-29 Gettysburg, Hershey & Moses__Sept 4-6 Shop Hop To The Madison, Wisconsin Quilt Expo__Sept 6 Chicago Gangster Tour__Sept 10 One Day Mystery Tour ?__Sept 12 The Old Road Murder Mystery Train & Shopping in Tecumseh__Sept 15-20 Lakes, Mountains & Lucille Ball- Lake George, New York__Sept 22-25 The Beauty of Door County, Wisconsin__Sept 26 Boggstown & Shopping in Nashville__Sept. 28 The Game’s Afoot-Drury Lane__Sept 28-Oct 1 Fall Color Train, Agawa Canyon & Mackinac Island__Oct 6-7 2 Day Mystery Tour ??__Oct 8-10 Wisconsin Cranberry Harvest__Oct. 15-17 Riverboat Rendezvous-Louisville __Oct. 20-27 Pacific Northwest and California__Nov 5 Kitchenaid, Chocolate & Wine__Nov 17 Shop Till You Drop & Refuel at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse-Indy__Nov 29–Dec 1 Christmas at Opryland, The Rockettes & Grand Ole Opry__Dec 3-4 Red, White & Blue Musical Christmas__Dec 7 A Christmas Memory – Theatre At The Center__Dec 13 Redneck Christmas Carol – Cornwell’s Dinner Theater__ Apr 17-26, 2015 Hawaii by Land & Sea

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For more information, check off the trips you are interested in and return or call 574-936-5677

Name:Address:

269-932-4512,

2800 Niles Road • St. Joseph, MI 49085

269-932-4512

SUBMITTED

KALAMAZOO — Heart disease is still the No. 1 cause of death for American men and women. Ac-

cording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 785,000 Americans have a first heart attack every year.

Since the 1970s, doctors have treated those living with cardiovascular disease with balloon angioplasty, metallic and drug-eluting metallic stents, and other breakthroughs to help patients avoid open-heart surgery. Throughout the years, the Borgess Heart Institute has remained at the forefront of these types of cardiac in-terventions.

ABSORB III is the first U.S. clinical tri-al to examine the potential benefits of the drug-eluting Absorb Bioresorbable Vascu-lar Scaffold (BVS) in comparison with a traditional metallic, drug-eluting heart stent in patients with coronary artery dis-ease (CAD). Manufactured by the health care company Abbott, Absorb BVS is a device designed to open a blocked heart vessel, restore blood flow and then dis-solve into the blood vessel over time.

Absorb BVS dissolves except for two pairs of tiny metallic markers, which help guide placement and remain in the artery to enable a physician to see where the de-vice was placed.

Unlike a metallic stent that stays perma-nently in the body, the Absorb BVS device

is referred to as a scaffold, meaning it is temporary. The scaffold provides support to the vessel until the artery can stay open on its own, and then dissolves naturally. Absorb BVS is made of a dissolvable ma-terial commonly used in various medical implants, such as dissolving sutures.

The ABSORB III clinical trial will en-roll about 2,250 patients, the majority in the U.S. The primary endpoint of the trial is the target lesion failure rate, a combined measure of safety and efficacy, at one year. A subset of patients within the trial will also be evaluated for vasomotion, a measure of how much natural motion re-turns to the vessel as Absorb BVS dis-solves.

When cardiologists introduced angio-plasty decades ago, their goal was to open blocked heart vessels without leaving any-thing behind. The Absorb BVS device could help cardiologists realize this aspira-tion, potentially leading to long-term ben-efits such as restoring natural vessel func-tion.

To learn more about the ABSORB III clinical trial at Borgess, call the Borgess Research Institute at (269) 226.5407. The Borgess Research Institute contributes to the future of cardiac medicine by bringing together researchers, experienced research coordinators and a trusted administrative team. The cardiovascular research depart-ment’s medical director holds more than 60 patents for medical devices he invented or co-invented.

Borgess tests new heart device


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By TED [email protected]

While there are many advantages of home ownership, even at an

older age, the burdens associated with upkeep and utility pay-ments can often exact a heavy toll on retirees.

However, giving up one’s home doesn’t necessarily mean trading one’s independence as well.

A number of local retirement communities provide many of the same benefits to residents as they had living on their own, while also providing a number of other perks as well: compan-ionship with fellow seniors and a peace-of-mind that assistance is only a few feet away.

“You still have all the ameni-ties you would have if you were still living independently,” said Marcia Steffens, manager of the Cedar Sands Apartments com-plex in Dowagiac. “But if you need help, it’s right there as well.”

Cedar Sands contains 32 one-bedroom apartments, all of which have been consistently booked since Steffens took over management of the complex more than two years ago. The complex offers housing to se-niors 62 years old or older, as well as people with disabilities.

“It’s kind of nice,” Steffens said. “The younger residents add to the experience. There’s more of a family atmosphere here, rather than it just being an old people’s home.”

Steffen and her staff often hold different events for resi-dents throughout the year, in-cluding chili cook-offs, parties and bingo nights, she said.

“We’re very much a commu-nity here, not just an apartment complex,” she said.

Residents also have a number of security and safety measures in place, including pull cords in-terspersed throughout the hall-ways which signal an alarm, so that neighbors can be alerted when another person needs as-sistance. Also, entrance to the complex is secured so that only people with a key or those buzzed in can enter.

“The security aspect is very good here,” Steffens said. “While in their home they may

not have that. They are alone. There’s no one across the hall to help them.”

With each room also having cooking appliances as well, resi-dents are more than able to take care of themselves, just like they could while still living at home.

“Residents still have their in-dependence, they are still able to have their own things,” Steffens said. “People in their 90s this day and age are much more ac-tive than most people imagine.”

At the Brentwood in Niles, the staff strives to create a similar environment of community

among their residents, said Ex-ecutive Director Michael Keg-ley.

“People aren’t just placed here,” Kegley said. “This is a place where people come to live and age with honor.”

Like Cedar Wood, the 56-room complex offers a variety of activities for residents, including live entertainment, educational talks by guest speakers and even group excursions to casinos and malls.

In addition, the facility pro-vides three meals a day to resi-dents, plus snacks, though each

room also has a kitchen area so that occupants can prepare their own meals as well.

“We’re a place where people can come socialize and enjoy life,” Kegley said. “It’s an im-provement over living by your-self at home, waiting for visitors to come to you and visit.”

Other retirement communities in southwest Michigan include:

• Riveridge Manor, Niles• Woodland Terrace, Niles• Westwood, Niles• Forest Glen Assisted Living,

Dowagiac

Submitted photos

Brentwood, a 56-unit assisted living complex in Niles, offers a variety of services for seniors, including daily meals and regular community activi-ties.

Retirement homes offer independent lifestyles


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Question: Can I use the metal or plastic versions of Social Secu-

rity cards that some companies make?

Answer: We don’t recommend it. There is no need to have a replica of your card. In most cases, the only time you may need to produce your Social Security card is when you apply for employment. At other times, we strongly recommend that you keep anything with your Social Security number on it with your other impor-tant papers. Do not carry your Social Security card with you. Also, we strongly advise against laminating your card.

You should question anyone else other than your employer who asks for your Social Security number or your card. Not everyone you do business with needs it. Learn more at www.so-cialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Question: How long do I need to work to become eligible for retire-ment benefits?

Answer: Everyone born in 1929 or later needs 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for retirement benefits. You can earn up to four credits per year, so you will need at least 10 years of work to become eligible for retire-ment benefits.

During your working years, earnings covered by Social Security are posted to your Social Security record. You earn credits based on those earnings.

If you become disabled or die before age 62, the number of credits needed to qualify for Social Security benefits depends on your age at the time you die or become disabled. A minimum of six credits is required to qualify for Social Security benefits regardless of your age. You can create a my Social Security account to check and periodi-cally monitor how many credits you have. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Question: I have children at home, and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security payments after I re-tire?

Answer: Your children may get monthly Social Security payments if they are:

Unmarried and under age 18; Age 19 and still in high school; orAge 18 or over and became severely

disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled.

For more information, read “Bene-fits For Children” available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: Is there a time limit on how long you can get Social Security disability benefits?

Answer: No. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved, and you cannot work. We will periodically re-view your case to determine if you continue to be eligible.

If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach your full re-tirement age your disability benefits will automatically be converted to re-

tirement benefits. The amount you re-ceive will remain the same. Learn more about disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Question: Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Se-curity disability benefits?

Answer: Social Security provides only long-term disability, so we can only pay ben-efits after you have been dis-abled continuous-ly for a period of five full calendar months. Social Security disabili-ty benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your disabil-

ity began. You are not entitled to ben-efits for any month during the waiting period. Learn more at our website: www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Question: My grandfather, who is receiving Supplemental Security In-come (SSI), will be coming to live with me. Does he have to report the move to Social Security?

Answer: Yes. An SSI beneficiary must report any change in living ar-rangements before the 10th day of the following month. If you do not report the change, your grandfather could re-ceive an incorrect payment and have to pay it back, or he may not receive all the money that he is due.

Failure to report a change to us could result in the deduction of a pen-alty from his SSI benefits. Your grand-father also needs to report the new ad-dress to us to receive mail from us. You can report the change by mail or in person at any Social Security office. Call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). You can get more information by reading Under-standing SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Question: I want to apply for Sup-plemental Security Income (SSI), but I don’t know whether I qualify since I own my own home. Can I still get SSI?

Answer: Yes, it is possible for you to qualify for SSI even if you own your own home. To be eligible for SSI, you cannot own more than $2,000 in re-sources for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. However, we do not count the house you live in as a re-source.

Of course, if you are disabled, you must file an application and wait for a medical decision on your claim, un-less you are over the age of 65. There are other requirements you must meet as well. Learn more by reading You May Be Able To Get SSI, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: I found out that my daughter submitted incorrect infor-mation about my resources when she completed my Application for Help with Medicare Prescription

Drug Plan Costs. How can I get my application changed now to show the correct amount?

Answer: You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) and let us know. We will match information on your application with data from other federal agencies. If there is a discrepancy that requires verification, we will contact you. For additional in-formation about Medicare prescription drug plans or enrollment periods visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227.

Question: We adopted a baby girl overseas and brought her home with us to the United States. We need to get a Social Security number for her. What do we do?

Answer: In general, to apply for a Social Security number for your child you must:

Complete an Application For A So-cial Security Card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at www.socialse-curity.gov/ssnumber;

• Show us documents proving your child’s:

> United States citizenship or immi-gration status;

> Adoption;> Age; and> Identity.• Show us a document proving your

identity; and• Show us evidence that establishes

your relationship to the child if your name is not noted as the parent on the child’s evidence of age. The adoption decree or the amended U.S. birth cer-tificate will suffice.

In most cases, you can mail or take your application and original docu-ments to your local Social Security of-fice. Remember, all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot ac-cept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

You may not yet have proof of your child’s citizenship, but we can assign a Social Security number based on documentation issued by the Depart-ment of Homeland Security upon the child’s arrival in the United States. When you do receive documentation of your child’s citizenship, you can bring it to us, and we will update your child’s record. We will mail your child’s number and card as soon as we have verified your documents with the issuing offices.

Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Ad-ministration, 3045 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at [email protected]

Q&A: Public affairs specialist Vonda VanTil answers questions about Social Security

Vonda VanTilPublic Affairs SpecialistSocial Security

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Two of the biggest concerns facing se-niors are preventing

falls and medication safety.Both of those issues will

be addressed by the Cass County Council on Aging Wednesday at the Lowe Center in Cassopolis.

This interactive work-shop is intended for fami-lies, caregivers, medical professionals and those who do not want to take unnecessary falls.

“This is definitely not a session just for older folks,” Keryl Conkright, R.N., Care Service team leader at the COA said. “As we enter new life stages our balance starts to diminish and it is impor-tant that we understand ways to enhance balance and other related issues. This workshop is designed for all ages.”

The workshop will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the COA and will feature breakout sessions.

Rite Aid pharmacist Raghid Kadi will talk about medicine interac-tion, and there will also be a Wii Fit balance test, which will demonstrate how to get up properly fol-

lowing a fall and how to do a home safety assess-ment.

According to the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that falls cost the health care system $30 bil-lion in direct medical costs. They also estimate that 20 to 30 percent of t h o s e who fall s u f f e r moderate to sever in jur ies that keep t h e m from get-t i n g a r o u n d or living independently.

Older adults are not the only ones who fall. People in their 50s and 60s can also incur a fall.

“There are a variety of medications that when tak-en together, can create a high risk for potential falls,” Conkright said. “We are committed to doing whatever we can to ad-dress the serious nature of falls. It is important to note that the World Health Or-ganization reports that more than 37 million falls occur each year that are se-vere enough to require medical attention. The crit-ical thing to know is that most falls can be prevent-ed.”

The workshop is open to the public, but the COA would like those planning to attend to make reserva-tions by calling 445-8110.

The Council on Aging is located at 60525 Decatur Road.

SeniorsafetyCouncil on Aging offers workshop about medications, preventing falling

Conkright

Submitted photo

Shirley Guilford (left) works on her balance with Stephanie Munson, COA fitness assistant.


15

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SUBMITTED

NOTRE DAME, Ind.— The Michiana Geron-tology Institute (MGI)

of Holy Cross College is hard at work planning its inaugural senior fair.

“‘Fun & Free’ describes the event perfectly,” said Malana Maher, co-chair of the organi-zation. “The event, which will be held at the Century Center in South Bend on Saturday, May 3rd from 9am to 3pm, is designed for those of us who are over 50,” Maher continued, “and who want to have a great time while learning about new products and services that can make life better for us as we journey into the future.”

The “free” comes in, Maher said, “with free entrance to the Senior Fair, free parking at the Century Center during the event, free food, free health screenings, free entertainment, and free education. The ‘fun’ will be everywhere throughout the day at the Senior Fair.”

The event will host approxi-mately 100 exhibits and will include educational seminars,

food samples from a variety of local merchants, and entertain-ment throughout the day. Pat Adams, chair of the MGI, said, “Our sponsors, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Me-morial Health Care, Harbor Light Hospice, and Comfort Keepers, will each offer short educational seminars on topics that concern folks over the age of 50.”

“The Michiana Gerontology Institute is very pleased to host this event,” Adams added.

“The Institute exists to support a co-operation between organi-zations and individuals who serve older adults through edu-cation, intergenerational out-reach, service and advocacy. MGI currently has more than 100 members, organizations and individuals who serve old-er adults in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan.”

“There are still a few spaces at the Senior Fair open for ven-dors,” said Jan Kostielney, chair of the event. “Registra-

tion packets for vendors are available on MGI’s website at www.mgi-hcc.nd. We urge you to register soon to ensure you are able to participate in this event.”

For more information about the Senior Fair—FUN & FREE or the Michiana Geron-tology Institute, visit the MGI website at www.mgi-hcc.nd. You can contact Pat Adams by phone (574-239-8364) or email (padams@hcc-nd .edu) o r Malana Maher (malana.ma-

[email protected], 574-340-0110) for infor-mation or Senior Fair registra-tion.

To learn more about Holy Cross College visit the website at www.hcc-nd.edu.

Holy Cross College is a Catholic, four-year, co-educa-tional, liberal arts institution founded in 1966 by the Broth-ers of Holy Cross. With a 13:1 faculty/student ratio, students find personal attention from professors who care about their success and development in mind, body, and spirit. The Four Pillars of the core curric-ulum include academic in-struction, professional intern-ship, service to others, and a global perspective experience, culminating in a senior Cap-stone experience, which syn-thesizes and assesses each stu-dent’s learning. Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, Holy Cross College provides the best of both worlds: a close-knit, small college atmosphere with the resources and social opportunities of a large univer-sity.

Holy Cross hosts free senior fair


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Documents

Living 50 Plus - March 2014