BethanyRepublican-Clipper

June 27, 2018A Special Supplement to

LIVING50 Plus

What is a silent stroke?

Reducing the risk of strokes...Page 10

Vision affects driving ability

Make changes to improve safety on the

roadways...Page 4

&

Page 2 Living 50+ Guide Wednesday, June 27, 2018

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Consider the different options available to help pay for as-sisted living services.

As individuals age, vari-ous circumstances have to be reassessed. A current living situation may not be meeting the needs of a senior who may be hav-ing difficulty caring prop-erly for himself or herself. Families often consider se-nior residences to provide welcoming and safe envi-ronments for their loved ones during the golden years of their lives. These facilities may range from independent living homes with minimal care offered to nursing homes that pro-vide more intensive care when needed. Somewhere in the middle lies assisted living homes, which blend the independence of per-sonal residences with other amenities, such as the housekeeping, medi-cation reminders or meal services.

Assisted living can be a viable option when a person can no longer live alone, but such facilities come with a price. Accord-ing to a Market Survey of Long-Term Care Costs

Managing the costs of assisted living

conducted by MetLife, the national average for assisted living base rates was $3,550 per month in 2012. In the 2015 Cost of Care Survey conducted by Genworth Financial, the assisted living, national-median monthly rate was now $3,600 — and it’s only expected to grow. Afford-ing these homes and apart-ments can be challenging for those with fixed in-comes, but there are some strategies that can help.

The payment method that serves you best will depend on your unique circumstances, but there are options available.

• Long-term care in-surance: Long-term care insurance is specialized insurance that is paid into and may cover the cost of assisted living facilities and other medical care, de-pending on the policy. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance says that only roughly 3 percent of Americans have this type of insurance, but it is something to consider during working years.

• Personal savings: Some people have the means to pay for assisted living with their own sav-ings and retirement nest eggs. However, it’s easy for savings to become depleted when facing a $40,000+ per year bill.

• Life insurance: A fi-nancial advisor may ad-vocate to pay for assisted living with a life insurance policy. Some companies enable you to cash out for

“accelerated” or “living” benefits, which usually is a buy-back of the policy for 50 to 75 percent of the face value. Other third parties may purchase the policy for a settlement of a lump sum, again roughly 50 to 75 percent of the pol-icy’s face value, according to Caring.com, an online source for support and in-formation about the needs of aging people.

• Location: Costs of as-sisted living facilities vary depending on location. It’s possible to get a lower monthly rate simply by choosing a facility in a dif-ferent state.

• Negotiation: Not all prices are set in stone. Speak with a manager at the facility and see if there is any price flexibility or move-in incentives. You also may be able to get a lower rate by negotiat-ing certain a-la-carte costs against all-inclusive pric-ing. Perhaps you do not need laundry or shopping services, and family mem-bers can fill in the gaps, reducing your bill.

• Veteran’s benefits: Many veterans are eligible for care benefits that can offset the cost of assisted living care.

• Rooms: Opting for a smaller room or sharing a space can keep costs down as well. See if shared rooms are a possibility.

Assisted living is a ne-cessity for thousands of people. Explore the ways to finance this purchase.

Falls are one of the greatest risk factors for injury among the aging population. When falls are attributed to fainting spells, people may be very eager to get to the source of the fall. Doctors have found that blood clots may attri-bute to fainting in the el-derly.

Information published in the journal Clinical Ge-riatric Medicine found that the elderly are at a higher risk of blood clots because of their reduced mobility. Blood clots may result in deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, and could lead to a pulmonary embolism if left untreated.

DVT is a common prob-lem involving the veins of the legs. Blood pooling in the legs may cause a blood clot to form in the deep veins of the lower leg, im-pairing blood flow back to the heart. A pulmonary embolism, or PE, occurs when a clot dislodges from the leg veins and travels through the bloodstream to reach the heart and

lungs. According to the health site Aging Care, as many as one million Ameri-cans suffer from blood clots every year, often resulting in hospitalization.

While swelling in the legs, cramping in the lower legs, skin color changes, and warmth of the skin where the clot is located can signal a problem, symptoms of a PE may vary greatly. Shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and rapid or irregular heart-beat can all occur, says The Mayo Clinic. Researchers are finding that, in some cases, fainting episodes also may be indicative of a PE. Italian researchers revealed that, among 560 patients hospitalized for a first-time fainting spell, one in six had a PE.

People who are ex-periencing fainting spells should be on the radar for other symptoms of PE, advises the American Col-lege of Chest Physicians. However, it’s important to note that fainting can be at-tributed to dehydration, a

Fainting spells for elderly linked to blood clots

drop in blood pressure and heart-rhythm disturbances.

Certain risk factors put people at a higher chance for DVT and PE. These in-clude:

• prior surgery• certain cancers• cardiovascular disease• bed rest that causes blood to pool• sitting for long periods of time• smoking• being overweight

Use of compression stockings to move blood more efficiently, physical activity, leg elevation, anti-coagulants, and pneumatic compression can help prevent the formation of clots. Because PE can be life-threatening, people experiencing fainting or other symptoms are urged to speak with their doctors.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Living 50+ Guide Page 3

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Living a long, healthy life has been made pos-sible thanks in part to mod-ern medicine. But the fac-tors behind longevity are more complex than just ac-cess to quality healthcare. Genetics, lifestyle and even where a person lives can all impact the length of a per-son’s life.

Longevity is often studied so scientists can uncover the secrets to those who seem to have unlocked the fountain of youth. Certain areas of the world boast the longest life spans, and scientists study these areas for clues.

In 2016, the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Survey studied the health of popu-lations around the world. In the criteria, WEF ranked countries in terms of the average life expectancy — indicating where people live the longest. While de-veloped countries certainly made the list, there was some offset in the num-bers based on high rates of mental health issues that may lead to suicide.

Overall, the following countries ranked high in average life expectancy. People interested in living longer may want to adopt some of their citizens’ life-style habits to live long lives.

• Monaco: The sec-ond smallest country in the world boasts quite a high life expectancy, with people living an average of 89.7 years. Nearby France has the lowest obesity rates in the world, possibly helping people to live long, healthy lives.

• Hong Kong: This country off the coast of China has a high longev-ity rate with people living an average of 84 years. Steamed food, engaging in Tai Chi and drinking tea may contribute to long life.

• Japan: In this Asian

Life expectancy ranks highest in these countriesnation, people live 83.6 years on average. Again, a healthy diet rich in seafood and active lifestyles may be the secret.

• Spain: The Spanish dine on the famed Mediter-

ranean Diet, which is rich in fresh vegetables, fish and healthy fats. Spaniards live on average 83.1 years.

• Switzerland and Italy: Low poverty levels make a good diet more readily

available to much of the Swiss and Italian popula-tions. Diverse topography that can push physical ex-ertion also may help those in Switzerland and Italy live to 82.8 and 82.7 years, re-

spectively.The U.S. Central Intel-

ligence Agency also tracks life expectancy rates for nations around the world. The United States does not crack the top 20. The CIA

puts America at number 50 on its list, with people living an average of 78.4 years. The World Bank shows that Canadians fare better than Americans, with an average life span of 82.1 years

Page 4 Living 50+ Guide Wednesday, June 27, 2018

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Driving is a multisen-sory experience that re-quires careful coordination and mastery of a wide array of skills. Understanding the rules of the road and hav-ing sufficient practice are only part of the equation. Being able to see the road and react to obstacles, sig-nage and more is crucial. Drivers should not down-play the importance of vi-sual acuity when they turn their ignition keys.

Acceptable vision is in-volved in all components of driving. Motor vehicle operators need to have

clear vision to read gauges and operate the controls of the car. Distance vision also is essential to iden-tifying road hazards and seeing other cars on the road. The health resource All About Vision says aging and visual changes at any age can affect a person’s ability to see moving ob-jects while one is in motion — as is the case while driv-ing a car or truck. In addi-tion, changes in peripheral vision can increase blind spots while driving and af-fect reaction time.

The National Highway

Traffic Safety Administra-tion reports that 6,165 people ages 65 and older were killed in automobile accidents in 2015, repre-senting 18 percent of all traffic crashes in the United States, and declining vi-sion may have been a fac-tor in many of those ac-cidents. Older drivers can make certain changes to improve their safety on the roadways.

• Reduce driving at night. The group AAA says by age 60 eyes need three times as much light to see as they did at age 20. Over

Vision greatly affects driving abilitytime pupils get smaller and do not dilate as much in dark conditions at night, making it harder to see. Limit driving at night as much as possible.

• Accommodate for glare. Invest in anti-glare coatings for glasses to min-imize glare from the sun and oncoming headlights.

• Be especially cautious at intersections. The Insur-ance Institute for Highway Safety says 40 percent of the fatal collisions that occur for people age 70 and older take place at in-tersections. Taking more time to assess oncoming traffic and make sure inter-sections are clear can save lives.

• Get frequent vision checks. Annual eye exams are recommended by the American Optometric As-sociation. This can help older drivers be aware of shortcomings in their vi-sion.

Drivers of any age with vision issues should take heed of their limitations and make modifications as needed.

• Driving with macular degeneration. Macular de-generation affects central vision. It happens when deterioration of the central

portion of the retina oc-curs. The American Macu-lar Degeneration Founda-tion says MD is the leading cause of vision loss. As MD impacts vision, driving may need to be reduced or ceased.

• Color blindness im-pacts driving. Those with color blindness may need to use caution when iden-tifying traffic signals or the brake lights of other ve-hicles. It may take practice and driving with someone who sees colors to become comfortable.

• Cataracts can blur vi-sion. Those with cataracts

may have blurry vision and see halos around lights that can make driving chal-lenging. Cataracts also may make it more difficult to see pedestrians against the landscape, especially at night. Treating cataracts can improve vision signifi-cantly.

Many motor vehicle agency vision tests do not take into consideration all of the factors that can im-pact vision while driving. Seeking care for visual problems and changing driving habits when neces-sary can help people stay safe on the road.

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Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Living 50+ Guide Page 5

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Aging men and women may find that technology helps them simplify their everyday lives.

The ability to perform everyday tasks is some-thing many people take for granted. But as men and women approach or ex-ceed retirement age, many may start to struggle with chores and tasks they have performed for decades.

Physical limitations are a common side effect of aging. But such limitations do not have to prove too big a hurdle for seniors to clear. In fact, there are many ways for seniors to simplify everyday tasks while main-taining their independence.

• Embrace technology. Even the proudest Luddites cannot deny technology’s potential to make seniors’ lives easier. Seemingly simple tasks like shopping for groceries and vacuum-

ing a home can be difficult for seniors with dwindling or limited mobility. But se-niors with Internet access in their homes can order their groceries online and then pick them up in-store or have them delivered, saving them the trouble of walking around the store. With regard to vacuum-ing, autonomous vacuum cleaners have removed the need to use traditional vacuum cleaners. Certain autonomous vacuums em-ploy sensors to detect dirty spots on the floor, and these vacuums can even be programmed to clean the home while residents are out of the house.

• Upgrade bathrooms. Tasks associated with per-sonal hygiene also tend to

How seniors can simplify everyday tasks

Did you know? SavvyOver the last decade, se-

niors have become increas-ingly more savvy in regard to social media usage. The Pew Research Center found that, in 2015, around 35 per-cent of people age 65 and older reported using social media. That’s a large jump from just 2 percent in 2005. As of 2016, 65 percent of people between the ages 50 and 64 reported using

social media, according to Pew. Social media usage among seniors continues to climb, although young adults still comprise the demographic most likely to use it. Among seniors ages 50 and older, Facebook is by far the most popular so-cial media platform used, followed by Pinterest and LinkedIn.

be taken for granted until they become difficult. But a few simple bathroom altera-tions can help seniors safely navigate the bathrooms in their homes so they can maintain their personal hy-giene without fear of injury. Grab bars can be installed on shower walls so seniors can safely get in and out of their showers and bathtubs. Such bars are both effective and inexpensive, and some do not even require any drilling to install. Specialty grab bars, tub grips and tub transfer benches are just a few additional products that can make bathing eas-ier for seniors who have lost or are starting to lose some of their physical strength.

• Get “smart” on the road. Seniors who are ex-periencing mild difficulty driving can make getting about town that much easier by plugging their smartphones into their ve-hicles or making use of the various apps that have be-come standard in modern vehicles. For example, the maps app on a smartphone can be connected to a car and direct seniors to their destinations, saving them the trouble of remember-ing all the ins and outs of

how to get a particular des-tination. Seniors also can employ apps to help them find their vehicles should they forget exactly where they parked in crowded parking lots. Such apps can increase seniors’ comfort levels on the road while helping them maintain their independence.

• Downsize. Whether downsizing to a smaller home or simply downsizing a lifestyle, seniors may find that living smaller is akin to living simpler. Empty nest-ers may find they no longer need several bedrooms in their homes, and moving into smaller homes can re-duce their daily workloads while also clearing out clut-ter that can make perform-

ing everyday chores more difficult. Men and women accustomed to hustle and bustle may also find that cutting back on profes-sional and/or personal commitments gives them more energy for everyday activities while enriching

the commitments they con-tinue to maintain.

Aging men and women can employ various strate-gies to simplify their lives and maintain their inde-pendence well into their golden years..

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After an individual assessment, participants meet three times per week in a supportive group setting. Along with self-referrals, family members and health professionals can refer individuals age 65 and older to Senior Life Solutions.

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Did you know? SchoolMen and women over

50 who are considering returning to school may be eligible for financial as-sistance through various programs. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, older men and women who want to go back to school do not nec-essarily have to bankroll that expenditure on their own. AARP notes that the Internal Revenue Service offers tax breaks such as the Ameri-can Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit that older stu-dents can take advantage of

to lessen the blow of tuition costs, which have risen con-siderably since today’s men and women over 50 were in college. Older men and women may also be able to take advantage of 529 college savings accounts they opened for their chil-dren that their kids did not end up needing. AARP also notes that men and women over 50 who want to apply for financial aid must be pre-pared to enroll in more than one class and in more than just a continuing education program. More information is available at aarp.org.

Aging has its side ef-fects, as it’s inevitable that individuals’ bodies and minds will change as they approach their golden years. Illnesses, disabilities and other conditions may speed up the changes in certain individuals.

While many seniors continue to live inde-pendently well into their golden years, some re-quire long-term care. The decision to move an el-derly relative into a long-term care facility can be difficult. In addition to the emotional effects of such a decision, families must

deal with the financial re-percussions.

Long-term care ser-vices can be costly, and many general healthcare insurance plans do not cover long-term care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of-fers that an assisted living facility may cost roughly $3,300 per month for a one-bedroom unit, while a nursing home may cost be-tween $6,200 and $6,900. Seniors or families who have enough income and savings may be able to pay for long-term care services without assistance. But

Options when paying for long-term carethose who cannot afford to do so may need to uti-lize different programs or resources to pay for long-term care.

• Long-term care in-surance: According to WebMD, commercial in-surers offer private policies referred to as long-term care insurance. These poli-cies may cover services such as care at home, adult day care, assisted liv-ing facilities, and nursing homes. However, plans vary widely. In addition, the cost for care and eli-gibility requirements may change as a person ages, so it’s best to purchase this insurance while young and relatively healthy.

• Government assis-tance: Government health programs may pay for a portion of certain care but not all of the services of-fered by long-term care facilities. For example, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association says government health care programs may cover only a small percentage of the costs for nursing homes or other specialized residen-tial care facilities, or per-haps none at all depend-ing on the circumstances. In the United States, Medi-

care is the Federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and for some people younger than 65 who are disabled. Medicare gener-ally does not pay for long-term help with daily ac-tivities. Medicare pays for very limited skilled nursing home care after a hospital stay, but not for many as-sisted living facilities.

Medicaid is another option that pays for health services and long-term care for low-income peo-ple of any age. First, ap-plicants must determine their eligibility for Medic-

aid. Medicaid is typically only available after most personal assets have been depleted. Even with Med-icaid, a resident of a long-term care facility may need to pay a portion of the care out of pocket. What’s more, as part of the appli-

cation for Medicaid, a “look back” at assets is required to deter gifting assets in order to qualify.

Paying for long-term care requires planning well in advance of when such services may be needed.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Living 50+ Guide Page 7

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Let’s See Eye-to-Eyeon Your Vision Care

Many people take their vision for granted until a problem arises that affects their ability to see. While certain conditions may occur suddenly, others de-velop more gradually and may not even be notice-able until the problem has progressed significantly.

Cataracts is a common vision problem that is often associated with aging. The National Eye Institute says that, by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Prevent Blindness America says there are more cases of

cataracts worldwide than there are of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined. The American Optometric Association defines a cataract as a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending on its size, cataracts can interfere with normal vision. They typically occur in people over the age of 55.

A cataract can be pres-ent in one or both eyes. The lens is responsible for helping to focus light or an image on the retina. In a healthy lens, fluid and

Learn about cataracts to see more clearlyprotein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear, offers NEI. How-ever, as one ages, the pro-tein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. Over time, this clouding may grow. Researchers also suspect there are other causes to cataracts, such as smoking or diabetes. In addition, wear and tear on the lens can develop into cataract clouding. Significant alco-hol consumption, UV radia-tion, eye surgery, and high myopia also may contrib-ute to cataract formation.

All About Vision says

the types of cataracts in-clude:

• Subcapsular cataract, which occurs at the back of the lens;

• Nuclear cataract, which forms deep in the central zone of the lens; and

• Cortical cataract, which starts as white opaci-ties in the periphery of the lens and then grows in-ward.

The Mayo Clinic ad-vises that there are no known methods to prevent cataracts or slow their pro-gression. But choosing a healthy diet full of antioxi-dants, quitting bad habits like smoking, managing di-abetes, and having regular eye examinations can help. It’s also a good idea to wear sunglasses that block against UVA and UVB light when outdoors.

Cataracts can cause blurring of vision and even make it difficult to see in bright conditions. Colors may seem faded, night vi-sion may be adversely af-fected and glare may be problematic. The AOA says that early cataracts typi-cally are not treated and changes to prescriptions may provide temporary visual improvement. If a cataract progresses to the point that it affects one’s ability to perform everyday tasks, surgery in which an artificial lens replaces the natural lens may be neces-sary.

Learn more about cata-racts by visiting www.nei.nih.gov, www.aoa.org, or www.allaboutvision.com.

The elderly popula-tion is on the rise in many countries. Advancements in healthcare and a growing emphasis on healthy life-styles means people are liv-ing longer than ever before.

Age is often accompa-nied by wisdom, but men and women may also find that feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression may also settle in as they grow older. The Journal of Primary Prevention pub-lished “A Review of Social Isolation,” which observed how social isolation has been linked to numerous detrimental health effects in older adults. Some of these ailments may include increased risk for mortality, rehospitalization, falls, and dementia.

Individuals looking to give back to their commu-nities may want to consider helping seniors in their area. Although it can be difficult to see seniors with dimin-ished physical or mental capabilities, the rewards of interacting and helping se-niors can be immeasurable. There are plenty of ways to help seniors avoid isolation and continue to live fulfilling lives.

• Provide transporta-tion. A Place for Mom, a senior housing placement resource, notes that lack of adequate transportation is a main cause of social isola-tion among seniors. Volun-tary or necessary cessation of driving makes getting to and from appointments or even recreational outings more difficult. Where public transportation is unavailable or challenging to come by,

volunteers can help shuttle seniors to and from grocery stores, doctor’s offices and any other places they need to go. Getting out regularly and seeing new faces can help seniors overcome feel-ings of loneliness.

• Participate in hob-bies together. Give seniors a sense of purpose by en-couraging them to partici-pate in hobbies or activities. Book clubs are one activity that can interest people of different age groups.

• Encourage exercise. Physical exercise keeps the body fit and improves mental health. Seniors can benefit from physical ac-tivity because it promotes strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition, seniors who enroll in exercise classes at gyms or local senior centers can meet like-minded adults, helping them overcome their feelings of isolation even further.

• Provide meals and companionship. Older adults may not be getting all they need to maintain healthy weights and bodily functions. Cooking and shopping for healthy foods may be difficult. Provide seniors with healthy meals when possible, and take the time to share those meals. This can foster conversa-tions that keep seniors’ minds sharp and also may help prevent social isola-tion.

Seniors can benefit from many different forms of support, and helping older adults is a worthy volunteer initiative.

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Page 8 Living 50+ Guide Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Men and women who suspect they might be exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease should speak with a medical professional immediately.

Despite af fect ing roughly 10 million people worldwide, Parkinson’s dis-ease, a neurodegenerative disorder, remains a mys-tery to many people.

To people outside of the medical field with no personal or family history of Parkinson’s, the dis-ease may only ring a bell because of some notable names attached to it. The late Muhammad Ali and actor Michael J. Fox are two household names that made their Parkinson’s di-agnoses public. But even those who study Parkin-son’s for a living do not know everything about this puzzling disease.

According to the Par-kinson’s Foundation, the cause of Parkinson’s dis-ease is largely unknown. While there’s no cure for the disease, various treat-ment options can help those diagnosed with the disease live as normal and productive a life as pos-

sible. The PF notes that un-

derstanding the disease and its progression is the first step to living well. Though the foundation also notes that people first start experiencing symp-toms later in the course of the disease, learning to recognize some early symptoms may compel people to seek treatment.

• Tremor: Many people might experience shaking after a vigorous workout or when they are dealing with stress or injury. But the PF notes that a tremor in a fin-ger, thumb, hand, or chin while at rest is a common early sign of Parkinson’s disease.

• Small handwriting: Handwriting can change as people age, especially if they are experiencing stiff-ness in their hands or their vision is deteriorating. But micrographia, a disorder in which handwriting be-comes abnormally small

and cramped, is another early indicator of Parkin-son’s disease.

• Loss of smell: The PF advises people who are having trouble smelling foods such as bananas, dill pickles or licorice speak with their physicians about Parkinson’s disease. Tem-porary loss of smell due to something like the com-mon cold, congestion or the flu is not an early indi-cator of Parkinson’s.

• Difficulty sleeping: A significant other may no-tice their partner moving suddenly during sleep, and such movements may be indicative of Parkinson’s. The PF notes that peri-odic tossing and turning is normal, as is quick jerks of the body during initial sleep and in lighter stages of sleep are common and should not be mistaken for Parkinson’s.

• Stiffness: Stiffness re-lated to current or past in-juries or even arthritis is not

Early signs of Parkinson’s diseaseindicative of Parkinson’s. But stiffness in the arms, body and legs that is un-related to injury or arthri-tis and does not go away with movement might be a sign of Parkinson’s. The PF notes that people some-times describe this symp-tom by saying their feet feel stuck to the floor when they try to move.

• Constipation: People who strain to move their bowels might be showing an early sign of Parkinson’s. However, various factors, such as dehydration and a diet without adequate fiber, can cause constipa-tion. In addition, men and women on medication may

want to look into side ef-fects of their medications to determine if their medi-cine, and not Parkinson’s, is the cause of their difficulty moving their bowels.

These are just a few potential early indicators of Parkinson’s disease. In-formation about additional symptoms is available at www.parkinson.org.

Facing one’s mortal-ity and the prospect of leaving family members behind is not always easy. Death, financial security and planning for the future are all difficult subjects, but planning ahead can make matters much easier in the long run.

Life insurance needs frequently come up when making plans, and many people find that purchas-ing a life insurance policy is a worthwhile investment. Life insurance holds an important place in overall financial planning. One of the most apparent benefits of life insurance is that it will provide a consider-able sum of cash upon the insured’s death, which can be put toward the cost of funeral arrangements, housing and dependent care.

Beyond end-of-life bills and care, life insurance can offer other advantages, say the experts at Allstate In-surance Company. Life in-surance can provide a fam-

ily with a financial safety net. When a beneficiary is named, life insurance can serve as an inheritance for that person or people. Heirs may face estate taxes after a loved one dies, and life insurance benefits may help offset all or a portion of the costs.

There may be benefits to life insurance while a person is living as well. The life insurance information site Term Life 2 Go says that, depending on the policy, life insurance can be borrowed against to pay off debt, buy a house or live off of dividends from the life insurance invest-ment. This can provide a source of supplemental re-tirement income.

Gateway Financial ad-visors say that many life insurance plans are ex-tremely flexible and can be modified as needs change. Death benefits may be decreased if desired, and premiums can be skipped, reduced or increased.

Business owners also

can use life insurance poli-cies to their advantage. Including life insurance with the list of other ben-efits offered to prospec-tive employees can entice top-notch candidates. Sole proprietors may use life in-surance as a business con-tinuation plan so that insur-ance proceeds can keep the business in the black until it is sold or a replace-ment owner is found.

Shopping for life in-surance requires careful research and an under-standing of the products available. Consumers should have a thorough understanding of term and whole life policies, what premiums will cost, what the death benefit will pay, and if there are any living benefits. For example, liv-ing benefits may cover some costs for chronically or terminally ill people.

Working with an expe-rienced life insurance advi-sor can help people navi-gate the types of policies available to them.

Why buy life insurance?

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Many people face turn-ing 50 with a little trepida-tion. They may miss the things they did during their youth and might feel like the hands of time are mov-ing much too quickly. But instead of looking at aging as growing older, men and women can embrace turn-ing 50 and the growing freedom that typically ac-companies reaching this milestone.

Increased opportuni-ties to travel is one aspect of reaching 50 that excites many men and women. Nielsen reports that, over the next five years, around 80 million Americans will fit into the 50+ age bracket. Many of these people will have extra time to devote to leisure activities. AARP, the leading nonprofit or-ganization for aging adults, says that of the people with AARP memberships,

nearly two-thirds take ad-vantage of travel discounts and other benefits in a typi-cal year. The following are some such travel perks.

• Age can mean dis-counts. The minimum age to qualify for “senior” dis-counts varies among com-panies and for different products and services, so it’s up to travelers to see what is available to them. Not all companies adver-tise their senior discounts. Read reviews in travel fo-rums or on travel websites to find out which brands or places offer the best deals.

• More discretionary time. Even if retirement is a ways down the road, older adults may have accrued more vacation time than their younger colleagues. That time can be trans-lated into longer or more frequent trips.

• Age-based member-

ships. Reaching age 50 or 60 may entitle people to join groups that negotiate deals for their members. For example, the minimum membership age for AARP is 50, meaning travelers who join AARP can enjoy discounts roughly five years before they’re eli-gible for senior discounts offered by other organiza-tions.

• Travel during off seasons. When not con-strained by school sched-ules, men and women over 50 can travel during times of the year when prices are most affordable. This means savings and smaller crowds. This flexibility also can translate into air-line discounts, as men and women over 50 with no time constraints can choose to be standby pas-sengers in exchange for discounted or free tickets.

Retirement planning involves more than just in-vesting in a 401(k) and/or IRA. Individuals who hope to live comfortably in re-tirement must account for various expenses, includ-ing those associated with their health.

A 2013 report from the U.S. Senate’s Commis-sion on Long-Term Care found that each year an estimated 12 million adults in the United States require some type of long-term care. Planning for the fol-lowing potential expenses can help men and women ensure they will have

enough money to live well in retirement.

• Housing: Many in-dividuals would prefer to spend their golden years living in their own homes. However, adults who can no longer take care of themselves and/or their homes may need to move. Homeowners who simply want to downsize may be able to finance their tran-sitions to retirement com-munities by selling their existing homes. But those who need to move into as-sisted living facilities may find that even selling their homes might not provide

Potential long-term expenses to account for in retirementenough capital to pay for such residences. Accord-ing Genworth’s 2016 Cost of Care Survey, the an-nual cost of assisted living facilities greatly varies by state, with costs as high as $65,550 in Massachusetts and as low as $30,438 in Missouri. Whether they invest in long-term care insurance or develop an-other plan with their fi-nancial advisors, men and women must consider ways to finance potential housing costs in retire-ment.

• Renovations: Home renovations are another

potential cost in retire-ment. Aging men and women who can no lon-ger comfortably navigate staircases but are other-wise healthy may need to renovate their homes to account for their limited mobility. Such renovations might include the installa-tion of a staircase chair lift and/or a ramp connected to the entryway of a home. Some may even need to convert a first-floor den or living area into a bedroom, which may also require adding a full bathroom.

• Maintenance: Home-owners who want to stay in their homes in retire-ment must also factor po-tential maintenance costs into their retirement plans. Aging men and women may no longer be capable of maintaining their prop-erties in retirement. Con-sider the potential costs of landscaping, home main-

tenance and maid services when making a retirement plan.

• Transportation: Di-minishing vision and slower reaction times com-pel many retirees to give up driving. But retirees who still enjoy getting out and about will still need a way to get around. Moving to a retirement community with daily shuttle service to and from town centers is one way for seniors who no

longer drive to get around. But men and women who do not want to move to such communities will need to find alternative means of transportation, the costs of which can add up quickly.

Financial freedom in re-tirement is a goal for many working professionals. At-taining such freedom in-volves planning and saving for all potential expenses in retirement.

How traveling after turning 50 can be great

Page 10 Living 50+ Guide Wednesday, June 27, 2018

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Silent stroke may not exhibit anyt symptons, making it more difficult to detect.

The brain is a com-plex organ responsible for controlling many dif-ferent bodily functions. When working at opti-mal capacity, the brain is a wonder to behold. When illness or trauma affects the brain, various parts of the body may not work as they should.

One of the more dev-astating things that can affect the brain is stroke. Stroke describes a sud-den stoppage of blood from reaching the brain. Harvard Medical School states that if a large num-ber of brain cells are starved of blood sup-ply, they can die. With their demise, a person’s memory and ability to speak and move can be compromised.

While many strokes come on suddenly, cer-tain factors may indicate a person is at risk. Such factors may include prior heart attacks, ge-netics, high blood pres-sure, smoking, or a prior stroke. However, in a particular type of stroke — a “silent stroke” — symptoms are far more subtle and difficult to spot.

Silent cerebral infarc-tion, often referred to as “SCI” or “silent stroke,” is a brain injury likely caused by a blood clot interrupting blood flow to the brain, offers the American Stroke Asso-ciation. Silent strokes increase risk for other strokes and can be a sign of progressive brain damage. A silent stroke is typically only noticed as a side component of an MRI of the brain. Many times patients do not recall having a stroke and never felt any symptoms. Silent strokes should not be mistaken for mini-strokes. Mini-stroke is a brief but dis-

What is a silent stroke?

crete and memorable event, with symptoms appearing for a few min-utes or a few hours.

According to a study on silent stroke titled “Functional and Cogni-tive Consequences of Silent Stroke Discovered Using Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an Elderly Popula-tion” and published in the Journal of Ameri-can Geriatrics Society, silent strokes are quite common and can have serious consequences. Researchers have found that silent stroke is as-sociated with impair-ments in tests of cogni-tive function rather than movement-oriented per-formance tests like rising from a chair. Almost 50 percent of studied silent strokes affected frontal circuit components of the brain, such as the frontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. Lesions in these brain structures compromised executive functions and were related to vascular dementia. Another study showed associations between silent stroke and visual field deficits, weakness in walking on heels, history of mem-ory loss, migraines, and lower scores in cognitive function tests.

The “silent” part of a silent stroke also refers

to the areas of the brain that the stroke affects. Experts at Harvard Med-ical School explain that, during a silent stroke, an interruption in blood flow destroys areas of cells in a part of the brain that is “silent,” meaning that it doesn’t control any vital functions. Re-searchers say that, over time, the damage from silent strokes can accu-mulate, leading to more and more problems with memory. Collectively, silent strokes become silent no longer.

There are certain ways to reduce the risk of any type of stroke. These include:

• managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels

• quitting smoking• reducing the risk of

diabetes and effectively treat the condition if it is present

• losing weight to prevent obesity

• exercising and avoid a sedentary life-style

• taking a low-dose aspirin or a drug that prevents blood clots.

Silent strokes largely go unrecognized but can lead to significant brain injury. Getting the facts can help men and women reduce their risk for silent stroke.

Celebrities turning 50 in 2018Men and women turning 50

this year need not fret, as they are in very good company. A number of well-known individu-als will likely blow out 50 birthday candles in 2018. These celebri-ties were all born in 1968 and join the long list of other estab-lished actors, musicians, artists, and authors who have already reached this milestone age.Cuba Gooding Jr., Actor: Janu-ary 2Carrie Ann Inaba, Dancer: Janu-ary 5John Singleton, Writer: January 6LL Cool J, Actor/Rapper: Janu-ary 14Chad Lowe, Actor: January 15Guy Fieri, Chef: January 22Sarah McLachlan, Singer: Janu-ary 28Ed Burns, Actor: January 29Lisa Marie Presley, Singer: Febru-

ary 1Pauly Shore, Comic: February 1Josh Brolin, Actor: February 12Molly Ringwald, Actress: Febru-ary 18Jeri Ryan, Actress: February 22Daniel Craig, Actor: March 2Kenny Chesney, Singer: March 26Celine Dion, Singer: March 30Patricia Arquette, Actress: April 8Orlando Jones, Actor: April 10Anthony Michael Hall, Actor: April 14Ashley Judd, Actress: April 19Carnie Wilson, Singer: April 29Tony Hawk, Skater: May 12Timothy Olyphant, Actor: May 20Kylie Minogue, Singer: May 28Faizon Love, Actor: June 4Scott Wolf, Actor: June 4Yasmine Bleeth, Actress: June 14Stephanie Seymour, Model: July 23

Kristen Chenoweth, Actress: July 24Terry Crews, Actor: July 30Daniel Dae Kim, Actor: August 4Gillian Anderson, Actress: Au-gust 9Eric Bana, Actor: August 9Debra Messing, Actress: August 15Rachael Ray, TV Host: August 25Guy Ritchie, Director: September 10Marc Anthony, Singer: Septem-ber 16Will Smith, Actor: September 25Naomi Watts, Actress: Septem-ber 28Hugh Jackman, Actor: October 12Sam Rockwell, Actor: November 5Lucy Liu, Actress: December 2Owen Wilson, Actor: November 18

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Living 50+ Guide Page 11

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Upon reaching retire-ment age, new retirees may face decisions regard-ing their living arrange-ments. Some seniors may opt to stay put, while oth-ers may want to downsize their homes to save money and relieve themselves of the burdens of maintaining larger homes.

But those are not the only situations seniors find

themselves in. Some se-niors realize they can no longer care for themselves without assistance. In such instances, seniors may opt for assisted living facili-ties or choose to move in with a relative, such as a grown son or daughter. While assisted living facili-ties are designed to meet the needs of the elderly, young men and women welcoming seniors into their homes may need to take on some home im-provement projects to ensure their homes are as safe as possible for elderly residents.

• Convert a room on the first floor into a bed-room. While this may not

apply to all seniors, some men and women struggle with stairs as they age, and that can make it difficult for them to fully participate in a household. Homeowners with an extra room to spare can convert a room on the first floor of their homes into a bedroom so seniors won’t have to climb up and down stairs throughout the day. That ease of accessi-

bility to the primary floor of the house encourages seniors to be active par-ticipants in a household. If possible, choose an area that is close to a first-floor bathroom.

• Take steps to make bathrooms safer. The Na-tional Institute on Aging says that more than one in three seniors over age 65 fall each year, and 80 percent of those falls take place in the bathroom. Slippery tile floors can make it difficult for seniors to navigate bathrooms safely, and bathtubs and shower stalls present ad-ditional challenges. Install grab bars on bathroom walls and next to toilets to

provide support. In addi-tion, consider installing a shower chair or bench and removable shower nozzle in the shower or tub so seniors can sit down while they bathe and rinse with-out having to stand up on slippery surfaces. Make sure any mats around bathtubs and sinks are nonskid to reduce the risk of falls even further.

• Install an extra phone line or two. While kids and adults between the ages of 18 and 50 may never use the landlines in their homes, many seniors still rely on traditional tele-phones as their primary means of communicating with the outside world. In-stall extra landlines in your home, including in seniors’ bedrooms, so they can more readily access the phone should they fall and need to call for emergency help. Phones in seniors’ bedrooms may also pro-vide some additional pri-vacy to seniors who don’t want to carry on phone conversations in busy areas of the home, such as the kitchen or living room. Such lines may also reduce feelings of isolation.

• Prioritize accessibility when storing items. When storing groceries, books, magazines, or other items seniors are likely to use, choose locations that are accessible to seniors. Avoid storing items on the top shelf of pantries, bookcases or entertain-ment centers, as seniors with limited mobility may not be able to reach them.

Many seniors move in with their adult children to make their golden years safer and more enjoyable and manageable. Such a change in living arrange-ments may necessitate some changes on the part of homeowners so they can ensure their homes are safe for seniors.

How to prepare a home for elderly residentsUpon retiring, many

seniors downsize to all-inclusive independent liv-ing communities. These communities provide all various amenities without asking seniors to negotiate the obstacles of traditional home ownership.

Although senior living apartments or condomini-ums often may great living arrangements, all-inclusive properties tend to cost more money than standard apartments. Interested parties may experience a bit of sticker shock initially before looking for ways to finance their new living ar-

rangements.• Long-term care insur-

ance: Individuals who plan ahead can invest in long-term care insurance. This insurance may be able to cover the costs of some housing facilities, or help finance outside private caregiver

assistance.• Life insurance poli-

cies: Some insurance poli-cies can be cashed in for a percentage of their face value. This money can then be used to offset the costs of senior housing.

• Home sale profit: Many seniors sell their

homes and pay for new liv-ing situations with the re-turn on those sales. Bridge loans can help as seniors wait for their homes to be sold.

• Line of credit: A loan system called an “Elderlife Line of Credit,” enables multiple family members or friends to share the cost of paying for eldercare.

• New location: Finding a community in locations with more manageable cost of living expenses may be the best way to main-tain your standard of living without breaking the bank.

Different ways to finance senior living

If so, have him take the adjacent assessment to determine the

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