January 1, 2019 Edition 16 Volume 1

In the News

EPC Designation Partners with Texas Tech University in the USA

2019 Niagara, Falls, ON, EPIC . Check out the Agenda

Eight 2019 New Years Resolutions for Seniors

Beat those Winter Blues

Canadian Snowbird’s Checklist

Intergenerational Programs – It Takes a Village to Age Optimally

Baby Boomer “Retirements” Will Cause a Huge Wave of Business Transfers

Top 10 Healthy Food Trends for 2019

10th Edition EPC Materials Available Soon

Did you Know that CIEPS/EPC is on LinkedIn

CIEPS is Looking for Articles for the PULSE

Please Keep Your Contact Information Current

From all of us at CIEPS, we would like to wish you and your families a Happy New Year!

Texas Tech University in the United States Partners with the Elder Planning Counselor Designation program

Here is part of a press release that was released in the United States recently.

Lubbock, Texas - December 2018.

Texas Tech University in Lubbock Texas announces its newest designation program the Elder Planning Counselor Designation available through the Center for Financial Responsibility under the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University.

The Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) Designation is designed to enrich the working professionals’ knowledge and understanding of Americans as they age the aging population for working professionals, Texas Tech announced. The EPC Designation offers valuable elder information for Insurance and Financial Advisors, Real Estate Agents, Attorneys, Accountants, Caregivers, Medical personnel and generally people who work with individuals 50 years old or older.

The Center’s Director, Ashley Guillemette, MPA, Department of Personal Financial Planning is pleased with this addition to their E-learning platform. “The Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) curriculum is a comprehensive

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education program designed to provide essential knowledge and tools necessary to effectively work with elders and design practical solutions for their financial and emotional well-being,” Guillemette says.

The American Initiative for Elder Planning Studies (AI EPS), in partnership with the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies (CI EPS), believes that working with the maturing client involves a "total needs approach." These needs evolve from an individual’s early wage-earning years, continuing to change as they move through the aging process. Guillemette adds that the “content includes aging health issues, social psychological issues, financial issues, communication and other timely issues.”

You can check out the American Initiative for Elder Planning (AIEPS) website here – US version Elder Planning Counselor Designation

 

2019 Elder Planning Issues Conferences (EPIC)

The theme for 2019 is “Holistic Planning for Aging Canadians”

The 2019 EPIC date for Niagara Falls, ON is June 2, 3, 4, 2019.

The date for the Western Canada conference has not been confirmed yet.

CE credits will be available.

Check out the agenda here - 2019 Niagara Falls EPIC Agenda

Register here - 2019 EPIC Registration . Please enter all your information including how you are going to pay, and you will not be charged until May 2019 for Niagara Falls, ON conference.

Here are what two attendees had to say about the 2018 conferences…

"The conference was informative and fun too. The presentations were transferable and support resources already inserted into several of our client processes. Result ...Value added! Thank you for a job well done." Richard McKenster CFP, CLU, ChFC, CHS, CEA, EPC - Victoria, BC

“I wanted to tell you what a super, well organized, and very educational conference it was this year… It was well worth the effort to attend this conference…I hope this conference will continue for many years to come…the education you obtain from this conference is so diversified and so top

notch with all the great speakers that are contributing to our well being and our businesses...keep them coming. Sincerely Dave Franklin CFP, CLU, CHFC, EPC. – Concord, ON

To hold these conferences, we need your support and promotion of the conferences to your associates, clients, family members and anyone else who you feel could benefit from the information that you will hear.

These conferences are for you. Please support them in 2019. Register here - 2019 EPIC Registration

Please schedule the time to attend your 2019 Elder Planning Issues Conference.

Eight 2019 New Years resolutions to challenge the senior in your life

Jan. 1 is right around the corner.

That means the opportunity for a fresh start will soon present itself. Use the remaining days of 2018 to reflect on your life. Are you happy with your health? Are you spending enough time with your grandchildren? Do you do enough to give back to your community?

In 2019, set a goal that focuses on bettering your overall health, both physically and mentally. It's easy to let a resolution get brushed under the rug, but it'll be a priority if it's something you're truly passionate about changing.

Here are a few New Year's resolutions we suggest considering:

1. Exercise for 10 minutes every dayStaying physically active is key to healthy aging. That doesn't mean you have to spend all your free time exercising, but you should certainly dedicate a portion of your day to fitness. If you're just getting started, Harvard Health Publications recommended committing 10 minutes of your day to exercise, with a gradual increase as it becomes a habit. Eventually, you should be able to dedicate the recommended amount of 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week.

2. Explore new volunteer opportunitiesVolunteering is a great way to give back to the community, but it also benefits your own health. It provides a sense of accomplishment, increases self-confidence and brings fulfillment to life. It also connects you with like-minded individuals, which is great for your mental well-being. Next year find an organization to get involved with to help your neighborhood and reap the health benefits.

3. Revive an old friendship

It's not always easy remaining close to friends who don't live right down the street. But there are dozens of resources you can use to rekindle old friendships. Make a telephone call, send an email or reach out to one of your childhood buddies via Facebook or another social media platform. Make it your goal to keep in touch and possibly schedule a get-together soon.

4. Spend more time with the grandkidsMost older adults can agree that there is nothing quite as special as spending time with the grandchildren. But you shouldn't only meet up for special occasions. Staying connected with your grandkids on a regular basis will strengthen the bond between you and keep the entire family closer together. This year consider gathering with your loved ones every other week to catch up.

5. Make healthier dessert decisionsIt's easy to reach for that sugary treat after dinner. But consuming those not-so-healthy choices every night may eventually lead to weight gain, high blood pressure and other chronic issues. Make 2019 your year to fall off the path that leads to unhealthy desserts and jump on one that drives you to make smarter choices. Fruits and dark chocolate make excellent natural alternatives if you need to satisfy a sweet craving.

6. Revisit an old pastimeWhen was the last time you spent time enjoying that favorite hobby of yours? At some point in the new year, consider breaking out the old needle and yarn, fishing rod, or bottle cap collection you used to be so passionate about. You may even consider introducing it to your grandchild, so you have something new to bond over!

7. Challenge your brain regularlyYou know that physical activity is important but giving your brain a "workout" is just as crucial.

We can all help our brains change in a more positive way by engaging in new learning that requires some additional effort.

Challenging your brain regularly keeps your cognitive skills sharp and reduces your chance of experiencing memory loss. This year make time to play games that'll force your mind to work in overdrive.

If you are accustomed to doing crossword puzzles to keep your brain active, be sure to increase the level of difficulty to challenge your brain to work even harder, which will promote plasticity, or, consider learning a new language, as that is a great way to improve brain plasticity.

8. Be conscious about your overall healthYour body is always changing, so make it a priority to keep up with your health. Visit the doctor annually, if not more, to be proactive about your overall well-being. And take the advice and guidance he or she gives during

your visit. Those tips will help you have a happy and healthy year.

Beat those winter blues! Four ways to stay active, both body and mind…from the McMaster Aging Portal, December 2018

Winter months mean shorter days and more inclement weather. This can make going outside less appealing and can lead to ‘cabin fever’. It is important to stay active and engaged in order to keep your mind and body healthy.

Here are four things you can do this winter to stay active. Your mind and body will thank you!

Take a class at your local library

Public libraries often host events where people can meet authors and discover local emerging artists. They may also offer classes (for example, language, cooking or computer), workshops and lectures. Having a library card is not just having access to a library collection, it may mean having access to a community hub where you can quench your thirst for knowledge, make social connections, and get the help you need!

Get active in the community

Volunteering promotes a sense of accomplishment, breaks isolation, improves physical and psychological health, and reduces some of the negative stereotypes associated with aging. Consider volunteering within your community to stay healthy, meet new people and share your knowledge.

Let your creativity shine

Many people see retirement as an opportunity to finally get back to their artistic passions. Whether it be wood carving, creative writing, knitting, photography, piano, painting, tango, theatre, the possibilities for creative expression are endless. Research has found that taking part in artistic activities has positive effects on the health and well-being of older adults, including their memory, level of creativity, ability to solve problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and reaction time.

Get moving

During the winter months, snow and slush may make outdoor conditions unsafe. Visit the pool or walking track at your local ‘Y’ or sports/recreation centre and you’re bound to see adults of all ages stretching, running, lunging, weight training, and swimming! Aquatic exercise – including swimming, water-based resistance training or water aerobics – is popular among people who want a low impact workout. For older adults it can be a

great option to stay active while having fun. If you prefer to stay out of the pool, walking provides many health benefits. Consider listening to music while you walk to improve walking speed, stride length, and walk rhythm. 

The Canadian Snowbird’s Checklist – Everything you need to do before you go…from an article found on the web

If you’re an experienced snowbird you already know that being away for an extended amount of time in the winter requires considerable planning and organization to avoid issues and make sure your trip goes smoothly.

With so many things to attend to before you depart for your winter in the sun, our annually updated snowbird checklist is a handy tool to help you remember everything you need to take care of.

If you’re a new snowbird going away for the first time this coming winter, this checklist will be particularly helpful. And for you experienced snowbirds - you just might discover something new you hadn’t thought of!

First things first

Renting: If you’re planning to rent a place for a long-term stay over the winter, the first thing you MUST do is book far in advance. Most long-term rentals in snowbird destinations are booked a year in advance, often by the people who rented them last season. You cannot start this process too early. Otherwise, you will be relying on cancellations hoping that space opens for you. Make sure you stay in touch with your landlord or rental company to reconfirm your booking.

Travel insurance: It is essential for every Canadian snowbird to get travel medical insurance. While none of us expect to suffer a serious injury or health issue while abroad, it does happen, and the consequences of not having enough travel insurance can be catastrophic. Ideally, you should take care of this in the late summer or early Fall. Make sure you find travel insurance that fits your specific needs and travel plans. There are many companies offering travel insurance for snowbirds and it pays to have a broker search for you or do your own research to find the best snowbird travel insurance deal and the right policy for you.

Auto insurance: On the insurance front, you'll also want to make sure your vehicle insurance covers your needs, as some auto insurance policies have certain restrictions and time limits that you may not be aware of if you're going to be away for an extended period.

Flights and rental car: It pays to book well in advance to make sure you get the dates you want. Flights near the first of the month often get booked up fast.

Don't assume that flight schedules are the same as last year. Airlines change both the destinations they fly to, as well as flight times and frequency, so you may find that a new airline is flying to your destination or an airline that used to fly there no longer does. Consulting a travel agent is a good idea to make sure you are aware of all the flight options available to you.

If you’re using points you will need to book well ahead to make sure there is availability. Generally, prices are also better the earlier you book.

Similarly, if you are looking for a long-term car rental you will need to shop around for the best rates and book early to take advantage of lower prices and secure the vehicle you want. Some used car dealerships in popular snowbird destinations offer long-term rentals that can be a very affordable option.

Vehicle delivery:  If you are not planning to drive yourself, but want your car delivered to your winter home, you will want to start early to find a drive away service or person who will do this for you.  If you are planning to ship your car by transport truck, again, you will need to make arrangements well ahead of time as these companies get booked up for peak times.

Getting organized

There is a lot to do before going away for the winter and getting some of it done several weeks in advance saves you that last minute panic and running around. Here’s our list of things to do:

Medication: Order enough of the prescription medication you need for the duration of your stay outside Canada. Make sure all your medication is clearly identified with its original labels and keep your receipts to ensure you don’t run into trouble at the border. If you are flying, never put your medications in checked luggage.

Vehicle Registration & Insurance: If you’re bringing your car, make sure your vehicle registration & insurance don’t expire before you return, and be sure to renew them before you leave if you must.

Driver’s License and Health Card: Check your provincial health card and driver’s license to make sure they don’t expire before you return and renew them if needed before you leave. 

Travel Documents: Make sure your passport and/or Nexus card don’t expire until well after you return.  While the U.S. has waived the “valid for 6 months after you return rule” many other countries require this, so if you are thinking of taking a cruise while you are away, make sure your passport has enough validity.

Insurance Policy & Emergency Contact Card: Bring a copy of your travel medical insurance policy and the emergency contact card your

insurer provides you with.

Power of Attorney & Living Will: It is always a good idea to have a Power of Attorney in place in case anything should happen while you are away that prevents you from dealing with your affairs.

Banking: Make sure your credit cards don’t expire while you’re away and renew them if necessary. If you haven’t already, set up online banking and bill payment and arrange to receive your bills electronically so you can stay up to date and pay them online while you’re away, including hydro, gas, water, sanitation, property taxes, rent and mortgage payments, among others. You may also want to consider setting up cross border banking to save money and make things more convenient while you’re away.

Pet Preparation: If you plan on taking your pet with you, make sure they have all the right documentation to travel.

Duplicate Documents: Create photocopies or scan all your important documents to your computer and keep them in one easy to access place in case your original documents are lost or stolen (i.e. insurance, vehicle registration, driver’s license, health card, passport, NEXUS card, etc.). Also, consider giving a copy to a family member or friend at home in case your backup is lost or stolen as well. 

Preparing your home

Home Insurance: Check your home insurance for requirements when you are away from your home.  Most policies require daily or every other day inspection by someone.

Inspections: Arrange for a service, friend, family member or neighbour to inspect your home regularly while you’re away to meet insurance requirements and check for frozen pipes, ensure snow & ice clearance, etc.

Mail: Make arrangements for your mail at home – either have it held at the Post Office, or forwarded to your winter address, or arrange for someone to collect and sort it for you.

Newspapers: Suspend your subscription starting on the date you intend to leave.

Fridge: Clean out your fridge and freezer of all perishables and empty the freezer in case of a power interruption – or, empty them entirely and turn off, leaving the door propped open.

Service Suspension: Make arrangements to suspend services at home like your landline, cable and internet.

Water: Consider shutting off your water and draining all pipes if appropriate for your home.

Lights: If possible, set some lights on timers to deter break-ins.

Condos: If you live in a condo, you can shut off water into your unit or make sure someone is checking your unit according to your insurance requirements.  Often the superintendent or concierge can perform these duties in their spare time for a fee.

Vehicles: If you are leaving a vehicle at home, ask your insurance company if you can get any credit for the vehicle not being used for several months.  Consider putting a cover on it to keep dust off.

If you’re driving 

Plan your route ahead of time and make hotel reservations in advance.  You will want to have enough U.S. cash for the journey and any unexpected emergencies, such as speeding tickets that must be paid in cash.Before you go, have your vehicle serviced and check tire pressure, brakes, etc.

Make sure your vehicle ownership and insurance certificates are in the vehicle.

Make sure your passport and NEXUS cards are handy for crossing the border and not packed in the trunk.

Have the full address and zip code of your rental home or the home you own in the U.S. with you to show at the border if requested.

Be sure to declare any food that you are taking across the border. Banned foods will be confiscated. Many snowbirds prefer to buy their food once they have crossed the border if travelling by car or RV.

Pack a small case of bottled water so you have plenty for the journey and your hotel stays.

Pack a small carry-on bag with all that you need for the journey (including lighter clothes as you get farther south) and take this into your hotel at night (include toiletries, laptop or tablet, chargers, changes of clothes and anything else you will need on the way down). This way you don’t have to lug your big suitcases into the hotel each night.

Packing

Don’t pack too much! Most of us take lots of clothes we never use. Remember you will have laundry facilities where you’re going. Travel light!

Remember that it can be cold some of the time, so take a light jacket and sweaters.

Remember to take all your chargers for phones, kindle, tablet, laptop, shaver, etc.

Consider taking your own beach towels. Pack any sports equipment such as golf clubs, tennis racquets, etc. DON’T pack or take any banned foods, as they will be confiscated at

the border. This includes fresh fruit!

Intergenerational programs: It takes a village to age optimally…from the McMaster Aging Portal, December 2018

The Bottom Line

Intergenerational programs can have a positive impact on everyone involved.

They have the potential to improve the well-being of older adults, reduce stigma associated with aging and discrimination against older adults, while also supporting youth development.

Guides are available to support individuals and groups wishing to develop intergenerational programs.

People often mention the need to develop more intergenerational programs. Employers increasingly promote intergenerational collaborative work to use the skills of older employees and to transfer the tricks of the trade to new, junior employees. Schools and recreational centers set up programs where children visits nursing homes to do some arts and crafts. Universities promote cohabitation programs to connect students looking for low-cost housing with older adults who have a free room and can benefit from support and companionship. But what do we know about the effectiveness of intergenerational programs?

What the research tells us

Many intergenerational programs are supported by research evidence. A recent systematic review highlighted the benefits of intergenerational interventions, whether face-to-face, virtual or combined, in different settings and contexts: schools, health and social services centers, day centers, or private residences.

Findings from this systematic review indicate that intergenerational programs are appropriate and effective for older adults, including people with dementia. They have the potential to nurture a sense of being useful to society (such as the feeling that older people can guide and positively influence future generations), to improve the well-being of older adults, but also to reduce the stigma associated with aging and discrimination against older adults. In addition, by enabling older adults to mentor or tutor children and youth, intergenerational interventions have the potential to improve students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional and motivational outcomes.

Intergenerational programs seem to benefit young people, older adults, and society. Some programs may be time limited and informal (for example, teaching children how to grow vegetables in a community garden, reading to children at the municipal library, or allowing young people to provide computer support to older adults), while others may require formal partnerships (for example, relocating a daycare centre or a primary-school

class to a nursing home, or implementing an intergenerational mentoring program in a school). Guides are available to support individuals and organizations who wish to set up intergenerational programs. Let's take advantage of them to learn how to build strong communities with strong intergenerational bonds!

‘Baby Boomer’ retirements will cause a huge wave of business transfers according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business…from an article posted by CFIB on the web November 28, 2018

Approaching "baby boomer" retirements will result in a huge transfer of business ownership over the next five to 10 years, but only a small percentage of owners have a formal written succession plan, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says.

In a report released Wednesday, the CFIB suggests 47 per cent of business owners with a small or mid-size enterprise (SME) intend to exit their business within the next five years and 72 per cent plan to exit within a decade.

However, the CFIB report said only eight per cent of owners surveyed had a formal, written succession plan. About 51 per cent didn't have any plan and 41 per cent had an informal plan.

"While it is encouraging that a good proportion of business owners intend to pass their business on to a new generation, the lack of formal planning gives rise to significant risks for Canada's competitiveness and prosperity," the CFIB says in a report by research analyst Marvin Cruz.

"With potentially over $1.5 trillion in assets changing hands during the next 10 years, Canada cannot afford to have so many SME owners unprepared to make that transition."

The CFIB's conclusions are based on an online survey of 2,507 small business owners conducted last May.

In four out of five cases, retirement was cited as the reason for the planned departure from a business. Other reasons included a move to another business venture or lack of profit in their current enterprise.

About 62 per cent of survey respondents said they'd rely on the sale of their business as a source of retirement income.

The CFIB said formal succession plans have the advantage of being developed with the input of professional advisers who can help develop a timetable and a process for resolving disputes.

It also identifies a number of barriers to creating a succession plan -- such

as family members who don't want to take over the business and entrepreneurs who would prefer to start a new business than buying an existing business.

"Currently, there are very few options in Canada to connect those looking to exit their business with those who may be interested in purchasing a business and may be an area for governments to explore," the report says.

It also suggests that the government change the tax rules so that transfers of small businesses to family members are treated in a similar manner as to a non-family buyer.

Under current rules, a gain in the business's value over the owner's tenure is treated as a dividend if sold to a family member and as a capital gain if sold to a non-family buyer.

"In effect, these rules can discourage the transfer of a business to a family member because the transaction does not include the right to a lifetime capital gains exemption and is, therefore, more heavily taxed."

The top 10 Healthy Food Trends for 2019…from an article posted by Whole foods in December 2018

The spot-on prognosticators at Whole Foods have released their predictions for the new year – here's what to expect.

When it comes to upcoming food trends, we may not have soothsayers looking into crystal balls – but we do have the global buyers and experts from Whole Foods, and they seem to be super savvy. For 2018 they predicted advanced plant-based foods – Beyond Burger and other products proved them right. For 2017 it was wellness tonics and coconut everything, check and check. For 2016: Wine in cans and fermented foods ... maybe we need to ask them about lottery numbers?

According to the company, their seasoned trend-spotters thoughtfully compile the reports "based on more than 100 years of combined experience in product sourcing, studying consumer preferences and participating in food and wellness industry exhibitions worldwide." Given that Whole Foods is in the, you know, food business, it makes sense that they'd have a crackerjack team sniffing out the trends for the upcoming year. Here is what they predict for 2019 – let's see how well they do.

1. Pacific Rim flavors

One might think we're running out of novel global flavors but fear not: 2019 will be the year of the Pacific Rim. Think Asia, Oceania and the western coasts of North and South America – not exactly local to us in North America, I realize. I've already seen jackfruit as a meat alternative all over the place, and the keto darling, monkfruit, has been replacing sugar for the

carb-conscious for a while. But Whole Foods (WF) says to watch out for things like guava, dragon fruit, passionfruit, longganisa (a Filipino pork sausage), dried shrimp, cuttlefish and shrimp paste, among other flavor inspirations.

2. Shelf-stable probiotics

The fermented food craze has been fueled much in part by their being rich in probiotics. Now, says WF, we can expect even more innovative probiotics in food, and in more novel iterations. "New strains of probiotics such as Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 are making more shelf-stable applications possible. Wellness-focused brands are making it easier to get more probiotics in your day by adding functional probiotic ingredients to your pantry staples through products like granola, oatmeal, nut butters, soups and nutrition bars."

3. Trendy fats

Oh, how times have changed. Once the bad boys of the food world, fats are now the darling’s thanks much in part to keto, paleo, grain-free and paleo-vegan diets. "Along with these phat fats, higher protein and lower-carb combos will continue to trend across simple and easy snacking categories," they predict. Look for keto-friendly nutrition bars made with MCT (Medium chain triglyceride) oil powder, coconut butter–filled chocolates, “fat bomb” snacks and a new wave of ready-to-consume vegan coffee drinks inspired by butter coffees. And ghee will be bigger than ever.

4. Next level hemp

Hemp hearts, seeds and oils have been around for a while, but with the explosion of the cannabis industry, new interest has many brands looking to explore the field. WF writes, "While CBD oil is still technically taboo (prohibited in food, body care and dietary supplements under federal law), retailers, culinary experts and consumers can’t miss the cannabis craze when visiting food industry trade shows, food innovators conferences or even local farmers markets."

5. Non-meat meaty snacks

As more and more people are transitioning to plant-based eating, we are really seeing plant-based fake meats reach new heights. "Bloody" veggie burger, anyone? Now the trend is expected to invade the meat snacks segment as well. "Mushrooms like king trumpet will play a key role here, flexing their flavor and texture powers in tasty jerky, 'pork' rinds and 'bacon' snacks." Expect several other inventions as well.

6. Eco-conscious packaging

This can't come a minute too soon: Several brands switching their packaging

in response to the environment. Among other initiatives, there should be more compostable packaging and less plastic. "Expect to see an emphasis on reusing, with more produce departments going “BYOVB” (bring your own vegetable bag) and traditionally single-use packages going multi-use, like multi-use (and compostable!) food wraps made from beeswax, as well as waxed canvas or silicone alternatives to the usual plastic storage bags that can be used for sandwiches and snacks. Some movements start as trends, then become necessities. This is one of them." Yes, yes, and yes.

7. Innovative frozen desserts

The ice cream market is going loco! And in the best way: Think frozen treats that include avocado, hummus, tahini and coconut water. Prepare for ice creams with ribbons of savory cheese and globally-inspired desserts like Taiwanese snow ice and Mexican nieves de garrafa, not to mention "stretchy, chewy, Turkish ice creams that get their unique texture from mastic and other unique sources." Bring it on.

8. More delicacies from the ocean

Sea vegetables have gone from near obscurity to seaweed snacks in all the kids' lunch boxes – now expect even more influences from the watery abyss. "Sea greens are showing up in dishes like seaweed butter and kelp noodles while consumers are exploring new depths of ocean flavors with superfood properties like unique varietals of algae and kelp. Puffed snacks made from water lily seeds, plant-based tuna alternatives with algae ingredients, crispy snackable salmon skins with omega-3s and kelp jerkies are just a few testing the waters." Ahoy!

9. Snacking grows up

It appears we are entering a new era of snacking: "Snacking across the board will take a turn toward the fancy, and snacks, as they start to usurp the usual three-meals-a-day routine, are anything but ordinary." Hey, I love snacking, I consider myself an expert, but this one worries me a bit because of snippets such as: "one-ounce portions of Cypress Grove cheeses," "portable snack packages," and "new packaged snacks" ... the last thing we need to be promoting is small servings of food in individually wrapped packages. Buy in bulk and make your own to-go snacks in reusable containers – and then snack to your heart's content.

10. Brands that empower

As more people want to vote and/or influence with their wallets, consumer purchasing power continues to inspire decisions in the food, beverage and body care industries. In 2019, WF predicts that companies that focus on environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and social issues will be more popular than ever. Right on! It's interesting, now that Whole Foods is owned by Amazon it's easy to kind of forget the market's original vibe and ethos, that of an ethically-minded vegetarian natural foods store. So, for me, at

least, it was heartening to read this prediction for the future, one that sounds like a memory from Whole Foods' past: "Contributing toward social movements via purchasing goods and services with missions you believe in can make for big changes that extend far beyond the world of retail." Now that's a trend we can get behind.

10th Edition EPC Materials Available Soon

The 10th edition rewrite of the EPC materials will be available soon. They will have all the recent facts and figures that are available in the aging marketplace today.

Stay tuned for further information and the release date.

Did you know that CIEPS is on LinkedIn?EPC member Paul Fawcett started a group on LinkedIn and it is now an open group. Why not join it so that you can keep up to date with trending discussions that would be of interest to the Elder Planning Counselor.

Join and share with the group here - Elder Planning Counselor's Group

CIEPS/EPC is always looking for interesting articles from the EPC membership for submission to the PULSE

If you have any interesting articles that you would like to have submitted into the EPC PULSE pertaining to senior issues etc., please send them to me and if suitable, we will put them into the monthly PULSE and give credit where it is due. You can send them directly to me – registrar@cieps.com

Please keep your contact information current with us

In order to help us keep your contact information up to date, so that you do not miss any timely information, renewal notifications and the PULSE monthly email newsletter, please use our Member update form if any of your information has changed. You can access the form here -EPC Member Update Form

CIEPS Member Benefits

CIEPS has recently added 2 new member benefits for those EPC members in good standing.

1. Major Hotel Discounts – Now you can use many of our CIEPS hotels across Canada and enjoy EPC member discounts when travelling in those areas. For more information, view here - EPC MEMBER HOTEL DISCOUNTS

2. CARP – CIEPS is pleased to now offer EPC members in good standing a special rate for a 1-year CARP Membership, including a subscription to Zoomer magazine. For more information, view here - EPC/CARP MEMBER DISCOUNTS

3. CIEPS is pleased to announce a new partnership with frames4diplomas.com. They provide professional looking customized certificate and diploma frames for your EPC suitable for framing certificate indicating that you have qualified to be an Elder Planning Counselor. These frames are very reasonably priced and can be ordered directly from Frames4diplomas.com. We will ship a certificate directly to the company after you submit your order to them.

Go here - EPC Customized Diploma Frames to find out more information and how you can order them.

Alberta EPC ChapterIf you live in Alberta and would like to be involved in starting an EPC Chapter please contact Earl Robertson - earl_robertson77@yahoo.ca

Vancouver EPC ChapterIf you live in Vancouver, BC area and would like to be involved in staring an EPC Chapter please contact Jane Chang at jchang@ashtoncollege.com

If you are interested in starting an EPC Chapter in your area, please let us know. CIEPS will be happy to provide any assistance necessary to get you started.

Important notice regarding your EPC Membership duesWhen you pay your EPC Membership Dues, please include applicable taxes (GST/HST) for your Province of residence.

If you are sending a cheque for your EPC Membership, please reference that the cheque is for.

Annual renewal fee—$150.00 + Applicable taxes for the Province you reside in. This can be paid by Cheque, Visa or MasterCard

If you reside in AB, BC, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT your yearly renewal is $157.50 all taxes included.

If you reside in ON, your yearly renewal is $169.50 all taxes included. If you reside in NS, NB, NL or PE your yearly renewal is $172.50 all

taxes included.

CE requirements when renewing your EPC

Designation

CIEPS has a requirement of 30 CE credits annually when you renew your EPC membership.

Lately we have been receiving questions about the Continuing Education requirements when renewing your EPC Designation.

The following should clarify this for you.

If you are in a profession that requires CE Credits, then we accept that number of CE hours towards your EPC Membership renewal.

If you are in a profession that does not require CE Credits, then you do not require any CE to renew your EPC membership.

EPC Membership Renewal Fee Reminder Please ensure your membership dues are up-to-date.

Annual renewal fee—$150.00 + Applicable taxes for the Province you reside in. This can be paid by Cheque, Visa, MasterCard or email transfer to alex@cieps.com and it will be processed for you.

If you reside in AB, BC, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT your yearly renewal is $157.50 all taxes included.

If you reside in ON, your yearly renewal is $169.50 all taxes included. If you reside in NS, NB, NL or PE your yearly renewal is $172.50 all

taxes included.

Don’t forget to add the taxes for your Province of residence.

Not sure when your renewal is? Check the date on your EPC Certificate. The date you passed your EPC Qualification examination is your renewal date each year.

We email receipts for renewal payments at the end of the month which you paid your dues.

To renew securely online RENEW HERE

ReminderRemember, only an EPC member in good standing may use the EPC mark, the words EPC Designation, or logo on any advertising, business cards, stationery, signage, voice mail or email. This is in accordance with the CIEPS tenets and standards.

PLEASE NOTE!

Just a reminder that when you use your credit card to pay for your EPC

tuition, Renewal fees, or purchase anything from the EPC Resource Library, it will show on your statement as CNDIAN INTIVE FOR ELDR ST… Beamsville, ON. With a phone number of 866 833-8606 don’t panic, as this is the Elder Planning Counselor Designation (EPC).

If you would like to stop receiving this publication, please respond to info@cieps.com with the message “STOP MY PULSE!”

To contact CIEPS:

Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies4438 Ontario Street, Suite 203 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B5 Phone: 866.833.8606 Fax: 866.209.5111