Senior Living 2013

Senior LIVING

IN THE GOLDEN ISLES

Volunteer options keep life activeSome fashions are forever young

Staying fit has no limitationsDrivers can stay on roadGetting things free is a perk

Staying fit has no limitationsDrivers can stay on roadGetting things free is a perk

WHAT BABY BOOMERS SHOULD KNOW TO PLAN FOR RETIREMENT

1SENIOR LIVING PROCESS

2 The Brunswick News / Thursday, September 26, 2013

Senior LIVING

AGELESS STYLES STAY FOREVER YOUNG Lifestyle

As women age, they often blend personal style with comfort

when buying new clothes. With that in mind, designers have been incorporating sophisticated cuts and bolder patterns while maintaining longer sleeves and breathable fabrics that continue to appeal to the tastes of older demographics.

Beth Brown, manager at Belk at Glynn Place Mall, 100 Mall Blvd., Glynn County, says she has seen a multi-generational move by designers to create similar colors and cuts that work for several age ranges.

“Designers are incorporat-ing styles and colors across the board for families. So you re-ally don’t have fashion trends that only apply to one age group anymore. For example, we see trendy tunics across the board. Women of any size or any age can dress with the trends,” she said.

Fashions popular this fall include bold, color pieces that shoppers can mix and match. Jackets, in particular, are popular as bold accent pieces for older women that can be dressed up or down according to the occasion.

“We have several jackets that serve as statement pieces that can be paired either with jeans for a casual day or with nice pants for an evening out,” said Terry Trawick, shopping consul-tant at Maggie’s Boutique, 1616 Fred-erica Road, St. Simons Island.

“Here on the coast, we have 50 de-grees in the morning and 80 degrees in the afternoon. It’s important to get pieces that you can peel off as the day progresses, but also leave the lady not feeling too exposed.”

Trawick says one of the store’s most popu-lar items is a three-quarter-length top that is

made of a dry-fit material that comes in a sassafras plum color.

“Some ladies don’t like to ex-pose a lot of skin, so three-

quarter-length can help keep them somewhat

covered, but is also comfortable and stylish, especially when paired with a large necklace,” she said.

Besides plum, sev-eral other colors are popping up in clothes across showroom floors this fall.

“You used to go into a store in fall and just see brown. Now we have rich plums, toasty oranges and deep Kelly greens, especially in the South where we don’t have such cold weather, so colors are important,” Brown said of the displays in the Belk store.

Carol Brubaker, owner of Dazzle, 3303 Frederica Road, St. Simons Is-land, agrees.

“You can’t be afraid of color, no matter your age,” Brubaker said. “There is no sub-tlety this fall. There are big, bold patterns and colors.”

Brubaker says it is important to think of an out-fit as a whole, where different pieces come to-gether, rather than

just imagining what it looks like on the store’s clothing rack.

“Older women are sophisticated shoppers. They may not like the low-cut looks, but then they pair a shirt with a scarf or several necklaces that covers them and gives a bit of glitz. The same goes for skirts, which are trending about 2 inches below the knee for this fall. They may wear tights un-derneath rather than leaving their skin exposed, but older women aren’t confined to turtlenecks and long pants,” she said.

Scarves are a seasonal addi-tion to many autumn wardrobes

each year, but several stores are seeing in-creased interest in other accessories, particu-larly handbags with big, bold patterns and clunky jewelry that can be layered on top of clothing, as well.

Boots are another ageless trend that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.

“I can’t talk enough about boots being pop-ular,” Brown said. “Shoe companies

are making products that still provide older women a

comfortable fit. Some specific needs, such as a cushioned

insoles, are found in more

products. And brands that have attracted an older generation in the

past are coming out with fashion-able styles, too.”

Above all, feel confident about the purchase, whether it’s an accessory or ma-jor wardrobe pur-chase, Brubaker said.

“If you try it on and don’t like it, then don’t buy it. Many older women have the option to buy fewer pieces, because they can dip into their fa-vorites through the years. So they can spend more or also look at having altera-tions done to give that almost perfect look

the needed polish,” she added.

By BETHANY LEGGETTThe Brunswick News

Large handbags, at Maggie’s Boutique

A layered necklace, at Belk

An Issa dress, at Dazzle

A fall-color top, at Dazzle

2SENIOR LIVING PROCESS 3SENIOR LIVING PROCESS

The Brunswick News / Thursday, September 26, 2013 3

Fashion 2Designers are adopting multi-generational styles

Driving 4Older motorists need to make adjustments

Benefits 6One benefit of getting older is having reduced prices

Travel 6Older travelers may need to take additional precautions

Social media 8Technology lets spread-out families keep in touch

Retirement housing 9A variety of options are available for downsizing

Nursing home option 9A move to a nursing home requires planning to adapt

Volunteering 10Finding a worthy cause is one way to stay connected

Exercise 12Older athletes can stay in the game

Vision 13Cataracts are not always age-related

Medicare 14The Affordable Care Act will improve on Medicare

Alzheimer’s disease 15Without prevention, there are ways to delay risks

Strategies 17Planning for legal needs should begin in 60s

Getting ready 18Preparing psychologically is as important as financially

Planning 18Retirees need to chart a course for action

Social Security 20Establishing an online account is a first step

Steps to take 21The time to start planning is while still working

Finances 22One trap to avoid is over-spending before retiring

Retiring early 22Early retirement has ben-efits and drawbacks

Senior LIVING

WHAT’S INSIDELifestyle

Health & Fitness

Elder law

Retirement

ON THE COVERJekyll Island resident Jack Nolen at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center.

3311 Lee StreetBrunswick, Georgia 31520

912-264-1857

Georgia Health Care Association recipient of Alliant/GMFC Georgia Quality Award for improving the quality of healthcare in nursing

homes.

Speak to your Hospital Case Manager for a referral to Sears Manor or call us directly at

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Admissions to Sears Manor are made without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, gender or religion.

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“A Place to Call Home”



Stephen Ryner is blunt about it, and as the district coordinator for the AARP driving safety class in Brunswick, he is allowed to be: “The two most dangerous people on the road are new, young drivers and older driv-ers,” he says.

Ryner has taught the AARP driving class more than 70 times, to several thousand old-er drivers. Completion of the six-hour course can result in a 10 percent discount on car in-surance over three years.

One rule that Ryner recommend is, “Go where they ain’t.” By this he means that if a person knows there will be heavy traffic in an area, either wait until it thins out or travel around it.

“We don’t have to go out at 8 o’clock, when the kids are going to school and people are going to work,” he said. “After nine (a.m.) everyone’s at work; then you should go out, but get back before 11, because that’s when people go out to lunch and go shopping. Then wait until 1 or 2 (p.m.).”

In this cat-and-mouse traffic game, the worst time for a senior to be out would be at 3:30 p.m. With school buses and high school students on the road, Ryner advises older drivers to stay inside, or if they are out, pull over and wait about 20 minutes.

“High school lets out and (students) are in a big hurry,” said Ryner, a St. Simons Island resident. “They’re going somewhere.”

There’s another aspect to his “Go where they ain’t” principle. It involves a parking lot. In a parking lot, seniors should park as far away from other cars as possible to avoid damage, either to their vehicle or someone else’s, and where backing out could be trou-blesome.

“Even if the (parking) spot is far from the

entrance, it’s OK,” he said. “Seniors need the exercise anyway, don’t they?”

Exercise is also a key tip to being a safe driver. During the AARP class, participants watch a video that shows proper techniques to exercise foot, leg, chest, arm and neck muscles.

Performing these exercises will make for a safer driver on the road by creating stron-ger muscles, which will make it easier to perform driving functions, such as turning necks to merge into traffic, said Brent Taylor, an AARP instructor.

Seniors just need to be careful what exer-cises they do.

“They would have to talk to their doctor first and practice it at home, but it does help,” Taylor said.

Éven with exercise, drivers over the age of 55 should monitor their drive time. Seniors shouldn’t drive more that two hours or 100 miles, which ever comes first, consecutively, Taylor said.

“Do a little exercise when you stop, just to get the blood flowing again,” Taylor said.

While driving, seniors should:• Make sure the side mirrors are properly

adjusted.• Not fidget with a radio, cellphone or oth-

er device.• Be alert, attentive and cautious. • Find less dense traffic routes to destina-

tions.• Always try to have someone else in the

vehicle

Learn moreAn AARP driving safety class will be Nov.

2, at the Brunswick-Glynn County Public Library, 208 Gloucester St., Brunswick. Call instructor Stephen Ryner at 634-5997 to register.

Senior LIVING

DRIVERS CAN ADJUST TO STAY ON THE ROAD

Lifestyle

By MARTIN RAND IIIThe Brunswick News

AARP driving instructors Brent Taylor, left, and Stephen Ryner.

w w w . b e n t o n h o u s e . c o m

benton housea sen ior l iv i ng com mu n it y

You want the best for your loved one. Let Benton House help.

Choosing the best option for a senior loved one can be a confusing and overwhelming process. At Benton House we stand ready to serve you, even if we’re not your ultimate choice. Learn more about:

Service options - de�ning independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes and in-home care

Fees and services - how to pay for various services

The process - how to communicate with senior loved ones, what emotions are involved, where to turn for assistance

We look forward to serving you and your family!

912-265-0225



Zandra Miles of Brunswick enjoys playing cards and bingo with her friends.

A New Day of Possibilities. Every Day!

Southeast Georgia Health System is a tobacco-free organization.

New friends and new things to do can create a

new sense of belonging. This is what residents

find at our Senior Care Centers. We provide

our residents all the care they need, while

helping them enjoy life through activities,

games and an active social life.

If you would like to learn more

or take a tour of one of our

Senior Care Centers, please call

1-855-ASK-SGHS

(1-855-275-7447).

© 2013 SGHS 9/2013



Being older can come with its perks. A wide variety of discounts are available to old-er adults at the local and state levels.

For seniors looking to advance their educa-tion or just learn something new, both College of Coastal Georgia and Altamaha Technical College have something to offer.

The University System of Georgia says that if you are a Georgia resident age 62 or older, you may be eligible to enroll in any of the col-leges and universities in the system tuition-free, either for credit or to audit. Enrollment depends on space available in the classes, but the College of Coastal Georgia welcomes se-nior citizens.

John Cornell, the college’s director of mar-keting and public relations, says the college is working on another possible benefit for older adults. “We’re working very closely right now with veteran’s communities, both on and off campus, to make it also veteran-friendly, and many seniors can fall into that category as well,” he said.

At Altamaha Tech, Georgia seniors age 62 and older can also attend classes for free, fol-lowing admission requirements. They may

not be able to participate in programs with competitive admission, however. It’s still a great option, interim president Lonnie Rob-erts said.

“One does not stop learning because of age. Education has no age limit and neither does following your dreams,” he said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity

to learn new technology, explore new hobbies or start a new career. It’s never too late to learn something new.”

Senior citizen perks continue into the realm of taxes, becoming very helpful later in life. Florence Dees, Glynn County tax commis-sioner, says there are several age-based tax exemptions available, including a school

property tax exemption. “Each year, if you plan to apply for any ex-

emption, you must do so between Jan. 1 and April 1 of each year in order to receive it on your tax bill,” Dees said. “It’s very important that you come in at that time. Though taxes aren’t due until April 15, our books must be legally closed by April 1.”

The local school exemption tax applies to those homeowners 65 and older with Georgia net income of $40,000 or less, which Dees says is item line 15 on the state tax form. There is also a county property tax exemption based solely on age for those 62 and older.

Some property tax exemptions that could be available for seniors include double home-stead exemption and property tax deferral, but Dees says that to receive any other exemp-tions, a senior must already have a homestead exemption.

“You must live in your home and it must be your primary residence,” she explained.

Some state parks and historic sites, such as Fort King George at Darien, and other places also offer discounts to people 62 and older or 65 and older. The Georgia Public Service Commission has discounts for eligible senior citizens on utility bills, and Georgia Power of-fers a similar program.

By SARAH LUNDGRENThe Brunswick News Learn more

To take advantage of some senior discounts:• For information on courses at College of Coastal

Georgia, go online to www.ccga.edu. For courses at Altamaha Technical College, go to www.altamaha tech.edu.

• For information on senior exemptions on prop-erty taxes, contact the tax commissioner’s office. In Glynn County, call 554-7000.

• For qualifications for utility discounts through the Georgia Public Service Commission, go online to www.psc.state.ga.us/consumer_corner/cc_advisory/seniordiscount.asp, call 800-282-5813 or email [email protected].

• For Georgia Power discounts, call 888-660-5890 or complete a senior citizens discount application online at https://customerservice.southerncompany.com/corporate/senior_application.asp.

Senior LIVING

AGE HAS ITS BENEFITS, AND SOME ARE FREELifestyle

TRAVEL MEANS PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DOThose who have said goodbye to the work-

a-day grind now have many hours to settle down and relax. People who have continually put off vacations in lieu of work responsibili-ties may now have all the time they need to explore the world.

Traveling for seniors can be rewarding and relaxing. Those with a substantial retirement nest egg have numerous destinations at their disposal. Mature vacationers travel more fre-quently and stay longer than any other age group.

Seniors can find several travel advantages at their disposal. Also, thanks to special senior discounts, travel may be even more affordable than first expected.

While certain destinations are not always practical for certain age brackets, there are many places to which seniors can visit com-fortably and enjoy a wealth of memories.

• Theme parks: Although theme parks may seem carved out entirely for the adven-ture-seekers, there are many other more plac-id activities that would appeal to those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground rather than looping through the air on a rock-et-propelled coaster. With animal preserves, water parks, fine dining and a bevy of hotels either in the park or directly on the outskirts, theme parks provide many activities for older travelers. Although theme parks require a lot

of walking, many provide wheelchairs or mo-torized scooters for those who need to get off of their feet. They also make a great option for seniors who will be traveling with the entire family, including children.

• Beach resorts: Provided flying is medi-cally safe, a beachside vacation can be the ideal trip for seniors looking for the utmost in relaxation. For those who have passports, the possibilities are endless. Those who prefer to remain on relatively domestic soil can retreat

to Puerto Rico, south Florida, the California coast, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Cruising: Cruising is a preferred vacation choice for the 50-plus set because it offers the convenience of an all-inclusive package and transportation all in one. With the myriad ac-tivities offered on board, cruises are a versa-tile vacation option for seniors. Also, there is no need to worry about traveling far for meals and other entertainment options, as every-thing is self-contained on the cruise ship. For

more active seniors who enjoy the daily get-away, excursions in ports of call can provide the variety desired.

• Guided tours: Seniors who want to expe-rience a piece of history can sign up for tour packages backed by reputable companies. The tours may involve train or bus travel, and various attractions will be visited. At the end of the tour, individuals can choose to extend the vacation by checking into a hotel nearby.

• RV trips: Another self-contained vaca-tion that is entirely up to the people traveling is vacationing by recreational vehicle. Seniors can customize their routes depending on which areas they want to see. Companies like Cruise America RV enable people to rent an RV so they needn’t worry about the expense of buying one. However, should RV traveling become addictive, there always is the option of buying a camper later on.

• Exotic tour: Seniors who were never able to take an extensive vacation may now want to visit those exotic locations that have beckoned for years. Now could be the time to book a ticket for Europe and visit all of the cities that have made the history books. Those looking for even more adventure can travel to the South Pacific and explore tropical islands. Others may want to go “down under” and ex-perience the rugged Outback or the culture of Australian city centers.

Plan aheadOlder travelers may need to take special needs into

consideration. Among them:• Medical conditions. Discuss your itinerary with

your doctor if you have concerns. • Medications. Take along enough in original bottles

and carry a list of your chronic medical problems. • Immunizations: Be sure they are current for where

you plan to travel. • Heart condition: Take a copy of your cardiogram

with you if you have a heart problem.• Flying. Avoid alcohol, which tends to dehydrate

all travelers, and for older people is a major cause of confusion and other medical problems. Stretch frequently. Immobility can cause blood clots.



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A free Caregiver notebook with information and tips to refer to as needed



Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see people texting on their smartphones or sharing day-to-day happenings on their Facebook pages. And with newer and better technological gadgets and gizmos hitting the markets, older adults are resorting to social media to keep in touch with family and friends.

It has become a transgenerational cross-over, said Steve Oldaker, Southeast Coastal Georgia Computer Club organizer.

“(Social media is) convenient, popular, rela-tively easy to use, multifaceted – text, photos, videos, and more – and viral/contagious, par-ticularly Facebook, which is by far the most popular social media, especially among se-niors,” Oldaker said.

It isn’t just another form of communica-tion. It’s becoming a way of life. Brunswick resident Elaine Woodcock knows. From the comfort of her laptop and iPad, Woodcock uses social media to connect with family and friends in the Buffalo, N.Y., area.

“I mainly use Facebook. I have a large and scattered family, many of whom use (the site). This gives me an opportunity to keep up with what they are doing, and share pictures and events,” Woodcock said.

“This is the media that all the younger gen-erations use, (because) they don’t want to be bothered with phone calls. If you want to stay in touch, this is the way to go,” Woodcock said.

For Glynn County resident Dianna Mu-maw, using social media, in particular Face-book, made it easier for her to keep in touch with her daughter, son, five grandchildren and members of her previous church in Ohio.

“At the time, we had just recently moved to Georgia, and they were already on it, so I just made the transition,” Mumaw said, who has

been active on the website for more than five years.

Even though Mumaw says the site can be a challenge to navigate when it updates or com-pletely changes format, she says social media can bring families that live far apart closer together.

“A lot of the keeping up that I do is sec-ondary, but it makes it easier for my family, especially my daughter. I can see pictures of her baby whenever I want and keep in touch in this way,” Mumaw said.

Jekyll Island resident Alyce Boorman agrees.

“I know what they’re doing and if there’s a post or something that intrigues me, I can pick up the phone and give them a quick call. For instance if my grandson, Joey, is scratch-ing his ear, I can write back, ‘It’s an earache,’ and follow up with a phone call giving advice on how to handle it,” Boorman said.

Using Facebook has increased talking on the phone with her family.

“I can get in touch with family and friends quicker, because I can respond to messages either by calling or chatting, and it’s neat,” Boorman said.

“If there’s a post about one of my family members or friends feeling down that I need to respond to, I’ll pick up the phone and give them a call. Sometimes I wouldn’t know I needed to make a phone call if it wasn’t for Facebook.”

Boorman also says the social media web-site has acted as a catalyst for keeping her in touch with old classmates.

“It has helped reconnect me with friends from high school that I can now keep in touch with and even second and third cousins that I wasn’t able to keep in touch with,” Boorman said. “We live clear across the continent, and Facebook is a big tool for keeping me in touch with the past and with meeting new people.”

Senior LIVING

SOCIAL MEDIA KEEPS FAMILIES CONNECTED

Lifestyle

By BRITTANY TATEThe Brunswick News

Bobby Haven/The Brunswick News

Brunswick resident Elaine Woodcock sits at a desk in her home, where she keeps up with friends and relatives on her computer.

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As they age, seniors choose to move into a retirement community for a variety of reasons.

In some instances, they become widowed and want to live in an area where their neighbors are 55 and older so they are sur-rounded by people who share common in-terests. Others seek a simpler lifestyle in an apartment or townhouse where they don’t have to worry about maintaining a home larger than they need.

Then, there are seniors who have health issues that need monitoring, but aren’t seri-ous enough to require them to move into a nursing home.

Regardless of the reason, residents in the Golden Isles have plenty of options to meet their needs.

The majority of residents at Fairhaven Assisted Living in Glynn County are be-tween the ages of 69 to 80 who don’t want to take care of a house any more. Residents, most of whom are single, live in apartments with a kitchenette, said Beth Youngblood, acting resident care manager.

Staff help residents schedule meals, set up doctor’s appointments and provide transportation several times a week. Activi-ties such as crafts, movies and puzzles are offered to residents.

Benton House, which opened six months ago in Glynn County, is described as a se-nior living community, said Julia Bates, a regional director.

“Seniors need peer groups,” she said. “They need to have the opportunity to be

around people the same age. It really is a positive state of life for seniors.”

Residents can sign up for a personal care option, in which staff members moni-tor medication taken by residents if they have health problems and assist with other needs. A memory care area is offered for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s dis-ease, Bates said.

The community organizes field trips, ex-ercise programs, entertainment, group par-

ties and family activities.“Our residents are very active,” Bates

said. “We have common areas for private and group activities. We take socialization very seriously.”

Marsh’s Edge on St. Simons Island offers a mixture of independent and assisted liv-ing designed to keep residents living inde-pendently as long as possible.

Staff members help with errands, remind residents about taking medications, pre-

pare meals, provide light housekeeping and nursing services, if necessary.

Peppertree Crossing in Brunswick at-tracts residents from the upper 50s to early 90s who are interested in living in an in-dependent living community with people their own ages.

“The main reason they move here is to stay active, mentally and physically,” said J.R. Wright, the community’s developer.

Residents live in single-floor town homes they own outright instead of renting, Wright said. “This is an ownership community,” he said. “The purpose is to downsize.” All maintenance and yard work is done by staff.

Jackie Crisp, campus administrator at Magnolia Manor on St. Simons Island, says it provides every level of care, from inde-pendent living, to assisted living, rehabili-tation and nursing care. More than half the residents require nursing care.

Residents are offered a variety of activi-ties that include transportation by bus for group events and by vehicle for smaller groups.

The majority of residents decide to move to the community because they don’t want to or are unable to take care of a house any longer.

Magnolia Manor also has a community in St. Marys that offers independent and assisted living facilities. Those living in as-sisted living housing are given three meals a day, while those in independent living are offered one meal a day of their choice.

Magnolia Manor communities have a sliding fee scale, depending on living needs.

LifestyleSenior LIVING

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES OFFER OPTIONS


A ballroom dancing class at Marsh’s Edge on St. Simons Island.

By GORDON JACKSONThe Brunswick News

NURSING HOME MOVE MAY REQUIRE PLAN TO ADAPTSome older men and women find the tran-

sition to a nursing home somewhat difficult. Men and women tend to see a move to a nursing home as a step toward surrendering their independence, and this can be a diffi-cult hurdle for seniors and their loved ones to overcome.

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

• Keep a positive attitude. The stress of moving an aging relative into a nursing home can be significant for all parties involved. But focusing on the positives of nursing homes, such as around-the-clock care and daily activities, can help aging relatives look at nursing homes in a new light.

In addition, family members who famil-iarize themselves with nursing homes will begin to see they are often great places for aging men and women to socialize with oth-ers their age while receiving the care and attention they need. When discussing the move to a nursing home, focus on these posi-tives and your relative will be more likely to follow your lead.

• Choose a nursing home that is close to home. One of the more difficult parts of transitioning to a nursing home is the notion that men and women are leaving their lives behind once they move into a home. Choos-ing a nursing home that’s close to home and makes routine visits from friends and relatives possible enables men and women to maintain a connection to their current life-style.

A home that is miles and miles away from a person’s support system can foster feelings of isolation and loneliness.

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

The more involved your aging relative is in the daily life of your family, the more likely he or she is to see the advantages of living in a nursing home.

• Encourage your loved ones to take some personal items along. When moving into a nursing home, men and women must leave behind many of their possessions. This is a simple space issue, as the rooms in a typical nursing home cannot accommodate a life’s worth of keepsakes and possessions. But that doesn’t mean men and women have to leave everything behind.

Encourage your loved one to take along

some possessions, such as his or her family photos, a favorite chair or smaller mementos from places he or she visited throughout his or her life. Such items can make a nursing home seem less antiseptic and more like a home.

• Set up an e-mail account for your loved one. If your loved one still has his or her mental health, then set him or her up with an e-mail account. This allows your loved one to maintain daily contact with family and friends.

Many of today’s nursing homes provide facilities where residents can access the In-ternet. If not, speak to the staff and ask if your relative can bring his or her own com-puter.

If your relative will be able to routinely access the Internet, consider purchasing a digital subscription to the newspaper so he or she can further maintain a connection to the community.



Senior LIVING

VOLUNTEERING HELPS SUSTAIN INVOLVEMENT

Lifestyle

After 42 years as a registered nurse, Marion Clark could not say good-bye to the profes-sion when she retired from Rochester, N.Y., to St. Simons Island. The 89-year-old quickly took her talents to the Southeast Georgia Health System to seek volunteer work.

“I volunteer here three days a week. It’s part of who I am and I enjoy it. I originally planned to volunteer just one day a week, but I tried out three days a week and never looked back,” Clark said as she worked with patients in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.

Clark is one of many senior citizens who devote their time and experience to the hos-pital. Kristin Doll, director of volunteer ser-vices, says there are a variety of opportunities for older adults to explore.

“Our goal is to match the volunteer’s skills and interests with available opportunities. Volunteers serve in many areas, including the Senior Care Center, guest services desks, gift shops and more,” Doll said.

The hospital is seeking volunteers to help the health system organize its history that has been recorded in photos and newspaper clip-pings.

For those seniors looking to explore a dif-ferent kind of history, there are opportuni-

ties at the Coastal Georgia Histori-

cal Society. Susan Bacon, the organization’s development and volunteer coordinator, says people can find something to do at the A.W. Jones Heritage Museum, the Maritime Cen-ter or the St. Simons Island Lighthouse.

“Seniors can volunteer as a museum guide or docent, greeting visitors and interpret-ing exhibits, the history of Coastal Georgia and St. Simons Island, the lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling and the Maritime Center,” Bacon said. “School docents help students gain a special appreciation of the history of Coastal Georgia.”

Volunteers are crucial to many other or-ganizations in the Golden Isles, including United Way of Coastal Georgia. Dana Haza, president and chief executive, says the group seeks to connect volunteers of any age with their passions, but older adults are a crucial piece of what the umbrella fundraiser for non-profit agencies does.

“Our seniors are the treasured resource; to have them engaged only makes our commu-nity a richer place to live,” Haza said.

“Our biggest need right now is mentors and tutors for Blueprint, kicking off Sept. 25,” Haza said of the organization’s mission to raise the local high school graduation rate. “The mentors would have a strong sense of life in its stages, the ability to impart their life experience to help these at-risk young people to not only succeed in school, but to give them a vision of the future and what is possible.”

Haza also helps connect volunteers to United Way’s partner agencies, and even those that are not partners, but are in need. Some on these lists include America’s Sec-

ond Harvest Food Bank, Girl Scouts and Boy

Scouts of America, Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

By SARAH LUNDGRENThe Brunswick News

Sarah Lundgren/ The Brunswick News

Marion Clark, a retired nurse and a volunteer at Southeast Georgia Health System, talks with patient Edward Stephens, a Brunswick resident, while he does an exercise in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.

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Starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine can be a challenge as men and women age. They may want to build strength and maintain bone density, but think that exercis-ing requires strenuous workouts.

No matter your age, current level of activ-ity or medical condition, you can benefit from exercise. And it doesn’t take an army of per-sonal trainers to do it.

If strength is what you’re after, Todd Thomp-son, owner of CrossFit Grit, 201 Skylane Drive, St Simons Island, suggests exercises that do just that – work on your strength.

“There are pushups, lunges, dead lifts, back squats, rowing and pull ups. It’s not about age, but limitation on range of motion. If you want to add more resistance, throw in strength bands and that will help,” said Thompson, who has been a firefighter with the Glynn County Fire Department for 11 years.

For those who are worried about straining muscles or are concerned they may injure themselves, try marching in place, arm raises or pushups using a wall instead of a floor. For those who are frail or chair-bound, use light body weight, like ankle and wrist weights.

If balance is what you seek, Thompson says there are exercises that target large muscle

groups while building on your abdominals. As for stretching and flexibility, Zane

Schauer, a personal trainer at St. Simons Health and Fitness, 2929 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, stresses that older adults will have a harder time if they don’t stretch.

“It’s all about competence and confidence. We create the condition that we don’t want to happen. You will hear a lot of people say, ‘Well, I can’t work out because I’m too frail’ or ‘I know that if I do certain exercises I will injure myself,’ and it’s hard for them to realize that they can do it,” Schauer said.

“I say it’s all about adding life to your years, not years to your life. You haven’t been aged out of exercising so don’t blame it on age. There’s a lot to take advantage of.”

Older adults should focus on functional fitness rather than a bodybuilding workout, Schauer added. Unlike bodybuilding that fo-cuses on isolating muscles in order for them to work independently, functional fitness ex-ercises train muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks you might do at home, at work or in sports.

“For older adults, it could be asked: Can I garden? Can I pick up my grandkids? Can I walk with my spouse? You have to put in what you want of your exercises,” Schauer said.

The goal, he says, is to develop greater strength, balance, coordination and endur-ance through exercises that mimic everyday activities and movements.

Brian Ginn, owner of CrossFit St. Simons, agrees. It’s a focus he believes should be im-plemented.

“So much of functional fitness is about ev-eryday life movements that people neglect, such as walking up and down the stairs, reach-ing for items on the top shelves and squatting to sit in a chair,” Ginn said.

Ginn suggests that older adults partici-pate in group classes and set attainable goals.

“A lot of (seniors) don’t have an active lifestyle. They have the want, but not the know-how, and it’s because discourage-ment might creep in or they’re too embar-rassed to be compared to 20-something-year-olds,” Ginn said. “In a group setting, everything is infinitely scalable, they’re held accountable and the exercises are do-able for them.”

For seniors looking to work on form, movement and getting active, Ginn says in-corporate everyday movements to get you up and going, such as picking up your shoes and putting them down several times, and walking.

Like Thompson and Ginn, Schauer says strength, cardio, flexibility, and nutrition are essential components that need to be part of exercise routines.

“If you have bad nutrition but are working hard on the other three components, then it’s not going to work. It needs to be a packaged deal,” Schauer said.

Even though exercising is only part of stay-ing healthy, Schauer stresses that a well-bal-anced diet completes the circle.

“It’s not just about eating the right foods. It’s what, how much, when, and how fast you eat,” Schauer said. “Eat like a king for break-fast, like a prince for lunch and like a pauper for dinner.”

When it comes to warm ups and cool downs, Schauer and Thompson agree that at least 10 to 15 minutes should be set aside for stretches.

“Foam rollers, yoga, pilates and differ-ent stretches like these should be done. (The length of time) depends on what you’re doing and if there were a lot of strict movements,” Thompson said.

While wanting to get in shape is laudable, Schauer says some seniors need to consult their doctors before starting a workout plan.

“Assuming they are the Average Joe and Jane, they are on prescription drugs or have (medical) conditions,” he said.

“Though doing some form of exercise is imperative, (seniors) still need a physical or need to talk to a trainer so that they can create individualized workouts for them that won’t cause problems later on down the road,” Schauer said.

But once they get the OK, Schauer, Ginn and Thompson agree that exercising will im-prove life tremendously.

“Once people start to feel better, they’ll want to do it more. Exercising opens nerve passages, reduces cholesterol, reduces use of medications, and can help some regain the ability to get off of the ground. Doing funda-mental non-magic (exercises and movements) will help improve your life,” Schauer said. “Think about it like this: Life insurance is there when something goes wrong, but exer-cise can prevent you from using it.”

ADJUSTMENTS KEEP FITNESS ON TRACKSenior LIVING Health & Fitness

By BRITTANY TATEThe Brunswick News


Zane Schauer, a personal trainer at St. Simons Health and Fitness Club, stresses the importance of stretching as he demonstrates stretching techniques on a Precor stretch machine.

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Many men and women develop cataracts as they approach their golden years. While aging is the single biggest risk factor for cat-aracts, there are other factors that can con-tribute to cataracts, which can afflict people of all ages. According to the American Opto-metric Association, the following factors can contribute to the development of cataracts.

• Alcohol consumption: Studies have shown that higher alcohol consumption can increase a person’s risk of developing cata-racts.

• Diabetes mellitus: Persons with diabe-tes are at a higher risk of developing cata-racts than those who do not have diabetes.

• Medications: Certain medications have been associated with the development of cat-aracts. Corticosteroids and chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine related medications have been linked to cataracts in the past.

• Nutrition: Men and women who do not eat a nutritious diet may be increasing their risk of developing cataracts. The optometric association says studies examining a po-tential link between nutrient deficiency and cataracts are inconclusive, but some studies have suggested there is such a link between the formation of cataracts and low levels of antioxidants like vitamins C and E.

• Smoking: Smoking can increase a per-son’s risk for a host of ailments, including cataracts.

• Ultraviolet radiation exposure: Persons who aren’t adequately protected when ex-posed to ultraviolet, or UV, radiation have a greater risk of developing cataracts.

Some people may be born with cataracts or develop them during childhood. Such cataracts are known as congenital cataracts and may be the result of the mother having contracted an infection while pregnant. Kids born with cataracts may also have inherited them. For example, cataracts may be a side effect of Alport syndrome, a genetic condi-tion characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss and abnormalities in the eye.

When a person develops cataracts, surgery is the only effective treatment. But that does

not necessarily mean a doctor will suggest surgery right away. Cataracts do not typically harm the eye, and delaying surgery does not mean you are less likely to regain your vision if and when you do opt for surgery. Doctors will likely recommend surgery when cata-racts begin to impact quality of life, such as making reading or driving more difficult.

Cataracts are often mistakenly considered a byproduct of aging. But not every aging man or woman will develop cataracts, and not all cataracts are a byproduct of aging. Learn more at www.aoa.org.

Warning signsSigns and symptoms of cataracts include:• Clouded, blurred or dim vision.• Increasing difficulty with vision at night.• Sensitivity to light and glare.• Seeing “halos” around lights.• Frequent changes in eyeglass or con-

tact lens prescription.• Fading or yellowing of colors.• Double vision in a single eye.Cloudiness in vision caused by a cata-

ract initially may affect only a small part of the eye’s lens, and vision loss may not be apparent. As a cataract increases in size, it clouds more of the lens and distorts light passing through it. At that point, signs and symptoms may be more noticeable.Source: Mayo Clinic

PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDS MOBILITYIllnesses of the musculoskeletal system

can result in temporary loss of mobility. But physical therapy can help to prevent those temporary problems from becoming perma-nent.

The American Physical Therapy Asso-ciation says physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have con-ditions that limit their abilities to perform functional activities. While athletes fre-quently rely on physical therapy as they re-

cover from injuries, others can benefit from physical therapy as well.

For example, physical therapy may work in conjunction with other treatments for car-diopulmonary disease. The cardiopulmo-nary system delivers oxygen to active tissues, which plays an important part in movement. When the cardiopulmonary system is com-promised, muscles and other tissues may not function as they should, and certain exercises and mobility therapies may be needed.

Senior LIVING Health & Fitness

NUMEROUS FACTORS CAN LEAD TO CATARACTS

Balance and FallsQ - “What are common causes of falls?” A - Unfortunately the things that come with aging put us at a higher risk for falls such as failing eyesight and hearing, decreased strength and balance and taking multiple medications. Home hazards include throw rugs, electrical cords, poor lighting and spills on the floor.

Q - “Where do most falls occur?” A - Most falls occur in or near the home. Surprisingly, most falls occur on an EVEN surface and often by tripping when walking.

Q - “How can I make my home safer?” A - Secure loose rugs with slip-resistant backing, remove phone or electrical cords from walkways, move furniture from high traffic areas and immediately clean spilled liquids. Improve lighting to avoid tripping over objects or thresholds.

Q - “I am afraid of falling in my bathroom. What can I do to make it safer?” A - Grab bars for the shower/tub, shower chairs, non-slip mats and handheld shower heads make bathing less dangerous. Elevated toilet seats or toilets with armrests reduce the risk while sitting or standing.

Q - How can physical therapy reduce my risk for falls? A - A physical therapist can assess your overall strength, balance and mobility to create an effective plan for your specific needs. This plan may include strengthening, stretching, balance activities and gait training as well as implementing safety precautions that will ultimately reduce your risk of falling.

Q - “What else can I do to decrease my risk of a fall?” A - Review your current medications with your doctor to see if any side effects or interactions may increase your risk. Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. Staying active maintains your strength, flexibility and balance so beginning or continuing regular physical activity such as walking, water aerobics or tai chi are a great way to prevent falls. Choosing proper footwear is also a simple way to decrease your risk by selecting shoes that fit properly with non-skid soles. Lace up shoes and flats are safer than slip-ons and heels.

Melanie Johnson, PTMelanie Johnson graduated from East Carolina University with her

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HEALTH CARE LAW WON’T CHANGE MEDICAREBy KELLI KENNEDYAssociated Press

MIAMI — Dear seniors, your Medicare benefits aren’t changing under the Affordable Care Act. That’s the message federal health officials are trying to get out to some older consumers confused by overlapping enroll-ment periods for Medicare and so-called “Obamacare.”

Medicare beneficiaries don’t have to do anything differently and will continue to go to Medicare.gov to sign up for plans. But ad-vocates say many have been confused by a massive media blitz directing consumers to new online insurance exchanges set up as part of the federal health law. Many of the same insurance companies are offering coverage for Medicare and the exchanges.

Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15 and closes Dec. 7, while enrollment for the new state exchanges for people 65 and under launches Oct. 1 and runs through March.

“Most seniors are not at all informed. Most seniors worry they’re going to lose their health coverage because of the law,” said Dr. Chris Lillis, a primary care physician in Fredericksburg, Virginia. “I try to speak truth from the exam room but I think sometimes fear dominates.”

Roughly 50 million Medicare beneficia-ries will get a handbook in the mail with a prominent Q&A that stresses Medicare ben-efits aren’t changing. Federal health officials have also updated their training for Medicare counselors, and are prepping their Medicare call center and website.

“We want to reassure Medicare beneficia-ries that they are already covered, their ben-efits aren’t changing, and the marketplace doesn’t require them to do anything differ-ent,” said Julie Bataille, spokeswoman for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Ser-vices.

But she said call centers for the state ex-changes are already fielding questions from Medicare recipients and rerouting them to the Medicare line.

Bob Roza attended several meetings trying to figure out exactly what the Affordable Care Act means for him and his 69-year-old wife Gail, who has diabetes.

“At that time, I didn’t know if Medicare would be secondary to some Affordable Care Act option. It was just a myriad of concerns and not knowing,” said the 72-year-old Roza, a retiree who lives in Oakdale, Calif., and is recovering from hip replacement surgery ear-lier this year.

He now knows that his Medicare cover-age won’t change, but says he’s now worried about the impact on the $614 a month he pays for Medicare supplemental insurance. Federal health officials said seniors will not

be able to purchase Medicare supplemental insurance or Part D drug plans through the state exchanges.

AARP officials said they anticipate a spike in calls after the October launch date for the new state exchanges. To help clarify every-thing for seniors, the organization is hold-ing various events around the country, such as a senior day next month at the state fair in Columbia, S.C. The group is also hosting 21 telephone town halls in October, which will include hundreds of thousands of phone calls to seniors.

Advocates are also warning of scams that may pop up alongside legitimate door-to-door outreach about the Affordable Care Act ramps up and advising seniors not to give out personal information.

Senior groups are also devoting resources to educating the 50- to 65-year-old group who are next in line for Medicare, a segment that could be greatly affected by the health reform. Under the new law, insurers will have to offer more benefits in some cases and are restricted in how much they can charge older, sicker people. They’re also banned from turn-ing away those with pre-existing conditions.

Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, said many people nearing retirement age stand to benefit the most by the health care reform.

Pharmacy coverageThe Affordable Care Act gradually closes

the prescription drug “doughnut hole”:• If you reached the doughnut hole

in 2012, you will receive a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs and a 14 percent discount on generic prescription drugs while you are in the coverage gap.

• The doughnut hole will narrow until it disappears in 2020. However, individuals with Medicare Part D will still have out-of-pocket costs for premiums and co-payments.Source: AARP

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Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people across the globe. In the United States alone, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates one in eight older men and women has the disease, which is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country.

Few families have not been affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and many relatives of those with the disease fully understand the role family history can play. Research into the disease is ongoing, and it’s already yielded valuable information that may help reduce the prevalence of this devastating disease in the years to come.

One byproduct of researchers’ efforts is the discovery that it may be possible to pre-vent or delay the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease through the implementation of a combination of healthy lifestyle choices. The following are a few healthy habits that may help reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s.

• Exercise regularly. A study conducted by Scottish researchers and published in the journal Neurology in 2012 touted exercise as the most effective way for adults to protect their brains from Alzheimer’s disease. Par-ticipants who were more physically active showed less brain shrinkage and fewer white matter lesions, both of which are indicators

of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Research &

Prevention Foundation reports that physical exercise reduces a person’s risk of develop-ing Alzheimer’s by 50 percent and can even slow further deterioration in those who have already begun to develop the cognitive prob-lems associated with Alzheimer’s.

• Eat healthy. What you put into your body may also reduce your risk for Al-zheimer’s disease. The brain operates at its

best when it is fueled with a healthy diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy fats and lean protein.

A heart-healthy diet is also brain-healthy, and researchers have found a potential link between heart disease and Alzheimer’s dis-ease. Researcher Larry Sparks of the Sun Health Research Institute in Arizona and formerly of the Kentucky medical examin-er’s office discovered that those who had the telltale plaques of Alzheimer’s disease also

had heart disease, suggesting heart disease may be a forerunner of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association feels this link between the two will grow stronger in the years to come, suggesting that a heart-healthy diet that reduces a person’s risk of heart disease may also reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s down the road.

• Stimulate yourself mentally. Mental stimulation can help the brain stay sharp, and men and women who find ways to stay mentally stimulated can reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Embrace activities that require communi-cation and interaction with others, and find time for additional tasks that can stimulate your brain. These may include studying a foreign language, reading, trying your hand at mentally stimulating puzzles such as crosswords or Sudoku, and other activities that emphasize organization.

• Remain socially active. Memory and cognition are stronger when people remain socially active and engaged in their society, so retirees should look for ways to revive their social lives as a means of protecting their brains from the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Worth consideringWhile there is no way to pre-

vent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, some research suggests that certain foods may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and ap-pear to protect brain cells:

• In general, dark-skinned vegetables have the highest levels of naturally occurring antioxidant levels. Among them are kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli and beets.

• Fruits with high antioxidant levels

include prunes, raisins, blueber-ries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries.

• Cold-water fish contain beneficial omega-3 fatty ac-ids. Among them are halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout and

tuna.• Some nuts can be a useful

part of your diet. Almonds, pecans and walnuts are good sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant.Source: Alzheimer’s Association

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Senior LIVING

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS GROW WITH AGE Elder law

The time to start planning for legal needs of older people is before they get too much older, according to Brunswick lawyers who practice in the area of elder law.

“People really want to start thinking about that when they get into their 60s,” said Kelly Lanier, a lawyer with Ligon, Linberg & La-nier and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Waiting too long to begin thinking about what will happen to assets as someone ages can have serious consequences for a next generation, Lanier said.

Too often, she has seen people come to her in their 70s or 80s to begin protecting as-sets.

By that time, Lanier says it is wise to al-ready have someone set up with a power of attorney to make health care and possible nursing home decisions.

“We get a lot of folks who come in in their 80s, and it complicates things,” Lanier said.

By that age, people should already have long-term health insurance plans set up and

asset protection plans in place. A long-term health care plan will cover

gaps in Medicare, Medicaid and other health insurance, and can be the difference in being able to afford nursing home care or assisted living, Lanier said.

“If people are insurable for a long-term policy, it is very important to go ahead and do it,” she said.

Along with a long-term plan, signing up and determining what benefits are available through Medicare and Medicaid is impor-tant, as there are income limits for Medicaid eligibility.

Once elder health care is considered, La-nier says people who have assets to think about should begin protecting them. She says thinking about issues such as transfer pen-alty rules and estate recovery is crucial.

Transfer penalties are levied against peo-ple who transfer assets without receiving fair value for them, when a transfer is made for the purpose of Medicaid eligibility. The idea is that the government does not want a person who does not qualify for Medicaid to move into a nursing home on Monday, sell assets to children on Tuesday and sign up for Medicaid on Wednesday.

A person who transfers assets will be in-eligible for Medicaid if those transfers were made within the five years prior to signing up for the program.

After a person who was receiving Medic-aid benefits dies, Lanier says certain assets, such as a house, for example, may be used to reimburse the state for Medicaid payments that were made. Georgia has a program to minimize an asset’s exposure to estate re-covery.

As with other elder law issues, starting the planning process sooner rather than later is important, according to Gene Caldwell of the Caldwell Law Group, who practices in the area of elder law.

He says people with assets to protect who start planning too late for entering a nursing home may be disqualified from getting Med-icaid benefits due to the five-year look-back rule.

“If you wait later than five years, you are essentially out of luck,” Caldwell said.

Planning for wills should also take place early. Caldwell says people in their 20s or 30s should have wills, at ages when they might have acquired some assets and are starting families.

By MICHAEL HALLThe Brunswick News


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Retirement is a goal for many workers across America.

According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the average age in 2011 for men retiring was 64, with women retiring on average at age 62.

As with any transitional period, however, people can experience a range of emotions from happiness to be finished with the daily work schedule to anxiety about the amount of free time and concern over their financial situation.

Rosemary Hayward, a licensed profession-al counselor at Stillpoint Counseling Center, 228 Redfern Village, St. Simons Island, says many people initially feel joy at reaching re-tirement.

“They feel excitement that the daily work grind is over, but there is also some apprehen-sion about adjusting. It’s an adjustment not just for the individual, but if they are married, it’s also an adjustment for the couple toward each other, as well,” Hayward said. “Commu-nication with each other is critical, especially if they are going to deal with shifts in the daily routine at home.”

She also says many people who face retire-

ment find it beneficial to get involved with volunteering. They might still be “working,” she said, but they are finding fulfillment by doing something that comes from their pas-sions.

“Take a look at your God-given talents and what you enjoy. You want to find activities that not only keep you active, but also give you a sense of contributing to your commu-nity,” she said.

As for financial worries, licensed profes-sional counselor Judy Rath of Family Mat-ters of Coastal Georgia, 605 Osborne St., St. Marys, said budgeting may be necessary.

“Take an honest look at your finances and evaluate if you want or need to work part-time. Create a retirement budget and begin to practice spending differently if you must,” Rath said.

Rath also suggests finding someone who

has already retired and look to him or her when facing the transition period.

“Identify a retirement hero and strive to be like them,” she said. “Research what others have done to ease the struggle – either speak with friends and family or research expert ad-vice and embrace lifelong learning.”

Lynn Lane, a licensed clinical social worker on St. Simons, says poor planning can leave men and women unprepared for their retire-ments.

“I have worked with many people who nev-er thought about what they were going to do except get to retirement and hopefully have enough money. That lack of planning is al-most always a stumbling block,” Lane said.

Lane, who also has a Masters in Divin-ity degree, says it’s also common for people who recently retired to feel a sense of loss or dread.

“Our bodies tend to get wired to a certain level of activity and mental stimulation. Re-tirement can leave one wondering how to fill the sudden emptiness of the day,” she said. “With life expectancy continuing to advance, not having some kind of idea of what one wants for the next possible 30 years can be a set up for disappointment and confusion.”

The transition can trigger negative habits that impact others, Lane said.

“Even if one loves gardening, golf, or ten-nis, finding ways to fill the hours with just a few hobbies may leave one feeling less than fulfilled – creating anxiety, difficulty with relationships in seeking to ‘manage’ others in the household or withdrawal into negative coping mechanisms, such as drinking more, isolating with TV, or demanding too much at-tention from others,” she said.

But Lane says there are ways to prevent isolation from creeping in by preparing in ad-vance and maintaining a healthy perspective.

“People tend to prepare to go to college, de-velop their interests, their job potential, and career enhancement opportunities, but forget that preparing for retirement may require just as much thought. Ask questions like: ‘Do I want a complete career change, what do I want to do in my community that I might have never had time to do, should I go back to school, or learn a new hobby, or a new skill?’” she said.

“Planning for retirement may need to in-clude many family members. When parents retire, children and grandchildren may have expectations about travel or baby-sitting or opportunities for family times that parents may not be aware of without communica-tion. Listen to each other, share plans and ask questions.”

Senior LIVING

RETIREMENT NEEDS A PLAN FOR THE FUTURERetirement

By BETHANY LEGGETTThe Brunswick News

Rosemary Hayward Judy Rath

Scores of people spend their working days dreaming of the moment they are eligible for retirement. They may have retirement counted down to the minutes and seconds, particularly if they’ve been in a job that hasn’t been the most enjoy-able.

But many people find that once they retire they do not know what to do to fill their time. Boredom actually may be a side effect of retirement, and some people actually want to go back to work.

Much of the focus when planning for retirement concerns finances. All other factors take a backseat. Therefore, there may be emotional issues that arise during retirement, and retirees are not always prepared to deal with such issues.

Having a post-retirement plan in place can mean the difference between happi-ness and having a hard time adjusting, according to experts. Here are some tips that can help anyone ease into the golden years.

• Establish goals. After working for

years, the idea of setting goals can seem counterintuitive. But goals can give life direction and have you looking forward to things in the future. Goals also motivate retirees to get up in the morning now that a commute to work isn’t part of the daily schedule.

• Donate time or money. Giving back to others, whether to the community or to a charitable organization, can feel good and give retirees some structure. Volunteering your time at a place can give life some sort of purpose outside of a job.

• Start a home-based business. Just because you retire doesn’t mean you have to fully retire. Now may be the op-portunity to start a business venture you have always dreamed about, whether that is something hands-on or just serv-ing as a consultant.

Many people now look at retirement as the end of one career and the begin-ning of another. As retirement draws closer, men and women might want to consider turning an interest or passion

into a second career. Such a move might make retirement more exciting while removing some of the fear of finding enough things to pass the time that many people have with regard to retirement.

• Try new things. Part of goal-setting is to add things to the list you’ve never done before, which can boost feelings of excitement. You may discover a new interest that becomes a passion. Now that you have time to explore new hob-bies, they might prove more rewarding.

• Meet with people. Part of what makes work fulfilling is the opportu-nity to get out of the house and interact with others who are not members of your family. It’s easy to fall into a rut when you are not be-ing mentally stimulated by conver-sation from

different people. • Realize it’s alright not to love

retirement. It is OK to accept that maybe retirement isn’t entirely what you expected and to make changes that can enable the experience to be better.

Retirement should be an exciting time for men and women, especially for those who have spent years planning their retirement to ensure it’s as enjoyable as possible.

RETIREES MUST CHART COURSE FOR ACTION



Health System WelcomesNew Physician Services at Senior Care Center-Brunswick

Doctors from Glynn Medical Associates are now providing attending physician services to residents of the Southeast Georgia Health System Senior Care Center-Brunswick. As part of an agreement that became effective in July 2013, at least one physician from the practice is on site to conduct patient rounds Monday through Friday, and often on the weekends.

The physicians of Glynn Medical Associates,

Randolph M. Baker, M.D.; William J. Laws, M.D.; David W. Heine, M.D.; and Steven T. Williams, M.D.

Medical services provided by the physicians include histories and physicals, initial and periodic assessments, and assessments of patients who are ill or experiencing a decline in health.

Laws, managing partner of Glynn Medical Associates, says, “As internal medicine specialists, one of our areas of expertise is geriatric care, which makes this a good

in the past and many of the residents have been our patients. We have been verypleased with the management and staff since Southeast Georgia Health Systemtook over, so we are very happy to again be providing attending physician servicesfor the Senior Care Center.”

Karen Andrews Daniel, MHA, LNHA, administrator for the Senior Care Center-Brunswick, adds “Glynn Medical Associates has provided care to residents ofGlynn County and surrounding areas for many years and are well known and respected in our community. What is so wonderful about this group of physiciansis that they make frequent rounds in the facility and are readily available to our

physician group caring for our residents.”

therapeutic services for recovery from injury or surgery and long-term nursing care and assistance. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 912-265-8528 or visit sghs.org.

William J. Laws, M.D. and Senior Care Center-Brunswick resident George Hamilton.

Glynn Medical Associates: Randolph M. Baker, M.D.; William J. Laws, M.D.;David W. Heine, M.D.; and Steven T. Williams, M.D.

SENIOR CARE CENTERS

09/2013© 2013 SGHS



When it comes to retiring, there is one pro-gram virtually everyone is going to look to for assistance — Social Security.

Gathering everything you need to apply for benefits through the federal program that also operates Medicare is important to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Patti Patterson, regional communications director for the Social Security Administra-tion in Atlanta, says applying for benefits through both programs has never been easier with online accessed through a My Social Se-curity account at www.socialsecurity.gov.

“At each stage of your life, My Social Secu-rity is for you,” Patterson said. “Your personal online account is a valuable source of infor-mation, beginning in your working years and continuing throughout the time you receive Social Security benefits.”

Starting an account is one of the first steps Patterson suggests for people who may be considering retirement, regardless of their ages. The account can be used to get a benefit verification letter, check benefit payment and earning records, change addresses to ensure benefits can still be received and to start di-

rect deposit of benefits. If you are not yet receiving benefits, an ac-

count can be used to get estimates of retire-ment, disability and survivor benefits, as well as the estimated amount of Social Security and Medicare taxes you have already paid.

Medicare is a federal health insurance pro-gram for people 65 and older and covers the cost of some, but not all medical expenses for most long-term care.

Patterson says using the My Social Security account online will allow a person to apply for Medicare, even if he or she is not ready to retire.

Deciding when to retire can be a difficult

decision. The standard retirement age for many years had been 65. “However, begin-ning with people born in 1938 or later, that age gradually increases until it reaches 67 for people born after 1959. The earliest age you can get Medicare is 65,” Patterson said.

She points to the website as a tool to help people plan retirement. Potential retirees will find detailed information online about Social Security and Medicare benefits under the current law and learn more what is available based on individual circumstances, Patterson said.

“Social Security will need information about you, about your work, and you may need to provide certain documents when you apply for retirement benefits or Medicare,” Patterson said. Those include:

• Date of birth, place of birth and Social Se-curity number.

• Name, date of birth and Social Security number of a current spouse and any former spouses as well as the date and place of mar-riage and divorces or deaths.

• Names of unmarried children.• Routing number and account number for

bank accounts.• Citizenship status.• Whether you or anyone else has ever filed

for benefits or supplemental security on your behalf.

• Whether you have used any other Social Security number.

• The month you want benefits to begin.•Whether you want to enroll in Medicare

Part B if you are within three months of age 65.

• The name and address of your employer or employers for the current year and the pre-vious year.

• The amount of money earned for the cur-rent year and the previous year.

• A copy of your Social Security statement or a record of your earnings.

• The beginning and ending dates of any ac-tive U.S. military service before 1968.

• Whether you became unable to work be-cause of illnesses, injuries or conditions at any time within the past 14 months.

• Whether you or your spouse have ever worked in the railroad industry.

• Whether you have earned Social Security credits under another country’s social secu-rity system.

• Whether you qualified for or expect to re-ceive a pension or annuity based on your own employment with the federal government or a state or a state’s local subdivision.

Senior LIVING

LINING UP SOCIAL SECURITY STARTS EARLYRetirement

By MICHAEL HALLThe Brunswick News

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Senior LIVING

PREPARE TO RETIRE BEFORE LEAVING A JOB

Retirement

Though many people are delaying retire-ment, the day will still come when they leave their jobs behind and retire.

Retirement can be a difficult adjustment that takes some getting used to, but it can also prove an exciting time, especially for those who planned ahead to ensure their re-tirement was a time to be cherished and not feared.

Whether retirement is right around the corner or still a decade or so away, men and women should consider several factors to make sure their retirement years are an en-joyable time that allows them to live life to the fullest.

• Income: Just because you’re no lon-ger working doesn’t mean you won’t have income. Government benefits, retirement accounts and perhaps even some light con-sulting work are just a few ways retirees can earn an income. Though your retirement income will likely pale in comparison to your income as an adult working full-time, estimate what that income will be so you can get at least an idea of how much will be coming in each month.

• Monthly expenses: Once you have an idea of what’s coming in, estimate how much will be going out each month. Certain costs associated with working, such as the cost of commuting and maintaining a professional wardrobe, can be removed from the led-ger. But other expenses, including utilities, car payments and possibly even a mortgage payment, will still need to be made. Once you have an idea of your projected income and your expenses during retirement, you can get to work on a prospective budget to show you what you will need to live on dur-

ing retirement.• Employment: Many people now look

at retirement as the end of one career and the beginning of another. As retirement draws closer, men and women might want to consider turning an interest or passion into a second career. Such a move might make retirement more exciting while removing some of the fear of finding enough things to pass the time that many people have with regard to retirement.

• Relocation: Where to spend your retire-ment years is another thing to consider be-fore the big day arrives. Do you, like many retirees, prefer to stay in your own home? Do you want to relocate to a warmer climate or move to another country? Do you want to move closer to your children and grand-children? Do you want to split your time in separate cities? Is a retirement village some-thing you might be amenable to? Each of these options is different, and each requires a different financial commitment, so care-fully consider where you want to spend your retirement and then consider how you can make those wishes a reality.

• Medical costs: Private insurance or government-sponsored programs likely won’t cover all of your medical costs, which typically increase as a person ages. There are various ways to prepare for the medical costs that might arise during retirement, and the earlier you start that preparation the less stressful paying for medical care as you age figures to be.

Retirement should be an exciting time for men and women, especially for those who have spent years planning their retirement to ensure it’s as enjoyable as possible.

7 Purchase long-term care insurance.

6 Think about how to reduce debt expenses in retirement.

5 Explore options for diversifying your retirement savings.

4 Look into your options for investing.

3 Figure out how much you’ll need to save to supplement Social Security.

2 Find out how much you will receive from Social Security.

1 Determine how much money you need to save for retirement.

Some steps to take before retiring

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Senior LIVING

EARLY RETIREMENT HAS PLUSES, MINUSES

Retirement

Retirement is a goal for nearly every work-ing adult. Long considered a time to enjoy the fruits of a life’s worth of labors, retirement has become something else entirely over the last several years, when the struggling economy has convinced many aging workers that their opportunity to safely retire may never present itself.

But retirement does not have to feel like a wild goose chase with the end goal nowhere in sight. In fact, many men and women who develop a plan early on can retire early, reap-ing the rewards of their success at an age when many people are still wondering if they can retire at all, much less retire early.

• Conduct an immediate audit of your finances. The road to early retirement be-gins, quite frankly, very early. If your retire-ment goal is to retire early, conduct an audit of your financial situation as soon as possible, even if you are a relative newcomer to the pro-fessional sector.

Examine all of your debts and other liabili-ties, as well as your income and your potential earnings. It may be difficult to forecast poten-tial earnings, but paint a realistic forecast with regard to your earning potential, and then use that to determine your standard of living and how much money you will need to maintain that standard upon retirement.

This should give you an idea of how close or how far you are from early retirement and what you need to start doing now so early re-tirement can be a reality later on.

• Don’t sell savings short. Men and women who retire at the traditional retirement age can count on certain benefits that early re-tirees aren’t eligible for. Senior discounts can decrease the cost of living for typical retirees, who can also access retirement accounts like a 401(k) or an IRA without paying a penalty. Younger retirees are not eligible for senior discounts, and accessing a retirement account before a certain age can result in a substantial

penalty. So men and women whose goal is to retire

early should not underestimate the value of a healthy savings account. Retiring early will require a more robust savings account than if you were to retire at a more typical age, so calculate how much more you will need to save in order to retire early.

• Accept sacrifices. Making sacrifices with an end goal of early retirement may be easier for younger men and women who have yet to grow accustomed to a certain standard of living. Regardless of their age, however, those who hope to retire early will need to ac-cept that they will have to make certain sacri-fices to achieve their goals.

These sacrifices can be considerable, such as moving to a smaller house, or relatively minor, such as cancelling a cable television subscription, but for the average worker they will be necessary to make early retirement

happen. The earlier you can make these sac-rifices the easier they will be, as it won’t be as hard to sacrifice something you’re not used to having.

• Periodically reassess how it’s go-ing. The road to early retirement will have its peaks and valleys, so periodically reassess how your plan is going and if you need to alter the plan in any way to make early retirement a reality. This reassessment should be con-ducted annually, and you must be completely honest with yourself.

If the plan is going off course, determine the cause and if there’s anything you can do to catch up or if you need to change your tar-geted retirement date.

And despite the uneasiness many people feel with regard to retirement, early retire-ment can become a reality for diligent men and women who develop a plan and stick to that plan in the years to come.

AVOID OVERSPENDING AS RETIREMENT NEARSWhen the nest is empty and the kids no

longer need financial support, many men and women find themselves with some extra mon-ey in their budget.

Fewer mouths to feed and no more col-lege tuition bills can give parents a sense of financial freedom they may not have had since before starting their family. But that freedom can also lead to overspending, something that can put retirement in jeopardy if people are not careful.

Though it’s understandable for men and women to splurge on a well-deserved get-away once the kids have finally left the house, it’s important for adults to ensure that such splurging does not become routine. The fol-lowing are a few ways men and women with some newfound disposable income can avoid overspending and putting themselves in finan-cial hot water as they get closer to retirement.

• Pay with cash whenever possible. Swiping a debit card or credit card is certainly a convenient way to shop, but it can also be dangerous. Many people find it difficult to keep track of their spending when they use debit cards or credit cards to make their pur-chases. Using cash to make purchases, espe-cially daily purchases like a morning cup of coffee, reduces the likelihood of overspend-ing. This can help you get a better idea of how much money you’re spending and if there are

any steps you can take to curtail that spend-ing.

An effective way to use cash is to withdraw money from the bank once per week and use that as your weekly supply of money. If you find yourself frequently running out of money each week, then you’re likely spending more than you should.

• Keep a financial journal. Men and women who must adapt to having newfound disposable income may find it is not much dif-ferent from younger men and women learning to manage their money when they first start

working. Some of those lessons, like saving more than you spend, might need to be re-learned.

One way to get a grip on your spending is to keep a financial journal to track your daily and monthly expenses as well as larger purchases like a new television. Write down the monthly expenses you know you have each month, such as a mortgage payment or a car note, and each and every purchase you make, including how much you spend on dining out each month. Do this for at least a couple of months. When you have logged several months’ activity, examine

your journal to see if there are any expenses that can be trimmed to save money.

• Don’t go overboard rewarding your-self. Once your last child has left the nest, the temptation to reward yourself with a luxury item or two might prove overwhelm-ing. After all, raising a family and paying for college tuition has no doubt required substan-tial sacrifice on your part, so it’s well within reason that you want to reward yourself after all these years. Avoid overdoing it so your fi-nances aren’t stretched too thinly. A vacation with your spouse is reasonable, but buying a villa overseas might be a little over the top. Luxuries can be nice, but they can also drain a budget. Your monthly expenses once the kids have moved out should be lower, so if you find your cost of living has increased now that your nest is empty, you might be forced to deter-mine which of your expenses are luxuries and which are necessities.

• Take advantage of your “experi-ence.” Though accepting a “senior” discount might be a blow to your pride, it also can be a boon to your bottom line. Many establish-ments, including gyms, restaurants and movie theaters, offer discounts to men and women age 55 and older. This can help you save a substantial amount of money over time, and no one has to know you’ve started cashing in on your experience.

When to retireOne consideration for early retirement is when to start receiving Social Security benefits. If

your full-retirement age for Social Security is 66 years old, this is how much of your full monthly benefit you will receive the rest of your life if you retire at:

62 75% | 63 80% | 64 86.7% | 65 93.3% | 66 100%






Documents

Senior Living 2013