life after 50

LIFE AFTER 50 | THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE SENIOR EXPO | SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 1

50LIFETHE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE SENIOR EXPOAFTER

THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE SENIOR EXPO

10 AM - 2 PM | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, LEGENDS CLUB, AUGUSTA

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a year’s digital subscription to The Augusta Chronicle

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LIFE AFTER 50 | THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE SENIOR EXPO | SEPTEMBER 23, 20142

50LIFETHE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE SENIOR EXPOAFTER

INSIDE AT A GLANCE

September 23, 201410 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Legends Club2701 Washington Rd.,

Augusta, GA 30909Free Admission • Free Parking

ADVERTISER INDEXPark Avenue Fabrics................................................................................................3Johnson Motor Company of Georgia ...............................................................3Augusta Gardens Senior Living Community .................................................4The Smith Law Firm P.C. ........................................................................................4Window World of the CSRA .................................................................................5St. Joseph Hospice, LLC .........................................................................................5Nationwide - Chris Heath Agency .....................................................................6Rainbow of Columbia County .............................................................................6Brookstone Cottages at Rae’s Creek .................................................................7Busby’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration ................................7Village Senior Apartments ...................................................................................8AAA Insurance ..........................................................................................................8Branum’s Sewing & Vacuum Superstore .........................................................9Georgialina Physical Therapy Associates ..................................................... 12American Carpet One ......................................................................................... 12Herrington Financial Services, Inc. ................................................................. 13Comfort Keepers ................................................................................................... 13AARP ......................................................................................................................... 14Brandon Wilde ....................................................................................................... 14Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company ............................... 15Family YMCA of Greater Augusta .................................................................... 16Camellia Walk Assisted Living & Memory Care .......................................... 16Primerica - Cynthia L. Brown ............................................................................ 17ResCare HomeCare .............................................................................................. 17Infiniti of Augusta ................................................................................................. 18The Senior Citizens Council .............................................................................. 18Southern Siding & Window Company .......................................................... 19Caring Matters ....................................................................................................... 19

Healthy living could fight Dementia ................................................................4

Delaying retirement has financial, social benefits .......................................5

Seniors are targets of charitable fraud ............................................................6

A healthy mind in a healthy body .....................................................................7

‘Green’ not a buzzword but a way of living for seniors ..............................8

Hobbies arthritis sufferers can enjoy ...............................................................9

Expo layout ............................................................................................................. 10

Speaker schedule and vendor list .................................................................. 11

Common discounts available to senior citizens ........................................ 12

How to manage medications safely .............................................................. 13

History of the crossword puzzle ...................................................................... 14

Common discounts available to senior citizens ........................................ 15

What to look for in an elder care facility ...................................................... 16

Paint-free ways to brighten your home ....................................................... 17

Making friends after retirement ...................................................................... 18

Cooking for one .................................................................................................... 19

Want to participate in our next Senior Expo and Life After 50 Special Section? Contact your Sales Representative or John Kane at 706.823.3288.John Kane, Special Sections Manager706.823.3288 | [email protected] Treacy, Graphic Designer706.823.3364 | [email protected]


People born between 1946 and 1954, collectively known as Baby Boomers, are trading in their family vehicles for something with a little more power -- sports cars. When the nest is empty (and sometimes before), the vehicle of choice becomes a sporty, fast little ride that may be the envy of all who see it.

Baby Boomers tend to have a higher income and/or a surplus in savings after retirement and choose to expend some funds on a car that will make waves. Convertibles are a popular choice among this demographic, as are other roadsters that turn heads. Here are some of the more popular models you’ll see cruising the roadways with Boomers behind the wheel, according to statistics from TrueCar.com.

Chevrolet Corvette: The quintessen-tial American sports car, Corvettes are especially popular among Baby Boomers. Boomers flock to Corvettes more than any other age group, with nearly 64 per-cent of buyers belonging to the Boomer generation.

Volvo C70: A turbo-charged, 5-cylin-der engine provides enough power to give a thrill to many Boomers. And with a convertible top option, it’s possible to have a breeze running through their receding hairlines, too.

Mercedes Benz SL: If it’s status and substance that Boomers desire, then

there’s no looking beyond a Mercedes. Affluent Baby Boomers can enjoy a V8 engine and plenty of electrical gadgets to make their rides fun.

BMW 6 Series Convertible: Another premier car for the elite Boomer, the

BMW sees 80 percent of its sales going toward Boomers. The 6 series is quick and has understated good looks, which also helps the vehicle serve as a status symbol for those behind the wheel.

Porsche Boxter: For those who have always aspired to be behind the wheel of a Porsche, the Boxter is small and sporty,

perfect for handling the turns on the way to a country winery or maneuvering around traffic in an urban setting.

According to industry experts, Baby Boomers have long driven the direction of the automotive industry. Many desire

to stay away from the brands and styles their parents drove, preferring some-thing with more pep and style.

In addition to the makes and models mentioned, CNW Marketing Research, a firm that looks at the reasons behind car purchases, says Boomers make purchases not only for the style of the car but also for the image the brand offers. The firm lists these vehicles as other popular pur-chases among Baby Boomers.

Dodge ViperToyota AvalonCadillacChrysler 300Jaguar XKLexus LS 600hLexus SC 430Audi A8/S8Infiniti FXLincoln MKZForm and fashion drives the purchase

of many Baby Boomers looking for a new vehicle. With more disposable income, many can afford to splurge on a car that is sporty and will garner “oohs” and “ahhs” from others.

Baby boomers prefer sports cars


Many people are apprehensive about getting older because of the fear of losing their faculties. Individuals may

worry that dementia could rob them of precious memories and make daily living more difficult.

Many factors can contribute to the onset of dementia, and recent research

notes those factors include heart disease, strokes and other serious health conditions that affect the circulatory

system. But other seemingly harmless conditions can play a role, too. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle could help seniors fend off dementia.

Researchers in Canada studied data on more than 7,000 survey participants who answered questions of overall health. While circulatory diseases did correlate high to dementia onset, researchers discovered

additional conditions, including arthritis, sinus infections, incontinence, and poor hearing, also played a role.

The correlation between circulatory issues and brain function may be

obvious, but researchers aren’t exactly sure why minor health infractions could contribute to senility. Some suggest that people with the burden of health problems may not be able to successfully thwart deterioration of the brain that comes with dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The World Alzheimer Report states that more than 35 million people around the world are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. These are largely brain-destroying illnesses that have no cure. But adults might be able to prevent or delay its onset. Placing a greater emphasis on overall health may help.

According to Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, MD, a professor of geriatric medicine and neurology at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who participated in the dementia study published in July 2011 in the journal Neurology, “the best thing people can do to stay physically healthy -- and thus maintain their brains,

too -- is to exercise.” Other things that can be done include adopting a healthy, balanced diet and keeping the brain active as much as possible. Here are ways to do just that.

Seniors can participate in low-impact exercises that promote muscle strength and flexibility. Water exercises are very good because they don’t place strain on the joints. Stretching routines, like yoga or tai chi, are also effective. Exercise plans should be discussed with a health care provider prior to starting.

Work with a nutritionist to develop a healthy eating plan. A healthy diet is essential to keep many diseases at bay, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even to help maintain proper digestion.

Keep the brain active by engaging in puzzles, like crosswords or sudoku. Reading is a way to stimulate vocabulary and also keep the brain sharp. Interact with people on a daily basis and engage in conversation.

Healthy living could fight Dementia


The need to save for retirement is something professionals start hearing about from the moment they begin their careers. Whether it’s parents extolling the virtues of retirement plans or employers who encourage their employees to take advantage of their retirement programs, saving for retirement is never far from the minds of professionals.

As important as such savings can be, many workers are deciding to delay their retirements. As much as men and women envision retiring to a faraway seaside villa for their golden years, such retirements are not terribly common, and many older workers have begun to recognize the economic and social benefits of delaying retirement. Those undecided about when they want to say goodbye to the office should consider the following benefits to delaying retirement.

Fewer years to worry about financing your lifestyle. Thanks to advancements in medicine and more

and more people living healthier lifestyles, men and women are now living longer than in years past. While living longer, healthier lives is a plus, it does have an effect on retirement. Because people can now expect to live longer, they must ensure their money lasts long enough. By delaying retirement, men and women will have fewer retirement years to finance.

More chances to save money. It might be your dream to retire early, but you could be doing yourself a great disservice by ending your career prematurely. Men and women at or near the end of their careers are often making more money than they ever have, which enables them to save more than they have in the past, especially if children are full grown and supporting themselves. Take advantage of these high-salary years, even if it means working an extra few years. If you do, when you retire you could have substantially more in savings than you would have had you retired

early.Stay socially active. In addition to

economic benefits, delaying retirement has social benefits as well. Many people get the bulk of their social interaction with colleagues and coworkers. When men and women retire, these opportunities for social interaction can dwindle rather quickly, and it’s not uncommon for retirees to battle feelings of isolation. Delaying retirement allows you to easily maintain contact with friends and colleagues, and can lead to a better quality of life.

The chance to give back. Many older professionals view retirement as being put out to pasture, where their years or experience aren’t utilized. However, individuals who delay retirement can use their extra years around the office as an opportunity to leave a legacy for the next generation. This is something professionals find especially valuable as their retirement draws nearer and they want to leave a lasting mark, be it on

their company, within their industry or in the community in which their company operates. Delaying retirement provides more time to build this legacy, and can create a greater sense of fulfillment when men and women do decide to retire.

Delaying retirement is growing increasingly popular. Men and women often see it as a chance to build a bigger nest egg and leave a more lasting legacy within their company and community.

Delaying retirement has financial, social benefits


Donating money to charity is one of the most selfless things a person can do. Unfortunately, criminals can easily prey on these selfless acts, using a person’s desire to help the less fortunate for their own personal gain.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors should be especially mindful of fraud schemes. That’s because seniors are considered easy targets for criminals for a number of reasons. The FBI notes that seniors are most likely to have a nest egg and an exceptional credit rating, making them very attractive to criminals. What’s more, seniors are more likely to be ashamed if they feel they have been victimized and therefore are less prone to report the fraud.

But seniors should know that con artists don’t discriminate when it comes to their victims, and people of all ages are victimized each and every year, particularly during the holiday season when men and women most commonly donate. Before donating to charity this year, older donors should take the following precautions to reduce their

risk of being victimized by con artists posing as charities.

Get off the phone. Seniors are commonly victimized by con artists over the phone. No reputable charity will want you to donate over the telephone. Instead, the charity will want you to familiarize yourself with their mission and history and then make a donation based on your research. If a caller wants you to donate over the phone, simply request they mail you information about the charity and then hang up. If they’re a reputable charity, this should not be a problem. If the caller continues to pressure you for a donation over the phone, just hang up.

A caller soliciting a donation might be a con artist, an employee of a for-profit fundraiser or an employee of the charity itself. Ultimately, if you decide to make a donation, don’t do so over the phone. Instead, send that donation directly to the charity to ensure the charity receives the entire donation, instead of a portion going toward a fundraiser.

Don’t feel pressured. No reputable charity pressures prospective donors

into making contributions. That’s because they don’t need to. A reputable charity can afford to keep its lights on and its programs running with or without your donation. If a caller or a letter is pressuring you to donate, don’t succumb to that pressure and kindly decline to donate.

Don’t let “gifts” pressure you. Another tool employed by con artists or even less reputable charities is to send “gifts” to prospective donors. These can include mailing labels or cards. The hope is that recipients will feel pressured into donating once they receive a gift. However, a charity that is worth a donation does not need to resort to such tactics, which are a waste of resources as well as a dishonest way to solicit donations. Seniors should not feel compelled to donate because they received free mailing labels.

Verify all information. Con artists are especially good at impersonating a reputable charity, sending e-mails with a well known charity’s logo but a link that directs donors to a different Web site entirely. Never make a donation without

first verifying a charity’s information, including how your donation will be used and how much of the charity’s budget goes toward the services and programs it provides. Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping givers make smart donating decisions, recommends donors give to charities that direct at least 75 percent of their budget on programs and services related to their mission. To avoid donating to a fraudulent or unworthy charity, research the charity and make sure your money will be going where you intend it to go.

Save all records of donations. It’s important to save records of any donations for tax purposes, but it’s also important for seniors to keep records to avoid fraud. Many con artists prey on seniors by pretending to represent charities seniors have donated to in the past. By keeping records of all past donations, seniors can easily verify if they have donated to a specific charity in the past and whether or not the person on the phone or the author of an e-mail or letter is telling the truth.

Seniors are targets of charitable fraud


“Mens sana in corpore sano” is a Latin quotation meaning “a healthy mind in a healthy body.” Some mourn that it has been forgotten as North Americans witness a decreasing family interest in outdoor activities and an alarming obesity rate among children.

Michelle Obama, as U.S. First Lady, has been raising awareness of the urgent need for daily intellectual and physical exercise through her highly praised campaign, “Let’s Move.”

Bicycle riding is a long time favourite family outdoor activity and it helps to develop balance, coordination and

motor skills, which contribute to an individual’s overall physical fitness.

For pre-schoolers, specialists in this field tell us that balance bikes -- two-wheeled bikes without pedals -- are a safe and enjoyable way to learn to ride. Take a look at the PlasmaBike, for example. Designed by PlaSmart, it is a popular model due to its recessed but fairly wide wheels whose internal bearing system ensures a safe and smooth ride.

Grandparents Ted and Jacqueline Odoni agree: “On weekends, our family’s favourite thing after we’ve enjoyed a meal together is to go for a walk in the park or for a ride on our bikes. It’s healthy, it’s free, and it clears your mind. Cycling is what keeps our three grandchildren active, and it also keeps us alive and kicking.”

A healthy mind in a healthy body

“On weekends, our family’s favourite thing after we’ve enjoyed a meal together is to go for a walk in the park or for a ride on our bikes.”


The senior demographic is quite possibly the best generation to emulate when trying to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. That’s because so many of the guidelines for being green are concepts that have been a part of seniors’ lives for decades.

A portion of today’s seniors grew up during the Depression, when recycling and conservation weren’t the trends du jour, but survival strategies. In a time when money was scarce, many people made due with the resources they were dealt, stretching dollars just to stay afloat. Many of the concepts associated with today’s environmental movement are strikingly similar to the ones employed during the Depression.

The behaviors of an elderly parent or grandparent that may have seemed eccentric or odd at one time are now turning out to be what many people are embracing in order to live green. Concepts like relying on reusable handkerchiefs instead of disposable tissues; reusing lightly-soiled napkins; collecting discarded

items from the curb and repairing them for renewed use; saving cans or food jars and using them to store other items; buying local products from smaller vendors; and similar things are methods of living ingrained in the persona of many older people.

Frugality and awareness of what things cost and what constitutes waste are other concepts seniors know well. Many have never adapted to the notion that products are disposable, preferring instead to hold onto appliances, electronics, clothing, and other items because they still have utility, not because the current season dictates they should be upgraded.

In 2008, Harris Interactive polled Baby Boomers ages 45 to 62 about their interest in the environment. Ninety-four percent of respondents said they took steps in the past 6 months to do something green. More than 80 percent were concerned about the environmental legacy that would be left for their grandchildren.

While many seniors are going green today for altruistic reasons, it also makes

good financial sense. Recycling items, conserving utilities and fuel and making smart choices can stretch a fixed income even further. Choosing to walk or ride a bike instead of getting behind the wheel may be not only environmentally friendly, but it’s financially savvy as well.

Here are some ways of living straight out of the Great Depression that can be put to use today.

Use the milkman. Although it may seem like the milkman is extinct, milk and other dairy products can still be delivered straight to a person’s home from a local dairy or farm. Adding reusable milk bottles reduces the reliance on disposable containers, while buying local cuts down on the fuel costs necessary to transport products.

Pass down clothing. Clothing that is gently worn can be passed down to children or even donated.

Walk.During the Depression, cars were a luxury many people could not afford. Walking or taking a bus or train were some popular modes of transportation, and

such options are still available today.Use cloth diapers and linens. Reusable

items, like cloth diapers, handkerchiefs and linens, are more environmentally responsible.

Get outdoors. Instead of relying on television, which had yet to be invented during the Depression, children and adults went outdoors to socialize and have fun.

Open the windows. Instead of relying heavily on air conditioning, try opening the windows on nice days and let some fresh air in.

Use clothes lines.Clothes dryers use about 10 to 15 percent of domestic energy in the U.S. A clothesline can help reduce electric bills and energy consumption.

Get into gardening. If you can grow what you eat, that reduces the dependence on commercially produced and harvested crops.

Many elements of the Go Green movement are similar to those employed during the Depression, when survival mandated people reuse and recycle items.

‘Green’ not a buzzword but a way of living for seniors


Individuals with arthritis are often stuck between a rock and a hard place. Doctors want people to exercise to keep up the range of motion in affected joints. However, even some limited movements can cause pain and suffering to those with arthritis. Furthermore, individuals with arthritis may shy away from the activities they once enjoyed because the pain is simply too overwhelming.

Instead of simply sitting on the couch watching television, there are a number of different things arthritis sufferers can do to pass the time and reconnect with past hobbies and interests. It might just take a little re-outfitting of the tools that are needed to participate.

GardeningGardening is a popular pastime for

people of all ages. But the repetitive motions of digging and tilling as well as gripping a multitude of tools can take the joy out of the hobby. People with arthritis can make some changes. Raised

garden beds or container gardening eliminates the stooping and bending associated with traditional gardening. With containers, individuals can place the

containers on a counter or table and do all the work at a comfortable height.

Choosing low-maintenance plants is another option. Plants that don’t require as much pruning or repotting are good for those with arthritis. Also, look for tools with larger grips and handles to be easier on arthritic hands.

CraftingMany people with arthritis find the

fine-detail work they grew accustomed to is not very comfortable with arthritis. Instead, there are many other crafts that

can be practical.Ceramics are one craft where the

activity can also be the exercise. Using a pottery wheel or hand-molding doughs and other modeling media can be a way to stretch and work the hands and fingers. Using paintbrushes equipped with wider grips can make painting possible.

Mural painting is another option. Again, those with arthritis can choose tools with wide handles to make grasping easier. Large designs on walls or canvases will be easier to handle than smaller pieces.

CookingCooking and baking is an art form that

can be enjoyed by anyone. Furthermore, with ergonomic spoons, ladles and

other kitchen tools, it has never been more convenient or less labor-intensive to be an accomplished home chef.

Baking and pastry creation is one area where people can show off creative skills. For those who love to bake but have trouble kneading and working dough, food processors, bread machines and kitchen stand mixers can take the work out of those processes.

Cooking is not only a rewarding hobby, but also an activity that can benefit the household.

Having arthritis doesn’t mean a person has to give up on the activities he or she enjoys. It merely involves a few tweaks that can still make these hobbies enjoyable.

Hobbies arthritis sufferers can enjoy


Legends CLubAugusta • Georgia

PRESENTATIONROOM

ENTRANCEOUTDOOR PATIO

REGISTRATION

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EXPO VENDORS

GUEST SPEAKERS10:30 a.m. .......................................................................................................................AARP - Brain Health

11:30 a.m. ...................Patrick Smith from The Smith Law Firm - Elder Law, Estate and Medicaid Planning

12:30 p.m. ........................................................................................................... AAA - Travel and Insurance

1:30 p.m. ................................................................................................................. Bill Kirby - Being Bill Kirby

1. Herrington Financial Services, Inc.

2. Johnson Motor Company of Georgia

3. Brookstone Cottages at Rae’s Creek

4. Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Co.

5. Southern Siding & Window Co.

6. Rainbow

7. AARP

8. Brandon Wilde

9. Park Avenue Fabrics

10. Busby’s Heating, Air Conditioning

and Refrigeration

11. Primerica - Cynthia L. Brown

12. Camellia Walk Assisted Living & Memory Care

13. Georgialina Physical Therapy Associates

14. The Augusta Chronicle

15. Augusta Magazine

16. Caring Matters

17. AAA Insurance

18. Branum’s Sewing & Vacuum Superstore

19. Augusta Gardens Senior Living Community

20. Village Senior Apartments

21. Family YMCA of Greater Augusta

22. Nationwide - Chris Heath Agency

23. Infiniti of Augusta

24. St. Joseph Hospice, LLC

25. Comfort Keepers

26. The Smith Law Firm P.C.

27. Window World of the CSRA

28. ResCare Home Care

29. American Carpet One


Perhaps you’re the senior woman or gentleman at the supermarket pushing a wagon full of TV convenience dinners. While it may seem the easy way to go now that the family has left the coop, those convenience meals are not always the healthiest option. Generally high in sodium and calories, they don’t always fit into the acceptable diet for an elder person.

Cooking for one or two is something that should be embraced as you grow older. While you may be accustomed to cooking for a family, now that the nest is empty, scaling back will be required. Homemade food can be delicious, nutritious and simple. For adults who have lost a spouse or live alone, cooking can also be an enjoyable break in the day -- brightening your mood. Consider these tips.

Spend a day cooking for the week, if desired. Make a few items that can be stretched and enjoyed later in the week or “tweaked” into a completely different meal. Meatloaf, for example, can be made into several meals. Sliced leftovers into a sandwich and enjoy on a crusty piece of French bread, or top those leftovers

with mozzarella cheese and sauce and serve with a small side of spaghetti. The same can be said for basic poultry and meat dishes as well.

“Dinner” doesn’t have to be the extravagant meal that it once was. A half of a sandwich and a bowl of soup are perfectly acceptable options.

Many of your favorite recipes can be cut in half and enjoyed. Experiment with making smaller quantities of desserts and foods.

Invest in good-quality freezer bags or a device that vacuum seals items. Buying smaller packages of foods tends to be more expensive than buying in bulk. Therefore, continue to buy the “family” packs of meats and poultry. Then separate them when you return home and package them securely for freezing. Mark the date on items so that you use them promptly.

Don’t underestimate the advantages of breakfast for dinner. Eggs whipped up into omelettes filled with fresh vegetables, a small stack of pancakes, or even a hearty bowl of oatmeal can be welcoming when you don’t want much fuss.

Cooking for one


Statistics indicate that the average senior takes four to five prescription medications daily and potentially two over-the-counter products as well. Individuals could be consuming 10 to 15 pills in one day. Research also indicates that a senior will use roughly 25 different prescription medications during the course of a year. Managing this many medications can be tricky.

Seniors rely on a myriad of medications for various health conditions. Oftentimes, these meds are prescribed by different specialists with little to no coordination between them. Doctors often rely on patient information regarding prescription usage to complete medical history forms and determine whether another medication is safe to take. It is easy for the elderly to forget about a medication he or she is taking or mix it up with another when the person is managing so many pills. Drug interactions can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Therefore it is essential to manage meds as carefully as possible.

1. The first step to take is to make a list of all medications that you are currently taking. If you use one pharmacy (highly adviseable for record-keeping and notification of drug interactions), you can ask the pharmacy to print a list of the pills you take. It will have the actual names and show your prescription history. Make copies of this list. Store one at home in a file cabinet, and keep others in your wallet or purse to bring with you to doctors’ appointments. When asked about prescriptions, you’ll have your list ready and waiting.

2. Make sure you fully understand dosage and duration of medications when your doctor prescribes something. Doctors stereotypically have poor handwriting on prescriptions. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask that the instructions be repeated. Verify the instructions with the pharmacist when picking up the medication.

3. Store all medication in the original containers so that you have the proper dosage and expiration dates. This will

make renewals and dosage checks easier.4. If you take multiple pills each day,

it can be handy to use a pill organizer separated into days of the week and times of the day. At the beginning of each week, use your pill bottles to measure out what pills you need to take at each time. If you feel confused about this process, ask a family member, friend or even the pharmacy to help.

5. Read the safety information provided with prescription medications. It will tell you what you can and can’t do while taking a medication, as well as potential side effects. If you have any concerns about the information, speak with the pharmacist or call your doctor. You’re always better safe than sorry.

6. Store prescriptions where they are accessible by you but not by other members of the family. If you are sharing a home with a spouse or someone else who takes multiple medications, keep your pills separate from the others. You may want to color-code bottles or organizers so you can easily see what pills

are yours or your spouse’s.7. Avoid taking medication in the dark

or while tired. You may take the wrong pill and risk overdose.

8. Keep medications away from young children, especially visiting grandchildren.

9. Routinely check expiration dates on bottles. Discard expired medication promptly.

10. If your doctor tells you to stop taking a medication, dispose of it promptly.

11. Always take the prescription as prescribed by a doctor. Don’t play with dosage or skip pills because you feel like it. Also, don’t abruptly stop taking a medication. Some prescriptions require you to gradually wean off.

12. If a medication’s side effects are making you ill or you do not feel right or improved while taking a medication, consult with your doctor. You know your body best.

13. Alcohol interacts with many different prescriptions. Be careful of mixing alcohol and drugs.

How to manage medications safely


The crossword puzzle is a beloved yet relatively new component of popular culture. Crossword puzzles have evolved into popular pastimes, educational tools for children and methods of keeping the brain sharp.

Arthur Wynne, an English journalist who emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century, is credited with the creation of the first crossword puzzle. He is the first modern-day cruciverbalist, or crossword creator. Wynne wrote the puzzle for an American newspaper called the New York World. It was published on Sunday, December 21, 1913. The first crossword was actually called a “word-cross” and was diamond shaped. The name of the puzzle was later switched to “cross-word” and then crossword.

Wynne said he based his crossword puzzle on a game that was played in ancient Pompeii. It was called “magic squares” when translated from Latin. Although the crossword puzzle became a frequent inclusion in newsprint, it

wasn’t until 1924 when publisher Simon & Schuster published the first collection of crosswords in book form that the crossword became available in a more widespread manner.

Crossword puzzles are governed by a series of rules. There are different types of grids for these puzzles depending on origin. For example, crosswords often follow an American style, a British style, a Japanese style, and a Swedish style. Each of these styles has their own series of rules. These rules pertain to the number of cells and how many are shaded or white. A white cell that is part of two entries, meaning

part of an Across and Down clue, is called checked. A white cell that is only part of one clue is unchecked.

Crossword grids such as those appearing in most North American newspapers and magazines feature solid areas of white squares. Every letter is checked, and usually each answer is required to contain at least three letters. In these puzzles shaded squares

are usually limited to about one-sixth of the design. Another component of North American puzzles is that the grid should have symmetry when rotated 180 degrees. The pattern should appear the same even if the puzzle is turned upside down. Most puzzle designs require the

white cells to also be connected in one mass through shared sides, which is a concept called being orthogonally contiguous.

Puzzles are often standard sizes. Easier puzzles have fewer cells and may have 15x15 squares. Puzzles can increase in complexity as they grow larger, up to 25x25. Many newspapers start out with easier puzzles earlier in the work week and move to a harder puzzle in time for the Sunday puzzle.

In terms of American-style puzzles where all of the white cells are checked, not all of the solutions will be full words. American puzzles allow for abbreviations, variant spellings or even foreign words. This isn’t the case with British puzzles. Most American puzzles follow a theme.

Crossword puzzles have become a component of the daily lives of people all around the world. They continue to be a source of entertainment and even competition.

History of the crossword puzzle

Arthur Wynne, English journalist credited with creating the first crossword puzzle.


Common discounts available to senior citizensToday’s seniors

might cringe at the

escalating costs of

necessities such

as prescription

medication and even

higher utility bills,

and understandably

so. However, savvy

seniors can save by

taking advantage of

a host of discounts

exclusive to the those

over the age of 65.

TRAVEL PERKS

TRANSPORTATION

FOOD

ARTS & CULTURE

Many seniors love to travel, and can even do so at heavily discounted prices. Larger hotel chains often offer seniors discounts as high as 10 percent. Unfortunately, many U.S. domestic airlines, facing higher fuel prices and dwindling business due the global economic downturn, ceased offering senior discounts in 2009. However, certain airlines, including Southwest Airlines, still offer discounted rates to seniors. These discounts can be as much as 10 percent. It’s also common for car rental agencies to offer senior discounts.

Many communities provide heavily discounted, if not free, rates to seniors for public transportation. Consult with your local government to determine if you qualify for senior discounts.

Grocery stores commonly offer discounts to older customers, and many times you don’t even need to be a senior citizen to qualify. In general, chains offer senior discounts, including special days for seniors to shop, to anyone over the age of 55. Restaurants are also known to offer senior discounts, and often these discounts extend beyond “early bird special” discounts of yesteryear. While early bird specials still exist, many chain restaurants offer discounted prices to seniors regardless of time of day. In many cases, these discounts aren’t listed on the menu, but it never hurts, and typically saves, to ask.

Seniors looking to spend a day or night on the town and take in some culture can typically do so at a discounted rate. Museums and National Parks typically offer discounted admission to seniors, as do movie theaters and even some concert halls.


As men and women enter their golden years, many decide they can no longer maintain their homes and choose to downgrade to something smaller, be it an apartment or a condominium. For millions of others, health plays a significant role when deciding where to move when it’s time to sell their homes.

According to the AARP, slightly more than five percent of people 65 years and older reside in nursing homes, congregate care, assisted living, and board-and-care homes. Statistics Canada notes that by 2004-05, the most recent year for which statistics are available, one in 30 Canadians over the age of 65 were living in homes for the aged. Though no one plans to live in a nursing home, seniors and their families should at least know what to look for just in case.

Determine Individual NeedsMen and women researching potential

living facilities might find it difficult to determine their specific needs. Unforeseen health conditions, for instance, might dictate which option is the best fit. Men

and women who have a medical condition that requires routine monitoring will almost certainly want a skilled nursing facility. But those without medical conditions who need help with simpler tasks of everyday life are likely to have those needs met by an intermediate facility. Some facilities provide both types of care, which can make transitioning from one to another much easier if or when that need arises. Facilities typically have intake planners on staff who evaluate each individual and determine which level of care is the best fit.

Research Policies and ProceduresEach facility should be ready and willing

to share and discuss its policies and procedures with regards to residents. What is the procedure when a resident has a medical emergency? What if a resident finds a living situation unpleasant? What is the facility’s philosophy regarding staff and resident interaction? What are the facility’s hiring practices, including certification requirements, for its personnel? What is the ratio of staff to residents? Each facility

should be able to answer these questions promptly and adequately. Those who can’t should be checked off the list of residences to consider.

Facility RatingsAccording to the AARP, recent research

has shown that nonprofit nursing homes offer higher-quality care, better staff-resident ratios, and have fewer health violations than facilities managed by for-profit companies. Men and women researching facilities can visit Caring.com, an online resource for men and women caring for aging relatives. The Web site enables adults to compare nursing homes in their areas, including if a home is for profit or nonprofit, and the home’s capacity. U.S. residents can even learn each facility’s Medicare ratings, which are determined by examining the safety of the facility and its overall quality of care and a host of other factors.

Get a Firsthand Account of the FacilityBefore choosing a facility for themselves

or an elderly relative, individuals should

spend some time at the facilities they’re considering to get a firsthand account of what life at that facility is like. Observe the staff interactions with residents, including if they address residents with respect and patience. How do the current residents look? Are they unkempt and left to their own devices, or do they appear well groomed and are they encouraged to interact with other residents? Does the facility seem warm and welcoming, or is it antiseptic? The move to an elderly care facility is often difficult and sometimes depressing, so each of the above conditions can carry significant weight when choosing a facility.

Finding a nursing home or a similar facility for yourself or an aging relative is not necessarily easy. Men and women facing such a difficult decision should begin the process as early as possible to ensure they find the facility that is the best fit.

What to look for in an elder care facility


Paint-free ways to brighten your homeAutumn is a beautiful time of year

marked by pleasant temperatures and colorful fall foliage. But as vibrant as nature can be in the weeks after summer has ended, homeowners know that the shortened days of autumn mean less light inside their homes, which can become dreary even in the weeks before the arrival of winter.

Many homeowners pick up their paintbrushes in an effort to make their homes more colorful. But homeowners need not embrace their inner Picasso to brighten their homes' interiors. The following are a handful of paint-free ways to add some splashes of color to your home this fall.

Bring nature inside. Flowers and plants can make colorful additions to a home’s interior. Flowers tend to be aromatic, which can make a stuffy house in which windows need to be kept closed a lot more pleasant. Plants and flowers also can improve indoor air quality. Several studies, including one published in the Journal for the

AmericanSociety for Horticultural Science, have shown that houseplants improve indoor air quality by filtering out volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can be harmful to human health. That’s especially important come late fall and winter, when homeowners typically shut their windows and keep them shut until spring, making it difficult for fresh air to enter a home.

Invest in some colorful throw pillows. Natural sunlight brightens a room come spring and summer. But sunlight is increasingly scarce as fall turns into winter, and rooms that do not boast too many colorful accents can quickly grow drab as summertime sunlight dwindles. Instead of buying new furniture, invest in some colorful throw pillows to give a room a more vibrant look. Patterns can be mixed and matched to provide some contrast and transform a room from somewhere to spend time into a sight to behold.

Paper the walls. While many of today’s homeowners prefer paint to wallpaper,

those who want a less permanent solution to brighten up their homes may want to consider removable wallpaper. Such paper is less expensive than traditional wallpaper, and many do-it-yourselfers find removable wallpaper is easy to both install and remove. Choose a colorful pattern that can turn an otherwise plain wall into a potent palette that adds some life to your home’s interior. Because removable wallpaper does not require a significant financial investment, you can experiment with various colors or change things up each month if you so desire.

Add some artwork. Another way to add color to the walls inside your home without dusting off your paintbrush is to hang some colorful artwork. Paintings that feature bold colors tend to draw your immediate attention when you enter a room, and that quality can make you forget the room is not benefitting from natural light. If you want to go the extra mile, find a painting that features

colors which match throw pillows or other accessories in the room. This way your walls and your accessories are working in concert to make a room more colorful.

Homes tend to darken as late fall turns into winter. But homeowners can brighten their homes in various ways, even if they prefer not to paint.


Making friends after retirementWhen you’re younger, it seems you can’t wait until retire-

ment. After all, who wants to deal with going to work every day and coping with coworkers and a boss? However, many people overlook the opportunities for socialization that

working provides. You get out of the house and see people -- apart from your family -- with whom you can converse. Many retirees find that life can be a bit boring after the job ends, primarily because they don’t have access to the same level of socialization as they once did.

Making friends can keep you active and healthy. If you’re a bit rusty in the friend-making department, it’s pretty much how it was when you were younger. You simply must find individuals who have similar interests and goals.

Volunteer in your community You’re bound to find potential friends who are like-minded.

Think about your interests. If you like fishing, sewing or boating, join a club that caters to those interests. Others who share your hobbies will be there.

If you’re new to an area, host an open-house party and invite neighbors in for introductions and some socialization.

Take classes at a college or university. Many offer free or discounted rates for seniors. This is a great way to meet people of all ages and walks of life.

Attend clubs at senior centers or houses of worship. It’s likely that there are plenty of other people looking for relationships.

Join a social networking site online. You can connect with people, potentially individuals who live close by.

Ask existing friends if they have other friends to whom they can introduce you.


Coupon tips for deal-seekersCoupons can help people, and parents

in particular, save substantial amounts of money. While television shows have documented the efforts of people who take coupon usage to the extreme, many shoppers simply want to earn modest savings on their grocery bills, recognizing that saving a few dollars here or there can add up to significant savings over time.

But even if you have no desire to spend hours on end hunting down the best deals, there are some ways to make the best use of coupons without taking up much of your time.

Understand stores’ coupon policies. Begin by researching if stores you frequent have restrictions on coupon usage. Some stores will double the value of coupons and others will not. Stores may set limits on the number of coupons one register can process or how many coupons a particular shopper can use at one time. It may be possible to use two different coupons for the same item, provided one is a manufacturer’s coupon

and the other is store-based. The more you know about the coupon policies at your favorite stores, the more likely you are to use those policies to your advantage.

Get organized. Using coupons effectively requires some organization. Develop a system for categorizing coupons by type or expiration date, which should ensure you don’t miss out on discounts because you lost coupons of they have expired.

Subscribe to several newspapers and coupon websites. Newspapers and store circulars are still great resources for coupons, so subscribe to your local newspaper, which likely still includes inserts advertising the latest sales and coupons. You also can subscribe to coupon websites, many of which are free and deliver coupons to subscribers’ email inboxes on a daily or weekly basis.

Join a store loyalty program. Those cards supermarkets and other stores scan at checkout do more than just track your purchases. They typically

entitle members to discounts that other shoppers are not privy to. These discounts come off the bill automatically, saving you time and money. Furthermore, being part of a store loyalty program may entitle you to emails or other advertisements on special sales not open to the general public.

Learn how to stack coupons with store sales. Many blogs tell you which stores are running sales and how they compare to coupons in recent newspapers and circulars. This enables you to not only get the sale price on a particular item but also earn the coupon discount. This is a good way to save even more money.

Get to know the standard prices of products. The only way to know if a coupon is a good deal is to be familiar with the going rate of the products you buy on a regular basis. When visiting the grocery store, make a note of how much your favorite items cost at full price. This way you will know when a sale is truly a sale.

Be prepared to stock up. Some of the best deals to be had involve buy one get one free, deals which are often referred to as “BOGO” or “B1G1.” When such deals can be combined with a coupon, the savings are substantial. Set aside a rack or area of the home for stockpiling your BOGO purchases.

Don’t forget about paperless coupons. Paperless coupons, or ecoupons, are often linked to store loyalty programs. Many ecoupon services require shoppers to sign up online and provide some basic information about themselves. When you go to check out at the store, you will swipe your customer card and any available ecoupons will automatically be deducted from your purchase. Ecoupons are usually redeemed at face value and cannot be doubled or shared.

Although many people will not go to extremes when using coupons, when used wisely, such discounts can help save a good deal of money.

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