Society of Certified Senior Advisors

Music: the Effects Play on for Seniors

2012-05-11T07:35:00.002-07:00

“Music has charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” –William Congreve

We seniors routinely enjoy the numerous positive effects of music--it enchants, distracts, improves our moods, and helps to relieve our stress. This is true, not just of soothing music; upbeat dance music has the same effect of decreasing the stress hormone cortisol, along with increasing the level of antibodies.

Dr. Ronny Enk, who recently lead a study concerning music’s effect on the immune system says, “We think that the pleasant state that can be induced by music leads to special physiological changes which eventually lead to stress reduction or direct immune enhancement.” He is referring to the theory that music is represented in multiple parts of the brain, and accesses deeper pathways between neurons. It appears to enable stroke victims to connect their stored knowledge of words through songs, helping them to create the new connections needed for speech. Music has also been shown to help Alzheimer’s patients recall memories, and even restore cognitive function. It works the same way in all of us: when we listen to music we know, it stimulates the hippocampus which handles long-term storage in the brain. This can remind us of relevant memories we made while listening to a particular song.

Remarkable. Let the beat go on…

Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a freelance writer specializing in social, health, and spiritual concerns of seniors. She lives in Nesconset, New York, and welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

Catching Your ZZZ’s

2012-05-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 80% of seniors between the ages of 65 and 84 report having sleep problems. So the question is, what can all these people do in order to get their sleep?

The foundation offers some ideas to consider:

Avoid stimulants, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate—anything with caffeine in it—at least 3 or 4 hours before you go to bed.
Exercise in the morning or afternoon, but not in the evening.
Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning.
Use the bed for sleeping and/or sexual activity.
Avoid the use of alcohol later in the evening; it can increase awakenings later in the night.
Try taking short naps, but keep in mind that sleeping in the daytime will affect your sleep at night. You may find that a 30-minute nap can decrease your nighttime sleep, or you may sleep for a shorter time.

There are also a number of behavioral modifications that seniors can make to establish healthy sleeping patterns. These include relaxation training which often involves reducing tension and muscular relaxation techniques. The foundation recommends that you not spend too much time lying awake in bed. If you are not able to fall asleep after 20 minutes, try getting out of bed and doing a quiet, relaxing activity, such as reading or listening to soft music. Then when you do feel sleepy, get back into bed and try to fall asleep again. Give it another 20 minutes; if it doesn’t work, repeat the process.

And, of course, always check with your doctor.

This blog is posted by Laraine Jablon.

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer specializing in social and health concerns of seniors. She lives in Nesconset, New York, and welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

Meet Our April CSA Spotlight - Gordon Corn

2012-05-08T07:15:00.001-07:00

I started my work career parking cars at the age of 15 at Harrah’s Club at Lake Tahoe. That job continued thru graduation from the University of Nevada in Reno in 1965. In the next few years I would complete my professional education and certifications as a CLU, registered rep of the NASD and student of numerous real estate endeavors. I have never had a job, you know the one that is 8 to 5 and payday is Friday. In addition to my real estate development activities I have recently completed my 30th year as a Franchisee of a very large organization and have sold my business interests to employees.

I have been richly blessed with good health, a beautiful wife of 45 years, a great son, daughter-in-law and wonderful grandson. I know that “it is not what I am looking at but rather what I see”. I see beauty in every aspect of my life. I know that every door that closes presents an opportunity for that door that opens ahead. I like most people. I have had both failures and successes. I know that I can make a difference in our world.

Within a few months of Uncle Don’s death in May of 2009, my wife Linda received a call from Don’s older brother who had been had been nominated as executor under Don’s will and some family trusts and who said he could not handle the task. My loving wife, Linda, was next in line and agreed to accept the job. After all, Linda had spent many summers with Aunt Catherine and Uncle Don in Longbeach as a high school girl. Aunt Kay, as we know her, was Linda’s only surviving relative and Linda felt strongly compelled to help.

Little did Linda know, nor did I, as an experienced small business person, the magnitude of the responsibility she was about to assume and how additional changes in the lives of our senior relatives would change.

Then in January it happened. Kay who is a bright and head strong ninety-six year old woman chose to climb a ladder in her kitchen to take down some dishes and fell. The resulting broken hip put Kay in the hospital. At this point, I must confess, that this “broken hip syndrome” (although the second most common reason for seniors being admitted to hospital) initiated the “end of life” syndrome as described by several of our doctor friends. Broken hip, loss of weight, pneumonia and death.

However Kay, not being one to give up, went thru the first three steps and then recovered sufficiently to be discharged from hospital. Since Linda and I live in the Denver area, assisting in the discharge sequence was a bit of an inconvenience. Never-the-less, Linda dutifully went to Long Beach and assisted.

We knew the travel routine from Denver to Long Beach route since Linda had been to the hospital on several previous occasions, first to visit Don and then to visit Kay, including being a witness to the performance of her “last rites” with the hope that she would nurse back to health. Although Linda was familiar with the day long travel from Denver to Long Beach, to Kay’s home and over to the hospital, what she was not familiar with was the events of discharge.

The kind and helpful social workers and hospital staff said to Linda…its time for Kay to leave and presented Linda with a stack of paper slightly larger than the Denver phone books. At the time, that meant about 4” of paper and about as much paper work to follow over the coming months. Linda was able to continue to work thru Don’s estate, received and documented her status as executrix, took charge of Kay’s affairs pursuant to a power of attorney, hired 24 hour care givers and arranged for hospice care.

As the weeks and months have passed, Linda now has five 3” binders of paper work, has traveled thousands and thousands of miles (exhausting for that wonderful seventy year young wife of mine) and spent hundreds of hours on the phone with Kay, her care givers, doctors, attorneys and accountants.

It has become quite clear to me that a very large section of our population is rapidly entering the “senior” stage of their life (data shows about 10,000 individuals turn 65 every day). My experience bears out and is equally supported by talking to many, many of my peers (most of whom are well educated professionals) that there is no one single source for help, information and guidance for seniors and their families.

We know that there are numerous and very large governmental agencies, many caring and dedicated non-profits and more than 40,000 assisted living facilities and tens of thousands of caregivers. We also know that 85% of all caregivers are like Linda, loving family members that have no professional background in this area and to whom the challenge of walking the maze of senior care is thrust upon them suddenly.

I decided that I wanted to help, to make a difference, to use my skills and background to make a tool available to any person who wanted it to assist them in navigating the maze that is the system now in place for assisting seniors and their families.

By comparison, even though I have been a small business person, this task is obviously overwhelming, complex, and confusing. I know, along with hundreds of others who are so generously offering support, direction and guidance, that our enterprise, UniversalSeniorLiving.com will make a difference and I am humbled to be a founder and full time volunteer for that enterprise. Becoming a CSA has become a great benefit, a wealth of knowledge and an association I truly appreciate.

Posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
www.csa.us

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Spousal / Partner Relationships in Retirement

2012-05-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

At retirement, one relationship that often changes is with your spouse or partner. In the early and middle years of a marriage, couples normally don’t spend a lot of time together. As partners, they are busy making a living, raising a family and fixing up a home. In a recent survey, it was found the average married couple spends only three or four hours a week together without the children, and that may be collapsing on the couch and watching TV.

Due to today’s hectic pace, each partner tends to develop his/her own schedule and routine around their work, family and home demands. Then retirement comes and it’s a time to relax and enjoy, which includes spending quality time with a partner. It’s supposed to be the time when we enrich our relationship; when we do things and go places together.

However, a relationship filled with good times is not something that just happens. Like all other aspects of retirement, it requires planning and effort. As part of your client’s plan, it’s important to recognize that partners have built up their own space and privacy needs. Each needs time to pursue his/her own interests, hobbies, tasks or just ‘chill out alone’.

One train of thought is if a client were apart from their partner eight hours a day during the working days, your client and his/her partner should plan to be apart approximately four hours a day in retirement. This enables each partner to have his/her own time and space. Encourage your client to talk with his/her partner about their individual needs and agree on how those needs can be successfully fulfilled.

Frank and Amber agreed that when Frank retired he would participate in activities outside the home three mornings a week. They also agreed while Amber had the house to herself, she would indulge in her hobby – pottery. The couple agreed that twice a week, they would walk to their favourite pastry shop for coffee and once a week have a ‘date night’. This arrangement has worked out well and Frank and Amber have recommended their ‘time and space’ plan to other retired couples.
As part of relationship planning, it’s important to identify to each other what retirement means in terms of roles and responsibilities. By doing this, your client creates a mini job description; it can outline dates, duties, responsibilities and authorities.

Before Dick and Anastasia began their retired life, they discussed who would be responsible for what in retirement. It was mutually decided that Dick would do the grocery shopping, snow shovelling and raking. He would make the bed each morning, prepare for dinner and several other domestic chores. As part of the division of duties, Anastasia would do the cleaning and vacuuming, washing and drying of clothes, folding and ironing. They agreed that household decorating would be done together. This sharing of responsibilities assisted Dick and Anastasia build a harmonious working relationship without one partner feeling he or she is doing the lion’s share of the work.
Though it is easy to take each other for granted, the preparation for retirement provides your client and his/her spouse an opportunity to assess and enhance their relationship. Being thoughtful, expressing appreciation, having a sense of fun and adventure, these are traits among others that add to the quality of a relationship and the satisfaction level between partners.

As part of your client’s spousal retirement planning, encourage him or her to do little things that add spice to the relationship – such things as buying flowers, sports equipment or treating their partner to lunch. Saying ‘thank you’ goes a long way to recognize what a partner does. Spending quality time together and sharing fun activities adds to any relationship.

Relationships are like a garden. They require regular care and feeding if they are to grow and become fruitful.

------- Richard (Rick) Atkinson, founder and president of RA Retirement Advisors, is an expert in pre-retirement planning. He is the author of Don’t Just Retire – Live It, Love It!. Rick facilitates workshops for clients of advisors and others. He is available for speaking engagements. www.dontjustretire.com Twitter: @dontjustretire.

Retirement: So Many Choices

2012-04-27T06:50:00.001-07:00

If you are about to start a new chapter in your life, namely retirement, there is homework to do. It requires thought and planning in order to find exactly what you’re looking for, even if you think you have a general idea. However, if you have no clue as to where to begin, perhaps this will help you to get started.

One of the most useful search tools is offered by US News & World Report. The Best Places to Retire Lists will help you to sift through and examine the multitude of remarkable choices that are available for retirement. There are literally hundreds of options from which to choose—no matter what your dream is. The Lists include:

The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012
The 10 Sunniest Places to Retire
10 Bargain Retirement Spots
10 Places to Retire on Social Security Alone
10 Best Places for the Wealthiest Retirees
10 Fast-Growing Retirement Spots
10 Best Places for Single Seniors to Retire
10 Places with the Most Retirees
10 Places with the Oldest Population
10 Most Affordable Cities for Long-Term Care
10 Places to Launch a Second Career
Best & Worst Places to Build a Nest Egg in Retirement
10 Best Places to Reinvent Your Life in Retirement
Best Places to Downsize in Retirement
Best Places for Military Retirees
10 Historic Places to Retire
10 Most Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement
10 Great Places for Wine Lovers to Retire—(sounds like fun!)

Visit www.usnews.com to find the Best Places to Retire Lists. Enjoy this valuable resource and good luck finding your bliss.

~Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

The Dangers of Personal Loans and Family

2012-04-19T15:03:00.003-07:00

Loaning money to family – to do it or not to do it? That is the question.

Each family views money differently, and when the need for financial assistance arises, there are many ways of approaching it. Often, parents who are also seniors are put in the tough position of an adult child asking for a loan, perhaps for college tuition, a down payment on a home, to start a business or to help pay expenses. A parent’s natural instinct is to help a child, even if that child is an adult. Seniors have to be especially careful about lending money because many are on limited income. If the senior takes the loan out of savings and the loan is not repaid, the senior is not able to recoup savings as easily as someone who is still in their working years. If the senior should need the money for health reasons, long-term living expenses or unexpected occurrences, and the money is not there, how will that senior survive?

Money and family are a precarious combination. The risk of loaning money to family is that relationships may be compromised because of the situation – if the details of the arrangement are unclear or if the borrower neglects to pay the lender all together. The lender may feel taken advantage of, while the borrower feels entitled.

Careful consideration when lending money
A parent should thoroughly consider giving money to an adult child. Enlisting an attorney or an accountant may be necessary to assure proper structuring of the loan and payments. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may also be curious as to the nature of the arrangement, another reason to have a professional help set up the loan.

Read the full length of this article, click here.

Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors
www.csa.us

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Job Hunting After 50

2012-04-12T08:49:00.001-07:00

There is good news. Really.

Companies actually do hire seniors. However, one unfortunate and often overlooked fact is that many baby boomer job seekers do not know how to conduct a modern job search, or properly present themselves to employers. An ineffective resume or a poor interview can seriously derail anyone’s job search—especially that of the mature job applicant. Unfortunately, this can shut him out of the job market.

The good news is that Carol A. Silvis is an experienced author who has taught training courses to older adults re-entering the workplace. Having written extensively on the subject of career topics and concerns, her most recent book is Job Hunting After 50. It is specifically designed to prepare seniors for the job search by arming them with a plan for success.

This book shows them how to assess and update their skills and qualifications; use the appropriate technology; prepare their own resumes for today’s job market; and dress with style for the interview. Silvis identifies the most common mistakes seniors make, showing them how to best avoid certain pitfalls. In addition, she addresses their energy levels and attitudes.

The goal is to commit one’s time to finding the right job by approaching it systematically and intelligently. Silvis has laid out some tried and true principles to follow in order to simplify the process. Her book will be a boon for the boomers and their parents who are job hunting at this time.

Wishing you luck in your search,

~Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

LAST CHANCE ENROLLMENT FOR 3 UPCOMING LIVE CSA CLASSES:

2012-04-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

LAST CHANCE ENROLLMENT FOR 3 UPCOMING LIVE CSA CLASSES:

- Cincinnati, OH - April 24-27th, 2012

- Nashville, TN - May 22-25th, 2012

- Long Island, NY - May 22-25th, 2012

CSAs, we encourage you to audit a live class to earn yourself 15 CE credits or pass the information along to a friend or colleague who also specialize in the senior industry. Contact us today for more information on any of the classes above, 800-653-1785 or society@csa.us.

Healthy Aging, According to Dr. Bloom

2012-04-06T10:12:00.004-07:00

Dedicated. This word best describes Dr. Patricia Bloom. For over 30 years, she has been involved in geriatric patient care, education, and research at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Her title is Director of Integrative Health for the Martha Stewart Center for Living and she is an associate professor in the department of Geriatrics. Dr. Bloom is committed to the promotion of healthy aging: integrative health; stress reduction; mind body medicine; along with meditation and mindfulness for caregivers.

Often she is asked about the relationship between aging and creativity. Believing that great life experience comes with age she says, “While there is a lot of concern about what happens to brain function as people get older—especially about memory and dementia--there’s real data that senior wisdom is something that is accrued with life experience. Wisdom feeds into creativity. The older person is able to manifest his life experience and his wisdom, so that being creative and growing in new directions is the hallmark of successful aging.”

She cites Grandma Moses and Albert Einstein as two interesting, historical people who bear this out. Both aged well; both took up new forms of creative expression later in life. The former established herself as a fine artist, while the latter took up the violin.

Dr. Bloom advises, “One of the most effective ways of maintaining brain function as we age is to continue to be healthy in general. We know all of the risk factors that you hear about for heart disease--high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or having an inactive lifestyle. All those things that put seniors at risk in other realms of health, are also risk factors for heart disease and Alzheimer’s.” Staying healthy by eating a good diet and being physically active are not easy things to do, but it is this combination that Dr. Bloom sees as “the real fountain of youth” for seniors. Careful attention to both diet and exercise has been shown to prevent many diseases that are associated with aging, and it fosters the maintenance of brain function, as well.

How does keeping active help? This geriatrician posits that there are literally reams of research data that prove this point. “Physical activity is a strong predictor of mortality. If you look at people’s exercise capacity, how able they are to be vigorously active, it is a very strong forecaster of how long they will live. And, for each increment up the scale they are for physical activity, the longer it would predict for their length of life.”

You don’t have to be a marathon runner though. Dr. Bloom wants older adults to know that they should not get discouraged even if they’ve been couch potatoes all their lives. She emphatically assures them, “If you go from the lowest quartile of physical activity to the second to the lowest quartile, you really improve your health status.”

The best advice this specialist has to offer includes continuing to be mentally and socially connected. She encourages seniors to be involved in everything. “Follow your passions, be truly engaged in life.”

For more information, visit www.mountsinai.org/profiles/patricia-a-bloom

This blog is posted by Laraine Jablon.

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

Relationships in Retirement

2012-04-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

As a species, humans are social beings. We feel most comfortable when surrounded by those who have mutual feelings of love, trust and understanding. Our family, friends and colleagues are important throughout all phases of life and retirement is the time when we need companionship most.
As your clients adapt to retirement, loved ones can help them through the rough patches and assist in appreciating the good times.

Most people recognize that when they retire, relationships they have with people from work will change drastically or become a distant memory. In the beginning, we may stay in touch but as months pass, meetings and correspondence dwindle. Eventually, there are occasional thoughts but little to no interaction. In retirement, your clients need to forge a new path, let go of some relationships and build new ones.

To be successful socially, your clients need to work at keeping up with current friends and be proactive in seeking new ones. This means continually going to social events and gatherings, meeting people and sending out positive signals of interest. Encourage your clients to take time to introduce themselves when in the company of new people and inquire about their backgrounds and interests. If a client shows interest in them, in most cases they will reciprocate and new relationships are formed.

As part of a client’s relationship planning, have them consider their service providers. This includes their spiritual leader, doctor, insurance agent, accountant, lawyer, advisor (you) and neighbor. A spiritual leader provides guidance, their doctor, insurance agent, accountant, advisor and other service professionals provide professional advice and neighbors, peace of mind when your client is away and camaraderie when at home.

Many successful retirees have shared with me how enhancing the relationship with service providers has enriched the bond, often from simply supplier to friend. And it doesn’t take much – a note of thanks, a card recognizing special events including birthdays, a call to enquire how they are. One lady reported that she bakes cookies for the staff and doctor when she visits her local health clinic. She said, “When I show up with my favorite chocolate chip cookies, the staff beams with appreciative smiles and sincere thanks. They often say how I’ve brightened their day. We all feel great and a little bit closer.”
Recognizing people for being in our life is a very personal gesture and how your client does it will vary from person to person, relationship to relationship.

Cy is constantly rewarding those in his social circle. He recognizes the birthdays of his accountant, financial advisor and life insurance agent. When asked why he takes the time and effort to remember their birthdays, Cy’s answer is, “These people are important to me. They play a critical role in my life and help me keep my financial and personal affairs in order.”

Take the time to talk with clients about their plans to find and meet new people. Share with them the secret of enhancing relationships with service providers. Clients will appreciate your caring and concern and in turn you’ll enjoy your job a little more.
------------------

Richard (Rick) Atkinson, Founder and President of RA Retirement Advisors, is an expert in pre-retirement planning. He is also author of the best-selling book, Don’t Just Retire – Live It, Love It! Rick facilitates workshops for clients of advisors and others. Rick now offers ‘Women’s
Only’ retirement planning workshops. To contact Rick, call 416-282-7320 or www.dontjustretire.com. Twitter: @dontjustretire.

More About Medicare and Changes in 2012

2012-04-02T10:33:00.003-07:00

The Society of Certified Senior Advisors is hosting our April Educational Webinar on Wednesday, April 4th, 2012 at 12:00 (Noon) MST.

Want to know more about the differences among Medicare Parts A, B, C and D? Have questions about the differences between open enrollment, annual enrollment and special enrollment? Curious about the new 2012 Medicare changes to premiums, deductibles, and co-payments? Then attend this free webinar on Medicare!

The best part of this webinar? CSAs will have access to the entire webinar package so they can use it to educate their own clients. The package will include:

a PowerPoint note-taking booklet
a handout on Medicare 2012 premiums
a handout illustrating the case study and how it applies to the different Medicare parts
a handout on additional resources for seniors
a full speaking script

SPACE IS LIMITED so be to register now! If you are unable to login after the webinar has reached capacity,this entire webinar package will be available to CSAs immediately following the live presentation.

Self-Compassion: Being Kind to Ourselves

2012-03-27T13:50:00.001-07:00

Conscious aging offers us seniors the opportunity to look at all our relationships and to heal, forgive, and extend compassion to others and ourselves. In fact, recent research strongly suggests that if we give ourselves a break and accept our imperfections, it may help us to be healthier. Several studies have shown that people who score high on tests of self-compassion tend to be happier and more optimistic.

But, let’s be clear about one thing: self-compassion is not to be confused with self-indulgence; it is not a matter of lowering one’s standards.

Jean Fain, a psychologist and teaching associate at Harvard Medical School, states, “Self-compassion is the missing ingredient in every diet. Most plans revolve around self-discipline, deprivation, and neglect, while the best proven weight-loss methods are self-love, mindfulness, and group support.” Dr. Fain suggests that people begin their diets by loving who they are because self-compassion is a more effective motivator than self-criticism.

Another pioneer in the study of willpower and self-discipline, Kristin Neff, is an associate professor of human development at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Neff agrees with Dr. Fain. In her own research she has found, “The biggest reason people aren’t kinder to themselves is that they are afraid they’ll become self-indulgent; they think that self-criticism keeps them in line. They have gotten it wrong because our culture says that being hard on yourself is the way to be.”

Both doctors believe that as we age, we can live more deeply through self-compassion and grow wiser in doing so.

You may want to read Jean Fain’s book, The Self-Compassion Diet or Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind.

~Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer specializing in social and health concerns of seniors. She lives in Nesconset, New York, and welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

Meet CSA Spotlight, Judy Rough

2012-03-23T07:41:00.002-07:00

Judy Rough, CSA
480-200-3415 - judy@papervana.com

Owner and founder of Carefree Transitions, LLC
www.carefree-transitions.com

Owner, founder and creator of Papervana, LLC
www.papervana.com

I can honestly say that when I was young, I was not fond of “old people”. I only had my Italian maternal grandmother in my life and the words of wisdom I walked away with from Nana were, “Don’t give your mother any trouble!”. I even played sick when my Girl Scout troop was to sing Christmas carols at a nursing home. Old people scared me, made me feel uncomfortable and I assumed they smelled. I actually carried these stereotypes for years, even when So how in the world did I end up in businesses that serve seniors and love it? Well, first I grew up and before I knew it my parents were senior citizens and I had no fear of their generation. Nursing homes became Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Care, Memory Care and Hospice and consumers were more demanding about how older adults were going to spend their retirement years. I changed and society changed.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and fought my way to become a survivor. I decided that I was no longer going to let fear stop me from living my dream of owning my own business. After working with my sister to relocate my parents in 2005 from their NJ home of 43 years to a CCRC near the Jersey shore, it was my mother who suggested I should start a highly detailed and all inclusive business that helped relocate seniors. Carefree Transitions was open for business in the Phoenix metro area in 2006 and we have been helping seniors with their transitions ever since. Our industry called Senior Move Management (SMM) is an extraordinary one, but unfortunately one that is not yet widely recognized in the US. I have actually used Senior Move Managers on two of my personal moves and will never move without one again. Everything is unpacked, cleaned, organized and put away in one day with every moving box and piece of packing paper removed. Then you are ready to engage in life in your new home and community immediately with no stress trying to find your important belongings. This is a service everyone who is moving should have, but especially our seniors.

To read more of Judy's story, click here.

Society of Certified Senior Advisors
www.csa.us

Expert on aging teams with bank on 'life transition'

2012-03-19T08:49:00.002-07:00

Expert on aging teams with bank on 'life transition'

Senior Dating: Helen Fisher

2012-03-15T15:01:00.001-07:00

Navigating the dating waters can be challenging on many levels.

Helen E. Fisher, biological anthropologist and member of the Center for Human Evolutionary Studies in the anthropology department of Rutgers University, understands this and offers her insight into the process of dating for those who are ready to undertake the finding of a mate.

She notes that in the past 50 years, dating and marriage have changed more than in the past 5,000 years. This is largely due to the entry of women into the work force. Fisher notes, “Women are expressing their natural sexuality, experimenting with love and sex before marriage, living with their partners, marrying later, divorcing, and remarrying…in a sense we have returned to a social life style similar to the hunting and gathering societies, before people settled down on the farm and marriage codes got more rigid.”

Believing that people of any age can feel intense romantic love, she has studied the romantic element in some 800 men and women of American and Japanese decent. Fisher has concluded that we can fall in love at every age—even in our 90’s. This calls to mind every sweet story we’ve ever heard about octogenarians and nonagenarians who have found each other and moved in together or married--sweet, hopeful, life-affirming tales.

According to this expert, senior dating is a lot like junior dating—full of excitement; anguish; at times euphoria, when things go well; and despair when they don’t.

Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

Adventure After 50

2012-03-09T07:36:00.002-08:00

As French author Andre Gide once said, “It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves—in finding themselves.”

Baby boomers are by far the largest demographic of American society today. Their influence shows no sign of waning as they enter their senior years. This group is healthier, more youthful, more vigorous, and more involved than past generations have been. Both boomers, and many of their parents, are living longer than any other group, and are often willing to take tremendous risks in order to realize their dreams. No other generation has ever been this audacious.

These older citizens are living their lives with passion, understanding that aging does not mean slowing down. It also does not signify a quiet retirement in a hushed, lazy suburban town. Boomers, along with their older brothers and sisters, often enjoy exciting experiences and venues involving music, art, and sports—to name just a few. They love to learn new things all the time, and make their own rules, knowing very well that the current chapter of their lives may prove to be the most remarkable period of opportunity and exploration yet.

The capacity for growth and exhilaration on the part of this generation’s seniors can be described as “voracious.” Some continue to work; many have embarked on a second career or are becoming entrepreneurs. Millions travel all over the world to places they never thought they would ever want to see; many do volunteer work, or are concentrating on some unique endeavor, like writing the next great American novel. Some have taken up sky diving, or the ukulele. To be sure, these boomers and their parents are pursuing their bliss in one of myriad ordinary and extraordinary avenues: the concepts of venture, peril, chance, fortune, and luck are all applicable here.

The common thread, however, is the examination of traditional views and cultural issues on the part of these seniors. They question everything, and they love to learn--two of their most defining and outstanding characteristics, in fact. This group is largely composed of avid readers with open minds, savvy enough to know that there are many ways of becoming more knowledgeable about the world, aside from taking classes, which they continue to do. They are willing to alter their lives when they view it as necessary for their well-being and prosperity. The world is their oyster.

Many seniors are pursuing goals that are much different from the ones they sought in their younger years. At this point, some seek adventure in the form of personal fulfillment, realizing that it is finally time “to decide what I really want to do when I grow up.” And in coming to this realization, many have a desire to publically demonstrate a true understanding of community. Many are fortunate to have developed a positive worldview enabling them to enrich their lives through generosity and maturity.

This worldview would serve us all well.

~Laraine Jablon

Excerpt from her CSA Journal article, Don’t Stop Now: Adventure After 50, September 2009.)

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer living in Nesconset, New York. She welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

Helping a Grieving Client

2012-03-07T07:06:00.002-08:00

It’s very difficult to help another person grieve unless you’ve been invited into the process. Until that invitation presents itself, you may feel helpless and there is little you can do to comfort your grieving companion or client. This feeling is natural and one that should not be dismissed. However, you can provide support by making yourself available. You can offer to help with practical things such as accompanying the person when making funeral arrangements and being available 24/7.

It’s important to be a good listener. Encourage your client to talk about their emotions and vent their frustrations. Take interest in the stories about his/her loved one’s life and death. One suggestion – don’t offer advice unless you have been asked to provide it, and encourage your client to re-engage in their social activities, hobbies and interests.

Few people can cope with the pain of losing a loved one on their own. They need to talk about their loss and share their pain. This is a normal part of the healing process. However, if your client’s reactions are extreme, suggest professional help and assist them in taking this step.

Janice recently lost her husband Herb. He had not been well for the last 6 months and though the doctors were optimistic of Herb’s recovery, Janice thought the worst. When Herb eventually died, Janice’s immediate reaction was denial. Herb was always there and he will return. Janice then became angry not only at Herb for leaving her alone in retirement but also angry with herself for being reliant on him. He paid the bills, did the banking, dealt with their financial advisor, all the things Janice now has to do.

As part of Janice’s grieving, she began thinking Herb would have lived longer if she only had made him see his doctor when he started to complain about his ailments. She also thought Herb would have survived longer if she was a ‘better wife’. As weeks passed, Janice became resigned to Herb’s passing and she began to pick up the pieces. Janice began paying the bills, closed out Herb’s bank account, contacted a widow’s support group and met with her religious leader about volunteering. Janice was moving on.

Throughout her grieving, Janice’s friends and financial advisor were with her every step of the way. Though it was a little awkward at first for the advisor as most dealing were with Herb, the initial discomfort disappeared when Julia, the advisor, called Janice when learning of Herb’s death. Julia followed up by dropped over with flowers and a card. Along with Janice’s friends, Janice and Julia shared frequent phone calls, met for lunch or just sat to talk. Janice now considers her advisor, Julia, a friend and someone who acted as an anchor as Janice navigated through the stormy seas of grief.

There is the Golden Rule we all grew up with: ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ As a financial advisor, you have a unique opportunity to help clients with many of their life’s occurrences. In return, clients reward us by not only recognizing our caring but by referring our services to family, friends and acquaintances.

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Richard (Rick) Atkinson, Founder and President of RA Retirement Advisors, is an expert in pre-retirement planning. He is also author of the best-selling book, Don’t Just Retire – Live It, Love It! Rick facilitates workshops for clients of advisors and others. Rick now offers ‘Women’s
Only’ retirement planning workshops. To contact Rick, call 416-282-7320 or www.dontjustretire.com. Twitter: @dontjustretire.

82-year-old Grandmother Catches Medicare Fraud on Tape

2012-03-02T09:48:00.007-08:00

ABC News goes undercover sending an 82-year-old grandmother, in perfect health, to the doctor. What they discover will blow your mind. Check out this video provided via ABC News...

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Baby Boomers: Fascinating Facts

2012-02-29T13:38:00.003-08:00

So, you think you know the boomers…

Whether you are a boomer or one’s parent, you may find Dr. Mary Furlong’s book Turning Silver into Gold an interesting read. Furlong is an academic entrepreneurial marketer and author. Most important, she is an expert on the boomer demographic.

For example, did you know:

The average adult American woman is 5 feet 4 inches tall and wears a size 14 dress.
1 in 4 boomers in the United States owns a second home. The typical vacation home buyer is 52 years old, earning an average of $82,800. The largest concentration of these vacation homes is in the Midwest.
Boomers are the first generation in American history in which the majority of them have achieved at least some form of higher education.
For the boomers, health care is shifting from a medical topic to a blend of entertainment, fitness, beauty, and spiritual well-being.
Gardening is the most popular hobby of adults over 50.
Boomers make up 60% of all the divorced people over the age of 50 in this country.

Furlong’s book offers more surprising and entertaining statistics, along with the back story of the boomers. She is crystal clear about the fact that this generation has had a tremendous amount of influence on all aspects of the United States. Moreover, the boomers have changed the world forever. That’s impressive.

Yours in the name of boomer solidarity,

Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a freelance writer specializing in social and health concerns of seniors. She lives in Nesconset, New York, and welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com.

Information for Life

2012-02-24T08:30:00.007-08:00

When you most need vital information from a senior is when they are least able to give it, but a new, specially designed product from SCSA can change that.

The Information for Life kit is a tool that allows seniors to put together a comprehensive compilation of their personal, legal, medical and financial information. This provides the critical information needed to make decisions for seniors and handle their affairs when they are no longer able to do so for themselves.

The kit provides documents where you can compile information on topics such as:

Who to call in an emergency and next-of-kin contact information
Household information such as where your extra house keys or if you have a pet that needs to be cared for
Whether you have an advance directive or living will that makes your medical wishes known and where it can be found
Medical information such as medications and health insurance
An overview of pertinent financial documents and their location
And much, much more

It takes only once for those who care for seniors to know what they don’t know. It takes the Information for Life Kit to provide the answers.

Click here to access and download the available IFL forms!

Blog posting provided by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors
www.csa.us

Healing Tips for the Cancer Patient; Estate Planning Made Easy; Betty White Proves that Being 'Hot' Never Ends!

2012-02-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Society of Certified Senior Advisors has released February's Senior Spirit e-Newsletter.

Senior Spirit features the latest news on important issues facing seniors, their families and the people who work with them. Each issue contains comprehensive articles on medical news, financial topics and lifestyle trends as well as how these issues impact you, your business and your senior clients - all straight from the experts.

The topics contained within the February issue include:

Download Senior Spirit Now!

Interested in having the Senior Spirit e-Newsletter sent right to your inbox, every month? Sign-up today!

Thinking Green

2012-02-17T13:10:00.001-08:00

This is not about politics. It is about courtesy and consideration—or simply, acting like an adult.

The media would have us think that going green is about changing light bulbs, driving a Toyota Prius, or shutting down a major power station. Not that these aren’t valid green considerations that may benefit our lives, but first and foremost, thinking green is about noticing and acknowledging that there is someone else in the room.

The conservative senior, Roger Scuton is a prominent writer, professor, and philosopher. His new book is entitled Green Philosophy which posits that the problem with our environment is the direct result of “the loss of equilibrium that ensues when people cease to understand their surroundings as a home.” He believes that we should remember the lessons we taught our small children when we wanted them to learn to fit into the world and become productive, considerate people who would be welcome everywhere. In our homes, we understood the value of being polite, well-mannered, thoughtful, and generous of spirit.

Now, as older Americans we must set the example. If we make a mess, we clean it up; if we break something, we fix it. These rules have always made good sense. They are simple. Basic. And they still hold true.

It can be argued that this view is naïve, that the real world does not support this kind of reasoning. But thinking green really boils down to realizing that we are not the only people in the room.

~Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer specializing in social and health concerns of seniors. She lives in Nesconset, New York, and welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

Good News. Really.

2012-02-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

In these bleak times, it is only fair to share some good news that is available--especially when it has to do with the topic of aging. There is so much concern and interest in this subject matter on the part of boomers and their parents. And, actually, there is much positive information to impart.

America is aging at an unprecedented rate. The number of seniors over the age of 65 is increasing dramatically…daily. Because of this, the aging process has become a major focus of researchers who are busy collecting data and uncovering some fascinating realities about this group. Never before, in our nation’s history, have so many people lived into the later stages of their lives and remained so healthy and industrious.

Most seniors live independently, maintaining close relationships with their families and friends. Also, it has been noted that most people’s personalities remain relatively consistent and stable throughout their lives. And, for most seniors who experience a decline in some of their intellectual ability, this decline is not severe enough to impair their daily lives. They adjust.

Concerning demographic and social issues of the older set:

Life expectancy for women is now 80; for men it is 73.
Our current population of older Americans is increasingly more educated than in past years. While 34% of those over 65 graduated from high school, that figure will rise to 83% by 2030.
64% of seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 are married and living with their spouses. Of those over 85, 24% are married and living with their spouses; 48% of them are living alone. One half of the women over 65 are widowed.
Religious affiliation is the most common form of organizational participation among older adults. 50% report that they attend services on a weekly basis.
Two-thirds of older Americans claim to have voted in recent elections, as compared with only 50% of younger adults.

All too often we are bombarded with negative myths about getting older; these confuse, distress, and frighten us. It is imperative that we know the truth about the process of aging; clarity and precision matter here, and they will serve us well so that society, and individual families, can best deal with and prepare to assist the older population.

Moreover, it is also important to remember that depression and social isolation are not a normal part of aging. According to the latest statistics, today’s seniors adjust successfully to the various challenges inherent in growing older. After all, they have had decades of trials and tribulations. They have a lot of experience in terms of problem-solving and negotiation; they are used to flexing and adapting.

Most seniors are quite satisfied with their lives; they live happily and productively. This is the norm for today’s older adults.

I told you there was good news.

For more information about this research you may contact The American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C. They can be reached at www.apa.org or (202) 336-6123.

Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a freelance writer specializing in social, health, and spiritual concerns of seniors. She lives in Nesconset, New York, and welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com

Cheap Fun in Retirement!

2012-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

For hundreds of years, people have said that laughter is the best medicine. Laughing and having fun helps us relax. When we laugh our body produces endorphins that help cellular development and produces a feeling of wellbeing. This is not a new idea but rather one that has been pushed by the wayside in our ever-busy world. People don’t allocate enough time for fun and relaxation and for some, have even forgotten how.

How many of your clients are retired and not having fun? It is important for all of your senior clients to revisit how to have fun and you can help by suggesting ways to bring more ‘whimsy’ into their lives. Obviously your clients can go out and buy entertainment and a good time but here are some easy, very affordable ways to have some fun in everyday life:

Take a trip to a toy store

B. Play childhood games.

C. Create a laugh-a-day challenge

D. Go on a photo safari.

E. Plan a surprise picnic.

F. Organize a paper airplane flying contest.

G. Transform a room

H. Distribute stuffed animals

I. Give anonymous and unexpected appreciation

J. Give a partner a day off

K. Field trips

L. Volunteer for the next Santa Claus parade

The above are only a handful of ways your clients can have fun without having to spend a lot of money. Encourage them to let their imagination go wild. What would be fun to do? Encourage your clients to create a list. If they get stuck coming up with ideas, suggest fun ideas that have worked for you and others.

Remember to regularly ask clients what they are doing to have fun in their retirement. You may be surprised at what you hear. Pass on to other senior clients the great ideas shared with you - this way everyone wins!

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Richard (Rick) Atkinson, Founder and President of RA Retirement Advisors, is an expert in pre-retirement planning. He is author of the best-selling book, Don’t Just Retire – Live It, Love It! Rick facilitates workshops for clients of advisors and others. He is available for speaking engagements. www.dontjustretire.com. Twitter: @dontjustretire.

“If You Want to Live a Long Time, Love and Be Loved”

2012-02-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

When Leo Abse was 91 years old, he was interviewed by Maureen Cleave, a mere 73. Now deceased, Abse was a Welch lawyer, politician, and gay rights campaigner. For over 30 years he was a Labor Member of Parliament, seeking to liberalize divorce laws and promote private members’ bills.

At 83, he married for the second time, after Marjorie, his first beloved wife, died. His new mate was a gentle woman named Ania Czepulkowska from Poland. She was 50 years his junior, working on her Master’s when the two met over his garden fence.

Looking back on his long life, he saw nothing but good. Born in a benign climate of non-conformity in Wales, he did not attend a university. He felt that it was an advantage not to have been groomed to conform through the educational system. Also, he believed strongly in God and held that God would look after everyone who helped himself. “The art of staying alive is never to repeat yourself. Stay stretched,” he said.

For decades, Abse was writing at his desk at 10:30 every morning. His life experience taught him, “You can continue living productively if you follow the rule of the Roman stoics—carpe diem. Don’t live expectantly, live for the day. Also, if you want to live a long time, love and be loved. I married two women who loved me.”

Laraine Jablon

Laraine Jablon, BA, MA, is a writer specializing in social, health, and spiritual concerns of seniors. She resides in Nesconset, New York, and welcomes your thoughts. Lhjablon@gmail.com