Humor and the Senior Citizen - Risque Content

JOKE 1: A 75-year-old man went to the doctor's office to get a sperm count.
The Doctor gave the man a jar and said, "Take this jar home and bring me back a sample tomorrow."

The next day, the 75-year-old man reappears at the doctor's office and gives him the jar, which is as clean and empty as the previous day.

The doctor asks what happened, and the man explains, "Well, Doc, it's like this. First I tried with my right hand, but nothing. Then I tried with my left hand, but nothing. Then I asked my wife for help. She tried with her right hand, but nothing. Then with her left, but nothing. She even tried with her mouth, first with her teeth in, then with he teeth out, and still nothing. Hell, we even called up the lady next door, and she tried with both hands and her mouth too, but nothing."

The doctor was shocked. "You asked your neighbor?"

The old man replied, "Yep, but no matter what we tried, we couldn't get that damn jar opened!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------

JOKE 2:A young fellow was about to be married and was asking his grandfather about sex. He asked how often you should have it. His grandfather told him that when you first get married, you want it all the time, and maybe do it several times a day.

His grandfather continued to tell the young fellow that later on, sex tapers off and you have it once a week or so. Then as you get older, you have sex maybe once a month. When you get really old, you are lucky to have it once a year - maybe on your anniversary.

The young fellow then asked his grandfather, "Well how about you and Grandma now?"

His grandfather replied, "Oh, we just have oral sex now."

"What's oral sex?" the young fellow asked.

"Well," Grandpa said, "She goes to bed into her bedroom, and I go to into my bedroom. And she yells, 'F*** You!" And I holler back, "F*** You too'."
------------------------------------------------------------

JOKE 3: Two elderly gentlemen are playing cards on Saturday evening just as they have done for the past 50 years.

Gus, the elder, had been having problems remembering what cards were what, and usually needed help from his wife. At the end of the card game Red said to Gus, "You did very good tonight. You didn't need any help at all. Why is that?"

Gus replied, "Why, ever since my wife sent me to that memory school, I haven't had any problems at all."

"Memory school? What memory school?"

Gus thought for a moment, "Oh, what's that flower that's red with thorns? A really pretty flower . . . "

"A rose?" asked Red.

"Yeah, that's it!" Gus turned to his wife and mumbled, "Hey, Rose! What's the name of that memory school you sent me to?"
------------------------------------------------------------------
JOKE 4:A noted sex therapist realized that people often lied about the frequency of their encounters, so he devised a test to tell for certain how often someone has had sex.

To prove his theory, he filled an auditorium with people, and went down the line, asking each person to smile. Using the size of the person's smile, the therapist was able to guess accurately until he came to the last man in line, an elderly gentleman, who was grinning from ear to ear.

"Twice a day," the therapist guessed. But the therapist was surprised when the man says no.

"Once a day, then?" Again the answer is no. "Twice a week?" "No." "Twice a month?" "No." The man finally said yes when the doctor got to "once a year."

The therapist is angry that his theory isn't working, and asks the elderly gentleman, "What the heck are you so happy about?"

The gent answered, "Tonight's the night!"



For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Don't Eat These 7 Unhealthy Pizzas

Worst Pizzas in America
By David Zinczenko

Sep 20, 2010

Eat This, Not That
by David Zinczenko

When pizza was first invented, back in some long forgotten Italian village, it was a nearly perfect slice of nutrition: A thin crust of carbohydrates for energy, slathered with tomato sauce for vitamins and minerals, and topped with calcium-rich, protein-boosting mozzarella. It was like a food pyramid in pie form!

So what happened? How did this healthy Italian invention acquire a reputation for being so terribly unhealthy? Well, to start, American food manufacturers got their greedy little hands on it. As we began researching the Eat This, Not That! book series, we discovered marketers were up to all sorts of mischief that has made it easier for Americans to gain weight—doing creepy things like loading the top up with fatty meats, infusing the crust with hidden cheeses, and otherwise turning the healthy pizza pie into a Big Mac with crust. Mama Mia!

It’s too bad, too, because pizza is a staple of American life. During last year’s Super Bowl, Papa Johns sold more pies than there are people in Delaware. And it’s only the third-biggest pizza chain (Papa Johns, not Delaware). So if you want the best of both worlds—the health benefits of the Italian style and the football-rooting fun of the American way of life, then you need to know which pizzas should be showing up at your door at halftime—and which should get called for a 15-pound penalty. (And for more of the best health, fitness, nutrition and weight-loss tips that will improve your life instantly, make sure you follow me here on Twitter.)


#7: Worst Supermarket Pizza
DiGiorno For One Traditional Crust Supreme Pizza
790 calories
36 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fats)
1,460 mg sodium

No, it’s not delivery, but it is dangerous. This is how DiGiorno handles the personal pie: with 60 percent of your day’s sodium, 70 percent of your saturated fat, and more trans fat than you should consume in an entire day. If your heart had a voice box, it would be screaming in outrage.

Eat This Instead!
Stouffer’s French Bread Deluxe Pizza (1 pizza)
430 calories
21 g fat (7 g saturated)
820 mg sodium


#6: Worst Multi-National Pizza
California Pizza Kitchen Tostada Pizza with Grilled Steak (1/2 pie)
840 calories
16 g saturated fat
1,649 mg sodium


With a caloric heft like this, you’d expect this Tex-Mex pie to be massively portioned. It’s not. The big fatty price tag draws not from size, but from the combo effect of tortilla chips and ranch dressing. Switch to the equally interesting Four Seasons Pizza, which carries artichoke hearts, salami, mushroom, tomatoes, onions, and two cheeses, and you drop nearly 400 calories per half-pie serving.

Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Four Seasons Pizza
480 calories
9 g saturated fat
1,567 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Take a look at the weapons of mass inflation being whipped up in the labs of the mad fast-food scientists: The 20 Scariest New Restaurant Foods! Be afraid—be very afraid!


#5: Worst Single Slice
Sbarro Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza
960 calories
42 g fat
3,200 mg sodium

Sbarro serves up elephantine slices, so you should know better than to order one that essentially consists of two of those slices folded one atop another. In this one wedge of pizza, Sbarro manages to pack in nearly as many calories as you’d find in four pepperoni slices from Pizza Hut! You want to survive the Sbarro super-slice challenge? Stick to a regular pie, nix the pepperoni and sausage, and limit yourself to one slice.

Eat This Instead!
Fresh Tomato Pizza
450 calories
14 g fat
1,040 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Sure, pizza has the potential to inflate, but it’s certainly not the only food to cause widespread weight gain. Case in point: The 15 Worst Burgers in America. You'll also learn which burgers to eat instead, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and still lose weight—without ever dieting.


#4: Worst Specialty Crust Pizza
Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Meat Lover’s Pizza (2 slices, 14” pie)
960 calories
52 g fat (24 g saturated, 1 g trans)
2,780 mg sodium

Around the perimeter of this pie is what essentially amounts to a hula-hoop ring of cheese. Gross, right? But it's not just cheese. Also inside that ring: two types of sausage, ham, beef, and bacon. The impact of all those salt-cured meats is more than a day’s worth of sodium in each two-slice serving—oh, and as much saturated fat as a dozen Extra Crispy Drumsticks from KFC! Here’s a simple mnemonic device: Stuffed pizza = stuffed potbelly. Stick to thin crust and lean meats and you’ll live to eat well another day.

Eat This Instead!
2 Slices Thin ‘N Crispy Ham & Pineapple Pizza (2 slices, 12'' pie)
360 calories
12 g fat (6 g saturated)
1,080 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: To see more proof of how wayward beverages can utterly destroy your diet, check out the 20 Worst Drinks in America. Many of these disastrous drinks contain more than a day's worth of calories, sugar, and fat!


#3: Worst Flatbread
Cosi Chicken Gorgonzola with Fig Flatbread with Traditional Crust
1,073 calories
41 g fat (9 g saturated)
1,057 mg sodium

At first blush, flatbread seems like a healthy version of pizza—especially when it comes adorned with fanciful toppings like Gorgonzola and figs. But let this be a lesson: Just because it’s fancy doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Cosi’s traditional crust is essentially the same carpet of bread you might find underneath a circular pie. The rules of pizza selection apply to flatbreads as well: Lean toppings, light cheese, and thin crust.

Eat This Instead!
Margherita Flatbread with Thin Crust
451 calories
26 g fat (13 g saturated)
328 mg sodium


#2: Worst Thin Crust Pizza
Domino’s Brooklyn Style ExtravaganZZa Feast Pizza (2 slices 16” pie)
1,180 calories
60 g fat (27 g saturated)
3,420 mg sodium

To be fair, Domino’s Brooklyn Style isn’t promoted as thin crust, but it was created with fold-ability in mind. That requires slices that are soft, thin, and—in Domino’s case—massive. The typical Domino’s pie comes sliced into eighths, but order the Brooklyn-inspired pie and you’ll get only six slices. What happened to the other two slices? They were absorbed—along with their calories, fat, and sodium—into the other slices. Your better option is to build your own pie on a legitimate thin crust. Top that pie chicken and chorizo and you cut out 730 calories. Do that a couple times a week and you’ll cut close to two pounds of flab per month.

Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Grilled Chicken and Chorizo (2 slices, 14” pie)
450 calories
20 g fat (7 g saturated)
1,030 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Eating healthy on the go is far easier than it sounds. Check out these 9 Ways to Lose Weight Eating Fast-Food for body slimming tips that don’t cost a minute of your time.


#1: Worst Pizza in America
Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza (Individual)
2,310 calories
162 g fat (54 g saturated fat)
4,920 mg sodium

Wait, wait, wait. This is a one-person pizza? Yup. All 2,310 calories are destined for one soon-to-be expanding belly. This pie has been a perennial pick for us over the past three years, and the reason is simple: No other personal pizza in the country even begins to approach these numbers. It breaks every single caloric recommendation on the books, and it does it under the guise of a must-have “classic” dish. With the country being plagued by obesity, Uno should have the decency to banish—or significantly improve—this dish.

Eat This Instead!
Cheese and Tomato Thin Crust Pizza (Individual)
840 calories
33 g fat (15 g saturated fat)
1,770 mg sodium

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

We Need Bills to Freeze Elderly Property Taxes

Bill Would Freeze Property Taxes for PA Elderly

Many Pennsylvanians 65 years or older would be exempt from future property tax increases under a bill being introduced in the State Senate.
Democratic Senator Lisa Boscola of Northampton County says her Senior Citizens’ Property Tax Freeze Act would hold tax rates steady for those who have lived in their home for five years or longer and earn less than $65,000 per year.
Boscola says the individuals have earned a tax break and school districts and municipalities would need to adjust to the change.

“I like bills that have been introduced by other Senators who have said, ‘Maybe we should consolidate some of the administrative costs of our school districts.’ There’s ways to cut, we just have to do it responsibly.”

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

It's Almost $20,000 a Year for Seniors to Live

September 15, 2010
By Ashley Gebb/Appeal-Democrat

Rising costs and fixed incomes are an incompatible combination — yet it is one senior citizens face every day.

Seniors, no matter their source of income, often struggle to make ends meet in Yuba and Sutter counties, according to standards released Wednesday by UCLA and the Insight Center for Community Development.

The standards calculate for each county the minimum income necessary to cover an older adult's basic expenses and estimate the number of senior citizens who have — or do not have — that income.

A local senior citizen would need a minimum income of $19,629 a year to meet their basic needs — housing, food, medical care and transportation, according to those standards.

Using that data, the Area 4 Agency on Aging estimates 4,432 seniors in Sutter County and 2,847 seniors in Yuba County fall in the eligibility gap, said Planner Will Tift. Those citizens are above the federal poverty level but still don't earn enough for their basic needs.

"That's a substantial percentage," he said. "Somewhere between a third and a half of seniors in both counties do not have enough money to make ends meet."

Some accumulate debt, others turn to family and friends to help them out and others go without.

"They may not be going to doctor's appointments or dental appointments or having their vision checked because they can't afford to do those things," Tift said. "Some may drive without insurance because they can't afford it."

The greatest challenge is not fixed incomes but rising costs, said Yuba City resident Norman Walker, 80.

"They are nickel-and-diming us to death," he said.

Every expense continues to rise, from groceries to utility bills, taxes to dog food, medical care and license plate fees, he said.

"You name something that hasn't gone up," he said. "It's stressful, when you sit back and watch your bills come in and think about what you make."

He retired in 1993 after working for more than 50 years. At the time he had several hundred thousand dollars saved in the bank, plus his pension. That's what has helped him hold on all these years.

"I don't know how people live on Social Security," Walker said.

He's also fortunate because he does not have a house payment to make, he said. He knows other seniors who have had to sell their homes or move in with their children.

But finances have not been easy for Walker, despite how well he planned. Every year he has to dip into his savings, and there is only about $90,000 left, he said.

"If I live to be 100, I'll be on welfare," he said.

Yuba City resident Joe Thordsen, 80, retired in 1992. This year was the first time in 18 years he did not receive an increase in his Social Security payment, and the house he bought six years ago has declined in value by $33,000, he said.

His pockets have felt the hit, and so he continues to pinch pennies anywhere he can. This means clipping coupons, searching out freebies and drinking water instead of coffee or other costly drinks when he goes out to eat.

"It gets a little tough, but we adjust as we go along," he said.

Thordsen knows how to live on a tight budget. As a child of the Great Depression, he remembers his parents standing in soup lines to get a hot meal.

That's the point many seniors are almost pushed into today, he said.

"They say it's a recession, but if you're not working, it's a depression," he said.

The battle between rising costs and fixed incomes has always existed but the current recession has exacerbated the problem, Tift said.

"We definitely need to be looking at all kinds of solutions," he said.

The standards released by UCLA and the Insight Center are a valuable tool that can be used in planning, advocacy and general education about the financial struggles seniors are facing.

"It's the first step in quantifying the issue," he said. "It puts it into real terms and numbers people can see and deal with."

Meanwhile, seniors get by however they can and combat the stress and depression caused by financial strain with inexpensive fun. For Walker and Thordsen, that means frequent billiards sessions with their buddies at the Yuba City Senior Center.

"We pay $33 a year, and we get to shoot pool all day long," Walker said

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Throw Out Old Medications

Monday, September 20, 2010

If your household is like most in America, you could be unwittingly contributing to accidental poisonings, drug overdoses, and drug abuse, simply by keeping unused, outdated, or expired pharmaceuticals in your medicine cabinet.

That’s why the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System (NJPIES) recommends regular medicine cabinet cleanouts. The changes of season, and the times of year when you reset your clocks, also are good times to clean out your medicine cabinet, according to NJPIES

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Investing During Retirement

Email
Twitter
Facebook
Google Buzz
Yahoo Buzz
Digg
Delicious
StumbleUpon
Reddit
LinkedIn
Retiring Now
Investing During Retirement
Retirement may mean you're finished working. But your money shouldn't be.

Spend your money, but don't stop investing during retirement.
Paycheck In Retirement
Decide how much you need to meet expenses and live comfortably during retirement and set up payments to arrive monthly, quarterly or just once a year.
Continue your smart retirement investing decisions with guidance at no additional cost.
Planning for Your Retirement Tool
Our Planning for Your Retirement tool is a four-step process to help you plan, invest and manage your retirement investments.
Investment Planner Tool
Consider your mutual fund choices as you think about protecting your money while it stays invested.
Are you in the right investments?
Planning for Your Retirement Tool
Our Planning for Your Retirement tool is a four-step process to help you plan, invest and manage your retirement investments.
Consider these investment choices for your IRA.
American Century Investments® Funds-of-Funds
Learn about our risk-based series and target-date series of asset allocation funds-of-funds, providing a simple way to invest.
Our No-Load Mutual Funds
Discover our full range of funds from very conservative to very aggressive stock, bonds, and money market funds.
American Century Investments Brokerage
Access stocks, bonds, CDs and thousands of mutual funds from hundreds of fund families.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Targeting the Finances of Seniors

BY BRIAN L. HUCHEL
Commercial-News Sun Sep 12, 2010, 12:21 AM CDT

DANVILLE — Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Bill Hurt has worked elder abuse cases for four years. In that time, he’s seen instances where as much as $100,000 was stolen from a senior citizen.

Hurt said he’s now seeing a change among both seniors and their family members about the potentials for financial exploitation abuse.

“They’re catching on,” he said.

As a growing percentage of the population hits its senior years, elder abuse is becoming a bigger and bigger issue.

According to data from the Illinois Department on Aging, 20 percent of the more than 10,000 cases reported in 2008 were reported by family members. Senior victims themselves accounted for another 10 percent of the case reports across Illinois.

Aside from telephone scams that target the elderly, Hurt said senior citizens are often victimized by family members who access the senior’s bank accounts through false pretenses, trickery or downright forgery.

Although the action of the abuser is usually the indicator of abuse taking place, there are other specific signs when it comes to determining the existence of financial exploitation.

Susan Real, planning and programs manager at the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, said there are a number of red flags to look for.

“All of a sudden the elder is withdrawing a lot of money from a savings or checking account,” she said. “They seem to have an adequate amount of finances and then not be able to pay a bill or be evicted from their apartment.”

She said caregivers will start digging and see there is a family member who is requesting money or is running up credit card bills and the victim is paying those off.

Almost a quarter of the elder abuse victims in 2008 were 86 years old or older. Real said the older and more frail a senior becomes, the more family interests start to play a role in financial exploitation, as well.

“When the family dynamics come into play, children get involved in powers of attorney or health care,” she said. “They start thinking in terms of inheritances and ‘We’re due this money.’”

Tips for avoiding financial exploitation include:

■Be suspicious if a deal seems too good to be true.
■Do not give out personal information to phone solicitors. Protect your credit cards, Social Security and ATM information.
■Get estimates before doing renovations. Do not pay for work in advance. Check insurance references and credentials.
■Do not sign a power of attorney or any other document that allows another person to act on your behalf unless you have a complete understanding of the actions he or she can take using your name and assets.
■Use good financial practices. Sign up for direct deposit. Do not sign blank checks. Never leave money lying around. Shred credit card offers.
■Maintain a network of friends and professionals.
Mike O’Donnell, executive director of the ECIAAA, said older adults become vulnerable if they become reclusive and don’t have family or friends to advise them.

Currently, state law deems a number of professions as mandated reporters, ranging from law enforcement and social services to religious representatives and a variety of different medical professionals.

A new law signed into effect earlier this year now adds banking officials to the list. O’Donnell said the law is an attempt to train the workers in a “pre-emptive manner to notify and educate the public.”

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Seniors Must Pay Attention To Financial Scams

By EILEEN AJ CONNELLY

NEW YORK - Bernie Madoff is the name everyone remembers, but shady investment "advisers" don't have to bilk billions to do real harm.

In just the last two weeks, The Associated Press reported on at least a dozen cases in which advisers were accused of stealing, on average, just over $416 million from unsuspecting investors. Their alleged frauds touched clients in as many as 22 states.

Senior citizens are especially vulnerable to con artists peddling Ponzi schemes and other dead-end deals.

Most victims are older and many of them have cognitive impairment, said Denise Voigt Crawford, the Texas state securities commissioner. The problem is going to get worse as baby boomers age, she said, adding that one new twist is many of the newest hucksters are also elderly.

"The people who are vulnerable can't even trust people who are their own age," Crawford said.

And it's not just criminal schemes that can cost. Inappropriate investments, whether they're particularly risky or include products that lock up cash for long periods of time, may be perfectly legal but nearly as problematic for seniors. "They don't have the luxury of making mistakes," said Don Blandin, CEO of Investor Protection Trust, an advocacy group. "The suitability issue is very important here."

With market performance weak and interest rates even weaker, retirees concerned about running out of money or leaving a legacy for their families may be more susceptible than ever. They may fall too easily for promises of guaranteed gains or ways to recoup losses.

"There's nothing worse than seeing an elderly couple who's been scammed out of $50,000 or $60,000 or $70,000 - oftentimes their life savings," said Michael Kappas, CEO of Apprisen Financial Advocates in Columbus, Ohio.

Seniors who live alone may be the most vulnerable - the "elderly widow" is a con artist's classic target. And the rapid migration of seniors online may expose this population to even more fraud. Nielsen estimates the number of Internet users age 65 and older shot up 55 percent in the last five years.

It's possible to protect older relatives from investment scams, but first you have to learn details of their financial lives they may be reluctant to reveal.

"Oftentimes, while it shouldn't be, it's the most uncomfortable conversation" that parents have with their kids, Kappas said. "Or in many cases, they won't have it."

In the same way the recession created an environment that may make scams more prevalent, however, it can also provide an entry point for starting the conversation. Bonnie Kirchner, a certified financial planner and author of "Who Can You Trust With Your Money?" suggested raising the issue by talking about reviewing your own investments in light of the economic downturn.

Once the subject in on the table, here are some points that should be covered:

Types of investments

What's the mix of investments in their portfolio?

You can help seniors organize their paperwork as a first step. This is also a good time to make sure they're up to date with all of their bills, which can provide clues as to their overall ability to handle money.

Account information

Are they getting regular statements that show details like purchases and sales, or are they receiving only performance statements? Are they getting consistent returns even in today's volatile market?

Kirchner's ex-husband, Bradford Bleidt, ran a $32.6 million Ponzi scheme that was uncovered in 2005. It targeted retirees, among others. She said incomplete paperwork and suspiciously good performance are big red flags. "With Bernie Madoff and my ex-husband, they were actually creating their own performance statements with no basis behind them."

Financial adviser

Who is their financial adviser? How is he or she compensated, and what's their investment strategy?

You can show your newly Internet-connected folks how to search for licensing information, complaints about, or judgments against brokers and advisers using the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's Broker Check at www.finra.org and the Securities and Exchange Commission's public disclosure site at http://sec.gov/investor/brokers.htm. Even a simple Google search can produce information about lawsuits or other results that might raise concerns.

Dave Geschke of Ameriprise Financial said a reputable financial planner will be willing to meet with a client's children or heirs. Without permission, they can't discuss portfolio holdings, but they should be willing to review investment philosophy and related issues.

Common Scam Techniques

Ask if they've been approached by anyone new, attended any "free lunch" seminars or received suspicious calls or e-mails?

Make sure older relatives are aware that legitimate banks and brokers don't ask for account information or other sensitive details through e-mail. Let seniors know that they're always better off providing information only when they've made a call themselves, not received one.

AARP has a program that sends volunteers to monitor investment seminars, which often are advertised as educational programs but turn out to be sales pitches. Project manager Andres Castillo said certain products, like annuities with high commissions, are often promoted at these events. Information about the program and a checklist for evaluating seminars is available at www.aarp.org/money/ .

Legal documentation

Is their will, power of attorney and other paperwork up to date? Will your relative make you an authorized user on accounts, or provide passwords, so you can check the accounts periodically, especially if you live out of state?

Laws vary by state, so it's important to know what's required if you believe it's time to step in and help manage money or investments, said Ruth Phelps, a California lawyer and member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. It's unlikely that one mistake will be enough to have someone declared incompetent, she said, but guardianship may be a necessary step if the senior is showing signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.

If mild cognitive impairment is an issue, hiring an accountant or daily money manager may help. Putting a neutral third party in the role of intermediary may also be a good step if you've had your own financial problems, or your parents don't trust you to access their financial details for other reasons.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Medical Records: What Are My Rights?

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS REGARDING MY MEDICAL RECORDS?
HOW DO I GET MY MEDICAL RECORDS FROM FORMER DOCTORS?


Question: I used to go to a doctor in Colorado, but then I moved to California and went to
another doctor. I signed a release for the California doctor to obtain records from the one in Colorado. Later on, I had to go to yet another doctor, who asked me for all pertinent past records. To get the ball in motion, I sent a certified letter to the California doctor and asked for the records she had obtained from the Colorado doctor. She sent a certified letter back saying that she was prohibited by law from giving me these records and that I had to go directly to the Colorado doctor to obtain them. I do not want her to keep these records, and I need them for my new physician. Is it true that the law forbids her from turning my own medical records over to me or a new doctor of my choice?


Answer: Legally, you have a right to a copy of your medical records. But it is also true that you will have to go back to the original doctor that you saw for many types of medical records. Your new doc should have no problem getting records from both of the old docs with nothing more than your signed consent form. But all evaluations and test results must come from the original source, and you, the former patient, must ask for them directly. Another person can procure those records for you only if you have given him or her a medical power of attorney. You shouldn't be charged more than a nominal fee for staff time and copying, and you should receive the information within the week.
For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Do I Need a Durable Power of Attorney

IF I BECOME ILL OR INCAPACITATED, WILL I NEED A DURABLE
POWER OF ATTORNEY IF I ALREADY HAVE A LIVING TRUST?

Question: I have a living trust that designates a successor trustee to manage the trust in case I become incapacitated. Do I also need a durable power of attorney?

Answer: You should still have a durable power of attorney for finances. Think of your successor trustee as reigning over a limited kingdom - your living trust, with whatever property you have put into it. If you become incapacitated, your trustee will have power over all this property and be able to use it for your needs - but that's where the power ends. Your successor trustee has no power over property outside the kingdom walls. And most people transfer into a living trust only assets that are too expensive to put through probate, such as real estate and valuable securities; few transfer all their property to a living trust.

Personal checking accounts, for example, are rarely transferred to a living trust - and most people want someone to be able to make deposits and pay bills from these accounts. You can grant this power to an "attorney-in-fact," or agent, using a durable power of attorney for finances. Also, under a durable power of attorney, you can give your attorney-in-fact the authority to handle tasks such as collecting government benefits, filing tax returns, handling legal actions, and dealing with many other matters that are also outside the boundaries of your living trust.

You may even want to empower your attorney-in-fact to transfer into your living trust any property that becomes yours after you become incapacitated. Only a durable power of attorney for finances can grant that authority.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Extraordinary People of the Senior Kind ~

Returns next week ~

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

What is Elder Law?

By George Dickerman

Elder Law involves the legal issues that result as a consequence of the aging process. This is a rather narrow field and can be a little confusing to some senior citizens.

Many seniors have legal problems that are similar to people in their thirties and forties; for example, wrongful termination (employment), bankruptcy, or real estate disputes. Sometimes a potential client calls an elder law attorney to obtain, for example, family law advice regarding a possible divorce. That lawyer explains that family law and divorce issues do not fall under the category of elder law. Elder law pertains to persons who, generally, are 65 years of age or older. Nearly always, the client responds by saying: "But I'm over 65 years old".

Elder law generally involves the following types of legal matters:

Elder financial abuse. Taking advantage of another person's weaker state of mind and wrongfully obtaining their money and property through undue influence, coercion and manipulation. A civil lawsuit is usually filed to recover the property fraudulently taken.

Elder physical neglect. Most often, this concerns nursing homes that fail to properly care for their elderly patients. It can also be caused by in-home caregivers or anyone who has the primary responsibility of caring for an elder.

Estate Planning. This involves the creation of trusts, wills and powers of attorney for financial matters and healthcare decision making. Although these tools should also be utilized by younger people, they are most often created for elder adults at a time when they seek to get their financial affairs in order.

Probate. The probate process enables a decedent's estate to be distributed to loved ones after death. With the proper use of trusts and wills, the probate process may not be necessary. However, if no prior estate planning was accomplished, then it may be necessary to utilize the probate court in order to complete the distribution of assets.

Conservatorships. When proper estate planning documents have not been put into place (for example, powers of attorney), then it may be necessary to establish a conservatorship over the elder's person and/or estate. Court intervention is sought to grant someone the authority to make necessary healthcare and financial decisions for the incapacitated elder.

Medicaid Planning. This area refers to the laws and regulations in most states that determine the guidelines to qualify an elder to receive government benefits to pay the high cost of long term care in a skilled nursing facility. This is a complicated area of law with the goal of having the state pay the monthly nursing home bills and, at the same time, allowing the elder and their spouse to keep as much of their assets as possible so they can pass them on to their loved ones.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

SEX and the Senior

Sexuality Later in Life
Provided By: The Caring Space

Senior citizens experience many changes as they grow older which may affect their sex life. Women may find sex more enjoyable after menopause has occurred or if they have undergone a hysterectomy because there is less risk of pregnancy. Some women may worry about being desirable to a sexual partner as they age. They may feel less feminine, thus resulting in less enjoyable sex.

While women may feel differently about sex depending on their attitudes about their bodies and aging, they will inevitably experience physical changes. The vagina shortens and narrows with aging, and less vaginal lubrication is produced which could also influence how pleasurable a sexual encounter is for an older woman.

Men also experience higher susceptibility to impotence which is the loss of the ability to have or keep an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse. Men who also have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes may experience impotence as a result of medications used to treat these conditions. Some men may find it harder to get an erection, have as hard or large of an erection as they used to, or ejaculate as much as they used to.

Common Challenges

Although aging and illness can affect the ability to have sex, there are methods of maintaining a satisfying sex life, regardless. The following are some common challenges to sex that some senior citizens experience and some tips to overcome them:

Arthritis. Sometimes joint pain can make physical activity like sex uncomfortable. However, your doctor can recommend joint replacement surgery or other medications that can alleviate this pain. You can try to exercise, get a good amount of rest, take warm baths, or avoid strenuous positions in sexual activity to avoid arthritis pain.

Chronic pain. Some people experience recurring pain due to bone and muscle conditions, shingles, poor blood circulation, and blood vessel problems. This can make moving around in general quite painful. If you tell your doctor, he can recommend treatment options available to reduce this pain and improve ability for physical activity including sexual intercourse.

Diabetes. Although some men do not experience any sexual problems, diabetes can cause impotence at times. Physicians can prescribe medications that can help this.

Heart disease. Damaged blood vessels or high blood pressure in men can lead to difficulties with getting or maintaining an erection. Some people are more afraid that sex can induce a heart attack; however, this effect is rare. After experiencing a heart attack, most people can start having sex once they are deemed stable and their physician agrees that that level of physical activity is not too dangerous for that patient.

Incontinence. People who have bladder control problems may be embarrassed or anxious about participating in sex due to the increased pressure on the abdomen that can occur. This condition can be treated by your physician.

Stroke. This can lead to problems in men getting erections or other problems due to paralysis caused by stroke. Sex does not usually induce strokes in people who have had them.

Hysterectomy. While the removal of the uterus in women does not affect the ability to have sex, some people may find the mental implications more of a problem. Women who experience less enjoyment from sex or men who feel that their sexual partner is less feminine after this surgery may be helped with counseling.

Mastectomy. Women whose breasts have been removed are still capable of sexual response, but they may feel less desirable or enjoy sex less as a result. It can be helpful to talk to other women who have also experienced this type of surgery or seek medical advice for breast reconstruction. Some men also may experience lower sex drive from hormone therapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Prostatectomy. While the removal of the prostate for medical reasons may cause impotence or incontinence, some surgical procedures allow nerves leading to the penis to be spared, making an erection possible after recovery. Men can discuss options with their doctor before surgery in order to continue having a satisfying sex life afterwards.

Medications. Blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, diabetes drugs, and ulcer medications can lead to impotence in men or make it hard to ejaculate. Some women experience a decrease in sexual desire. Talk to your doctor about options to reduce these side effects.

Alcohol. Alcohol abuse can reduce sexual performance in both men and women.

Maintaining a Healthy Sex Life

Practicing safe sex is important for all ages. Women can still become pregnant until menopause occurs (when she has not got her period for 12 months). Also, senior citizens are still susceptible to STDs like syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydial infection, genital herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, and trichomaniasis.

Senior citizens are still at risk for HIV, the virus that can eventually lead to AIDS. People with more than one sexual partner or people who have unprotected sex are more at risk for contracting HIV. Wearing a condom during sex can prevent transmission of HIV and other STDs.

Sexual intercourse involves both physical and emotional health. Senior citizens who are anxious about how their age affects their sex life either because of physical ability or attractiveness can experience sexual dysfunction that is a result of this stress and worrying. Being open about these concerns, talking to your sexual partner, or seeking professional help with a counselor are all good ways of avoiding dissatisfying sex due to these stressors.

Older sexual partners can engage in multiple activities to keep an active and healthy sex life. It is important to make each other a high priority and be attentive to the other’s needs and feelings about changes that are occurring in their bodies. Couples may explore different kinds of positions, take more time to induce arousal, or try having sex in the morning when energy is maximized. Some senior citizens who are widowed, divorced, or have ill partners may find masturbation an effective way to elongate sexual activity as they age.

Women may find it harder to maintain sexual activity as they age because they usually live longer than men. Although female senior citizens outnumber men, they can try different activities that will help them meet more people like mall walking, enrolling in adult education programs at a community college, or attending senior citizen centers.

Older women usually experience something called dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse due to lack of vaginal lubrication. Physicians can treat this fairly easily by recommending a lubricant or prescribing estrogen supplements that will help with this issue.

Older men can experience impotence, for which they can take a pill called sildenafil that can help with this. They may also try vacuum device, self-injection of drugs that can induce erection, or penile implants.

Senior citizens should try to live healthier lifestyles in order to have a more enjoyable sex life. Doing things like exercise, eating well, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help maintain a pleasurable sex life. Asking for help from a physician and remembering that sex can be a positive, enjoyable facet of life for people of all ages is of the utmost importance.



For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Get The Alzheimer's Caregiver Notebook

No two people experience Alzheimer’s disease in the same way. As a result, there's no one approach to caregiving. Your responsibilities can range from making financial decisions, managing changes in behavior, to helping a loved one get dressed in the morning.
Handling these duties is hard work.

But by learning caregiving skills, you can make sure that your loved one feels supported and is living a full life. You can also ensure that you are taking steps to preserve your own well-being.
Caregiver NotebookThe Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Notebook contains information and resources to help manage the challenges of caring for an individual with Alzheimer's.

Order your copy today.

In this section:
Daily Care - activities, communication, eating, bathing and more.
Behaviors - agitation, repetition, hallucinations, sundowning and other behaviors.
Safety Issues - home safety, medication safety, driving and wandering.
Coping - strategies for caregiver stress, changing relationships, grief and loss, and getting respite.
Caregiver Stress Check - take the quiz and get personalized resources.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

What Is A Coronary Calcium Scan??

What Is a Coronary Calcium Scan?
A coronary calcium scan is a test that can help show whether you have coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease. CHD is the most common type of heart disease in both men and women.

In CHD, a substance called plaque (plak) builds up inside your coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

Plaque narrows your coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your coronary arteries. Blood clots can partly or completely block blood flow to part of your heart muscle. This can cause chest pain or discomfort called angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart attack.

CHD also can lead to heart failure or arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs). Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat.

Overview
A coronary calcium scan looks for specks of calcium (called calcifications) in the walls of the coronary arteries. Calcifications are an early sign of CHD. The test can show whether you're at increased risk for a heart attack or other heart problems before other signs and symptoms occur.

Two machines can show calcium in the coronary arteries—electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Both use an x-ray machine to make detailed pictures of your heart. Doctors study the pictures to see whether you're at risk for heart problems in the next 2 to 10 years.

A coronary calcium scan is simple and easy for the patient, who lies quietly in the scanner machine for about 10 minutes. The scanner takes pictures of the heart that show whether the coronary arteries have calcifications.

Coronary Calcium Scan

Figure A shows the position of the heart in the body and the location and angle of the coronary calcium scan image. Figure B is the coronary calcium scan image, which shows calcification in a coronary artery.

Outlook
A coronary calcium scan is most useful for people who are at moderate risk for a heart attack. You or your doctor can calculate your 10-year risk using the Risk Assessment Tool from the National Cholesterol Education Program.

People who are at moderate risk have a 10–20 percent chance of having a heart attack within the next 10 years. The coronary calcium scan may help doctors decide who within this group needs treatment.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Heart Attack Symptoms Are Different for Women

By Mayo Clinic staff

Typical heart attack symptoms:

Symptom Description

Chest discomfort or pain This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.

Upper body pain Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.

Stomach pain Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.

Shortness of breath You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort.

Anxiety You may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.

Lightheadedness You may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.

Sweating You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.

Nausea and vomiting You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest pain while someone else has excruciating pain.

One thing applies to everyone, though: If you suspect you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately. Don't waste time trying to diagnose heart attack symptoms yourself.

Additional heart attack symptoms in women:

Women may have all, none, many or a few of the typical heart attack symptoms. For women, the most common heart attack symptom is still some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But women are more likely than are men to also have heart attack symptoms without chest pain, such as:

■Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
■Shortness of breath
■Nausea or vomiting
■Abdominal pain or "heartburn"
■Sweating
■Lightheadedness or dizziness
■Unusual or unexplained fatigue

Heart attack symptoms demand emergency help
Most heart attacks begin with much more subtle symptoms — with only mild pain or discomfort. And your symptoms may come and go. Don't be tempted to downplay your symptoms or brush them off as indigestion or anxiety.

Getting heart attack treatment quickly improves your chance of survival and minimizes damage to your heart. Don't "tough out" these symptoms for more than five minutes. Call 911 or other emergency medical services for help. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Alzheimer's Disease: 10 Warning Signs

10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
What's a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What's a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.
What's a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

New problems with words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What's a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

Decreased or poor judgment

People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What's a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

Changes in mood and personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
What's a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Extraordinary People of the Senior Kind ~

Returns in 2 weeks ~

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

What Happened to Our 2010 C.O.L.A.?

The cost of living adjustment for social security benefits did not occur in 2010. How does the lack of a 2010 social security cost of living raise affect seniors and will it happen again?

United States citizens who get social security or social security disability benefits received a surprise at the end of 2009. The Social Security Administration announced on October 15, 2009 that there would be no cost of living adjustment or COLA for 2010. How did the government come to this decision and what impact did this have for social security benefit recipients?

What Is COLA?

COLA, also known as the cost of living raise, helps to bridge the gap for those receiving social security benefits during periods of inflation. COLA became part of the 1972 Social Security Amendments enacted by Congress. Since then, COLA has existed as an annual occurrence each January, however in 2009, the US Government announced that a 2010 Social Security cost of living raise would not occur leaving many people concerned.

How is COLA Determined?

The 2010 social security cost of living raise has been determined the same way since 1972. COLA is based upon the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W). The measurement is calculated by comparing the third quarter of the previous year to the third quarter of the current year in order to predict if a COLA will occur for the following year. If there is a percentage increase of at least 0.05 percent there will be an increase in the cost of living allowance. If there is no wage earner increase based on the CPI or if it is less than 0.05 percent, no COLA is offered.

What Happened to the 2010 COLA?

In 2010, the cost of living raise was determined from comparing the average CPI for wage earnings from the third quarter 2008 and the third quarter 2009. The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the 2008 third quarter CPI wage average was 215.495 while 2009's third quarter CPI wage average was 211.001, meaning year 2009 was less than year 2008. Since there was no increase in CPI average wages between 2008 and 2009, the 2010 social security cost of living raise did not occur.

2010 COLA and Medicare Part B

Seniors felt the lack of a 2010 COLA increase through Medicare Part B premium increases that affected 7% of people receiving social security benefits. Medicare Part B premiums are not determined through the Consumer Price Index and increase each year regardless of a COLA increase or decrease. However, there is a "hold harmless” provision in the Social Security Act that protects 93% of social security beneficiaries from having to pay the increased premium.

While Medicare Part B did not negatively affect a majority of social security beneficiaries, other factors outside of the social security administration's reach still lurk behind the scenes. The lack of a 2010 social security cost of living raise did not prevent property owners from raising rents each year, for example. With the 2009 Credit Reform Act, credit card companies began increasing and implementing fees to pass on to cardholders before the act went into effect in February 2010.

Therefore, even though the average price of groceries and gas did not increase, other areas such as housing did rise. Which means a COLA would be needed for some individuals to help hedge these increases. Doris Bias, age 52 from Maryland, receives social security disability and was dismayed there was no increase but thankful that her landlord decided not to raise her rent in 2010.

"I know I would have found some way to manage if the rent did increase, but at least now I can continue on with my normal budget," explained Ms. Bias.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/money/personal-finance/articles/69916.aspx#ixzz0mlwzQw3K

Can This Happen Again?

It is possible for there to be no COLA just as there was in 2010? If there is no change or a decrease in the CPI wage earnings average from year to year, a COLA will not occur. Be advised that special circumstances occurred in 2008 and 2009 that directly affected why there was no social security 2010 cost of living raise. As with other global governments, the United States was in an economic downturn during this period meaning consumers had less money to spend due to high unemployment rates. This in turn, drove prices down to encourage increased spending. Should another economic situation similar or worse than that which occurred in 2008 were to happen, the chances are likely there would not be a COLA.

The 2010 COLA Aftermath

No 2010 social security cost of living raise was a shock to social security beneficiaries across the nation. Seniors and other beneficiaries will have to tighten their budgets a little more if housing and utility costs continue to rise. No COLA for 2010 served a reminder that this cost of living raise is not guaranteed to occur every year. When the government determines there will be no cost of living allowance, it can also affect the Consumer Confidence Index or CCI. Ways to combat any unexpected surprises should this happen again include:

•Tightening your monthly budget by trimming down to your necessities.
•Start saving a little extra money for a rainy day to help out in a crunch, if possible.
•Do not expect a COLA each year. If it happens, use that extra savings to your advantage.
For more information on the social security cost of living raise, visit the Social Security Administration's website and be sure to read the FAQ section and current press releases.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/money/personal-finance/articles/69916.aspx?p=2#ixzz0mlwnpQyf

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

9/11 Photos - Lest We Forget

Copy and paste these URL's into your browser

nymag.com/news/articles/wtc/gallery/

abcnews.go.com/Politics/newly-released-sept-11-photos.../

We have no political agenda other than ensuring that Americans not forget.....

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Senior Humor - 4 Risque Stories

An old hillbilly farmer had a wife who nagged him unmercifully. From morning 'til night she was always complaining about something. The only time he got any relief was when he was out plowing with his old mule. He plowed a lot. One day, when he was out plowing, his wife brought him lunch in the field. He drove the old mule into the shade, sat down on a stump, and began to eat his lunch. Immediately, his wife began nagging him again. Complain, nag, complain, nag - it just went on and on. All of a sudden, the old mule lashed out with both hind feet, caught her smack in the back of the head. Killed her dead on the spot.
At the funeral several days later, the minister noticed something rather odd. When a woman mourner would approach the old farmer, he would listen for a minute, then nod his head in agreement; but when a man mourner approached him, he would listen for a minute, then shake his head in disagreement. This was so consistent, the minister decided to ask the old farmer about it. So after the funeral, the minister spoke to the old farmer, and asked him why he nodded his head and agreed with the women, but always shook his head and disagreed with all the men. The old farmer said, 'Well, the women would come up and say something about how nice my wife looked, or how pretty her dress was, so I'd nod my head in agreement.' And what about the men?' the minister asked. 'They wanted to know if the mule was for sale."

An elderly couple Margaret and Bert, moved to Texas. Bert always wanted a pair of authentic cowboy boots, so, seeing some on sale, he bought them and wore them home. Walking proudly, he sauntered into the kitchen and said to his wife, 'Notice anything different about me?' Margaret looked him over. 'Nope.' Frustrated, Bert stormed off into the bathroom, undressed and walked back into the kitchen completely naked except for the boots. Again he asked Margaret, a little louder this time, 'Notice anything different NOW?' Margaret looked up and exclaimed, 'Bert, what's different? It's hanging down today, it was hanging down yesterday, it'll be hanging down again tomorrow!' Furious, Bert yelled, 'AND DO YOU KNOW WHY IT'S HANGING DOWN, MARGARET?' 'Nope', she replied.. 'IT'S HANGING DOWN, BECAUSE IT'S LOOKING AT MY NEW BOOTS!!!!' Without changing her expression, Margaret replied, 'Shoulda bought a hat, Bert.

An elderly Italian man who lived on the outskirts of Rimini, Italy, went to the local church for confession. When the priest slid open the panel in the confessional, the man said: "Father... During World War II, a beautiful Jewish woman from our neighborhood knocked urgently on my door and asked me to hide her from the Nazis. So I hid her in my attic." The priest replied: "That was a wonderful thing you did, and you have no need to confess that." "There is more to tell, Father.. She started to repay me with sexual favors. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays." The priest said, "That was a long time ago and by doing what you did, you placed the two of you in great danger, but two people under those circumstances can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh. However, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven." "Thank you, Father. That's a great load off my mind. I do have one more question." "And what is that?" asked the priest. "Should I tell her the war is over?"

Old man sitting on his front porch in Louisiana watching the sunrise sees the neighbors' kid walk by carrying something big under his arm. He yells out, 'Hey boy, whatcha got there?' The boy yells back, 'Roll of chicken wire.' The old man says, 'What you gonna do with that?' The boy says, 'Catch some chickens.' The old man yells, 'You dang fool, you can't catch chickens with chicken wire!' The boy just laughs and keeps walking. That evening at sunset the boy comes walking by and to the old man's surprise, he is dragging behind him the chicken wire with about 30 chickens caught in it. At the same time the next morning, the old man is out watching the sunrise and he sees the boy walk by carrying something kind of round in his hand. The old man yells out, 'Hey boy, whatcha got there?' The boy yells back, 'Roll of duck tape.' The old man says, 'What you gonna do with that?' The boy says back, 'Catch me some ducks.' The old man yells back, 'You dang fool, you can't catch ducks with duck tape!' The boy just laughs and keeps walking. That night, around sunset, the boy walks by coming home and to the old man's amazement, he is trailing behind him the unrolled roll of duck tape with about 35 ducks caught in it At the same time the next morning, the old man sees the boy walking by carrying what looks like a long reed with something fuzzy on the end. The old man says, 'Hey boy, whatcha got there?' The boy says, 'It's a pussy willow.' The old man says, 'Hold on, I'll get my hat.'

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Watch For Signs of Elder Financial Abuse

Invisible Abuse: Financial Exploitation and Senior Citizens.

Financial abuse and material exploitation of the elderly may not cause physical injuries or leave scars, but they can have devastating effects and ruin the lives of victims. An elder’s entire life savings can disappear, leaving the victim unable to provide for his or her own needs and causing harmful stress and agitation.

Financial elder abuse and material exploitation occur when an abuser uses an elder’s money or assets in a manner contrary to elder’s wishes, needs, or best interests, or for the abuser’s personal gain. Oftentimes, elderly victims are exploited because of vulnerabilities associated with advanced age, such as impaired mental capacity. Abusers can be caregivers in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, professionals hired by the elder (such as accountants), strangers, or family members.

Financial elder abuse can take many forms. The abuser may steal money or items from the elder’s bank account or home, sell or transfer property against the elder’s wishes, use the elder’s credit cards for unauthorized purchases, use the elder’s name to open new credit accounts, and create or alter a living trust or will for the abuser’s benefit. Financial elder abuse also can take the form of telemarketing fraud, identity theft, predatory lending, home improvement scams, and estate planning scams.

Unexplained behavioral changes, such as sudden secrecy or reluctance to speak freely, may be warning signs of financial elder abuse. If an elder appears withdrawn, helpless, frightened, or angry, this may also indicate that abuse is taking place. Some of the warning signs of financial elder abuse can be explained by other causes, and no single indicator can be taken as decisive proof. However, a pattern of multiple warning signs may suggest that a problem is present.

The following are warning signs of financial elder abuse:

Unusual bank account activity, such as ATM withdrawals at a bank the elder cannot travel to....

Signatures on checks and documents that do not match the elder’s signature...

Checks or documents signed despite the fact elder cannot write or understand what he/she is signing...

Unexplained change in spending patterns or unusual/out of character purchases...

Unusual medical charges or nursing home charges...

Generous gifts to a person the elder has only met recently...

Change in lawyer or bank for unknown reason...

Change in who has power of attorney for unknown reason...

Stranger who initiates close relationship with elder and offers to manage finances and assets...

Factors which make elders susceptible to financial abuse include isolation, loneliness, physical and/or mental disabilities, and lack of familiarity with financial issues. Elder financial exploitation often goes unreported. The senior may be unaware that exploitation is taking place or remain silent due to intimidation by the abuser. The elder victim may also be embarrassed about the situation or worried that making accusations will cause him or her to be labeled senile or too demanding.

Reporting financial elder abuse can save the assets, dignity, and health of an elder. If you suspect abuse, it is better to err on the side of caution in order to protect an senior from victimization.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Scholarships For Seniors Going to College

Most high school students headed for earning a college degree learn to search for scholarships if they need financial aid. However, senior citizens may not realize there are ways they can also cut costs if they would like a college education. here are some good ideas for earning a college degree at any age.

Senior Citizens College Scholarships

Senior citizens can search for college scholarships offered just for them. Some businesses and universities, for example, offer special scholarships for seniors. beyond scholarship money designated for senior citizens, one can look into awards offered to all adults. it is wise to keep in mind that beyond tuition there will be other fees, supplies, and books for which you will need to pay. Often students apply for and are awarded multiple types of money for school.

Discounts and Financial Aid for Mature Adults

Often, public colleges will waive tuition for senior citizens. a number of states have statewide public college tuition waiver programs for senior citizens. Some offer discounts to senior citizens. many community colleges also waive tuition for senior citizens or charge reduced rates. one should also ask about these deals and for life experience degree credits.

Alternative Education ideas for Seniors

If one does not need a college degree, but simply wishes to learn, senior citizens may be able to audit classes for free or at reduced prices. When auditing a class, the student has the choice of taking or not taking exams, writing papers, or doing other class work.

Another choice is taking continuing education classes exclusively for “mature” adults (often 50 and older). these types of classes generally run four to eight weeks and may or may not offer credits. these courses can also be a good way to meet new friends with similar ages and interests.

Many programs for senior citizens are not well known or publicized, so it is always a good idea to call around or search online.

Online Degree Programs and Courses

There are many college and university online bachelors degree programs and other classes available on the web. For Internet-savvy or homebound seniors (or even for those hoping to save on gasoline costs, etc.), this can be a viable option. Scholarships, grants, discounts, college loans, or other financial aid may still apply. Today, complete online bachelor degree programs and graduate degree programs are offered online. When searching for online degree programs, one should find out if the college or university is accredited.

Other Savings ideas for College Courses

Most colleges and universities offer many student services. these may include free or very low cost medical visits and student dental care, free cultural events, childcare, mental health counseling, free advising, and many more services.

Senior citizens wishing to extend their knowledge or skills should try not to let money be a barrier. there are plenty of options for those who do their “homework” to earn a college degree

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Choosing Your Senior Home: Money Factors

4 Financial Factors in Choosing a Senior Citizen Home:

Senior citizen homes aim to meet the unique needs of the retired community. When you retire, you are on a fixed income for the remainder of your life. Making financial decisions on a budget becomes extremely important because you lack the ability to go earn more money if needed. Costs can become more difficult to manage as you enter your senior years; medical expenses and care expenses can be very burdensome. To reduce these expenses and woes, many seniors consider a senior citizen home where care is provided. Unfortunately, living in these facilities can be a cost burden in itself.

#1 Cost of Residence

The cost of simply renting a residence in a senior living community can be very high. Where you are right now, you are the sole owner of a property. You manage it yourself, and you can control management costs as a result. When you buy into a larger community, the cost to manage the facility is also your burden, but you cannot directly control that cost. To help find a less expensive option, look for communities with a lot of residents. There, the costs will be split between more people, reducing the cost per person.

#2 Cost of Care

It is true that you will receive an abundance of medical care in a facility at a fixed rate. Instead of rushing to the doctor each time you are ill, you can simply use the services of an in-house nurse whose salary is covered by your ongoing payments. This will save money for those who visit the doctor frequently, but it can be a wasted cost if you are not making use of the staff. Look for a facility with many care levels. You can begin with a minimal care package, allowing you to save money over jumping into a maximum care facility.

#3 Cost of Ancillary Services

If you are still an active person, consider the services you would like to locate in a community of your choice. Some will offer educational opportunities, others will focus on spiritual guidance. You may want a large recreational area with pools, a gym or other active life options. The more services you elect, the more the home will cost. When you need to control costs, this is a key area you can cut back.

#4 Comparable Cost of Alternative Options

Cost is never an absolute consideration; it is always relative to the cost of other options. You may be fortunate to have a friend or family member who can support you in the future. You may also be willing to remain in your current residence or move into a mobile home or similar option. If this is the case, you have to compare the cost of these other options to the cost of the senior senior home. Of course, you should compare the relative happiness you could fell in each situation along with cost. Only choose the senior home if the benefits and service offered are worth any additional cost rendered through the decision.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Extraordinary People of the Senior Kind ~

Returns in 4 weeks

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

The diagnosis of PD depends upon the presence of one or more of the four most common motor symptoms of the disease, which are: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability.

In addition, there are other secondary and nonmotor symptoms that affect many people and are increasingly recognized by doctors as important to treating Parkinson’s.

Each person with Parkinson's will experience these symptoms differently. For example, many people experience tremor as their primary symptom, while others may not have tremors, but may have problems with balance. Also, for some people the disease progresses quickly, and in others it does not.

Find out more by reading detailed descriptions of Parkinson's symptoms below. If your questions are not answered consider Asking the Expert your question about PD.

Primary Motor Symptoms
Secondary Motor Symptoms
Nonmotor Symptoms
Coping with Symptoms
Primary Motor Symptoms

Resting Tremor: About 70 percent of people with Parkinson’s experience a slight tremor in the early stage of the disease - either in the hand or foot on one side of the body, or less commonly in the jaw or face. The tremor appears as a "beating" or oscillating movement. Because the Parkinson's tremor usually appears when a person's muscles are relaxed, it is called "resting tremor." This means that the affected body part trembles when it is not doing work, and it usually subsides when a person begins an action. The tremor often spreads to the other side of the body as the disease progresses, but remains most apparent on the original side of occurrence.
Bradykinesia (Slow Movement): Bradykinesia is the phenomenon of a person experiencing slow movements. In addition to slow movements, a person with bradykinesia will probably also have incomplete movement, difficulty initiating movements and sudden stopping of ongoing movement. People who have bradykinesia may walk with short, shuffling steps (this is called festination). Bradykinesia and rigidity can occur in the facial muscles, reducing a person's range of facial expressions and resulting in a "mask-like" appearance.
Rigidity: Rigidity, also called increased muscle tone, means stiffness or inflexibility of the muscles. Muscles normally stretch when they move, and then relax when they are at rest. In rigidity, the muscle tone of an affected limb is always stiff and does not relax, sometimes resulting in a decreased range of motion. For example, a person who has rigidity may not be able to swing his or her arms when walking because the muscles are too tight. Rigidity can cause pain and cramping.
Postural Instability (Impaired Balance and Coordination): People with Parkinson's disease often experience instability when standing or impaired balance and coordination. These symptoms, combined with other symptoms such as bradykinesia, increase the chance of falling. People with balance problems may have difficulty making turns or abrupt movements. They may go through periods of "freezing," which is when a person feels stuck to the ground and finds it difficult to start walking. The slowness and incompleteness of movement can also affect speaking and swallowing.
Secondary Motor Symptoms

The secondary motor symptoms include those below, but not all people with Parkinson’s will experience all of these.

Stooped posture, a tendency to lean forward
Dystonia
Fatigue
Impaired fine motor dexterity and motor coordination
Impaired gross motor coordination
Poverty of movement (decreased arm swing)
Akathisia
Speech problems, such as softness of voice or slurred speech caused by lack of muscle control (See fact sheet, The Science and Practice of Speaking Loud)
Loss of facial expression, or "masking"
Micrographia (small, cramped handwriting)
Difficulty swallowing
Sexual dysfunction
Cramping (See Q&A booklet, page 32)
Drooling (See Q&A booklet, page 22)
Nonmotor Symptoms

Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as sleep problems and depression, can be, for many people, as troublesome as the primary movement symptoms of the disease.

The following is a list of nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. To read more about nonmotor symptoms, read our fact sheet, PD: More than a Movement Disorder or check the Living with PD section of the website to learn more about living well with different aspects of PD.

Pain
Dementia or confusion (See two fact sheets, Not Just a Movement Disorder: Cognitive Changes in PD and Coping with Dementia: Advice for Caregivers)
Sleep disturbances (See Q&A booklet, page 27)
Constipation (See Q&A booklet, page 28)
Skin problems
Depression
Fear or anxiety
Memory difficulties and slowed thinking (See fact sheet, Not Just a Movement Disorder: Cognitive Changes in PD)
Urinary problems (See Q&A booklet, page 29)
Fatigue and aching
Loss of energy
Compulsive behavior (See fact sheet, Gambling, Sex and...Parkinson's Disease?)
Coping with Nonmotor Symptoms

More Questions?
Do you have more questions about the symptoms of PD? Ask the experts your questions directly using our online form, or call the helpline at (800) 457-6676.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

SARDINES ARE THE BEST FOOD

My dad’s family is from Norway and for as long as I can remember we’ve been eating fish balls, fish puddings, pickled fish, fish in a tube and fish in a can. Most people thought it was a little weird.

But these days, I’m feeling less like an outcast when I bust open a can of fish, especially sardines. I know a lot of you have strong feelings about sardines, but want to know why I love them?

Sardines (Pacific, wild-caught) are one of the healthiest foods we can consume, according to the health and environmental experts we interviewed for “Sea Change” in our latest issue of EatingWell magazine. These days so many of us are trying to get more omega-3 fats in their diet, because they benefit your heart and your brain. Click here for delicious recipes to help you eat more of these super-healthy omega-3 fats. These nutritional powerhouses are one of the best sources of omega-3 fats, with a whopping 1,950 mg/per 3 oz. (that’s more per serving than salmon, tuna or just about any other food) and they’re packed with vitamin D. And because sardines are small and low on the food chain, they don’t harbor lots of toxins like bigger fish can. Find out why leading scientist Carl Safina thinks eating smaller fish can benefit your health and our oceans. Plus, they’re also one of the most sustainable fish around. Quick to reproduce, Pacific sardines have rebounded from both overfishing and a natural collapse in the 1940's, so much so that they are one of Seafood Watch’s “Super Green” sustainable choices. (Click here to find out which 6 super-healthy fish and shellfish you should eat and which 6 to avoid.)

If you’re trying sardines for the first time, or you just really want to learn to like them, here are a few tips and a few recipes to stoke your sardine love:

For the uninitiated, a good place to start is with a boneless, skinless variety. They come packed in water or olive oil. They’re mild, and can be used in recipes in place of canned tuna fish.
If you’re lucky enough to have fresh sardines available in your supermarket, try them in place of the canned sardines. Lightly dredge them in salt-and-pepper-seasoned flour and sauté them in a little olive oil.
Sardines also come smoked, and come packed in sauces like tomato and mustard—give one of these a try. Smear them on a cracker or piece of toast for a snack or light lunch.
For veteran sardine eaters, the sky’s the limit! Sardines with bones and skin are delicious, too, and they look awesome on top of a salad or platter. P.S. The bones and skin are both edible. Those tiny bones deliver calcium too!
Try sardines in these delicious recipes:

Greek Salad With Sardines The fresh, tangy elements of a Greek salad—tomato, cucumber, feta, olives and lemony vinaigrette—pair well with rich-tasting sardines. Look for sardines with skin and bones (which are edible) as they have more than four times the amount of calcium as skinless, boneless sardines.

Spring Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette A bold, layered salad that showcases sardines and asparagus, this beautiful dish adds variety to your weekday dining. If you prefer tuna to sardines or have fish from the night before, go ahead and use that instead.

Sardines on Crackers
A protein-packed and portable snack.

Makes: 4 servings
Active time: 5 minutes | Total: 5 minutes

4 whole-grain Scandinavian-style cracker, such as
8-12 canned sardines, preferably packed in olive oil
4 lemon wedges

Top each cracker with 2 to 3 sardines each. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Per cracker: 64 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 20 mg cholesterol; 8 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 94 mg sodium; 102 mg potassium.

Tomato Toast with Sardines & Mint (pictured above)
Canned sardines make an elegant, yet inexpensive appetizer when served with fresh mint, tomato and onion on toast.

Makes: 12 toasts
Active time: 15 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate the sardine mixture (Step 2) for up to 2 days.

1 4-ounce can boneless, skinless sardines packed in olive oil, preferably smoked
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 slices multigrain bread or 12 slices baguette, preferably whole-grain
1/2 medium ripe tomato
1 tablespoon very thinly sliced yellow onion

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Flake sardines with a fork into a mixing bowl. (The pieces should not be mashed, but should be no bigger than a dime.) Add mint, oil and salt; toss gently to combine.
3. If using whole slices of bread, cut off the crusts and cut each into four triangles. Place the triangles or baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake until crispy and golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes. As soon as you remove them from the oven, rub each slice with the cut side of the tomato. As you progress, the tomato will break down until only the skin remains; discard any remaining tomato.
4. Top each toast with about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the sardine mixture. Top the sardine mixture with a couple of onion slices and serve immediately.

Per toast: 41 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 5 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 1 g fiber; 113 mg sodium; 63 mg potassium.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524