Estate planning–do it today!

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I read the following Denver Post article about estate planning last December and it got me thinking about my end of life plans.  I didn’t have any written plans and decided that leaving that task to my only child was not fair to her.  So I took action and followed the beginning steps laid out in the article.  I have to admit, it was even kind of fun picking out the music I would like played at my funeral. I hope this article helps you begin making some of these same important decisions.  A will isn’t enough.

imagesPlanning for Retirement?  Take a break, for survivors’ sake

by Wendi Strom

December 27, 2015

“Many of us face the likelihood of eventually becoming the survivor of someone that we love. With that, it may mean inheriting the task of settling the affairs of their estate. Not an easy task, even when everything is thoughtfully organized.

The truth is, in our death-denying society, hours and hours may be spent on planning for that big phase we call ‘retirement.’ Retirement, though it may be more pleasant to think about, is not guaranteed. Death, as we all know, is.

Having worked with many widows and other survivors, I’ve come to realize that while planning, saving and investing for education and retirement may seem like the most important of our financial tasks, its tending to the fact that our survivors may one day be living a life without us that can ultimately become that task which is most important. Our best and final gift.

So what kind of steps can you take to help your survivors?”

Read more at: http://www.denverpost.com/2015/12/24/planning-for-retirement-take-a-break-for-survivors-sake/.

Wendi Strom, Certified Financial Planner, LOTUS Financial Partners, Denver, CO and president-elect, Financial Planning Association of Colorado.

Weld County Senior Law Day

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September 15, 2016

7:30 a.m.-12:00 noon

University Center, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO

A Public Service Program Offered To All Weld County Older Adults

Each participant will receive a copy of the 2016 Senior Law Handbook, published by the Colorado Bar Association, as well as a comprehensive book of all seminar highlights and local resources. Suggested donation of $5 includes keynote speaker, breakfast, 3 classes and 26 exhibitors.  Free parking is available.

You may call 970-346-6950 for more information and to register or online at:  http://seniorlawday-weldcounty.com/.

Would you like to sit here?

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I was asked this question on August 19th when I boarded a crowded shuttle bus in Rocky Mountain National Park. The young woman from Michigan was willing to give up her seat next to her husband.  At first I was taken aback.  I had never been asked this question before by a young woman.  Did I look like a senior citizen or someone with a disability who needed to sit down?  I turned down her generous offer and politely thanked her.  Instead, I asked if the young children belonging to the family standing in front of me could have her seat.  She said yes and those two little ones cheerfully took her seat.

priority seating

Then I saw the sign by the window about priority seating, which is reserved for seniors and the disabled under Federal Law.  It said riders should give up their seats.  After reading the sign, I still didn’t know what to think.

First, I believe the offer to give up one’s seat on a standing room only bus is a gracious and selfless act.  Second, I’m wondering why the husband didn’t offer his seat.  In the past, men were usually the ones offering their seat to a woman or an elderly person, not a young woman.  Third, when did I start looking like a senior citizen?

When was the last time you went fishing?

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senior fishing license
mamamia.com.au

Colorado Residents, age 64 and over, can get an annual fishing license for only $1!

In Colorado, you and your grandchildren, under the age of 16, can go fishing together for $1, the cost of a senior annual license! For more information go to: http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/FishingSeasonDatesFees.aspx. If you don’t live in Colorado, check with your state’s parks and wildlife division.

senior fishing license

Healthy, vibrant aging tips

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healthy vibrant agingHealthy Living Made Simple

by Joyce Dillon

July/August 2015

“Why just survive as you age when you can thrive?

The human body is a beautiful, intricate system that functions at its best when we consciously care for each part of the whole: our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self. If we neglect even just one seemingly small part of our body’s system, our whole body tends to not function at its highest potential. So, to enjoy a long, healthy and vibrant life, I suggest you develop and maintain those four key areas by incorporating these 10 tips.

  1. Love yourself – Aging well begins and ends with love. Practice giving and receiving love; it will change your life. Embracing and sharing love is the key to living well and maintaining a youthful spirit.
  2. Keep learning – Stay informed about current issues, technology and health trends. Be open and willing to meet new people. Travel to unknown destinations. Read and learn something new each day. Learning keeps your brain active and sharp.
  3. Laugh – Laughter really is great medicine because it’s a natural stress reducer. Laughing releases chemicals in our bodies that can drive away pain and fear, two emotions usually associated with aging, so laugh often. If you have to, buy a laugh: Rent a movie.
  4. Exercise – Keep your feet moving daily. Impaired mobility and balance are top aging concerns, for good reason. Daily exercise and foot care are extremely important because your feet make movement possible. Benefits of regular exercise include less depression, increased alertness, clearer thinking, improved ability to handle stress, and enjoyment of a positive mood. Start now, get moving, dance and kick up your heels.
  5. Eat well and healthy – Learn about antioxidants, phytonutrients and essential fatty acids; consume them every day. Prepare or buy savory food for yourself, and enjoy. Make mealtime a pleasure. Avoid eating in front of the TV while you watch stressful news.”

Read the entire article for tips 6-10 as well as advice for “a day in the life of a  healthy aging individual”

Joyce Dillon, RN, MN, BCC, is the founder of Joyce Dillon Inc.  She is a certified life and wellness coach, holistic nurse, author and intuitive painter.

I just joined SilverSneakers!

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SilverSneakers

“Did you know… 1 out of 5 people 65 or older is eligible for a SilverSneakers membership!

If you’re a group retiree, or part of a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Health plan, you may already have a SilverSneakers membership. This active adult wellness program is offered to many Medicare plans across the nation. To find out if your health plan offers the SilverSneakers® Fitness program, visit their health plan locator.

Can’t find your health plan? Call your health plan’s customer service number and ask when it will add this valuable benefit.

Looking for more information on well-being? Visit Healthways FIT to seek expert advice on nutrition, fitness and stress management; watch exercise videos; and much more!

The program is at no cost to members!

See if you are eligible for SilverSneakers to get started today.”

Check Eligibility

SilverSneakers

I checked my eligibility and now I’m a member!  All I had to do was print out a card and take it to my community recreation center to register with them.  I can now access many of their fitness classes for FREE and I’m not even 65!  It was an easy process and only took a couple of minutes.

For more information check the www.silversneakers.com website.

Bridge employment – working during retirement

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For some, leaving workforce continues years after retiringbridge employment

By Adam Allington, Associated Press

March 29, 2016

“The transition from employment to retirement used to be marked by a date on a calendar, along with some sheet cake, and maybe a gold watch.  Those days are long gone for most workers in the United States.

Today, the journey toward complete withdrawal from the labor force can last many years.  Economists refer to the transition period as ‘bridge employment.’  As more and more Americans either choose, or are forced, into bridge employment, the expectation of what retirement actually means is rapidly changing.

‘We shouldn’t even use the word ‘retirement’ any more.  It obscures more than it enlightens,’ says Boston College economist Joseph Quinn.

Quinn’s research has shown that for many seniors today, retirement is not a one-time event, but rather a process.  He attributes it to a changing economic picture that encourages more seniors to choose work over leisure.”

Read the entire article