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Oct. 25, 2017

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Wednesday, October 25, 20172 Ida County Courier • the Holstein AdvanceIda County Courier • the Holstein AdvanceAging Gracefully

Welcome to Golden HorizonsWhere Life Begins Again...

Our community is a place where conversations and welcoming faces are easy to come by. You will find that our apartments and health care combine independence for an active and social lifestyle with personal care in a warm, noble setting.

At Golden Horizons, we provide:• 24-hour staff• 27 Assisted Living Apartments• Respite Care

Assisted Living

800 Byron Godbersen Dr.Ida Grove, IA 51445

Phone: 712-364-4128Fax: 712-364-2002

www.goldenhorizons.org

Golden Horizons, “where life begins

again...” Our communities are a place

where conversations and welcoming

faces are easy to come by. You will find

the apartments and health care com-

bine with independence for an active

and social lifestyle. The compassion-

ate staff will guide you to find the best

level of care options to fit your indi-

vidual needs giving you security and

peace of mind 24 hours a day, 7 days

a week.

Suelinn Nelson, RN, is the Adminis-

trator at Golden Horizons and has the

following to share:

“I am really fortunate to be the Ad-ministrator for Golden Horizons. I knew that when I took this job it would be three-fold: administration, nursing and marketing. I’ve also added housekeep-ing, ALA and cooking to my resumé as well. I like to lead by example and jump in to help wherever there’s a need. Chuck Lane, one of the owners, said, “to be successful you have to be hon-est, communicate, be respectful and follow through.” I have put those words on my office wall to guide me and keep me focused.

We have great news to share. Every two years, Golden Horizons is subject

to an inspection from the Department of Inspections and Appeals. In June of this year, we proudly received a Defi-ciency Free Survey! This is our second deficiency free survey – the first being in 2015. Our staff is committed, dedi-cated and very caring so it comes as no surprise that we were able to achieve this! We continue to strive every day to maintain this standard, keeping Golden Horizons a wonderful place for your loved ones.”

Golden Horizon of Ida Grove offers the following types of care:

•Assisted Living Rooms•Memory Care Rooms•Independent Living OptionsAssisted Living - Golden Horizons

offers Assisted Living services tailored

to meet the individual needs of our

residents. We base our philosophy of

care upon resident choice, dignity, pri-

vacy, individuality and independence.

Our personalized approach allows us

to meet the requirements of each of our

residents right in the comfort of their

own apartment. A service plan is devel-

oped by our Registered Nurse, the resi-

dent, and their family, which together

orchestrates a variety of services to

support the resident’s independence,

self-direction, and participation in de-

cisions. These additional services are

available to meet your individual care

needs.

Memory Care - Golden Horizons has

developed a Specialized Care Program

with the individualized needs of our

residents in mind. This program and liv-

ing environment �its the needs of resi-

dents who may be dealing with memory

loss or physical limitation where higher

staff to resident ratio is an added bene-

�it. We recognize each resident’s aware-

ness and habits, and have designed a se-

nior community that is much like home

to meet any medical, physical and social

challenges that may be. Our staff detects

changes in resident needs and has been

trained to modify their care accordingly.

With the resident’s individual needs in

mind, our health care services are tai-

lored to �it perfectly, allowing our resi-

dents to maintain the highest level of

personal well-being.

The decision to move yourself or a family

member to an assisted living facility can be dif-

�icult. When men and women begin to experi-

ence dif�iculty with everyday activities, such as

bathing, dressing or getting around, families

may need to explore assisted living facilities.

The majority of residents in senior living

are those who may need assistance with one

or two daily activities, but who are otherwise

mobile and self-suf�icient. Families faced with

moving relatives into assisted living facilities

can consider the following pointers to �ind fa-

cilities their loved ones will enjoy.

• Consider the arrangements and ser-vices off ered. Some facilities offer single

rooms, while others provide apartment-style

living. Most assisted living facilities provide a

variety of services, such as housekeeping, laun-

dry, exercise and wellness classes, and social

activities, for their residents. Investigate the

offerings at each home you visit, looking for a

facility that best suits your loved one’s needs.

• Inquire about staff and their schedules. It

is important to know how many staff members

a facility has and how many people are working

at any given time. Do staf�ing schedules differ at

night? If a resident has a particular rapport with

one staff member, can he or she be requested?

Look for a facility that is well-staffed and adept

at dealing with elderly men and women.

• Learn about individual service plans. Many assisted living facilities create individual

service plans, or ISPs, for their residents to en-

sure individualized care is given. These plans

are important for the safety and comfort of res-

idents and also can help maximize a person’s

independence. Some communities offer mem-

ory care programs for those with Alzheimer’s

disease or other cognitive disorders.

• Consider the security in place. A good

assisted living facility has a 24-hour support

system in place and immediate access to care.

Rooms may be equipped with emergency

phones that can be accessed day or night. Many

homes have check-in desks so that residents

are accounted for when going on outings and

for announcing guests.

• Check on licensing. In the United States,

each state has its own licensing requirements

for assisted living facilities. Con�irm a facility is

licensed and that it meets the expectations of

the local regulatory agency. In addition, check

with the Better Business Bureau to see if any

complaints have been �iled against the home.

Assisted living facilities can meet the needs

of people who cannot live independently but

do not require the around-the-clock care of a

nursing home.

Shopping for an assisted living facility

Wednesday, October 25, 2017Wednesday, October 25, 2017 3Ida County Courier • the Holstein AdvanceIda County Courier • the Holstein Advance Aging Gracefully

Many parents feel involving their

children in volunteering at an early age

can have a profound, long-lasting im-

pact on their kids. But youngsters are

not the only ones who can reap great

rewards from volunteering, as studies

show that men and women at, beyond

or approaching retirement age also

benefit greatly from volunteer work.

Research from the Corporation for

National and Community Service found

that more than 20 million older adults

contributed in excess of three billion

hours of community service time each

year from 2011 to 2013. The reasons

why older adults volunteer are varied,

but, in its 2014 survey, the AARP’s Ex-

perience Corps found that 97 percent

of its volunteers indicated that their

volunteer work with the organization

gave them a sense of purpose.

Older adults who want to volunteer

but have little or no history with vol-

unteering might not know where to

begin with regard to finding the right

opportunity. The right fit can make all

the difference for volunteers and the

people they help, and the following tips

might help older adults as they look for

an opportunity that best utilizes their

skills and experience.

Know your scheduleOlder adults who are still working

but want to volunteer may have a firm

grasp on their schedules, but even re-

tirees should not overestimate how

much time they have to volunteer. Be-

fore you begin to look for an opportuni-

ty, write down your commitments and

daily schedule, using this list to deter-

mine how much free time you have to

volunteer. Some opportunities require

greater time commitments than others,

so make sure you know just how much

time you can devote to an opportunity

before signing up.

Give due considera� onto your experience

Older adults who have retired or

are on the cusp of retirement have a

lifetime of experience they can use to

help others. Imparting wisdom learned

in your professional life can provide a

sense of purpose and even make you

feel as though you are still actively

involved in the industry where you built

your professional reputation. But life

experience can also prove invaluable in

volunteering opportunities. Mentoring

programs give volunteers the chance

to help young people, and such

opportunities can involve more than

just offering professional advice.

Don’t downplay thesignificance of certain

opportuni� esVolunteering opportunities come in

many variations, and each is signifi-

cant in its own right. Coaching a grand-

child’s soccer team can have as signifi-

cant an impact on the people you help

as other volunteering opportunities.

Volunteers offer their time because

they have a passion to help others, and

that help can be given in a myriad of

ways.

Leave � me for therest of your life

Volunteering is a selfless act, and vol-

unteers are the backbone of many suc-

cessful charitable organizations. But

older men and women should leave

time for the rest of their lives as well.

Retirement should be fulfilling but also

include time for recreation, so don’t

downplay how important hobbies are

to you in an attempt to find more time

to volunteer. No retiree wants to grow

resentful of his or her volunteer work

because it leaves little time for other

pursuits, so do your best to balance

your charitable endeavors with the

other things in life that matter to you.

Volunteering as an older adult: How to find the right fit for your new lifestyle

Finding the right volunteer opportunity can make all the difference for older men and women who want to give back to their communities.

600 Morningside St. Ida Grove

712-364-3327

Key Rehab provides our residentsPT, OT & Speech Therapies seven days a week

Allen • Jennifer - PT Rainy • Gordon • Cara - OT Courtney - ST

Our caring staff works with doctors and

therapy to provide the best care —

whether your stay is short term or you make Morningside

your home.

For more information, contact:Todd Riessen: Administrator

Megan Ross: Social Services

A study in the journal Neurology suggests

that working out is the most effective way to

protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers studied roughly 700 study par-

ticipants from Scotland,

all of whom were born

in 1936. Each participant

reported their levels of

leisure and physical ac-

tivity at age 70, rating

their physical activity on

a scale from moving only

to perform household

chores to participating in heavy exercise or

competitive sport several times per week.

Participants were also asked to rate how

often they engaged in social or intellectual

activities. At age 73, participants received an

MRI to measure certain biomarkers in their

brains. Those who participated in more

physical activity showed less brain shrink-

age and fewer white matter lesions, both of

which can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

And while social and in-

tellectual activities can be

bene�icial in preventing

Alzheimer’s disease, the

study found that social

and intellectual engage-

ment weren’t as helpful

to the brain as physical

exercise. The types of

physical exercise most bene�icial to the brain

are still being studied, though information

presented at the 2012 Alzheimer’s Associa-

tion’s International Conference suggested

that strength training is perhaps the most

effective form of exercise.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017Wednesday, October 25, 20174 Ida County Courier • the Holstein AdvanceIda County Courier • the Holstein AdvanceAging Gracefully

Live your life pain-free. Crawford County Memorial Hospital features a full-line of orthopaedic solutions including knee and hip replacement, treatment of fractures, and surgical and non-surgical treatment for shoulders, elbows, knees and feet. When you partner with Douglas Bolda, MD, Bradley Lister, MD and Lori Johannsen, PA-C, you will find highly experienced and skilled professionals to serve your orthopaedic needs close to home.

For more information about the orthopaedic services at CCMH, or to make an appointment, call 712-265-2700.

A B O U T O R T H O P A E D I C SWe care

Douglas Bolda, MD Bradley Lister, MD Lori Johannsen, PA-C

CRAWFORD COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL | www.ccmhia.com | 712.265.2500 TOLL FREE 888.747.0852 | 100 MEDICAL PARKWAY | DENISON IA 51442

Physical activity and proper diet and

nutrition can help people age 50 and

older maintain their physical health.

But there are also ways aging men and

women can preserve brain health in an

effort to prevent or delay the cognitive

decline that affects millions of seniors

across the globe.

It’s easy to overlook the importance

of keeping the brain healthy. However,

a decline in brain function can result in

poor concentration, memory loss and a

host of other issues. Sometimes, by the

time symptoms present themselves, it

may be too late to reverse any damage.

Research suggests that a combination

of nutrition and mental, social and phys-

ical activities may have a greater impact

with regard to maintaining and improv-

ing brain health than any single activity.

Harvard Medical School also states that

volunteering, caring for others and pur-

suing hobbies may bene�it the brains of

older adults.

A study published in the Archives of

General Psychiatry found participants

who reported higher levels of purpose in

life exhibited superior cognitive function

despite the accumulation of abnormal

protein depositions (amyloid plaques

and neuro�ibrillary tangles) in the brain,

a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Hav-

ing a purpose also may help those who

do not have Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to the suggestions men-

tioned above, those who want to boost

brain health can consider these strate-

gies.

Start exercising the brain early onA study published in 2012 in the Brit-

ish Medical Journal examined cognitive

function in people ages 45 to 70. Re-

searchers found evidence of cognitive

decline in the 45-year-old participants

as well as the older participants. It’s

never too early to put a brain health plan

into motion.

Read more booksReading can open individuals up to

new vocabulary and scenarios that pro-

mote a stronger brain and recall ability.

Enrolling in an education course at a lo-

cal college, community center or online

also may be bene�icial.

Hit the gymSeveral studies suggest an association

between physical activity and reduced

risk of cognitive decline. This could be

because exercise elevates heart rate,

which pumps more blood to the brain

and body.

Supplement with DHADHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is

dominant in the brain. Adhere to a Med-

iterranean diet, which is generally high

in natural sources of omega-3, including

�ish and mono-unsaturated fats from

olives, olive oil, nuts and seeds. Supple-

ments also may help, but individuals

should consult with their doctors about

which products to take.

Challenge the mindMen and women can engage in chal-

lenging activities that stray from their

routines. Puzzles, strategic games, jig-

saw puzzles, or dif�icult hobbies can

bene�it the brain.

Keep a close-knit group of friendsRegular conversation and social inter-

action is a key component of any brain

health wellness plan.

Slowing cognitive decline and pro-

moting greater brain health should be a

priority for adults of all ages.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

tion warns that the elderly are more likely to die

of a vaccine-preventable disease than other age

groups. The immune system begins to decline as

we age, so the body can bene�it from the disease-

�ighting boost provided by vaccinations. Individu-

als at any age should discuss immunizations with

their doctors, but it’s a particularly important

conversation for those age 50 and older.

Vaccine schedules and recommendations may

vary depending on where a person lives, but the

following immunization recommendations are

offered courtesy of the CDC.

• Infl uenza: An annual �lu shot can help pre-

vent the nearly 36,000 deaths that occur due to

�lu each year in the United States. The �lu vaccine

is designed to combat the current strain of �lu, so

it is recommended anytime between September

to March, which is the prime �lu season. People

age 50 and older should opt for the injection rath-

er than the nasal form of the vaccine.

• Tdap: This vaccine protects against tetanus,

diphtheria and pertussis and is especially nec-

essary for people who have close contact with

young infants. Pertussis, or whooping cough, can

be passed on to youngsters and make them very

ill. If you’ve never received a Tdap vaccine, the

CDC suggests getting it at least once. Individual

tetanus boosters should be received every 10

years.

• Pneumococcal: Pneumococcal disease is

an infection caused by the pneumococcus bacte-

ria. It can cause pneumonia, blood infection, ear

infections, and even bacterial meningitis. This

vaccine is given to adults age 65 and older or to

younger adults at their physicians’ discretion.

• Hepa� � s A: Individuals with medical, occu-

pational or lifestyle conditions, such as healthcare

workers or people with chronic liver disease, may

need a two-dose series of the hepatitis A vaccine.

In addition to these shots, there are vaccina-

tions that can help prevent other illnesses, such

as shingles. Shingles is a condition that affects

those who had chickenpox as children, and can

be quite painful. A vaccination is an easy way to

avoid it. Many local pharmacies now offer on-site

immunizations, saving people a trip to the doc-

tor’s of�ice.

Adults who are avid travelers to various parts

of the world that may bring them in contact with

animals or people who do not receive the same

course of immunizations may need additional

vaccines. Speak with a doctor about which im-

munizations are recommended before travel.


1500 S Kiel St., Holstein, IA(712) 368-4893

The RidgeSenior-Living/ALP

We love what

we do!

Great meals & warm heartsawait yourarrival!!!

Independent living with a touch of

assistance.

Wartime Veterans:First billing cycle

FREE!

Join us before thesnow starts flying!

Can’t ya just feel the warmth?

801 Benning Dr., Holstein, IA712-368-2555

Char-Mac Assisted-living in Holstein

and the Ridge Senior living component

have established exceptional reputa-

tions for quality Assisted-living, and

have been recognized as leaders in the

State of Iowa. Char-Mac programs are

locally-owned and managed, which is

the key to our success. We love what we

do, and enjoy serving our local family

members.

The Char-Mac Assisted and Senior liv-

ing are very proud to serve our local vet-

erans. Char-Mac programs are very pro-

active with the Veterans’ bene�its under

the VA Improved pensions. Any active

war-time veteran, who was honorably

discharged (or their surviving spouse),

may be eligible for �inancial assistance

from the VA for their Assisted-living fees.

Char-Mac will assist with the VA applica-

tion paperwork. We are happy to be of

assistance in this complicated arena.

Another intriguing fact is that 100%

of the Char-Mac & Ridge fees are medi-

cally tax deductible. This fact is a signi�i-

cant tax issues for our local families who

can deduct these charges on their tax li-

abilities.

The Ridge Senior living offers an in-

house movie theater, as well as beauti-

ful spacious apartments (875-1076 sq.

ft.) These apartments are 1-2 bedroom

units that have breath-taking views over

the Holstein golf course. The common

areas have lovely comfortable areas to

entertain guests. The Ridge is licensed

as Assisted-living , which means we can

bring assisted-living services directly to

you at The Ridge. There is 24 hour staff

oversight available on campus. In addi-

tion, we have a guest hospitality apart-

ment for visiting family members.

Come tour our award-winning pro-

grams and make it your new home. It is

our desire to help serve our family and

friends from all our local communities.

Join us at our facility; we want to help

everyone retain their quality of life.

Don’t get left out in the cold; reserve

your apartment today; 712-368-4893.

We do participate with Iowa Elderly

waiver funding too.


M A T T E ROF BALANCE

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? The program is designed to benefit older adults who:

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MATTER OF BALANCE is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.

Contact Horn Community Health for more information: 712.364.7311

125 S. Main St.Galva, IA

(712) 282-4426

Sole 2 SOUL offers:•State-of-the-art treadmills•Elliptical cross-trainers•Assorted bikes• Bow Flex Extremeweight machine

•Hand weights•Physio balls•Stretch bands•Exercise videos

WEEKLY GROUPFITNESS CLASSES:•Yoga (Mondays, 6 pm)•Zumba (Wednesdays, 6 pm)• Step Aerobics/Weight Circuits (Thursdays, 5:45 am)

• Chair Yoga Class (NEW!)(Thursdays, 9 am)

HOURS:Daily, 4 am-10 pm

365 days/yr.

It is 2 a.m. and that cough and stuffy

nose you have been battling is still

keeping you up. You reach for the

nighttime cold relief medicine only to

find it expired a few months ago. If you

take a dose to ease your symptoms,

will you be putting yourself at risk?

This situation is a relatively com-

mon occurrence. Many medicine

cabinets are stocked with over-the-

counter drugs as

well as prescrip-

tion medications

that may be past

their expiration

dates. It is a good

idea to routinely

discard expired

medicines, but

if you happen to

take a drug that

has passed its ex-

piration date, you will most likely suf-

fer no ill effects.

According to the Harvard Medi-

cal School Family Health Guide, the

expiration date on a medicine is not

the dates when a drug becomes haz-

ardous. Rather, it marks the period

of time after which a drug company

can no longer guarantee the efficacy

of the medication. Since 1979, drug

manufacturers selling medications in

the United States have been required

by the Food and Drug Administration

to stamp an expiration date on their

products. This is the date until which

the manufacturer can still guarantee

full potency of the drug.

Expiration dates also may be a mar-

keting ploy. Francis Flaherty, a re-

tired FDA pharmacist, has said drug

manufacturers put expiration dates

on products for marketing purpos-

es rather than scientific reasons. It

doesn’t make financial sense to a com-

pany to have products on the shelves

for years. Therefore, most drug manu-

facturers will not do long-term testing

on products to confirm if they will be

effective 10 to 15 years after manufac-

ture.

The U.S. military has conducted

their own studies with the help of

the FDA. FDA re-

searchers tested

more than 100

over-the-counter

and prescription

drugs. Around

90 percent were

proven to still

be effective long

past the expira-

tion date -- some

for more than 10

years. Drugs that are stored in cool,

dark places have a better chance of

lasting because the fillers used in the

product will not separate or start to

break down as they might in a warm,

humid environment. Storing medi-

cines in the refrigerator can prolong

their shelf life.

Although a pharmacist cannot le-

gally advise consumers to use medi-

cation past an expiration date, most

over-the-counter pain relievers and

drugs in pill form should still be fine.

Certain liquid antibiotics and drugs

made up of organic materials can

expire faster than others. For those

who still want to err on the safe side,

routinely clean out medications from

cabinets once they expire. However, if

an expired medication is taken by mis-

take, there’s little need to worry about

potentially adverse effects.

Eating healthy foods and exercising may

not be enough to sustain health, as hormonal

changes and other health effects as a person

reaches age 50 can have a profound impact

on his or her nutritional requirements. The

following are a few things men and women

over 50 may want to consider as they look to

eat a healthy diet for years to come.

Vitamin DBoth men and women age 50 and up

have a reduced ability to produce vitamin D

through exposure to the sun. Extra vitamin

D will be needed from foods and supple-

ments. Everyone over the age of 50 should

take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU

(10 μg), according to Canada’s Food Guide.

Without adequate vitamin D, bone strength

and health can deteriorate because vitamin

D promotes calcium absorption.

Friendly fatsPeople over age 50 should increase their

intake of unsaturated fats and reduce con-

sumption of saturated fats. Nutrient-rich

unsaturated fats can guard against heart

conditions, protect against stroke, keep skin

supple, and even help men and women

maintain good neurological health. Omega-3

fatty acids can be found in nuts, olives, seeds,

and fatty �ishes.

Increase proteinAccording to Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD,

a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition

and Dietetics, as they age, men and women

need more protein in their diets to maintain

their muscle mass. The amount of protein

needed at a younger age no longer may be

adequate. Look for lean sources of protein

from �ish and poultry.

More fiberEating more �iber can help with digestive

and intestinal problems, such as constipa-

tion. Constipation can occur when �iber

intake is not enough, coupled with a more

sedentary lifestyle. The best way to get �iber

is through diet. Leave the skins on fruit and

vegetables and choose whole fruits over juic-

es. Whole-grain breads and cereals also are

good sources of �iber.

Fewer caloriesThe National Institute on Aging says

women over the age of 50 need between

1,600 and 2,000 calories, depending on how

physically active they are. Men need between

2,000 and 2,400 calories per day. With each

passing year there is a decrease in the energy

required to maintain body weight, so caloric

intake should be adjusted accordingly.

More waterAs a person ages, his or her body may not

signal it is thirsty as well as it once did, so it’s

possible that you may not recognize when

you are thirsty or dehydrated. The Mayo

Clinic recommends around nine to 10 cups

of beverages per day to remain hydrated.


We see you more clearly with We see you more clearly with 3D mammography.3D mammography.

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712.732.4030

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Mapleton, IA • 712-881-7144

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•Parental Nutrition•IV Medications• Medication Supervision/Administration

•Post Surgical Care•Homemaker/Bath Aide

SERVICES:

One of the best things about aging is being able to

enjoy the fruits of your labor without as many obliga-

tions as you might have had when you were a younger

adult. For example, many men and women have a lot

more freedom to travel once they turn 50.

Many of today’s older adults have a wealth of dis-

cretionary time, and those who focused on retirement

planning from an early age have the money to fund

a recreational lifestyle. Travel companies and other

businesses understand that Baby Boomers and other

seniors are valuable customers and are rolling out the

red carpet with a bevy of discounts and perks.

AARP Services, Inc. has long been a trusted resource

in senior-based information and resources. The orga-

nization continues to broker relationships with various

companies to arrange deals on travel-related services

and products for older men and women. Members of

AARP can link directly to deals through the organiza-

tion’s website.

In addition to companies that work with AARP, many

other travel companies have discounts or other perks

available to men and women over 50. All consumers

need to do is inquire about such bene�its. When in

doubt, log on to the company’s website or give their

customer service department a call.

Here are some other ways to secure deals on travel

and other services.

Do some networkingFellow seniors who log in to chat rooms or who are

members of social clubs may have the inside scoop

on age-based travel deals. Learn the ropes from oth-

ers who have been there before you and take notes on

which companies offer the best deals.

Read the fine printUnderstand the details of senior discounts and com-

pare them to other promotions offered to anyone, re-

gardless of age. You may be able to get a better deal or

combine offers if you’re not locked into a senior plan.

Also, check the dates when deals are valid to ensure

you can travel when you want to.

Always carry proof of ageWhether it is a driver’s license, AARP card, passport,

or birth certi�icate, carry proof of your age at all times.

You do not want to miss out on a discount because you

cannot verify you are 50 or older. Though being mis-

taken as younger could be a boost to your ego, it will

not bene�it your bottom line.

Explore airline perksMen and women 55 and older may be eligible for

“golden-agers” discounts at major airlines. Such deals

are not typically advertised, so you may need to speak

with an airline representative to secure the discount.

Seniors also can request special services, such as bag-

gage assistance, priority seating and a ride to the gate,

at the airport.

Try nego� a� ng with vendorsIf you cannot �ind a senior discount, consider negoti-

ating with vendors for deals. Local hotels or businesses

may prove more �lexible than national chains. It never

hurts to ask for a senior discount.

Embrace fl exibility in schedulingUnlike students or business travelers, seniors tend

to have freedom with regard to the days of the week

when they can travel. You have the �lexibility to go and

come as you please without having to coordinate with

vacation time or school breaks. Use this to your advan-

tage and travel during off-peak times when crowds will

be small and rates may be lower.

Don’t feel down if you’re approaching another mile-

stone birthday. Entering into your golden years gives

you access to a variety of perks and discounts that can

save you time and money on travel.

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Denise Van Dusen409 2nd St., Ida Grove

(712) 364-2931

Medicare can be complicated.A Farm Bureau agent makes it easy.

Call me to find a Medicare supplement plan that’s right for you.

This is a solicitation of insurance. Wellmark Medicare supplement insurance plans are not affiliated with any

government agency. To be eligible, you must reside in the service area of the plan. Wellmark Blue Cross and

Blue Shield of Iowa is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

An individual retirement account, or IRA, is a type of account men and women who meet certain eligibility requirements can open to save money for their retirement. Unlike a 401(k), a type of retirement ac-count that is provided by an employer, an IRA must be opened by an individual. An-other difference between a 401(k) and an IRA is that men and women can withdraw money from their IRAs before they reach retirement age to pay medical expenses without incurring the penalties that apply when 401(k) account holders prematurely withdraw money from these accounts. One similarity between 401(k) accounts and traditional IRAs concerns taxation. Account holders of both types of accounts do not

pay taxes on their contributions to those ac-counts until they begin to withdraw money in retirement (prematurely withdrawing money from a 401(k) will incur taxes and fees). But men and women who open a Roth IRA pay their taxes up front, meaning they won’t be paying taxes down the road when they withdraw money in retirement. Each type of IRA comes with its own set of rules and restrictions, including contribution limits and eligibility requirements based on earned income. In addition, men and women with a traditional IRA must begin to withdraw their money by the time they reach age 70.5, while those with a Roth IRA can leave their money in their accounts as long as they please.

Investors know that money manage-ment can be difficult. The ebb and flow of the economy can be similar to a roll-er coaster, with soaring highs followed by steep drops, and those changes all affect investors’ bottom lines. It’s no wonder then that many investors over 50 envision the day when they can get off that roller coaster and simply enjoy their money without having to worry about the everyday ups and downs of the market. But managing money after 50 is about more than just reducing risk.

Reducing risk as retirement draws near is a sound financial strategy that can safeguard men and women over 50 from the fluctuations of the market. That’s true whether investors put their money in stocks, real estate or other areas that were not immune to the ups and downs of the economy. But there are additional steps men and women can take after they turn 50 to ensure their golden years are as enjoyable and financially sound as possible.

Prioritize saving for retirementMen and women over 50 know that

retirement is right around the corner. Despite that, many people over 50 still have not prioritized saving for retire-ment. It’s understandable that other obligations, be it paying kids’ college tuition or offering financial assistance to aging parents, may seem more im-mediate, but men and women over 50 should recognize that their time to save for retirement is rapidly dwindling.

Just because you are retired does not mean your bills will magically disap-pear. In fact, some of those bills, such as the cost of medical care, are likely to increase.

So now is the time to make retire-ment a priority if you have not already done so. It might be nice to finance a child’s college education, but that should not be done at the expense of your retirement nest egg. Kids have a lifetime ahead of them to repay college loans, while adults over 50 do not have that much time to save for retirement.

Start making decisions People retire at different times in

their lives. Some people want to keep working as long as they are physical-ly and mentally capable of doing so, while others want to reap what their lifetime of hard work has sown and retire early. Finances will likely play a strong role in when you can comfort-ably retire, so start making decisions about your long-term future. Do you intend to stay in your current home or downsize to a smaller home? Will you stay in your current area or move elsewhere? These decisions require a careful examination of your finances, and many will hinge on how well you have managed your money in the past and how well you manage it in the years ahead. Managing money after 50 requires more than just allocating resources. Sound money management after 50 also means making decisions about your future and taking the nec-essary steps to ensure those decisions come to fruition.

Pay down debtMen and women over 50 are not of-

ten associated with debt, but that’s a misconception. Thanks in part to the recession that began in 2008 and led to high unemployment, many people in the baby boomer generation, which in-cludes people born between the years 1946 and 1964, went back to school to make themselves more attractive to prospective employers. While that might have been a sound decision, it left many deeply in debt. According to a 2013 report from the Chronicle of Higher Education, student loan debt is growing fastest among people over 60, and that debt is not inconsequential. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported in 2013 that the aver-

age student loan debt of those over the age of 60 who still owe money is more than $19,000, a considerable increase from 2005, when the average debt was $11,000. Men and women over 50 who are still carrying debt should eliminate consumer debt first, as such debt tends to be accompanied by higher inter-est rates than mortgages and student loan debt. Paying down debt can help reduce stress, improve your quality of life and free up money for living and recreational expenses once you retire.

Examine your insurance policiesYour approach to insurance should

change as you get closer to retirement. For example, you want to maximize your liability insurance on homeown-ers and auto insurance policies. This ensures the money you have set aside for retirement won’t be going to a third party should you be at-fault in an auto accident or if someone suffers an inju-ry at your home. Experts recommend liability insurance be substantial for men and women over 50, with some suggesting it be as high as twice your net worth.

If it wasn’t already, securing long-term disability insurance should be a priority once you have turned 50. A sudden accident or illness at 55 that prevents you from working could prove devastating to your financial fu-ture if you do not have disability insur-ance. Some employers offer long-term disability, though many people are left to secure policies on their own. Re-gardless of how you get your disability insurance, make sure you have it and that it provides adequate coverage should you succumb to an illness or in-jury and be unable to work.

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