Senior Life

News & information for the seniors in our community

Peripheral artery disease: Screening and early treatment can save your legs and your life

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[January 17, 2014]  (BPT) — Frequent leg cramps, leg pain when walking and slow-to-heal sores on your feet are annoying, but did you know they can also be symptoms of a serious disease?   (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Alzheimer's caregivers: Tips to take care of yourself, too

(BPT) — Taking care of an ill loved one is never easy, but for the 15 million Americans who provide care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, the emotional and financial toll of caregiving can be overwhelming. Last year, caregivers provided more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for Alzheimer's disease patients, amounting to $216 billion of care, according to the Alzheimer's Association. They often experience emotional stress, depression, health problems of their own and a loss of wages, the association reports.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Three New Year's resolutions that will enrich your retirement

Financial adviser shares steps everyone should take in 2014

For many baby boomers looking to retire in the next few years, the biggest worry is not whether or not they can retire, but if they'll outlive their savings.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

Ring in the new year with a COLA

By Becky Whitlow, Social Security district manager in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Many people ring in the new year with Champagne. People who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income get to ring it in with a COLA. This year, more than 60 million Americans are receiving a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment, known as a COLA, in their monthly benefit payment.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Are you prepared for what you'll find when you visit your parents this holiday season?

Warning signs that a person needs daily assistance & tips for planning for it

The holidays and their aftermath are the busiest time of year for long-term care admissions, says expert Chris Orestis.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


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In observance of Caregivers Awareness Month, state reminds families about resources to assist them

Department on Aging administers the Family Caregiver Support Program

SPRINGFIELD — Increasing numbers in the aging population have led to an increased need for caregivers. The term "caregiver" refers to anyone who provides assistance to someone else who needs it. Though a caregiver can be anyone, it is often a family member who steps in to provide extra support and attention for an elderly loved one.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


Financially surviving the golden years

Expert offers tips to maximize money for an aging population

Americans are living longer these days, from an average 47 years in 1900 to more than 78 years as of 2010. We are also experiencing a deluge of adults reaching retirement age now, with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day. (Click here for the rest of the story.)


'Gravity' and the long-term care crisis

By Chris Orestis

I recently went to see the movie "Gravity," starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. It is a fast-paced, exciting thrill-ride from start to finish. After we left the movie and I replayed the life-threatening events that unfolded on the screen, I could not help but begin drawing comparisons to the long-term care funding crisis currently unfolding in America today.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)


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