Good News. Really.

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

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

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

Concerning demographic and social issues of the older set:

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

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

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

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

I told you there was good news.

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

Laraine Jablon


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

Cheap Fun in Retirement!

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

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

A. Take a trip to a toy store. Visit a toy store for the sole purpose of trying out the toys. Your clients will be surprised at the amount of fun they will have and the number of memories that spark from the visit.

B. Play childhood games. Suggest to a client, with a partner, brainstorm what you played as children – this will help recall the games of youth. Then teach grandchildren how to play the games we grew up with – “I Spy”, “Ring-around-the-Rosie”, “Battleship”, “Find me!”

C. Create a laugh-a-day challenge. Another suggested fun exercise. Challenge a partner to a laugh-a-day contest. The object is for each to come up with the best laugh of the day. They may use any materials they wish – newspapers, comics, cartoons, on-line jokes, skits, etc. Declare a winner at the end of the day and have a prize that can be battled for again and again.

D. Go on a photo safari. Take a camera and try to obtain the most unusual photo within the house or neighborhood.

E. Plan a surprise picnic. Prepare a surprise picnic lunch for a partner together with a blanket laid out in the back yard or on the living room floor. Ready a bottle of their favorite wine and when the partner arrives home, lead her into the yard or living room and have a delightful lunch.

F. Organize a paper airplane flying contest. With the neighborhood children or grandchildren or both, teach them how to make paper airplanes and then have a contest on whose airplane will fly the farthest.

G. Transform a room. Another fun thing to do with children is to transform the dining room into a fort by draping sheets over the table. Then pile cushions under and around the table and everyone be in the fort having a wonderfully imaginative time.

H. Distribute stuffed animals. Buy several stuffed animals and distribute them at a local seniors’ home. When distributing the toys, take time to talk to the seniors. Find out something interesting about each person.

I. Give anonymous and unexpected appreciation. The next time when in a supermarket, gas station or restaurant, give a sincere thank you to the clerk or server for doing a great job and then watch his or her facial expression. Call your doctor’s office to learn his birthday and send a card of appreciation.

J. Give a partner a day off. One day every few weeks, tell a partner she has the day off to do whatever she wishes and that the cleaning, gardening, or whatever will be done. Have a delicious dinner prepared when she returns.

K. Field trips. Take a trip to a local winery, brewpub, museum, art gallery, or antique shop. Make a day of it with lunch, a walking tour of the area and a leisurely time on a park bench.

L. Volunteer for the next Santa Claus parade. Contact the local organizer of the Santa Claus parade or any other parade of choice, and volunteer to be a character within it. If necessary, plan and prepare the costumes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Laraine Jablon

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

Exploritas: From Alaska to Zimbabwe

It’s time to see the world.

Whether your dream is to canoe the Cache River Wetlands in Illinois, or explore Mahabalipuram and the sandstone temples that arose in south India more than a thousand years ago, the Exploritas program can help you to realize that dream.

Formerly called Elderhostel, Exploritas is a not-for-profit group travel program that combines exceptional educational and hostelling opportunities for adults over 55 and their guests. The program is based on the belief that retirement is still an active and exciting time in one’s life, and that learning is an integral part of a healthy, fulfilling existence. Exploritas has two special features: it provides safe, stimulating, learning environments at good value.

This was the nation’s first—and the world’s largest—educational travel organization founded for older adults. Exploritas pledges to provide its participants with instruction by knowledgeable, professional group leaders; talks presented by experts in their fields; in-depth field trips; and the combination of travel and adventure. Since its creation by Marty Knowlton in 1975, more than four million adults have taken part in its various programs.

Thirty-four years and approximately 8,000 programs later, Exploritas continues to squire intrepid travelers throughout North America and to more than 90 countries across the world. Currently, the program is composed of a network of more than 1,800 colleges, universities, environmental education schools, museums, state and national parks, along with other academic and cultural institutions.

All Exploritas programs include accommodations, lectures, activities, gratuities, travel insurance, and most meals. Each program has its own distinct aspects: some are geared toward outdoor experience; some pertain to individual skills; a specific location; a topic of interest, such as culture, food, or wine. There are literally hundreds of choices.

Some programs are more traditional, while others, such as Adventures Afloat, involve traveling off the beaten path to some of the most remote and exquisite locations in the world. What better way to discover diverse histories, cultures, and natural environments than from the deck of a floating classroom?

Another program that Exploritas offers is called Outdoor adventures, one of the more active choices. It includes bicycling, hiking, bird-watching, and water sports such as kayaking, rafting, and canoeing. Local experts share in-depth information while venturing with travelers into some of the Earth’s most fascinating environments. Participants get to experience the wonders of the natural world by exercising their bodies and their minds at the same time.

A unique facet of this program is the intergenerational component. This is a major draw for many because it offers grandparents, their children, and grandchildren the opportunity to investigate mutual interests, such as geology, dinosaurs, outer space, genealogy--you name it. Exploritas provides the learning experiences that bridge the generations.

This travel program is a celebration of the curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion of senior adults from all walks of life. Its travelers are open to fresh ideas, broadening experiences, and making new friends. They are well-educated: almost half have four-year college degrees; 20 percent have earned advanced degrees. But the defining characteristic of them all is that they love to learn new things: Exploritas vacationers enjoy exploring the world.

Additional information is available at www.exploritas.org or www.roadscholar.org

Enjoy your travels,
Laraine Jablon

(Excerpt from her CSA Journal article, Elderhostel: From Alaska to Zimbabwe, September 2009.)

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

2012 Limits You Need to Know: Government Programs and Tax Deductibility on LTC Insurance

Register for CSAs February educational webinar, 2012 Limits You Need to Know: Government Programs and Tax Deductibility on LTC Insurance, presented by Nancy Dykeman. Nancy will be providing you with a one-stop experience, to enhance your discussions about the limits or increases in:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Social Security
• and updating the tax incentives for long-term care insurance premium payments

Nancy Dykeman is the owner of Long-Term Care Planning Consultant, LLC and founder/principal of LTCares, an education and planning company. Nancy provides education to individuals and business groups on planning for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Senior Housing, Final Planning and Long-term Care.
She is recognized nationally as a premier educator in the LTCi field, serving as a core instructor for The Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification, and is a Director of the CLTC Board of Standards. She is a faculty member of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, and an instructor of the Colorado Partnership Plan Training for LTC Connection.
As a speaker and lead presenter, she and her team of top presenters represent the nation’s large-group LTCi carriers, conducting onsite informational meetings across the country. She and her team positively impact LTCi group benefits participation.
Nancy’s experience in planning began more than 30 years ago as co-owner of her family-owned funeral services company and Pre-Planning Specialist. After becoming a licensed nursing home administrator, she operated large retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. She was a caregiver for her mother for 20 years, her father for five years, and most recently, her husband, who has severe degenerative back problems. Nancy’s goal is to help families prepare for aging issues.

Knowing as much as you can to help your customers is the goal of this new webinar.

Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012

Time: 11:00am (PST); 12:00 Noon (MST); 1:00pm (CST); 2:00pm (EST)

Cost: Free for CSAs; $49 public

Register Now!

Growing Senior Market Creates Demand for Resources on Aging

(December, 2011 – Parker, CO) A Colorado company has come to the aid of well intended, yet often stressed and uninformed, senior caregivers. Research shows that approximately 83% of caregivers are related to the care recipient and are not professional caregivers. UniversalSeniorLiving.com may be the first online site of it’s kind to help hold the “cyber” hand of seniors and their families by giving them the resources they need to be able to navigate through the mass of information on the aging process. UniversalSeniorLiving.com, launched in Beta on 11-11-11, and is a one-stop shop geared at providing easy to find resources on over 300 senior related topics, providing a non-threatening ‘entry point’ into the planning process for seniors and their families.

Starting in 2011, and continuing for the next 20 years, America will witness an explosion of the senior population as 10,000 baby-boomers begin to turn 65 every day. They will become the nations fastest growing demographic group, putting a heavy strain not only on our nations resources, like Medicare and Medicaid, but also putting an enormous strain on the psyche and pocketbooks of the adult children and caretakers of this greying population.

“Seniors demand for resources, care and information is staggering. Unfortunately we’ve seen how the enormous emotional strain of a crisis can tear families apart at a time when they most need to come together. Without a plan in place many seniors and their families will continue to suffer needlessly. We believe that aging is inevitable, but crisis is not, and know that we can help families avert, or at least better manage, tragedy.” says Carrie Roberts, Co-Founder at UniversalSeniorLiving.com.

The new site is unique in that it integrates a large provider network (currently over 50,000 providers in 20+ industries, all related to senior care needs) with it’s content rich Resource Library, which consists of over 1500 articles, videos, and expert advice, a combination of which creates a powerful resource to captivate and educate users.

“We believe we’ve created the first site of its kind aimed at helping seniors and their families navigate and plan for the future by providing a complete, comprehensive and easy-to-navigate website. Instead of browsing hundreds of other sites and trying to piece information together, or flipping through volumes of print trying to find service providers, we have created a site that centralizes information for users. Whether looking for information on assisted living, information on applying for Medicare, caregiver stress, or a multitude of other senior related topics, it may all be found on one site. UniversalSeniorLiving.com now contains massive amounts of information (over 9000 pages already indexed by Google), yet is designed to be very easy to navigate and is user friendly. The site is a free resource for seniors and their families to use.” Roberts said.

“Our goal for 2012 is to help 10 million seniors and their families. Some people have said that we could never accomplish that in just 1 year. We say it’s just a start.”

For further information, please contact: Carrie Roberts, Co-Founder, 303-929-8786, carrie.roberts@usl-usa.com, or visit www.universalseniorliving.com.

Tax Preparation Help for Seniors

Tax season is overwhelming for many seniors. Many services are available to assist seniors with both federal and state income taxes. Supermarkets and malls have preparers from a variety of firms. Senior centers often host tax preparation days with professionals available to assist with preparation. And, this year the IRS is providing a new service for preparing and filing federal returns, called “Free File”, in conjunction with approximately 20 tax preparation software companies. The tax software providers must meet specific government standards and must qualify with the required security systems. Information transferred over the Internet must be appropriately encrypted so it is protected.

Two programs are available. Taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $57,000 or less can use the software programs without charge by linking to www.irs.gov/freefile. Taxpayers of any income level may use “Free File Fillable Forms” from www.irs.gov. Both programs permit E-filing at no charge. The Fillable Forms system requires a basic understanding of IRS tax forms and includes some basic calculations and links to IRS publications.


Frank Vidin, CSA, CFP, has more than 30 years experience in financial and nonprofit services. He teaches the financial and government sections of the CSA training program.

2012 Limits You Need to Know: Government Programs and Tax Deductibility on LTC Insurance

Registration is now open for February's educational webinar, 2012 Limits You Need to Know: Government Programs and Tax Deductibility on LTC Insurance, presented by Nancy Dykeman. Nancy will be providing you with a one-stop experience, to enhance your discussions about the limits or increases in:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Social Security
• and updating the tax incentives for long-term care insurance premium payments

Nancy Dykeman is the owner of Long-Term Care Planning Consultant, LLC and founder/principal of LTCares, an education and planning company. Nancy provides education to individuals and business groups on planning for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Senior Housing, Final Planning and Long-term Care.
She is recognized nationally as a premier educator in the LTCi field, serving as a core instructor for The Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification, and is a Director of the CLTC Board of Standards. She is a faculty member of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, and an instructor of the Colorado Partnership Plan Training for LTC Connection.
As a speaker and lead presenter, she and her team of top presenters represent the nation’s large-group LTCi carriers, conducting onsite informational meetings across the country. She and her team positively impact LTCi group benefits participation.
Nancy’s experience in planning began more than 30 years ago as co-owner of her family-owned funeral services company and Pre-Planning Specialist. After becoming a licensed nursing home administrator, she operated large retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. She was a caregiver for her mother for 20 years, her father for five years, and most recently, her husband, who has severe degenerative back problems. Nancy’s goal is to help families prepare for aging issues.

Knowing as much as you can to help your customers is the goal of this new webinar.

Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012

Time: 11:00am (PST); 12:00 Noon (MST); 1:00pm (CST); 2:00pm (EST)

Cost: Free for CSAs; $49 public

Register Now!

On the Market Again

Baby boomers and their parents are dating again. Death and divorce are causing single seniors to search for someone special—again.

In the past, people in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s who have lost a spouse would live alone for the rest of their lives. But social norms have changed dramatically, and people are living longer than ever before. Today, more older people are looking to fill the gap, share their lives with another person. They’re looking for relationships.

If you are thinking about dating again, here are a few things to consider:

• Tell people you’re interesting in finding a new relationship. This is just another form of networking. Tell family members, friends, peers, fellow-office workers or volunteers that you’re ready. Perhaps someone can introduce you a lovely individual he or she knows. Readiness is the key here.

• Explore your options for meeting new people. There are dozens of places to find new partners: church or temple, classes, the gym, civic organizations, museums, book stores, sporting events…you can meet people of both genders with whom you can take part in different activities. And then there’s on-line dating which is increasingly popular among seniors who seem to be more successful at it than younger generations. There are numerous websites that are designed specifically for seniors.

• Relax. Enjoy meeting new people and try not to put pressure on yourself to find someone immediately. Things happen when they happen.

You may find this site helpful: www.top10bestdatingsites.com/SeniorDatingServices-Comparison

~Laraine Jablon

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

The Last Great Game: Scrabble

Just ask Alec Baldwin how compelling a game this is for many of us. Recently, he was asked to leave an American Airlines flight for refusing to turn off his cell phone…he was playing Words with Friends at the time and it was his turn.

There are dozens of word games that have been invented over the years. Some have greater longevity than others, and Scrabble is one that has thrived over time. This true classic in the category of word games was invented in 1938 by Alfred Mosher Butts--interestingly, an architect.

We all weaned our children on the game, imparting the joy of making words for the greatest number of points. Of course word knowledge is important, but a truly challenging game of Scrabble depends on more than that alone. Strategy is key: one must consider the balance of his rack of letters, a solid offense, along with a strong defense. This can get complex and competitive—much like Chess.

Smart phones have revolutionized the game by allowing it to be played 24/7 in cyberspace with family, friends, and complete strangers. And if you’re looking for a reliable word source, you can use the 4th edition of the Official Scrabble Player’s Dictionary, or the Enable List which can be downloaded.

I’m guessing that few are thrown off planes for playing Scrabble, but many of us still enjoy a good game with our children who probably beat us these days.

This blog is posted by Laraine Jablon whose favorite word is qat.


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

Professional Testing Acquires Society of Certified Senior Advisors

The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) is excited to announce that it has been acquired by Professional Testing Inc., a leading developer of high performance credentialing and assessment programs serving professional associations, federal and state government agencies and private industry.

Excerpt from the official press release:

SCSA will continue to operate under its current name as a division of Professional Testing and will maintain offices and present staffing in the Denver, Colorado area. To increase value in the quality of the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) designation, SCSA will draw on the credentialing, exam development and accreditation management of Professional Testing’s team headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Ed Pittock, founder of SCSA, will continue to serve as a consultant to SCSA.

“To successfully manage today’s high performance credentialing programs requires proficiency and collaboration across a range of unique disciplines,” said David Cox, President, Professional Testing. “This acquisition is a win-win for both organizations as we expand our expertise in education, training, assessment development, community building and provide support for the evolving needs of credential holders.”

“With the addition of the team from Professional Testing, SCSA has never been more confident in its ability to offer our certification holders even greater value in their credential,” said Pittock. “Together we look forward to building a brighter and more prosperous future – for our members, credential holders and ultimately the seniors they serve.”

To read the full press release on the acquisition, click here.

Checklists for Life – How Using Checklists Can Help Ease Stress and Avert Crisis for Both Seniors and Boomers Alike

For many people, as they get older, their needs change dramatically. Depending on a person’s age, health and mental capacity, there may be many things that a senior just can’t keep up with the way they used to, or many things a Boomer doesn’t have (can you say “Advanced Directives”) and doesn’t know they need until it is too late.

We believe that one of the best ways to get boomers prepared for their futures, as well as to keep seniors organized in the present, is by equipping them with checklists that cover major areas of their life. We believe that while checklists may not have the minute details laid out (checklists are meant to deliver concise advice), they are a great planning tool that give people a macro-view of what needs to be learned, gathered, prepared, and ultimately executed, especially when preparing for the most unexpected moment; moments where without a plan in place becomes a crisis situation.

Many times a checklist can prevent an unavoidable situation from turning into an emergency situation. By implementing a checklist you likely will have planned well enough that you will be able to quickly put a plan into action and avoid the crisis.

To really be prepared (there are so many aspects to our lives that integrate together, yet are distinctly different) there are many different types of checklists that are needed so you are ready when any given situation arises. Here is a list of some of the checklists you will need to start your planning process:


Checklists for Maintaining Independence - Losing one’s independence, in many cases, is the most frightening and feared things for many seniors as they grow older. Having checklists in place with such things as how to avoid falls and other accidents, how to avoid loneliness, how to approach senior driving issues, aging in place concepts and caregiving/caregiver stress management are all good checklists to have on hand to help seniors (and their adult children/caregivers) maintain their independence and be prepared for the future.


Checklists for Estate Management - Your estate management checklist will make sure that you have done all the necessary paperwork to make things manageable after you are gone, ensuring that your life and legacy are carried out how you intended them to be. This list will include things like wills, estate planning, titling assets and funeral planning and expenses.


Checklists for Financial and Legal - Money and legal issues go hand in hand with aging. Financially, life is different after you are retired and it takes good planning to make sure your money lasts long enough to cover your expenses or leave a legacy behind. Your checklists for financial and legal should contain things like how to hire an attorney, what to look for in a good financial planner, how to set up a power of attorney, things to consider in retirement, or how to avoid scams targeted at the elderly.

Checklists for Housing and Care - Where you live and who cares for you are things that can change quickly when you are older, especially if you are struck with an illness or accident. Having alternate plans in place that everyone understands ahead of time makes it less likely you will end up having to live somewhere you don’t want or where you won’t get adequate care. Checklists for housing and care will include things like how to make sure you ask the appropriate questions when looking for housing, the different types of housing options available, details about independent living, assisted living, nursing home care, in home care and even hospice care.

Checklists for Health and Medical - Health issues for senior are unique and there are many things to consider when deciding how medical decisions will be made if the need arises. Seniors also have different dietary and exercise needs too that should be considered. Your checklists for health and medical should include things like how to find a good doctor, creating a hospitalization plan, medicine management, vision, hearing, dehydration, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s and Cancer and information on other medical conditions affecting seniors.

Checklists for Discounts and Free Stuff - The one big upside to being a senior is the fact that there are so many discounts available to seniors. You can get discounts on everything from food, lodging and even senior shopping days in the stores. Getting a list of all the discounts available can save you big money which is always a good thing for your retirement budget.

Checklists for Fun and Travel – One great thing about retirement is that you have a lot more free time to do the things you love. Many people like to use these years to do all the traveling they wanted to and never had the time. Seniors can find many great travel discounts and checklists for safe travel available to them. Leisure time for seniors many times also equals great times and memories with grandchildren, so having checklists in place (especially for grandparents who haven’t had small children at home for quite some time!) are helpful.

Having a set of standard checklists will make life so much easier and more organized for you. When you have that kind of organization in play things don’t have to turn into emergencies, which equals better outcomes for everyone. It is a little bit of work to get it all set up but once you have worked through the steps the peace of mind you will get knowing that you have a plan is priceless.

At Universal Senior Living we have created a downloadable Checklist E-book called Checklists for Life with over 200 easy to use checklists covering all of the topics mentioned above, giving you or your clients instant access to the lists they need most. Also, if you find there are checklists you need that are not included in the E-book, we will create the checklist for you at no charge and add it in to the most current edition for others to benefit from as well.

Helping Clients Thrive in Retirement

Critical Fact #1: Clients are demanding more and are starving for a trusted advisor

• Clients often fear retirement and will bond to a trusted source of guidance and advice
• What keeps clients up at night?
o Managing their money
o Loss of employment and related status
o Living with purpose after retirement
o Fear of change and fading into the woodwork due to lack of social connections

Critical Fact #2: Your clients want to thrive in retirement

With the retirement of hundreds of thousands, as a financial advisor, you have a unique opportunity to extend and enhance your reputation as a trusted source of guidance and counsel. As a trusted advisor who recognizes your clients’ fears and engages expertise to help manage the fears, you will have a dramatically positive impact on the quality of retirement for your clients and their families.

Critical Action #1: What you need to do

• You need to fully understand the retirement concerns of Boomers (45+). Read books, articles, on-line resources about retirement. Talk to successfully retired people about what makes for a happy, productive retirement. Find out from clients and others what their retirement concerns really are.
• Enhance and grow your practice by hosting retirement planning workshops and events. Clients love receiving the information especially if profound insights, true-to-life stories and self-completing exercises are included. Encourage your clients to bring friends and colleagues – a great resource for referrals.
• Integrate retirement life planning into your client conversations. As one highly successful advisor said to me. “With my clients, we rarely talk about money and more often discuss family and the future. We regularly review their holistic retirement plan as to what’s working, what’s not working as well as they would like and I ask ‘how can I help?’

The Payoff for Clients:

• Sharpened understanding of their retirement needs and interests before crisis occurs.
• Creation of a fully integrated retirement life plan to protect their time and money after work.
• Discovery of opportunities that add excitement and heightened personal fulfillment.
• Living and loving retirement to its fullest!

The Payoff for You as their Trusted Advisor:

• Be recognized and rapidly referred as a trusted advisor who makes things happen.
• Retain clients forever, and build the bridge to their kids and families.
• You will love what you do even more than you do now.
• You will help more people, make more money and solidify your practice.

Here are comments made by satisfied clients:

“We just love Jim. It is so refreshing working with an advisor who just doesn’t focus on the financial side but rather all aspects of retirement.”

“Our advisor invited my wife and I to a retirement planning workshop. We found the discussions, lecturettes, brainstorming and case studies were great for expanding our planning.”

“Sharon is different from most advisors. She recognizes retirement is much more than the money! It’s what to do with time 24/7, it’s keeping healthy in body, soul and mind, it’s enhancing relationships with spouse/partner, family and friends, it’s living retirement to its fullest!”

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

December 31

Despite the fact that my grandmother had numerous grandchildren, she spent a great deal of time with our family and me, in particular. We had a special connection; I was the fortunate recipient of what she had gleaned over the course of her life concerning her extensive travels, long-time relationships, and eclectic experiences. It was a blessing that she introduced me to everything beautiful—art, literature, theater, ballet, fashion…

Nana and I had a holiday tradition which took the form of meeting on the last day of the year to review the last 365 days we had both completed. It was sheer fun for me, having no idea that she was teaching me something valuable about reflecting on decisions, actions, and goals. She showed me how to renew my vows to myself.

On December 31 we always spent the day in Manhattan. Dressed to the nines, we lunched at some chic little restaurant, always one of Nana’s favorites. Armed with our calendars and Shirley Temples (although I’m pretty sure that Nana’s was a “Dirty Shirley”) we began the ritual of evaluation.

Reviewing the year, many things became clear because it was all there in black and white in our detailed calendars—the satisfying successes, the dismal disappointments, and all the things that fell in between. It was clear to me that failures offered the most insight.

These days, I appreciate Nana’s teaching the value of reflection more than ever. I am hoping to continue this tradition with a grandchild I may have some day.

Happy New Year to all of you!

Laraine Jablon


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

Caring Across the Miles this Holiday Season

If you are a caregiver for an aging parent, the holiday season may offer a chance to spend additional time with your family. But for some who live a far away from aging parents, this time of year might be a troublesome reminder of the distance between you and the family member who may need some level of care or assistance.

While this might seem challenging, it’s a very common circumstance. According to AARP, * “One-quarter of people caring for elderly relatives do so at a distance.” I’m sure this number continues to grow with more and more families living in different parts of the country!

Most, if not all, caregivers have experienced the ever-expanding pressures and expectations that come with caring for an elder parent. One suggestion is to build a long-distance team to help lighten your caregiving load.

The Caring for your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide suggests, “Even an only child – or an only responsible child – can’t and shouldn’t try to take care of a parent by herself. She should build a caregiving team with close family members, good friends of her parents, caring neighbors, doctors, clergy, and paid caregivers.”

Another option can be enlisting the help of a Geriatric Care Manager - a counselor, social worker, nurse, gerontologist or other specialist - who can coordinate a wide range of elder care. You can learn more about Geriatric Care Managers through the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers at www.caremanager.org.

A friend and colleague of mine created a wonderful book entitled, **50 Ways to Love Your Mother, which offers lots of simple and fun gift ideas for aging parents. Her tips include the general cost and also if the gift is easy to send if local or long distance. Sometimes just the simple things, like sending a special card or practical gift, can offer a lot to an elder family member who may be living miles away.


*Caring for your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide, AARP, 2006
** 50 Ways to Love Your Mother, Jane Monachelli, M.A., L.P.C., 2006
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Christie Munson, CSA, lives and works in Phoenix, AZ and is the Communications Manager for a retirement community and a Professional Organizer, specializing in senior services. She can be contacted via email at simplify-life@cox.net.

TAX TIME for SENIORS - educational webinar

Registration is now open for January's educational webinar, TAX TIME for SENIORS, presented by Beanna Whitlock of Whitlock Tax Service, LLC. Tax season is just around the corner and Beanna will present on the problematic areas of tax filing for Seniors, including:

• How to discover the magic of "bunching" deductions to save your Seniors tax dollars.
• Be mindful of not leaving Senior tax dollars on the table and discover an effective IRA planning strategy.
• Learn how to insure that your Senior taxpayers pay the lowest legal amount of tax.
• And more

Beanna Whitlock is an Enrolled Agent in private practice as Whitlock Tax Service, LLC located in San Antonio, TX.

A tax law instructor for more than 30 years with emphasis on Limited Liability Company and Ethics and Professional Conduct presentations. Beanna has taught tax professionals across the country and is an adjunct professor for Auburn University. She is a faculty member of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, CSA and the National Center for Professional Education. She is the Executive Director of the ncpefellowship, a web based organization providing educational resources and practice management tools at www.ncpefellowship.com.

She has testified before Congress, Treasury and the IRS Oversight Board. She has served on the IRS Information Reporting Program Advisory Council as well as the IRS Commissioner’s Advisory Committee (CAG). She served as the IRS Director of National Public Liaison for Commissioner Mark Everson and is a recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Excellence of Service.

She has been honored by Accounting Today as one of the 100 Most Influential in Accounting for an unprecedented 7 years.

Known for her fierce defense of the tax professional community, Beanna is frequently consulted by accounting and tax publications regarding issues concerning the tax professional community.

Register Now!

Date: January 19th, 2012

Time: 11:00am (PST); 12:00 (MST); 1:00 (CST); 2:00 (EST)

Cost: Free for CSAs; $49 public Register Now!

Don’t Call Us Guys

Please call us gentlepeople. Or just say hello.

Here are the ground rules for my argument: according to Dictionary.com Unabridged, which is based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary 2011, the word gentleperson is the singular pronoun referring to a form of address for a lady or gentleman. Gentlepeople is the plural pronoun that can be used when speaking to a group of people.

Either word will do nicely, thanks. Folks or a simple greeting will work, too. As a senior, I think I am not alone in my lack of appreciation for being greeted as guys. When I am in a shop or restaurant with one or two friends I would prefer that you call us folks or anything except the ubiquitous you guys. I understand that this is considered standard English usage in the twenty-first century, but it is not accurate. One key aspect of effective language is clarity. At best, calling us you guys is ambiguous, and as a devotee of language, I always prefer to avoid ambiguity if possible. The informality can be confusing--at worst rude.

Distinctions in both formal and informal language exist for a reason. Many of us still care deeply about the use of English and its pragmatics. We care about its variations, rich with nuances; we love that it is a living, breathing mode of expression.

Still, it boils down to the fact that we women are not guys when we’re out alone; nor are we guys when we’re out with our men. We are gentleladies or gentlepeople. Or hello works.

~Laraine Jablon

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

Laughter: The Best Medicine

Laughing is a delightful distraction and mood booster, especially when we are ailing or feeling blue. Then there’s the old adage about its being the best medicine, and many of us have wondered about its true impact on our wellbeing. In the interest of finding this out, health professionals have been studying its medicinal effects for years.

There is a growing body of research indicating that a good giggle may improve immune function, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress and depression. Despite the fact that there are relatively few long-term studies, the findings are compelling.

According to Michael Miller, Cardiologist and professor at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine, the clinical evidence is extremely positive. “There is a potential upside, in terms of vascular benefits and overall health,” he explains. “These findings certainly support laughter as a reasonable prescription for heart health, and health in general, especially since there is no downside.”

There is also prior research that strongly suggests that people who laugh need less pain medication post-surgery. Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary anthropologist claims, “If laughter triggers endorphin activation, then it may have direct health benefits because there is a possibility that endorphins help to ‘tune’ the immune system.” Think: cool tune-up for our bodies.

Perhaps the major benefits of laughter stem from our playful interactions with our friends, family, and lovers--good, old-fashioned, fun that benefits all of us.

You may want to read the October 24, 2011 article in The Washington Post by Carolyn Butler, “Laughing May Help Ease Blood Pressure, Boost Mood and Enrich Health in Other Ways.”

~Laraine Jablon


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

The Best Time of Year to Retire

Have you ever been asked, “When is the best time of year to retire?” A simple question but one which has a number of factors to be considered. Not only are there financial implications to think about but also consideration should be given to the season at the time of retirement. Talk to your clients about the following:

A. Cost of Living

Some employer benefit programs state an employee must be retired on or before July 1st (meaning the last working day would be June 30) to receive any cost-of-living increase on a pension granted for July 1st. This means an on-going pension will actually be less if your client retires in July or August compared with retiring on or before July 1st.

B. Vacation Payoff

The first week of January may be appealing to begin retirement especially if your client is carrying more than the maximum accrual for vacation. The client could get paid for the total as long as he/she retires before the end of the first pay period in January. Retiring in January also gives the person the entire year to absorb any lump-sum payoff.

C. Tax Considerations

Tax considerations and the best time to retire are different for each individual. It’s worthwhile for your client to estimate taxes based on different dates throughout the year and I strongly recommend getting advice from a tax advisor a year or two before a client plans to retire.

D. Season

Regardless of when a client chooses to retire, it is important to plan activities or events to counter or coincide with the season. For example, if a client retires in January, he/she may want to start with a trip to the sunny south or take a ski holiday. However, if he/she chooses to retire in the winter months (January – March), and happens to live in one of the Northern States or Canada, your client may face many grey, cold, snowy days that can give the inaugural weeks of retirement a bleak feeling.

Retiring in the spring (April – June) and the prospect of gardening and being outdoors may be appealing. Or perhaps your client prefers the summer (July – September) and spending additional time at the cottage to officially launch their new life. The fall months (October – December) may be ideal as this is a time of completion, celebration and planning for the New Year.

When planning for retirement, speak to your client about the time of year best suited for he or she and their spouse from a financial, seasonal and goal perspective. This ‘value added’ conversation is additional evidence you are a caring advisor who wants to help with your client’s retirement planning.

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

Andy Rooney: Curmugeon

Prickly and witty.

Many of us will miss Andy Rooney’s weekly segment on “60 Minutes” in which he addresses mostly mundane subjects with varying degrees of befuddlement, vexation, and on a rare occasion, pleasure. He was one of the most popular broadcast figures in the country—and truly a curmudgeon.

A little history: after his discharge from the army following World War II, Rooney worked as a freelance writer, churning out material for entertainers such as Arthur Godfrey, Victor Borge, Herb Shriner, Sam Levenson, and Gary Moore. He wrote entertaining, clever essays that made creative writing look so easy, like fluid fun. Later on, he wrote his weekly piece for “60 Minutes” that made him the homespun philosopher who entered our homes every Sunday for so many years. There were 1,097 segments in all; quite a legacy.

Rooney loved Christmas, football, tennis, among a few other things. Very few. He was much better known for the things he found objectionable, which was almost everything: he complained about wash and wear shirts that you can wash, but not wear; about any music he could not hum. He hated waiting on lines for any reason, and New Year’s Eve--he loathed it.

Beauty parlors were not filled with beauties, he observed, and he was outspoken on the subject of higher education. He believed that most college catalogs “rank among the great works of fiction of all time,” and that anyone who can come up with the money to attend college would find it “almost impossible to flunk out.” He was also blunt about his feelings for CBS, his long-time employer, and he made no secret of his dislike for Laurence A. Tisch, the network’s chief executive from 1986 to 1995.

While millions of followers delighted in his “60 Minutes” presentations, there were also a lot of people who took issue with his off-handed comments concerning serious subjects about which they felt deeply. Sometimes he made insensitive comments about suicides and minorities—definitely not good. At these times he was viewed as offensive, sarcastic, or outrageous. A complex man, Rooney’s area of expertise encompassed the smaller, lighter pieces about which he wrote. I used to hope that he would adhere to them.

On occasion, Rooney’s outspoken opinions got him into trouble with CBS News. In 1990, he found himself suspended for three months without pay in response to comments he had made about black and gay people. He later apologized for the statements that got him into hot water, but managed to offend the same groups again--in addition to women and Latin Americans. Ugh.

A few years ago, I passed him on the street in Manhattan. There was no mistaking him, with his bushy eyebrows, jowls, and scowling countenance. Wanting to respect his privacy, and avoid being insulted for interrupting his solitude, I did not tell him that I was a fan of his work. I kept walking; he would have preferred that and even thanked me for doing so.

~ Laraine Jablon

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