US POSTAGE
PAID
Delphos, Ohio
Permit No. 21
Fall
THE
girls,
boys
sports
previews.
Bids go to out
on solar-powered
Learning to live on a fixed income
2 • The Sylvania Herald • March 30, 2011
Difficult financial times have cial problems. In fact, according to a all your monthly expenses, including Instead of paying a monthly subscrip-
forced many people young and old to study by the Administrative Office of all expenses, no matter how minute tion cost, visit the local library and
alter their lifestyles in order to stay the U.S. Courts, bankruptcy filings in- they may seem. From here you can de- read the magazines there for free. If
afloat financially. Though unemploy- creased by 118 percent in states where termine just how much you can spend the local library does not have your
ment has garnered most of the head- the home price index decreased. each month. favorite periodical, the content could
lines as the economy has struggled the For many seniors fearful of finan- * Prioritize spending habits. Some very well be available for free online.
last several years, it’s not just men and cial struggles, living on a fixed in- expenses, including medications and * Expect the unexpected. One of
women of working age who have felt come can be a helpful way of ensuring monthly utility bills, will always re- the worst things that can happen to
the pinch. their future does not involve filing for main a top priority. However, men a person on a fixed income is to en-
In a 2010 study from the University bankruptcy. Though living on a fixed and women who must begin living on counter an unexpected cost. This can
of Michigan Law School, researchers income is a definite challenge and cer- a fixed income need to prioritize how include an unforeseen hospital visit,
found that people age 65 and older are tainly offers no guarantee that bank- they spend their discretionary funds. a costly auto repair or even inflation
the fastest-growing segment of the ruptcy can be avoided, it does provide For instance, a membership at the lo- that wasn’t factored into your initial
U.S. population seeking bankruptcy a framework seniors can rely on to cal country club can cost several thou- fixed income budget. Men and women
protection. While there’s no single keep their heads above water during sands of dollars per year, whereas the on fixed incomes should expect such
culprit for the rise in bankruptcy fil- difficult economic times. local public golf course only charges emergencies and save accordingly
ings among seniors, the state of Flor- * Make an honest assessment. Liv- players each time they play. While each month. Saving money should
ida could offer valuable insight as to ing on a fixed income involves being the country club might have a better never go out of style, and those on
why the nation’s older citizens are in- honest with yourself and admitting course, it could be more prudent to fixed incomes should still attempt to
creasingly filing for bankruptcy. what your resources truly are. Write choose the public course and save the save money each month. Coming in
Many retirees call Florida home, down any sources of income, includ- cost of a private membership instead. under budget and making the most of
and in the past such retirees could tap ing Social Security payments, pension * Find it for free. Men and women it can make the difference between ca-
into their home equity whenever they payouts, investments, etc. Then write pay for many services each month that pably handling an emergency or being
began to struggle financially. Howev- down how much money you have in they could very well find for free. For forced to consider unattractive alter-
er, like most of the country, Florida’s savings or print out a statement of all example, in addition to books, many natives such as filing for bankruptcy.
housing market is depressed, making savings accounts. local libraries now allow members to For more information on living on a
it less viable for seniors to tap into Once you have an accurate figure of check out CDs and DVDs at no cost. fixed income, visit the AARP at www.
their home equity to solve their finan- both income and savings, write down The same also goes for magazines. aarp.org.
March 30, 2011 • The Sylvania Herald - 3
Choice Respite
Strategies
Because peace of mind, is by Choice
Babies today have it better than those that you’re not going to be able to simply pick up grow accustomed to physical activity, you
came before them. That’s because, according where you left off. Recognizing your physi- can then make adjustments to your routine
to a 2007 report from the U.S. Census Bu- cal limitations is paramount to the success accordingly.
reau, a baby born today has a lot more life to of your new program. For seniors, the point * Do your homework on facilities: You
look forward to than one born 50 years ago. of exercise is not to become a pinup guy or may, especially if you are retired, prefer to
A child born today can expect to be around girl, but to get healthy or maintain existing workout during the mid-morning hours when
for the next 78 years, whereas one born half a health. Set realistic goals and acknowledge kids are in school and working professionals
century ago had a projected life span of nine what you can and cannot do. are at the office. That can make choosing a
fewer years. * Choose an enjoyable program: Choose gym easier for you than it is for students or
While some might suggest this longer life an exercise program you know you will en- professionals.
expectancy is a product of people taking bet- joy. An enjoyable program will encourage However, when looking for the right fa-
ter care of themselves, others might say it’s participation and increase the likelihood that cility, do your homework and find a gym
due in large part to advances in medicine. you’ll stick with it. Whether it’s a daily walk that has all that you want. Some gyms, for
Whatever the reason, it’s obvious more and with friends or a structured workout at the example, heavily emphasize weight train-
more seniors are living longer lives, and many local gym with a trainer, the program you ing, and don’t offer other amenities such as
are hoping to add even more miles to their choose should be one you look forward to, racquetball courts or a swimming pool. Find
odometers. One way to do just that is through and not one you see as a necessary evil. a gym that best fits your needs. Many gyms
exercise. But for seniors who haven’t hit the * Take it easy: Whenever a new program offer free passes for up to a week so prospec-
gym in a while, starting an exercise regimen is started, be it by a teenager, professional tive customers can get a better grasp of what
can be an intimidating, if not confusing, ex- athlete or senior citizen, the temptation to the gym has to offer. Take advantage of this
perience. Seniors looking to make exercise a overdo it is omnipresent. However, flying common practice when choosing a facility.
regular part of their lives should consider the out of the gates is a great way to get hurt, par- * Make stretching a regular part of your
following tips along the way. Choosing a facility that offers all of ticularly if you do not yet know your physi- regimen: Young or old, stretching is an inte-
* Seek medical advice: The first thing you the amenities is one of the most important cal limitations. Take it slow as you begin a gral part of any successful workout routine.
should do, even before lacing up your first steps a senior can take when beginning a workout, and make a daily journal of what For seniors, however, stretching becomes
sneaker, is visit a doctor. Each individual new exercise regimen. you do at the beginning. That way, should especially important, as you are more sus-
is different, and a doctor will let you know you encounter any aches or pains, you can ceptible to injury than you were in your
what you, personally, should and should not problems you might not be aware of. always look at the journal or share it with more youthful days. Stretching helps prevent
be doing as you begin a new exercise regi- * Recognize limitations: If you have not your physician or trainer to determine what muscle pulls and other injuries, and should
men. In addition, a checkup could reveal lifted a weight or run a step in 20 years, might be the root of the problem. As you be done both before and after a workout.
© 2011 ProMedica
419-824-1442 | www.promedica.org
Working after retirement
There’s no longer a magic number for problems.
March 30, 2011 • The Sylvania Herald -
Supercentenarians
5
retirement. Some people find that they Those thinking of remaining in the work Reaching the age of 85, 90 or 100 is a feat
want to work past the traditional retire- force can check with employers to see if accomplished by more people today than in the
ment age, while others discover they need retirement is mandatory or voluntary. Se- past. Thanks to advances in medical treatments
to. In addition, some retirees discover that niors re-entering the workforce may want and preventive care, more and more men and
they actually liked working and want to to brush up on some skills and reconnect women are living beyond the average age ex-
return to work rather than settle into re- with former employers or colleagues to pectancy. But what about the concept of living
tirement. make the transition easier. Here are some well beyond 100? It’s more common than one
Sixty-five is no longer the required age other strategies to consider. would think. According to The Gerontology
to stop working. In fact, many people are * Refurbish your resume. Focus on Research Group, there may very well be hun-
foregoing retirement and staying with the what things you can do rather than what dreds of living supercentenarians, or those who
workforce. Why? No single reason applies you did in the past. You may be up against are at least 110 years of age, worldwide. As of
to everyone, but finances often come into younger applicants and will have to make 2011, there are 92 verified living supercentenar-
play. a case for your hire.
Brushing up on computer skills and ians. Here is a list of the first 10, the majority of
Thanks to a troubled economy that has * Be flexible. You may need health ben-
carried over into the workplace, pensions drafting a new resume can help older efits more so than a high salary. You can whom are women living in the United States.
and severance packages are no longer the adults successfully re-enter the work force work with an employer to develop a com-
norm for retiring workers. When faced after retirement. pensation package that is mutually benefi- 1. Eunice Sanborn, July 20, 1896, United States
with the prospect of reduced funds and sity. cial. 2. Besse Cooper, August 26, 1896, United
dwindling Social Security benefits, many Working tends to keep the mind sharp * Develop computer skills. Today’s States
choose to simply keep on working. Fur- and helps seniors feel like contributing work environment relies heavily on com- 3. Walter Breuning, September 21, 1896,
thermore, individuals who retire before members of society. According to a study puter skills. It is unwise for you to think United States
65 are often faced with finding their own conducted by the American Psychiatric you’ll get by on experience alone. Obtain 4. Chiyono Haegawa, November 20, 1896,
health insurance plans because Medicare Association, retirees who continued to a rudimentary education in computer us- Japan
doesn’t start until age 65. Even still, high work in a bridge job (meaning part time age and common office programs, which 5. Venere Pizzinato, November 23, 1896, Italy
prescription costs for chronic conditions or temporary employment) experienced can set you apart from other older appli- 6. Shige Hirooka, January 16, 1897, Japan
can exceed the allowance of Medicare. fewer major diseases and fewer functional cants. 7. Dina Manfredini, April 4, 1897, United States
Employee insurance plans tend to have limitations than those who fully retired. * Know there’s nothing to prove. Re- 8. Jiroemon Kimura, April 19, 1897, Japan
better options, and that often factors into Researchers considered only physician- tirees have the benefit of taking their time 9. Ella Schuler, September 5, 1897, United
an employee’s retirement decision. diagnosed health problems, such as high and finding the right fit in a post-retirement States
There are many people who continue blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, lung dis- job. Unless money is an issue, shop around 10. Delma Kollar, October 31, 1897, United
working because they actually enjoy it, ease, heart disease, stroke and psychiatric until you find the job that appeals to you, States
and not because of some financial neces- even if it’s part-time or for a lower salary.
As persons age, many understand there er’s and dementia triple healthcare costs for or suspect any of the following signs in a include difficulty with daily responsibilities
are certain things that are changing and need Americans age 65 and older according to the friend or relative, consult a physician im- such as following recipes or monthly tasks
to be accepted. Someone who was once a 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures mediately. like making sure the bills get paid. Tasks
night owl might now realize they work bet- report from the Alzheimer’s Association. * Disruptive changes in memory. The that once took a few moments might now
ter on a full night’s rest. Those who tended Part of the fear associated with Alzheim- Alzheimer’s Association notes that one of take a lot longer as well.
to spend long days at the office might realize er’s disease is the uncertainty surrounding most common, particularly in its early stag- * Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
they now need to head home at quitting time it. While seniors might be willing to admit es, indicators of Alzheimer’s is forgetting Familiar tasks often seem foreign to people
to better preserve their energy. they can’t burn the midnight oil like they recently learned information. Other memory with Alzheimer’s. This can include driving a
While both of those realizations manifest once did, few can accept or are willing to disruptions that could indicate Alzheimer’s car, understanding a favorite game or clean-
themselves physically, another more trou- admit they might be suffering some mental are forgetting important dates or events, ing the house.
bling problem occurs mentally. Alzheimer’s side effects of aging as well. Therefore, it’s routinely using memory aides such as notes * Losing track of time or place. Seniors
disease affects as many as 5.3 million peo- often up to friends and family to look for or asking for information more than once. who begin to lose track of time, forget what
ple in the United States alone, and Alzheim- the warning signs of Alzheimer’s. If you see * Difficulty planning or solving prob- season it is or where they are might be suf-
lems. Some people begin to struggle with fering from Alzheimer’s. Many times, peo-
Henderson House planning, both developing a plan for a given
task or following another’s plan. This can
ple with Alzheimer’s only understand things
that are happening immediately.
ASSISTED LIVING The
The Henderson House is a licensed thirteen-bed The Henderson House is a licensed thirteen-bed FIRST RULE Pre-Need Funeral Plans when you want peace of mind
assisted living community that pledges personal care for Of advertising At-Need Arrangements when you need a friend
assisted living community that pledges personal care for each resident. Its unique setting offers a family style is to get their
atmosphere where three home-cooked meals a day can attention
each resident. Its unique setting offers a family style be enjoyed in the company of friends. The three living T H O m A S I
atmosphere where three home-cooked meals a day can areas encourage activities, although the residents can The
retire at will to their private rooms. The Henderson SECOND RULE
be enjoyed in the company of friends. The three living House encourages independence, dignity and a quality
Is sustained
lifestyle... with assistance available 24 hours a day. F u N e R A l H O m e I N C
areas encourage activities, although the residents can What we provide repeated
advertising 2426 N. Reynolds Road, Toledo, OH 43615
retire at will to their private rooms. The Henderson • RN available during the day • Health monitoring • Medication Assistance
Thomas I. Wisniewski, Funeral Director
House encourages independence, dignity and a quality • Personal Needs - Bathing, Dressing, Etc. • Housekeeping and Laundry Phone
David J. Czerniak, Funeral Director
• Beauty and Barber Shop • Spiritual Needs • Exercise • Banking Center • Elegant dining room The Sylvania 419-531-4424
lifestyle... with assistance available 24 hours a day. • Your choice of several gathering areas where residents and guest can socialize Herald
A Tradition of Caring Since 1921
5719 Ryewyck, Toledo, Ohio • 419-865-1008
What we provide
• Indoor and outdoor recreational and social activities to participate in every day 419-885-9222
• 2nd kitchen for residents to enjoy baking and socializing
ProbatE attornEy
• Beauty and Barber Shop • Spiritual Needs • Exercise • Banking Center • Elegant dining room
• Your choice of several gathering areas where residents and guest can socialize
• Indoor and outdoor recreational and social activities to participate in every day
• 2nd kitchen for residents to enjoy baking and socializing
single acquaintances. People can participate don’t discriminate based on age. Keep in
7
the world of dating are over the age of 50. in activities they enjoy and chat with oth- mind that, although rare, pregnancies are
While some things have changed since they ers who share the same likes. Simply being possible even for a women in her 50s if she
did this the first time around, the rules of friendly and getting the word out that there hasn’t yet gone through menopause. Indi-
dating have largely remained the same. is an interest in dating may help. viduals may find themselves at the phar-
During an episode of the popular sitcom, * Get a makeover. Now may be the time macy once again sheepishly purchasing
“Seinfeld,” George Costanza experiences to explore some new wardrobe options or condoms.
extreme anxiety from the thought of his re- experiment with a different haircut. Poten- * Realize it may take time. Finding the
cently separated mother being “out there” in tial mates will likely want a date who looks right match may take several dates and pa-
the dating world. put together and current. Although you tience. Just because a person is now older
“I’m out there,” offers Estelle. shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, most doesn’t mean he or she has to be desperate
“No, you’re not! Because I’m out there, people still do. and accept the first person who comes along.
and if I see you out there, there’s not enough * Remember to be safe.Those who plan If there’s no chemistry, say so and move on.
voltage in the universe to electroshock me to date and become sexually active should Once that special person is found, it will be
back into coherency,” George says. take precautions against diseases -- they worth the effort.
However, the fact remains that many
seniors are re-entering the dating world af-
ter divorces or the death of a spouse. Some
eternal bachelors and bachelorettes may Some of the same concepts apply
Sujkowski Funeral Home
have never left. whether you’re dating at 50 or at 20. Northpointe 114 – 128 East Alexis Road
For those about to re-enter the dating Toledo, Ohio 43612 • 476-9176
game in their senior years, these tips and tid- conversation when a date is eventually set. Valentine & Rita Sujkowski • Hilary & Amy Sujkowski
bits may help make the process a bit easier. * The numbers are favorable for men.
* Use dating sites. For those shy about Senior men entering the dating world have Our staff
simply mingling in the singles’ social scene, an easier time of finding a potential date Jan Eckel
online sites offer a measure of anonymity simply because there are more women than
and can take away some of the pressure. men in the senior age bracket. Women tend
Amber Stranyak-Keesee • Donald Malinowski
Plus they enable daters to pool from a wide to live longer than men, which widens the Complete funeral services with both family
array of potential mates. Dating sites also dating pool for gentlemen.
give those seeking mates a chance to learn * Use tried and true tactics. Some of the and afforadability kept in mind
same ways people landed a date in the past
a little about what makes the other person
tick, which can be a good starting point for remain the best ways to land one now. Indi-
www.sujkowski.com
viduals can ask to be set up by friends with
419-351-7654
Equal Housing
Please call for information or stop by Opportunity
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Equal Employer
2700 Pelham Road • 419-537-1515 Opportunity
$1 OFF with this Ad
8 • The Sylvania Herald • March 30, 2011