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(ARA) - You spent years working hard and saving so you could spend your retirement doing the things you want to do. Now that you're living that dream, you can ensure you'll be able to enjoy many years of retirement by staying healthy and allowing yourself to live independently for as long as you are able.

By staying fit (both mentally and physically) and suiting your home environment to your needs, you'll be well on your way to the retirement you've always dreamed of. Americans who are currently age 65 are expected on average to live at least 18 more years, so there's plenty of time to enjoy. Here are a few ways to make your golden years more enjoyable:

* Find exercise that works for you. If you are no longer able to do some of the high-impact workouts that you once could, think about lower impact but entertaining activities like bocce ball or shuffle board. Nordic walking, where walking poles are used to both take pressure off your legs and exercise your upper body, has also become a popular activity with both seniors and others seeking workout alternatives. Home exercise equipment like fan bikes and elliptical machines offered by retailers like Montgomery Ward can provide an easy way to stay in shape within the shelter of your home during the more inclement months of the year.

* Take control of your health. Don't wait for your doctor to tell you that something is wrong. By checking your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly, you can make sure you get the help you need in time if your numbers aren't where they should be. Blood pressure monitors can be purchased for an affordable price from health stores or at www.wards.com.

* Keep your mind sharp. By interacting with others through volunteering or weekly get-togethers like a social group or book club, you'll keep your brain active and in good health.

* Make your home fit you. As you age, you may need to make improvements to your home to make it more accessible for you. Everyone gets to an age where it's harder to get around, so take making these improvements in stride, as it will help you stay in your home longer. Doing things like adding grab bars to showers and bathtubs to prevent falls or purchasing a lift chair that's easy to get in and out of can make your home easier to live in. More information on lift chairs can be found at www.wards.com.

* Make your home safe. Adding home security features like motion lights or a security system can help you feel more secure in your home. It will also give your friends and relatives the peace of mind that you are safe when you are there. If you plan on doing a lot of traveling in retirement, a home security system will help ease your worries when you are away.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Spring and summer family gatherings such as holidays and family vacations are often the first opportunities that families get to spend time together. As a family, you have the opportunity to catch up with older loved ones and to notice possible changes in their physical or mental health that may stand out after not seeing them for a while. This is especially important if they are more than 65 years old or were previously diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Monitor Your Loved Ones' Cognitive Health
It is important to closely monitor your loved one's cognitive health to assess whether they are doing as well as they can. Some family members resist the idea that their loved one's health is declining, which is normal because AD is a difficult disease to accept. However, it is important to note if your loved one's symptoms are getting worse. Family members can create a support system for their loved ones by engaging others as early as possible.

"I encourage family members to be on the look-out for changes in their loved ones' health and behavior during family visits," said Dr. Yanira Cruz, president and CEO of the National Hispanic Council on Aging. "It is important that as a family member caring for a loved one you have regular conversations with the doctor and discuss any new behavior or concerns you have regardless of whether your loved one is exhibiting symptoms repeatedly or has been diagnosed with AD."

Alzheimer's: A Progressive Disease
Age is the biggest risk factor for AD, as the chances of developing the disease doubles every five years after age 65. Disease progression is generally described in three stages - mild, moderate and severe. The Alzheimer's Association estimates more than 5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with AD, and 72 percent of these patients have moderate or severe disease. By 2050, as baby boomers age, it is estimated 13.5 million Americans will have the condition.

AD affects more than just the patient - it impacts caregivers and even the entire family. Thirty percent of people serve as caregivers for their aging parents with AD as well as their children or grandchildren younger than 18 years old living at home. Nearly 11 million people in the United States - mostly women - take care of a loved one with AD in addition to their families.

Disclosure
This article was provided by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Dr. Cruz serves as a consultant to Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Senior citizens can save money and headaches with four simple insurance tips. These can help ensure you're adequately covered and getting all eligible discounts.

"Home and auto insurance needs change at every stage of life," says Charles Valinotti, senior vice president of QBE Regional Insurance, which underwrites property and casualty coverage through the General Casualty, Unigard, Farmers Union Insurance and QBE Agri brands. "Seniors may not realize that downsizing from a home to a condo or driving less could have important implications for their insurance."

Tip one: Make sure you have enough contents coverage, especially if you've downsized.

If you've moved from a home to a condo or apartment, there's a good chance you're underinsured. While you may have moved many of the same valuables with you, your rental or condo insurance policy probably carries much less contents coverage.

For example, a homeowners policy on a $200,000 house probably carried about $150,000 in contents coverage. While most of your stuff is the same as it was in your house, the renters policy on your two-bedroom apartment may only come with $25,000 in contents coverage.

If your coverage isn't enough to replace your home's contents in case of a total loss, talk to your agent about increasing your limits.

Tip two: Schedule your valuable items or collections.

The average cost of a diamond ring is almost $4,000, but a standard homeowners policy would probably only cover $1,000 if it's lost or stolen. If you have antiques, china, silverware, jewelry or other valuable items or collections, ask your insurance agent about scheduling it (also called floater or inland marine coverage).

This coverage extends the limits on specific items, beyond what your standard policy includes. It also extends the causes of loss from "named perils" for reasons like fire, theft or lightning to an "open peril" basis, which includes dropping your diamond into the running garbage disposal.

Tip three: Take a driver safety course.

While some states mandate that drivers 55 and older take a driver safety course, in other states it's optional. While your state might not require you to take a course, you may get a significant discount on your auto insurance for opting to take one.

Tip four: Tell your agent if you're driving less.

Maybe you've stopped driving after dark. Or you now only drive in town. If you're driving a lot less these days, you may be able to change your driver status on your auto policy from primary use to occasional use. And that could mean lower insurance rates.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - With the popularity of movies like Sex and the City and the revival of the 50-year-old fashionista, the 42.9 million baby boomer women in America are approaching aging with confidence and style. While talking about many sensitive topics is no longer off-limits to this vocal group, there still remain several embarrassing health topics that many women will not even discuss with their doctors, let alone with their girlfriends. As a result, they suffer through these manageable health issues in silence rather than finding the solutions they need.

It is important for women to be direct with their doctors when talking about all health issues, even those that may embarrass them. Anne Abernathy, a six-time Olympic luger who now serves as an advocate for women's health, shares tips for being tenacious when it comes to your health:

Talk to your doctor: You may be embarrassed by a change in your body, but when you talk about it with a friend, family member or doctor, you can find helpful ways to deal with it. You may even be able to provide helpful advice to others experiencing the same thing. Facing your health condition head-on and learning how to manage it will help you to move on and live your best life.

Educate yourself: Learn about the kinds of changes you can expect as you age and take some preventative measures to help you avoid or lessen the symptoms of some of them. There are a lot of great sources online where you can learn from experts, as well as others who have first-hand knowledge of the issues. Information is the best tool you can have as your own health advocate.

Navigate your options and solutions: There are a lot of options available to help you manage and prevent certain conditions and ailments. For instance, vitamins to help prevent bone loss or discreet thin pads or underwear for women who have bladder control issues. Talk with your doctor to find out what supplements or products might be right for you.

Achieve a healthy life: In the end, you just want to get on with living your life and achieving your goals. No health issue should keep you from doing that. When you follow these tips and learn how to manage your condition, you will find yourself with more options, less limitations and more confidence to do what you love most.

Many of these health problems are extremely common, like bladder-control issues, which affect more than 25 percent of women older than 40. According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive and SCA, makers of TENA, the number one brand of bladder protection products worldwide, nearly 40 percent of women with bladder-control issues have never discussed the condition with anyone. As a result, nearly a third of all women who experience leaks do not know how to deal with the problem.

"Throughout my life, I have not been afraid to tackle the many obstacles that have stood in my way," says Anne Abernathy. "Having experienced embarrassing health conditions such as bladder-control issues first hand, I know that for many women, the thought of admitting to the condition can be more stressful than racing down a luge track at 90 mph. That's why I teamed with TENA and Healthy Women to launch the 'Be TENAcious' program to help women start the conversation, beginning online at www.betenacious.net. Many women experience the same issues in their lifetime, but we cannot benefit from each other's experiences if no one is talking about them."

Registered nurse Beth Battaglino Cahill, executive director of HealthyWomen agrees. "As a nurse, I often have to coax information out of patients about health issues they find embarrassing. When women are candid about their health, they often find the problem they have is very common and managing the issue becomes a lot easier."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Nearly 40 millions Americans are over the age of 65, and as the senior citizen population grows, so does the new technology targeted at this audience. From medical devices that make life easier to new technologies that help older and younger generations stay connected, there is a wide array of products available that are not only helpful, but easy to use. Here's an overview of the top technology trends for seniors.

Digital hearing aids - For years, it was assumed that hearing aids were uncomfortable and extremely noticeable. This is no longer the case. Leading hearing aid providers now offer nearly invisible hearing aids that are both comfortable and effective. High-tech hearings aids are also easier than ever to use. And it's important to note that hearing loss is a growing concern among senior citizens. More than 32 million Americans are currently dealing with some degree of hearing loss. The best way to find out if hearing aids can help you or someone you know is by getting a professional hearing test.

Medical emergency equipped security systems - The latest wireless home security systems are equipped with everything from burglary to carbon monoxide monitoring. But perhaps the most important feature for senior citizens is medical emergency monitoring. Security systems with medical monitoring come with equipment like wireless keypads and keychain remotes so that 9-1-1 can be reached with the touch of a button. Some systems also have two-way voice capabilities, so if someone falls, they can communicate with emergency personnel through a speaker in the home security panel.

Basic Internet knowledge - The idea of learning how to use the Internet can seem daunting. But in reality, it can make you happier. A recent policy paper from the Phoenix Center found that spending time online reduces depression among senior citizens by 20 percent. Many experts believe this is because Internet use helps senior citizens stay better connected to family and friends. From Gmail to Facebook, more senior citizens are becoming Internet savvy as a means of keeping in touch with grandchildren and other family members.

High-tech reminders - A variety of new products are being developed to help remind seniors to take medications and refill prescriptions. One of the latest developments is a Smart Pill Dispenser. Aurora Health Care offers a pillbox that can speak reminders and will dispense up to six doses of medication a day. This is great for people who live alone and have a hard time remembering what medications need to be taken and when. Plus, the high-tech box will even notify a caregiver if 90 minutes passes and a pill isn't taken.

Whether you're looking for the latest products for yourself or your parents, it's important to do research before investing in an unknown high-tech item. Hearing aids and home security systems have been around for years, but some of the newest gadgets don't fulfill their promises. Either way, it's good to know that new solutions are being developed every day to make life as a senior citizen easier.

Courtesy of ARAcontent