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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for the week of DECEMBER 17, 2017

LEARN
SOMETHING NEW
Study finds ongoing education could delay dementia
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

H
eading back to college can mean take any college courses. None of the
more than a new career path, it participants in the study had dementia.
can also help adults reduce their “Our research found that university study
risk of developing Alzheimer’s increased cognitive reserve, a term used
and other forms of dementia by boosting to describe the efficiency of the brain,
their brain’s cognitive capacity, according in adults over 50 years of age. The more
to a study published by the American cognitive reserve an individual has, the
Psychological Association. more resilient their brain is to damage
The study, called the Tasmanian Healthy such as that caused by the normal process
Brain Project, observed participants of aging or pathological processes such
between 50 and 79 years old who as Alzheimer’s dementia,” said lead
completed at least a year of a full-time researcher Dr. Megan Lenehan. “The
or part-time college course. Cognitive study findings are exciting because they
tests were taken both before and after demonstrate that it’s never too late to take
finishing the course, and participants action to maximize the cognitive capacity
were reassessed for three years after. of your brain.”
More than 90 percent of the participants OTHER BENEFITS
displayed a significant increase in
cognitive capacity, compared with 56 The study didn’t specifically measure how
older students compare to younger ones,
percent in a control group who didn’t
but found solid benefits of returning to
“Our research found that university study
increased cognitive reserve, a term used
to describe the efficiency of the brain, in
adults over 50 years of age.”
 DR. MEGAN LENEHAN, LEAD RESEARCHER
school for the older learners.
“Anecdotally, the individuals involved in
the study reported a number of positive
experiences. A number of adults who
intended only to do a minimum number
of units went on to graduate with a full
bachelor’s degree and one participant even
completed a doctorate. Another common
remark from participants was how much
they enjoyed the in-class interactions
with younger students and that they felt
their life experiences were appreciated by
younger students,” Lenehan said.
Prior research has shown that college
study earlier in life may increase cognitive
capacity, and it appears the same may be
true for older adults, Lenehan said.
“It is possible that any mentally stimulating
activity later in life may also enhance
cognitive capacity, such as other adult-
education classes or programs to increase
social interaction,” she said.
The main challenge to a number of
participants in the study was the use of
technology, such as online delivery of
content and submission of assignments
online, Lenehan said.
“Utilizing the resources and support
offered by the university as well as asking
fellow students to gain assistance in this
area seemed to be useful,” she said.
WHAT’S NEXT
The participants who took college
classes volunteered for the study so
they probably had a greater interest in
continuing education than the general
senior population, Lenehan said. The study
was too short to reveal any long-term
effects, so the researchers plan to follow
the participants as they age to provide
additional evidence of whether college
studies may reduce the risk or delay the
onset of dementia.
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BRAIN
TRUST
Does age make people more susceptible to scams?
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

W
ith a lifetime of experience backed up by solid values, older Americans
nevertheless fall victim to an excessive amount of fraud and scams. Are
you too trusting? The prevalence of crime against older Americans has
reached epidemic proportions, said Sandy Markwood, chief executive
officer of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. From telemarketing
scams to identity theft, home repair fraud to bogus lottery wins, the financial
exploitation of boomers and seniors costs billions yearly.
“Seniors are absolutely too trusting,” said Tasha Carter, Florida’s director of consumer
services. “One out of five adults over the age of 65 has been the victim of a financial
scam. Eighty percent of people over age 50 have been fraud victims,” Carter said.
■ Never make an insurance premium ■ Be creative with your password. Never
Seniors grew up in a more innocent time.
check payable to an agent; checks should use your birthday or name.
“They were raised to be polite and trusting. A handshake agreement sealed a deal, always be made out to the insurance ■ Be proactive and review statements
and you took a person at their word. Today, the world is a different place,” said Carter, company. each month for charges or withdrawals
who runs Operation SAFE (Stop Adult Financial Exploitation) workshops in her state.
■ Never sign blank documents; don’t rush you didn’t make.
Seniors are targeted by scammers because they are more likely to have a considerable into making quick investment or financial ■ Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are
savings account and good credit, Carter said. decisions. each required by law to provide one free
“Seniors control 70 percent of the nation’s wealth, which is the reason they are ■ Don’t do business with an individual credit report each year. Spread them out
targeted,” she said. who knocks on your door soliciting work. every four months to examine your credit.
Do not Google “free credit report” or you
SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION? ■ When doing repairs, get three quotes.
may end up tricked into paying for the
It’s not just a matter of trust, though. Science is involved, too. ■ Never give cash ahead of time, not for report. (Visit equifax.com, experian.com
materials or before the work is done. and transunion.com.)
A study from the University of California Los Angeles suggests that age-related
changes in the brain may increase seniors’ vulnerability to fraud. The study found that ■ Shred your documents; don’t just ■ Add your number to the national Do Not
older people have a harder time than younger people detecting what is commonly throw away/recycle credit card offers, Call list (donotcall.gov or 888-382-1222).
perceived as suspicious or untrustworthy facial expressions and body language. The bills or blank checks sent by credit card
companies. ■ Be wary of unsolicited calls from your
study found that the part of the brain that assesses trust, the anterior insula, may
bank. Hang up and call your bank back.
dissipate with age. ■ If banking online, use a secure website (it
should have “https” in the address). ■ Never give any financial information
In the study, older adults (average age 68) and younger adults (average age 23) looked
over the phone.
at 30 photographs of faces and rated them on how trustworthy and approachable
they seemed. The faces were intentionally selected to look trustworthy, neutral or
untrustworthy.
Both groups reacted similarly to the trustworthy and neutral faces. But, younger
adults reacted strongly to the untrustworthy faces, while the older adults did not.
The older adults saw these faces as more trustworthy and more approachable than
the younger adults.
DON’T BECOME A VICTIM
So how can you stop from becoming the victim of crime? Like Nancy Reagan said:
“Just say ‘no!’”
“I want seniors to know it’s OK to not be polite. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ and hang up
on someone. Too often seniors don’t want to be rude, and they get taken advantage
of,” said Carter, who offered the following tips:
■ If a telemarketer calls, say “no, thanks” and hang up without waiting for a response.
■ Don’t become too friendly with an agent or salesperson.
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 PAGE 5 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for the week of DECEMBER 17, 2017
PETS
HELP SENIORS
stay healthier and happier, wherever they live
F
rench novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle
Collette once said, “Our perfect
companions never have fewer than
four feet.” Pets provide meaningful
social support for owners, and they can
be especially beneficial for seniors.
Ample research shows pet ownership
delivers physical and mental health
benefits, regardless of whether seniors
are living on their own or in a senior living
community.
However, many older Americans still
mistakenly believe moving into a senior
living community means they’ll have to
leave their pets behind. In fact, the fear
they’ll have to give up a beloved pet is
among the top emotional reasons seniors
don’t want to move into senior living,
according to author and senior real estate
specialist Bruce Nemovitz. In an informal
survey by Nemovitz, seniors ranked losing
a pet as emotionally jarring as having to
leave their homes and possessions.
“Senior living communities like Brookdale
Senior Living are all about supporting the
physical health and mental well-being of
residents,” says Carol Cummings, senior
director of Optimum Life. “For many
senior citizens, pets are an important part
of their lives. It makes sense to preserve
the bond between pet and senior owner
whenever possible.”
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Pet ownership benefits seniors in multiple
ways, research shows. Older people who
own dogs are likely to spend 22 additional
minutes walking at a moderately intense
pace each day, according to a recent study
by The University of Lincoln and Glasgow
Caledonian University. Published in
BioMed Central, the study also found dog
owners took more than 2,700 more steps
per day than non-owners.
Multiple studies also concluded that pet
ownership can help lower blood pressure,
contribute to improved cardiovascular
health and reduce cholesterol.
MENTAL HEALTH
Interacting with pets also has many
mental health benefits, especially for
seniors. Spending time with pets can help
relieve anxiety and increase brain levels of
the feel-good neurochemicals serotonin
and dopamine. Pets can help relieve
depression and feelings of loneliness.
The online journal Current Gerontology
and Geriatrics Research reports multiple require residents be able to care for pets themselves, including feeding, walking, potty
studies indicate dementia patients who needs and health needs.
interact with animals become more “Moving into a senior living community is a big change, one that most residents find
social, are less agitated and have fewer positive,” Cummings says. “They gain freedom from home maintenance tasks and
behavioral issues. household chores, a socially rewarding environment, and as-needed support for
SENIOR LIVING SETTINGS healthcare and daily care. As long as seniors are still able to care for their pets, there’s
no reason they shouldn’t be allowed to bring their best friends with them to their new
“For too long, some senior living homes.” [BPT]
communities didn’t recognize the value
of allowing residents to bring their pets
with them,” Cummings says. “That has
definitely changed.” For seniors looking
for a community that will accept their
pets, Cummings suggests a few questions
to ask:
• What is your pet policy and what
type of animal do you consider a pet?
Generally, small dogs, cats, birds, rabbits,
rats, hamsters, fish, turtles and other
small companion animals qualify for pet
policies. Seniors should check to be sure
their pet meets the standards of the
community.
• What is your pet health policy? Typically,
senior living communities that accept
small pets will want them to be current
on all vaccinations and have regular
exams by a licensed veterinarian. Pets will
also need to have any required state- or
county-issued licenses.
• What, if any, kind of training do you
require pets to have? Requiring dogs to
be house-trained and cats to be litter-
trained is standard. Communities will also
want to know your pet is well-behaved
and not aggressive. They may ask you to
have pets obedience trained.
• Do you offer any assistance with pet-
related tasks? Most communities will
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 PAGE 7 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for the week of DECEMBER 17, 2017

suddenly
SINGLE
Money questions to answer after divorce or death

T
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

idowed or divorced people gap in coverage before qualifying for

who find themselves suddenly
single as they near retirement
age face tough economic
challenges. Medical costs,
adequate financial planning, insurance
BIGSTOCK.COM
Medicare. You have a right to continue
coverage under COBRA for 36 months, but
the cost could be exorbitantly expensive,
Vasileff said.
“It’s a good short-term solution, but you

coverage and Social Security concerns are should investigate your options. Is there
just some of the issues that need to be insurance available through your own
understood. employer? Health insurance can also be
While divorce is becoming less common a part of the divorce negotiation and
for younger adults, the divorce rate for settlement,” Hamra said.
people 50 and up has roughly doubled
since the 1990s, according to the Pew THE HOUSE
Research Center. After rising sharply “One of the biggest issues is the family
over the past 25 years, the divorce rate home. People get nervous for change.
for adults 50 and older has remained Emotions get in the way. They don’t want
relatively steady since 2008, according to to disrupt their kids or sell the home they
the U.S. Census Bureau’s yearly American raised the kids in,” Hamra said.
Community Survey. Be realistic and ask, what’s the best
Whether you’re suddenly single because financial decision? Hanging on to the
of divorce or death, change at this stage home can be financially damaging. Think
of life can leave people — especially about resale value, maintenance costs
women — less financially secure, said and taxes.
Lili Vasileff, certified financial planner,
certified divorce financial analyst, and SPLITTING ASSETS
founder and president of Divorce and In addition to the home and other
Money Matters, Greenwich, Connecticut. property, retirement assets and Social
“The higher earner, who is usually but Security also need to be split up.
not always the man, is much more likely “Think about what you’ll receive in terms
to be better off 10 years after a divorceof investment” and don’t forget about the
even if the divorce was equitable, even tax implications, Vasileff said. “Be aware
if there was spousal maintenance,” said that what you’re receiving on paper is
Dave Hamra, certified financial planner, not always the same as after-tax value.”
certified divorce financial analyst and So a lump sum settlement of $400,000
owner of Gordian Advisors in Tucson, on paper may be worth less after capital-
Arizona. Common financial issues the gains taxes are applied.
suddenly-single face: When it comes to Social Security, a couple
HEALTH INSURANCE must have been married for 10 years
before a spouse is entitled to one-half of
Even a short gap in health coverage can the other’s benefits, Hamra said.
expose people to huge financial risk,
Vasileff said. If one spouse gets health “It’s good, but it’s just half, and keep in
insurance through their partner’s mind that if you remarry you are no longer
employer, he or she may be at risk of a entitled to that benefit,” he added.
PAGE 8 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for the week of DECEMBER 17, 2017