A1. HOUSING SITUATION MAY OPEN OPPORTUNITIES
Housing prices are plummeting across the nation, and
senior citizens often need low priced housing. There may be an opportunity
in the market for all parties as a result. If you are paying rent for
your parents, now may be a good opportunity to buy a home for them:
- Real estate all over America can be found at the
lowest prices listed in a decade.
- For borrowers with good credit, interest rates
are still extremely low.
- Tax deductions for mortgage interest are a welcome
help to offset expenses.
Here area few ideas you may have tossed around in
your mind that may now be real possibilities because of current market
pricing:
Is there an opportunity to relocate in retirement
near care giving family?
What about a duplex investment? They are perfect for
ambulatory senior citizens, and the second unit can be rented out, further
reducing the costs of housing your loved ones.
Don't want the hassles of a new landlord? Property
managers abound who will do everything from interviewing lifestyle-appropriate
tenants to paying the taxes and maintaining the landscaping so you don't
have to take on additional burdens.
Instead of worrying over Dad's needs from afar -
perhaps from another state you would be living nearby. That alone can
be a tremendous improvement in lifestyle for everyone involved.
What about relocating to a climate more hospitable
to senior citizens?
Let's face it - America can be cold in the winter!
But it isn't just weather that you should be considering here. Some communities
are just easier to live in when you're older. Mass transit, population
trends, neighborhood amenities, parks, museums, educational facilities
and medical resources all vary from place to place.
If where you or your loved ones are living presently
doesn't have some or most of these advantages this could be the time to
relocate.
The opportunity to eliminate the financial need
for a roommate?
Let's face it - sharing your home with roommates is
not the most desirable way for the elderly to live. The new lower prices
in the housing market may make the elimination of a roommate possible.
However, there are benefits to having a roommate. Personal safety is one
of the positive byproducts of having a roommate at home should you fall,
or need assistance of some kind. Companionship of a compatible "other,"
as well as sharing the costs of utilities and maintenance may be additional
advantages.
Perhaps the roommate is the tenant in the second unit
of the duplex investment? Then you've got your companionship, and your
privacy!
An opportunity to buy a larger home that can
accommodate both you and a parent?
Perhaps you've thought about moving Mom in with you
for all of the great opportunities an extended family living together
can provide? The grandparent/grandchild relationship, peace of mind for
the caregiver/adult child, lower costs, immediacy of medical attention
if needed (and perhaps your eagle eye just to make sure things are going
well with your parent), can all be greatly enhanced. Now may be the time
to relocate and achieve all of those life benefits.
Check with your realtor and see if suitable listings
in your area are available in your area.
Is there an opportunity to build an addition
onto your existing home for Mom or Dad?
Not only are the prices of existing real estate falling,
contractors are really feeling the pinch. A home equity loan to enlarge
your current residence with a suite for a loved one to move into may be
financially advantageous. Adding to your home is no small matter - but
competition for your business is on your side and you may be able to afford
a high quality contractor today that would have been out of your price
range before the decline in real estate prices. The addition to your home
raises its market value, and the interest is tax deductible.
And let's not forget the savings in gasoline made
possible when your loved ones live in the addition instead of another
city!
Change and adversity often breed opportunity, especially
when housing and finance are concerned. As always, be sure and speak with
your local professionals and make a plan of action that suits your family's
individual needs and goals before making the jump. But the lower prices
in housing nationally, foreclosed home stock held by the bank, current
low interest rates, and the high cost of recurring travel, may make it
worth your while to seek a change. "
Additional financial information for seniors can be
found at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/finance.htm
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A2. SUMMER SCHOOL FOR SENIORS
Oh, the lazy, hazy days of summer...they can drive a person to absolute
frustration from boredom!
Here's an idea that can be an alternative to the seasonal doldrums: summer
school for senior citizens! A couple of years ago one of our readers asked
if we could look into a rumor that there was a national policy of free
higher education for senior citizens in America.
We looked into it. We found there is no national legislation mandating
free education for senior citizens. However, it turns out there are in
fact many fine programs offered to seniors at no-cost or low-cost tuition
by institutions of higher learning all across the country. There are tuition-free
or reduced tuition opportunities at a wide range of colleges and universities
for senior citizens, from institutions that offer study in the liberal
arts to technical educations. Some states offer tuition waivers to their
senior citizen residents only, and some states such as Minnesota offer
discounts to senior residents of other nearby states, as well. Some universities
are even exploring the idea of providing or partnering with senior living
facilities. Campus life isn't just for kids anymore
Why not take a look in your area for classes that are educational and
fun? Adult students make for interesting company and intelligent conversation,
and you'll be out of your home getting exercise for both your brain and
your body.
Education for senior citizens is not only fun for those who participate;
it offers many tangible benefits. Recent studies show continued learning
can slow the onset of memory loss or dementia. The opportunity to mix
with highly educated younger people is beneficial for older persons as
well as for their younger classmates. And real-life experience may be
somewhat underrated in the United States, but it is valued among younger
people who are striving for an advanced education. Those "kids" are going
to be out working in the real world soon, and you've got a lot to share.
These opportunities break down by age, number of credits allowed each
year at the waived or reduced tuition rates, and many states offer these
rate reductions "by institution." That is to say, in some states each
community college, state college, or university will have unique, if somewhat
similar, senior citizen tuition waiver policies, so you need to check
in your area. If these institutions are outside your area, but in a state
where you have family and friends who could use such a tremendous tool
for staying active, engaged, and healthy, be sure and let them know about
the opportunities!
It is important to check class times, registration rules, and availability
for summer classes. They vary widely from one institution to another regardless
of the state in question.
Additional seniors' education information can be found at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/senioreducation.htm
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B. DID YOU KNOW...?
Getting the Best Auto Insurance Rates
With the continuing high price of gas, as others, seniors are looking
for ways to lower their automotive related costs. One area that warrants
attention is your auto insurance. The following are a few things you can
do to possibly reduce your rates by becoming a better driver and influence
all seniors rates:
- Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet
in front of your car; use a cushion if you must. This makes it easier
to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduces problems from nighttime
oncoming headlight glare.
- Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. Also,
for many older drivers, acuity of night vision is reduced, so avoid
driving at twilight or after dark.
- Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge and get a discount
on auto insurance in many states by taking a refresher-driving course,
such as the eight-hour "55-Alive" course offered by AARP. http://www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety/
Many states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for passing such
courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.
Visit our site at http://www.seniorresource.com/insur.htm#auto
to learn more about auto insurance and to get a quote.
Travel Fees Go Up…Up...Up!
Summer travel this year brings new fees for your luggage. Since profits
are going down at most airlines, some are will be charging consumers for
second (and even first!) pieces of luggage and raising prices for heavier
and larger suitcases. For example, United Airlines and US Airways will
charge customers $50 round-trip for a second piece of luggage, according
to The Wall Street Journal. Of course, neither airline will promise improved
luggage handling. They might be talked in to refunding the fee if the
luggage is lost. If you persist (and persist), you may even be able to
recover as much as $3,000 for lost luggage!
Airlines prefer to add fees at the check-in counter since they will then
continue to look competitive on such websites as Expedia.com, where the
lowest prices prevail.
Some airlines have increased prices for luggage over 50 pounds and larger
than 62 linear inches (height +length + width). In some cases, the cost
for a third overweight bag can cost more than the flight itself.
The good news is that some discount carriers have not followed suit and
are not imposing added fees. Most airlines won't charge the fee for tickets
bought before they added the new fees.
An alternative might be to use a package shipper like UPS or FedEx to
get your luggage to its destination. For example, FedEx has a three-business-day
service that may be a cost saver if you have several pieces.
As a side impact, the fees are complicating hotel early baggage-check
service. These services are designed to allow departing guests to check
in for their flights and drop off their luggage in the hotel before leaving.
Bottom line for travel this summer… BE PREPARED WITH YOUR WALLET!
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C. THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH
We present here some words from those with a birthday this month.
Janet Leigh -- "In order to dream, you need to have a springboard,
which is the facts."
Leslie Caron -- "I think it's the end of progress if you stand
still and think of what you've done in the past. I keep on."
Montel Williams --"If you're in a relationship and you want to
make it work, you have to be a little selfless at times."
Nancy Reagan -- "I am a big believer that eventually everything
comes back to you. You get back what you give out."
P.T. Barnum -- "Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant."
More "Thoughts" at: http://www.seniorresource.com/thought.htm
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D. SPECIAL OCCASIONS THIS MONTH
1. Black Family Month
July is the month that is dedicated to the enrichment of Black families
through education, health and self- improvement. Shaun McLaughlin is the
founder of this observance. She realized that family reunions could be
used for more than eating a lot of good food, so she started convincing
local organizations to attend family reunions to give free blood pressure
readings and remind parents to spend time reading to their children by
holding book drives, and it grew from there. Learn more at
http://nationalblackfamilymonth.zoomshare.com/3.html
2. National Blueberry Month
Let's remind everybody that this month is the peak season for blueberries.
You should eat some; they're good for you! The blueberry muffin is the
most popular muffin in the U.S. It is also the official muffin of Minnesota
and the state fruit of New Jersey. (August is the National BlueberryMonth
in Canada.) Mmm…blueberries and vanilla ice cream; blueberry pancakes,
blueberry smoothies, fruit cocktail with lots of blueberries…
Blueberries have only 80 calories per cup, are virtually fat-free and
a good source of vitamin C. In addition, there is mounting scientific
evidence that blueberries can help promote good health. In studies at
the USDA labs at the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock,
AR, blueberries ranked among the highest in antioxidant activity when
compared to more than 100 other foods. Learn more at http://www.blueberrycouncil.org
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E. SPECIAL SURFING SITES
Advance Directives
What kind of medical care would you want if you
were too ill or hurt to express your wishes? Advance directives are
legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about care ahead
of time. They provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family,
friends, and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion later
on.
Learn more at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/advancedirectives.html
This site includes basic definitions, research reports, sample forms,
and more
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
PERS is an electronic device (short for Personal
Emergency Response System) designed to let you summon help in an emergency.
If you are a disabled or an older person living alone, you may be thinking
about buying a PERS.
When emergency help (medical, fire, or police) is
needed, the PERS user presses a button, and a pre-selected emergency
telephone numbers is utomatically dialed. Most PERS are programmed to
telephone an emergency response center where the device number identifies
the caller. The center will try to determine the nature of the emergency.
If the center cannot contact the user or determine
whether an emergency exists, it will alert emergency service providers
to go to the PERS location. With most systems, the center will monitor
the situation until the crisis is resolved. Learn more at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/pers.shtm
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F. OH MY AGING FUNNY BONE
More Rules to Consider
- If you had to identify, in one
word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will
achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
- There is a very fine line between
"hobby" and "mental illness."
- You should not confuse your
career with your life.
- Nobody cares if you can't dance
well. Just get up and dance.
- Never lick a steak knife.
SMART ANSWER #6
It was mealtime during a flight on Stanton Airlines.
"Would you like dinner?" the flight attendant asked John, seated
in front. "What are my choices?" John asked. "Yes or no,"
she replied.
SMART ANSWER #7
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the
grocery store but she couldn't find one big enough for her family. She
asked a stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger? The stock boy
replied, "No ma'am, they're dead."
"Oh My Aging Funny Bone" is at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/jokes.htm
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This issue has been edited by Betsy Day (Betsyjday@aol.com).
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