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CONTENTS
A. THE SUB-PRIME DEBACLE AND YOU
B. STAY AT HOME LONGER BY FINDING A CAREGIVER
C. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND
AGEING
D. DID YOU KNOW...?
E. THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH
F. FREE THINGS
G. SPECIAL SURFING SITE
H. OH MY AGING FUNNY BONE
The Survey http://www.seniorresource.com/survey.htm
is ready for your input!
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A. THE SUB-PRIME DEBACLE AND YOU
"My home is long paid for! What does this sub-prime mess they made have
to do with me?" Well, you could actually be right in the crosshairs of
it via your securities portfolio. Now is the time to call your financial
advisor and ask the question: "What is my exposure to this ongoing sub-prime
loan portfolio financial industry crisis?"
If you own a mutual fund of bank stocks or financial concerns, bonds
of financial industry companies that invested money in sub-prime home
loans, if you own shares of home development companies... you've got exposure.
Lots of people own "Countrywide," but there are other avenues through
which you may be exposed to this method of loaning money to home buyers
with less-than-perfect credit.
U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities account for 20% of the global
fixed income marketplace. This represents the largest component of the
market. The turmoil is nowhere near complete as those with less-than-stellar
credit who purchased homes a few years ago are about to see their interest
rates reset--and the banks are not playing ball by resisting the urge
to increase the payments even though they know many will fail to make
them and the result will be foreclosure.
Ask your financial advisor to check on the percentage of mortgage holdings
you have across your portfolio. How much in mutual funds? How about those
GNMA and FNMA bonds you hold? What about bank and finance company stocks?
Make sure your exposure is limited, but don't panic-follow your advisor's
advice.
How did this all happen? Mortgage lenders used the "stated loan" and
abused it. A stated loan is where the borrower states their income. The
abuse occurred when a lender decided not to verify the information provided
by the borrower. Often borrowers were told to make up the information.
There were even Web sites that would send dubious documents to such a
borrower to use with lenders. Some of these people are just average hard-working
Joes and Janes who got an adjustable loan so they could afford a home
for their family and achieve the American Dream. Others were speculators
trying to buy and "flip" homes for profit.
The government is working on the problem from several angles at once.
Congress is looking into legislation to assist homeowners on the verge
of foreclosure. The Federal Reserve Bank is lowering rates charged to
banks for borrowing money in an effort to push lower the rates borrowers
will pay when their adjustable loan rates reset. Senator Chris Dodd is
working with lenders towards preventing foreclosure, and making it a last
resort for lenders who have given loans to sub-prime borrowers who are
finding it difficult to pay, given the rise in interest rates and other
factors. It helps nobody when a family loses their home, and benefits
everyone when they keep it. The House and Senate together asked the White
House to offer more help to borrowers via the government's two sponsored
lenders, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
To be sure, some real estate investors are taking advantage of the situation
via good old American capitalism and are purchasing foreclosed homes from
the banks. If you are thinking of direct real-estate investments this
may be a good time to look.
First step? Speak to your financial advisor and always be aware of the
holdings you have in your portfolio!
http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/lending/subprime.cfm
Additional financial information for seniors can be found at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/finance.htm
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B. STAY AT HOME LONGER BY FINDING A CAREGIVER
So you're at the age when you just can't do it all anymore. You've gotten
over the realization that you aren't the best person to handle your own
bookkeeping. Maybe your son or daughter does it for you now. You're over
the realization that you can't stand on your feet for long periods anymore-or
perhaps you don't dare stand in the shower for fear of falling. You wake
up in the morning and could swear in court that it is evening...for a
few minutes anyway. When things are out of place you wonder if someone
got into your home and moved them before shaking your head and telling
yourself: "Nah, it's not possible." Do you worry about the upcoming DMV
exam ending your mobility?
But, what is one to do? Even adult children can only do so much, and
what if the only family is many miles away? What if you don't want to
move in with family? Sooner rather than later, those memory episodes are
going to increase. The feeling that somebody was sneaking around in the
house will become overpowering for some people. And the simple act of
showering? In fact it just isn't safe for some seniors to be left completely
alone.
There is an answer that can extend such a senior citizen's stay in his
or her own home, and that is home care. "Home care" may be described as
a friendly visit, or it can include medical services, depending on the
need of the senior and his or her level of insurance coverage. Firms that
provide home caregivers are paid directly by the insurance company, or
if insurance coverage is not available, will take direct payment as well.
How does one select an appropriate firm for home care services? Start
with the benefits section of your insurance policy.
In any insurance policy the benefits due are spelled out in specifics.
There will be a chart of some sort, or a listing of services available.
Often the co-pay required (if any) will also be referenced right there
in the chart. Review this chart carefully-it will likely cover benefits
for a number of related insurance policies, and only some of the information
will be applicable to your particular policy benefits. You will likely
still have questions, and the policy service folks at your insurer are
the people to talk to. Check your health insurance ID card for the number
on the back.
Should home care be covered, you will need a referral from your primary
care physician to the insurance company. This sets the process in motion.
Next comes the selection of the particular care giving firm, and the specific
individual who will be giving the care. For instance, there will be pricing
differences. Your policy may limit the amount you can spend on home care
in a single year; thus a lower-cost provider may be helpful. On the other
hand you may feel that "you get what you pay for" and may want a premium
service. If you're in a remote area there may only be one choice! Check
it out. The insurance company will have a list-often viewable online-of
the qualified firms they work with.
What about the specific individual providing care? There are a number
of things to consider. If you're a person concerned about falling in the
shower you probably want a strong individual who could lift you in an
emergency. If you get along better with soft-spoken people better than
with exuberant folks, that personality trait will most likely be a consideration.
A woman may only want another woman in her home, or a person with cooking
skills may be required. Regardless, the questions that you ask and the
information you provide are key to finding the right fit.
The firm contracted to provide the home care provider will help you
sort through these issues. Often the people they hire are registered nurses.
And all receive training, but do be sure to inquire as to the training
they've received. Home care can take some initial planning but it is well
worth the superior results. For more information on home care standards
visit the National Association for Home Care and Hospice at:
http://www.nahc.org
In review:
Do your homework on your health insurance policy's
benefits for home care.
Do your homework on the home care firms approved
by your insurance company to deliver the care.
Do your homework on the available individuals who
will be stopping by to help you, to clean, or whatever you and your
doctor agree you need help with.
Then settle into your home in security, safety and comfort in your golden
years!
Additional caregiver information can be found at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/house.htm#hire
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C. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND AGEING
You've seen the ads on TV, have heard from friends who are taking them,
and you've even picked up a bottle to try to read the label's microscopic
print. Dietary supplements are very popular today, and this is so for
a wide variety of reasons, but one central issue forms the backbone of
the consumer's desire for these products.
We don't trust the doctor in America anymore. Many Americans are convinced
that physicians prescribe pills they are paid to distribute. In fact,
recent studies of pharmaceutical sales and the effect on patient-doctor
relationships bear out this effect of sales-pushing prescriptions. Some
medical centers are barring pharmaceutical sales people from their doors
because the influence is too great.
But the self-prescribed dietary supplement isn't any
better, and can, in fact, be outright dangerous, especially for seniors.
Why? Because they are drugs sold in another way. It is that simple. The
daily vitamin? Probably fine. Select one appropriate for your age and
sex. What about the fiber supplement? Probably fine-depending on the manufacturer
and the country of origin. What about the protein supplement? Well, be
sure you know whether you are taking soy-based or whey-based protein,
and which your doctor prefers for your particular body. Estrogen comes
as a natural element of soy protein concentrate, and it passes through
the body faster. And the vitamin-D supplement? As long as it does not
interfere with your doctor's program for your healthful living it is probably
fine. If it interferes with other medications you've got a potential medical
emergency. Energy supplements? Stay away. These are pills containing compounds
that are strong drugs- even if in natural form. If you have a high-blood
pressure problem some of those energy supplements can be very harmful.
Ephedra is a drug that can be harmful-but you won't find it labeled as
such. In the store it will be sold as an ancient Chinese herb "ma huang"
with all the trappings of health and vitality a graphic artist can lend
to a label. In fact, it is an ephedrine alkaloyd. The U.S. government
has documented cases of ephedrine-related deaths of healthy individuals
in our armed services:
http://www.citizen.org/publications/release.cfm?ID=7209
Of course, the supplement industry wants you to think the FDA is blocking
your access to supplements in a nefarious exercise or conspiracy to protect
traditional medicine. Don't believe their Website claims. Instead, speak
with your primary care physician.
What about other dieting aids? For a senior citizen, dieting requires
special attention to overall health. Do not diet for weight loss without
your doctor's knowledge and input. Regardless of the claims made on television
or on the side of a pill bottle, these are powerful drugs that you are
ingesting. Their effects need to be matched against the other drugs you
take, and under the supervision of a medical professional.
In general, supplements are intended to SUPPLEMENT your diet-as in you
aren't eating the right foods. A person with a balanced diet and healthy
eating habits shouldn't need them.
In fact the nonpartisan Government Accounting Office (GAO) issued a
report in 2001 regarding these very issues. The report, "Health Products
for Seniors: 'Anti-Aging' Products Pose Potential for Physical and Economic
Harm," was released September 10 of that year at a hearing of the Senate
Select Committee on Aging. In this report the GAO states: " Some companies
promote their products to senior citizens by using 'anti-aging' or 'cure-all'
claims for which there is little or no supporting evidence of either safety
or efficacy. Regulators and medical experts are concerned that some products
have health risks or are marketed with misleading or unsubstantiated claims."
The GAO also said, "Seniors are thought to be at particular risk of physical
harm because they often take multiple prescription pharmaceuticals, increasing
their risk of possibly dangerous supplement-drug interactions."
Yes, time has passed since the report, and many supplement manufacturers
have improved practices since then, but the fact remains: You wouldn't
lie down on the kitchen table with a steak knife and remove your own gallbladder.
So why would you prescribe your own medicine?
You can do more reading on this subject at: http://www.fda.gov/
and here:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-savv2.html
Additional health-related information for seniors
can also be found at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/health.htm
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D. DID YOU KNOW...?
Energy Savings Techniques This Winter
Many states are faced with an aging population. The following illustrates
some steps that can be taken to prepare for coming changes.
- Use That Dishwasher
You use significantly less hot water with a dishwasher than washing
the dishes by hand. Make sure you tailor the cycle options to fit the
load at hand. For example, don’t use the pre-rinse cycle unless the
dishes are very dirty. Consider running the machine during off-peak
hours; in some locales the electric company offers a discount during
these periods.
- Make Your Heat Automatic
Purchase a programmable thermostat; some are as low as $30. It can be
programmed to turn the heat in your home on and off automatically based
on your living pattern. See http://www.seniorresource.com/SRBaz.htm#equip
to acquire such a thermostat
- Keep Your Room a Bit More Humid
Humid air retains heat better than dry air and so will keep you warmer.
The average room has only 15 percent humidity. If you put a pot of water
near the radiator or vent the warm air blowing over the water adds humidity
and warms you at a lower temperature. Hence your heater works less and
saves you money.
For more energy tips see "Energy Saving Home Improvements From A to Z"
at
http://www.seniorresource.com/SRBaz.htm#books
Helpful Hints for the Holidays -
thanks to BK, San Diego
- To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add
the flowers. Shake vigorously so that the salt will absorb all the dust
and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new. Works like
a charm!
- Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and
it will keep for weeks.
- Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your
forehead. The throbbing will go away.
- Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze it into ice cubes for
future use in casseroles and sauces.
- To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area
and you will experience instant relief.
- Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they’re said to never cross
a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or
wherever ants tend to march. When you get a splinter, reach for the
Scotch Tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle.
- Simply put the tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch
Tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily (Elmer’s Glue works
great if you’ve got multiple or small splinters, such as those from
a cedar board or a cactus).
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E. THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH
We present here some words from those with a birthday this month.
Daniel Boone: "I can't say I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once
for three days."
Dennis Miller: "There's nothing wrong with being shallow as long as
you're insightful about it."
Sally Field: "It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone
else's eyes."
Art Garfunkel: "We human beings are tuned such that we crave great
melody and great lyrics."
k.d. lang: "You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're
essentially standing alone, singing to yourself."
More "Thoughts" at: http://www.seniorresource.com/thought.htm
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F. FREE THINGS
AARP Helps Members Stay Fit
With AARP's "Fitness for Members" the goal is to provide information,
resources, and services to help you live a more active, healthier life.
In order to offer you the highest quality and variety of fitness options,
AARP has teamed up with leaders in the fitness industry to provide exclusive,
member-only discounts and savings from Curves, Gold's Gym and American
Council on Exercise.
http://www.aarpfitness.com/program_overview.aspx
Canadian Travel Seniors Can Bring a Friend!
Share the pleasures of train travel with a friend and your guest will
be their guest! Simply put, if you are a senior aged 60 and over, purchase
a Comfort class (economy) ticket and you can obtain a second one free
for your travel companion. See Via Rail at:
http://www.viarail.ca/seniors/en_aine_conf_offr.html
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G.SPECIAL SURFING SITES
National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to
receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call
your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do,
you can file a complaint at the Website below. You can register your home
or mobile phone for free. Your phone number will remain on the registry
for five years from the date you register (unless you choose to
take it off the registry or your phone number is disconnected). If you
register online, you may want to print the Web page for your records when
your registration is accepted.
Visit: https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx for additional information
Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa Gift Ideas
The Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa season is the biggest gift-giving
occasion of the year. It is the time of year that seniors (finally!) get
the respect and attention they deserve. In addition it's the time when
seniors make sure their grandchildren and great-grandchildren do not go
unrewarded. We know you want to find the best gifts for your family and
friends. Give them something they really want this year. Select a gift
from our
Senior Bazaar™
http://www.seniorresource.com/SRBaz.htm
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H. OH MY AGING FUNNY BONE
Wife vs. Husband
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted
to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats,
and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "relatives of yours?" "Yep,"
the wife replied, "in-laws."
Zen Sarcasm
Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for
I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave
me alone.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky
tire.
It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's
newspaper, that's the time to do it.
Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else
Visit 1000's of jokes of interest to people who have lived a long and
rich life.
"Oh My Aging Funny Bone" is at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/jokes.htm
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SPONSOR OF THIS ISSUE
Find the perfect retirement community, assisted living,
nursing home, Alzheimer's care, home care, or other senior service you
are looking for at NewLifeStyles.com
New LifeStyles, The Source for Seniors, is
a comprehensive guide to all state-licensed and certified senior housing
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Visit us online at http://www.NewLifeStyles.com
to find what you are looking for. Read descriptions, view location maps
and online tours, compare amenities and services, contact companies directly
via e-mail, and save and recommend your favorites, all from the comfort
of your own home.
New LifeStyles print guides are available FREE for
44 areas nationwide. Click
here to order a FREE copy or call 800-820-3013.
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This issue has been edited by Betsy Day (Betsyjday@aol.com).
Copyright 2007 seniorresource.com, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Information in
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