Excerpts from article by Valerie Ulene | Source: Los Angeles Times | August 10, 2009
Behaving altruistically not only feels good, a growing body of research suggests, it actually improves a person's physical and psychological health. "One of the best things we can do for our health is to learn to be more caring and compassionate," says Stephen Post, director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University in New York.
A study published last year in the journal Science examined the relationship between philanthropy and well-being. Researchers analyzed the spending patterns of more than 600 men and women and questioned them about their general happiness. Money used to pay bills or buy things for themselves was considered "personal spending"; gifts for others and donations to charities were categorized as "pro-social spending." Personal spending was found to be unrelated to happiness, whereas pro-social spending was directly correlated to happiness.
The full article can be read at:
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourmoney/work/articles/the_rewards_of_volunteering.html?cmp=NLC-RSS-DAILY-BULLETIN
Volunteer and you will benefit.
Tom Binder
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
White House Reassures Medicare Beneficiaries
Reducing Medicare and Medicaid spending by an additional $300 billion over the next 10 years will not affect coverage or quality
Following are excerpts from an article by Barbara Basler in AARPBulletinToday, June 9, 2009:
President Obama’s call to reduce Medicare and Medicaid spending by an additional $200 billion to $300 billion over the next 10 years to help finance health care reforms will “absolutely not” affect coverage, benefits or quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries, says Nancy-Ann DeParle, director of the White House Office of Health Reform.
Older Americans “can rest assured these are proposals that will help strengthen the Medicare Trust Fund and strengthen the Medicare program for beneficiaries,” DeParle said yesterday in an interview with the AARP Bulletin.
Obama originally had called for cost savings in Medicare and Medicaid totaling $309 billion over 10 years.
But in a letter last week to the heads of two Senate committees working on health care legislation, the president suggested squeezing an additional $200 billion to $300 billion from the programs, for total savings of up to about $600 billion. The new savings, Obama said, would come through such measures as better management of chronic diseases, elimination of duplicate tests and providing more preventive care.
The full article can be seen at:
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/medicare/articles/medicare_beneficiaries.html?cmp=NLC-RSS-DAILY-BULLETIN
Sounds like good news, although none of us really know what's going to happen, regardless what is said!!
So let's hope for the best!!!
Have a great day.
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Following are excerpts from an article by Barbara Basler in AARPBulletinToday, June 9, 2009:
President Obama’s call to reduce Medicare and Medicaid spending by an additional $200 billion to $300 billion over the next 10 years to help finance health care reforms will “absolutely not” affect coverage, benefits or quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries, says Nancy-Ann DeParle, director of the White House Office of Health Reform.
Older Americans “can rest assured these are proposals that will help strengthen the Medicare Trust Fund and strengthen the Medicare program for beneficiaries,” DeParle said yesterday in an interview with the AARP Bulletin.
Obama originally had called for cost savings in Medicare and Medicaid totaling $309 billion over 10 years.
But in a letter last week to the heads of two Senate committees working on health care legislation, the president suggested squeezing an additional $200 billion to $300 billion from the programs, for total savings of up to about $600 billion. The new savings, Obama said, would come through such measures as better management of chronic diseases, elimination of duplicate tests and providing more preventive care.
The full article can be seen at:
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/medicare/articles/medicare_beneficiaries.html?cmp=NLC-RSS-DAILY-BULLETIN
Sounds like good news, although none of us really know what's going to happen, regardless what is said!!
So let's hope for the best!!!
Have a great day.
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Older Adults Increasingly Turn to Yoga for Health
Yoga can relieve back pain, improve sleep quality, boost overall fitness
Excerpts from AARPBulletinToday, June 9, 2009; by John Hanc.
The idea that older adults are involved in yoga shouldn’t really come as a surprise. After all, while it may sound as trendy as Twitter, as new and shiny as your next laptop, this form of mind-body exercise has been around, by some estimates, for 5,000 years. What’s more, many of the most influential Indian yogis are nonagenarians, notably 90-year-old B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of an eponymous style of yoga that is practiced worldwide.
Yoga as practiced in America today is different from what it was in the peace, love, consciousness-expanding days of the ’60s. The emphasis for most devotees now is on the physical, as opposed to spiritual, aspects of the practice.
More older adults are now taking their place on the mats. According to the study, 18.4 percent of practitioners are now over 55.
Health benefits have been reported in numerous studies, most of them done in the past few years, involving “yoga interventions” with older adults here and abroad. Researchers have found that regular practice led to reduced incidence of chronic back pain; improved sleep quality and mood; a better sense of well-being and quality of life; improvement in heart health, rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes; and greater overall physical fitness.
The full article can be seen at: http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/healthyliving/articles/older_adults_increasingly_turn_to_yoga_for_health.html
The number of older adults in yoga has definitely increased, says one Yoga teacher. “I would say half of our level-1 students are 55 and over. Just five years ago that wouldn’t have been the case … maybe 10 percent would have been in that age group.”
So, if you're not already actively exercising, maybe a Yoga class is the place to start addressing your physical well being.
Have a great day.
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Excerpts from AARPBulletinToday, June 9, 2009; by John Hanc.
The idea that older adults are involved in yoga shouldn’t really come as a surprise. After all, while it may sound as trendy as Twitter, as new and shiny as your next laptop, this form of mind-body exercise has been around, by some estimates, for 5,000 years. What’s more, many of the most influential Indian yogis are nonagenarians, notably 90-year-old B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of an eponymous style of yoga that is practiced worldwide.
Yoga as practiced in America today is different from what it was in the peace, love, consciousness-expanding days of the ’60s. The emphasis for most devotees now is on the physical, as opposed to spiritual, aspects of the practice.
More older adults are now taking their place on the mats. According to the study, 18.4 percent of practitioners are now over 55.
Health benefits have been reported in numerous studies, most of them done in the past few years, involving “yoga interventions” with older adults here and abroad. Researchers have found that regular practice led to reduced incidence of chronic back pain; improved sleep quality and mood; a better sense of well-being and quality of life; improvement in heart health, rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes; and greater overall physical fitness.
The full article can be seen at: http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/healthyliving/articles/older_adults_increasingly_turn_to_yoga_for_health.html
The number of older adults in yoga has definitely increased, says one Yoga teacher. “I would say half of our level-1 students are 55 and over. Just five years ago that wouldn’t have been the case … maybe 10 percent would have been in that age group.”
So, if you're not already actively exercising, maybe a Yoga class is the place to start addressing your physical well being.
Have a great day.
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Hidden Secret of Elder Abuse
Excerpts from article from "Planning from Eldercare" June 5, 2009:
Many elderly people rely entirely on family or other trusted individuals to help them. Whether it is for physical needs or emotional needs, as people grow older they tend to need more and more help from others. This dependence on caregivers or family members makes an older person more vulnerable for abuse.
It is estimated that 5% to 10% of elderly Americans are suffering abuse.
According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse,
“Spiraling rates of elder mistreatment are reported by both practitioners and researchers. In a recent national study of Adult Protective Services (APS), typically the agency of first report concerning elder abuse, there were 253,421 reports of abuse of adults age 60+ or 832.6 reports for every 100,000 people over the age of 60 (Teaster, Dugar, Otto, Mendiondo, Abner, & Cecil, 2006). The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (National Center on Elder Abuse, 1998) found that more than 500,000 persons aged 60+ were victims of domestic abuse and that an estimated 84% of incidents are not reported to authorities, denying victims the protection and support they need.”
The following is a list of indicators of abuse, neglect or exploitation. It is important to note that the following lists are merely indicators and may not always be violations.
Signs of Abuse:
Unexplained bruises, welts, fractures, abrasions or lacerations
Multiple bruises in various stages of healing
Multiple/repeat injuries
Low self-esteem or loss of self determination
Withdrawn, passive
Fearful
Depressed, hopeless
Soiled linen or clothing
Social Isolation
Read the entire article at:
http://www.longtermcarelink.net/article-2009-6-4.htm
This is not a fun subject, but something we need to be aware of.
Take care
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Many elderly people rely entirely on family or other trusted individuals to help them. Whether it is for physical needs or emotional needs, as people grow older they tend to need more and more help from others. This dependence on caregivers or family members makes an older person more vulnerable for abuse.
It is estimated that 5% to 10% of elderly Americans are suffering abuse.
According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse,
“Spiraling rates of elder mistreatment are reported by both practitioners and researchers. In a recent national study of Adult Protective Services (APS), typically the agency of first report concerning elder abuse, there were 253,421 reports of abuse of adults age 60+ or 832.6 reports for every 100,000 people over the age of 60 (Teaster, Dugar, Otto, Mendiondo, Abner, & Cecil, 2006). The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (National Center on Elder Abuse, 1998) found that more than 500,000 persons aged 60+ were victims of domestic abuse and that an estimated 84% of incidents are not reported to authorities, denying victims the protection and support they need.”
The following is a list of indicators of abuse, neglect or exploitation. It is important to note that the following lists are merely indicators and may not always be violations.
Signs of Abuse:
Unexplained bruises, welts, fractures, abrasions or lacerations
Multiple bruises in various stages of healing
Multiple/repeat injuries
Low self-esteem or loss of self determination
Withdrawn, passive
Fearful
Depressed, hopeless
Soiled linen or clothing
Social Isolation
Read the entire article at:
http://www.longtermcarelink.net/article-2009-6-4.htm
This is not a fun subject, but something we need to be aware of.
Take care
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Computer and Internet Security Help
Excerpts from Seniorresource.com E-zine, dated June 2.
As a public service, the government has established a web site to address issues related to computer and internet security. OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on watch against Internet fraud, how to secure your computer and protect your personal information.
You can minimize the chance of an Internet problem using "awareness" as your first line of defense. Being alert while online helps you protect your information, your computer, and your money.
Here are seven elements that should be part of your online routine
1. Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
2. Know whom you're dealing with.
3. Use security software that updates automatically.
4. Keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date, and learn about their security features.
5. Keep your passwords safe, secure, and strong.
6. Back up important files.
7. Learn what to do in an emergency.
8. Learn more about these elements at http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/computer-security.aspx
In an effort to aid our readers we will from time to time provide a few excerpts from the government site.The first of these topics is "Email Scams."
We all get spam in our email inbox. However, some of these are bogus offers looking to take some of our money. Con artists know how to make their claims seem legitimate. Some spam messages ask for your business, others invite you to a web site with a detailed pitch.
Either way, these tips can help you avoid spam scams:
- Protect your personal information. Share credit card or other personal information only when you're buying from a company you know and trust.
- Know whom you're dealing with. Don't do business with any company that won't provide its name, street address, and telephone number.
- Take your time. Resist any urge to "act now" despite the offer and the terms. Once you turn over your money, you may never get it back.
- Read the small print. Get all promises in writing and review them carefully before you make a payment or sign a contract.
- Never pay for a "free" gift. Disregard any offer that asks you to pay for a gift or prize.
Learn more about these elements at http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/email-scams.aspx
The internet is an incredible resource that can make our lives a lot easier. But, like many resources, we need to use it appropriately and safely (think of your car!!) So arm yourself with the best practices and use them to avoid problems!!
HAVE FUN ONLINE!!!!!!
And have a great day,
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
As a public service, the government has established a web site to address issues related to computer and internet security. OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on watch against Internet fraud, how to secure your computer and protect your personal information.
You can minimize the chance of an Internet problem using "awareness" as your first line of defense. Being alert while online helps you protect your information, your computer, and your money.
Here are seven elements that should be part of your online routine
1. Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
2. Know whom you're dealing with.
3. Use security software that updates automatically.
4. Keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date, and learn about their security features.
5. Keep your passwords safe, secure, and strong.
6. Back up important files.
7. Learn what to do in an emergency.
8. Learn more about these elements at http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/computer-security.aspx
In an effort to aid our readers we will from time to time provide a few excerpts from the government site.The first of these topics is "Email Scams."
We all get spam in our email inbox. However, some of these are bogus offers looking to take some of our money. Con artists know how to make their claims seem legitimate. Some spam messages ask for your business, others invite you to a web site with a detailed pitch.
Either way, these tips can help you avoid spam scams:
- Protect your personal information. Share credit card or other personal information only when you're buying from a company you know and trust.
- Know whom you're dealing with. Don't do business with any company that won't provide its name, street address, and telephone number.
- Take your time. Resist any urge to "act now" despite the offer and the terms. Once you turn over your money, you may never get it back.
- Read the small print. Get all promises in writing and review them carefully before you make a payment or sign a contract.
- Never pay for a "free" gift. Disregard any offer that asks you to pay for a gift or prize.
Learn more about these elements at http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/email-scams.aspx
The internet is an incredible resource that can make our lives a lot easier. But, like many resources, we need to use it appropriately and safely (think of your car!!) So arm yourself with the best practices and use them to avoid problems!!
HAVE FUN ONLINE!!!!!!
And have a great day,
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Benefits to Wearing Hearing Aids Worth the Cost
Excerpts from an article in Therapy Times, May 25, from the House Ear Institute:
With the struggling economy, everyone is trying to save money. People are eating out less and staying home instead of taking vacations. Unfortunately, at times like this, there also is a tendency for people with hearing loss to forego physician-recommended treatments, such as hearing aids.
“Patients are coming in to have their hearing tested and even after the tests show a hearing loss significant enough that a hearing aid would help them, patients are deciding not to get hearing aids right now,” says Alan Senne, AuD, director of audiology and hearing aid dispensing at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles.
Hearing professionals at the House Ear Institute (HEI) and House Ear Clinic encourage people experiencing a hearing loss to think twice before trying to save money by not getting hearing aids when recommended. The positive impact that today’s hearing aids can have on a hearing loss patient’s quality of life, including their career success, usually far outweighs the initial investment.
Read the entire article at:
http://www.therapytimes.com/content=1902J84C4896549040A040441
Take care of yourself and have a great day.
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
With the struggling economy, everyone is trying to save money. People are eating out less and staying home instead of taking vacations. Unfortunately, at times like this, there also is a tendency for people with hearing loss to forego physician-recommended treatments, such as hearing aids.
“Patients are coming in to have their hearing tested and even after the tests show a hearing loss significant enough that a hearing aid would help them, patients are deciding not to get hearing aids right now,” says Alan Senne, AuD, director of audiology and hearing aid dispensing at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles.
Hearing professionals at the House Ear Institute (HEI) and House Ear Clinic encourage people experiencing a hearing loss to think twice before trying to save money by not getting hearing aids when recommended. The positive impact that today’s hearing aids can have on a hearing loss patient’s quality of life, including their career success, usually far outweighs the initial investment.
Read the entire article at:
http://www.therapytimes.com/content=1902J84C4896549040A040441
Take care of yourself and have a great day.
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Health Discovery: Can You Still Build Muscle Mass at 80?
Excerpt from article in AARP Bulletin Today, May 26, by John Hanc:
Can you reach a point where you’re simply too old to benefit from exercise? The results of a recent study at Ball State University in Indiana might be read that way.
Accent on might.
In the study, published in May in the Journal of Applied Physiology, six women in their 80s exercised on a machine designed to strengthen the quadriceps (thigh) muscles, three times a week for three months. Despite doing this consistent muscle-building exercise, MRIs showed that the women built no muscle mass over the course of the study.
So does that mean once you hit 80, you should cancel the gym membership or throw away the hand weights?
Not so fast!
While the women in the study didn’t gain muscle, they were still able to increase the amount of weight they lifted by a hefty 26 percent over the three-month period, through improved neurological efficiency. That is, their bodies became better at mobilizing and coordinating existing muscle fibers and neural pathways needed to perform the work.
Such functional strength is a vitally important outcome of a resistance training program. This is the strength needed, say, to lift yourself out of a tub or pick up a grandchild. “It’s the functional strength that really counts, and this study shows you can still achieve that even in your 80s,” says exercise scientist Hank Williford of Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama.
So keep exercising and stay healthy!!
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Can you reach a point where you’re simply too old to benefit from exercise? The results of a recent study at Ball State University in Indiana might be read that way.
Accent on might.
In the study, published in May in the Journal of Applied Physiology, six women in their 80s exercised on a machine designed to strengthen the quadriceps (thigh) muscles, three times a week for three months. Despite doing this consistent muscle-building exercise, MRIs showed that the women built no muscle mass over the course of the study.
So does that mean once you hit 80, you should cancel the gym membership or throw away the hand weights?
Not so fast!
While the women in the study didn’t gain muscle, they were still able to increase the amount of weight they lifted by a hefty 26 percent over the three-month period, through improved neurological efficiency. That is, their bodies became better at mobilizing and coordinating existing muscle fibers and neural pathways needed to perform the work.
Such functional strength is a vitally important outcome of a resistance training program. This is the strength needed, say, to lift yourself out of a tub or pick up a grandchild. “It’s the functional strength that really counts, and this study shows you can still achieve that even in your 80s,” says exercise scientist Hank Williford of Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama.
So keep exercising and stay healthy!!
Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
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