 I used to believe that downsizing was daunting; it was a necessary evil during the time of transition. Recently, I have discovered that it is not so. Just as making a small adjustment in the archer's stance impacts the trajectory of the arrow, so making a small adjustment in our thinking can have a big impact on the outcome. The adjustment in my thinking began with Marie Kondo's best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. From it I realized that her method isn't just for our personal belongings but for our minds and our well-being. Many are coming to that point where they suddenly know just how much is right for them. By handling each item and deciding what to discard, your process your past so that you can take the next step forward If you or your parents are in a season of transition and downsizing is in your near future, then follow Marie's advice, also known as the Konmari method:
If you are ready to change the trajectory of your life, then it's time to read the book.  When you realize that downsizing is an opportunity to lighten your heart as well as your load, you can embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm. In helping your parents through the process, you will help yourself as well. Thank your belongings for how they have served you over the years, donate or discard that which you no longer need, and keep yourself surrounded only by things that spark joy for you.
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 There is something about school supplies lining the shelves of the stores at this time of year that makes my heart go pitter-pat. I love brand-new, sharpened pencils, organizers, pocket tab dividers, and colored sharpies. Most of all, I love learning. And I especially love that learning is a life-long activity; we don't stop learning when we graduate high school or college. Learning is a privilege and opportunity well into our golden years. With advances in technology, we can now choose the setting and time of day in which we wish to learn. That's a big advantage to a retiree wanting to continue their education without the hassle of student parking at the local college. Did you know that 500+ accredited college classes are available to you online for FREE?  OnlineCourses.com provides you with the opportunity to make use of research-based academic resources from some of the world’s best universities. These free resources are waiting to be used by you to advance your understanding in a variety of academic topics. The free courses listed are considered Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). By definition, MOOC means that any interested learner is able to participate in the course. There are no prerequisites or other qualifiers separating an interested student and the material, although some advanced courses will expect that learners have completed other coursework or have a certain level of knowledge in a related area. (excerpt from About OnlineCourses.com) Back to School for SeniorsIf you like being around people and want to attend classes in the community, check out the Emeritus Class schedule at your local community college. Each semester, a variety of tuition-free classes are offered to older adults to promote lifelong learning.  For our local readers in south Orange County, here's the link to Saddleback College's Emeritus website.
The elderly aren’t typically motivated by the same factors that influence teens and young adults to use drugs. Seniors are more likely to abuse alcohol and use prescription medications inappropriately than they are to abuse illegal substances, and they usually don’t do so to seek a “high” or thrill. The elderly are usually driven by a need or desire to manage physical or psychological symptoms – so they’ll take sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications and prescription pain medications to do so.  This is a growing problem because as the number of degenerative diseases increase in one’s aging life, so does the number of prescription medications. Oftentimes these scripts are written by a variety of specialists and filled at different pharmacies which can lead to dangerous drug interactions. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 3 out of 10 adults between the ages of 57 and 85 use five prescription medications or more. (Source SAMHSA webpage)  Why Are Seniors At Risk?
What Can You Do?If you are an adult child of a senior (or a friend or other relative) and are concerned about the possibility of substance abuse or addiction, here’s is what you can do:
Contact us today to schedule your Family ConsultationD-Day is defined as the day an important operation is to begin or a change is to take effect. Being that retirement planning is a daunting task for many people, it is an important operation that is often neglected until too late in the game. At Next Step, we have seen firsthand the devastation resulting from this neglect. That is why we are encouraging you today, to let this day be your Advanced Care Decision Day, the day you and your family members each make a resolution to address saving for retirement and end-of-life decisions regarding: 
 Knowing that things seldom get accomplished without the structure of an appointment or a deadline, we strongly advise that you contact us today to set up a Family Consultation. We also know that conversations between adult children and their parents regarding money, power of attorney, and funeral arrangements are made more comfortable in the presence of a professional third party. Sign up for our Caregivers Building a Financial Foundation Class by clicking here.
 Why Are Grandparents at Risk?
What is the Grandparent Phone Scam? It begins with a phone call to a senior and the caller sounding suspiciously like a beloved grandchild. When the senior states the name of the grandchild, the scammer knows the target has taken the bait. That's how it played out for my relatives. Their caller claimed to have had a traffic incident that landed him in jail. He acted embarrassed and was hoping "Grandma & Grandpa" would wire him the bail money without mentioning it to his parents. He would inform them when the matter got resolved. Since their grandson is a college student out-of-state, and since young men sometimes get into minor trouble, and since the caller sounded exactly like one of their four grandsons, they got scammed. Even if they realize they've been scammed, the FBI reports that senior citizens are less likely to report a fraud because they don't know how to report it, or are too ashamed to admit they've been tricked. They may be especially concerned that relatives will doubt their mental capacity to be independent. Protect Against Scam CallersClick here to get the FREE CallerSmart appWhat Else Can I Do?
 When you are retired and on a fixed income, you especially can’t afford to be taken advantage of. There are plenty of scam artists out there preying on elderly people, and it can be difficult to know what to do if you have been the victim of fraud or financial abuse. Use these resources to help you recognize the warning signs to avoid a con, and to show you where to turn if you’ve already been victimized. Avoiding and Recovering from Financial Scams  22 Tips for Avoiding Scams — This handy little tip sheet comes from the National Council on Aging and will give you some very helpful hints for avoiding scams like health insurance fraud and dishonest contractors. Consumer Agency Director — If you’ve been the victim of a scam artist or predatory company, use this state-by-state directory of consumer agencies that can help. Financial Crimes Against The Elderly — This page offers the sobering truth about financial crimes against the elderly. Learn all about the most common scams and how to protect yourself and your family from them.  On Guard Online — Seniors fall victim to online fraud at an alarming rate. Fight back by learning how to spot a scam.
Help 4 Victims — This link will take you to the home page for Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, formed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The page will show you exactly where to report different types of financial crimes. 
The National Center on Elder Abuse [1] defines financial or material exploitation as the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets. Examples include, but are not limited to: cashing an elderly person's checks without authorization or permission; forging an older person's signature; misusing or stealing an older person's money or possessions; coercing or deceiving an older person into signing any document (e.g., contracts or will); and the improper use of conservatorship, guardianship, or power of attorney.
Signs and symptoms of financial or material exploitation include but are not limited to:
 Each year on Memorial Day, we reflect upon and remember those who bravely gave their lives while in active military service. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy each day in America because of their sacrifice. As a company that serves seniors and their families, we are privileged to know many men and women who served and survived. We have been privileged to support several dozens of the last of that great generation which proudly volunteered during World War II. Remembering Mitch... WWII War Hero
Happy Memorial Day  
From the "state of the union" to "Where are my Kids?" to
"How can we help your mother with her living expenses?", living in a state of unknowing about our future is stressful. Terri's husband was going in for a valve replacement and she had no idea where any of their financial documents were. Over the course of 29 years of marriage, they had never discussed any of their desires for what their respective wishes were for end of life - Advanced Planning documents. Bradley, Terri's husband, handled all of the finances and if anything went wrong with the procedure Terri had no clue how to pick up the pieces. We humans are flawed by nature, which means that, denial is something that everyone is susceptible to. While it hasn't killed us yet, living in denial has caused many of us to experience much loss, anguish, frustration and many regrets throughout our lifetimes. #peaceofmind ​ When it comes to watching friends, parents and or loved ones make unnecessary financial mistakes. "Short-sighted and limited," are the words DeDe Soto, J.D. uses to describe traditional estate planning, which is often focused on just financial wealth and taxation. We may be living in a state of denial if we hold onto fallacies such as... I Am Never Caught off Guard, I've Already Planned Ahead - Yes, planning ahead is always recommended but thinking that you can actually be able to prepare for absolutely everything is just plain foolish on your part. Be open to improving upon your solid plan - anything that will add peace of mind for you and your loved ones is BEST! 
I Don't Need to Ask for Help, I Can Figure This All
​Out Myself - There is no need to reinvent the wheel; life is easier when we're able to journey along a path that has been marked by those who've gone before us. Surround yourself with sage counsel of the trailblazers. Learn to avoid the pitfalls so that you may become a better version of you. Their wisdom can empower you to blaze a new path. Soak up all the wisdom that comes from experience and age and then go forward. I Am Completely Justified! = Excuses, Excuses, Excuses - "I'll have time to do that later...", “I would have done that, if not for…”, "I'm not going to do this because..." Examine yourself. Do you somehow manage to find excuses for putting everything off? Your attitude reflects a state of denial that will most likely be passing the buck of responsibility off to an unprepared, unsuspecting, overwhelmed loved one. ​It’s not denial. I’m just selective about the reality I accept.”
You may know someone who is in a situation of this type. Or it may be your own family. Call us to schedule a Family Consultation to put a plan in place. Email us to sign up for an I.C.E. Binder workshop and begin your Emergency Preparedness plan. Attend our Building a Financial Foundation education class, Saturday, June 4 at 2 p.m. in Irvine Ca.
Twenty years ago, 65 mph instead of 55 mph was declared the new maximum speed for freeway driving in CA. A similar change has taken place for aging limits. At one time, a person was considered a senior citizen at the age of 55. With advancements in technology and people living longer, 55 is considered young and the age divisions for "older" people now have three sub-groups: young-old (65-74), middle-old (75-84), and oldest old (85+). That is a lot of years to be enjoying your life and still making a contribution to your family, your community, and your country.
Meet Marta As a practicing cardiologist in her native country, Marta and her husband left Poland about 30 years ago to meet a greater need - the care of their two small grandchildren. This was a full-time job now that their only daughter and her husband were both launching careers in the medical profession as an oncologist and a retinal surgeon. She became known to the children in her culdesac as Basia, the neighborhood grandma. Marta is not the stereotypical grandma who watches games shows in her rocking chair. Instead, she learns foreign languages, earned her American citizenship, volunteers and at church, and is actively involved with the police service volunteers in her town. Many of us who see her around town affectionately call her Basia Sherrif. Marta is one of many older Americans contributing to her family, her community, and her country. If you are wondering about the grandchildren, they are now a practicing attorney and a medical student working on brain research. Wanting to Contribute?
Service opportunities are as diverse as the communities in which volunteers serve and may include:
“My husband and I are in a good place for retirement,” Cerissa H. told us. “Our parents, however, are not, and for different reasons.” Cerissa’s parents had careers in full-time ministry and never had a large income. Her in-laws are drowning in debt on several rental properties. “We are concerned about their quality of life, the lack of long-term care insurance for all of them, and the debt,” she said. “How do we prepare for a life where we will probably inherit adult dependents and debt? How do we encourage my parents to maintain hope for their financial future? How do we respectfully talk to my in-laws about their debt?”
A Lot of Us Are Worried About Our Parents’ RetirementMany people in this category also have limited assets to rely on when they retire. Only 35% own their home outright, and 41% do not own a home at all. For those age 65 and older, Social Security makes up more than half of their household income. Gary Shaw, investing advisor with Shaw Financial, said all this adds up to a difficult outlook both for the retirees and their children.
Nearly 60% of pre-retirees plan to keep working past retirement age. That includes 29% who say they will never retire. But among people who are already retired, the reality is only 29% were actually able to remain in the workforce past retirement age.
How to Start the Retirement Conversation With Your ParentsStatistics aside, the future you and your parents are facing will often feel overwhelming. But it is possible to make it through this tough time with your parents’ dignity and your own retirement plan intact. As with any challenge, the first step is to get a clear picture of what you’re dealing with. But having an in-depth conversation about your folks’ money situation can be tough for everyone involved. “Sometimes the parents won't share all the details with the kids,” Gary explained. “They don't want them to know how bad it really is. As a parent you want your kids to look up to you. You don't want your kids thinking less of you because you didn't manage money properly.” "...it is possible to make it through this tough time with your parents’ dignity and your own retirement plan intact."
During a Family Meeting, we provide a comfortable atmosphere in which to address the uncomfortable topics of advanced care planning. Included with the Family Meeting is our In Case of Emergency Binder (I.C.E.). This notebook will direct you through each topic and provide a place to house all pertinent information. It also includes a FREE app for your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This allows family or personal representatives remote access from any electronic smart device or computer. Choose Next Step as your first line of defense in helping your loved one face the challenges of aging and helping you when you've realized that your current situation needs more support.
Click here to purchase a Family Meeting or an In Case of Emergency (I.C.E.) binder for your family today.  With diabetes rising to epidemic proportions worldwide, effective ways of treating this debilitating and often deadly disease are of international importance. Natural supplements rarely receive scientific attention; however, a type 2 diabetes study published in the International Journal of Green Pharmacy (2010) revealed that barley grass powder "holds promise to be used as a functional food to optimize the health of diabetic subjects".  Researchers at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda conducted the study using capsules of barley grass powder, produced specifically for their investigation. Over 80 percent of the type 2 diabetics in the test group were either overweight or obese, factors that are associated with the increased risk of developing diabetes. In fact, current thought suggests the cause of type 2 diabetes is a high-calorie diet rich in saturated fats - mainly from animal sources of food - that promote unhealthy weight gain and raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. For two months, each individual in the test group took four capsules daily that provided 1.2 grams of barley grass powder. None of them took any other supplement or pharmaceutical medication nor did the control group of diabetics who were not taking the capsules. The results were impressive for the test group taking barley grass powder; significant lowering of their glycated hemoglobin and fasting blood sugar levels. Lowering blood sugar to healthy levels is the key to reversing diabetes and its ravaging effects.  The study also showed the barley grass powder decreased the test subjects' bad cholesterol and increased their good cholesterol, results that help to lower the risk of cardiovascular diabetes, which Type 2 diabetics are prone to developing. To order AIM BarleyLife - powder or capsules - for a positive lifestyle adjustment to help lower high blood sugar and cholesterol levels, click here. Reprinted with permission of AIM International Inc., Nampa, Idaho
It's a Wrap​...
The options for making your own wrap are endless. Most any food that you enjoy can be sliced or diced and stuffed inside a wrap of your choice with your favorite seasoning, salad dressing or sauce. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing...
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Special thanks to The Tasty K for sharing this Rainbow Summer Roll how-to video on Facebook
 Did you know that under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), seniors may be eligible to deduct portions or all of assisted living costs as a medical expense, for Federal income tax purposes. All costs related to senior care may be deductible if the resident is unable to perform (without substantial assistance) at least two activities of daily living (such as eating, bathing, dressing, etc.) or who require substantial supervision to protect the individual from himself or herself because of severe cognitive impairment. Wondering what qualifies as a medical expense? For the most part, any item or service that is directly related to the individual’s medical care. This includes insurance premiums (health, Medi-care, long-term care insurance), glasses, hearing aids, oxygen, hospital services and many others that you may have not considered.
You can find a complete list of what you can and cannot deduct in IRS Publication 502. We encourage you to fully explore this opportunity and seek the advise of your tax advisor.  Each year in the month of March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness is promoted. Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people ages 50 and older. I imagine no one really wants to talk about caring for your colon, but since it's the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, it's worth mentioning. The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to eat a high-fiber diet. Of all the cancer cases, only 5–10% can be attributed to genetic defects; the remaining 90–95% are directly correlated to environment and lifestyle.   Research shows that eating more whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables (high-fiber diet) while cutting back on NON-FIBER foods (meat, cheese, processed and packaged foods) will promote a healthy colon and reduce your risk of cancer. A review of all studies on the topic has shown eating 10 grams of fiber per day can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by around 10%. However, the Recommended Daily Allowance is 30-38 grams per day. We can help you with that! Click on the images below to watch product videos and place your order. Practicing the art of self-directed health care is your responsibility. There are so few things in this world that we have control over, yet there are elements of your health that are profoundly influenced by your power of choice. People over age 50 have the highest risk of colorectal cancer. You may also be at higher risk if you are African American, smoke, or have a family history of colorectal cancer. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened. Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:
 
Fitness is not something that belongs to just the young -- ​it's everybody's right, no matter what the age! The body is born to move. Our movements actually facilitate our body systems functioning more efficiently. With most of us in the 21st century living sedentary lifestyles (sitting in our cars, sitting at our desks, sitting watching TV, having house keepers...) an intentional exercise program is often the only way we actually get our bodies moving these days.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular moderate physical activity on most days of the week (for example, 30 minutes of brisk walking) provides significant health benefits to people of all ages, including individuals with chronic conditions common among the elderly, such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, dementia and Alzheimer’s. ​Exercise actually keeps your bones, muscles, and joints healthy. If you don't exercise, your muscles actually become smaller and weaker, and your bones can become more brittle. Without exercise, you can get caught in a cycle of pain, depression and inactivity. Exercise also lifts your spirits. If you're in pain, you may feel depressed. If you feel depressed, you may not feel like exercising. And without exercise, you feel more pain and depression. Start with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase to the amount of time that is most comfortable for you. The Benefits of Being Active
It's never too late to start.
 This month we have been focusing on Heart Health. As a wellness company, our holistic approach addresses the various needs of all our clients and their families. Part of having a healthy heart is addressing the emotional health of the heart.
Everybody experiences some level of loss and disappointment. If you are struggling with a hurting heart then this book is for you. In her book, grief recovery specialist Paula Shaw, answers the question, "When Will This Pain Ever End?". That is the question so many of us ask ourselves when we are grieving the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or some other great personal loss. The truth is, most of our beliefs about grief are MYTHS. We falsely believe something "out there" – time, talking, avoidance, drugs, activity, or other compulsive behaviors – will stop the pain. But the truth is that healing from grief and loss comes from allowing ourselves to grieve instead of trying to stop the hurt. Of course, the idea of allowing ourselves to feel the pain can be scary. We can only do it when we feel safe and supported, and when we know how to work through it. For more information visit her website.  Happy Valentines Day! Happy for some, not so much for others. Which side of the fence do you stand on? February is a difficult time for many people. It’s a time of assigned romantic gestures and social expectations involving flowers, chocolate and dinner reservations; that kind of love is only a small fraction of all the heart is capable of. Most people are aware that this is a disappointing season for those who hope to have a romantic partner but are we aware of the pain of the ones with grieving hearts? There are many shades of grief and each person experiences grief in their own unique way. For now, I am thinking of the families we serve that are tending to their broken hearts: the new widow whose first and only love (and husband of 63 years!) died unexpectedly in his sleep, the daughter who said goodbye to her mom and best girlfriend last month, the 89 year old widower who buried his 62 year old son after a long battle of chronic illness. A Broken Heart is an Open HeartI came across a blog by Jamie Greenwood, titled, “A Broken Heart is an Open Heart”. Although the post is written about romantic love and a marriage relationship, the following excerpt applies to all experiencing a broken heart, no matter what the source. "Know this: A broken heart is an open heart. It is in the breaking, when our hearts are peeled back on themselves, that our truths have passage to come in and out...If we’re lucky, our hearts will break over and over again to reveal new ways of being, of thinking, and of loving...Yes, there is pain every time we’re cracked open. Immeasurable pain. And with each break, each sting of pain, our hearts are able to expand and strengthen our capacity to love more and more and more." An Exercise in MendingTo help strengthen your heart, try the following exercise from grief recovery specialist, Paula Shaw. Our physical heart is a muscle. Like other muscles in our body, which get torn in the “training” process and heal stronger than before, our heart can be healed through the pain and made stronger for the future. For grief counseling and support group resources, visit our website http://nextstepsco.com/resources.html
 Retirement Jobs — For those working past retirement age, RetirementJobs.com is a great resource. If you’re over the age of 50, you can join for free and browse job listings from major companies with hiring practices that are not age-discriminatory.  Along with a growing number of labor analysts, RetirementJobs.com's human resources experts observe that a long-predicted workforce change is now underway. The change, possibly the largest since women went to work en masse in the 1970's, is spurred by several factors. Among them: population shifts that have baby boomers turning age 65 amidst a dwindling supply of younger workers, health changes that have people living longer than ever, a new definition of retirement that includes a desire to stay active or a need to remain gainfully employed (see "What is a Retirement Job?"), and new research confirming what many may have known all along-- that, on top of experience, older workers bring valuable traits such as lower turnover, greater dependability, a stronger work ethic, and flexibility over work schedule and pay.  At RetirementJobs.com, their goal is to identify companies most-suited to older workers and match them with active, productive, conscientious, mature adults seeking a job or project that matches their lifestyle. Are seeking to supplement your income, a new challenge, a way to get out and meet people, or another reason? This article is reprinted from the About Us page at retirementjobs.com
 When trying to save money, the first place to look is in your own backyard. Are you wasting money by being a less-than-savvy shopper or not using certain products the right way? Are you spending on something that you could get for free? Could your home be a source of income for you? Are there decent jobs out there for retired people? Use the resources below to find out some practical ways you can spend less, earn more, and ease your financial burden. Read through this article from U.S. News for simple ways to save 1. Shop for new Medicare coverage. It is a mistake to assume that last year's Medicare coverage is still the best deal for you. Health reform has accelerated changes that were already affecting Medicare policies and prices.
2. Try one shopping trip a week. This will limit impulse purchases, force you to do better meal planning, and also cut down on car expenses. 3. Bargain for lower interest rates. Why should everyone benefit from lower rates but you? If you have any debt outstanding, now is the time to seek a better deal. 4. Refinance your mortgage. With home loan rates at 50-year lows, take a careful look at refinancing. How much will it cost you? Divide this by the number of years you expect to stay in your home. Then look at how much your monthly payments would decline with a lower mortgage rate. How many years will it take you to come out ahead? If it's only a few years, get yourself into a bank or other mortgage lender now. 5. Pay annually if you can. Insurance and other annual services will let you pay the bill in smaller monthly installment payments. But while these monthly payments are not considered a loan, that is exactly what they are. You wind up paying the equivalent of interest in the form of higher payments. 6. Buddy up on groceries. Build a shopping list for that weekly supermarket trip with a neighbor or other friend. You'll get some good social time and save money by buying larger sizes and splitting them. 7. Buddy up on travel, too. Every time you find yourself going on an errand by yourself, ask if there might have been a friend you could have taken along. And for vacations, it's often possible to lower the per-person costs if you travel with friends. 8. Brew it yourself. OK. Every list needs something you can ignore. Go get that venti latte! 9. Don't buy movies and books. The library remains a great way to save a buck on books and movies. If you're comfortable with eBooks and streaming videos, check to see if your library has started offering digital lending. Many have. 10. Never pay a late fee. Make a list of when all your payments are due. If you use online bill payments and are not worried about overdrafts on your bank account, set your recurring bills for automatic payment and save time along with those late fees. 11. Unplug unused devices. I tried this and the results showed up right away in the next month's power bill. Most electronic devices use a bit of power even when you're not using them. Make it a habit to only plug things in when you're using them. Maybe your family room won't be lit up like Bourbon Street anymore with all those little lights. 12. Turn off heat to unused rooms. This is a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many obvious things we don't do. If you use hot-water radiators, make sure you bleed off any air pockets that have built up in them since last winter. 13. Use programmable thermostats. Why heat up (or cool down) your home when no one is there? It's one thing to turn down thermostats during the winter, but it's even better to program your home's temperatures to turn off the heat (without risking pipe damage) when you're not there or at night when you're sleeping. 14. Merge your home phone and cellular services. As the number of cell phones continues to soar past the total for landlines, the question of whether you really need both is getting louder. 15. Generic is good. Look for generic store brands and give them a try. And when it comes to prescriptions, there is even less reason to stick with branded drugs if identical generic versions are available. 16. Flaunt your age for discounts. If there is one virtue of old age that is worth exploiting, it is senior discounts. Look for them. Use them. 17. Make your own birthday and other event cards. The mark-up on greetings cards must be enough to make the folks at Exxon jealous. By crafting your own messages, you will save money. Even more, that personal touch will probably make a very favorable impact on the recipient. 18. Drink water, not soda. And I don't mean bottled water. Changing this single habit will help your wallet gain weight while the rest of you slims down. 19. No partial loads. Do not waste energy, water, and detergent by doing partial loads of dishes or laundry. 20. Barter. I truly believe the Internet was created to let us swap stuff. So, before you go out and buy a new appliance or hardware tool, see if you can find someone online willing to trade it for something you have. If you're not in a rush, go to Craigslist and set up automated email alerts for the items you're seeking. Senior Discounts — This collection of links comes from the Frugal Living section at About.com. Listed are places around the country – from movie theaters and fast food to airlines and car companies – that offer a discount to senior citizens.  Belk: First Tuesday of the month. 15% discount. Ages 55+.
Best Western: At least 10% off regular room rates. Late checkouts and other offers also available. AARP or Ages 55+. Budget Rent a Car: Up to 20% off rates (both standard and promotional). Must be AARP member. Burger King: Discounts vary by location. Often a free or discounted drink. Chick-Fil-A: Offer varies by location. Chili's: A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 55+. Choice Hotels - Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban, Econo Lodge, Rhodeway Inn: Everyday. 10% discount with Mature Travelers rate. Ages 50+20-30% discount with advanced reservations (Sixty Plus Rate). AMC Theaters: Discount on Tuesdays. Ages 60+. Amtrak: Everyday. 15% discount on adult rail fare with some exclusions. Ages 62+. Applebees: A 10% discount with free Golden Apple Card. Arby's: A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 55+. Avis: Up to 25% off. Must be AARP member. Banana Republic: 10% discount everyday. Ages 50+. Discount and age may vary by location. Denny's: AARP members get a 20% discount off the total check amount from 4pm-10pm. Coffee is $1 a cup round the clock for members and guests. DoubleTree: Ages 62+ are eligible for the senior rate. Enterprise: 5% off rental, plus free upgrade; 20% in Florida. AARP members only. Farm Fresh: 5% off Tuesdays and Thursdays.55+. Goody’s: Join Club 50 Plus (free), and get 20% off every Tuesday. Goodwill: 10% discount one day a week for ages 55+. Specifics may vary by location. Greyhound: 5% discount on unrestricted passenger fares. Ages 62+ Hampton Inn: AARP members get up to 10% off best available rate. Hardee’s: Offer varies by location. Harris Teeter: 5% off every Thursday (with store card). Ages 60+. Hertz: Up to 25% off rates for AARP members. Holiday Inn Express: Get a discount at participating locations. Ages 62+. Hyatt: Save up to 50% at participating hotels. Ages 62+. IHOP: A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 55+ Jiffy Lube: Many locations offer a discount for ages 55+. Kellogg's: Special coupons just for AARP members. Kohl’s: Every Wednesday. 15% discount. Ages 62+. Kroger: Day and age requirement varies by location. 10% off total order. Landry Restaurants: Bubba Gump, Chart House, Claim Jumper, Landry's Seafood, Rainforest Cafe, Saltgrass Steakhouse and more. 10% off food and drinks for up to six people. Excludes alcohol. La Quinta: AARP members save up to 10%. Also a senior discount rate for ages 65+. Long John Silvers: Discount for ages 55+ at participating locations. Marriott Hotels: A discount of at least 15% for ages 62+. Good seven days a week. McDonald's: Everyday. Discounted senior coffee. Michael's: Save 10% on regular and sale-priced purchases with AARP card. Some exclusions apply. Motel 6: 10% discount at over 900 locations. Ages 60+ Mrs.Fields: A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 60+. National Car Rental: Everyday. Call 1-800-CAR-RENT for details. Ages 50+. AARP members save up to 25%. National Parks: Free entrance to national parks with purchase of $10 Senior Pass. Norwegian Cruise Line: 5% discount for AARP members. Must book nine months in advance. Radisson: 10% off the standard rate. Ages 60+. Regal Cinema: A discounted senior movie ticket for ages 60+. Ross: 10% off on Tuesdays for ages 55+ at participating locations. Shoney’s: Everyday. 10% discount. Ages 60+. Starwood Hotels - aloft, Elements, Four Points, Sheraton, St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin. Up to 20% off best available rates. AARP members or 50+. Steinmart: A 10% discount the first Monday of every month. SuperCuts: $2 off hair cut. Ages 60+. Taco Bell: Free drinks for seniors at participating locations. Tanger Outlets: Free coupon book for AARP members. Includes discounts of up to 20% off. TCBY: A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 55+. Teleflora: A 20% discount everyday for AARP members. Wendy's: A free drink at some locations. Ages 55+. Wyndham - Baymont, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Hawthorn Suites, Knights Inn, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8, Travelodge, and Wingate by Wyndham. AARP members get up to 20% off of the best available rate. Non-members ages 50+ get 10% off.  Spending time with people that are perceived as different than us can be difficult. We oftentimes feel as if we have nothing in common with them and so we feel awkward and uncomfortable; we don’t want to waste our time and energies being there. Throughout the holiday season as you spend time with older family and friends, be prepared for the unexpected in regard to behavior and interactions based on how life and age affect us. It’s ALWAYS hard for us to be faced with seeing and interacting with decline in our loved ones. Our responses to the decline in our loved ones greatly impacts the way our children interact with them also. It’s our job to help them have a POSITIVE perception of aging, and of their elders. Our kids will mirror how we respond. This is an excellent opportunity to set the standard for their behavior with the elderly (they too will one day become elderly - as unimaginable as that may seem). This is crucial as these little children will be the ones responding to us when we are elderly (yes, you too will one day grow old)! Older adults need the life/livelihood of kids and teens just as the lives of youngsters are enhanced by interactions with their seniors. Help them enjoy these holiday visits by preempting some of the discomfort that they may feel.  Prepare Them
Humanize Them
Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. Mark Twain Dealing with cognitive impairment can bring out many strong emotions. As the disease progresses, caregiving issues can often ignite or magnify family conflicts. These strategies can help families cope with the situation together. Tips for Families Listen to each family member with respect
Discuss caregiving responsibilities
 Continue to talk
 Seek outside help If tensions and disagreements are ongoing, you may want to seek help from a trusted third party, such as a spiritual leader, mediator or counselor. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help everyone take a step back and work through the difficult issues. To schedule a Family Meeting or to get professional resource referrals, contact Next Step Senior Care Inc at [email protected], 949-573-8504. The content on this page is taken from https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-family-conflicts.asp
 "Look at all the sugar in these cereals," the shrunken, 85-year old man said aloud at my local CVS drugstore. As he reached for the Cheerios off the shelf, our eyes met. "I'm down to one teaspoon in my coffee, instead of three. Heck, during WWII I was happy if the coffee was even hot." His eyes welled with tears. "I never used to cry, but I seem to cry all the time now," said the man I'd soon learn was called Frank. "That's good," I replied with a big smile, "it means you're normal and human." Frank returned the smile as he started to tell me more about his buddies in the service. I glanced at the milk I had just put into my cart, and thought about how much more needed to get done during this busy holiday season. When I looked up at Frank, our eyes connected once more, and my heart made a decision to be in the moment and enjoy the gift of conversation. Together in Aisle 9, I listened as he talked about his wartime experience, and the largest land battle ever fought by our country -- the Battle of the Bulge. "Do you know that there were over 70,000 American casualties during that battle alone?" "Yes, I do because my Dad was captured in that Battle, and became a Prisoner of War in Stalag 11B." Frank's eyes were alert when I shared the story of how Dad's frozen feet were saved thanks to the friendship he developed with Peter, the cook's 8-year-old son, during his brief hospital stay. The boy, who wanted to learn English, was drawn to my Dad's warmth, smile and playful nature. As a thank you for a full day of lessons, Peter brought Dad a bottle of schnapps the night before the German doctors were going to amputate his feet. Dad drank the liquor, massaged his feet all night through the intense pain and got enough circulation going to prevent the operation. Frank chuckled when I shared how Dad ended up playing professional football for the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles with those same feet! Our conversation went back and forth, and I lost all track of time. Eventually, it came to a natural close. Frank put out his hand, and warmly said, "Thank you for taking the time to talk with me." "It was my pleasure," I said, "but a handshake won't do. I want a big holiday hug!" As I held this sweet, dear man in my arms, I could feel his body shake as he can no longer hold back tears. As I took my warm milk to the check-out counter, I reflected on the incredible gift of perspective Frank had just given me. Who cared what didn't get done today?! I had the freedom and privilege to sleep in a warm bed tonight and enjoy a hot cup of coffee tomorrow. Plus, Frank reminded me of the one gift that's difficult to find, yet never requires wrapping- the gift of time. May you choose to give this incredible gift to those you love - including you. Reprinted with permission by Colette Carlson http://colettecarlson.com/must-give-gift-season/
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26975 Calle Hermosa Ste #4 Capistrano Beach Ca 92624