SENIOR CONNECTIONS

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER TOPIC OF THE MONTH

(SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011)

TIPS ON STAYING INDEPENDENT FOR LIFE

-A HEALTHY BODY AND A SAFE HOME

Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization and at times deaths among adults 65 and older. Falls can result in lasting, serious consequences, affecting mobility, independence and mental health.

Falls are not accidents! They are not random, uncontrollable acts of fate, but occur in predictable patterns, with recognizable risk factors and among identifiable populations, such as older adults. A fall is a predictable and preventable event.

Another tip relates to prescription and non-prescription drugs that help us to maintain a healthy body. Certain types of drugs, however, have side effects that may cause dizziness and loss of balance. It is imperative that health providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists) check your list of personal medication regularly to minimize these side effects.

Another way to maintain a healthy body is to stay active and do strength and balance exercises periodically.

Suffolk County, Department of Health Services has conducted seminars on “Staying Independent for Life”. Senior Connections attended a seminar in May 2011 and obtained pertinent written material as follows:

*Home Hazard Screening Checklist

*Personal Medication Record Card

*Strength and Balance Exercise Manual

*What is a Safe, Comfortable Shoe

A copy of this package of tips on staying independent for life can be obtained from the library reference desk.

TIPS ON MAXIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY (July-August 2011)

During times of ever-increasing energy costs it is wise that attention is paid to maximizing energy efficiency to offset some of the costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy has a website and printed material on saving energy and money. Among the search sites on the HOME page are energy saving tips for YOUR HOME and for YOUR VEHICLE. Also available through the website is a publication titled “Energy Savers Booklet – Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home”.

Go to energysavers.gov to navigate the website.

ASSESSING YOUR RETIREMENT READINESS May-June 2011

Whether you are retired or approaching retirement, retirement readiness is an essential factor in your decision making process.
MetLife Mature Market Institute is a research organization established in 1997 to cover issues of aging and longevity. It is offering a free guide to help prepare you for the golden years. The "MetLife Retirement Readiness Workbook" offers tips about a successful transition to retirement and an assessment that will help you evaluate how prepared you are, financially and psychologically, even if you are already retired.
To obtain the guide go to MatureMarketInstitute@MetLife.

com and type "retirement readiness" in the search box. MetLife Mature Market Institute can also be reached by mail:

57 Green Farms Road
Westport, Ct 06880

or by phone at (203) 221-6580

TACKLING ELDER LAW AND ESTATE PLANNING

March - April 2011

There are many important decisions to make when planning for a family's future needs and protection. "Your Guide to Elder Law and Estate Planning", published by the law firm of Genser, Dubow & Cona, provides useful information on elder law and estate planning issues, It poses questions and provides answers to some of the most common concerns regarding asset protection planning, Medicaid benefits, Last Will and Testament, Trusts, and others.

To obtain a copy go online to www.elder@genserlaw.com or call 631-390-5000

NEW HEALTH CARE REFORM LAW - January-February 2011

Shedding Light on new Health Care Reform law
Straight talk for seniors

The new law signed by President Obama on March 23, 2010, officially titled "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act", has created much anxiety and confusion as to its impact on seniors.

The National Council On Aging (NCOA) has launched a national educational campaign to help seniors understand what's in the new law and how it will affect them. NCOA, in concert with the Kaiser Family Foundation and others, has provided a website which details significant aspects of the law in the following three categories:

*Summary of New Health Reform Law
*Health Reform Implementation Timeline
*Explanation of Part D Coverage Gap protection

To obtain pertinent information on the health reform law, go to ncoa.org/straighttalk, click on "Health Care Reform", and navigate through the three aforementioned categories. You can also visit the library during Senior Connections hours and we will be glad to provide you with a hard copy.

MEDICARE AND MEDICAID - November-December 2010

DISCOVERING "THE ESSENTIALS"

This booklet publication is issued by the Mature Market Institute, a research organization for METLIFE.

Seniors often have questuins relating to Medicare and Medicaid. The "Q and A" format of the publication briefly answers the most pertinent questions in a clear and concise manner. Some very significant topics covered are: eligibility, application, guidelines, options, current prescription drug "donut hole" limits, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and others.

To obtain a copy of "THE ESSENTIALS" - Medicare and medicaid, go to www.MatureMarketInstitute@MetLife.com or call 203-221-6580

SINCE YOU CARE September - October 2010

A Guide About Aging-related Legal Matters

Caregivers face many challenges as they search for information and make decisions about how best to provide care to their loved ones.

The MetLife Mature Market Institute in cooperation with the National Alliance For Caregiving has published a guide titled "Legal Matters", which offers general information about aging-related legal issues, health-care planning, and financial decisions. It covers topics such as trusts, wills, power-of-attorney, and others.

To obtain a copy of the booklet download one at www.MatureMarketInstitute.com or call 203-221-6580.