Nothing irritates me more than the phrase, “At your age…” In fact, it is the cause of some of my petty quarrels with my daughter. It always makes me snap back, “At my age, what#8221; 

I won’t deny that I am old. Early this month, I turned 71 – way past the threshold age of 65 when one becomes an “elderly.” My age is etched on my face and hands, on the slowness of my gait, and pains in my knees.

But to be often told, “At your age…,” is irritating and aggravating. As if my age suddenly puts a cap on things I can do or cannot do. It’s kind of being constantly reminded, like a child, to behave.

Because of internal biological changes that come with aging, health and money issues, together with some genetic predisposition, elderly people tend to exhibit sensitivity to a broad range of issues and substances. And to be patronized will not make things any better for them.

So if you are a carer or have elderly people in your home, exercise sensitivity in dealing with them. Words can be misinterpreted or the slightest nuance in your tone can do untold psychological damage.

How to Treat Elderly People

Elderly people have been through a lot in life. Inasmuch as they don’t want to feel “entitled,” they also don’t want to be patronized. So here are a few things you can do to make them feel better…

1.  Treat them as human beings

Old age doesn’t make them less a human being than you or anyone younger. So treat them with the same respect you would a younger person.

They may have some physical handicaps or a little slow in processing thoughts and ideas but their sensitivity to the world around them has not diminished. Yes, they may be a little more patient than before, but they can feel if they are treated any less than they deserve.

2.  Talk to an elderly like you talk to a close friend

Baby-talking to the elderly is condescending. And raising your voice, unless he has hearing problems, can make him sulk and mope or, worse, respond in kind. Either way, you both lose.

So talk to an elderly like you would a close friend – warm, jovial, and amiable. This manner of talking can raise his self-worth and may improve his mental health.

3.  Don’t give a bit of advice unless he/she asks for it

My face always feels smitten each time my daughter advises me on things I have been doing long before she was born, i.e., when to sleep, what to eat, what clothes to wear, how to drive, etc. I think it’s plain ridiculous.

Elderly people have gone through a lot. No matter how highly you think of yourself, you haven’t seen, or done, or experienced the things the elderly in your care or home have.

So keep your opinions to yourself unless asked. Or if it is obviously for their benefit.

But say it nicely.

4.  Listen to what an elderly is saying

It is always impolite to interrupt a person who is talking. It is plain disrespectful to the elderly.

Wait for your turn – even during brief lulls in a conversation. His moments of silence may be due to memory problems or difficulties in his thought processes.

Remember that listening goes both ways. It is only through listening that you can give an appropriate answer.

5.  Speak clearly and distinctly

Enunciate clearly every word you say to avoid ambiguity or misunderstanding. Though they may not admit it, hearing loss is a natural consequence of aging.

Speak in a clear and friendly voice. If a hearing-problem is an issue, speak close to an elderly’s ear instead of shouting to avoid being taken as antagonistic.

6.  Be compassionate

Seniors, like me, don’t want to admit the struggles they face each day of their lives

They struggle with health issues, loneliness, nutrition problems, and aches and pains.

Some go on for days without somebody to talk to or remain indoors without feeling the life-giving warmth of the sun, while others have money issues. They inwardly grieve over their handicaps or the inevitability of death.

But for them, to bitch about the inconvenience or handicaps impose on them by age is counter-productive. They don’t diminish their struggles but burden them some more.

They just put a good face, merrily going about their chores despite the turmoil going on inside.

While they may not expect special treatment but would appreciate a bit of compassion, or understanding, or empathy.

7.  Put yourself in their shoes

Someone, younger than me, asked what it feels to be old. I told him, “get old first so you will know.”

Only the elderly knows how it is to be elderly. But in your moments of introspection or enlightenment, put yourself in their shoes, imagine that you are one. And you must. Because someday, you will be an elderly, too.

It would be tragic to ruin your old age by feelings of remorse for the treatment you gave them when you were young and could have made a big difference in their lives.

So even for a few seconds in a given day, imagine that you are them and they are you. That should give you a lot of insights into how it is to be old.

In this millennial-driven world, elderly people are often sidelined. Younger people take them as too slow, too cranky, or too sickly. Their time is passé and their thoughts and ideas are irrelevant in this hi-tech world.

Longer life spans and small birthrates have made the proportion of elderly people around the world go up. In fact, it is estimated that by the year 2050, 22% of the world’s population will be people age 60 and above.

Today 46 million Americans are aged 65 and above. This number is expected to increase to 98 million by 2060.

By then you will be one of them. Would you want to be treated then like how you are treating your elderly now?

Take it from Judi Dench who said, “Anything we can do to improve the lives of the elderly is welcome so far as I am concerned.”

Don’t you think you should do your share as well?

~oOo~

The post How to Treat Elderly People Without Being Patronizing first appeared on Age With Charm.

Ten years ago, I turned 60. A day before I did, I mused, “Tomorrow I will be 60 years old. What would life be like#8221;

Two days later, I found the answer, “It’s the same.” Life was still the same at 60 as it was at 59. The only earth-shattering event that came upon me was the unexpected death of my wife towards the end of the year.

The circumstances of her demise are something I could never forget. They haunt me every now and then. So far, I have succeeded (with much effort) in keeping them at bay. I can’t bring her back to life even if I cry buckets of tears. But I can fill my life with fun as a balm to ease the pain of her loss.

We are all scarred:

At this point in life, it is almost certain that you have had one or two traumatic experiences. It could be failed expectations, an errant child, a major career blunder, bankruptcy, an ugly divorce or death of a spouse, and many others.

They mark you. Like scars on your face, they bring back a deluge of painful memories each time you look at the mirror. Tears of sadness fill your lonely moments, making you feel melancholic and depressive.

But life must go on, so to speak. And dwelling on your past sorrows removes the fun out of living. It makes you miss all the wonderful things that surround you – hidden behind cobwebs of misery that cover your eyes.

Never give in:

Despite my scars, and at 70, I am having much fun – by force of will. Like all seniors, I am not impervious to age-related issues.

I have a constant bout against loneliness, a mild case of hypertension and my knees are ravaged by osteoarthritis. But in hindsight, I am more fortunate than others. Statistics show that:

• 4 in 5 seniors suffer at least one chronic condition or illness like heart disorders, arthritis, or osteoporosis. One half, at least two.
• People over 75 years old visit the doctor 3 times more often than people 22 to 44 years old.
• An estimated 1 in 10 senior citizens are victims of elder abuse, the intentional acts by a caregiver that lead to physical, psychological, or emotional harm.
• US poverty rates are highest for people 65 and older, with 10.5% living in poverty.

But will these problems disappear or go away if you dwell on them too much NO! They are your new realities. You cannot avoid them. You must embrace them for these issues can bring out the best in you.

And you can – if you give it much effort. Modern science and medicine have evolved so much since the time of your parents to provide coping strategies that will allow you to live a normal happy life until the end of your days.

Take heed from these lines of the song, Don’t Worry, Be Happy:

                               In every life, we have some trouble

                               But when you worry you make it double.

Never give in. Fight back or devise coping mechanisms. It’s fun, believe me. It’s like winning a game of hide-and-seek.

Bring out the child in you:

Cecelia Ahern said, “Age is just a number, not a state of mind…” – Cecilia Ahern.

Meaning you can be old in your youth, or youthful in old age. And what better time to be young than now – while you still can?

I derive so much fun from my writing, sprinkled with solo long drives, or an overnight stay in a remote island resort. Except for a few friends with the same bandwidth as mine, I relish being alone.

Should I feel like connecting with others, I can easily talk to anybody I meet. I can talk to the guy at the next table in a coffee shop, a street cleaner, a security guard, or anybody who don’t mind talking to an old stranger like. Most of all, I love talking to foreigners (good for my conversational English. LOL!).

What about you What gives you much fun?

Choice Connections lists 13 fun activities for seniors. They can be done solo, or in a group setting. If none of them appeals to the child in you, devise your own.

Join a singing group if your vocal cords can still handle the right notes. If you are still as nimble as a brown hare, join a dance club.

Having fun is personal. That’s why I drink alone or take long drives alone.

But whatever you do, don’t ever let age stop you from doing it.

 “Old age” as we currently know it is just a fictional story we tell ourselves. – Joseph F. Coughlin said, “Old age, as we currently know it, is just a fictional story we tell ourselves.”

Then adds, “It is not about plain survival, either. But having lots of fun.”

The last weekend of January was fun-filled for me. I was in for a ride to Bacolod with my daughter and son-in-law. We were part of a 13-can convoy of Toyota FG Cruisers – those big and expensive cars men suffering from mid-life crises play with.

I love trips like that for two reasons: First – I don’t have to spend anything (my daughter takes care of that, and, Second: I get to rub elbows with people who are successful in their careers.

There were four doctors in the group (my daughter and her hubby, and two others), the rest were businessmen. Some brought their families along, while a few came solo.  I had so much fun being immersed in the banter among the group. No, they don’t talk about serious stuff, except when they talk about their car accessories and what more to add.

Bacolod is one of the three bustling cities in Central Philippines (the other two are Cebu and Iloilo).

It has all the amenities of comfortable living (It is not so crowded as Cebu) and there are nice restaurants to dine in and tourist places to visit. It is peaceful and the people are great. nice. latest But they all had fun

If you are living in a very stifling, polluted and densely-populated city as I do, Bacolod is a great place to visit for a short break.

~oOo~

The post Old Age Should be Full of Fun, not Pain first appeared on Age With Charm.

If you are experiencing breathlessness, chest pain, wheezing, coughing with some sputum, you are showing symptoms of respiratory diseases. They will cause breathing difficulties and may cost you a good night’s sleep.

Some respiratory diseases do not respond to Grandma’s home-cure recipe of a “couple of decongestants, lots of rest and drink plenty of water.” They need a visit to your doctor. You may have something more serious than a common cold.

What are Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are pathological conditions that affect the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system, like the upper respiratory tract, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles,  alveoli, pleura and the nerves and muscles of breathing.

There are several kinds of respiratory diseases, but Jim Meyer, DO, pulmonologist of Unity Point Health makes special mention of the top eight. Of these, four are common to seniors like you and me. They are:

Common Elderly Respiratory Diseases

It’s a wonderful time to be old, except if you have any of the medical issues related to aging.

Respiratory diseases are a good example. Aging stiffens the chest walls, the respiratory muscle loses strength, and respiratory centers become less sensitive. Because of these changes, you become prone to any of the following:

1.  Respiratory infections

These affect the upper respiratory tract like tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, otitis media, some types of flu, and the common cold.

Symptoms

Their symptoms include coughs, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion headache, low-grade fever, facial pressure, and sneezing.

Causes, treatment, and avoidance of upper respiratory tract infections

Respiratory infections are almost always caused by self-limiting viruses and will be gone after a day or two rest and medications.

Treatment can be any, or combination of the following:

• Nasal decongestants
• Steam inhalation or gargling with a salt solution
• Analgesics like acetaminophen and NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs), to reduce fever, aches, and pains.

Home-grown prevention involves proper washing of hands, covering of face while sneezing or coughing, plenty of rest and keep away from the weather, especially during cold months.

2.  Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a respiratory disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria and mostly affects the lungs.

The disease is spread through the air – when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit. A few of these germs is enough to infect a healthy person.

Though curable, seniors are prone to get the disease because of age-related immune system deficiency.

Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following, consult your doctor:

• Coughing that lasts three or more weeks
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sweating at night
• Chills
• Loss of appetite

TB risk factors

You have a high chance of getting TB if  you:

• Live, come from, or have spent time in a country or area with high incidences of the disease
• Have a prolonged close contact with someone who is infected
• Live in crowded conditions, or conditions that weaken your immune system
• Had a treatment that weakened your immune system like chemotherapy or biological agents
• Are in poor health or with poor diet because of lifestyle
• Have a drug or alcohol problems, or if you are homeless.

TB treatment

Treating tuberculosis is a long and lengthy process, about six to 9 months of taking drugs or a combination of drugs for drug-resistant TB. And this drug-taking regimen must be completed to remove the risk of a relapse – or contaminating others.

Some of the most common drugs to treat TB are:

• Isoniazid
• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• Ethambutol (Myambutol)
• Pyrazinamide

Drug-resistant TB requires a combination of antibiotics called “Flouroquinolones” and injectable medications like Amikacin, Kanamycin or Capreomycin which are used for 20 to 30 months.

These drugs, however, are not without side effects which are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundiced color
• Dark urine
• Fever that may last for three or more days

How to cope with TB

When you are diagnosed with TB, expect a drastic change in your lifestyle. Your days will be a routine of drug-taking which you must religiously follow if you want to rid yourself of the disease. You must:

• Make sure not to spread the disease
• Take your medications as scheduled and report any side-effects
• Notify your doctor if you relocate so arrangements could be made to continue treatment
• Eat healthy foods, exercise and get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong; help you recover faster.

3. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD is an umbrella term to describe progressive lung diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma.

It is progressive and is currently incurable. But if detected earlier and treated properly, COPD sufferers can breathe better and live for many more years.

COPD risk factors

Long-term and repeated exposure to irritants will damage the lungs and the airways resulting in COPD

These irritants come from:

• Smoking – the main culprit causing COPD. About 85 to 90% of all cases are caused by cigarette smoking. The toxins in cigarette smoke weaken the lung’s defenses against infection, narrow the air passages, swell air tubes and destroy air sacs.
• Environment: Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, dust, chemical fumes at work, home, and the general environment.
• Alpha-1 deficiency, properly called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, or AAT deficiency, is a genetic disease that can cause serious breathing problems.

COPD symptoms

Diagnosing COPD at its early stage is difficult because its symptoms are often taken as signs of aging. These are:

• Shortness of breath
• Frequent coughing (without mucus)
• Wheezing
• Tightness in chest
• Unexplained fatigue

If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor before it’s too late.

Treating COPD

COPD symptoms vary from people to people, therefore treatment programs also vary accordingly. But remember that the disease is incurable and any medical intervention is palliative, not curative.

Currently, these measures are recommended by the American Lung Association.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of exercise, education, and support to help you learn to breathe and function at the highest level possible. Your doctor’s recommendation is necessary to get into this program.
• Supplemental oxygen to provide your body with the oxygen supply it needs to carry on with your day-to-day life.
• Clinical trials participation to contribute to the knowledge in the treatment and management of COPD.
• Complementary therapies are therapies, philosophies, and practices not considered conventional or standard like yoga, massage, and acupuncture
• Palliative care is a specialty in medicine focused on treating the symptoms, pain, and stress that comes with a serious illness like COPD. Its goal is to help you and your family achieve the highest quality of life.

4.  Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma, or simply “asthma,” is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, causing periodic attacks of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

It is a common disease among people aged 65 and above and if not treated properly, may cause serious health problems.

Asthma symptoms

For asthmatics, the onset of an asthma attack is very obvious. If you are a new member of the club, take note of these symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Sleeping problems due to coughing or wheezing
• Whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling.

The severity of an asthma attack varies from people to people. However, regardless of severity, it is best to consult a physician so palliative moves can be designed for you before it gets worse.

What causes asthma

It still unclear why some people develop asthma while others don’t. So far, the medical field can only theorize that it is probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Asthma is an allergic reaction to substances and irritants around you such as:

• Airborne substances like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste
• Air pollutants and irritants like smoke
• Substances or preservatives found in food and drink like shrimps, dried fruits, processed potatoes, beer, and wine.

Certain illnesses like the common cold or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), can trigger an asthma attack, as well as cold temperatures, strong emotions like stress and physical activity.

Asthma can also be triggered by some medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and some beta blockers.

Asthma risk factors

There are a lot of risk factors that could cause an asthma attack. Some of them are:

• A family history of asthma
• Having another allergic condition like atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis
• Obesity
• Smoker, or exposed to second-hand smoke
• Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
• Exposure to occupational allergens like chemicals used in farming, hairdressing, solvents like paints, aerosol sprays, etc.

Asthma prevention:

So far, there is no treatment or cure for asthma. But you can prevent it from ruining your day through these simple steps:

Follow your asthma action plan 

A plan made by your doctor or health care team to prevent or minimize the severity of an attack. Write it down including the schedule of taking your medications and how to manage an asthma attack. Your plan can make you feel in control of the disease and your life.

Identify and avoid your asthma triggers

Prevention is better than the cure, so identify your asthma triggers to avoid an attack.

Monitor your breathing

Nobody knows you better than you. So when you see the first signs of an asthma attack, implement your asthma management plan. Get a peak flow meter (a device to measure how well air moves out of your lungs) and measure and record your peak air flow.

Treat attacks early

If an attack is imminent, treat it quickly before it gets worse. You also need lesser medications if you do. Then take a rest and get medical help according to your asthma action plan if things don’t improve.

Take your medication as prescribed

Always take your medications even if your asthma seems under control unless your doctor says so. Asthma is incurable and frequent asthma attacks is stressful to the heart.

Have flu and pneumonia vaccinations

Prevent serious complications from asthma by having flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Quick-relief inhaler

Consult your doctor if you are relying too much on your quick-relief inhaler like albuterol. It means your asthma is not under control and you may need another medication or a stronger dosage.

Your body needs about 550 liters of pure oxygen each day to function normally. Any reduction of this amount such as caused by a respiratory disease will have grave consequences on your health and well-being.

Image:https://www.philips.com.sg/healthcare/consumer/copd-care-and-solutions/all-about-copd/stages-of-copd

~oOo~

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The post How to Avoid Getting Sick from Respiratory Diseases first appeared on Age With Charm.

Can the life of a senior be described?

No! Objects can be described, but seniors are people and people cannot be described – especially seniors.

You have to live and experience it to know how it is to be one. So if you are not, be patient. You will soon find out.

Suffice it is to say that seniors are a diverse lot and how they live and experience their lives is highly individual-oriented.

But they are all driven by the same desire – to be happy.

These 20 adorable will augment that desire:

1.  The surprising thing about young fools is how many survive to become old fools.

2.  lt is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.

3.  By the time you are 80-yrs-old you have learned everything. You just have to remember it.

4.  In order to be old and wise, it is necessary to be young and stupid

5.  At my age, I’ve seen it all, I’ve heard it all and I’ve done it before. I just can’t remember it all.

6.  I live in that solitude that is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.

7.  The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.

8.  Wrinkles were not one of the things I wanted to have when I grew up.

9.  It’s frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you questions.

10.  I  have a photographic memory. Unfortunately, it no longer offers same day service.

11.  Young at heart, slightly older in other places.

12.  I’m not aging. I’m marinating.

13.  You know you are getting old when your pacemaker opens the garage door when you see a pretty girl.

14.  You know you are getting old when everything hurts and what doesn’t doesn’t work.

16.  Old age takes away what we’ve inherited, and gives us what we’re earned.

17.  Age isn’t important unless you’re wine.

18.  Aging is not “lost youth” but a new stage of opportunity and strength.

19.  Do not try to live forever. You will not succeed.

20.  Sex after 60 is like shooting pool with a rope.

And to inspire you all, be like George…

When asked by friends what he was doing now that he’s retired, his usual answer is:

“Well…I’m fortunate to have a chemical engineering background and one of the things I enjoy most is converting beer, wine, and whiskey into urine. It’s rewarding, uplifting, satisfying, and fulfilling. I do it every day and I really enjoy it.”

Groucho Marx said, “Anyone can get old, all you have to do is to live long enough.”

If you are reading this, you have lived long enough.

Please share these quotes with other seniors who need cheering up.

~oOo~

The post Twenty Adorable Quotes for Seniors first appeared on Age With Charm.

Have you been a victim of financial exploitation You probably have,  but didn’t know about it or too embarrassed to admit it.

Well, you are not alone. Statistics show that 26% of adult Americans have become victims of financial exploitation at some point in their lives, with 57% of them aged 50 and above.

That’s good news.

The bad news is that 58% of financial exploitation cases are committed by family members, while 17% are by close friends.

Here’s what it is…

“Financial exploitation” is the act by another person of taking your money or property, without your consent or knowledge and for his own benefit, depriving you of much-needed resources.

Sometimes called financial fraud, it comes in many forms, i.e., outright theft of money or property, making the victim alter important legal documents, living with an elderly rent-free, etc.

Elderly people are very vulnerable because they are very naive and trusting, and most of the victims are living alone.

Here are real-life examples:

–  A grandma asked his grandson to withdraw money using her ATM. And he did. What she didn’t know was that he was withdrawing more than she asked him to. She found out later when she inquired about her bank balance.

–  Another elderly was astonished to find out that her daughter changed her lease agreement and tried to take over her apartment. Not contented, she stole money from her aging mother.

You must have similar stories and thought they cannot happen to you. Don’t bet on it. They can if you are not careful.

These simple tips can help you avoid becoming a victim:

1.  Be aware of the risk factors:

If you live alone, socially isolated, and starting to show a cognitive decline, you are potential prey to financial exploitation.

You can minimize your risk by getting connected with family, friends, neighbors or anybody you can trust to help you manage your resources.

Trust, however, is a fluid commodity where money is concerned. So keep them at arms’ length from your money by keeping accurate records of your transactions. This will deter anybody from thinking of doing something you will regret someday.

2.  Don’t get into something suspicious:

More often than not, we do something against our better judgment.

If you think a proposal smells fishy, think about it a few days before jumping in. Better still, consult your family lawyer to understand its pros and cons.

Never rush into doing something you might be sorry for later.

Be very wary, especially about “double your money, or get rich schemes.” Most of the time, they are scams.

3.  Don’t go into joint accounts:

Joint accounts give equal rights over an estate to the other party, creating the condition for financial exploitation.

Consult with your banker the pros and cons of such an agreement before going into it. Know the mechanics of how to manage your account in case of emergencies or if you get incapacitated.

4.  Keep your home:

If you want to retire in place, never sign any document pertaining your home. You might end up living on the streets before you know it.

So many seniors became homeless this way.

5.  Have a confidante:

Chronic loneliness is not good for your physical and mental health. It clouds your judgment, makes you careless and irrational.

To avoid this, have somebody to confide in regularly like a family member, a friend or a priest to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

They can assist you in making financial decisions; help you put in order your check balances, and help you identify potential problems before they happen.

6.  Don’t be too trusting:

This may not be the best way to live a happy and stress-free retirement life, but when it comes to money treat everybody “guilty unless proven innocent,” especially phone callers.

For example, if you ask a relative to do ATM transactions, always ask for the printout. Don’t worry about offending his sensibilities. If he is well-meaning, he won’t. Only people with bad intentions get offended by this apparent show of distrust.

7.  Set up a revocable trust:

A revocable trust is a trust whereby provisions can be altered ot canceled dependent on the grantor (owner). This provides excellent financial protection for seniors, says Bob Mauterstock, an elder care planning expert.

8.  Set up a durable power of attorney:

This is a legal document giving someone you choose the power to act on your behalf should you become physically or mentally incapacitated.

But the person you choose to represent you must be someone you can trust your life on because the POA gives him unlimited access to your funds.

Falling victim to financial exploitation is very traumatic; it is like being robbed blind in broad daylight. It will affect your lifestyle, probably drive you to poverty.

So take all precautions not to fall into it. It is better to lose the goodwill of some family members or friends than lose your hard-earned money.

Please share to warn other seniors to be very careful in matters pertaining their finances.

Image: http://www.kcarplaw.com/financial-elder-abuse/

~oOo~

The post How to Avoid Financial Exploitation first appeared on Age With Charm.

Do you know that people like What do Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Mark Zuckerberg, to name a few, have two things in common?

First, they are not only rich but the super-rich.

Second, they live on a budget.

As incredulous it may seem, they do budget their expenses – the size of which, however, is something we can only gawk in awe. As the saying goes, “Large buttons need large buttonholes.”

Which underscores the importance of having a budget – regardless of button size. In fact, the smaller the button, the more imperative a budget is.

Here’s why…

Why is a budget necessary in old age

Yes, elderly people like you and me have fewer needs. But no matter how minimalist you want yourself to be, there are certain items that you cannot let go or avoid without affecting your comfort and well-being.

Here are a few of them:

• Nutritious food
• Health care
• Home repairs
• Water and power bills or mortgage payments (if you are still having some)
• Travel and entertainment
• Day-to-day sundry expenses

These cost items stare at us every waking day of our retirement lives. They are very real and they need monthly allocations if you want to enjoy your retirement years. At it a time when you are supposed to enjoy life, it would be tragic if you can’t because of your failure to budget for them.

Without a sensible and working budget, you may deny yourself of nutritious food, or unable to buy your necessary prescription drugs. Without budgeting for home repairs, you may end up living in a home that can fall apart at any time due to disrepair, or suffer long wintry months from cold because you cannot pay your utility bills.

Making a budget is admittedly difficult. Many people scorn at the thought of making one. “It’s too difficult,” they say. Or “my income is too small to make a budget for.”

No income is too small to make a budget out of. In fact, the smaller your income, the more imperative a budget is.

Too difficult to make, Well, Payoff.com can help you.

But the real problem where budgets or budgeting is concerned is not in its difficulty to make or size of income, but on making it work, or sticking to it.

This article is intended to help you get over these hurdles. So stay with me…

How to prevent budget problems

Preventing budget problems require the discipline of an ascetic. In our current world of e-commerce, it is often difficult to resist TV ads, on FB, or unsolicited offers that land in your Inbox.

Not only must you make it work to rid your retirement days with financial problems, but you must also exercise creativity to pare it off to have some cash for unexpected expenses.

Here are a few tips to do that…

1.  Food and grocery expenses:

About 13% of a live-alone senior’s retirement expenses are for food and groceries, according to the  NPD (National Purchase Diary), 13% of a live-alone retiree’s monthly expenses are spent on food and groceries.

You can shave this off by 10% by using your senior citizens’ discount privileges or buy food items from discount grocery stores. And when dining out, patronize restaurants that offer discounts to senior citizens.

2.  Household expenses:

Another huge expense item in your budget is “household expenses,” which could eat up 43% of your monthly retirement income.

These expenses can range from extra water bills due to leaks, or unwanted power bills due to excessive lighting.

Do regular checks for leaks on your faucets and piping, the water closet, lawn taps, or your bathroom shower. Lower the wattage of bulbs you are using or switch to LED lamps. Turn off your TV set when you feel drowsy or go to bed, and other appliances you are not using.

If you are strong enough to do some DIY stuff around the house, do it rather than paying a handyman to do it  The Family Handyman has a list of things you can do yourself with ease.

3.  Transportation expenses:

Of course, you have to move about or risk being isolated. But be careful, studies show that roughly 14% of an elderly’s monthly expenses go to transportation.

But you can trim them down by doing these simple things:

• Avail of carpools if one is available, or take a bus if you live along a bus route. If a subway line is within the immediate vicinity, take it rather than drive.
• If you still drive and are using one of those gas-guzzlers, swap it for one with a little engine. It still serves the same purpose but with the added bonus of saving on gas expenses.
• When buying foodstuffs, ride-on a friend or a neighbor who is going out to be his goodies;
• If you are up to the task, bike rather than drive. It is good exercise and saves fuel, too.

4.  Avail of government benefits or utility discounts for seniors:

The government provides certain benefits and discounts for seniors. Check your local chapter of the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) so you won’t miss them out.

For example:
–  Energy bill discounts are granted through the LIEHAP (Low Energy Home Assistance Program);

–  The Link UP or LifeLine programs give basic telephone services;

–  Affordable medical costs are provided by the MediCal and Affordable Act (Obamacare). Health expenses account for roughly 11% of a retiree’s monthly expenses.

They may not cover much, but any reduction in your monthly budget can help a lot in letting you ride out any financial needs you may have in the future.

5.  Other money-saving areas to consider:

A friend once remarked that a lack of money can make an elderly age rapidly.

He may be right, but it should not stop a senior from having fun.

So if you find reading fun but can’t afford to buy books. download free books from the Internet, or go to the nearest library and enjoy as much as you can for free.

For outdoor entertainment, check your local chamber of commerce if concerts or movies at the park.

Join the mailing list of local colleges and universities in your area to get updates on free displays, lectures, and symposiums. Take free courses for seniors. The mental enrichment they provide is invaluable.

I know a lot of people who don’t make a budget because they think it’s pointless. Their resources are not enough to make a budget.

Maybe they are right. But without one, it is impossible to cover all the necessary day-to-day expenses. They will either spend it needlessly or miss those that are really needed.

Without a budget, you will never know where limited cash went.

I know it is difficult to make a budget if you can’t even make both ends meet. I know how it feels I was once there. Somehow we made it. I was able to put both my children through college – something I could never have done if I and my wife did not exercise care in managing our scant resources.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Beware of small expenses; a small leak will sink a ship.” 

Yes, your financial ship will sink if you can’t help buying things you don’t need. If you want to prevent problems, live simply and buy only those you need, not what you want.

And while you are at it, you can help a lot of seniors if you share this post. After all, sharing is one of the hallmarks of a loving heart.

Image: //bit.ly/2tEScMc

~oOo~

The post How to Prevent Budget Problems first appeared on Age With Charm.

Are you a DIY (do it yourself) kind of guy I am. Though at my age, some things are more difficult to do than others – like changing a flat tire where I need to squat on bend my knees for long periods of time.

If not, then it is time to start being one. There are a lot of easy DIY things to do at home – if you care to look for them. Here are a few good reasons why…

Benefits of DIY things

DIY things are very fulfilling. The feeling of having done something worthwhile is astounding. They give a new dimension to your purpose and meaning of life. Aside from these “feel good” benefits, they also give the following benefits:

Save money:

You save money by doing it yourself instead of paying someone to do it for you.

It may not make you rich, but it can ease some pressure off your budget for groceries or utility bills.

Don’t mind if other people call you stingy. There’s nothing wrong with pinching a few bucks here and there.

earn Money

You can earn good money by selling your “DIY” expertise around the neighborhood. If some Moms sell their pastries or cookies to close friends, why can’t you do the same by doing minor car repairs, or fix a broken sofa or bed?

There are always a few people around the neighborhood who need your specific skills. They may not be much but they can help you ease your financial burden 

It keeps you busy:

There are always a lot of simple DIY projects at home to keep you occupied; keep you from being bored.

For example, you can mend torn socks, iron your clothes, fix a leaky faucet, or change a busted bulb.

These are a lot of things around the house to do if you look for them.

Slows down cognitive decline

DIY things may look simple on the surface, but they require close coordination between hands, legs, eyes, and brain. Simply put, they make you physically and mentally healthy.

DIY things help bolster your ego, your self-worth, and give you purpose.

connect with others:

There are thousands people out there happily doing DIY things. Check out Meet Up to see what groupd you may want to join.

Joining any of these groups is a good way of establishing a network of people with similar interest. It allows you to help each other grow, find solutions to common problems, and know the best suppliers of DIY things. Or, on the simplest level, get to know each other better.

learn something new:

Anthony J. D’Angelo said, “Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.”

Learning is a never-ending process – from birth until death.

Or take it from Henry Ford who said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty…”

With the availability of the Internet, learning something new is just a mouse click away. Without any trace of hyperbole, I can say that I am smarter now at 72 than I was at 30.

It is liberating:

Doing things yourself when you want it, and however, you want it is liberating. It frees you from getting stressed out by a job done wrong by others. If don’t go out as expected, you have no one to berate but yourself.

Doing things yourself liberates you from these unproductive concerns and allows you to focus on what is at hand.

How to start your DIY adventure

It is not difficult to start DIY things around the house. Just look around and check what needs to be repaired, improve, or remove.

There is the leaky faucet that needs fixing, drainage that needs declogging, hanging roof eaves, creaking door hinges, the lawn that needs de-weeding, or hedges that need pruning.

What were you so passionate about in your youth but never got the chance to pursue it. Now is a perfect time.

If all these don’t ring a bell, Bored Panda has a chunky list of DIY things for elderly people, like you.

Whatever catches your fancy, the following tips can help you get on with it successfully – and without unfortunate incidents:

• Do something you love to do or have a passion for. It will keep you motivated; be on track. It’s so easy to lose steam or be sidetracked doing things that you have no natural inclination to.
• To keep things easy, do something you have had an experience of, or trained on.
• Should you lack Item 2, ask a friend who knows how to do it. Or consult YouTube. It has tutorials on practically everything.
• Most of the DIY things at home are easy. They require no college degree or years of experience. But they do require a lot of common sense. For example, changing a light bulb or repairing a flat iron can be done by a kid. But common sense tells never to handle electrical appliances with wet hands. Or stand on a platform that can’t take your weight, or out of balance.
• Be patient if can’t do it right the first time. Everything has a learning curve. Just keep at it. Practice makes perfect

At this point in our lives doing nothing at home is like putting a bullet into your head. It can cause anger, anxiety, indifference, substance abuse, and depression. Nobody dies from business, but many have died due to idleness. So lighten up and brighten up and start puttering around the house. You will be amazed to see how many things you can do and be astounded by the results of your labor.

~oOo~

The post Why are DIY Things Beneficial to Elderly People first appeared on Age With Charm.