All Posts in "Month: April 2025"

Ways to stay in shape without wearing out your wallet

(Pictured: A set of resistance bands is an inexpensive alternative for strength-training.)

Gym memberships can be expensive and may lock a member into long-term contracts. Some at-home equipment on the market can also carry big price tags and possibly monthly subscription charges, too. But keeping fit doesn’t need to be a workout for the wallet. Here are some ways to save:

Stream workout videos for free.

Whether gentle yoga, heart-pounding cardio, or sensible strengthening routines, there are thousands of workout videos—available free—online (one easy place to start is aarp.org/fitness) or through some cable television providers and streaming services. You don’t need much for most of these workouts—just a yoga mat for floor exercises and enough space for a few steps (or lunges).

Buy studio classes in bulk.

If you prefer the community feel of in-person classes, most studios offer a free or highly discounted trial class or two. Once you’ve found one you love, consider buying a package of classes up-front—as long as you’re certain you’ll use all the classes in the allotted time limit. “If you pay for six months’ worth of classes at once, it’s cheaper than paying for the classes as you go,” said Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews, a comparison-shopping website.

Discounted gym memberships.

High demand for memberships from New Year resolution-makers means that gyms tend to charge higher prices in January. You’ll get a better deal later, Ramhold said. Pay even less by taking advantage of discounts offered through workplace benefits or programs such as Silver Sneakers, available through some Medicare Advantage plans.

Make thoughtful gear purchases.

Looking to strength-train without spending hundreds of dollars on dumbbells? A set of resistance bands is a cheap alternative and will still provide a full-body workout. If you’re interested in larger equipment, like a treadmill or stationary bike, check out sites such as Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace, where neighbors may be selling barely-used equipment for much less than you’d pay at retail. “There are a lot of people who buy exercise equipment and don’t use it,” said Lorraine C. Ladish, a certified yoga instructor and over-50 fitness influencer. “Often it’s secondhand, but it’s in pristine condition.”

Join a fitness retailer’s loyalty club.

While it’s rarely necessary to purchase purpose-made workout clothing, new threads can give some added motivation. The rewards programs at athletic-apparel stores may give you access to exclusive deals and discounts on merchandise. Some stores, such as Athleta, Reebok and Nike, may also provide access to community fitness events and classes.

Source: AARP

The Senior Scene by — April 16, 2025 in Health & Fitness

SAVVY SENIOR

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

At age 70, I’ve become more and more forgetful lately and am concerned it may be an early sign of dementia. Are there any memory screening tools or services that you can recommend to help me gauge my problem, without going to a neurologist?

Forgetful Frank

Dear Frank,

Many older adults like yourself worry about memory lapses as they get older, fearing it may be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. To get some insight on the seriousness of your problem, here are some tips and resources you can turn to. 

Warning signs.

As we grow older, some memory difficulties – such as forgetting names or misplacing items from time to time – are associated with normal aging. But the symptoms of dementia are much more than simple memory lapses. While symptoms can vary greatly, people with dementia may have problems with short-term memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments, or traveling out of the neighborhood.

To help you recognize the difference between typical age-related memory loss and a more serious problem, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a list of 10 warning signs that you can assess online at 10signs.org.

The Alzeimer’s Association also provides other information, including the signs and symptoms on other conditions that can cause dementia such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and others at ALZ.org/dementia..

Memory screening.

A great resource and first step to get a handle on your memory problem is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which offers a National Memory Screening Program. This is a free, confidential, face-to-face screening done virtually in real-time that takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and consists of questions and/or tasks to evaluate your memory status. Once the screening is complete, the screener will review the results with you. Available to everyone, these screenings are done daily Monday through Friday, and are given by doctors, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, or other healthcare professionals across the country. A smart phone, computer, tablet, or any other device with a webcam and Internet capability is all that’s needed. Appointments can be requested online at ALZFDN.org/memory-screening or by calling 866-232-8484.

It’s important to know that this screening is not a diagnosis of any particular condition, but can indicate whether you should see your doctor for more extensive assessment.

Seeing a doctor.

If you find that you need further evaluation, make an appointment with your primary-care doctor for a cognitive checkup and medical examination. Depending on what’s found, you may be referred to a geriatrician or neurologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease.

Keep in mind that even if you are experiencing some memory problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have dementia. Many memory problems are brought on by other factors like stress, depression, thyroid disease, side-effects of medications, sleep disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and other medical conditions. By treating these conditions, a doctor can reduce or eliminate the problem.

Send questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

The Senior Scene by — April 16, 2025 in Health & Fitness

By Omar Kaywan

Although it may seem like a grim topic, it’s important to be prepared and have peace of mind about not leaving your family with tens of thousands of dollars of debt for your end-of-life expenses. And while some people may think a simple life insurance policy will cover everything, this is just one of the many end-of-life expense myths out there. Here are five:

Funerals are a set cost.

In reality, funeral costs can vary drastically. Not only does your family need to consider the cost of the plot, tombstone, casket, etc., but also any religious ceremonies, burial, and if your body needs to be transported, which all incur an extra fee. Even the most basic funeral expenses can be difficult to afford, and the bill can add up quickly.

You don’t need to consider final expenses if you have life insurance.

Life insurance is important for everyone to have, but typically the money from life insurance is used to handle other expenses like mortgages, health, etc. That money can go away quickly once those big areas of life are settled.

Getting a final expenses insurance policy can give you peace of mind knowing your family will have help covering funeral costs, other outstanding debts, etc. It is specifically designed to cover costs associated with end-of-life expenses unlike traditional life insurance, and it serves as a financial safety net that offers protection and support to your loved ones.

Only old, sick people need to consider end-of-life expenses.

Whether you’re 45 or 75, life is unfortunately unpredictable. It’s important to begin planning and preparing as early as possible, so your family isn’t entirely blind-sided if something happens and left with an unmanageable amount of debt during their grieving process.

Getting more insurance will be expensive.

Getting a final expense policy doesn’t have to be expensive. Policies are customizable to what your family needs, and can cost as little or as much as you want them to, based on what your family requires. And policies are typically flexible. You can usually adjust your coverage amount or review your beneficiaries as your situation evolves.

If I get cremated, it won’t be expensive.

While cremation is cheaper than burial, the process still can leave your family with serious debt. Your burial/funeral process shouldn’t be something you feel the need to compromise on, and by getting a final expenses insurance policy, you can be sure you never have to compromise or leave your family burdened with difficult decisions and sacrifices.

Omar Kaywan is a co-founder of SmartBunny, a Bellingham-based online insurance broker.

The Senior Scene by — April 16, 2025 in Personal Finance/Consumers

The Tacoma City Council wants more older adults to serve in volunteer roles on citizen committees, boards, and commissions within city government.

The council approved a resolution in March making membership for people 65-and-older a priority. The action was prompted by input last year from seniors, as well as the fact that more than half of the advisory groups don’t have seniors as members.

“I’ve heard from many of them that we are not doing enough to ensure our policies and programs are easy to navigate as they age,” said Councilman John Hines, one of several council members who are strong advocates of senior involvement. “We are an aging city, with more seniors every day, and they bring with them perspectives regarding mobility, connectivity, and safety. We need to do a better job incorporating their voices into our discussions to help ensure that Tacoma is a city where all residents, at every stage of life, feel connected and supported.”

The committees, boards and commissions (CBCs) advise city officials  on matters such as urban design human services. Their recommendations help the council in its decisionmaking.

The council appoints CBC members and wants each of the bodies to have at least one member older than 65.

Starting last December and ending in January, Tacoma closed two senior centers and transferred its senior services to Parks Tacoma (formerly Metro Parks). That experience  “highlighted the immense value of seniors’ backgrounds and experiences,” said Councilman Sandesh Sadalge. “With our retirement-aged population growing, their voices must be integral to policy decisions. We should encourage representation for young and elderly residents across all CBCs, making Tacoma a city that truly works for everyone.”

More information about CBCs is available from the city clerk at servetacoma@cityoftacoma.org or 253-591-5178.

The Senior Scene by — April 16, 2025 in News