Winter weather is here in many places, and snow and ice can create hazardous driving conditions for all drivers. Many of us have aging parents who drive, and we worry just a bit about their driving in general, and winter weather driving in particular.

Some handy winter driving tips for seniors include:

1. Maintain your vehicle - Some maintenance items especially vulnerable to cold weather include: antifreeze levels, oil level and type, brakes, belts and hoses, wipers, washer fluid and tires.
2. Travel with a companion when possible - There’s safety in numbers and a someone else along for the ride can help you spot hazards, plan a trip or seek help when needed.
3. Take care of yourself - Have your eyes checked, don’t drive when you’re tired or ill, follow any driving-related instructions on prescription medications, and check with you doctor if you have any health concerns related to your driving abilities.
4. Plan and prepare - Always take a cell phone with you or check in with someone when you leave and again when you return home, make sure your car is stocked with proper winter emergency supplies, plan your route for well-traveled roads, and check weather and road conditions on TV or radio.
5. Review winter driving techniques - A quick review of winter driving techniques such as what to do when you skid on ice or get stuck in the snow is beneficial to any driver.

No matter how healthy a person is, driving skills change with age. Since many of today’s seniors have no plans to slow down (and often don’t have the luxury of staying home) due to age or weather, with a few driving safety precautions seniors can stay safe on the road in the winter.

On February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting.

What does this mean for people, often seniors, who have analog televisions and still use “rabbit ear” antennas? It means that their televisions, the ones receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009.

Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their televisions continue to work.

According to dtv2009.gov, there are three things you can do:

1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

While most people these days have televisions that will be in compliance with the change, it’s possible that some older people, perhaps least equipped for financial outlay for “extras” such as televisions, and least likely to want to dispose of a “perfectly good TV,” will have to make some changes.

The good news is that there are converter boxes available that will allow them to use their own sets. Through the Department of Commerce, you can apply for up to 2 coupons for $40 off a converter. Find out more information at TV Converter Box Coupon Program.

But, be careful. According to a study by MassPIRG, some mass market retailers are misleading people, often the low-income and elderly, who don’t know what they need to do once all TV stations broadcast exclusively in digital signals.

The study found:

…many sales clerks tried to persuade surveyors to buy new, expensive digital televisions or high-definition televisions rather than explaining the availability of the less expensive options such as buying converter boxes, discounted by government coupons available to anyone who needs one.

Check out mom and dad’s or grandma and grampa’s TV now, and make sure they’re prepared.

Forget the snowbird phenomenon. The trend of retirees migrating to Florida when the weather is cold and returning to their home in the North at the first sign of spring will probably become the exception rather than the rule in the next few years. Instead, retirees will be flocking to the suburbs, according to a new book. William H. Hudnut, the book’s author, surmises that “Between now and 2030, the over-65 population will double in the nation’s suburbs.”

Kay Severinsen, Editor for SearchChicago-Homes.com, reviews Hudnut’s book, Changing Metropolitan America: Planning for a Sustainable Future in an article entitled “Suburbs to age ungracefully?” Severinsen shares that a recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute found that “older boomers, born between 1945 and 1954, are saving no more than 20 percent of their income in their late 40s, and young boomers, born between 1955 and 1964, are saving no more than 10 percent.”

If those in their late 40s are saving no more than 10 percent, I don’t even want to think about what people in my age group are saving. I already know that I should be saving a lot more than I am, but part of me thinks I’ll probably have to work until I’m 80 at the rate this economy is going, so why bother? And there is some truth to this theory of mine. As Severinsen continues, she confirms that because these boomers have not saved, they will be working well past the traditional retirement age. Now what does this have to do with flocking to the ‘burbs, you ask? She asserts these older workers will be less likely to maintain their aging properties, propelling them to suburban living.

On some levels, this makes sense, but I found the last few paragraphs of Severinsen’s article a bit offensive. First, she gives the example of 75-year-old “Joe Schmo” coming home from a long day at work and being too tired to fix the loose gutter. She then shares a personal example of someone she remembers as the “Cat Man” - an elderly man who lived with his even more elderly mother and a large number of feral cats — and she doesn’t mind admitting that her family moved to another neighborhood to get away from “Cat Man.” Now I don’t want to judge Ms. Severinsen — perhaps she or someone in her family was highly allergic to cats, and I understand from her article that the stench was atrocious.

While she makes some valid suggestions for the future of silver-haired suburban living — tax breaks, community clean-up days, free paint — she uses these two examples of Joe Schmo and Cat Man to illustrate a point that I find somewhat unsettling: “Today’s newer subdivisions still have that shiny, just built look, but they could become tomorrow’s problem neighborhoods, regardless of their original price.” Is she suggesting that the suburbs will become run down once the senior citizens move in? I think this is an unfair judgment. Personally, I prefer city dwelling and wouldn’t trade my 1920’s home for a suburban spot, but no matter where you live, there are always going to be people who don’t or can’t maintain their property in a way that suits everyone. Should cities and suburbs alike be prepared to support an aging population in their community? Sure. Should people currently living in the ‘burbs worry about Cat Man moving in next door? I don’t think so.

Given the current economic conditions and a boomer population that has saved less than their parents’ generation, it seems that we are looking at a future where retirees aren’t likely to buy that condo in Florida, even if it’s just for the winter months. Regardless of where retired elders end up, let’s be sure to check in on them now and then. Shovel their walkway when it snows or lend them a hand when you see them carrying heavy bags of groceries. Being a good neighbor doesn’t cost a penny, and in today’s world, you can’t find much with that price tag anymore.

- Michelle Seitzer

A new study suggests that playing video games can improve the cognitive abilities of older adults. So if your grandchildren are clamoring for the latest Wii game, you might actually want to check it out yourself. Highlighted in the December issue of Psychology and Aging, the research is the first to indicate that “playing complex video games after receiving training may improve the cognitive functions that typically decline with age.” In a world where Alzheimer’s is rapidly increasing, any study that reveals some way of maintaining or even improving cognitive function is encouraging indeed.

As with anything, playing too many video games too often is not healthy; it’s all about balance and integration. And don’t worry - if you are just not a prospective “gamer”, other types of mental exercises are beneficial; staying socially connected is also important for maintaining cognition.

Last year’s Wii craze sent my father on a wild goose chase around Manhattan, but his lucky find has turned out to be a family favorite… from my one-year-old nephew all the way up to my baby boomer parents, whom I’ve caught playing a game or two on their own during my visits home.

Nintendo has done a great job in creating wholesome, family-centered games for the Wii system, and I believe that this has contributed to the Wii’s popularity among retirement communities and assisted living facilities. There are certainly a number of extremely graphic and violent video games on the market, and these are the likely culprits for giving the gaming industry a bad name among older adults. But those are not the only games out there, thankfully. In fact, I enjoy a good game of “Burnout 3″ on my Playstation 2 after a particularly bad commute. No violence, no crime, just good car racing and crashing!

So if there is a “Wii” on your child or grandchild’s Christmas list, you might want to pick up a game that you could enjoy as a family. Not only would it be an intergenerational activity that might improve your cognition, you might also be dubbed the coolest Grandma or Grandpa on the block.

- Michelle Seitzer

Want to travel the world and learn more about it at the same time? Elderhostel is the way to go. It is something that I look forward to taking advantage of when I am “of age.” Adults ages 55 and over become students in the global classroom when they travel with Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization established in 1975 to provide retirees with “exceptional learning adventures.”

There is something for everyone at Elderhostel: biking the rim of the Grand Canyon, studying Monet’s masterpieces and visiting the villages where he lived, tracing the footsteps of Lewis & Clark, and so much more. It’s a program that was always highly spoken of by several of the residents from the retirement community I worked at years ago. Whether it’s international or domestic travel you crave, the trips are organized by the Elderhostel staff; essentially, everything but packing your bags is done for you.

Over 4 million adults have embarked on an Elderhostel adventure and the rave reviews on the website (and via word of mouth) clearly confirm its value. Bolstered by a belief that learning is “an integral part of a healthy and fulfilling life”, this non-profit organization seeks to provide top-of-the-line learning opportunitites at a great value, which is a hot commodity in today’s economically-challenged environment.

If getting on a plane does not appeal to you, day programs are available in many major cities across the United States. If you want to take your grandchildren along for the ride, there are trips tailored to your intergenerational whims. The user-friendly website allows you to peruse the many fabulous options offered, and you can search by location, interest, or cost, just to name a few. If you are like me and interested in just about anything related to travel or learning, you will need this search function to narrow down your favorites from among the nearly 8,000 offerings a year, located in more than 90 host countries.

Feeling pinched financially? Scholarships are available. Got someone on your gift list who is impossible to buy for? Gift certificates can also be obtained on the site.

The concept is wonderful: integrate a love of learning with a desire to see the world at the time of life when it might be easier to do so (empty nesters, retirees, etc.) - all at an affordable price. It’s perfect. Now, if only I could pass as a 55 year old…

Find out more about Elderhostel at www.elderhostel.org.

Have you been on an Elderhostel adventure? Share your story here!

If you missed the NBC Evening News on Wednesday, December 3rd, you missed a great report on the benefits of theatrics for improving seniors’ cognition. For the past 15 years, Drs. Helga and Tony Noice of Elmhurst College in Illinois have demonstrated that dramatic exercises can make a marked difference in memory, comprehension and problem-solving skills for older adults, not to mention the added benefit of improved quality of life. And they have the statistics — and three grants from the National Institutes of Health — to prove it.

The senior thespians in the report are clearly enjoying themselves -– and it’s really a joy to watch. What better way to stay sharp than to have fun “acting out” with a group of your friends? We all know that laughter is great medicine, and numerous studies have illustrated the importance of staying connected with friends and family as a great way to stay mentally fit. We’ve also heard that doing crosswords and learning new languages can stimulate the brain, but some seniors might just want a little more excitement and social engagement than the isolation and sometimes complete frustration of a crossword puzzle (especially if you just can’t remember that darn five-letter word). They may just want to add some drama to their lives instead!

There are three main acting techniques used in the Noices’ 8 sessions, which typically last about 4 weeks: the mirror exercise, speaking in gibberish, and learning lines. According to Dr. Helga Noice, these exercises make the whole brain healthier by offering general stimulation. Dr. Tony Noice chimes in, stating that because acting requires the participant to “think, feel and do all at once,” it’s a complete workout for the brain. All of the exercises promote intense focus, sharpened concentration, and dynamic expression – all of which promote brain health. It’s really a win-win situation, and I believe the Noices deserve a round of applause for their work. Check out the news report and see these dramatic seniors in action. I guarantee you’ll want to join a class yourself, or go check out their first full-length performance!

-Michelle Seitzer

By Carol Marak, Carebuzz.com

Carol, one of SFL’s guest bloggers, helped care for her mom and dad and found few resources connecting her to other family members online. From that experience, Carebuzz.com was launched.

The Pew Internet American Life Project (2004) study shows that 22% of Americans 65 and older used the Internet in 2004. The number has grown 15% from 2000. The number increased again in 2006 to 34%. This study shows that “wired” seniors use the Internet in order to do various activities such as, health or medical information 66%; product research 66%, government Web sites 60%; online shopping 47 %; travel reservations 41%; and banking 20%.

Now that we’ve established the fact that seniors are online, what else are they doing there? How many seniors (50+) are on social media sites like Eons, ThirdAge and AARP? ThirdAge claims they have 1 million boomers in their database and 2 million boomers registered for their newsletter. That’s a large number, but it’s still only a small representation of sites where seniors gather.

Today, “boomers” is the leading group responsible for the care of an elder loved one. In my own experience of helping my aging parents, I found most “care information” like health, home care, and family caregiving topics on the Internet. Since I lived at a distance from my parents, I did not have easy access to their local phonebook so I went online to look for help. Most family members are doing the same, especially since distance is often a factor.

That was two years ago when I helped mom and dad. The landscape of the Web has since changed. More senior services like health Websites, support groups, geriatric care, home care agencies, home health, elder law, long-term care insurance, etc. are all popping up in cyber space. The options for family caregivers and aging seniors is now more plentiful than ever.

Now, in addition to finding the resources adult children need to find the best senior housing and senior care solutions for their loved ones, they are also flocking to community sites like Facebook, Twitter, and many others. They form relationships. They ask questions, get answers, and yes, even get referrals!

How are you using the Web to help in your senior housing decision-making?

My dad, age 76, is a high school teacher and he teaches several of my friends’ children. Yesterday, someone was telling me a story about how he held up a busy hallway at school while he picked up a penny. While he was very young during the Great Depression, growing up the son of a farmer, he’s always been aware of money and has always planned carefully. And he’s never been one to leave money lying around.

Many seniors remember The Great Depression and they are reminded of those times during this current economic downturn. The habits they formed during that time are great examples for us today.

Their generation is well versed in making the best out of what they have and making things last, a lesson that most of us haven’t had to live. They can also teach us lessons about family and friends, banding together with one another, to pass the time and sometimes even to survive.

A strong work ethic is often the hallmark of someone who knew the Great Depression. Young people went to work early and contributed financially to the family and they learned self-reliance.

Saving money and living within one’s means is possibly the most important example many seniors give us. They know what it’s like to be without and, unfortunately many people are finding out that lesson the hard way right now.

Now, more than ever may be a good time to respect and learn from our elders.

Many retirees in today’s troubled economy are asking themselves this question, as their nest eggs dwindled (some drastically) before their very eyes. Some were on the verge of retirement, on track to enjoy a comfortable future, until the economy took a dramatic turn in the wrong direction.

Melissa Dahl, a health writer for MSNBC.com, writes about this issue and its devastating effects on baby boomers that were looking forward to hobbies like grandparenting, gardening, or golf in their golden years. Instead, these boomers now suffer from increased anxiety, panic attacks and depression as they face the reality of having to delay retirement another five, 10 or, perhaps for some, an indefinite number of years.

Thoughts of suicide may also cross the minds of these individuals, although one MSNBC.com reader illustrated just how bad things really are by sharing this painful truth: “I have contemplated suicide, but my family does not have enough money to bury me.”

Statements such as these indicate to me that we have truly hit rock bottom, and it pains me to know that people are in such desperate situations. I really do hope for some kind of breakthrough soon, as do all of us, but as the saying goes, “none of this happened overnight, so none of it will go away overnight either.” While we must not completely throw our hands up in despair, we must also be sure that we become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

On the bright side, I truly believe that these trying times have forced many who may have been living beyond their means to scale back and work within a more reasonable, practical budget. Even those who were living within their means may now have the unique opportunity to grow and be challenged by learning to become an even better steward of their finances, which could mean a greater reward when the economy is healthy once again.

Working on a budget is an extremely positive thing no matter what is happening on Wall Street. During these last few months, I can say that my husband and I have a little more peace of mind just knowing exactly what is coming in and exactly how much is going out… and, perhaps most important, the when and where of our income and expenses. We certainly don’t plan on cutting off our monthly budgeting when the economy rights itself - this is a life skill and a practice that will benefit us no matter what the economic climate may be. But I must admit it was these uncertain times that drove us to get smart about our finances.

While I find myself facing many more years in the workforce simply because I am only in my 30s, I understand that losing time and money from your retirement is not just about missing a few years on the beach drinking margaritas or a few extra rounds on the greens. For my own father, it likely means a few more years of a long and often stressful commute to Manhattan from Northeastern PA. Phyllis Moen, a sociologist from the University of Minnesota, says it this way: “It’s a real sense of shock… here they [retirees] thought they were in control, and they created a life that works — and suddenly, they’ve lost control.”

It’s almost too depressing to go on (and it makes me as a 30-something wonder if “retirement” as an activity or even a concept will even exist when I’m in my 50s or 60s), but if you are reading this article and either a. know a person in this situation who needs some help, or b. that someone is yourself, please read/ share the coping tips below:

HOW TO COPE

• Talk, talk, talk. Share your fears and frustrations with your family, so the financial struggle becomes a family project instead of your burden alone.
• If someone is telling you that they’re worried about you, don’t blow them off. “It’s really easy to say, ‘Oh, I’m fine,’” says Jennifer Harkstein, a New York City clinical psychologist. “But if people around you are noticing a behavioral change, that’s important.”
• Don’t go it alone. Experts encourage struggling retirees to find the time to volunteer or join social activities, to find peers that may be in similar situations and remind themselves that they’re not alone in this.
• If a self-loathing idea floats through your brain — Could I have worked harder? Saved more? — squash it.
• Try tucking away even just a small amount each week in savings. Experiencing the magic of watching a savings account that’s slowly growing will remind you that some things are still in your control.

- tips courtesy of the msnbc.com article “Retirement Dreams Give Way to Despair, Anger”

After a lifetime of hard work and careful planning, prospective retirees deserve to put their feet up. But if you’ve been hurt by this turbulent economy and may be looking at a few more years with your nose to the grindstone when you were really hoping to get that gold watch and big party soon, know that you’re not alone, and be sure to put your feet up the moment you get home from work.

- Michelle Seitzer