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.

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

There are many “unsung heroes” in today’s world, and you could certainly agree that caregivers fit that bill. When a family member or loved one is in need, most caregivers take on that role willingly and would not trade it for any other job in the world, regardless of its extreme demands. While the types of caregiving vary based on the wide array of diseases, disabilities or special needs that such conditions require, the long-term care system is completely dependent on the informal caregiving network

Without them, no bailout of any amount could keep the system afloat. Yet in a world where people are living longer, a world where many chronic diseases (whose victims are in need of complex, comprehensive care) are on the rise, a world where the reality of increasing network shortages (from nurses to physicians to direct care workers) seem to point towards a perfect storm of titanic proportions, government and community leaders must do all they can to strengthen and sustain this crucial safety net. A quote from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter says it all: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers”. We are all impacted by caregiving in some way and will continue to be in the future.

The AARP Public Policy Institute just released their 2008 update to their report on the Economic Value of Caregiving and the results are staggering: in 2007, the estimated economic value of caregivers’ unpaid contributions was approximately $375 billion, up from an estimated $350 billion in 2006. That’s more than half of the $700 billion bailout package recently issued by the federal government, and, bear in mind, this is the estimated value based on a number of variables. Also remember: this is the value of their unpaid contributions. This is a stunning figure and should be cause for great concern as baby boomers age at rapid rates.

According to the report, the figure of $375 billion is based on 34 million caregivers age 18 and older providing an average of 21 hours of care per week to adults with limitations in daily activities, at an average value of $10.10 per hour. At best, it is a rough estimate that does not include caregivers under the age of 18, nor can it truly quantify the “opportunity costs” that many caregivers incur (foregone wages, loss of benefits such as health insurance, missed work time, etc.). It is nearly impossible to quantify the tremendously difficult work that caregivers do in an hourly rate of $10 per hour, and those who compiled the survey are well-aware of that. But it is clear that the majority of this group is not in this for the pay or the accolades. Their contribution to society and to preserving the dignity of their loved one in need is impossible to measure in terms of dollars and sense.

The balance of the report discusses methodology, variation among the states, just how much $375 billion really is, and the ripple effects that are a natural result of this burgeoning network under fire. We need to pay attention to this silent army and seek to support them in any way we can as they fight the frontline battles of balancing caregiving responsibilities with the demands of daily life. This is no easy task – but recall the words of Rosalynn Carter: the sobering reality is that we cannot live without needing or providing care at some time in our lives. Caregiving is a noble task, and indeed, today’s 34 million caregivers are truly unsung heroes.

- Michelle Seitzer

When you think of a caregiver, you probably think of a gentle, nurturing, motherly type, and in fact, studies have shown that the majority of caregivers are middle-aged women who are likely balancing family and work with their caregiving responsibilities. However, a recent New York Times article by John Leland suggests that times are changing:

The Alzheimer’s Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving estimate that men make up nearly 40 percent of family care providers now, up from 19 percent in a 1996 study by the Alzheimer’s Association. About 17 million men are caring for an adult.

Three male caregivers are profiled in the article, which explores the unique challenges and tensions faced by men who take on what has been traditionally been known as women’s work.

Although women still take the lion’s share of the caregiving pie, today’s changing family dynamics mean that more women are working full-time and are less available to provide care. The journey can be difficult on many levels. For one thing, women typically have a more extensive support system of friends and family to ease that loneliness, but men may have a harder time opening up or asking for help.

Besides the lack of a support system, many men wrestle with balancing their career accomplishments and caregiving — being the breadwinner and the breadmaker is difficult to resolve for men, who for generations have relied on their role as provider as the basis for their identity. A 2003 study of three Fortune 500 companies revealed that men were less likely to take advantage of employee-assistance programs geared towards caregivers for fear of losing their jobs or the respect of their colleagues.

Even senior service professionals who take on a family caregiving role find themselves feeling like a fish out of water. For Louis Colbert, director of the office of services for the aging in Delaware County, PA, sharing the caregiving load for a mother stricken with Alzheimer’s was not a smooth transition from his day job. The first time he drove to his mother’s house to assist with her care, he was afraid that he wouldn’t know what to do when he arrived. Now, Mr. Colbert arranges an annual meeting for male caregivers to voice their concerns. The one he hears the most? Men want their new role to be validated by society. They do not want to remain invisible. And thanks to the brave stories shared in the New York Times article by Peter Nicholson, Matt Kassin and Louis Colbert (representing the 17 million male counterparts in the caregiving equation)  will not remain invisible.

If you are a male caregiver, find someone to talk to. Stay connected. Share your story — not for the attention, but for the validation that what you are doing is important, for the comfort that just knowing you’re not alone can bring. Caregiving transcends gender roles — it always has, but now the needs are too great for women to handle alone. We all must work together to care for our aging loved ones - and in doing so, we are preparing the next generation to care for us, too.

- Michelle Seitzer

With the economic news getting seemingly worse by the day, even people who are in the work force are having a hard time making ends meet. The difficulties mount even more for the elderly and retired, many of whom rely on Social Security as their sole source of income, and others who have seen their retirement savings nearly disappear as the stock market tumbles and financial institutions fail.

Housing, food, transportation, health care and other goods such as clothing and household needs stretch everyone’s budget. What about seniors with severely limited incomes? Housing and health expenses can account for more than 50% of expenses and those without additional financial support, such as from family, are at risk.

A potential resource for housing assistance is the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD supports housing for very low-income elderly people by providing loans to develop housing and rent subsidies to help make these places affordable.

Administered under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the Section 202 program is the only federally funded housing program designed specifically for older persons. The program provides capital advances to eligible private, nonprofit sponsors to finance development of housing units. The advance is interest-free and does not have to be repaid so long as the housing remains available for very low-income elderly persons for at least 40 years.

Qualified housing occupants must be at least 62 years old at the time of occupancy. The housing units are typically one bedroom units with safety features that help a person remain independent and in their home for as long as possible.

Residents typically pay about 30 percent of their income for rent, with federal subsidies covering the balance of the unit’s fair market price. Sometimes, these facilities have access to services such as housekeeping, transportation meals, and social services.

Find out more about housing for low income seniors by contacting your local HUD office.

Perhaps the latest trend in senior living is the building of “greener” communities. La Posada, a large not-for-profit provider based in the Green Valley area of Southern Arizona, is expanding their campus to include an independent living community, and they are committed to “green” building for this and future projects. An extensive list of the “green” amenities to be enjoyed in the Park Centre homes include: EnergyStar® appliances, dual-flush toilets, and compact fluorescent lighting.

According to an article on La Posada’s latest project, the award-winning company not only desires to build earth-friendly homes, they also seek to “promote the use the ‘green-friendly’ products and practices that promote health, safety and social consciousness.” This is a standard to which all facilities, whether new or existing, should aspire. Recycling should become second nature and energy conservation would benefit all by keeping costs down – living “green” could save a lot of green, and in today’s economy, that is one thing that boomers and seniors can agree upon.

Is there a “green” senior living community in your neck of the woods? Tell us about it!

Does your facility have a recycling program? Have any ideas for getting one started or making your assisted living or retirement community more earth-friendly? Share it here.

- Michelle Seitzer

Many seniors pay out of pocket for long term care, and since initial fees for retirement communities can cost as much as a house, moving is often contingent upon a sale. People purchase houses with the idea of building up equity in order to finance long term care plans, however that idea has been put to the test recently.

With the current housing crisis, many seniors are stuck when they can’t sell their homes:

Without selling their houses or condominiums, many cannot buy into retirement homes that require a payment of $100,000 to $500,000 just to move in. So they are scratching themselves off waiting lists, canceling plans with packing services and staying put, in houses that fit well 30 years ago, but over the years have become lonely, too large or too treacherous to navigate.

Not only does the housing crisis affect seniors, it affects the facilities as well as occupancy rates for many assisted living facilities have fallen as potential residents wait on their homes to sell before they can move in:

Income from pensions and investments is a major source of monthly maintenance payments across the spectrum of senior housing. Financial support from children and other family members often enables retirement home occupants to make ends meet.

All sources are now being sharply compromised. And while it’s too early to see the full effect of the impact, it’s clear it will be extensive.

Medicaid-reliant facilities are already looking at funding pressures as state budgets plunge. And the National Governors Association has asked the federal government to include enhanced medical assistance support in its next economic stimulus package.

Some care providers are coping with the situation by helping seniors and prospective residents to sell their homes They are offering consultations with real estate agents on ways to improve houses for showings, and are helping to set up loan programs.

Though the market is challenging, and it’s tempting to sell a senior’s home any way you can, it’s important seek professional guidance not only with home selling tips, but with specialized information where tax and estate laws might apply. One resource is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, a REALTOR® with special training in the issues that affect the senior market.

Elder Cottage Housing Opportunities (ECHO) presents a way for seniors to live near family, but not actually live in the same house with them.

An ECHO unit is a separate, small manufactured home that is in the side or back yard of a single family home, often that of adult children. ECHO units allows older adults to get support as needed, while still remaining independent in their own homes, and giving adult children the privacy they may desire.

These units are constructed with special needs in mind and usually include such features as wheelchair access and easy navigation as well as safety features such as elevated toilets and grab bars in the restroom.

Elder cottages are installed by contractors with a building permit and require proper space on a lot as well as access to water, sewer and electricity. It may be difficult to navigate zoning laws to get them approved. Zoning departments and neighborhood associations may feel that these units detract from the look and the quality of the neighborhood.

These units are temporary and can be removed when it is no longer needed and may even be resold to another family with the need for this type of housing.

Before proceeding with an ECHO housing unit there are some things to consider for both the senior and the property owner:

1. Is there adequate space and accessibility for the unit?
2. Do your zoning laws allow for this type of housing?
3. Is independent living realistic for the senior?
4. Can you provide the care that the senior will need?
5. Is the cost of the unit and care financially feasible?

If an ECHO unit is for you and your family, it can be a great way to help someone maintain their independence while being safely near family and friends.

Find out more about Elder Cottages. Or, for information on more traditional care options, explore eight reasons why home care may be the best choice for your loved one.

While it’s known that many seniors have to make sacrifices to survive, it turns out that some seniors are even commiting crimes to survive.

Crime by the elderly is on the rise in Japan:

Over one-fifth of Japan’s population of 128 million is now aged 65 and over, and the figure is expected to double by midcentury.

In 2007, the number of elderly caught committing crimes other than traffic violations totaled 48,605, twice that of five years earlier. Thefts such as shoplifting were the most common offenses.

According to the article, factors ranging from lower income and loneliness to an unstable living environment are some of the reasons behind these crimes. It’s even speculated that some of the crimes are committed intentionally in order that they may go to jail and have food and a place to sleep as well as health care.

While society can be conflicted about elderly crime, (i.e. should their circumstances dictate the punishment or should they be held to the same standards as their younger counterparts?) it’s clear that correctional facilities must make changes to accommodate the increased elderly population.

Much like any aging group of people, elderly prisoners needs include safety concerns as well as medical and mental health issues.

Examples of safety needs are grab bars by showers and toilets, non-skid surfaces on floors, adequate lighting and doorways and thresholds to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.

Many aging inmates require skilled medical and nursing care for both acute and chronic illnesses and some facilities choose to provide this care in special elderly wards, though most prisons weren’t built for these special needs.

Though the practicality of detaining elderly, infirm prisoners is hotly debated in some circles, special housing can protect vulnerable elderly prisoners from the general prison population, which can be mentally and physically stessful, and address their needs to help preserve their human dignity.