Tips for Seniors to Avoid Scams in 2024

As the population of seniors continues to grow, so does the threat of scams targeting this vulnerable demographic. Elder fraud is a serious issue, with scammers devising various schemes to exploit older adults for financial gain. In fact, according to the FBI's latest Internet Crime Report, seniors over the age of 60 lost a staggering $1.7 billion to fraud in 2021, making them the highest loss group. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the types of scams that target seniors and provide valuable tips and strategies to protect your elderly loved ones from falling victim to these schemes.

TIPS TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM SCAMS

It is crucial to take proactive steps to protect our elderly loved ones. By implementing the following tips and strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams:

SET UP CREDIT MONITORING AND IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION

As scammers often aim to commit financial fraud, signing up for credit monitoring and identity theft protection services can provide valuable safeguards. These services monitor your credit and financial statements, alerting you to any suspicious activities or signs of fraud.

LEAVE HELPFUL REMINDERS AROUND THE HOUSE

To help seniors recognize and prevent scams, leave informative notes near phones, computers, and doors. These reminders should encourage a moment of thought and reflection before acting upon any suspicious requests. The notes can include steps to stop, leave, ask, wait, and act, providing a clear framework to follow when faced with potential scams.

FOSTER OPEN COMMUNICATION

Create a safe space for open communication with your elderly family members. Please encourage them to share any concerns or suspicious interactions without judgment. Sharing personal stories or examples of scams can help them feel more comfortable discussing their experiences and seeking advice when needed.

ESTABLISH A PLAN AND A SECRET PASSWORD

Sharing bank account details early on can help protect your family's finances. Also, establishing a secret family password can be a verification method during phone calls, texts, or emails. Using the password can help confirm the legitimacy of a transaction or communication.

BE WARY OF UNSOLICITED CALLS OR MESSAGES

Approach unsolicited calls or messages with caution. Always ask yourself if the request seems too good to be true or if anything feels suspicious. Be particularly skeptical of requests for money, personal information, or immediate action. When in doubt, hang up or close the communication and independently verify the caller or sender's identity.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST SCAMS

Stay updated on the latest scams targeting seniors. Regularly educate yourself and your elderly loved ones about these scams to increase awareness and preparedness. Familiarize yourself with warning signs and common tactics used by scammers. Online resources, government websites, and reputable news outlets can provide valuable information on emerging scams.

REPORT FRAUD AND SCAMS

If you or a family member falls victim to a senior citizen scam, report it immediately. Officially report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website identitytheft.gov or reportfraud.ftc.gov. Following the necessary steps outlined in the FTC's fraud victim's checklist can help recover funds and secure compromised accounts.

UTILIZE SPAM CALL AND TEXT PROTECTION.

Protect against unwanted spam calls and texts by utilizing spam call and text protection services.

WHY DO SCAMMERS TARGET SENIORS?

Scammers specifically target seniors for several reasons. First, older adults tend to be more trusting, especially towards individuals who claim to have their best interests at heart. Additionally, seniors are often more financially stable, having accumulated significant savings and valuable possessions over their lifetime. This makes them lucrative targets for scammers seeking monetary gain. Furthermore, older adults may not be as tech-savvy as younger generations, making it easier to scam online, through phone calls, or via social media.

COMMON SCAMS TARGETING SENIORS

THE GRANDPARENT SCAM

One common scam that targets seniors is the grandparent scam. In this social engineering attack, fraudsters impersonate police officers and call the victim, claiming that their grandchild is in trouble. They may say that their grandchild has been in an accident or is involved in a crime, and they need immediate financial assistance to resolve the situation. The scammer may even use the grandchild's real name and other personal information found online to make the scam more believable. In some cases, the fraudster may even pretend to be the grandchild themselves.

Warning signs of the grandparent scam:

• Receiving an unsolicited call claiming a grandchild is in danger

• Requesting money as cash, gift cards, or wire transfers

• Refusing to let you get off the phone or threatening you if you try to verify the information

• Using deception, intimidation, or coercion to pressure you to act quickly

GOVERNMENT IMPOSTER SCAMS

Another prevalent scam targeting seniors is government imposter scams. Scammers pose as representatives from well-known government agencies such as Medicare, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or the Social Security Administration (SSA). They may use caller ID spoofing to make the call appear genuine and may even parrot your Social Security number (SSN) to further legitimize the call. These scams can take various forms, including Medicare scams, IRS scams, Social Security scams, and even scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warning signs of government imposter scams:

• Receiving unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency

• Caller using threatening language and requesting payment through gift cards or wire transfers

• Caller asking for sensitive information like SSN, Medicare number, or credit card details

ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSE

Elder financial abuse occurs when someone the victim knows and trusts, such as a family member, close friend, or caregiver, tries to gain access to the senior's savings, credit, or assets. This can include tricking the victim into signing over access or power of attorney or withholding care unless they receive access. Elder financial abuse can result in unfamiliar charges, new accounts, suspicious loans, or unexpected financial struggles for the elderly victim.

Warning signs of elder financial abuse:

• Unfamiliar charges, new accounts, or suspicious loans that the victim or their loved ones didn't make

• Calls from companies or credit providers about debts the victim didn't incur

• Unexpected financial struggles experienced by an elderly parent or grandparent

FALSE INVESTMENT SCHEMES

Seniors, who often spend a lifetime saving to achieve financial security, are at risk of false investment schemes designed to steal their hard-earned money. In these scams, criminals pose as prudent financial advisors and contact seniors with seemingly lucrative investment opportunities. However, these opportunities are often fraudulent and aim to extract transaction fees or steal the victims' investments. Common types of investment scams targeting seniors include Ponzi schemes, illegitimate bonds and certificates of deposits (CDs), charitable gift annuities, and prime bank scams.

Warning signs of false investment scams:

• Promises of high returns with little to no risk involved

• High-pressure sales tactics that discourage due diligence

• Inability to withdraw the principal investment

TECH SUPPORT SCAMS

Scammers often masquerade as tech support representatives from trusted companies like Apple or Microsoft to target seniors in tech support scams. They may claim that the victim's computer or device is at risk of infection and trick them into granting remote access or paying for unnecessary software. In some cases, scammers may even deceive victims into downloading malware under the guise of helpful software, putting their banking information at risk.

Warning signs of tech support scams:

• Unsolicited phone calls about tech support issues (companies like Apple will never proactively call about these matters)

• Pop-up ads on websites claiming device infections or promising to "speed up" the computer

• Use of fear tactics to trick victims into downloading software or clicking on links in emails

ROBOCALLS AND PHISHING MESSAGES

Seniors are particularly susceptible to robocalls and phishing scams, which exploit inexperienced or vulnerable targets. These scams typically involve automated messages or emails that claim to be from trusted entities such as banks, the IRS, or streaming services like Netflix. Scammers aim to obtain personal information, passwords, or financial account details by tricking victims into engaging with these messages. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from phishing messages can lead to the installation of malware, compromising the victim's sensitive information.

Warning signs of robocalls and phishing messages:

• Receipt of automated messages claiming trouble or risk

• Requests to "verify" sensitive information through email or phone

• Inclusion of unfamiliar links or attachments in emails or messages

SWEEPSTAKES AND LOTTERY SCAMS

Fraudsters often contact elderly victims and falsely claim they have won a contest, lottery, or sweepstakes they never entered. Victims are asked to pay upfront fees and provide their banking information for the transfer to receive their supposed winnings. Scammers may lead victims on for extended periods, requesting additional payments while pocketing any money sent.

Warning signs of sweepstakes and lottery scams:

• Receiving notifications of winning a contest never entered

• Demand for upfront payment through non-traceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers

• Requests for banking information to facilitate the deposit

ROMANCE SCAMS

Romance scams target seniors by creating fake personas on dating apps or social media platforms. Scammers research potential victims online and use publicly shared details to establish a connection. Once a rapport is built, scammers start requesting money, often in the form of gift cards, travel expenses, or healthcare costs. Victims may also be coerced into fraudulent investments, including cryptocurrencies. Adults 80+ had the highest median loss of $10,790, with only 338 reported victims out of the total 25,788 reports that the FTC received from all age groups from Q1-Q3 of 2022.

Warning signs of romance scams:

• Rapid progression of the "relationship" with claims of deep investment

• Excuses for failing to meet in person or on video chat

• Requests for financial assistance related to family or healthcare issues

FUNERAL SCAMS

In funeral scams, fraudsters target deceased individuals and their families. Scammers search obituaries and attend funerals, claiming that the deceased had outstanding debts. They demand payment from grieving family members, exploiting their vulnerable state.

Warning signs of funeral scams:

• Demands for payment at a funeral from an unknown individual

• Individuals claiming a relationship with the deceased without tangible evidence

REVERSE MORTGAGE SCAMS

Reverse mortgage scams target seniors who seek to access the equity in their homes. Scammers use billboards, ads, and fliers to entice seniors into fraudulent reverse mortgage schemes. They may steal the funds or commit deed fraud, effectively taking ownership of the victim's home. Other variations of reverse mortgage scams include mortgage relief scams and fraudulent contractors offering unnecessary repairs.

Warning signs of reverse mortgage scams:

• High-pressure sales tactics without adequate due diligence

• Requests for power of attorney in relation to reverse mortgages

• Contractors suggesting reverse mortgages to pay for costly repairs

ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS

Online shopping scams are prevalent, and seniors are particularly vulnerable. Fraudulent products and non-delivery scams ranked among the top reported frauds among older adults in recent years. Scammers may sell fraudulent pharmaceutical drugs and beauty products or create phishing websites to collect credit card details. Common warning signs include poor website design, spelling errors, and unsecured website connections.

Warning signs of online shopping scams:

• Poor website design or spelling errors

• Unsecured website connections (HTTP instead of HTTPS)

CHARITY SCAMS

Fraudsters exploit the desire to help others by pretending to be legitimate charities and stealing donations and personal information. They often target seniors in the aftermath of natural disasters, claiming to assist victims and soliciting donations. However, the money and financial information provided by well-meaning individuals end up in the scammers' pockets.

Warning signs of charity scams:

• Absence of the charity on reputable sites like Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance

• Evidence of fraud or scams when searching the charity's name online

• Similarity between the charity's name and a well-known organization

CONCLUSION

Reverse mortgage scamsProtecting seniors from scams is a crucial responsibility we all share. By understanding the types of scams that target older adults and implementing proactive measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of financial exploitation and fraud. Set up credit monitoring and identity theft protection, leave informative reminders around the house, foster open communication, establish a plan and password, stay informed about the latest scams, and report any fraudulent activities. By working together, we can create a safer environment for our elderly loved ones and ensure their financial security and well-being.

If you or your senior loved one is ready to make the move to a senior living community, consider choosing Pines Village Retirement Communities. At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

Senior Living: Heart-Healthy Tips for a Happy and Healthy Life

February is not just about Valentine's Day; it is also American Heart Month when we focus on cardiovascular health. As we age, taking care of our hearts and prioritizing heart health becomes even more crucial. In this article, we will explore heart-healthy tips specifically tailored for seniors. Making small changes to our lifestyle and habits can protect our hearts, prevent heart disease, and enjoy a happy and healthy life.

A senior couple happily shares a healthy meal, including salad, orange juice, and tea, together in their home.

Understanding Heart Disease and its Risk Factors

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, and it can occur at any age. However, the risk of developing heart disease increases as we get older. Multiple factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including health conditions, lifestyle choices, age, and family history. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of all Americans have at least one of the critical risk factors for heart disease - high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

Dietary Choices for a Healthy Heart

Eating a heart-healthy diet is crucial for maintaining good cardiovascular health. As seniors, we should focus on consuming foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Fresh fruits and vegetables should form a significant portion of our diet, while processed foods should be limited. Additionally, reducing salt intake can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.

The Importance of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking or bicycling, for at least two hours and 30 minutes weekly can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Exercise strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation, and helps manage weight, cholesterol levels, and diabetes.

Limiting Alcohol Consumption and Tobacco Use

Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use are detrimental to heart health. Seniors should limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Quitting smoking is equally essential, as it can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. If you need help stopping smoking, consult with your doctor for resources and support.

Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

High blood pressure and unhealthy blood cholesterol levels are major risk factors for heart disease. Seniors should monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly. Lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and quitting smoking can help maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for heart health. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease and put extra stress on the heart and blood vessels. Seniors should strive to maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise.

The Role of Sleep in Heart Health

Quality sleep is essential for overall health, including heart health. Poor sleep can lead to various negative changes in the body, including a weakened immune system, slower reactions, and an increased risk of heart disease. Seniors should aim for six to eight hours of sleep each night and establish a regular sleep routine.

The Mediterranean Diet: A Heart-Healthy Approach

The Mediterranean diet has been widely recognized as a heart-healthy dietary approach. It includes foods such as nuts, olive oil, white meat like chicken or fish, vegetables, and whole grains. This diet is not a commercial fad but a recommended lifestyle choice that promotes better heart health and lower rates of cardiovascular problems.

Stress Management for a Healthy Heart

Managing stress is vital for maintaining a healthy heart. While it may be challenging to eliminate stress, finding ways to reduce stress levels can significantly benefit heart health. Engaging in activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and hobbies can help relieve stress and promote overall well-being.

Regular Health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups are essential for monitoring heart health. Seniors should schedule routine appointments with their healthcare providers to monitor weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. These check-ups allow for early detection of any potential issues and provide an opportunity to discuss lifestyle modifications and treatment options.

The Importance of Social Connections

Maintaining social connections and engaging in meaningful relationships have been shown to impact heart health positively. Seniors should prioritize spending time with loved ones, participating in social activities, and joining community groups or clubs. These social connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being.

Additionally, living in a senior living community can make socialization with peers much easier to engage in regularly through activities, events, and committees.

Conclusion

Taking care of our heart is paramount, especially as seniors. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and regular health check-ups, we can reduce the risk of heart disease and enjoy a happy and healthy life. Remember, it's never too late to prioritize your heart health and make positive changes. Start today and embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle for a brighter tomorrow.

"A healthy heart is the key to a vibrant and fulfilling life. Take care of it, and it will take care of you." - Unknown

If you or your senior loved one is ready to make the move to a senior living community, consider choosing Pines Village Retirement Communities. At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

The Benefits of Technology for Seniors

Over the last few decades, technology has become increasingly important in our world. Today, it is a central part of our everyday lives and almost everything we do. While it played a vital role before, the COVID-19 pandemic showed how truly essential technology is to us. This is especially true for older adults who remained at home to stay safe during the pandemic, and their tech consumption skyrocketed.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA)’s Apps and Technologies To Make Communication More Accessible for Older Adults article features one of the most comprehensive lists of applications and technologies available to help people navigate each of these challenges and stay connected to friends and family.

In this article, we’ll focus on some of the main benefits of technology for seniors and explore some of the best tech devices for older adults. The first benefit of technology is telehealth.

Telehealth

Telehealth—also referred to as telemedicine—is a type of healthcare that allows you to receive care from your doctor without an in-person visit. Telehealth includes several different options, such as live video or phone calls, chats and text messages, and even remote monitoring. There are many telehealth advantages for all patients, but these benefits are especially relevant for seniors when talking to their doctor from their own home:

• Comfort - Telehealth allows seniors to talk to their doctor in the comfort of their own homes, which can help them remain calm during the visit, clearly communicate their concerns, and be less overwhelmed not having to go to an office. You can also have family members there to join the conversation with your doctor.

• Lower Cost - Telehealth also usually costs less than an in-person doctor visit, especially if you go to the emergency room. One study found that telehealth services cost an average of $50 per visit, while in-person care could cost as much as $175.

• No Transportation Required - Telehealth also means that seniors don’t have to drive to their appointments or find other transportation to get there. This is especially helpful if an older adult is no longer able to drive and relies on others to get around. It’s also beneficial because it means less time spent traveling and waiting in the office and more time spent at home.

• Fewer ER Visits - Telehealth also helps to reduce the frequency of emergency room visits for seniors, who, when their doctor is not available on the weekends, normally end up in the ER if they need medical attention. With telehealth, they can talk to a medical professional and determine the severity of the issue, whether an ambulance is needed, the next steps, and more.

• Self-Care - Telehealth appointments also allow your doctor to give you instructions on how to care for yourself in your own home instead of receiving a long list of instructions at the hospital, then having to figure out the best way to complete them on your own.

Meeting with your doctor via video is not the only important aspect of telehealth. The advancements in medical technology have also made it possible for more individuals to avoid hospitalization and have critical tests, procedures, and examinations done in the comfort of their own homes. 

Like the advantages listed above, in-home medical care allows patients to be comfortable and safe by receiving the care they need in their own home, cuts the high costs often associated with going to the hospital, and can allow medical professionals to discuss any potential hazards or obstacles in your home.

Socialization

Another major benefit of technology for seniors is that it allows them to socialize with others and stay connected. This has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic as older adults have had to stay at home to avoid getting sick, often with the consequence of not seeing many other people and developing feelings of loneliness. During this time, significantly more seniors bought a smartphone or Smart TV to help them stay connected and entertained while at home.

However, technology and the internet have made it possible to stay connected, which studies have shown raises levels of life satisfaction, social support, purpose in life, and social capital, while lowering feelings of loneliness and depression in seniors. While being together in person can’t be replicated, here are some of the best ways technology helps older adults stay social:

• Using FaceTime or other video call applications to talk to friends and loved ones

• Group texts and messages where everyone can communicate with one another

• Watch party apps that allow you to watch your favorite movies with your favorite people

• Social media platforms where you can see life updates from others, post pictures and videos, connect with old friends, and more

• Apps like Nextdoor where you can see what’s happening in your neighborhood and connect with the people who live near you

These are just a few of the many different ways to stay connected and socialize with others through technology. No matter how you use technology to stay in touch with your loved ones, though, it has major benefits on your social life and your overall well-being.

Assistance

Technology is also incredibly beneficial for seniors because it can provide assistance to them during their daily lives. This can help older adults do things they might not be able to do on their own and stay on top of important tasks. Here are some of the top uses of technology that help provide assistance to seniors:

• Using smart home devices—like the Amazon Echo Show—to set reminders for things like taking medication

• Delivery applications such as Instacart, Doordash, and Amazon to order food, groceries, and other necessities

• Smartwatches to track your health, receive notifications, and call for help in case of an emergency. There are also specific medical alert systems you can wear to get 24/7 help should you fall or have any health issues

• Home security systems that ensure you and your house are safe

• Robotic vacuums to help clean your home

• Ride applications to get you to the places you need to be, like Uber and Lyft

Now that we’ve explained how useful technology can be in assisting seniors, here are our top suggestions for tech devices to do just that.

Best Tech Suggestions for Seniors

• Amazon Echo Show - The Amazon Echo Show is one of the best smart home devices on the market and includes an easy-to-use touch screen, in addition to Amazon Alexa voice commands. It also allows family members to check in on their senior loved ones via Amazon Alexa Care Hub.

• iRobot Roomba - The iRobot Roomba can help you keep your space tidy without lifting a finger, giving you more time to enjoy the things you love and less hassle cleaning.

• SimpliSafe Home Security System - SimpliSafe home security systems help keep your home safe with motion sensors, cameras, door and window sensors, and Amazon Alexa capabilities.

• Apple Watch Series 4 or later - The Apple Watch acts as both a smartwatch and an emergency contact system should something happen. Series 4 devices and later also include fall detection, so you can quickly get help in case of an accident.

These are some of the best pieces of technology for seniors, but there are many others out there on the market as well. No matter what tech devices you choose, they can provide a wide range of benefits for you or your senior loved one. Now more than ever, it’s important to have access to the things we need—like healthcare, contact with loved ones, and assistance in our lives—and technology is making it possible.

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

A Guide to Estate Planning

Having a plan is essential to many different parts of life. You usually have a plan for what you want to do, where you want to live, whether or not you want to start a family, and more. This is also the case for what you want after you are gone. This is known as estate planning. In this article, we’ll share a guide to estate planning to help you further understand what it is, why it’s important, and how to create an estate plan for yourself.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves deciding what happens with your estate after you are gone. Your estate is everything that you own—homes, cars, real estate, personal possessions, furniture, art, life insurance, checking and savings accounts, investments, and more. Anything that you own, no matter how big or small, is considered to be part of your estate. While some things may seem small and insignificant, you’ll need a plan for everything you possess since you will be unable to take it with you.

Making a will and testament is one of the central parts of estate planning, as it allows you to specify how you want your assets to be distributed after you are gone. But estate planning also involves things like naming an executor and beneficiaries, preparing funeral arrangements, setting up trusts, and making charitable donations in order to limit estate taxes.

All of these different aspects of estate planning are incredibly important to make sure that your family, friends, and other loved ones get what you want them to have when you are gone. If you don’t have a will or an estate plan when you die—also known as being intestate—the state will become the executor of your estate. This means that your family, friends, and loved ones will have no say over how your assets are distributed, and the process will involve court intervention and determination.

Surprisingly, over 60% of adults in the United States don’t have an estate plan. These individuals have cited reasons like not getting around to it, not having enough to leave to loved ones, thinking the estate-planning process is too expensive, and not understanding how to go about creating a will. That’s why we’ll provide an estate plan checklist full of estate planning tips to help you through the process.

Estate Planning Checklist

1. Inventory Your Possessions

The first step when you are creating an estate plan is to inventory all of your possessions. This will give you a detailed list of all the assets you own and what you’ll have to designate to beneficiaries. This includes both tangible and intangible possessions. Here are some examples:

Tangible Possessions

• Cars and other vehicles, like boats

• Homes and other property or real estate

• Televisions, computers, and any other electronics

• Furniture

• Pieces of art, coins, antiques, and any other type of collectible

• Other personal possessions
  

Intangible Possessions

• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds

• Checking and savings accounts

• Life insurance policies

• Business ownership

• Retirement plans

• Health savings accounts

You’ll have to estimate the value of each of these assets in order to equitably split them between your beneficiaries. With possessions like houses and cars, you can use an outside valuation to help you, but for other items that you aren’t certain about, you’ll have to estimate the value it will hold for a particular beneficiary.

2. Create a Will and Testament

The next step on your estate plan checklist is to create a last will and testament. This will involve many steps that will also be useful in the rest of your estate planning. Here’s how to create a will: 

• Name an Executor - This individual will be the person fulfilling all of the wishes you include in your will.

• Identify Beneficiaries - Identify the individuals or organizations who you want to give parts of your estate to, and the specific parts of the estate you want to give to each of them. You are able to divide your assets amongst them in whichever way you like. These can be family members, friends, loved ones, and even your favorite charities.

• Choose a Guardian - If you have children under 18 or are someone’s legal guardian, you’ll also have to choose a guardian for those dependents to care for them if you are no longer able to. 

• Other Wishes - Include any other wishes that you want to be fulfilled after you are gone. This includes any specific instructions for your funeral, identifying who you want to care for your pets if you have any, and any other desires not related to your financial assets.

• Sign It - You must sign and date your will in order for it to be valid.

• Have Witnesses - You also need two witnesses to sign your will. These individuals cannot be anyone who is included in the will.

• Get It Notarized - Get your will notarized to ensure its validity and that it will hold up in court if there are any disagreements or other issues that come up.

3. Establish Directives and Protect Your Assets

Establishing directives and protecting your assets are two essential elements of creating your estate plan. This will help to ensure all of your wishes are acknowledged and that you are able to pass on valuable possessions to your loved ones without them deteriorating or being drastically reduced due to taxes. Here are some tips to help you:

• Know estate tax laws in your state. This will help you plan for how much tax your estate will be required to pay, and allow you to seek other, more tax-friendly options if needed.

• Set up a trust. Doing so can let you designate certain parts of your estate to be distributed while you are still alive. Once you die, the assets included in your trust also get disbursed to your beneficiaries immediately, bypassing probate—a court process for distributing assets.

• Include a medical care directive. This is also known as a living will, and it specifies your wishes for your medical care if you are no longer to make those decisions for yourself.

• Give power of attorney. Give someone you trust the power of attorney so they can make decisions—whether medical, financial, or anything else—for you if you are no longer able to.

• If you are looking to leave assets to your favorite charities, consider donating stocks so that the charity receives the full value and your estate avoids paying capital gains taxes.

4. Reassess Your Plan

Even if things don’t change with your situation and your relationships with your beneficiaries, you should still reassess your estate plan every few years. This will ensure that your wishes are up to date and you are able to make any additions or changes that you think of. Maybe the circumstances have changed with some of your beneficiaries and they no longer need the support or protection you included as a directive in your estate plan. That’s why it’s best to revisit your plan frequently to make sure it isn’t outdated.

5. Get ProfessionAL Help

While it is possible to create your own estate plan, it can be more difficult for those with larger estates and many different assets to worry about. You should seek professional help from an attorney or estate tax professional if you are confused or having a tough time building your estate plan. It may cost more than you were planning, but it will ensure that you have everything in order and there won’t be any mistakes, which is the most important part of creating an estate plan.

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

The Importance of Socialization for Seniors

Socialization is an essential part of life for people of all ages. Socializing is how we communicate with others, update people about our lives, share stories, and bond with one another. While socialization is integral in the lives of everyone, it is especially important for seniors. In this article, we’ll look at the connection between socialization and seniors, and ways for seniors to get more social.

Residents enjoy a social hour together with appetizers and beverages.

Why Is Socialization Important for Seniors

Socialization is important for seniors because it helps to prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation. While feeling lonely is difficult on its own, it can also lead to other health issues and impact your overall well-being. A University of California San Francisco research study found that over 40% of older adults report feelings of loneliness, even when they don’t live alone. These feelings can be even more prevalent during holidays and other special occasions.

Other research found that social isolation is a major risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality, especially among older adults. This means that not socializing enough doesn't only affect your mood, but it can also increase your risk of developing other diseases and illnesses. Let’s look at some of the specific benefits of socializing:

Mental Health and Emotional Benefits

Socializing with others frequently has mental and emotional benefits, like improving self-esteem and confidence. When seniors get social and have meaningful interactions with others, they feel good and their mood improves. They also have the opportunity to receive support from the individuals they socialize with, which allows them to feel seen and heard. This helps them to avoid feeling anxious and lonely, and even helps to prevent depression.

Cognitive Benefits

Social seniors can also enjoy cognitive benefits from their time spent with others. A study from Penn State found that individuals who had social interactions on one day had better cognitive performance in the following days. This is even more important because feeling lonely and isolated can increase the risk of developing diseases that impact cognitive ability—like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Routine socialization reduces this risk, and can actually enhance cognitive performance.

Physical Benefits

Social interactions also provide physical benefits for older adults because how we feel mentally and emotionally directly impacts how we feel physically. Social interactions are so important that our bodies actually need them—like we need food and water—for healthy cellular function. So, when we socialize with others, our body functions better and improves our overall well-being. Socialization also can limit the risk of developing health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.

Social Benefits

It shouldn’t be any surprise that socialization also has social benefits. When older adults socialize, they are more likely to have fewer negative feelings, higher levels of physical activity, and greater positive moods. This means they are likely to socialize more and continue to receive the many benefits of socialization, as well as meeting new people and making friends in the process.

If you’ve never stopped to think about it, you might not have realized just how crucial socialization is to living a long, healthy life. Now that we know why socializing is so important for seniors, let’s look at some ways that older adults can increase their socialization.

Ways To Increase Socialization for Older Adults

Use Technology

Technology has made interacting with others easier than it’s ever been. With only a phone, tablet, or computer, older adults can socialize with others using text messages, applications like Zoom and FaceTime, and many other methods—all in an instant. There are many great technological devices that older adults can use to keep in touch with their loved ones, as well as expanding their social circle by meeting new people. 

However, it’s important for older adults to practice internet safety, and be aware of online scams that target older individuals. This means never giving out personal information, deleting emails and messages from individuals you don’t recognize, and keeping your accounts safe with secure, unique passwords.

Join a Social Club

While technology allows for easy and instant socialization, there’s simply no replacing in-person interactions. One of the ways for older adults to increase their socialization is to find social clubs for seniors. These clubs usually involve a shared interest—like playing games, reading books, knitting, getting outdoors, and more—and are a great way for seniors to interact with other people.

Volunteer

Volunteering is another great way for older adults to socialize. When volunteering, seniors get to talk to, interact, and bond with others—both the people they are helping and other volunteers. Another benefit of volunteering is that older adults are able to support the causes near to their hearts, and help to make the world a better place. There are many opportunities to volunteer, many of which may even be in their own neighborhoods or communities!

Move to a Senior Living Community

Perhaps the best way for older adults to increase socialization is to move to a senior living community. These communities allow seniors to live close to other people their age, many of whom often share the same interests. Senior living communities also include many opportunities to socialize through planned activities, outings, exercise classes, volunteer opportunities, and many others!

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!