MESSENGER POST MEDIA

YOUR GUIDE TO

SeniorLife
today
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for AUGUST 27 and 28, 2020

how do you
PREPARE for
the FUTURE
when life is
so uncertain now
As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to present health and economic
challenges, it is difficult to focus on anything other than the present. It’s important,
though, not to lose sight of the years ahead and to take steps that can put you in a
better position when we emerge on the other side.
The youngest baby boomers — the generation born between 1944 and 1964 —
turned 55 last year. This, coupled with the uncertain job picture, means many of us
are thinking more seriously about what we will need to successfully retire.
In the past, the years leading up to retirement have been a time of hope and
optimism. We’ve looked forward to fulfilling our dreams of doing the things we
might have missed while working, such as dedicating more time to family and
friends, checking items off a bucket list, or even pursuing a meaningful second
career.
However, many of the traditional assumptions about this phase of life have been
challenged over the past decade, including the idea that we’ll retire at 65. In fact, defined contribution (DC) plans. DC plans, such or just over the horizon.
MetLife’s Evolving Retirement Model Study found nearly one in 10 workers (9%) as 401(k)s, are the main source of retirement 1. Create a plan to eliminate debt.
never expect to retire. Many of us are choosing to continue working and, in light savings for most workers.
Whether you carry a balance on a credit card,
of the current situation, some who have already retired, especially those in health While employers often make contributions to have student loans or a mortgage, start paying
care, are even being asked to return to work. these plans, workers are primarily responsible off your debts now. Reducing your monthly
What’s behind this change? It turns out that it’s more than just the current for their retirement security. With this in mind, expenses not only allows you to save more for
market volatility. Perhaps one of the most significant reasons is the decline in there are three key steps you can take now to retirement, but also gives you more flexibility
company-financed pensions. Many companies have shifted from defined benefit, prepare for the years after you finish working with how you spend money after you stop
or pension, plans, which promise retirees a monthly income benefit for life, to regardless of whether that day is decades away working. (Continued on Page 3)
PAGE 2 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for AUGUST 27 and 28, 2020
 PAGE 3 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for AUGUST 27 and 28, 2020

tips for
BETTER POSTURE
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

Computers can be a real pain. As the number of people working from home increased
dramatically, so did calls to chiropractor Dr. Karen Erickson.
“Upon careful analysis, we found a common cause: working on a desktop, laptop or
cell phone with poor posture or a poor ergonomic setup,” said Erickson, founder of
Erickson Healing Arts in New York City.
Poor posture can lead to aches and pains in the head, neck, shoulders and back as well
as muscle tension, carpal tunnel syndrome and injury to the vertebrae. In the worst
cases a person may not be able to turn their head, Erickson said.
Having good posture means the bones of the skeleton carry the weight of the body
using a minimal amount of muscle, she said.
“Good posture isn’t a moral issue. We don’t stand up straight just because our mothers
told us to. It’s more efficient. If you’re slumped over you’re using more muscles to hold
that position, which can lead to pain, inflammation and muscle spasms,” Erickson said.
PRESSFOTO
Pain from poor posture is common. Luckily, some really simple things can help correct
posture and alleviate pain. Try some of Erickson’s suggestions:
• When using a laptop, use it as a screen only and place it at eye level with a stand or a • Sit in a good chair. An ergonomic chair is • When using a cell phone — for reading,
stack of books. “Having to look down at the screen for more than 15 or 20 minutes will great, but even a wooden chair works if you watching video, speaking and listening,
lead to neck pain.” sit correctly on your “sit bones.” Sit on your anything — rest your elbows against your
• Keep your computer screen at eye level. hands to feel where those bones are. “Sit with body and hold the phone at eye level.
your tailbone back slightly so there’s a little • Take breaks during the day to do chair
• Get a remote keyboard and a mouse or, even better, use a keyboard tray, which takes curve in your back,” Erickson said.
the keyboard off the work surface and puts it into a lower, more ergonomic position. stretches or another activity like climbing
A keyboard tray can be installed permanently or temporarily clamped underneath a • Keep both feet flat on the floor with a right a flight of stairs a few times, emptying the
desk or table. “Install it as low as possible, bringing the keyboard over the lap,” Erickson angle at your knees. Your feet should be dishwasher or taking a walk around the
said. When sitting, the keyboard should be at elbow level so that ideally you are using under your knees. This allows the weight of block. Just leave your phone behind for a few
only finger muscles, not shoulder muscles, she said. the body to travel through the spine. minutes.
• Shoulders should be dropped and relaxed, with elbows hanging down, centered at • Do not jut your head forward. Keep it erect Posture is a habit that you can change. If
the seam line of your shirt. Don’t use the keyboard with your elbows reaching forward, and in line with your torso. Every inch your you catch yourself slumping, change your
which could cause isometric spasm in your neck or shoulders and arms and lead to head is forward increases the weight on your position and improve how you feel.
pain and inflammation. upper back and neck by 10 pounds.

(Continued from Page 1) MetLife’s Study also asked workers and retirees the age of the oldest person they know.
2. Make retirement savings automatic, and don’t miss out on “free money.” On average, that person is almost 85 years old, and 45% of survey participants believe
they’ll live that long too. Many of us can, therefore, expect to live 20 years — or more — in
Many employers offer a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), to their employees. The retirement, and we’ll need our savings to last. The question is: Will we be able to enjoy a
sooner you begin saving, the sooner your savings can begin to build up over time. Help comfortable and secure retirement, especially during periods of market turmoil like we are
your nest egg grow even faster by contributing enough to take full advantage of any experiencing now?
matching contributions your employer offers. For example, your company might match
100% of your contribution, up to 6% of your salary. In other words, if you earn $50,000 a Having a predictable income can make a big difference and fortunately relief may be in
year and save at least $3,000, your company will match that amount by contributing $3,000 sight. While many employers don’t yet offer guaranteed retirement income options in their
to your retirement as well. 401(k) plans, a new law passed at the end of 2019 could change this. That’s good news,
considering that 95% of workers and retirees say it’s important for retirees to have a source
3. Understand how your retirement savings translates into income. of guaranteed retirement income they cannot outlive.
Take the time during your working years to understand how much income you might MetLife’s Study was conducted online with 1,518 U.S. adults ages 33-75 who are either
receive in retirement based on your retirement savings. The U.S. Department of Labor employed full time or retired and have access to a defined benefit or defined contribution
offers a simple retirement income projection tool that can help you get started. If you see plan through their current employer or the employer from which they retired. Data were
that projections are falling short of where you think you might need them to be, consider weighted, where necessary, to align with actual population proportions. The Study was
filling the gap by increasing the amount you are saving. Additionally, if you are over the age conducted by The Harris Poll between Aug. 19 and Sept. 6, 2019. [BPT]
of 50, you can make catch-up contributions to your 401(k) or individual retirement account.
 PAGE 4 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for AUGUST 27 and 28, 2020

what do you do if you

SENSE A SCAM
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

You’re not alone if you get swindled. Nearly half of U.S. who they say they are.
adults (47%) reported that they have been targeted by Don’t trust any caller asking for personal information or
an impostor scam, according to a survey by the AARP money.
Fraud Watch Network. Imposter scams are the No. 1
type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission, Beware of callers saying you’ve won a prize but need to
with con artists ripping off Americans for $667 million in pay a fee to collect it. If a caller asks for payment in the
2019. The median loss per person was $700. form of a gift card or a wire transfer, consider that a big
red flag.
“Scammers are very good at perfecting their scams. They
prey on our trust [by] impersonating the government, Do not trust caller ID.
a well-known business or a family member,” said Patti “The name you read does not mean that is who’s calling,”
Poss, an attorney in the marketing practices division of she said. Protect yourself by signing up for the Do Not
the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Call List (donotcall.gov), which blocks robocalls from
Protection. “They’re very good at what they do, and it legitimate companies, Poss said.
can be very difficult to figure out if it’s real or not.” “The IRS and Social Security do not call out of the blue
The majority of the time imposter scams start with a making threats and asking for payment,” she said.
phone call, Poss said. Less frequently it’s through email Confirm independently whether a business, utility
or mail. or government agency is trying to reach you. Use the Report fraud when it happens to the FTC (ftccomplaintassistant.
To protect yourself, don’t answer the phone if you don’t customer service numbers or email addresses listed on gov) and tell your friends.
know who’s calling, if possible. invoices, account statements, and legitimate corporate “If you’ve been targeted it’s likely others in your community will be
Hang up immediately when you realize the caller is not and government websites. targeted, too,” Poss said.
 PAGE 5 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for AUGUST 27 and 28, 2020

100 YEARS of SUFFRAGE:

How the ALA continues
to empower female voters
It came down to one vote. One hundred years ago, on Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment
was ratified with the vote of a young Tennessee senator — breaking a tie to tip the scales.
American women had won the long, hard-fought right to vote. After a 70-year movement and
a four-year war, their voices were being heard across the country. On the 100th anniversary
of this major accomplishment, we take note of how our country’s past resembles its present
as we mobilize toward a better future.
Just like this year, 1920 was a time of renewal in our nation. The end of World War I ushered
in a new chapter of American life and a reinvigoration of the women’s suffrage movement.
Throughout the war, women had driven ambulances across battlefields, stitched up
wounded soldiers, sewn surgical masks and operated munitions factories. Over 9 million
American women participated in the war effort. This swell of patriotic support showcased the D.C. Participants learn about the power of being an engaged citizen by representing their
valuable role every American plays in our democracy — regardless of gender. As American own states in a mock government as they campaign for political office, craft and debate the
life shifted back to its pre-war reality, it became clear that women didn’t have enough passage of legislation, and meet with their real-life counterparts on Capitol Hill. This invaluable
opportunities to engage in government and express their patriotism. program is where young women get to put their patriotism and political aspirations into
It was during this same time in the wake of WWI that the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) action and experience a real-world look at the democracy they contribute to daily. Learn
was founded, on Nov. 10, 1919, providing women with a forum to support their veteran more about ALA Girls Nation, or any other American Legion Auxiliary program, by visiting www.
spouses and promote the patriotism that had been so essential to them during the war. ALAforVeterans.org.
Less than a year later, in August 1920, the 19th amendment was ratified and women were Every moment that led to a woman’s right to vote — from the first woman to step up and
given the right to officially and fully participate in our democracy by voting. join the war effort to that final vote being cast by a 23-year-old senator — is a testament to
One hundred years later, women play an important role in the American political process, fighting for our freedoms. We celebrate and honor veterans by utilizing the freedoms they
and the ALA continues to help young women learn about the way our government runs and protect and participating in our democracy. As we reach the 100th anniversary of women’s
the value of their vote. ALA Girls Nation, hosted annually, teaches young women about the suffrage, we reflect on this monumental step toward equality. The best way to show thanks
democratic process through a week-long, immersive learning experience in Washington, for our country and the people who fought for it is to exercise our right to vote. [BPT]
 PAGE 6 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for AUGUST 27 and 28, 2020

don’t be intimidated by
COOKING
BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

Maybe you never learned how to cook or suddenly have to make meals for yourself. If
you’ve reached adulthood without understanding some culinary basics, now is the time
to give it a try. “It’s never too late to learn,” said Lisa Grant, author of “Super Easy Cookbook
for Beginners” and creator of the food blog Jersey Girl Cooks. “Many people find cooking
relaxing. It’s a great hobby and a great way to eat healthier.”
People who cook at home are more likely to have a healthier diet than those who dine out
or eat prepackaged foods, according to a 2017 study from the University of Washington
School of Public Health.
It costs less, too. Home cooked meals were associated with diets lower in calories, sugar and
fat, but not with higher monthly expenses for food, the study found.
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated or require a huge investment in time,
Grant said: “Sometimes the simplest meals are the tastiest.” DROBOTDEAN

How to start
recipes. The goal is to try it, get it accomplished and build some confidence.”
From cookbooks to blogs, online tutorials to Food Network shows, there are plenty of
ways to learn new skills, Grant said. For novices “a good cookbook can be used like a Bible.” Another key to getting started is to have basic ingredients on hand, Grant said. Shop
Choose one that covers the basics and includes calories and nutritional information as well for fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, canned tomatoes (so you can make your own
as length of meal prep time and serving sizes. sauces), beans, rice and pasta, meat and fish, herbs and spices.

Cooking is a skill you learn by doing, so try and practice cooking a couple of times a week, Take some shortcuts when shopping, such as buying pre-cut chicken, Grant said. “The
Grant said. “Start with five-ingredient or less recipes so you won’t get overwhelmed,” she butcher is your friend. If you need help or advice, ask,” she said.
said. “Look for recipes with simple ingredients that take 30 minutes or less or one-pot In addition to salt and pepper, buy or make your own seasoned salt and spice blends.
“Spices are one of the easiest ways to add flavor,” Grant said. Some top choices include salt-
free herb and garlic blends, Italian, Greek, Cajun and Tex-Mex, she said.
Learn the basics
After you have chosen a recipe, read it through, then lay out all your ingredients before
getting started.
Tackle some basic techniques. “If you can saute, you can cook a great meal,” Grant said.
“There are so many things you can cook with a little oil, salt and pepper such as chicken
cutlets, fish, shrimp and vegetables.”
Learn how to scramble eggs. Cook over low heat so they turn out soft and fluffy, Grant said.
Then move on to the countless other methods — fried, poached, over easy — of preparing
eggs. Roasting meats and vegetables is another easy technique. Preheat your oven, toss
meats or vegetables with olive oil, season, cook and enjoy.
“There are so many recipes out there. Try something new. Start small. Read the recipe
through one or two times and go for it,” she said.

“Count your life by smiles, not tears.

Count your age by friends, not years.”
“It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.”

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

A division of GANNETT
73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua NY 14424• 585.394.0770 •MPNnow.com
 PAGE 7 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for AUGUST 27 and 28, 2020

“We did not want to leave

the hard decisions to our
family, especially the
financial burden.”

White Haven Memorial Park has been helping families pre-plan their burial property for over 90 years.
With over 80 plus acers of undeveloped property, White Haven will proudly continue to provide burial property for a
very long time.
Why White Haven Memorial Park?
© First Cemetery in the World to be Certified by the International Audubon Society
© Creators of the ideology of Nature Trails for cremation burials
© Certified by the Green Burial Council
© Over 80 undeveloped acreage for future burial areas
© Crematory on-site with 4 state-of-the-art retorts
© Reflection Room in our Crematory for those who want to be present during the cremation process
© First Cemetery in New York State to have a Gold Star Families Monument and burial section
© Two Chapels on-site with a Large outside Gazebo available for Memorial Services
© Not-for-Profit Organization
© Memorial Gifts established around the Park honoring family members
© Caring and devoted staff ready and willing to guide you through the process

We are here for You.

Call Us Today! (585)586-5250
210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY 14534
whitehavenmemorialpark.com
 PAGE 8 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for AUGUST 27 and 28, 2020

we can help right at home.

At Jewish Senior Life, we offer a variety of services to make For non-medical companion services,
staying home feel manageable, comfortable, safe, and as contact:
easy as possible. Living Well Companion Care
Call (585) 244-5021
Our home services provide you the support you need,
livingwellcompanioncare.org
right where you live.
Need help with the basics or companionship? For in home medical visits, contact:
Living Well Companion Care provides carefully screened Physician House Calls
Companions who can assist with non-medical services, Call (585) 244-5993
including transportation, housekeeping, laundry, shopping JSLphysicianhousecalls.org
and more.
If you need medical support, Physician House Calls
service offers high-quality medical care in the comfort of
your own home. We provide one-on-one medical
assessments, medication review, and care coordination.
Available to individuals 65 years and older.