AUTOMATING OLD AGE – a financial umbrella for the geezer!
Posted: April 21, 2017 Filed under: geezerFinance, geezerSecurity, Uncategorized | Tags: finance, financial health, scams Leave a comment »
“Seventy-Five” may be a senior’s financial tipping point. You have memory lapses, don’t think as clearly and worry more, or worse, don’t worry at all about financial matters. Financial planners are targeting you, beady eyes glistening in the darkness. And, of course, deep down, you are beginning to realize that you don’t trust your own decisions; and, really don’t know whom to trust. Your financial life, like the rest of your life, has become uncertain and confusing.
You need to automate. A few suggestions:
- Direct deposit social security, pensions, dividends, rents and other income.
- Automatic payment of regular bills, using a credit card or your checking account. Pay gas, electricity, water, mortgages, taxes, rent, car payments, insurance, church pledge, long-term care premiums and credit cards on-line. Pay anything you can automatically.
- Have a geriatric mentor. A trusted person (kid) who will receive copies of all financial documents and who can monitor for suspicious activity, receive late or termination notices, and who can generally track your financial old age.
- Periodic alerts:
- Tax filing deadlines – accountant
- Property taxes – mentor, mortgage company, accountant
- Long-term care insurance – mentor – You don’t want to default on this.
- Minimal number of accounts
- One credit card
- One debit card
- One brokerage account
- One bank account
- Investments
- Index funds
- Cash account
- Contacts – you should have habits that alert people when you don’t participate
- Church
- meals-on-wheels
- Mail carrier
- Neighbors
- Senior Centers
- Regular social get-togethers
- Clubs
- ie “Have you seen the geezer recently?”
- Monthly review of accounts, etc. by mentor or trusted person.
- Hire a property manager if you own rental units; direct deposit of rents and copies of statements to mentor.
The bottom line is that you can change any of these depending on your level of competence and how you feel about dealing with financial matters. The point is that your survival should be automatic if you don’t feel like dealing with it. You should not have to think about the basics; your financial health should be based on checks and balances.
THINK OLD!
HERITAGE ARTS – a learning vacation at Southwestern Community College in the land of the Cherokee!
Posted: April 13, 2017 Filed under: geezerLearns, geezerQuests, geezerTrips, Uncategorized | Tags: Cherokee, Travel Leave a comment »I recently attended the local Quarterly Chapter Meeting of the Trail of Tears Association, which was held at Swain Center Southwestern Community College, Almond, North Carolina. The speaker was Jeff Marley, a professor at Southwestern Community College, who will teach you how to print in Cherokee.
Jeff gave us a tour of the arts program which includes pottery making using three different kilns for firing: gas, electric and wood-fired. The clay is local and the techniques for making the pottery are both traditional and contemporary.
The school is located about 75 miles from Asheville, NC, on the edge of the Eastern Band Cherokee Indian Reservation. It has a Casino and Museum in Cherokee.
The school has a summer art program that features ceramics, pottery, photography, drawing, printing and “Cherokee Language Printing.” The classes cost around $25; and $50 for a 5 week independent study course. Jeff will help you design your own course if you want. Beats a lot of things you could be doing and it is interesting.
Printing in the Cherokee language struck me. You use Cherokee fonts and print on an old-fashioned press.
Cherokee language fonts.
You set the type by hand in boxes, you place it in the press, you run the press by hand, make a proof and then do as many copies as you want.
A very old press.
If pottery is your thing, there is a large class room;
Pottery Classroom
resulting in as much pottery as you can make:
Pottery
The Swain Center offers hands on instruction in techniques that you would not get elsewhere. How many wood-fired kilns are there? Where else can you learn to set type in the Cherokee Language and then print posters, books and stationary in Cherokee. You may need a translator.
The Cherokee property, not a reservation, is the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokees; the ones who were left and who bought their property, after some of their ancestors were forced to move to Oklahoma where they became the Western Band. There are museums to see; and of course Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, NC. and the art community of Waynesville, NC. Don’t forget the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.
You can fish, hunt, sail, hike, etc.
The real point of this blog is to encourage people to check out community colleges wherever they happen to be; or happen to be going. You can frequently gain access to college facilities and can learn something new.
THINK OLD!
PANAMA CANAL TRAIN – COLON TO PANAMA CITY – a trip along the canal.
Posted: March 26, 2017 Filed under: geezerTrips, Panama, Uncategorized | Tags: Panama, Panama Canal, Panama Canal Railway, trains, Travel Leave a comment »On March 15, 2017, while on a Road Scholar trip, thirty of us traveled by train along the Panama Canal from Colon, Panama to Panama City, Panama.
We had traversed the Panama Canal by small ship, spent the night in Colon and toured the city the next morning.
Panama Canal Train boarding at Colon Station.
At 5:15 PM the train left from an old loading platform in Colon. We had seats in the dome car and rode along the canal for an hour and fifteen minutes to Panama City. The train runs once a day in each direction.
Our tour director lined us up to board at 5:00 and he had staked out the dome car for our group; sharing the dome with another tour.
Seniors get a break in the fare if they are Panama Citizens or Permanent Residents. Other wise it is full fare: $25. But the extra $7.50 is probably worth it; and, I am sure that our Road Scholar had worked some sort of deal.
The history of the Panama Canal Railway is fascinating as it predates the canal, was used during the California Gold Rush, and, in 1852, when it opened, was the only transcontinental railway. It was also immensely profitable, as the Panama Canal is today.
Don’t plan on taking a boat trip through the canal and catching the train the same day. It won’t work. There are too many variables in getting through the locks and to the train station. You don’t want to be stuck in Colon without a hotel reservation.
If you need transportation and are not on a tour, remember that Uber works in Panama and is reasonable.
Sources:
Panama Canal Railway – Wikipedia
Road Scholar: Grit and Glory: Exposing the Panama Canal
THINK OLD!
BIOMUSEO – FRANK GHERY’S MUSEUM IN PANAMA
Posted: March 24, 2017 Filed under: geezerTrips, Uncategorized | Tags: BioMuseo, Ghery, Miuseums, Panama, Travel Leave a comment »The BioMuseo in Panama City, Panama is one of Frank Ghery’s museums around the world. The BioMuseo reflects the flora and fauna diversity of Panama. It is educational as well as entertaining. It would be a wonderful place for grandchildren. It also has a $4 discount for non-resident seniors, making admission cost $18.
BioMuseo
Uber is faster and cheaper than taxis in Panama City.
A good place for a rainy day. There is a video and a shop, of course.
One level is full of models of birds and animals unique to Panama, past and present.
This was an optional part of the Road Scholar Trip, Grit and Glory: Exploring the Panama Canal.
You can easily spend an afternoon there; or a year.
COURTS MAY ADD “ALTERNATIVE FACTS” TO RULES OF EVIDENCE!
Posted: January 23, 2017 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment »The courts are groping beneath their judicial robes to come up with rules on “Alternative Facts.”
The proposed rules include:
1. If an “Alternative Fact” is introduced into evidence, it will “TRUMP” any other evidence.
2. The court will allow an Amicus Brief to be submitted by the Executive Branch where two or more “Alternative Facts” are in conflict.
3. “Alternative Facts” must be pled but do not have to be proven.
4. Any attorney, or party, if pro-se, who offers traditional evidence under the existing rules of evidence, to counter an “Alternative Fact” will be subject to sanctions including, but not limited to, disbarment, dismissal of the lawsuit, and any other sanctions as determined by the Court after receiving the advice and consent of the Executive Branch.
5. If an “Alternative Fact” is offered, the court shall immediately grant summary judgment as to that fact.
6. Any rules on “Alternative Facts” will be null and void at 12:01 PM on January 20, 2021.
Thus far, the courts have no definition for “Alternative Facts” beyond that such a fact is an out-and-out lie.
The courts are considering reversing their judicial robes when they deal with False News!!!
SIX CHEAP HOME SECURITY IDEAS FOR OLD PEOPLE!
Posted: January 12, 2017 Filed under: Aging-in-place, geezerAdapts, geezerSecurity, Uncategorized | Tags: aging in place, Canary, living-in-place, security, Travel 1 Comment »
Geezer’s Solar Powered Motion Sensor Outdoor Light.
I am 76, vulnerable and cheap. A recent neighborhood burglary and car vandalism made me rethink our home security.
What is unique about most old people – my wife and I?
- We live alone.
- Our memories are not quite what they used to be.
- I am deaf.
- I think I am younger than I am.
- My support group is shrinking.
- I am cheap.
- I am fearful.
- Any system we use must be simple and self-operating. We can’t be bothered with any complexity.
- We travel and are frequently away from home.
I cannot protect us from everything; but, I can reduce the odds, my fear, and my paranoia. I can provide a video if I am the victim of a crime.
This is what I did.
- I turn on porch and garage exterior lights each night. My neighbors can watch. I have mixed feelings about this as there is an argument that you allow burglars to see what they are doing.
- I rewired the pyracantha along our back wall and tied the stems so that they covered the whole wall. I will let them grow taller in the future.
- I installed two interior lights on timers that go on and off automatically at various times in the evening. ($4.87 each.)
- I wired together wire tomato cages (I use these in the summer for my tomatoes. – or $2 each.) where the exterior walls adjoined my neighbor’s wall. Someone coming over the wall has to deal with the pyracantha, the wires and the cages, which they cannot see in the dark. Jail provides medical treatment.
- I installed a solar motion sensor light ($29.97) over the back door. This gives off enough light to see the back yard and becomes very bright if someone enters the yard. My neighbor can watch the burglar.
- I installed a Canary Security System and Camera ($199.95) tied into my smart phone. My smart phone beeps if someone enters my home office. I can watch whoever is there (even if I am in Iceland), activate an alarm, or call the police. The system records and retains the video for at least 24 hours, or longer if you subscribe. It is quite clear even in the dark. It goes on automatically when I leave the house, but I have to click “private” when I return home or it keeps monitoring. The BIG problem with this is that the first night I did not click “private” after I returned home. The next morning I had a video of a 76 year-old, nude man, coming out of the bathroom; now, I turn it off when I am at home.
When we are really old, our kids can access the Canary from their smart phones and monitor us. I will have to start wearing a robe.
The total cost of our security system was $239.70, plus tax.
I could have used a commercial alarm service, but that costs a lot more, and they call a neighbor, or us, giving the burglar time to get away You put your neighbor in harm’s way when they go to check on your home. If the police are called and it is a false alarm, you may get charged depending on your town.
We travel a lot, have no relatives in town, and worry about security when we are gone. This is not a perfect system, but for the cost, I don’t see how we could do more.
The net result is that I feel better, I have not spent much money, I have a simple system that even I can handle, and I will have a video of the burglar. I may even catch him by dialing 911 and advising the police where he is in my home and whether or not he appears to be armed. The video will be evidence.
In old age the geezer needs a KISS! (Keep it Simple Stupid!)
A six-inch Canary camera attached to my smart phone, quietly waiting for my burglar, or a 76 year-old nude, if I forget to deactivate it.
Pyracantha and wired tomato cages waiting for my burglar.
A MONTH ON THE BEACH – a senior’s perspective -PREPARATION
Posted: September 5, 2016 Filed under: geezerTrips, Out of my comfort zone!, Uncategorized, Why Am I Here? | Tags: beach, Florida Leave a comment »
Indian Rocks Beach, Florida – Hurricane Hermine
We are spending the month of September on the beach in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. My wife was raised on Long Island and grew up around beaches; but after 50 years in New Mexico is not sure she wanted to live East. Her parents lived here for 45 years so she is familiar with the area.
At 76, moving to a new place, even for a month, requires a “senior’s” perspective.
We need a purpose. We don’t swim, golf, play tennis, or do any of the usual things. We walk, do yoga and read. We like to eat out; and, most importantly we like to sit on the balcony and watch the gulf – especially if there is a hurricane. September 2016 is perfect. We rented a 4th floor condo overlooking the gulf and Hurricane Hermine hit on September 1.
The plan is that my wife will paint and I will work on geezer2go!
I hope to tell you about our experiences; day-by-day, with a 5 day lag for editing. The blog will continue its “senior twist.” I will suggest some providers, but don’t be limited by what I suggest. Use your own common sense.
Being old and fearful, preparation is everything:
- Money – cash in a money belt, two credit cards, and a debit card. Take a few blank checks with you. If you need something notarized, Bank of America will do it, at least if you are a customer.
- Prescriptions – Enough for a month with extra in case you overstay. Contact your pharmacist to arrange to have your prescriptions filled at a chain drug store where you are going if you run into problems.
- Uber – Join and experiment with Uber in advance. It is quick, cheap and safe. You don’t have to worry about a tip. See my Uber Blog.
- Airplane tickets – SouthWest. They have a senior fare, if you cancel, you get a credit, there are two bags free, and since they don’t transfer bags to other carriers, they don’t seem to lose them. Get your boarding passes on-line exactly 24 hours before your flight.
- Chargers – I only blog to old people who know how to use the internet. You need chargers for smart phones, computers and i-pads. If you do forget chargers, stop by a hotel/motel. They usually have extras that people left behind. Tip the desk clerk.
- Back-up numbers – A list of phone numbers that you need. Kids, neighbors, place you are going, favorite restaurants, etc. You can never find a phone book, and if you do, it is out-of-date.
- Auto-pay – All deposits including social security, dividends, etc. should be made electronically. You should use e-bills. If you can’t, estimate the amount that you might owe while gone and pay ahead.
- Wi-fi – make sure that where you are going has wi-fi. Even at 76, you need it. If you don’t have it, or if it is bad, learn how to use your smart phone personal hotspot. I have T-mobile and for a few bucks a month was able to hook-up my computer at places without wi-fi.
- Rent Car – Rent it off airport. Cheaper and you avoid driving on the maze of roads around most airports; especially Tampa. Enterprise as it has a free pick-up service. You can use Super-shuttle to get from most airports. You may also be able to use Uber. Try CostCo Travel for good rates.
- Join Silver Sneakers – Free and nation-wide. Access to thousands of exercise classes, yoga classes, Pilates classes and YMCA’s.
- Sick/hurt – Unless it is serious, remember urgent care facilities or the CVS Pharmacy Minute Clinics. Quick, they take Medicare and you can reserve your place in line, on-line. For minor injuries. More importantly, they can recognize serious problems and get you help.
- Packing – I am old. I need less clutter. I travel with a carry-on bag, which I check. For Florida, 7 t-shirts, 7 underpants, sandals, shoes, 3 socks, 3 handkerchiefs, 7 short-sleeved shirts, hat, umbrella, plastic rain poncho, shorts, 2 pair light weight travel pants. I will use the washer/dryer/laundry 4 times. I check the bag so I can get around in terminals and don’t worry too much if I lose it. I also have a brief-case with a notebook, an i-pad, with 600 kindle books and my favorite magazines, and my cell phone. Plus the chargers. What else do I need. Certainly not 3 large suitcases.
This is my preparation. I have high-lighted the web pages of my sources so that you can check them out for yourself. When you are old: TRUST, BUT VERIFY!
DEMENTIA CLAUSE IN YOUR ADVANCE DIRECTIVE???
Posted: May 27, 2016 Filed under: COPING, Uncategorized Leave a comment »Many of us have an advance directive or health care power of attorney. All of us should have one. It sets out what you want to happen in as far as your health care is concerned at the end of life.
There are several states with Physician Assisted Suicide laws and in NM there is a case that is presently before the NM Supreme Court. Morris v. Brandenburg.
The problem is that these laws and cases seem to require that you be competent, which may be difficult, especially if you are unconscious or have dementia.
Compassion & Choices has come up with a “Dementia Clause” that is either a separate document or included in your Advance Directive. Visit their website to determine what your state allows for end-of-life decisions.
Dementia does not seem to be a problem for the person with dementia; but is a horrible financial, mental and emotional problem for family members and loved ones.
l do not know if the “Dementia Clause” has been tested, but if you believe in it, what have you got to lose.? Basically it provides by reference to your “My Particular Wishes” or advance directive, that you do not want food or water and that you want to be comfortable. If it doesn’t work, you are in the same place that you would have been in if you didn’t have it; if it does work, you are saved from a horrible existence. It is your choice and you are not an impossible burden on your family.
Don’t listen to me! Ask your physician and your attorney? Some hospitals may not honor this, if so you will have to trust to hospice or your family.
It does seem that you have the right to refuse food and hydration, but remember that sometimes prisoners are force-fed and hydrated while on hunger strikes.
The idea is for you to decide, with professional advice, while you are competent. You want to avoid courts, law suits and undue bureaucratic fuss.
Here is the language from the Compassion & Choices form:
“If I am unconscious and it is unlikely that I will ever become conscious again, I would like my wishes regarding specific life-threataiuing treatments, as indicated on the attached document entitled My Particular Wishes to be followed.
If I remain conscious but have a progressive illness that will be fatal and the illness is in an advanced stage, and I am consistently and permanently unable communicate, swallow food and water safely, care for myself and recognize my family and other people, and it is very unlikely that my condition will substantially improve, I would like my wishes regarding specific life-sustaining treatments, as indicated on the attached document entitled My Particular Wishes , to be followed.
If I am unable to feed thyself while in this condition:
I do/do not (circle one) want to be fed.
I do/do not (circle one) want to be given fluids.
I hereby incorporate this provision into my durable power of attorney for health care, living will and any other previously executed advance directive for health care decisions.
___________________________ ________________________
Signature Date
THINK OLD!
KINDLE – 9 READING BENEFITS FOR OLD PEOPLE
Posted: May 5, 2016 Filed under: Aging-in-place, geezerAdapts, Uncategorized | Tags: electronic readers, free books, Kindle, reading apps Leave a comment »Most old people prefer books; not electronic readers like Kindle. There is a learning curve, like most things, before you are comfortable with an electronic gadget. If you are old, the learning is worth the effort. You will be out of your comfort zone for a while, but will soon find a new comfort zone that will suit you.
With a Kindle from Amazon there are 9 things that you can do that you can’t do with a hardcover book.
- You can check out books from many libraries at home and receive the book on your Kindle. All you need is a library card, no trip to the library required.
- You can change the size of the type; always good given old eyes. See below.
- Kindle books are cheaper on Amazon than the hard bound editions.
- A Kindle reader weighs less than most hard bound books. It can be the size and weight of a paperback or it can be incorporated into your i-Pad.
- A Kindle reader holds thousands of books.
- You can subscribe to magazines on Kindle.
- You can subscribe to newspapers on Kindle.
- You can get a lot of free books on Kindle, including the classics that you always meant to read.
- You have one book size gadget to carry around, not a lot of books. This is great for travel.
Smaller Text From Kindle Book as the geezer would see it.
Kindle Text enlarged so that the geezer could read it.