Libraries are one of many places that offer volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer opportunities in the area provide retirees with many ways to give back.

You may have left the working world, but that doesn’t mean you have to sever your ties with the community. Many retirees fi nd volunteering is a rewarding experience that not only keeps them physically active, but involved in wonderful causes as well.

From becoming a mentor for children to distributing food at homeless shelters, Senior Corps’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a great way to find opportunities. RSVP, a nationwide program, recruits volunteers aged 55 and up for community service projects.

According to the Roanoke Valley’s Council of Community Services website, RSVP volunteers receive free volunteer placement.

“Volunteering is a great way for retired persons to remain active and socially involved in the community,” says Alison Jorgensen, director of volunteer services for the Council of Community Services.

There are many opportunities for seniors to serve in the area – from once a week to once a month. The benefits of volunteering include keeping skills sharp and learning new skills.”

Other volunteer opportunities may include projects at church or going on mission trips either within the United States or abroad. Through Council of Community Services, retirees can connect with organizations such as Meals on Wheels – an organization that always needs daytime volunteers, Jorgensen says – as well as CHIP, Salvation Army, the Rescue Mission, Angels of Assisi and St. Francis House. Libraries and hospice programs welcome senior volunteers as well.

For more information about RSVP, call 540-985-0131 or visit councilofcommunityservices.com.

Whether you’re a 20-something just starting a career or a 60-something on the brink of retirement, it’s essential to understand the basics of saving and planning for life beyond the working world.

Planning for retirement involves so much more than deciding at what age you want to take the leap. Money, investments, wills, healthcare options and other factors play a huge role in your future intentions. If you’re not sure where – or when – to begin, financial advisors, estate planners, accountants and attorneys are more than willing to lend a hand.
Here, David Bowman Jr. of The Bowman Group, SunTrust Investment Services, breaks down some retirement planning elements to get you started.

Financial Planning

The younger you start saving for retirement, the better, Bowman says. “But it can be difficult to get young people to sign up for a retirement plan,” he adds. “They may not be making a lot of money, so they aren’t thinking about retirement yet.”

Typically, people start saving for retirement through company-sponsored plans. “If you’re lucky enough, your company will offer a match to what you contribute,”
Bowman says. “You want to try to contribute as much as you can, and at minimum, the same percentage your company will match.”

In addition to, or instead of a company plan, IRAs are a great option. In traditional IRAs, your money is tax deductible and grows tax deferred. When you’re ready to take the money out, Bowman says, you will have to pay an income tax. With Roth IRAs, money is contributed after taxes and upon people to sign up for a retirement plan,” he adds. “They may not be making a lot of money, so they aren’t thinking about retirement yet.”

Typically, people start saving for retirement through company-sponsored plans. “If you’re lucky enough, your company will offer a match to what you contribute,” Bowman says. “You want to try to contribute as much as you can, and at minimum, the same percentage your company will match.”

In addition to, or instead of a company plan, IRAs are a great option. In traditional IRAs, your money is tax deductible and grows tax deferred. When you’re ready to take the money out, Bowman says, you will have to pay an income tax. With Roth IRAs, money is contributed after taxes and upon taking the money out, you will not have to pay taxes on it or the earnings acquired over time.

If you plan to invest, Bowman suggests an FDIC-insured savings account or high yield checking account. He also says invested funds should be diversified.

“Count all of your assets (home, land, investments) and have a third party look at it to determine what it’s worth and what you can expect from it,” he advises.

At a younger age, you can be more aggressive with investments, Bowman says, because you have more time to allow funds to grow. As retirement approaches, it’s a good idea to become more conservative because you’ll no longer be able to deal with major drops.

Estate Planning

Contrary to popular belief, estate planning is not just for the wealthy. In fact, says Bowman, it can be as simple as ensuring you have a will and that it is consistently updated to reflect your wishes.

You also want to remember to list beneficiaries for your 401Ks, IRAs and other investments, Bowman says. If no beneficiaries are listed, the court system decides how to distribute your assets.

Life insurance, another aspect of estate planning, helps heirs take care of needs such as funeral costs and credit card payments upon your death.

“And if you’ve had the (life insurance) policy for years, it’s good to have it reviewed and check the beneficiaries,” Bowman explains. “Terms and conditions could have changed and may no longer fit your current wishes.”

Other objectives of estate planning to consider: deciding who will manage your assets, selecting a guardian for minor children and – if you own a business with a partner – drawing up a buy/sell agreement.

Long-Term Care

“There’s a good chance that one person in a marriage will need a form of assistance as a senior,” Bowman says, “which is where long-term care comes into play.” This covers a broad range of aid, such as help getting dressed or living in a nursing home for round-the-clock care.

Long-term care policies can be obtained at any point in life, but most people don’t think about it until retirement is approaching. It’s a good idea, Bowman explains, to look at options before your health declines or you have a life-altering accident. While straight long-term care policies are available, it’s also possible to add long-term care riders to life insurance policies or investment vehicles, such as annuities.

Funeral Pre-Planning

Though not always a pleasant topic, preplanning for your funeral not only takes the expense burden off your loved ones, but ensures your wishes are known as well. It’s best to either put your wishes in writing and keep the document in a safe place, or make plans with a funeral home. Pre-financing also is available if you prefer your life insurance to be used elsewhere.

How Much Money Will You Need?

Typically, David Bowman Jr. says, you will need 70 to 80 percent of your pre-retirement income. As you develop a plan for retirement, there are several questions you should ask yourself to help determine how much money you should save. Be sure to keep inflation in mind as well.

• What are my living expenses (bills, groceries, etc.)?
• How much do I want to set aside for extra expenses (shopping, dining out, entertainment)?
• Will I want to travel? Where and how often?
• What expenses will I cut out (less on gas, paying off house, etc.)?

Residents of WoodsEdge, an active adult community within Warm Hearth, have a home of their own without the hassle of lawn care. The community provides landscape maintenance.

With a 100-year plan in place, drawn up by founder Wybe Kroontje in the 1970s, Warm Hearth Village in Blacksburg constantly looks toward the future, all while taking care of current residents.

According to Tambra Meredith, director of marketing and development, Kroontje and his wife Marietje were Dutch immigrants who wanted a way to repay the United States after World War II. After visiting his mother at an assisted living facility in the Netherlands, he noticed how much respect was paid to seniors.

“The developer envisioned a retirement community,” Meredith says, “that serves seniors of all socioeconomic backgrounds.”

Wildlife tours - including bird watching excursions - are among the activities available to residents of Warm Hearth Village.

A nature lover, he chose the location for Warm Hearth because of the vast landscape and mountain views and began work on the 55+ retirement community in 1974. His first project: Independent living townhomes followed by HUD-subsidized apartments for independent, low-income seniors. Rounding out the continuum is an assisted living facility with full-sized apartments and a health care center offering a higher level of assisted living, memory care and long-term nursing care, Meredith says.

Downtown Blacksburg is minutes from Warm Hearth.

And there’s more. A recent development, WoodsEdge, serves as an active adult community of single-family homes. A community center is in the planning stages with spring 2011 slated for the opening. The 15,000-square-foot center, which Meredith says will be available for the whole community, will feature a wellness/fitness area, indoor pool and gathering space. Plans include harvesting timber from Warm Hearth’s 220 acres to create a building that will blend with the natural environment.

In the meantime, Warm Hearth offers a small activities center and a social calendar full of cultural, spiritual and recreational opportunities for community members to enjoy, Meredith says. And many are eager to participate.

Jean Scott, a self-described extrovert who moved to Warm Hearth 11 years ago, looks forward to the monthly calendar and the activities it will bring.

“The bus will take us to different restaurants in the area, and there’s a lot of musical activities,” Scott says. “I participate in a retired nurses group; that’s where I’ve met a lot of people.”

In addition to these activities, Meredith says Warm Hearth has exercise programs, wildlife tours, bridge games and Nintendo Wii games. The Warm Hearth Foundation also hosts a summer concert series in the community’s World War II memorial park.

The abundance of activities are not all that draw people to Warm Hearth. Scott says she feels very secure and cared for. If a light bulb burns out in her townhome, she does not have to risk falling to change it, she says. Warm Hearth provides maintenance services for the entire community, which can include lawn care and appliance repair, Meredith explains.

WoodsEdge homes come in a variety of floor plans.

Lou Talbutt moved to WoodsEdge about a year and a half ago because she and her husband wanted a home of their own, but wanted to have their lawn taken care of. They also lauded the natural beauty of the campus and the friendly people.

“It’s a very attractive community,” Talbutt says. “There are many retired people here from different states and international locations. It’s a diverse community in terms of interests.”

Meredith says many residents are attracted to the rural location, the climate and the proximity to Virginia Tech. Plus, residents that need to change their level of living get first priority.

“I liked Warm Hearth because it has all phases of retirement included,” Talbutt says. “It’s great to be a part of a community that offers a choice in standards of care.”

For more information, call 540-552-9176 or visit retire.org.

Cost of Living
Townhomes: $100,000-$250,000
Apartments: based on income/medical expenses
Wood’s Edge: $325,000-$458,000
Health Care Center: Call for rates

People of all ages need to add funeral pre-planning to their to-do list.

Death is a tough subject, but people of all ages – not just retirees – need to add funeral pre-planning to their to-do list. It’s the best way to make your wishes known and take care of many funeral expenses.

Tom Meritt, lead director of Family Choice Funerals & Cremations in Roanoke, shares helpful hints on just how to get it done:

• Whether it’s through a funeral home or simply writing down your funeral arrangement wishes at home, get it done. “We can sit with you, get your wishes on paper and have you sign it,” Meritt says. “Our role is to help people not feel intimidated because of formalities. We want them to feel taken care of.”

• Pre-financing can take some burden off the loved ones you’ve left behind. The money set aside is irrevocable and cannot be considered an asset. “It has to be used for the funeral,” Meritt adds. “If you have life insurance and trust your beneficiary to do the right thing with your money, then it’s not necessary to pre-finance through a funeral home.”

• Remember that some funeral items are price-guaranteed – such as service items – and can be paid in advance. Other items, including obituary costs and digging services do not have a price guarantee. “The cost of certain things will change over the years and loved ones may have to take on that cost.”

• Do not put your wishes in your will. Meritt explains that wills are most often read after funeral services.

• Ask the funeral home staff for a general price list to ensure you’re not being overcharged. “Funeral homes are required to provide this list for all funeral items,” Meritt says.

The MedCottage, a portable and modular medical home, contains three rooms: a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Aging is not always an easy aspect of life to face. It can lead to the need for extra assistance or nursing care. But that doesn’t always mean people have to leave their homes.
According to Cathy Thompson, director of older adult services for Family Service of Roanoke Valley, home-based services – such as home care and home health care – allow for independent living right at home.

“There is a growing demand for home care services,” she says. “Demographic shifts, shorter hospital stays and advances in technology all contribute to this growth. Much of what can be done in the hospital, assisted living facility and/or nursing home setting, can be done in the comfort of one’s own home.”

Remaining at home allows individuals to maintain independence and dignity. Plus, Thompson adds, community-based services prove to be economically feasible. Local agencies differ in the care they provide (see the list on pages 28-29), but Thompson shares examples of typical home care services.

Measuring 12x24 feet, MedCottage helps families care for their loved ones on their own property.

“Home health services provide physical, medical and emotional support to those with a medical need in their homes. Persons receiving home health services typically need help with bathing, dressing and transferring from a chair or bed,” she explains. “A physician must order home health care and, as such, Medicare will pay for persons who qualify as long as services are medically reasonable and necessary.”

For folks who qualify, Medicaid will cover certain home health services, Thompson adds, and some long-term insurance policies will pay a portion for services as well.

Home care services, which do not require a physician’s order, include assistance with personal care, light housekeeping, light meal preparation, companionship, respite for the caregiver and incidental transportation, says Thompson. Medicare does not cover these services.

Thompson recommends planning for the unexpected – including the need for home care – by researching options and payment sources.

Added Comfort

Think OnStar for your home. With ResCare’s Rest Assured monitoring system, seniors living at home have a special caregiver who – thanks to advanced technology – can provide assistance when needed.

According to the ResCare HomeCare Web site, Rest Assured services “have been specifically designed to support adults who have cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities in order to help them grow, develop and enhance the quality of their lives, and seniors who are looking for an alternative to 24-hour live-in support.”

A joint effort between ResCare (which has a Roanoke office) and the Wabash Center of Lafayette, Ind., this real-time monitoring system uses electronic sensors (which can detect falls or unusual activity), speakers, microphones, tele-cams in common areas, smoke and temperature detectors and personal response systems to link a person’s home to caregivers.

“Should an individual need assistance, a Tele-Caregiver is immediately available to assess the situation and provide supportive prompts,” the Web site reads. “If necessary, an on-call person can be dispatched to provide quick on-site assistance or emergency services may be contacted.”

Home Care With a Twist

A new alternative to long-term care recently debuted in Roanoke. Created by Salem resident Kenneth Dupin, founder of N2Care, the MedCottage is a portable, modular medical home designed to make it possible for families to take care of loved ones on their property.

According to a press release, the structure measures 12×24 feet and features three rooms – a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Technology and amenities include web cams, medication monitoring/notification, air filtration, a lift to carry a person from the bedroom to the bathroom, and a UV and disinfectant system. A MedCottage can be purchased ($65,000-$75,000) or leased ($2,000 per month) and it connects to a single-family home’s electrical and water supplies.

The generation entering retirement today is healthier, wealthier and living longer than generations past. Semiretirement makes sense for those who want to put away a little more money, give back to their community through volunteering or just take time to adjust to a fully retired life.

If you’re on the verge of retirement but aren’t ready to stop working, here are a few things to consider:

• Change your working environment. Why stay in the 9-to-5 office grind? Love being outdoors? In a classroom? Miss that high school job at the bookstore? Revisit the places you love, and find a job there.

• Work for a nonprofit. Go to www.idealist.org for a list of thousands of nonprofit and community organizations needing part-time and full-time work.

• Turn something you love into something you can sell. Make jewelry, play music, paint portraits, pet-sit, write for the local paper. What do you love? Do it.

• Volunteer. If you want to stay active, but don’t need the extra income, find ways to contribute to the community. In western Virginia, the Roanoke-based Council of Community Services provides a full list of area entities www.councilofcommunityservices.org, 540/985-0131.

Some other links:
www.seniorjobbank.com, employment resources for 50+
www.seniors4hire.org, an online career center for 50+
www.volunteerfriends.org, a volunteering site for 55+
www.seniorserviceamerica.org, resources for older adults wanting to work fulfilling community needs www.seniorcorps.org, a network of volunteer programs in foster gransparenting, senior companion and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)

Whether you’re preparing for a quick jaunt to spend time with the grandkids, an extended cross-country stay, or that lifetime dream of international travel, here are 11 tips to ensure safe and worry-free travels. Happy trails!

Before traveling, research the activities and attractions available in your destination to help you plan for your fun-filled trip.

SCHEDULE STRATEGY

It’s a good idea to plan ahead, no matter the size of your trip. Travel agents or online travel services can help you find the ideal flight that suits your timeframe and best hotels. Be sure to keep up-to-date on any changes that occur between scheduling and the day of your departure. Research the activities and attractions you plan to take in during your trip. Upon arrival, you’ll already be in the know on operating hours, costs and other details. And especially for overseas travel, research weather and local customs.

PERFECT PACKING

Traveling by plane? Keep in mind that airport regulations have changed in recent years. If you’re taking a short trip, you may only want to take a carry-on bag, as airlines now charge a fee for checked luggage. Liquid toiletries must be stored in two-ounce containers and placed in clear bags if packed in carry-ons. It’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case checked baggage is lost.

ROAD RULES

Have your vehicle inspected to make sure it’s problem-free before hitting the highway. Keep your car insurance card handy in case of an accident, and make sure your cell phone is charged to avoid being stranded with no means of communication, should you break down.

MANAGING YOUR MEDS

Make sure you have enough of your prescriptions to last during your trip. Medicine should be kept in original containers to avoid confusion of pills. And if you need some of the medicine within 24 hours, pack it in your carry-on.

MONEY MATTERS

If you’re headed to a foreign country, you may want to exchange only enough currency to cover travel expenses, as you’re likely to get a better rate once you reach your destination. Carry a minimal amount of money as you take in the sights of your vacation spot; travelers checks and credit cards are great alternatives.

PET PREPARATION

Make advance arrangements for Fido and Fluffy at pet boarding facilities or with relatives or friends if you plan to travel without them. If they’re coming along, book a hotel that allows pets and find out the requirements for pet travel on airlines.

GROUP GETAWAYS

Traveling is much more fun when you have someone to share it with. Gather a buddy or several friends for a trip; discounts are often available for group travel. Or check with local churches or organizations to see if they have any planned trips that may interest you.

LOCK AND LEAVE

Double-check doors to ensure your home is properly locked before you leave. Alert a trustworthy neighbor about your departure. You’ll have a relaxing vacation knowing that someone is on the lookout for suspicious activity near your home.

NAMES AND NUMBERS

Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including your children, neighbors and doctor. You’ll also want the phone numbers for your travel agent, airline and hotel on hand in case travel problems arise.

MAKING MEMORIES

You’ll likely remember all the fun times you had on your trip, but be sure to take a camera -and even a journal – to record your favorite sights, foods and feelings. It’ll be exciting to look back on the memories you made.

BEST BARGAINS

There are numerous online sources to help you find great prices and package deals. These websites allow you to search by travel date, costs and hotel rankings. Some even offer advice on things to see and do while on your trip and reviews by previous customers. A few to check out include expedia.com, orbtiz.com, tripadvisor.com, priceline.com and hotels.com.

HELPING HANDS

Aging is not always easy. Everyday tasks often become difficult in the latter years of life. But you don’t have to lose your independence. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes certainly are options, but with assistance provided by home health providers, you can remain in the comforts of your own home.

Generally, notes the Carilion Clinic website, home health care is provided to patients that have become disabled, or are recovering from an illness, undergoing treatment, chronically ill or terminally ill. Home health providers offer a wide range of services, which include bathing and dressing, serving home-cooked meals according to dietary needs, reminding clients about medicine and transporting to a doctor’s appointment.

Caregivers vary from physicians and nurses to volunteers and companion providers. Michelle Belton, owner of Companion Home Care, Inc., says her business offers non-medical and homemaking services, such as cleaning house and doing laundry, accompanying clients to social functions, and serving as a companion for leisure activities such as gardening, playing cards or taking a stroll through the park.

LASTING BENEFITS

According to State Farm Insurance’s website, there is a one in two chance that when you reach 65, you will need extra care down the road, so it’s best to prepare for that possibility. You can avoid leaning on family members or using your retirement savings to help cover the costs of home care by purchasing a long-term care insurance policy.

The product helps you pay the expenses of an in-home caregiver, private duty nurse or therapist (as well as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult day cares). Such services commonly are not covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

If you’re considering a long-term care policy, keep in mind that the earlier you buy, the better. The cost of premiums, according to State Farm, depends on your age when you purchase the policy. And if you wait too long, you’ll face a higher premium or become ineligible due to changes in your health.

Currently, the average cost of home health providers in Roanoke is $19/hour, but health care costs are on the rise. Remember to weigh all of your options, and consider inflation and the possible amount of time you’ll need long-term care.

From hospital care to prescriptions, Medicare offers four parts that help cover various medical services, with the key word being “help.” There are certain limitations. According to the Charles Schwab website, you should “get up-to-date quotes for health insurance and find out how your insurance works with Medicare, including prescription drug coverage.”

Financial advisor Erin Dooley says for some of her clients that have expressed concerns about their financial situation, she’s been able to map out a new plan. After reviewing their goals, she has suggested either working a couple more years or cutting down on expenses to help get savings back on track.

According to Erin Dooley, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Moneta, seven out of 10 people are not adequately saving for retirement. It’s a scary statistic. Whether your retirement is five years or five months from now, do you know if you’re ready?

“Eighty percent of what you make now is likely what you’ll need to live on,” Dooley says. “Most people don’t usually plan to change their lifestyles drastically,” but keep in mind that inflation will lessen your buying power over the years.

Websites such as Charles Schwab (schwab.com) and AARP (aarp.org) offer retirement savings calculators to help you find a more accurate account of how much money you will need by crunching the numbers of your current income, how much you are saving annually and how much you plan to spend annually during retirement.

Remember, Dooley says, life expectancy has risen, so you should plan for at least 20-30 years of retirement savings.

PLAN AHEAD

It’s never too early to begin mapping out your retirement, Dooley and other financial planners emphasize. Sort through bills, mortgages, social security and retirement plans with a financial planner to determine what you need to do to live a comfortable life in your latter years.

“It’s all about looking at where you are today, where you want to be and how you’re going to get there,” Dooley says. “We recommend meeting annually or semi-annually with an advisor to make sure nothing major has happened in your life that could affect your savings.”

As for investments, Dooley says she doesn’t push a particular type, as the right venture for a person varies by age and how much risk you are willing to take. Start early, and your investment is likely to withstand the ups and downs of the market.

BEFORE THE GOODBYES

You’ve announced your retirement and the farewell party at the office is planned. Before you go, don’t forget to consider the options for your 401K.

The Charles Schwab website recommends talking with your employer about arranging a direct rollover of your account balances into an IRA. You also may have the choice of keeping your 401K through your employer. Dooley says rolling over into a Traditional or Roth IRA is ideal because you can keep better track of the funds instead of relying on your former employer.

PRESERVE YOUR ASSETS

Financial planning and estate planning seem to go hand-in-hand. Once you have created a plan for your retirement funds, says Scott E. Gardner, an attorney in Salem, you should consult an attorney to discuss an estate plan to preserve those funds.

“It’s never too early to start estate planning,” Gardner says. “All clients needs are unique, and they should customize an estate plan accordingly.”

Attorneys will review investment statements, insurance policies, titles to properties and other financial documents to ensure an adequate plan is made. After evaluation, attorneys prepare the proper documents, which include a will, trust, power of attorney and living will. Other assistance available, Gardner explains, include transferring property, creating business agreements and amending accounts or insurance policies.

Upon completion (which could take a few days to a few months), clients execute the documents with the attorney. The cost of estate planning ranges from a hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

According to Gardner, people should ask themselves the following questions (depending on your personal situation) before making estate plans:

How will my assets be divided and distributed?

Do I need long-term care insurance?

Can I create a trust or make a donation to a charity or university?

Should I start making gifts to relatives now?

Who should I appoint as my executor, trustee, guardian?

How will my debts be paid?

LATE-IN-LIFE PLANNING

If you have delayed estate planning or are thinking about making changes to your plan, attorneys may require you to undergo an independent medical evaluation to determine your decision-making capacity.

Dr. Gary Oberlender of Roanoke, a consultant in geriatric medicine, offers in-home evaluations for folks facing such situations. The evaluations, according to his website (seniorevaluations.com) include – among other factors – a brief review of medical history, assessment of general physical health and functional independence, and a mental status examination. Oberlender will prepare a written report of his findings and upon request, mail the report to the client’s attorney.

Thinking Ahead

It’s not a pleasant topic, but funeral and burial arrangements are something everyone must endure. But you can reduce the stress on your loved ones at the time of your passing by handling as much of this task as you can beforehand. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Pre-planning ensures you get the type of service and arrangements that you prefer. Also be sure to inform your family of the decisions you make.

A funeral director can guide you through the necessary preparations and help you choose the merchandise that suits your needs and desires.

According to Oakey’s Funeral Service & Crematory, “when you prepay, you pay tomorrow’s cost at today’s price. More of your assets and life insurance proceeds go directly to your family.” Payment plans typically are available, and your money goes to a bank trust or funeral insurance fund that cannot be released until after your funeral.

The average cost of arrangements, says Bob Burger, managing partner for Lotz Funeral Home, can range from about $2,000 for a simple cremation to $7,000-$8,000 in this area for a traditional or complete funeral service, which includes services, casket, vault or outer burial container.

It's important to remain active, helping both mind and body stay in top-top shape.

1. WHAT’S UP DOC? Doctors recommend annual physicals in order to monitor your health and keep you aware of any changes. Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise regimen that works for your body type.

2. KEEP IT INTERESTING. The same old exercise routine can become boring. Change up your workout from time to time with activities such as walking, swimming, aerobics or bicycling. Lifting light to moderate weights to tone muscles is also important.

3. FOOD FOR THOUGHT. A well-balanced diet consisting primarily of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and proteins will help you stay energized and fit. Research has found certain foods are good for your mind, such as fish, blueberries, almonds and even dark chocolate.

4. YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND. Stay sociable in your retirement years by keeping in touch with friends, attending local events or joining a volunteer group. Also find a workout partner; you can motivate each other to stay fit.

5. MIND GAMES. Find ways to keep your mind engaged: work crossword puzzles; take on a hobby such as painting, knitting or woodwork; or sign up for a class on a subject that interests you.

6. STEP IT UP. The recommendation for 10,000 steps per day doesn’t go down as age goes up. Look everywhere for opportunities to run your total up…walk to the post office, park at the far edge of the mall lot, walk the dog until the dog is tired. And consider a pedometer, which is proven to increase steps taken by those who use one.