Senior-life

Aging baby boomers who neglect their health and fitness don't just harm themselves. Their lifestyles also affect their adult children, who eventually could end up caring for them - both financially and physically - as their health declines.

Of course, that's not the only reason those adult children might feel concerned. They also may like having mom and dad around and want that to continue for years to come.

So, they have a vested interest in encouraging their parents to get fit and stay fit.

Each year they use the identities of nearly 2.5 million deceased Americans to fraudulently open credit card accounts, apply for loans and get cellphone or other services, according to fraud prevention firm ID Analytics.

If you live far away from a friend or relative who needs care, you may wonder how you can be helpful.

Organizing paperwork is one way that a long-distance caregiver can be a big help. An important part of effective caregiving depends on keeping a great deal of information in order and up to date. Often, long-distance caregivers will need access to a parent's or relative's personal, health, financial, and legal records.

Online dating has become one of the most popular ways for people of all ages to meet friends, significant others and spouses. While most people have good intentions when using online dating websites, scammers also use the same sites to obtain money, gifts or personal information.

When meeting people online, it is important that you use a reputable website and always consider the possibility that the love interest you are chatting with might be a scammer. The following are some red flags to help determine if that "dream date" might actually be trying to steal your money:

Aging baby boomers who neglect their health and fitness don't just harm themselves. Their lifestyles also affect their adult children, who eventually could end up caring for them - both financially and physically - as their health declines.

Of course, that's not the only reason those adult children might feel concerned. They also may like having mom and dad around and want that to continue for years to come.

From a distance, it can be hard to assess the quality of your family member's caregivers. Ideally, if there is a primary caregiver on the scene, he or she can keep tabs on how things are going.

Perhaps you have already identified friends or neighbors who can stop in unannounced to be your eyes and ears. Sometimes, a geriatric care manager can help.

A meeting of the Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council will be held on Tuesday, January 16 at 12:00 p.m. at Ranchers Restaurant, 33110 CR 7, Lamar.

Agenda items will include a report on LAVAAA Provider Budget Update, a review of Advisory Council Bylaws, Eastern Plains Legislative Task Force and Technical Review Committee, and any unfinished business.

The meeting is open to the public, and citizen participation is encouraged.

For additional information contact the Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging at 719-383-3166 or 1-800-438-3752.

Are you looking to escape the cold and hit the beach this winter? On a snowy day, soaking up some sun in a tropical location sounds pretty nice!

When planning a winter getaway, it is important to remember that scam artists are out there looking to take advantage of deal-seeking travelers. Watch out for these red flags that may indicate a travel scam:

Physical activity is a great way for older adults to gain substantial health benefits and maintain independence. To make physical activity a routine habit , choose activities and exercises that are fun, motivate you, and keep you interested.

Keep it going. If you can stick with an exercise routine or physical activity for at least 6 months, it's a good sign that you're on your way to making physical activity a regular habit. Choose activities: