Seniors: Don't Be a Cybercrime Victim

Cyber thieves typically prey on those less informed and unsuspecting. Seniors, with often limited knowledge of hacker activity and behavior are particularly vulnerable.

Along with the major advances and wonderful opportunities created by the Internet and Cyber-space also comes the danger of being a cybercrime victim. Hackers and thieves abound to take advantage of innocent people, using desktops, laptops and mobile devices to do their dirty work, and robbing victims of everything from fortunes to identities.

Clint Kirkwood, a 28-year veteran and retired commanding officer of the vice section of the narcotics division of the Detroit Police Department comments that “Despite a global recession, improved security and international crackdown efforts, cybercrime has thrived over the last decade, growing by double digits year after year.”

Even more chilling is the fact that the cost of identity theft alone has topped $37 billion. The Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 300,000 complaints in 2011, which included such crimes as identity theft, advance fee fraud and a host of work-from-home, leasing and loan intimidation scams. From copyright infringement to spamming, the impact is enormous.

A Digital Web of Lies

Knowing the threats you face online and the tools available to help protect you can help prevent you from becoming a cybercrime victim. Here are a few cyber-tips to keep in mind:

* Suspicious Emails and Attachments

Never open any unknown or suspicious email from sources you are not familiar with and never give out your personal information to anyone asking for it – no exceptions. If you are not familiar with the sender of the email, delete it and report it as spam. Email fraud, asking for money and donations, or claiming that you are some lucky winner, is extremely prevalent and happens at alarming rates. If you do not know the email source, delete the mail.

* Anti-virus Software

While this will not guarantee 100 percent protection, anti-virus software, such as Norton McAfee or AVG can definitely reduce your risk. Be sure that Wi-Fi connections are secure and private, and never do business with sensitive information in a public Internet arena where a secure connection is unavailable.

* Password Protection

Passwords should be changed frequently, given out only on rare occasions and kept in a safe and secret place. Be sure to create logins that are difficult to guess (combine numbers, letters and characters). Do not use the same ID/password in all websites. While keeping track of multiple logins and passwords may be an inconvenience, it’s a necessary protection against hackers.

Being a cybercrime victim can be prevented. Stay educated on Internet Technology and advances, and just like you were told by your parents when you were little, don’t ever talk to strangers!

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55 and over in NC and SC. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 877-577-5560.

Are Vitamin D and Calcium Linked to Longer Life?

Compelling evidence shows increased lifespan among those who take supplements.

Often known as bone-builders taken to prevent osteoporosis in aging folks, a recent study seems to reveal that taking regular doses of vitamin D and calcium has led to a 9 percent reduction in the mortality rate among seniors.

But some studies have exposed potential threats of the nutrients, including heart disease risk. However, the jury is out as to whether or not the supplements themselves actually caused the disease.

The study on the effects of vitamin D and calcium when taken together was a collaboration of worldwide researchers who reviewed various trials involving the nutrients to arrive at their conclusion. The trials looked at the effects of vitamin D when taken alone and in combination with Calcium.

Overall, the analysis revealed two things: 1. When taken alone, vitamin D does not seem to reduce the risk of death. 2. When vitamin D and calcium were taken together the risk of death reduced up to 9 percent. The data strongly suggests that the two may work better in tandem than solo.

Studies also infer that calcium and vitamin D are not ultimately threatening to life or health in seniors. Adequate vitamin D is a deterrent for a number of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. However, as with anything, too much of a good thing is not so good. Regular doses approved and monitored by your doctor is the best way to ensure you are getting the proper amounts of each.

There are many healthy foods out there that can often satisfy your body’s requirements for vitamin D and calcium. Egg yolks, fatty fish, tofu and leafy green vegetables are great sources of the nutrients. Before partaking of supplements, be sure to consider your current diet first.

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55 and over in North and South Carolina. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 877.577.5560.

Tips for Slowing Down the Aging Process

There is a lot of truth to age is just a number. While you can’t prevent adding another year to your age, you can slow down the aging process and maximize life with just a few simple changes.

Get Physical

Simple exercise routines can do wonders to sustain life and longevity. Daily walking, for example, not only improves cardiovascular and muscular fitness, it can also help counteract and postpone dementia. Research has shown that a brisk 45-minute walk at least three times per week can reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's by 75 percent. Additionally, exercise aids in weight management and joint problems often brought on by obesity. Swimming, stationary cycling, yoga, tai-chi, chair aerobics, and dancing are other forms of exercise that add to better emotional and mental health in those senior years. Stay fit, stay young!

Get Mental

New mental health research now suggests that the brain can continue to grow when engaged in new and stimulating activities. Music, especially, is effective in growing new pathways in the brain, as are other activities such as learning a new language, doing cross-word puzzles, and participating in new hobbies that encourage brain growth and sharp-mindedness. Learning something new also reduces chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Get Social

Humans are made to be social, and for seniors it is especially important to remain in contact and community fellowship with others. Isolation can cause a rapid decline in health and those who remain connected will fare better far longer than those who do not. Make every opportunity to be social every day in some form or fashion. You could even start your own club!

Get the Right Diet

Eat your vegetables! Yep, mom and dad were right all along. Good foods include veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Water, vitamin supplements, minerals and unsaturated fats can also keep your body well nourished and hydrated, warding off chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Find the diet that is right for you. However, if it’s pizza every night, you may want to think twice.

Get into a Great Active Adult Community

As a developer of resort-style homes in Charlotte, Tribute Homes recognizes that moving into an Active Adult Community is one of the best things seniors can do for their health. Such places foster an atmosphere of youthfulness with enormous social and fitness clubs and activities that are available on a daily basis. Active Adult living is high on the list for retirees, and those communities are built around promotinga healthy and long-lasting senior lifestyle.

Tribute Homes specializes in building communities for active adults 55+ in the Carolinas. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 877-577-5560.

Senior Techies: A Booming Generation

As rumor has it, boomers, seniors and the elderly do not use, or embrace, technology like younger age groups. Interestingly enough, nothing could be further from the truth. Here are some enlightening statistical facts regarding a booming generation of senior techies:

Computer/Internet Use

1. Computer use among Americans 65 and older has doubled in the past 10 years, while Internet usage among that age group has more than tripled, according to the Pew Internet Project
2. Close to 30 percent of senior citizens shop online
3. Nearly 40 percent of people over the age of 74 bank online

Smart Phones

1. Americans from ages 55-64 are adopting smart-phones faster than any other age group

Social Media

1. 50-59 percent of younger boomers (45-55) use social media
2. 40-49 percent of older boomers (56-65) use social media
3. 10-19 percent of seniors (65+) engage in social media activities
4. 50-59 percent of older boomers (56-65) watch video online
5. 40-49% of seniors (65+) watch videos online

The boomer generation invented high-tech, and they aren’t shying away from their creation. Additionally, they own the majority of wealth and if you want their business – and respect, you better be technically savvy and online ready. They are expecting it.

Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55 and over in North and South Carolina. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 877-577-5560.