Best Things Seniors Can Get Free or Discounted – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Incredible deals for older adults are out there … but only if you know where to find them!

Best Things Seniors Can Get Free or Discounted

Incredible deals for older adults are out there … but only if you know where to find them!

There are many benefits to getting older, but living on a fixed income can be a challenge. The good news is that so many places give seniors a discount, but often only if you ask. Deals change constantly, and sometimes a particular franchise owner gives a free drink instead of a discounted meal, for example. All of these little perks add up. Ten percent off is the same as buying nine and getting the tenth for free … except that you’re not obligated to make more purchases!

The other big news in “senior” discounts is that they sometimes start at age 50, when many of us don’t yet consider ourselves ripe for age-related discounts. The advice here from Senior Spirit is to take advantage of your newfound price reduction and pocket the savings with a knowing smile. Age is just a number, but we want to take advantage of every perk to which it entitles us!

Speaking of discounts at age 50, that’s when AARP eligibility begins. The many discounts offered cardholders are included below. AARP membership is only $12 your first year with automatic renewal and free spouse/partner membership, so most people find the cost is paid for with savings in a short time.

Clothing and Retail Senior Discounts

You probably already shop at many of these stores without realizing you could be getting a nice discount. The trick is knowing that you have to ask for it. While we’ve tried to be as accurate as possible, policies change and we recommend calling ahead to confirm details with your local retailer.

• Banana Republic Get 10 percent off if you’re 62 and older.
• Bealls Join the Monday Club for ages 50 and older, which entitles you to 15 percent off on Mondays.
• Belk Age 62 and older get a 15 percent (10 percent in the home and shoe departments) discount.
• Bon-Ton Department Stores Sign up for the newsletter to find out about senior discount days.
• Dress Barn Age 62 and older get a 10 percent discount on days of the week that vary by location.
• Goodwill Save 10 percent one day a week, which varies by location.
• Kohls Age 60 and older shop on Wednesday for 15 percent off.
• Lens Crafters AARP members get 30 percent off lenses and frames, or 40 percent off a complete pair of transition lenses. (A word about glasses: Check around for the best deal. Costco and Walmart are a couple of retailers to call for comparisons.)
• Michael’s The craft store will slash your bill 10 percent every day.
• Ross Age 55 and older qualify for10 percent off on Tuesday with a Tuesday Club card.
• Tanger Outlets Get the free coupon book for AARP members.
• Stein Mart Sign up for emails with special coupons for age 55 or older.
• Walgreens Each location features a Seniors Day once a month when Balance Reward members age 55 and up get 20 percent off in-store purchases, or 10 percent discounts online.
• UPS Store AARP members qualify for 15 percent off selected products and services, plus 5 percent off domestic and international shipping services.

Senior Discounts at Restaurants

Yum! It’s always fun to eat out, but even better when you can reduce your bill. Just remember that if you’re tipping, you need to figure up the gratuity for your server based on the original amount. Discounts apply to food only as a general rule, and never to alcoholic beverages.

• Applebee’s Get a Golden Apple card if you’re age 60 or more for 10 to 15 percent off.
• Arby’s If you’re 55 or more, you’ll get 10 percent off.
• A&W Many locations honor a 10 percent senior discount.
• Ben & Jerry’s Ask if your location has the 10 percent discount.
• Bennigan’s Senior discount of 10 percent for 60 and above varies by location.
• Bob’s Big Boy Those 60 and above get a discount that varies by location.
• Bonefish Grill If you’re an AARP member, you qualify for 10 percent off.
• Boston Market Check your location to see if you qualify for a senior discount for 65 and older.
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Company AARP members reduce their bill by 10 percent.
• Burger King Seniors 60 and older get 10 percent off plus discounted coffee and soda.
• Captain D’s Seafood On Wednesday, customers 62 and older get one of eight meals for $4.99 or less at participating locations.
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill AARP members at most locations get 10 percent off the bill.
• Carrows Restaurant Their Golden 55 menu offers discounted meals for seniors all day long.
• Charthouse AARP members get 10 percent off their meal.
• Chick-fil-A Free soda refills for seniors at many locations.
• Chili’s Get a 10 percent discount if you’re 55 or older.
• CiCi’s Pizza Check if your local store offers a senior discount; they vary by location.
• Claimjumper Take 10 percent off your meal if you belong to AARP.
• Corky’s Homestyle Kitchen and Bakery Get a special senior menu if you’re 55 or above.
• Denny’s Enjoy a 15 percent discount if you’re an AARP member.
• Dunkin’ Donuts Many locations offer AARP members a free donut with purchase of a large beverage.
• Einstein’s Bagels Get 10 percent off for those 60 and above.
• El Pollo Loco Age 60 and older get a 10 percent discount.
• Fazolli’s Join Club 62 for $4 pasta and side salad at participating locations.
• Friendly’s Restaurant Free breakfast coffee and 10 percent off meals.
• Golden Corral Check for discounts that vary by location.
• IHOP Those 55 and older get discounts on rotating menu items.
• Jack in the Box Up to 20 percent off for those 55 and above.
• Krispy Kreme Senior discounts vary by location.
• Long John Silver’s Discounts vary by location for those 55 and older.
• Landry’s Seafood AARP members get a 10 percent discount.
• McCormick & Schmick’s AARP members get 10 percent off.
• McDonalds Discounted coffee and drinks for seniors 55 and over; varies by location.
• The Oceanaire Seafood Room AARP members take 10 percent off.
• Outback Steakhouse AARP members save 10 percent.
• Old Country Buffet Those 55 and older qualify for discounts by location.
• The Old Spaghetti Factory Specified menu items qualify for senior discounts.
• Papa John’s Check with your home franchise for discounts.
• Perkins Restaurants Special deals for seniors are on their 55 and over menu.
• Ponderosa Steak House Discounts for ages 60 and older vary by location.
• Rainforest Café AARP members get 10 percent off their bill.
• Saltgrass Steakhouse AARP members save 10 percent.
• Shoney’s of Knoxville Join their Golden Age Club for those 60 and older to get a 10 percent discount.
• Sizzler Many locations offer an Honored Guest Menu for patrons 60 and older.
• Subway Managers may give a 10 percent discount to seniors 60 and older.
• Sweet Tomatoes Special deals for seniors, including all-you-can-eat $7.99 Monday through Thursday from 2-5 pm. Plus, those 60 and older get 10 percent off at all other times.
• Uno Pizzeria & Grill The Double Nickel Club entitles those 55 and older to 30 percent off every Wednesday.
• Village Inn Get 10 percent off your meal if you’re 60 or above.
• Waffle House Mondays, seniors 60 and older get a 10 percent discount.
• White Castle Seniors 62 and older get 10 percent off at participating locations.
• Wendy’s Specials and age limits vary by location.

Senior Discounts at Grocery Stores

It’s worth changing your shopping habits to shave a little extra off the food bill, right?! Just make sure to check out the exclusions before you load up your cart. For example, the only food discounted at Fred Meyer are store brands, but there are many and they are often a great buy anyway. Also, certain electronics and other items are not included. Be aware that grocery discounts in particular are constantly changing at the local and national level. Call ahead to avoid surprises.

• American Discount Stores Take 10 percent off on Mondays for age 62 and older.
• Bi-Lo Seniors 60 and above take 5 percent off on Wednesday.
• Compare Foods Supermarket Some stores give a 10 percent discount to those 60 and older on a day that varies by location.
• DeCicco Family Markets Age 60 and above take a 5 percent discount on Wednesday.
• Fred Meyer Seniors 55 and older save 5 percent the first Tuesday of the month.
• Fry’s Supermarket Seniors get a 10 percent discount.
• Gristedes Supermarket Take 10 percent off on Tuesday if you’re 65 or above.
• Harris Teeter Use your VIC card on Thursdays for a 5 percent discount if you’re at least 60.
• Hy-Vee Join the Senior Citizen Discount Club if you’re at least age 55 and receive 5 percent off every Wednesday.
• New Seasons Seniors 65 and up get 10 percent off every Wednesday.
• Piggly-Wiggly Those 60 and older get a 5 percent discount on Wednesdays.
• Publix Receive a 5 percent discount on Wednesdays if you’re 60 and above, but only in Tennessee, North Carolina, northern Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia.
• Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace Seniors 65 and above get 5 percent off on Wednesday.

Traveling with Senior Discounts

Whether you’re heading off for a cruise, flying to your dream destination or renting a car for a road trip, senior discounts abound. Pocket savings when you’re booking your trip, and you’ll have enough to go on that cool side excursion you thought you couldn’t afford. Be sure to check with your preferred hotel for senior discounts, since many different brands are included under flagship names.

• American Airlines Call before you book to check on various discounts for 65 and over.
• Amtrak Get a 15 percent reduction if you’re 62 or older.
• Auto Europe Receive a 5 percent discount for seniors.
• Avis Up to 30 percent off of base rates for AARP members at participating agencies.
• Bates RV Rentals Seniors 55 and over get special pricing when booking.
• British Airways AARP members save up to $200 per flight.
• Budget Rental Cars Get up to 30 percent off of base rates for AARP members at select locations.
• Carnival Cruise Savings vary for seniors 55 and above.
• Choice Hotels AARP members and those 60 and older save up to 10 percent with advance booking.
• Days Inn Special savings for guests 60 and up vary by location.
• Greyhound Seniors 62 and older enjoy 5 percent off.
• Hertz AARP members get 25 percent off plus a free upgrade, or anyone age 50 and over can sign up for the 50+ Car Rental Program for deals.
• Hilton Hotels and Resorts AARP members knock 10 percent off the best available rate.
• InterContinental Hotels Group Seniors 62 and above can call for varying discounts.
• Marriott Hotels Those 62 and above can get 15 percent off their room.
• Motel 6 Take 10 percent off your bill if you’re 60 or above.
• Myrtle Beach Resort Seniors 55 and older get a 10 percent discount.
• Southwest Airlines Travelers 65 and older can call before booking for various discounts.
• Royal Caribbean Reduced prices on select sailings are offered for those 55 and above.
• United Airlines Call ahead regarding discounts for those aged 65 and above.

Senior Discounts on Entertainment

A trip to the movies is more affordable when you can take advantage of special pricing. Or how about a camping vacation, whether in a tent, RV or your car with a mattress in the back? Camping in America’s incredible national parks, from the Smokey Mountains to Yellowstone, is the best deal going if you’re at least 62. The Golden Age Passport, available wherever you check into a national park, is only $80 for free admission to more than 400 national parks across America. And it’s good for the rest of your life! Plus, it offers substantial discounts on camping at many locations.

• AMC Theaters Seniors 60 and above get discounted tickets.
• Carmike Cinemas Those 65 and above get 35 percent off regular adult tickets, plus special pricing on candy, popcorn and soda on Tuesday.
• Cinemark Check your location for discounted senior prices.
• Sea World Parks Receive special pricing on annual passes for those 65 and above.
• National Parks Pass Seniors 62 and above get a lifetime pass for $80 that admits up to four adults and includes special pricing for camping facilities.

Miscellaneous Deals for Seniors

There’s nothing more important than keeping as healthy as possible while we age. So what’s not to like about Silver Sneakers, the free program for seniors 65 and up offering unlimited access to more than 14,000 gyms across the country? Better yet, it includes classes tailored for seniors, whether you’ve always been a gym rat or you’re out of shape and recovering from a stroke. Check here to see if your Medicare Advantage or other insurance program offers Silver Sneakers.

• AT&T Get a qualified plan for 10 percent off with AARP membership.
• Cirque du Soleil AARP members get a 15 percent discount on touring shows, or 20 percent off in Las Vegas and other select cities.
• Great Clips Check your location for senior deals.
• Silver Sneakers Many Medicare plans offer free gym membership and classes across America.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Hemp Oil for Arthritis Pain – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Older Americans, disappointed in the lack of effective treatment for their painful joints, are turning to legal hemp oil for relief.

Older Americans, disappointed in the lack of effective treatment for their painful joints, are turning to legal hemp oil for relief.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 50 million Americans. Doctors usually prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat the disease. But common side effects include swollen ankles, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and an increased likelihood of heart attack and stroke.

Grandma doesn’t want to take it anymore. Increasingly, she is willing to go slightly out of her comfort zone to ease the pain with a product related to a plant long demonized by the federal government: marijuana. However, hemp and marijuana vary in appearance, chemical makeup and cultivation despite both belonging to the cannabis family. Hemp oil is perfectly legal and available for delivery right to your door, or at retailers in every state.

What is CBD oil?

Hemp and marijuana are both in the cannabis family. Cannabis plants contain more than 85 cannabinoids, but it’s the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that produces weed’s classic “high.” By contrast, hemp is extremely low in THC but high in cannabidiol (CBD), which is believed to act with the body’s natural systems to reduce swelling and pain, and regulate sleep and appetite. Hemp is so low in THC (less than .3 percent compared to 5-35 percent in marijuana) that it’s impossible to consume or inhale enough to experience psychotropic effects.

Other Alternative Approaches to Arthritis Treatment

More older adults are turning to so-called alternative therapies to treat arthritis pain.

“Osteoarthritis is one of the most frustrating problems rheumatologists have to deal with,” says Nathan Wei, M.D., board-certified rheumatologist and clinical director of the Arthritis Treatment Center in Frederick, MD. “While we have symptomatic therapies that sometimes help, our approach to treating this disease hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years or so.”

Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatories, recommend you lose some weight, advise you start an exercise program or order assistive devices. Joint replacement may be the only remedy for those with advanced deterioration. Older adults looking for alternatives may turn to treatments with conflicting research about their safety and effectiveness.

Acupuncture is conditionally recommended by the American College of Rheumatology for knee replacement candidates who can’t or won’t get a replacement. “Some people seem to do well” with acupuncture treatment, according to Wei.

Many arthritis patients swallow glucosamine and chondroitin, fish oil, turmeric and bee venom to combat symptoms. “Glucosamine and chondroitin have been studied intensely with conflicting clinical evidence regarding efficacy,” says Wei. “I prefer to try these compounds instead of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, however, because these supplements are safer. A recent study showed the two together were as effective as celecoxib (Celebrex) as far as pain relief was concerned.”

“Dietary fish oil, flaxseed oil, ginger, garlic and bromelain all have anti-inflammatory effects,” continues Wei. “Although I generally recommend these for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, I do not recommend them for osteoarthritis.”

Topical preparations include capsaicin, salicylates, menthol creams and patches. They change the sensation of pain or counteract it.

Mind-body strategies show some promise. Tai chi mingles gentle exercise with breathing techniques that improve balance, stiffness and joint function in the knee. Qi gong, which also combines exercises and breath control, may have similar benefits, although research is lacking.

Massage therapy to relieve pain and improve joint function is a very safe treatment to try, although there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence to prove it works.

Studies have proved that leeches are effective as a topical treatment for osteoarthritis, although the squeamish may not tolerate the slimy creatures. To start, a prick is made to bring a drop of blood to the surface of the skin, and the leech’s mouth is set over the blood to begin sucking.

If that doesn’t sound appealing, how about magnet therapy? Available as bracelets, necklaces, patches and other devices, they may help due to a placebo effect as much as anything. However, if you have an implantable medical device, you should avoid magnets.

Whatever you may be interested in trying, consult with your doctor first to make sure it won’t interfere with your other medications.

In the 1980s, scientists discovered the human endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). It regulates the general state of balance, affecting mood, sleep, appetite, hormone regulation, the immune system and the body’s response to pain. Theoretically, the ECS balances out those systems to keep us balanced and functioning. The system is common to all mammals, and comprises microscopic receptors found in the brain and central nervous system (CB1 receptors) and immune system (CB2 receptors). The human body can make cannabinoids that act in a similar way to CBD and control communication between cells.

CBD oil is a natural plant product that gained exposure on CNN’s documentary “Weed.” The film is narrated by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a chief neurosurgeon who changed his view of marijuana from negative to positive after thorough research. CBD itself has been at the center of more than 23,000 research studies examining its usefulness for conditions including anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, cancer and chronic pain. Check here to find out more about the studies.

Side Effects of CBD

It’s important to reiterate that CBD does not produce a euphoric effect. It will not impede or alter your sensory awareness, perception, consciousness, reaction time or behavior. A recent study found CBD oil has no impact on the following:

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Body temperature
• Glucose levels
• pH levels
• Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and bloodstream
• Red blood cell volume
• Time it takes for food to leave stomach and travel through the intestines
• Vomiting action
• Body temperature
• Potassium and sodium levels

There are a few side effects that CBD may produce: nausea, sleeping issues and irritability. Mild withdrawal symptoms are possible, although it’s not clear if they arise from a return of the original pain and anxiety.

Where Does CBD Come From?

There are thousands of different varieties of the hemp plant grown around the world. The United States imports hemp for use in building materials, textiles, nutritional supplements and foods. Hemp plants used in the production of CBD oil naturally contain high concentrations of cannabidiol, along with minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, terpenes and flavonoids. However, it’s important to note that this is not the same as hemp seeds or organic hemp oil you may find in your local grocery store. While that product is a fine nutritional supplement, it does not have any cannabidiol.

Because the difference between marijuana and hemp was little understood or appreciated, commercial growing of hemp is currently banned in the United States. The only hemp plants raised in this country are on research plots. Therefore, all hemp products have to be imported, although there is a growing movement in the agricultural industry to get hemp legalized so the crop can be home-grown.

What Products Contain CBD Oil?

The most potent product is pure CBD oil extracted from the stalk of the hemp plant. The concentration of CBD can be as high as 100 mg or more per serving. If you’d rather take your CBD in capsule form, a moderate serving of 25 mg or more is as easy to ingest as a daily vitamin. Tinctures and sprays are made by diluting pure CBD oil with an alcohol or other natural oil base. They commonly provide a lighter concentration of 1-20 mg per serving, and they come in various palatable flavors. Tinctures and sprays are also one of the most affordable alternatives. CBD is even available in chewing gum.

If you don’t want to ingest CBD, you can use the oil or powder form to make a cream or gel that is rubbed onto the skin over arthritic joints. Try one of these ready-made balms, salves, scrubs and soaks that contain CBD.

CBD for Pain Relief

CBD oil has shown promise for relief of pain and inflammation in early studies. CBD products provide an attractive alternative first step before going to known habit-forming medications such as opioids. CBD also has the advantage of fewer side effects and potential interactions with other drugs. At this point, however, CBD products aren’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nor are they regulated for purity and dosage like other medicines. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor if you’re considering using CBD for a medical condition.

That said, research suggests that CBD interacts with receptors in the brain and the immune system. The receptors are miniature proteins connected to cells that receive chemical signals and help the cells respond to stimuli. One such receptor, called CB2, plays a part in pain and inflammation management. Researches think that CBD may work by attaching to CB2 receptors, or that CBD causes the body to produce its own natural cannabinoids that then attach to the CB2 receptors. Either way, scientists speculate that this changes the way the receptors react to stimuli. One 2008 review of studies conducted in the late 1980s through 2007 found CBD was effective at reducing chronic pain and its accompanying insomnia.

A more recent study was done in 2016 specifically to determine if CBD oil could reduce the chronic pain of arthritis. Researchers applied CBD gel on rats four days in a row at four concentrations. Even after that short time, they observed reduced inflammation and general pain in the affected joints. However, more human studies are needed.

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Find a support group in your area – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Support Groups are regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gathering of people with Alzheimer’s disease, family, friends or caregivers who interact and gain support around issues relating to dementia. These groups are facilitated by individuals who have received training from the Alzheimer’s Association. We have many support groups throughout Illinois, at various times and locations. Find a support group near you today.

Get the emotional support you need

A support group is a regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gathering of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, family, friends or caregivers who interact around issues relating to dementia. Groups can have social, educational and/or support components and are facilitated by individuals who have received training from the Alzheimer’s Association.

We have many support groups throughout Illinois, at various times and locations. Check to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs. If you prefer, call our 24-hour Helpline at 800.272.3900..

Caregiver Support Groups

–Select a City– Arlington Heights Barrington Batavia Belvidere Bloomington Carbondale Carmi Carol Stream Carthage  Champaign  Chicago Chillicothe Chrisman Clinton Country Club Hills Crystal Lake Deerfield Dekalb Des Plaines Downers Grove Effingham Elmhurst Evanston Galesburg Gibson City Girard Glenview Gurnee Hazel Crest Henry Joliet Kankakee La Grange Lake Zurich Lewistown Lincoln Marengo Marion Matteson Metamora  Morrison Morton Mundelein Naperville New Lenox Normal Norridge Oak Park Orland Park Palos Park Pana Park Ridge Peoria Petersburg Quincy Red Bud Riverside Rockford Sandwich Springfield St. Charles Sterling Toulon Urbana West Dundee Westmont Wheaton  Willmette
–Select a County– Adams Boone Champaign Christian Cook DeKalb DeWitt DuPage Edgar Effingham Ford Fulton Hancock Jackson Kane Kankakee Knox Lake Logan Macoupin Marshall McHenry McLean Menard Peoria Randolph Sangamon Stark Tazewell White Whiteside Will Williamson Winnebago Woodford

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Daytime drowsiness in elderly adults may increase Alzheimer’s disease risk – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

A new study in the journal JAMA Neurology suggests that excessive daytime sleepiness in cognitively normal elderly adults may be associated with the buildup of plaques made of beta-amyloid protein — one of the hallmark brain changes of Alzheimer’s disease. While further research is necessary, if this finding is confirmed, it could create a revealing question that doctors can ask when assessing people who may be living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

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Still time to get Paint the Night Purple tickets! – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care  – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Paint the Night Purple is an annual winter fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association’s, care, support, research, awareness, and advocacy efforts. This event gives the opportunity to engage young Chicagoans and offer a platform to share their stories, talents, and ideas to help the cause. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and donors, the event will be held at the Revel Fulton Market on Friday, February 23, 2018.

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