When thinking about our physical health, it’s common for people to take a holistic approach—that is, we think about ways we can practice being healthy overall, like eating a balanced diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise. Keeping our bodies healthy means improving our quality of life. So why don’t we take this approach with every aspect of our lives, including our financial health?
Holistic financial planning is quickly rising in the ranks of money management techniques among financial professionals. But what does it actually mean to be holistic when it comes to your financial health? Here’s what you should know.
Many financial professionals will give you advice on specific products, services, or investments. They might advise you on an IRA or help you set up a 529 college savings plan for your child. But holistic financial professionals focus on your life goals first and foremost. Rather than driving optimal investment portfolios, they help you work toward your specific goals.
Your financial health doesn’t exist in a silo; your financial planning shouldn’t either. Instead of plugging numbers into an algorithm to figure out how much you should save for retirement, you should focus on holistic planning, which takes into consideration your goals and aspirations.
A holistic financial professional might ask questions like, “What do you want to accomplish between now and retirement?” and “What do you want your life to look like when you retire?” Everything you do can affect your financial health, which is why it’s so important to consider all aspects of your life when thinking about investments and savings plans.
Another benefit to holistic financial planning is that it can directly align with your values. Traditional financial planning focuses on the best outcomes for your portfolio. But the best outcomes may mean investing in companies whose mission and values don’t align with yours.
With a holistic financial strategy, you can choose to invest ethically; for instance, you may decide you’d like to invest in socially responsible companies or companies owned by women of color. A financial professional who focuses on holistic planning can include companies whose values align with yours in your strategy, while also aiming towards positive outcomes for your finances.
Most importantly, holistic financial planning often leads to a deeper, more trusting relationship between you and your financial professional. Because they’re involved in many aspects of your life and your goals, they may better understand how they can help when you experience difficult and confusing financial situations such as divorce, sudden job loss, critical illness or even just buying a new home.
A trusted professional can go a long way when it comes to managing your financial health. If you’re looking for someone who can help you pursue your investment goals while also aligning with your values and considering major life events, a holistic financial professional can help.
The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management. COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.
As seniors age, physical activities can have not only positive physical effects, but positive cognitive effects as well.Contact an Office in Your AreaIn one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end, the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.Its been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active. Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can. For those that are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. Some of the health benefits include:Improved mental health, mood and outlookPrevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosisReduced pain from arthritis and minimizing its severityDecreased risk of fallsEach individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching and balance all without leaving the comfort of home! Aerobic exercise Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight. Strength building exercises there are many easy strength-building exercises that can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required. Stretching Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adults physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.Balance exercises Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.Those that need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle! Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor seniors that need a little extra help living an active lifestyle, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with physician-prescribed exercise plans. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults Need More Physical Activity. Web. 2019.Health and Human Services. Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity. Web. 2017.National Council on Aging. Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness. Web.Readers Digest Canada, 5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Heart Health. Web. Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise after age 70. Web. 2007.
More Americans are choosing to age in place. That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings.But that often means they must modify their home, so it's not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change.A new career field has risen to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program of the National Association of Home Builders. Certified individuals assess homes to identify and recommend modifications to prevent injuries from falls and other risks.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of Americans age 65 and over fall each year. The CDC adds that environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. In addition to tripping hazards and poor lighting, these factors include a lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps. The organization offers a checklist to make sure an older adult's home is as safe as possible.Home modifications help seniors maintain quality of life. They often prevent injuries that lead to a loss of independence and early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seatRemove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slippingMove furniture to create clear walking pathsKeep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent trippingReplace doorknobs with lever door handlesApply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor stepsReplace standard light switches with rocker-style switchesIncrease the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertopsMove often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stoolsRepair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairwaysInstall an elevator or chair liftInstall an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy accessReplace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burnsReplace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standingShedding Light on Home ModificationWhen modifying a home for a senior, don't forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light in order to see as well as younger people.Good lighting -- in the form of natural light -- provides seniors safety and other advantages:Sunlight provides a good dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that let in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of who get outside less than they used to.Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.
We, at D. Gates Wealth Management, along with LPL Financial, are dedicated to helping our clients make informed financial decisions about issues that affect their financial needs, goals, and objectives. We strive to help clients to create a sense of financial well-being toward pursuing financial freedom. Additionally, we work with clients to determine what is important in their lives be creating a comprehensive financial plan centered around their values.Whether you're just starting out or you've already built a strong financial foundation and want to know what's next, D. Gates Wealth Management can help you take the next step.COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLANNINGCash Flow PlanningInvestment ManagementRetirement PlanningSocial Security OptimizationEducation FundingInsurance & Risk ManagementTax Management PlanningEstate PlanningINVESTMENT MANAGEMENTRisk AnalysisInvestment Policy DevelopmentTax Management PlanningPortfolio ManagementBUSINESS PLANNINGRetirement PlanningGroup BenefitsProfitability AnalysisSuccession Planning
We, at D. Gates Wealth Management, along with LPL Financial, are dedicated to helping our clients make informed financial decisions about issues that affect their financial needs, goals, and objectives. We strive to help clients to create a sense of financial well-being toward pursuing financial freedom. Additionally, we work with clients to determine what is important in their lives be creating a comprehensive financial plan centered around their values.Whether you're just starting out or you've already built a strong financial foundation and want to know what's next, D. Gates Wealth Management can help you take the next step.COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLANNINGCash Flow PlanningInvestment ManagementRetirement PlanningSocial Security OptimizationEducation FundingInsurance & Risk ManagementTax Management PlanningEstate PlanningINVESTMENT MANAGEMENTRisk AnalysisInvestment Policy DevelopmentTax Management PlanningPortfolio ManagementBUSINESS PLANNINGRetirement PlanningGroup BenefitsProfitability AnalysisSuccession Planning