Primetime Living 9.27.26 - Flipbook - Page 17
| Sunday, September 27, 2026
during the COVID pandemic, can throw
us curve balls. Her lack of resources and
lack of social support cause her problems. One of the greatest threats to our
well-being is isolation, psychologically
and emotionally. And by not seeking
assistance, she is setting herself apart
even more and closing off access to
those who could or would assist her.
This is often why people move to
communities where there will always be
someone to speak with, to share stories
with groups and activities in which they
can participate. Social relationships are
a mainstay for thriving in our later years.
Financial Literacy/Financial
Well-being
Income is only one part of financial
wellness. So are cash reserves and a
paid-for home. Having a good idea of
how much you will need when you stop
generating an income, and your goals on
how you will occupy your time, will dictate what amount of money you should
strive for.
Despite this, people struggle. If you’re
forced to retire early, or you have a
life-threatening illness, money can be a
problem. Someone doing physical labor
may also have to stop working earlier
than anticipated.
If you know you’re going to live a very
long time, you can plan better for retirement (if that is your goal), but there are
myriad possible reasons you won’t have
what you need.
The Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau (https://www.consumerfinance.
gov) has a consumer tool that will let you
know how well you are doing. It’s the
Financial Well-Being quiz: consumerfinance.gov/financial-well-being
Use this link and you can complete the
quiz online (CFPB does not retain any
personal information) and it will score it
for you. You’ll then have a snapshot of the
state of your financial well-being. It is set
up for those who are under 61 and those
over 62. After you complete it, you will
have a clearer understanding of how you
are managing your finances currently and
for the future. Use the results to improve
how you currently doing.
What does financial well-being actually
look like? Start with your financial status
today. It means that you have security,
which translates into control over your
day-to-day and month-to-month finances and the freedom to make choices to
enjoy life when opportunities arise.
For the future, though, security translates into the ability to absorb financial
shock, that if the unexpected happens,
you will manage it easily; the second half
is you are on track to meet your financial
goals.
The quiz will ask you to rank how you
are doing when faced with challenges.
The options to answer are: completely,
very well, somewhat, very little, not at all.
Here’s what you should think about
before taking the quiz:
• I could handle an unexpected
expense.
• I can enjoy life because I am handling my expenditures.
• My money won’t last.
• I can give a gift for an occasion and
it’s not a strain.
• I have money left over at the end of
the month.
• I’m behind.
• My finances control my life.
Health Equity: Staying Focused as
the Body Changes
The time to start addressing your
health is middle adulthood, when you can
still modify your lifestyle to improve your
overall health. Members of this group
make up the sandwich generation, those
in their 40s and 50s, who are balancing careers, taking care of kids, caught
up in managing aging parents, and all
the assorted successes and disappointments that occur on a regular basis.
So, what is this demographic facing? A
lack of equality. Seven of 10 females have
serious mental health issues because
stress is always present in their lives. In
turn, this has a big impact on their health
and often causes an increase in chronic
conditions – hypertension, weight gain,
obesity and diabetes – as well as taking
a psychological, emotional and financial
toll.
In this group, death rates of Black
Americans are two to three times that of
Whites. There are increased health con-
Are You a Caregiver?
SOME HELP COULD HELP
Trying to care for an aging parent while balancing work,
family, and other responsibilities can be overwhelming.
You are not alone. Many families reach a point where they
need additional support, and it’s okay to ask for help. The
caring team at HeartLands at Ellicott City can help you
explore a better path forward for your loved one.
Beautifully
Vibrant Social
Enjoy year-round swimming
and aquatic wellness
with lovely views
Schedule Your Tour & Enjoy Lunch On Us!
410.424.0396
HeartLandsAtEllicottCity.com
3004 North Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Active Independent Living | Assisted Living
Health and Wealth
Continued on page 21
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