MATURE MARKET HEADLINES updated 12/1/99
LTC Insurance Agents Require Training
Death and taxes. The proverbial two inevitabilities of life. Well, here's inevitability Number Three, long-term care. 14 million older Americans will need long-term care services by the year 2020. What makes matters worse is that half of that population claim to have done little or no long-term care financial planning. These consumers need someone who understands the complex field of long-term care and who can use that knowledge to help consumers prepare for the future.
In response to this need, the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification (CLTCC), in cooperation with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), has introduced the first certification program for insurance professionals who advise consumers on the purchase of long-term care policies. In order to be certified, program participants must complete an eight-part course of study. Topics include myths and realities of aging, long-term care facilities, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and estate planning.
Once the course of study is completed, program participants must pass a four-hour exam. Professionals who receive the CLTC designation must be re-certified every two years. The goal of the program, says CLTCC President Harley S. Gordon, is to train long-term care insurance salesmen to think and act as professionals. "That means looking at all the options, not just the sale of insurance, and work closely with other professionals to find the right solution based on a client's needs." Gordon, an attorney, authored the book, "How to Protect Your Life Savings from Catastrophic Illness".
Visitors to the CLTCC website can learn more about the program, its philosophy, and how to locate graduates of the certification program. The website address is www.ltc-cltc.com
How well will this new program work? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain. Given the phenomenal rate of aging in America, the certification of long-term care professionals is necessary, sound, and a darn good idea.
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Senior Skiers Create Over The Hill Gang
More and more ski resorts and snow-related businesses are paying attention to older skiers who want to indulge their passion for skiing. Older skiers are finding that major ski resorts are willing to extend discounts as high as 30% to members of an organization for skiers over the age of fifty called the Over The Hill Gang, International (OTHG).
The OTHG has managed to secure savings on lift tickets, ski equipment rentals and services, lodging and transportation. As a result, the Over the Hill Gang has seen their membership grow to nearly 7,000 members mostly in the U.S. and Canada. Aspen, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Steamboat, and Vail are some of the areas where seasoned skiers will find great deals for 50-plus skiers.
on lift tickets and lessons with few restrictions. By showing their OTHG membership card and a photo ID at the ticket window or ski school, skiers over the age of 50 save on lift tickets, lessons, and ski equipment. Rental shops also offer 25% savings on equipment tune-ups and rentals. There are also discounts up to 25% on hotel rooms (some with ski-in, ski-out access), condos and bed-and-breakfasts.
The Over The Hill Gang's annual directory of member benefits gives details of discounts and special offers from more than 300 skiing-related services across North America. In addition to more than 100 ski areas, over 70 ski equipment services are listed, and more than 100 offers for travel and lodging discounts. Members of OTHG pay a fee for membership.
The do-it-yourself approach is not for everyone so OTHG also offers fully planned and escorted ski trips to ski areas in the western U.S. and Canada. For more information about membership and benefits is available at the OTHG Internet website at www.skiersover50.com.
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First-Ever Senior Winter Olympic Games
The debut of the Winter Senior Olympics will take place in Lake Placid, New York early next year between February 28 and March 3, 2000. The Games will feature athletes age 50-plus competing in six sports. Contestants will engage in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, and snow-shoeing.
More than 1,200 senior athletes are expected to particpate. Sanctioned by the National Senior Games Association (NSGA), the event will be hosted by both the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and the Adirondack Sports Commission. "This event builds on Lake Placid's rich Olympic history," says ORDA President, Ted Blazer.
The Year 2000 Winter National Senior Games will reaffirm the legacy of Lake Placid as the Winter Sports Capital of the World. Other scheduled events include the year 2000 Winter Goodwill Games, 2000 ESPN Great Outdoor Games, and the 2003 World Bobsled Championship.
According to National Senior Games Association president, David F. Hull, "The NSGA's mission is to promote healthy lifestyles for seniors through education, fitness, and sports." "Our goal iss to assist seniors in achieving greater value and quality in their lives by staying healthy, active and fit."
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Healthy Aging Sourcebook Targets Boomers
53 chapters of advice on how to live better and longer are offered by the new "Healthy Aging Sourcebook" (Omnigraphics Inc, 1999. $78). Seniors and baby boomers alike will learn all about the aging process, as well as, the factors that influence the rate of one's aging.
Author, Jenifer Swanson offers advice on eating habits, exercise, sleep patterns, medical procedures, end-of-life decisions, and much more. The book's 53 chapters are organized in seven parts.
- The Aging Process
explains theories of human aging and describes statistical characteristics.
- Midlife Issues and the Retirement Years
addresses retirement living, relocation, and self-esteem.
- Caring for the Aging Body
discusses how diet, sleep, and exercise improve quality of life.
- Being a Prudent Medical Consumer
explains preventive medicine, medications, and consumer health issues.
- Safety Concerns
stresses the need for preventive safety such as a home safety checklist.
- Preparing for Final Decisions
gives advice on housing options, living wills, and death.
- Additional Help and Information
provides readers with a glossary and resources for further reading.
The "Healty Aging Sourcebook" is part of a Health Reference Series published by Omnigraphics Inc, Detroit, Michigan. 1-800-234-1340.
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