Skin Cancer and Aging

Did you know that Southerners are more likely to develop skin cancer than people living in Northern states? In the South, there are more cases of skin cancer than of all other cancers combined. Skin cancer is actually the most common type of cancer in the United States. According to current estimates, 40 to 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. Fortunately, the most common types of skin cancer are easily treated if found early.

Basal cell and squamous cell are the most common types of skin cancer. Melanoma is less common -- it represents only about 5% of all skin cancers in the U.S. However, melanoma is much more serious -- it accounts for approximately 3/4 of all skin cancer deaths. In 1991, 209 people in Georgia died of melanoma.

Skin cancer is related to sun exposure. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, over time, increases the risk of skin cancer, so people who work primarily outdoors have a higher risk. Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily and people with a family history of melanoma have a higher risk of developing melanoma. However, it is wise for everyone to take steps to protect their skin.

The National Cancer Institute recommends that you examine your skin monthly. Be aware of where your moles are and how they look. Look for any signs of change in a mole. Note if you have new moles. Ask your doctor to check any new moles or spots which have changed or which you are concerned about.

Even though you may have a lifetime of exposure to the sun, protection is still important. A good sunscreen will help protect the body against the sun's rays. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun, and re-apply after swimming or perspiring heavily. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days -- you get about 80% as much UV exposure as on clear days. Hats with wide brims help protect the ears and nose, common sites of basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Lightweight cotton long-sleeved shirts can also help protect the skin from the sun's damaging rays.

Remember: it's never too late to take steps to protect your skin! A free brochure which describes how to conduct a skin self-exam is available from the National Cancer Institute by calling 1-800-4-CANCER.

Your Resources

Preparing a Financial Statement

Do you keep an up-to-date financial statement? Your financial statement is a snapshot of the things you own and owe.

A financial statement is necessary for your financial planning whether you do the planning or work with a professional. It will help you:

• decide how much insurance you need;
  
• plan your savings and investment strategies;
  
• plan for your retirement needs; and
  
• determine your estate planning needs in the event of death, widowhood, divorce, or remarriage.

Liquid assets include whole life insurance cash value, cash on hand and in the bank, checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and savings bonds.

Investments include stocks, corporate bonds, government/ municipal bonds, mutual funds, and retirement plans.

Other assets include real property (house and land), farm assets, business assets and personal property.

Liabilities include mortgage, car loan, installment debts, personal loans, life insurance loans, charge accounts, credit cards, taxes, and payables.

Identify how each asset or liability is owned. Sole ownership (S) means the property has one owner. If the owner dies, the property is distributed according to his or her will. If there is no will, the property is distributed according to state law.

Solely owned property with a designated beneficiary, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), pensions, and life insurance investments pass automatically to the beneficiary.

Tenancy-in-common (TC) means the property is owned by two or more tenants (owners) in equal or unequal shares. The tenants may include spouse or others. When a tenant dies, his or her share is distributed the same as with sole ownership. It does not pass automatically to a spouse or other tenant(s).

Joint ownership with rights of survivorship (JWROS) means the property is owned by two or more tenants in equal shares. Tenants may include spouses or others. If one tenant dies, his or her share passes automatically to the surviving tenant(s).

Review your financial statement regularly. For some, once a year might be enough. For those who have assets that change value frequently, you might want to update your financial statement monthly.

For a financial statement worksheet form, contact your local county Extension agent for a copy of Financial Record Book.

Reference: Preparing A Financial Statement, A Money Management Workbook, AARP, Washington, D.C. p.21-29.

Your Relationships

Transitions of Retirement

In the past, workers often stayed in one job until age 65 or so, and then retired to a life of leisure. Today, however, our careers and our retirement years are very different. Many persons hold 5 or 6 jobs over their careers and work well past age 65.

We often think of planning for retirement as a financial process, but it is also an emotional process. One writer has proposed a seven-phase process of adjustment to retirement, describing experiences of many retirees:

Remote Phase: In this phase, retirement seen as distant and unreal. Aging may inspire denial, and persons in this phase have done virtually nothing to prepare.

Examples: jokes about growing old, older people; "second adolescence;" disinterest in financial or personal preparation for retirement

Near Phase: Retirement seems more realistic, and some planning begins. Reading about retirement issues (finances, health, activity options) and participation in formal programs to invest and prepare increases.

Examples: attention to magazine, articles and TV programs on retirement issues; assessing financial status for retirement.

Honeymoon Phase: People in this phase have just retired and are excited about this new phase in their lives.

They feel relief and enjoyment of long-anticipated changes, unless their retirement was forced.

Examples: "extended vacation" in leisure activities, time with family; expressed relief from work burdens.

Disenchantment: After the honeymoon phase, retirees begin coping with losses related to change of lifestyle. The loss of power, prestige, status, income, and purpose leads some to disappointment, even despair, over the change; lack of structure or inspiring options discourages others.

Examples: anger, depression, or just disillusionment over "having nothing to do" or "not being able to afford it;" limited activities or structureless routine.

Reorientation Phase: Successful retirees are able to cope with the changes and begin making plans. They turn their energy toward exploring, evaluating, and making decisions about retirement.

Examples: volunteer in the community or at church, and/or begin new job activities which combine with relaxing events to create a retirement lifestyle.

Stability Phase: Persons here are sorting out their experience, reviewing their accomplishments and talents, and setting priorities. They are thinking through what retirement choices are most desirable, and why, and establishing a long-term pattern of self-sufficiency and stability.

Examples: Stabilizing and extending of a new lifestyle sustained by relatively good health.

Termination Phase: Persons in this phase reach the end of what they usually think of as "retirement" because of growing physical or financial limitations. Their identity of phasing out of worklife and embracing retirement are no longer immediate concerns. Disability and dependence may transform the meaning of stability

Example: Gradual or sudden ending of retirement lifestyle by health or financial limits

No timetable for these phases is "typical" since each person adjusts on his/her own terms. Some persons experience phases in a slightly different order or return to past phases to work out additional issues. However, the concept of a process of adjustment is generalizable to all persons.

Reference: Robert C. Atchley. (1983) Aging: Continuity and Change. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

AVERAGE CONSUMER SPENDING FOR THOSE 65 AND OVER In 1995, average annual spending for consumers age 65 and over was as follows:

Source: Consumer Expenditure Survey, Fourth Quarter 1995, Report 912

The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State College, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. For large print, taped or braille editions of this publication, contact the author.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Organization Committed to a Diverse Work Force

DP-RM&HD-108 July, 1997

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

Gale A. Buchanan, Dean and Director