November 1, 2019 Edition 16 Volume 11

In the News

10 Quick Facts on Remembrance Day

CIEPS Member Code of Professional Conduct # 6

EPC Designation program now IIROC/CECAP Approved

Please Tell Your Associates About the Upcoming Toronto, ON EPC Live Class

2020 EPICs – Niagara Falls, ON & Edmonton, AB Dates Released. More Locations Being Considered

Digital Identity & Dementia Summit – November 21, 2019 Toronto, ON

Checklist for Snowbirds Heading to the Warmer Climates

Canadian Snowbirds Should Know These US Tax Residence Rules

Steer Clear of These 5 Recent 2019 Scams

Eating Well as You Age

“Our seniors have worked long and hard to better the economy, raise families and serve their communities. They deserve to live independent and active lives in their golden years.” …Christopher Dodd

10 Quick Facts on Remembrance Day

1. Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. It was originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

2. From 1921 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. In 1931, Alan Neill, Member of Parliament for Comox–Alberni, introduced a bill to observe Armistice Day only on November 11. Passed by the House of Commons, the bill also changed the name to “Remembrance Day”. The first Remembrance Day was observed on November 11, 1931.

3. Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. We remember the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.

4. The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Replica poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to provide assistance to Veterans.

10 th Edition EPC Updated Materials are Available

Did you Know that CIEPS/EPC is on LinkedIn

CIEPS is Looking for Articles for the PULSE

Please Keep Your Contact Information Current

CIEPS Member Benefits

Alberta EPC Chapter Information

Vancouver EPC Chapter Information

Important Notice Regarding Your EPC Membership Dues

CE Requirements When Renewing Your EPC Designation

EPC Membership Renewal Reminder

Contact Us

info@cieps.com

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If you want to print a copy of any of the PULSE editions, you will find them on your member site.

www.epcmember.org

5. Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada. It is also a statutory holiday in three territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) and in six provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador).

6. The national ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Governor General of Canada presides over the ceremony. It is also attended by the Prime Minister, other government officials, representatives of Veterans’ organizations, diplomatic representatives, other dignitaries, Veterans as well as the general public.

7. In advance of the ceremony, long columns of Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP officers, and cadets march to the memorial lead by a pipe band and a colour guard. At the end of the ceremony, they march away to officially close the ceremony.

8. Some of the 54 Commonwealth member states, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, observe the tradition of Remembrance Day on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Other nations observe a solemn day but at different dates. For example, ANZAC Day is observed in New Zealand on April 25. In South Africa, Poppy Day is marked on the Sunday that falls closest to November 11.

9. Many nations that are not members of the Commonwealth also observe Remembrance Day on November 11, including France, Belgium and Poland.

10. The United States used to commemorate Armistice Day on November 11. However, in 1954 they changed the name to Veterans Day.

Our CIEPS Member Code of Professional Conduct. Have You Read It Lately?

Like any professional organization or association, CIEPS has a Member Code of Professional Conduct that all EPC designees are expected to follow, to the letter. This Code provides creditability to those we serve, so that they can expect the best from a person who holds their EPC Designation.

All EPCs have signed the Code prior to writing their final EPC Qualification examination.

The CIEPS Code of Professional Conduct is fundamentally based on seven tenets. These "Tenets"  serve as model standards of exemplary professional conduct.  They express the general concepts and approaches from which more specific rules (the principles) are derived.

View the Member Code of Professional Conduct

As a result of this code, CIEPS has taken steps in the past to censure EPC

members who are in violation of it.

We wanted to revisit our Code of Professional Conduct, as to the part that is violated most often.

An Elder Planning Counselors will always:

# 6. Abide by the letter and spirit of the law or any applicable regulations or professional codes in all their business or professional activities.

This part of the code is based on Tenet 6:

Members holding the designation EPC should use the fact of membership in a manner constant with the principles of professional conduct.

The member shall not misrepresent the criteria for admission to the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies. Those criteria are:

1.Successful completion of required qualification programs, and2.A written commitment to abide by the agreements and the Code of

Conduct of the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies

Members will not misstate their authority to represent the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies.

Members may use the EPC facts for the following non-commercial purpose: in introductions if the speaker clearly states that the ideas presented are their own and not necessarily those of the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies.

Members or prospective members applying for the EPC designation will not misrepresent any credentials or affiliations with other organizations.

Did you know that the EPC Designation program is now IIROC/CECAP Approved!

Successful completion of the EPC Designation Program qualifies for 20 Professional Development CE credits, CECAP # 009618 & 5 Compliance CE credits CECAP # 009619 for Cycle 7 beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2019.

Please tell your associates about this new approval if they are licensed with IIROC.

Please tell your associates about the upcoming Toronto, ON EPC Exam Preparation class

Please spread the word to your associates about the Toronto, ON EPC

Exam Preparation class on December 2-5, 2019. This could be a very good opportunity for them to come to Toronto and visit relatives and friends before the end of the year.

More information is available here - December Toronto, ON EPC Live class

 

2020 Elder Planning Issues Regional Conferences (EPIC) are in the planning stage.

Our 2020 Theme – “The Value of Advice and You”

Plans are well underway for the 2020 EPICs. These conference will give you the opportunity to receive 30 CE credits for attending. You will get CE credits for attending and we will then give you access to some online CE courses so that you can complete up to 30 CE credits at no additional cost to you.

Niagara Falls, ON - May 31 – June 2, 2020 has been confirmed.

Just added - Edmonton, AB – June 10, 2020. Hotel location to be confirmed. This is a great opportunity for our Alberta EPCs to get some more elder knowledge and complete your CE credits by June 30, 2020.

Keep checking here - 2020 EPIC Information as updates are posted.

Digital Identity & Dementia Summit – November 21, 2019 Ryerson University Toronto, ON…submitted by Mr. Jamie Stirling, President – Secours.io Ltd. A past EPIC presenter

A Summit on how Self-Sovereign Digital Identity, Blockchain, Data Privacy & Dementia is changing our world & how you can benefit.

About this Event

Join top industry leaders, academic professionals & world experts for a unique opportunity to learn how to position your industry as leaders in the space of self-sovereign digital identity. Understand the vital role you can play in the deployment of digital identity assets. Learn how new academic research initiatives will change how you interact with your existing and new

customers.

A paradigm shift in digital ethics is occurring, privacy is paramount, demanding trusted digital relationships. Learn how Canada’s global leadership vision in self-sovereign identity is serving its ageing community as it faces the Alzheimer's/dementia epidemic and what this means to your industry, business, community and nation.

For more information, please visit - Digital Identity & Dementia Summit Info

Checklist for snowbirds heading to the warmer climates

Many Snowbirds look forward to sunshine and warm temperatures in the winter months – it’s a big drawing card for those who have time to leave Canadian winters behind. However, as with any travel plans, you’re wise to consider the financial implications of your decision ahead of time, and then prepare accordingly. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Medical Insurance

We’ve all heard the horror stories of how much a hospital stay in the States can cost. Don’t underestimate your need for adequate medical insurance coverage before you leave Canada. Carry copies of your documents with you so that you’re prepared if you end up facing a medical emergency.

House Insurance

Review your policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent as some policies are not valid if the house is unoccupied for a period. It may even be wise to hire a house-sitter or ask a trusted friend or family member to use your home while you’re away.

Tax Implications

Depending on how long you’re planning on staying out of Canada, check the Canada Revenue Agency website or speak with a qualified accountant regarding tax considerations both in Canada as well as the United States.

Car Insurance

Along with your personal travel insurance, consider what insurance and roadside assistance coverage you need for any vehicles you’re traveling south with. If you’re flying down and buying a car once you get there, investigate what you need in terms of money transfers, exchange rates, and banking or borrowing arrangements. While you may have established relationships and discounted premiums in Canada, without the proper documentation, you may not qualify for comparable coverage in the States.

Take Care of Business

Be sure to have a Power of Attorney in place before you leave, as well as someone to watch over your monthly affairs. Set up online statements, pre-authorized bill payments, automatic deposits and look ahead at any renewals that may come due while you’re away. Notify credit card companies and your bank so that they can spot unauthorized activity more quickly. Leave copies of important paperwork with your Power of Attorney as well as reliable contact details so that they can reach you.

You’ll Be Missed

At first glance, the benefits of being a Snowbird can easily outweigh a cold, damp and dreary Canadian winter. However, consider if you’ll be able to stay away if you’d like to. Do you have commitments at home that you need to keep up with during the winter months? What about time with grandkids or holiday traditions that you value as much as your family does?

Before you firm up your travel plans, speak candidly with your family so that they know why you’re leaving and aren’t hurt by your absence. Then take advantage of electronic means of communicating while you’re gone – email, Skype, long distance phone cards. This will help bridge the gap while you’re gone and help you all look forward to your return.

Above All Else

Are you financially able to carry two homes and the associated lifestyles for a period of several months? Even though you may be renting for your southern stay, you still need to pay for utilities, insurance, possibly some furnishings or maintenance and likely additional entertainment or recreational activities.

Before you migrate south, if your budget looks like it might be too tight to make a long trip comfortable this year, start planning now and look forward to travelling next winter instead.

Canadian Snowbirds should know these US Tax Residence Rules

Here is a review of the above tax rules.

Canada is known for its long and harsh winters, so many Canadian snowbirds spend those months in Florida, California or someplace warm in the U.S. each year. While the beautiful sunshine and beach can be relaxing, Canadian snowbirds should carefully plan their stay, so they won't accidentally become U.S. tax residents who are subject to U.S. tax based on their worldwide income.

How Non-U.S. citizens are considered as U.S. Residents for Tax Purposes

The 1st is called the Green Card Test – if you are a lawful permanent resident then you are deemed to be a resident.

The 2nd way is called the Substantial Presence Test - a numerical formula which measures days of presence in the United States.

Under this test, if you are physically present in the U.S. for

at least 31 days in the current year, and at least 183 days during the 3-year period including the current year

and 2 years immediately before that,

you will be considered a U.S. resident.

Note that the days in each year of the 3-year period are counted differently:

In the current year, all the days you were present are counted. In the 1st year before the current year, 1/3 of the days are counted. In the 2nd year before the current, 1/6 of the days are counted.

For example, if Ryan spends 120 days each year in California in 2019 (the current year), 2018 and 2017, the total number of days he is present in the U.S. in the 3-year period would be 120+120 x 1/3 + 120 x 1/6 = 180. Since he hasn't met the 183 days threshold of the test, he will not be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes.

You are generally treated as present in the United States on any day you are physically present in the country, at any time during the day. However, there are exceptions that your presence won't count (e.g., you are unable to leave due to a medical condition or commute regularly to the U.S. for work from Canada or Mexico).

Even if a Canadian snowbird meets the substantial presence test, he may still be able to avoid U.S. residency by way of two exceptions – closer connection exception and the treaty exception.

Closer Connection Exception to the Substantial Presence Test

If you are present in the U.S. for less than 183 days in the current year, you may be exempt from being considered a U.S. resident if you can demonstrate a closer connection to Canada than the U.S. by filing form 8840, which is often referred to as the closer connection exception.

You will be considered to have a closer connection to Canada than the U.S. if you or the IRS establishes that you have maintained more significant contacts with Canada than with the United States. In determining that, the facts and circumstances to be considered include, but are not limited to, the following:

The country of residence you designate on forms and documents, The types of official forms and documents you file, such as Form W-9,

W-8BEN, etc.

The location of:

Your permanent home Your family, Your personal belongings, such as cars, furniture, clothing, and

jewelry, Your current social, political, cultural, or religious affiliations, Your business activities (other than those that constitute your tax

home), Where you hold a driver's license, Where you vote, and Charitable organizations to which you contribute.

You cannot claim this exception if:

you file form 8840 to the IRS later than June 15 in the current year. But this does not apply if you can show by clear and convincing evidence that you took reasonable actions to become aware of the filing requirement and comply with them.

You are physically present in the U.S. for at least 183 days in the current year, or

You have applied to change your status to that of a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. or have a pending application for adjustment of status in the current year.

The Tie-Breaker Rules in the Canada-US Tax Treaty

For Canadians who spend at least 183 days in the U.S. in the current year, they have one last resort – the tie-breaker rules under the Canada – US Income Tax convention ( Tax Treaty) which allows a Canadian snowbird to be taxed as only a resident in Canada if he could establish a closer connection with Canada.

To claim this exception, you must file

Form 1040NR – a U.S. non-resident tax return, and Form 8833 – a disclosure explaining why the person should be

considered a resident of Canada

Both forms are due on June 15 annually.

To determine the degree of attachment that an individual has with a country, the tie-breaker rules consider factors in a descending order, and you only move to the next factor if the first one is not conclusive:

Location of permanent home; Centre of vital interest; Habitual abode; and Nationality.

If none of the factors are conclusive which is a very rare situation, you must ask the competent authority of each country to make a decision.

Tax Tips from A Canadian Tax Lawyer

The best way for a Canadian snowbird to avoid being taxed as a U.S. resident is to fail the substantial presence test. But if you already meet the test, hiring an experienced lawyer from a Canadian Tax Law Firm would be your best option. They will not only help you carefully plan your stay to avoid being taxed as a US resident, but also make sure you properly file any forms required that are often complicated and onerous.

Steer clear of these 5 recent 2019 scams…tips from the CPA website

Money never sleeps—and neither does fraud. In fact, there never seems to be an end to the stream of scams being devised.

As Jeff Thomson, manager of the fraud prevention and intake unit at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, points out, “Fraudsters are always targeting Canada with new scams and old scams. So far in 2019, the CAFC has received more than 20,000 reports involving more than $43 million in losses. Canadians need to continue to be vigilant when receiving calls, emails or text messages from unknown senders.”

Here are some of the latest scams to keep on your watch list.

1. SIN SCAM

In this con, victims get a call from someone pretending to be from Service Canada or another government agency, saying their social insurance number (SIN) has been blocked, compromised or suspended. The call might be one of the latest variations on caller ID spoofing—a scam in which fraudsters disguise the number seen of the ID display in order to trick victims into answering the phone and trusting the caller. Typically, the person on the line will ask for SIN and other personal info, such as date of birth, address and so on. Don’t do it. As the CRTC explains, “Victims who provide their personal information to fraudsters are at risk of identity fraud.”

How to Protect Yourself

Don’t trust call display. “It may say ‘Police’ or ‘ABC’, but in reality, it is actually a scammer,” warns Thomson.

If you get a call from a person saying they represent a company or government agency and asking for personal information, hang up and call the number on your account statement or on the company or government agency’s website to verify.

Never provide personal information such as your SIN, account numbers, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls. Register your telephone number on the National Do Not Call List.  Check out the CRTC’s Telemarketing Consumer Alerts to help identify spoofed calls. 

Review the calling options or features available to block or filter unsolicited and illegitimate telemarketing calls. 

If you suspect fraud, you can report it to your local police or the CAFC (1-888-495-8501).

2. EMAIL MONEY TRANSFER FRAUD

Email money transfer is often seen as a quick and secure method for transferring funds—which is probably why more than 371 million e-transfers worth more than $132 billion were made in Canada last year, according to figures from Interac Corp. 

Still, the method is not foolproof: according to Thomson, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 163 reports in 2018 involving bank accounts that were compromised and money e-transferred out.

In one case, a home seller was contacted by email from what appeared to be the home realtor requesting an e-transfer to be held in trust pending a home inspection. But after the e-transfer was accepted, the homeowner contacted the real-estate agent and found out that they had not requested a deposit. In another case, a woman tried to send an email transfer to a friend to reimburse her for travel expenses. When the friend tried to open the email to accept the transfer, she was told the money had already been deposited. 

Both cases involved email hacking.

How to Protect Yourself

Be careful with passwords: As the Interac site points out, “Sometimes the strongest passwords are the ugliest.” Also, as a CBC report suggests, don’t share your password, use one password per website, and periodically search your email address (on sites such as haveIbeenpwned.com). If it has been compromised, change your password.

Choose security questions that are not easy to guess.

Use filters to protect from viruses and spyware.

As Interac suggests, if you receive a deposit or money request notification

you weren’t expecting, contact the sender through a different channel to verify. 

Look for strange typos in the text of an email notification. In phishing emails, the “$” sign often appears after the amount.  If you think an Interac e-Transfer notification is a scam, forward it to phishing@interac.ca.

If you accidentally fill out personal information in a link from a phishing scam, change your online banking password and contact your bank immediately.  Ensure your email provider uses TLS encryption, or switch to a provider that does. 

Use Interac e-Transfer Auto deposit. If you have the service set up, money sent via Interac e-Transfer will be deposited into your bank account automatically, without the need for you to answer a security question. Auto deposit is available through most large Canadian financial institutions and credit unions. 

3. WHATSAPP BREACH

Although the popular messaging tool WhatsApp features end-to end encryption, it still fell victim to a recent security breach that involved injecting malware onto victims’ phones. As one report explained, the hackers could implant the malicious code simply by placing a voice call to the victim on WhatsApp—and the victims didn’t even need to pick up for their phone to be infected. The breach was reported to have “signs of coming from a government using surveillance technology developed by a private company, and it may have targeted human rights groups.” The NSO Group, an Israeli cyber company, was said to be behind the attack.

Although the messaging service, which is owned by Facebook, said only a “select number of users were targeted,”, it called on users to upgrade to the latest version of the app after it fixed the vulnerability the attackers had sought to exploit. 

How to Protect Yourself

If you have not already done so, install the latest version of WhatsApp. Always ensure you are running the latest anti-virus software. As Thomson explains, phone and tablets are also computers and should be kept up to date. “Depending on the type of phone you have, anti-virus apps can be installed,” he says.

4. BANK INVESTIGATOR SCAM

This is a type of fraud that has many variations, but several commonalities as well. Victims receive a call from a fraudster—for example, posing as a store employee inquiring about a recent purchase on their credit card—and are often asked to immediately call the number on the back of their card to verify the validity of the initial call. When victims believe they have hung up,

the original caller, not having disconnected, redirects the victims to impostors. 

Recently, a Hilden, NS. woman reportedly got a call from someone saying he was working with the RCMP and a bank to identify bank employees who were stealing from it. At one point, the victim said she thought the call was a scam, and the fraudster urged her to hang up and dial the number on the back of her debit card. When she did, the suspect answered the phone. He convinced her to send $15,000 in three separate packages via courier to three different addresses in Brampton, Ont., to help with the supposed investigation.

How to Protect Yourself

As Thomson points out, calls to landlines from scammers in the “bank investigator” scam tend to happen in the early morning—often when a victim is still sleeping. “Make sure you are alert when dealing with finances,” he says. “Banks or credit card companies will never ask you to send money.” As with the SIN scam, do not assume phone numbers appearing on call display are accurate. This call‐spoofing technology is easily available, says Thomson.

Financial institutions will never ask you to transfer funds to an external account for security.

Never give remote access to your computer systems to unknown callers.

5. SCAMS TARGETING LAWYERS AND TRUST FUNDS

Lawyers and their clients should be beware of social engineering scams targeting lawyers and often involving trust funds. In such cases, fraudsters pretend to be an existing client, or someone genuinely authorized to give instructions on the client’s behalf.

In one case described by the Law Society of BC, a firm redirected more than half a million dollars in sale proceeds that it was holding in trust for a real estate client. The client had originally given its instructions in person to the firm. Before wiring the funds to the client as originally instructed, the firm received an email, purportedly from the client but in fact from the fraudster, directing the funds to be wired to a different account, which turned out to be the fraudster’s account. In this case, the email address used by the fraudster was identical to that used by the client.

How to Protect Yourself

As with the email money transfer scam, any client’s or lawyer’s email account can get hacked. So, if you are a lawyer who is about to pay out trust funds and your client’s payment instructions change, make sure the change is legitimate by making direct, in-person contact with your client and

following tips such as those offered by the Law Society of BC.  Establish due diligence protocols for transferring funds and ensure all staff receive training and adhere to them. Insurance is available on the commercial market to respond to social engineering frauds so talk to your broker.  Be on high alert for scams during vacation. Arrange for a competent lawyer to supervise your practice and provide your contact information to the lawyer and your staff. 

Did You Know?  

Fear of identity theft and fraud are big concerns for Canadians, according to CPA Canada’s 2019 fraud survey. You can also delve further into how to safeguard yourself with tips from Protecting you and your money: A guide to avoiding identity theft and fraud.

Eating Well as You Age

This is a complete article that you can print and give to the senior client, prospect or family member in your life.

As you get older, eating well can help improve mental acuteness, boost your energy levels, and increase your resistance to illness. These nutrition and diet tips can help.

Feeding your body and mind as you age

Healthy eating is important at any age but becomes even more so as we reach midlife and beyond. As you age, eating a healthy diet can help to improve mental acuteness, boost your energy levels, and increase your resistance to illness. Eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Rather, it should be all about enjoying fresh, tasty food, wholesome ingredients, and eating in the company of friends and family.

No matter your age or your previous eating habits, it’s never too late to change your diet and improve the way you think and feel.

IMPROVING YOUR DIET NOW CAN HELP YOU

Live longer and stronger

Good nutrition can boost immunity, fight illness-causing toxins, keep weight in check, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, bone loss, and cancer. Along with physical activity, a balanced diet can also contribute to enhanced independence as you age.

Sharpen your mind

People who eat fruit, leafy veggies, and fish and nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids may be able to improve focus and decrease their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidant-rich green tea may also enhance memory and mental alertness as you age.

Feel better

Wholesome meals can give you more energy and help you look better, resulting in a boost to your mood and self-esteem. It’s all connected—when your body feels good, you feel happier inside and out.

Healthy eating is about more than just food

Eating well as you age is about more than just the quality and variety of your food. It’s also about the pleasure of eating, which increases when a meal is shared. Eating with others can be as important as adding vitamins to your diet. A social atmosphere stimulates your mind, makes meals more enjoyable, and can help you stick to your healthy eating plan.

EVEN IF YOU LIVE ALONE, YOU CAN MAKE HEALTHY MEALS MORE PLEASURABLE BY:

Shopping with others

Shopping with a friend can give you a chance to catch up without falling behind on your chores. It’s also a great way to share new meal ideas and save money on discount deals like “buy one, get the second half price”.

Cooking with others

Invite a friend to share cooking responsibilities—one prepares the entrée, the other dessert, for example. Cooking with others can be a fun way to deepen your relationships and splitting costs can make it cheaper for both of you.

Making mealtimes a social experience

The simple act of talking to a friend or loved over the dinner table can play a big role in relieving stress and boosting mood. Gather the family together regularly and stay up to date on everyone’s lives. Invite a friend, coworker, or neighbor over. Visiting an adult day care center or enrolling in a senior meal program can also provide both companionship and nutritious meals for older adults.

How to create a healthy diet

The key to healthy eating is to focus overall, minimally processed food that

your body needs as you age—food that is as close to its natural form as possible. Our bodies respond differently to different foods, depending on genetics and other health factors, so finding the healthy diet that works best for you may take some experimentation.

THESE TIPS ARE A GOOD PLACE TO START

Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

Break the apple and banana rut and go for color-rich pickings like berries or melons. Aim for 2-3 servings a day. When it comes to veggies, choose antioxidant-rich dark, leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli as well as colorful vegetables such as carrots and squash. Make veggies more appetizing by drizzling them with olive oil, sprinkling with goat cheese, or frying with garlic or chili flakes. Try for 2-3 cups every day.

Choose calcium for bone health

Maintaining bone health as you age depends on adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. Good sources include milk, yogurt, cheese or non-dairy sources such as tofu, broccoli, almonds, and kale.

Go “good fat” not “no fat”

Rather than trying to cut out fat from your diet, focus on enjoying healthy fats—such as omega-3s—that can protect your body against disease and support your mood and brain function. Learn more>>

Vary your sources of protein

As you age, eating enough high-quality protein can improve your mood, boost your resistance to stress, anxiety, and depression, and even help you think more clearly. However, eating too much protein from processed meat products such as hot dogs, bacon, and salami may increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. Vary your sources of protein instead of relying on just red meat by including more fish, beans, peas, eggs, nuts, and seeds in your diet. Learn more>>

Eat more fiber

Dietary fiber can do so much more than keep you regular. It can lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, improve the health of your skin, and help you to lose weight. As you age, your digestion becomes less efficient, so it’s important to include enough fiber in your diet. Women over 50 should aim to eat at least 21 grams of fiber per day, men over 50 at least 30 grams a day. Unfortunately, most of us aren’t getting even half those amounts.

Be smart about carbs

Choose whole grains over processed white flour for more nutrients and fiber and cut down on sugar and refined carbs. While our senses of taste and smell diminish with age, we retain the ability to distinguish sweet tastes the longest, leading many older people to consume more sugar and refined carbs than is healthy. Unlike complex carbs that are rich in fiber, refined or simple carbs (such as white rice, white flour, refined sugar) can lead to a dramatic spike in blood sugar, followed by a rapid crash which leaves you feeling hungry and prone to overeating.

Cope with changing dietary needs

Every season of life brings changes and adjustments to your body. Understanding what is happening will help you take control of your nutritional and dietary requirements.

PHYSICAL CHANGES THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR DIET

Metabolism

Every year over the age of 40, our metabolism slows, and often we become less physically active. This makes it even more important to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits to avoid weight gain.

Weakened senses

Older adults tend to lose sensitivity to salty and bitter tastes first, so you may be inclined to salt your food more heavily than before—even though older adults need less salt than younger people. Use herbs, spices, and healthy oils—like olive oil—to season food instead of salt.

Medications and illness

Some health problems or medications can negatively influence appetite or affect taste, again leading older adults to consume too much sugar or salt. Talk to your doctor.

Digestion

Due to a slowing digestive system, you generate less saliva and stomach acid as you get older, making it more difficult for your body to process certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, B6 and folic acid, which are necessary to maintain mental alertness and good circulation. Up your fiber intake and talk to your doctor about possible supplements.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR DIET

Loneliness and depression

For some, feeling down leads to not eating and in others it may trigger overeating. Sharing meals with other people can be an effective antidote to loneliness. Reach out to friends or neighbors—everyone loves a home-cooked meal and most people who live alone are in the same boat as you. Be the one to reach out and break the ice.

Death or divorce

If you’re newly single, you may not be used to cooking or have little enthusiasm for preparing meals for just yourself. However, cooking your own meals can help you take charge of your health. The key to cooking for one is to master a few basic skills and get creative in making meals that work specifically for you.

Living on a limited budget

With the right tips and a little planning, it is possible to enjoy healthy food on the cheap. Often, by simply cutting out junk and processed foods, you can free up enough in your budget to enjoy healthier, better quality food. See Eating well on a budget below.

OVERCOME OBSTACLES TO EATING WELL AS YOU AGE

Let’s face it, there’s a reason why so many of us have trouble eating nutritiously every day.

Sometimes it’s just quicker or easier to eat unhealthy food. If you’re having trouble getting started on a healthy eating plan, these tips can help:

Boost a low appetite

Check with your doctor to see if your loss of appetite could be due to medication, and whether the medication or dosage can be changed. Try natural flavor enhancers such as olive oil, butter, vinegar, garlic, onions, ginger, and spices to boost your appetite.

Cope with difficulty chewing

Make chewing easier by drinking smoothies made with fresh fruit, yogurt, and protein powder.

Eat steamed veggies and soft food such as couscous, rice, and yogurt.

Consult your dentist to make sure your dentures are properly fitted.

Deal with a dry mouth

Drink 8–10 glasses of water each day.

Take a drink of water after each bite of food. Add sauces and salsas to moisten your food. Avoid commercial mouthwash. Ask your doctor about artificial saliva products.

But what if you just don’t like healthy food?

None of us were born with a craving for French fries and donuts or an aversion to broccoli. This conditioning happens over time as we’re exposed to more and more unhealthy food choices. However, it is possible to reprogram your brain’s food cravings over time so that you crave healthier foods instead.

Commit to keeping an open mind

Just because a food is healthy, it doesn’t mean it can’t be tasty as well.

Don’t change everything all at once

Add a side salad to your normal dinner, for example, or substitute unhealthy fries with baked sweet potato fries, or have a smaller portion of dessert and fill up with melon and pineapple slices.

Focus on how you feel after eating well

This will help foster new habits and tastes. The healthier food you eat, the better you’ll feel afterwards.

Or are you stuck in a rut?

No matter how healthy your diet, eating the same foods over and over is bound to get boring.

Rekindle inspiration by:

Browsing produce at a farmer’s market. Reading a cooking magazine. Buying foods or spices you haven’t tried before. Chatting with friends about what they eat.

OR YOU CAN’T SHOP OR COOK FOR YOURSELF?

Here are some suggestions:

Take advantage of home delivery

Many grocery stores have online delivery services.

Swap services

Ask a friend, neighborhood teen, or college student if they would be willing to shop for you in return for homework help, for example.

Share your home

Consider having a housemate/companion who would be willing to do the grocery shopping and cooking.

Eating well on a budget

For many older adults on a fixed, limited budget, knowing how to eat healthily is only part of the problem. Paying for the healthiest food isn’t always easy but there are ways to stretch your budget and save money on nutritious food.

Eat out less

It may seem that fast food is less expensive than cooking at home. But a meal for two at a fast-food restaurant in the U.S., with drinks and a side of fries each, can cost $10 to $15. Preparing a simple, healthy beef stew or roast chicken with vegetables can cost far less and leave you with leftovers as well.

Stick to your grocery list

The more prepared you are when food shopping, the less impulse purchases you’ll make.

Buy in bulk

Doing things in bulk saves time and money. It’s always a good idea to buy non-perishable items, such as dried beans and canned fish, in bulk. You can freeze perishable items, such as meat and bread, in smaller portions to use as needed or split them with a friend—saving you both money.

Search out Farmers’ Markets

Many places host weekly farmers’ markets where local farmers sell fresh food directly, often cheaper than the grocery store. Towards the end of the market, some venders sell remaining perishable items at a discount.

Purchase generic/store brands

When you shop at conventional grocery stores, the store or generic brand will often be cheaper than the name brand for the same quality product.

Join the grocery store savings club

Look out for discount coupons for more savings.

Purchase less expensive cuts of meat and make better use of it

You’ll save money on the cut of meat and stretch the meat for more meals when you make tasty casseroles, sauces, soups, stews, and stir-fries. Add vegetables, beans, and whole grains to create filling and delicious meals.

Cook once and eat multiple times

Cook a large meal at the beginning of the week so that you have extra to use later in the week when you don’t feel like cooking.

Make new meals from previous ones

All leftovers can be used for another meal, such as soups, stews, or stir-fries. Create a base with broth or by sautéing onion and garlic, then add any leftovers you have. A small amount of meat is perfect to add flavor and substance. And most leftovers make very tasty burritos. Simply put everything into a tortilla shell (try to get whole grain) with a little cheese or salsa.

10th Edition EPC Materials are Available

The revised 10th edition of the EPC materials are available now for you to update your elder knowledge and provide the best information that you can for your clients, prospects and families.

You will receive the 4 manual 10th Edition Desk Reference Set, the 10th Edition EPC Student Workbook, and the EPC PowerPoints.

They are available for $159 + taxes and includes shipping.

If you reside in AB, BC, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT,  your cost is $166.95,  all taxes & shipping included.

If you reside in ON, your cost is $179.67, all taxes & shipping included.

If you reside in NS, NB, NL or PE your cost is $182.85,  all taxes & shipping included.

You can order them securely here - 10th Edition EPC Desk References

Did you know that CIEPS is on LinkedIn?

EPC member Paul Fawcett started a group on LinkedIn, and it is now an open group. Why not join it so that you can keep up to date with trending discussions that would be of interest to the Elder Planning Counselor.

Join and share with the group here – EPC LinkedIn Group

CIEPS/EPC is always looking for interesting articles from the EPC membership for submission to the PULSE

If you have any interesting articles that you would like to have submitted into the EPC PULSE pertaining to senior issues etc., please send them to me and if suitable, we will put them into the monthly PULSE and give credit where it is due. You can send them directly to me – registrar@cieps.com

Please keep your contact information current with us

In order to help us keep your contact information up to date, so that you do not miss any timely information, renewal notifications and the PULSE monthly email newsletter, please use our Member update form if any of your information has changed. You can access the form here -EPC Member Update Form

CIEPS Member Benefits

CIEPS has recently added 2 new member benefits for those EPC members in good standing.

1. Major Hotel Discounts – Now you can use many of our CIEPS hotels across Canada and enjoy EPC member discounts when travelling in those areas. For more information, view here - EPC MEMBER HOTEL DISCOUNTS

2. CARP – CIEPS is pleased to now offer EPC members in good standing a special rate for a 1-year CARP Membership, including a subscription to Zoomer magazine. For more information, view here - EPC/CARP MEMBER DISCOUNTS

3. CIEPS is pleased to announce a new partnership with frames4diplomas.com. They provide professional looking customized certificate and diploma frames for your EPC suitable for framing certificate indicating that you have qualified to be an Elder Planning Counselor. These frames are very reasonably priced and can be ordered directly from Frames4diplomas.com. We will ship a certificate directly to the company after you submit your order to them.

Go here - EPC Customized Diploma Frames to find out more information and how you can order them.

Alberta EPC ChapterIf you live in Alberta and would like to be involved in starting an EPC Chapter

please contact Earl Robertson - earl_robertson77@yahoo.ca

Vancouver EPC ChapterIf you live in Vancouver, BC area and would like to be involved in staring an EPC Chapter please contact Jane Chang at jchang@ashtoncollege.com

If you are interested in starting an EPC Chapter in your area, please let us know. CIEPS will be happy to provide any assistance necessary to get you started.

Important notice regarding your EPC Membership duesWhen you pay your EPC Membership Dues, please include applicable taxes (GST/HST) for your Province of residence.

If you are sending a cheque for your EPC Membership, please reference that the cheque is for.

Annual renewal fee—$150.00 + Applicable taxes for the Province you reside in. This can be paid by Cheque, Visa or MasterCard

If you reside in AB, BC, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT your yearly renewal is $157.50 all taxes included.

If you reside in ON, your yearly renewal is $169.50 all taxes included. If you reside in NS, NB, NL or PE your yearly renewal is $172.50 all

taxes included.

CE requirements when renewing your EPC Designation

CIEPS has a requirement of 30 CE credits annually when you renew your EPC membership.

Lately we have been receiving questions about the Continuing Education requirements when renewing your EPC Designation.

The following should clarify this for you.

If you are in a profession that requires CE Credits, then we accept that number of CE hours towards your EPC Membership renewal.

If you are in a profession that does not require CE Credits, then you do not require any CE to renew your EPC membership.

EPC Membership Renewal Fee Reminder Please ensure your membership dues are up-to-date.

Annual renewal fee—$150.00 + Applicable taxes for the Province you reside

in. This can be paid by Cheque, Visa, MasterCard or email transfer to alex@cieps.com and it will be processed for you.

If you reside in AB, BC, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT your yearly renewal is $157.50 all taxes included.

If you reside in ON, your yearly renewal is $169.50 all taxes included. If you reside in NS, NB, NL or PE your yearly renewal is $172.50 all

taxes included.

Don’t forget to add the taxes for your Province of residence.

Not sure when your renewal is? Check the date on your EPC Certificate. The date you passed your EPC Qualification examination is your renewal date each year.

We email receipts for renewal payments at the end of the month which you paid your dues.

To renew securely online RENEW HERE

ReminderRemember, only an EPC member in good standing may use the EPC mark, the words EPC Designation, or logo on any advertising, business cards, stationery, signage, voice mail or email. This is in accordance with the CIEPS tenets and standards.

PLEASE NOTE!

Just a reminder that when you use your credit card to pay for your EPC tuition, Renewal fees, or purchase anything from the EPC Resource Library, it will show on your statement as CNDIAN INTIVE FOR ELDR ST… Beamsville, ON. With a phone number of 866 833-8606 don’t panic, as this is the Elder Planning Counselor Designation (EPC).

If you would like to stop receiving this publication, please respond to info@cieps.com with the message “STOP MY PULSE!”

To contact CIEPS:

Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies4438 Ontario Street, Suite 203 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B5 Phone: 866.833.8606 Fax: 866.209.5111