By Joy Loverde

Every Sunday morning, rain or shine, I watch as my friends, Emma Gregory, 80 and Frances Holland, 86 shuffle into the church hall on Chicago’s north side to join the other parishioners. Deacon Donald Palmer picks them up at home with the parish van; then escorts them to the front door before continuing his rounds to gather others who are attending prayer services.

The energy level at these weekly gatherings is always festive. Typically, the week before, Emma and Frances were on the go -- attending the opera, taking in a lecture, participating in a class or two -- and excited to share their recent adventures with the others. Ironically, these two elderly women have no discretionary income and receive nothing more than their monthly Social Security checks, yet manage to sustain a quality of life anyone at any age would envy.

Fact is, millions of elderly Americans rely solely on Social Security, and it’s hard to imagine living a quality lifestyle within this meager allowance and buying groceries, paying rent, staying active and having money left over for anything else.

The question then becomes why do some people barely get by and forgo simple pleasures like visits to the beauty parlor and going to the movies, while others in the same financial predicament appear to have precisely what they want? My elderly friends say it’s a combination of a positive attitude and knowing where to turn.

Speaking up.

“They won’t hand you freebies on a silver platter,” says eighty-one year old Ruth Riddell who lives in a senior housing community in Chicago. “You have to ask for them and let them know you’re here.” Recently, Ruth wanted to clear a path in her living room and needed help moving the couch. She enlisted several volunteers through the local high school.

Older adults who can’t afford to pay for helpers can call upon neighborhood organizations and ask about volunteer programs -- senior centers, family services, charities, church groups and universities typically offer programs that are free for the asking. The key is to ask.

Food for thought.

Following a healthy style of eating is a challenge to most elderly people -- the task of preparing meals for one person may be daunting and difficult. Consider these low-cost meal plans:

• Invite neighbors to cook a meal together or share pot luck.

• “Say ‘yes’ if someone you know and like invites you to dinner,” says Chicago resident, Bernice Pink. “And repay them with a heartfelt, hand-written thank you note.” Bernice says reciprocation for another’s kindness need not be an even exchange.

• Make good use of community meal programs: Food stamp programs allow recipients to buy eligible food in authorized retail food stores. Homebound persons aged 60 and over may be eligible for home-delivered meals. Group meals, also known as congregate meals, are provided in a variety of settings such as senior centers, schools, community centers, and churches. Donations are appreciated.

Home is where the heart is.

These days, safe and affordable housing options for low-income residents come in a variety of plans:

• Gardner Stern, says he’s glad he sold the family home. “It was an easy decision after I figured out how much it was costing.” Gardner now resides in a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Chicago. “Everything is conveniently located, and I save money by walking everywhere,” he adds.

• For those who prefer to stay put, financial assistance for home repair and reduced utility payments is available for low-income homeowners through the local office on aging.

• The idea of shared housing is gaining popularity. Under this arrangement, an elderly person shares his or her home with someone else in exchange for rent or services like cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Shared-housing programs, administered by local housing authorities and social service agencies, usually match people for free. Also, it’s not uncommon for elderly friends to move in together and share expenses.

• Subsidized housing assists elderly people in need. Contact the local Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Waiting lists are usually are long. Don’t be discouraged. If they will take your name, give it. To find the local HUD office, visit www.hud.gov.

Getting from here to there.

Once the family car is sold (good move since auto insurance and car-related expenses are astronomical), here’s how financially challenged people get around:

• It never hurts to ask neighbors if they’re going your way.
• Medical facilities and churches may provide transit services. Call them directly.
• Senior centers provide transportation to social events and shopping malls.
• Discount taxi coupons are available at the local office on aging, or better yet, “Take the bus,” says Ruth Riddell. “It’s free in Chicago.”

Stretching health care dollars.

For older adults, taking good care of oneself is the difference between maintaining an active lifestyle or being homebound. Here are a few strategies to keep health care costs down:

• “Asking advice from my neighborhood pharmacist works for me,” says Pt. Charlotte, Florida resident Alba Wright. “It’s free, and professional advice is typically available around the clock.”

• Scout community newspapers and shopping mall flyers for advertisements on free flu shots, health fairs and free health screenings.

• War-veteran elders are eligible to receive free and low cost health care services by contacting the local Veteran’s Administration office.

• Specialized illness organizations -- Alzheimer’s Association, Arthritis Foundation, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation and others -- offer financial information and support groups. Contact the local chapter.

• The local church or temple may offer the services of a parish nurse. He or she is a professional nurse who is trained to meet the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the members, including the elderly.

• Call the local Medicare office to find out about Medicaid eligibility guidelines.

Sticking to a budget.

There is an art to stretching dollars, and older adults, rich and poor, are the experts when it comes to cutting corners. “Don’t be shy,” advises Ruth Riddell. “And never pass up an opportunity to ask if there’s a senior citizen discount.” Ruth says that asking for reduced rates on virtually everything has paid off for her in the long run. Other money-saving strategies include:

• Recycle – exchange books, magazines, and videos or check them out at the library.

• Trade talents - for example, one person sews while another bakes.

• Buy only what’s on sale and use store coupons.

• Accept gifts from family especially expensive items like a new winter coat, frequent-flyer miles or home maintenance services.

• Steer clear of gambling casinos and lottery tickets.

• Take advantage of reduced rates on personal care services at local trade schools.

• For cash-strapped gift givers give things you already own, such as a family heirloom or photo. Family members will treasure something that was yours.

• Use senior centers liberally for meals, free advice, classes, and socializing.

About the Author

Joy Loverde is recognized as one of the leading experts on successful aging and eldercare. Her best selling book, "The Complete Eldercare Planner: Where to Start, Questions to Ask, How to Find Help" (2009, Revised and Updated, Random House), reflects the depth of her understanding and compassion for the needs of older Americans. "The book is the best we saw..." says the American Medical Association. Joy has appeared on the Today Show, ABC News, and others. During her career, Joy has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. USA TODAY ran a four-part series on Joy's book. Joy is a popular keynote speaker for a variety of audiences including National Institutes of Health. For more information visit Joy’s website: www.elderindustry.com.