Besides the intrinsic rewards of helping others, volunteering promotes good physical and mental health and helps seniors pursue their passions in retirement. When self-described “little old woman” Maggie Kuhn was forced to retire in 1970, she decided to use her unanticipated free time to found the Gray Panthers, an organization that fights age discrimination and advocates for social and economic …
5 Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover
Medicare Part A and Part B, also known as Original Medicare or Traditional Medicare, cover a large portion of your medical expenses after you turn age 65. Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, stays in skilled nursing facilities, surgery, hospice care and even some home health care. Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for doctors’ visits, …
Future Healthcare Trends for Seniors
Healthcare can be confusing to navigate, especially when trends change rapidly with advancements in science and technology and government regulations. Learn about six trends you need to know to be a savvy consumer in 2019. The Aging Wave The Census Bureau projects that in 2034, for the first time ever, people 65 and older will outnumber those under 18. Additionally, …
Staying Fit for Seniors in 2019
No matter your age, it’s important to take care of your body and prevent illness. But if you’re 65 or older, something as simple as the flu or a common cold can progress and lead to complications. This includes secondary infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, an ear infection, or a sinus infection. If you have a chronic condition such as asthma …
How to Get the Most out of Medicare
Here’s how to ensure that you get every cent in benefits you’re entitled to. The benefits of Social Security are readily apparent for seniors. Each and every month, for those who qualify and have filed for benefits, the program pays an average of $1,350 to retired workers. This is a tangible and dependable benefit payment that a majority of today’s …
What Happens if You Miss Medicare Open Enrollment?
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP) for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. It’s also called the Fall Open Enrollment Period. This time period happens only once a year. If you miss the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, here’s what it means and what you might be able to do. Medicare Open Enrollment: …
How Grandparents Have a Positive Impact on Their Grandchildren
Grandparents fill an irreplaceable role in a child’s development: Pillars of wisdom and sources of support, they possess a unique understanding of a family’s history and traditions. They love their grandchildren with unconditional affection that matches that of a child’s own parents, and though some families are separated by distance or circumstance, being able to connect with a grandchild frequently fosters a …
7 Changes to Watch Out for During Medicare Open Enrollment for 2019
Getting ready to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan for 2019? You may have more plans to choose from, the premiums may be lower, and some Medicare Advantage plans are adding benefits. That’s why this open enrollment period is a particularly good time to shop for coverage even if you’ve been happy with your current plan. Open enrollment …
5 Ways Seniors Can Exercise the Brain With Games
From Sudoku to handheld games, people young and old alike have been looking for ways to improve their mental functioning and prevent brain aging. While you’re playing these games, you’re actually improving your cognitive function. This training can help improve your memory, response time, and logic skills, giving your mind the workout it needs. Let’s explore the top websites and games …
Simple Ways To Celebrate Holidays With Your Elderly Loved Ones
As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded to count our blessings and remember all that we should be thankful for. However for the elderly population, Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season can be a difficult time. Many seniors may feel lonely and can be reminded of people they may have lost in the past. The lack of family get-togethers, an inability …