Our Bodies at Age 70

Baby Boomers are retiring at the rate of 10,000 or more a day.  Since this has been going on for several years, millions of them are now beginning to reach their 70s.  Aging can be an uncomfortable transition, and often people wonder what the future will hold in the coming years.  Recently, AARP Magazine published an article titled "Your Body at 70+" in their April / May 2018 edition and our readers may be interested in their conclusions.

Overall Health for People in their 70s

If you have not yet reached your 70s, you will be pleased to know that half of people surveyed who have already reached their 70s said that their lives had turned out better than they expected.

If you are a woman around age 65, you can expect to live, on average, another 20.6 years.  If you are a man of the same age, you can expect to live another 18 years.  Of course, whether or not you achieve that lifespan will depend on how well you take care of yourself.

You are less likely to die of cancer than people of our parents' generation, as long as you get timely cancer screenings.  For example, colon cancer deaths have fallen over 50 percent since 1970 because of colonoscopies and other screenings.

Other medical advances, such as pacemakers, are also likely to keep you living longer.  About 225,000 people a year have pacemakers implanted and the average age when this happens is 75.

You do need to get serious about your diabetes risk, however.  Approximately 75 percent of older Americans have either diabetes or prediabetes, and this disease can damage your heart, brain, kidneys, eyes and other organs.  If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, you can improve your health by enrolling in a diabetes prevention program, which will be covered by Medicare.

Your Brain in Your 70s

Because our generation is in better general health than the previous generation, our risk of dementia is about 27 percent lower.  That will be a major relief to those of us who have parents with dementia.

You can do your part to protect your brain by eating dark green leafy vegetables like kale, which contain the nutrients folate, lutein and carotenoids.  You may also want to read the other articles in this blog about reducing our risk of dementia by following the MIND diet, getting exercise, reducing your stress, getting adequate sleep, seeing your dentist and taking similar measures. (Click on the tab at the top of this article on Medical Concerns to find a number of additional research-based articles.)

Unfortunately, not getting enough sleep is a common complaint of nearly 50 percent of people in their 70s.  As a result, you may want to reduce your caffeine consumption in the afternoon and evening, and drink less alcohol.  If you still have trouble not getting enough sleep, talk to your doctor about getting help with sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and other problems which could be interfering with your sleep.

Your Eyes and Ears in Your 70s

Do not be surprised if you develop new vision problems at this stage of your life.  See your ophthalmologist regularly for checkups.  You may need cataract surgery or have to address other vision issues such as dry eyes.

Another common issue which affects about one-third of people in their 70s is hearing loss.  The National Institutes of Health reports that 50% of people over the age of 75 have a disabling amount of hearing loss. Modern hearing aids are barely noticeable and much more comfortable than the old ones, so do not hesitate to get one if you think you need one.

People in their 70s are more likely to develop dementia and have shorter lives if they have untreated vision and hearing problems, which is reason enough to take care of these problems.

Muscles and Bones in the Aging Body

If you are a Baby Boomer, it is highly likely that by the time you reach your retirement age you will have noticed some changes to your body.  Your joints may be stiffer, you probably have less muscle mass, and you may be getting a little shorter.  Exercise is the best defense we have against those problems, but talk to your doctor to make sure you are getting all the proper diagnostic tests to confirm you do not have a serious problem.  Ideally, you should combine a variety of types of exercise in your health plan, including weight bearing, aerobic, balance and strength training.  Many Medicare supplement plans include gym memberships.  You can also find classes through your city recreation department or the Emeritus program of your local community college. Reach out to find a variety of types of exercise programs.

Sex in Your 70s

According to the AARP article, one in six women and one in three men are still enjoying sex in their 70s.  Unfortunately, it is not possible for everyone.  Approximately 44 percent of men experience erectile dysfunction. In these cases, it can be helpful to see your physician and find out if your problem can be solved.  Another issue is that about 30 percent of women ages 64 to 84 live alone.  However, the good news is that this number has fallen in recent years because husbands are living longer. Since loneliness has been found to shorten our lives, maintaining connections in our life is one key to longevity.

The bottom line is there is no reason to fear your 70s.  You may still have a number of good years left to live and a better quality of life than you expected.

If you are interested in learning more about common medical issues as you age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Google Images from Vuing.com - Carl and Ellie Fredericksen

Marijuana, Brain Health, and Alzheimers Disease

While millions of Americans of all ages are using marijuana for a variety of reasons, including relief from pain, anxiety and nausea, researchers have begun to study whether prolonged use of cannabis can affect the brain.  The simple answer is "yes, but whether the effect is good or bad depends on a variety of factors."  Although no one dies of an overdose from marijuana, which is increasing its general acceptance by the public, there are both pros and cons to its use.

What are some of the facts which researchers have discovered about marijuana use?  The information below may help you determine whether or not it is right for you.

The THC in Marijuana May Slow Alzheimer's Disease

One of the scariest diseases facing aging Americans is Alzheimer's Disease, which is believed to be caused by beta-amyloid proteins building up in the brain.  These proteins turn into amyloid plaques and the good news is that the THC from marijuana appears to block the enzyme which produces the plaques. A preclinical study published in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease" (June 1, 2017) indicated that very small doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (better known as THC) can slow the production of beta-amyloid proteins.  Since THC is the component in marijuana which can make you "high," getting the dosage right is very important.

Even earlier, in 2006, Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego also observed that THC was an inhibitor of amyloid plaque formation and they published their findings in the "Journal of Molecular Pharmaceutics" on August 9, 2006.

Researchers are continuing to study whether THC can also have beneficial effects on other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's Disease and Huntington's Chorea.

One difficulty with this research is determining the best dosage to benefit the patient while still allowing them to lead a normal life, drive a car and not suffer from the toxic or psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD and THC Can Treat Pain, Anxiety and Other Problems

Not all the components of marijuana make you high.  CBD is a substance found in marijuana which has health benefits, but will not make you high. Often it is derived from hemp rather than the marijuana plant, although the two plants are closely related.  Research indicates that CBD can relieve anxiety, reduce pain, stimulate bone growth, and possibly have anti-inflammatory benefits.  Other benefits may include a reduction in breast cancer cells.

THC, the component in cannabis which can make you high, can ease pain, increase relaxation, reduce the risk of nerve damage and suppress muscle spasms and convulsions.

CBD is often combined with THC to provide maximum benefits. The ratio of CBD to THC can range from 18:1 CBD to THC, up to a 1:1 ratio between the two components.  Unfortunately, finding the correct dosage for your problem is currently a matter of trial and error.  It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a doctor who is a Medical Cannabis Specialist to help you.

These products are available in oils, creams, vape pens, pills and edibles.  

Tips for Older Adults Experimenting with Cannabis

Since it can be difficult to determine the best dosage, and the right CBD to THC ratio for your health issue, experts recommend a few safety tips when you begin to use the products.

1.  Start with the lowest possible amount of THC and the highest concentration of CBD to make sure you can comfortably and safely tolerate the THC.  If it helps your problem, stick at that level.  If not, increase the ratio and quantity slowly.

2.  Stay hydrated with water.  Cannabis can dehydrate you and cause your mouth to feel dry.  Dehydration may also cause dizziness and increase your risk of a fall, which could complicate any health problems you have.

3.  Use the buddy system and make sure your buddy has tincture of CBD on-hand in case you have a bad reaction to the THC.  Using tincture of CBD sublingually may ease the THC effects if it appears you have taken too much.  However, it will not completely eliminate the symptoms.

4.  It is significantly safer to use legal marijuana which is inspected and analyzed for contaminants, including herbicides and insecticides which may have been used in the growing process.  Illegal marijuana varies widely in the amount of CBD and THC, often contains contaminants, and may even be "enhanced" with illegal narcotics, thus causing patients to consume unknown and dangerous additives.

5.  Work with your doctor, particularly a Medical Cannabis Specialist, when taking marijuana for medical reasons.  Let your other physicians know you are using it, because it could conflict with medications they are prescribing.  

Warning: Marijuana Endangers the Brain Health of Adolescents

While many teens and young adults are enthusiastic about using marijuana, the younger you are and the heavier your use, the more vulnerable you are to cognitive decline over time.  People who are regular, persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline as they move from childhood to midlife, according to an article published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal" October 2, 2012.

In other words, it would be prudent for most teens and young adults to avoid the use of marijuana or cannabis products unless there is a medical reason, such as the presence of seizures.

The bottom line is that marijuana is best used for medical purposes in the elderly, and should be avoided as much as possible by younger people, especially when being used frequently for recreational reasons.

If you are interested in learning more about common medical issues as you age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Photo credit:  Pixabay Images

Six Pillars of Brain Health - Lower Your Dementia Risk

As we age, many of us are concerned about memory loss, mild cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and similar brain problems.  While there are no guarantees we can avoid all the dangers, research shows that people who follow certain behaviors have much better brain health and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia.  Those brain healthy behaviors are known as the Six Pillars of Brain Health.

You can find detailed articles about each of the pillars by using the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to scroll through the Medical Concerns section and find links to a number of articles on this blog about the connection between Alzheimer's Disease or dementia to exercise, nutrition, brain games, sleep, social interaction and physical health.  Below is a summary of the best behaviors to protect your brain.

Six Pillars of Brain Health

Physical Exercise:  According to researchers, a minimum of 30 minutes of physical exercise three times a week can reduce your Alzheimer's risk by 21 percent.   Exercise improves your memory and cognitive functioning because it increases the blood flow to the brain.  It also causes your body to produce the feel-good hormones, serotonin and dopamine, so you feel better immediately.  It also strengthens the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain which is responsible for storing memories.

Everyone should practice four different types of physical exercise - balance, flexibility, aerobic and strength training.  The balance and strength training will keep your blood flowing and also protect you from falls, which is another way to take care of your brain. One bad fall resulting in a concussion or other brain damage could easily undo all your other effort.  As a result, it is important to keep your muscles strong, engage in balance training, and avoid accidents in your home.

Nutrition:  The best diet for brain health is called the MIND diet.  It is a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets.

To summarize this diet, the best foods to eat are green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and a small amount of wine.

The foods to avoid, although they can still be consumed in small amounts, are red meat, butter or margarine, cheese, pastries, sweets, fried food and fast food.

Brain Exercises:  It is important to challenge your brain regularly.  Learning something new and challenging, such as a second language or how to play a musical instrument, is good for your brain.  On the other hand, doing repetitive, easy activities which do not challenge you will not help your brain make new connections. 

Good brain challenges include dancing, playing board games, taking a class, reading a book, taking a music lesson, learning a new hobby, researching a topic which interests you, or engaging in conversation during social activities.  Yes, simply chatting with other people can help your brain, since it requires you to stay engaged and respond appropriately to what another person says or does.  You can also find brain game apps or online games which will help keep your brain active.

Sleep and Relaxation:  People who do not get enough sleep, or whose sleep is frequently interrupted, have 1.5 times the normal risk of building up the brain proteins which can lead to Alzheimer's Disease.  This is because the toxins which form the amyloid plaques are cleared during restful sleep.

Make sleep a priority by having regular times to sleep and wake up, relaxing in the evening, avoiding vigorous exercise or caffeine in the evening, avoiding smoking or alcohol, and limiting your consumption of other beverages in the evening, which could cause you to wake up to go to the bathroom.

Social Interaction:  People who do not regularly interact with other people in a meaningful way have a much higher risk of dementia, because social activity requires you to use a variety of areas of the brain.

If you want to lower your dementia risk, call a friend, volunteer with a charity, join a group, take a class, go to your church or temple, babysit your grandkids, or interact with other people on a regular basis.

Take Care of Your Physical Health:  A general rule to follow is that anything which is good for the heart is good for the brain.  If you follow the recommendations for exercise, sleep, and nutrition, mentioned above, you will have gone a long way towards taking care of your general health.  In addition, seek medical help for any signs of serious health problems including obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, depression or other medical conditions.  Diabetics, for example, are 50 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease.  Taking care of your disease can reduce this risk.

Finally, have your doctor check to make sure you do not have any vitamin deficiencies, particularly inadequate amounts of Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, or Folate.  Not having an adequate amount of these substances in your blood can increase your risk of dementia.  At the same time, you do not want to take megadoses of vitamins which you do not need.  Not only can this be expensive, but it can actually cause health and brain problems.  Check with your doctor and have your blood tested before taking nutritional supplements. 

If you are interested in learning more about common health problems as you age, financial planning, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Best Retirement Communities in US per MSN Money

There are many theories about the criteria you should use in finding the perfect retirement community for you.  Among the issues you need to consider are climate, community amenities, type of housing, proximity to family, and convenience.  You may also want to be near a golf course, university, sports venue, or your favorite fishing hole.  More than anything, you should consider whether or not your new community will fit into your lifestyle.

When my husband and I chose our retirement community of Laguna Woods Village, on the outskirts of Laguna Beach in Southern California, we were pleased to find one which had a golf course for him and an equestrian center for me, as well as a mild climate and access to a wide variety of activities both within and outside our retirement village.  The picture which accompanies this article is one I took while horseback riding on one of the trails in our community.

In an article published by MSN Money, the authors came up with their own list of "The Best Retirement Villages in America."  You may or may not agree with the choices they made.  However, if you want to make sure you have considered all your possible choices, this list is a great place to start, although you should not limit the possibilities just to the names on this list. If you click on the "Retire in the US" tab at the top of this page, you will find a number of additional articles about other potential retirement locations.

My best recommendation is to keep an open mind.  You may find that a community you first discarded because of its location or climate may turn out to be the perfect place for you.  Below is the MSN Money list:

MSN-Money: Best Retirement Communities

The Villages in Sumter County Florida is located about 45 miles northwest of Orlando. The community of single-family homes is occupied by 118,000 residents who manage to use approximately 50,000 golf carts to get around the community.  The Villages are broken into smaller neighborhoods surrounding three town squares with dancing, drinking and live entertainment available every night of the year.  There are 48 golf courses and 80 pools. 

Del Webb Retirement Community at Lake Oconee, Greensboro, Georgia is a single family home community on the edge of a man-made lake less than two hours from Atlanta.  It is near mountains as well as the lake and is a gated community with golf where residents can also find places nearby to go fishing, sailing, horseback riding and skiing in winter.

Covenant Shores at Mercer Island, Washington is a faith based community just across a bridge from central Seattle.  Residents have easy access to all that Seattle has to offer including theater, music, and restaurants. The community has a putting green and private marina for canoeing and kayaking.  The residences consist of studios or one and two-bedroom apartments.  There is also a wellness center and health care services.  These are independent living residences with a variety of dining options.

Del Webb Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, South Carolina is a single family home community with 14,000 residents, three golf courses, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, performing arts center, sports park.  There are a number of Sun Cities around the nation, including near Palm Springs, California and Georgetown, Texas.  Although they are not on the MSN Money list, you may want to tour one of the other Sun Cities near you as part of your retirement community research.

Del Webb - Great Island Community in Plymouth, Massachusetts is located near Cape Cod.  The community is made up of approximately 600 private homes, many with large backyards and wooded forest views.  There is a large clubhouse and the 75 acre Great Island Pond with canoeing and other water sports available. In addition, you have your choice of leisurely weekends on Cape Cod or in the nearby city of Boston, with a variety of cultural and sports venues.

Solivita in Kissimmee, Florida is a 4,300 acre community of single family homes with lakes and two semi-private golf courses in the Stonegate Golf Club.  Residents can also enjoy the Riviera Spa and Fitness Center with an indoor walking track and heated lap pool.  The community is broken up into a variety of smaller neighborhoods. 

The Clare in Chicago, Illinois is a 53-story high rise in the center of the city with easy access to all the city's restaurants and shopping areas.  It is one of the tallest developments designed exclusively for senior citizens in the world.  These are rental apartments and the amenities include a health and wellness center, as well as fitness and swimming facilities.  There are regular monthly activities.  The community has three restaurants and two bars for the use of the residents.  Dining credits are included in the monthly rental fee, which means that most of your meals are included in the rent.

Rio Verde Community and Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona  has stunning mountain views, local wineries, Southwestern architecture, two golf courses, and a Saddle Club with a member owned luxury stable.  It is proud of its "Cowboy Country" atmosphere and the design of the single family homes reflects that concept.

You can learn more about all these locations by reading the full MSN Money article or by looking up the websites for each of these communities.  If you live near one of them, go ahead and arrange a visit. They are located all over the United States, including in the Northeast, the Northwest, the Southeast and the Southwest.  There is a location and climate for everyone.  A personal visit is always the best way to assess a potential retirement community.

For more information about where to retire in the US or abroad, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, common medical problems, travel and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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The Link Between Stress and Alzheimers

Many Americans seem almost addicted to stress.  We scurry from activity to activity, sometimes feeling guilty if we take time for ourselves to relax, rest or meditate.  After all, we only live once and we want to cram every possible job, responsibility and adventure into our days.  However, not only could the stress of that busy lifestyle actually reduce the number of days we have to enjoy during our lives, but the stress could also cause us to develop Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia during the final years of our life.  If you hope to avoid these brain disorders, one place to start is to learn to control your stress.

All stress is not bad.  We need some stress in order to accomplish anything in life.  However, it is important to find the right balance in our lives and make time to relax and rest.

Too Much Stress is Dangerous

According to Kathy McCaleb, a researcher with Cognitive Care Solutions, too much stress can affect all aspects of our life, including our work, play, family relationships, friendships and home life. It can cause both mental and physical reactions, including the ones listed below.  In particular, you want to notice that one of the mental reactions can be various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease.

Mental Reactions to Stress

Depression
Sadness
Anxiety
Forgetfulness
Lack of Focus
Irritability
Anger
Dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease

Physical Reactions to Stress

Blood Pressure changes
Immune system decline
Heart disease
Appetite Changes
Libido Changes
Reduced energy level or fatigue
Weight changes (either weight loss or weight gain)
Digestion issues
Increases in the brain proteins associated with Alzheimer's Disease

Relaxation Can Reduce Your Dementia Risk

If stress can cause some or all of the problems listed above, including Alzheimer's Disease, then learning how to relax and how to practice mindfulness can diminish your risk of developing this common form of dementia.  Below are a few of the ways to learn to relax, improve your overall health and, particularly, protect your brain health:

Use imagery to take the focus off distractions
Practice deep breathing
Try sequentially tightening and relaxing your muscles
Meditate
Pray

Many people believe they do not have the time to meditate or that they cannot empty their mind.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Recently, I read an article about the most basic elements of simple meditation.  It can be done anywhere, even in public, in the time it takes you to breath once or twice.  All you need to do is mentally think slowly of the word "inhale" while you breath in, then think slowly of the word "exhale" as you breath out.  While you are thinking those words, you are emptying your mind, just for a moment, of everything else.  At the same time, you are calmly breathing and bringing oxygen into your lungs.  It is as simple as that.  "Inhale" .... "Exhale" .... repeat.

Practice Mindfulness by Appreciating the Simple

The key to mindfulness is learning to enjoy the simple things in life.  You do this when you:

Focus on the present, not the future or past
Enjoy the ordinary ... a meal, shower, or beautiful morning
Pamper yourself
Get a massage
Try yoga, Tai Chi or other forms of gentle exercise
Get a pet and spend time with it
Try journaling
Invest time in your healthy relationships
Avoid toxic relationships
Practice saying "no"
Fight depression; it is not a normal sign of aging

Use Technology to Fight Stress

One of our daughters, a special education teacher, recently purchased the newest version of the Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker. The other day it vibrated and when she looked at the screen it indicated she was getting stressed. The screen said, "Breath with Me."  Great reminder.  We do not know what the exact technology it uses to determine that someone is getting stressed and needs to breath, but it is a useful piece of technology.  I am sure there are other fitness trackers which will pick up the same clues and help you know when to relax.

Use whatever technology you have at your disposal to help you reduce your stress, whether it is a fitness tracker, calendar on your phone, your favorite music, or even the ability to simply turn off your phone and other technology periodically and enjoy the people who surround you.

Helpful Websites on Stress and Brain Health

If you are having difficulty reducing your stress or you are uncertain how to deal with your stress in healthy ways, the following articles may help you:

www.healthybrains.org  The Cleveland Clinic, "10 Everyday Stressors and How to Conquer Them" by Kate Hanley, April 4, 2012 (www.msmindbody.com)

www.psychologytoday.com  "How Deep Relaxation Affects Brain Chemistry" March 31, 2015

www.SharpBrains.com "Relaxing for Your Brain's Sake" by Alvaro Fernandez, March 20, 2008

If you are interesting in learning more about common health issues as you age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire and more, use the tabs and pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo of Laguna Beach taken by author; all rights reserved.

Make Your Retirement Bucket List

Whether you believe you have another three years or thirty years left in your life, it is always important to have something to look forward to.  Everyone should have goals, hopes, and dreams.  One way to put them all together is by creating your own personal bucket list.  You may want to have a short one for the coming year and a larger one consisting of things you would like to accomplish during the remaining years of your life. If you are looking forward to retiring in the next few years, you will be even more excited about the future if you create a bucket list full of the things you would like to do after retirement.  In this way, you will immediately have a plan for how you want to keep busy after you stop working.

Your bucket list should contain a list of places where you would like to travel, people you would like to see, performances you think you would enjoy, new experiences or hobbies you want to try, financial changes you need to make in order to accomplish the above things, and anything else which is important to you.  Below is a list of suggestions to get you started, but feel free to let your mind run wild.  Whether or not you achieve everything on your bucket list is not important.  In fact, you may even want to update your bucket list from time to time.  You just need to make sure you have a reason to get out of the house and stay engaged in life right up to the very end.  Whether you are still in your working years or newly retired, having goals and working to achieve them is a proven way to stay physically healthy and mentally active.

Ideas for Your Bucket List

1.  Have you visited all the tourist traps in your area, or did you postpone going to see them because they are so close?  Make a list of all those sites you have been meaning to see, but never thought you would have the time.  People travel hundreds of miles to visit some of these places.  Maybe it is time you should check them out, too.

2.  Make a list of two or three distant places you have always wanted to visit.  Do you have a yearning to go to Europe, Indonesia, or South America?  Do some research.  Make a list of specific cities or locations you would like to visit.  Find out how much it would cost in air fare.  How much are hotels or other accommodations in the area?  How would you get around once you are there?  Are there tours which would save you time, trouble and money? Order a travel guidebook and read all about the locations on your list.  Start a savings account so you can make your dream a reality.

3.  Why not travel around the U.S.?  You could go on a road trip in your car, rent an RV, get a bus pass, or travel by train around the country.  Who knows what adventures you might have as you travel throughout our nation?  You may even want to venture into Canada or Mexico when you near our borders.  Better bring along your passport, just in case!

3.  What types of cultural and entertainment events do you enjoy?  Make a list of museums, plays, sporting events, musicals and concerts you have always wanted to enjoy.  Then, try to find a way to do at least one thing on this list every year.

4.  Do you have relatives or old friends you rarely see?  Get in touch with them.  Plan a reunion.  Perhaps they will want to join you in completing some of the other items on your bucket list.  In fact, you may want to combine visiting some of your relatives while on a road trip around the US. You could also add in a side trip to attend a special event which is high on your bucket list. 

5.  You are never too old to learn something new.  Have you always wanted to learn a new language, play an instrument, become an artist, improve your cooking, or learn some other new skill?  Sign up for classes.  Depending on what you want to do, you may be able to find fun classes at your local community college or senior center.  Classes are a great way to make new friends, too.

6.  Are you an empty nester, divorced or newly retired?  You may be lonelier than you realize. Have you considered getting a pet?  Visit the local animal shelter and check out the cats and dogs they have available.  If you don't want a puppy, they often have house-broken older dogs which are looking for a home.  Don't be afraid to get something a little more exotic, too, such as a bearded dragon, bird, guinea pig, rabbit or miniature goat.  This is your opportunity to get the type of pet you always wanted, but never thought you would have the time to take care of.

7.  Unsure how you will be able to afford to do the things on your bucket list?  Talk to a financial planner so you are confident you are in strong financial shape going into retirement.  Having a financial plan which includes money set aside for travel or hobbies will give you the confidence to enjoy your retirement.

8.  Do you have some other "crazy" ideas which have been bouncing around in the back of your mind.  Sky-diving? Trekking the Himalayas? Scuba diving in Indonesia? Living and traveling in an RV? Learning to fly a plane? Sailing around the Caribbean or the San Juan Islands in Washington State?  Put them down in writing and create a plan to make them come true.  Life is an adventure.  Enjoy it.  These ideas may not be as crazy as you think!

If you are interested in learning more about aging, financial planning, ideas for where to retire, common medical issues, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Photo taken by author; all rights reserved.

Top Retirement Posts in 2018

Every winter, our final post is a summary of the most popular posts of that year.  It has been interesting to see how the topics have changed slightly over the years.  This year, the top post was on End of Life Planning.  It was followed by posts on how to help your grandchildren earn scholarships, how Medicare handles certain health problems, and how to prevent dementia. In fact, concern about dementia has been the most recurring theme over the past few years.

There have been three developments with this blog in 2018.  The first was the addition of the services of a Medicare expert from Boomer Benefits, Danielle Roberts, who is licensed in 47 states.  Either she or one or her co-workers will be happy to answer your individual Medicare questions. You can find her photo, phone number and email address in the lower right-hand column of the blog.  Danielle also has written several guest posts about Medicare for this blog during the past year and you can find them by clicking on the Social Security and Medicare tab at the top of the page.

Secondly, as the author of this blog, I have decided to personally join an Alzheimer's research study at the University of California - Irvine MIND facility. I have been sharing what I have learned in some of my blog posts and plan to continue to do so in coming years.  I believe that my readers will find the information I am sharing will be valuable.  To see all the posts on dementia and Alzheimer's Disease which have been discussed in this blog, use the Medical Concerns tab at the top of the page to find links to all of them.

Thirdly, I narrowed down the variety of ads which are visible on the sidebar of my blog. All the ads in the right-hand column are either from Amazon or Google, both reputable advertisers.  This means you should be able to comfortably use the links in the sidebar to obtain information about advertised products without fear of malware or viruses.  I'm not sure you can say that for all the advertisers you encounter on other sites on the internet!

Now for the list of the most popular retirement posts in 2018.

End of Life Planning for Baby Boomers - The most popular post of the year was about the steps we all need to take in order to prepare for the end of our lives. For example, you should contact a lawyer, write a will, set up a trust, and complete an advanced healthcare directive. You should also talk to a mortuary, prepay your funeral, if possible, and leave instructions with your heirs.  Get details and learn more about the other steps you should be taking in this post.

College Scholarship Tips for Grandchildren - Despite the risk to their own financial future, according to AARP, approximately 53 percent of grandparents help their grandchildren with their educational expenses.  Learn how you can help your grandchildren earn scholarships and reduce their need to take out debt or turn to you for help.  This could benefit you both and was another very popular post over the past year!

Medicare Coverage for Heart Disease - If you have a heart attack, what will Medicare cover?  How many heart screenings, tests, etc., are covered each year?  Get the answers so you know what to expect before you find yourself in the hospital.

How Medicare-For-All Would Work - A number of recent politicians have expressed support for a Medicare-For-All program in our country.  However, how would it work? What are the benefits and concerns about a program like this?  Learn more about this proposal so you understand the concept and how it could gradually be implemented.

Hearing Loss Increases Dementia Risk Dramatically - An important way to prevent or postpone dementia is to engage with other people.  However, if you have hearing loss, your socialization could be reduced and your risk of dementia could increase.  Learn more about this important issue.

Lower Dementia Risk with Exercise - Anything which is good for the heart is good for the brain.  This is especially true when it comes to the importance of getting regular exercise.  Learn more about the best types of exercise to lower your dementia risk.  

International Travel Tips for Senior Citizens - Are you planning an international trip?  If you have not traveled overseas in a while, there are certain issues you need to consider in making your plans.  Even if you are a seasoned traveler, you may find these tips to be helpful, so be sure to check out this post before your next overseas trip.

Medicare, Substance Abuse, Addiction and Alcoholism - Many senior citizens suffer from problems with substance abuse, including addiction to legal and illegal drugs, as well as alcoholism.  If you need help recovering from these problems, how much of the cost will Medicare cover?

Socializing Reduces Dementia Risk - Did you know that following the MIND diet, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in a variety of types of exercise have all been shown to dramatically reduce your risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease?  Socializing is another important way to improve your brain health and lower your dementia risk.  Learn more about how it can help you to spend time engaging with other people on a regular basis.

Prediabetes and Diabetes Prevention - Roughly one in four adults over the age of 65 have diabetes, and significantly more have prediabetes.  A large percentage of people with these conditions are NOT aware of it.  However, this is not a disease which you want to ignore.  Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S.  As a result, it is important we all understand how to avoid it and how to minimize the damage it can cause. This article is a good place to begin to expand your knowledge of this life-shortening disease.

If you are interested in learning more about Medicare, common health issues, dementia, where to retire, financial planning, Social Security and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Does Music Help Dementia Patients?

Do you have a family member who suffers from dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease? Do you worry about developing dementia yourself? If so, you may be looking for ways to postpone the disease as long as possible and make life better for those who are already showing signs of dementia.  One of the questions which frequently comes up is whether or not music can make a difference.  The answer is that music does help dementia patients, though not in as many ways as you may hope.

Learning to Play an Instrument May Postpone Dementia

Researchers have discovered that learning something new is one way to exercise your brain and, in some cases, seems to postpone the development of dementia.  This can be true whether you are learning a new language, playing brain games on sites like Luminosity, or learning to play an instrument.  The greatest benefit to your brain comes when you are learning something completely new.  When you simply practice doing things you already know how to do, it may be pleasant and relaxing for you, but it is not helping your brain make new connections.

Everyone should find ways to keep their brain as active as possible. Finding a new hobby is one way to keep your brain active.  This includes learning to play a new instrument or challenging yourself to learn more difficult musical pieces on a familiar instrument.

Music is bi-hemispheric, which means it uses both sides of your brain.  For example, when former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot in the head, she was shot in the left hemisphere of her brain.  It was very difficult for her to learn how to speak again because language is controlled by the left hemisphere.  However, speech therapists encouraged her to sing.  Singing is controlled by the right hemisphere and, by singing, her right hemisphere was able to eventually take over control of her speech, enabling her to talk again.

Does Music Help Patients Who Already Have Dementia?

Dementia patients may also be helped by exposure to music, but perhaps not in the way you think. According to Dr. Joshua Grill, a researcher in the MIND program at the University of California in Irvine, playing a dementia patient's favorite music may make them more alert and appear to be happier.   Music increases the dopamine, the reward hormone, in their brain.  This is especially true when they hear songs which have a pleasant association for them such as music from their youth or their favorite Christmas carols and other holiday music.

Because of the increase in dopamine, music may reduce the common Alzheimer's Disease symptoms of depression, apathy, agitation, aggression, excessive sleeping, and symptoms of psychosis.  As a result, many caregivers have found that playing the patient's favorite music makes it easier for the caregiver to take care of them.  Consequently, it can be said that music does help patients who already have dementia.

When dementia patients have listened to music from their youth, they often are able to sing along and learn the words to new songs, even when they are no longer able to remember the names of loved ones and have virtually stopped speaking in most situations.   The researchers at UCI MIND believe that music may remain a highly functioning part of the brain, even in a degenerating brain.  For some unknown reason, Alzheimer's disease, and perhaps other types of dementia, seems to spare the part of the brain involved in musical memory.

As a result, if you want your aging parent to enjoy time with the family during the Christmas holidays, for example, playing well-known and beloved holiday music in the background may help them stay more alert and cheerful.  This would also be true for other holidays and special occasions. That alone makes music a helpful addition to your holiday family traditions, especially when someone in the family is developing dementia.

Will Music Bring Back Memories in Dementia Patients?

Although learning how to play an instrument or learning how to play more complex music may help you postpone developing dementia, and listening to old music may brighten the day of a dementia patient and make it easier to manage them, there is no indication that music provides any type of generalized cognitive benefit for people who already have dementia.

In other words, music does not appear to bring back any memories for dementia patients, other than the memory of the music.  Listening to music, even if they sing along, will not make it easier for them to remember names, where they live, what they had for breakfast, when they should take their medication, significant events from their past or other important information.  The benefit which dementia patients derive from music seems to be very limited and temporary.  None-the-less, it is worthwhile to incorporate music into the lives of those with dementia because it seems to improve the quality of their lives and it can make it easier for the rest of the family to spend time with them.

If you are interested in learning more about common medical issues as you age, where to retire, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful posts on this blog.

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Photo credit:  Sonata Retirement Communities Facebook Page / Senior Choir

Uber, Lyft, Taxi or Ambulance Hospital Rides? Which Should You Use?

Should you always take an ambulance to the emergency room when you are sick or injured and cannot drive?  Transportation choices have changed dramatically over the past few years.  Not only are people using ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft to go to work or run errands, those services are now becoming an option for non-life-threatening emergencies.  In fact, depending on where you live, the next time you call 911, a triage nurse may send a Lyft car rather than an ambulance to pick you up.

When is a Ride-Share Car a Good Alternative to an Ambulance?

Not every trip to urgent care or the emergency room is a true life or death emergency.  If you are seriously injured in an accident, experiencing chest pains or have symptoms of a stroke or anaphylactic shock, you definitely should call 911 and have paramedics and an ambulance rush to your location as quickly as possible.  They can begin life-saving care on the way to the hospital.

However, if you have the flu, a sprained ankle, a minor cut which may require stitches, or a similar emergency which is not life-threatening, it is possible you may be provided with transportation other than an ambulance.  For example, in Fort Worth, Texas when you call 911 a triage nurse will decide whether or not you actually need an ambulance. If not, they are now authorized to send a Lyft driver to pick you up and take you to the emergency room or urgent care, instead.  In Phoenix, the Fire and Rescue Department gives non-emergency patients a taxi voucher which is good for a ride to the hospital.  Other cities are beginning to offer similar programs.

Advantages of Ride Sharing and Taxis over Ambulances

The most obvious advantage of using a ride sharing or taxi service is that it can save a substantial amount of money for both you and your insurance company.  A ride in an ambulance can easily cost $1000 or more, and insurance often only partially covers the cost, with the patient expected to pay the remainder.  If you are unable to drive yourself because you are too ill or in pain, a taxi or ride share will be much less expensive.

Another advantage to using Uber or Lyft for non-emergency medical trips is that you can choose where you are taken.  They will drive you to the hospital emergency room or urgent care center of your choice.  This could be especially helpful if your personal physician is affiliated with only one of the local hospitals or if your HMO has specific hospitals which are in your network.

What Do Uber and Lyft Think About Being Used as Alternatives to Ambulances?

According to Kate Margolis, a spokeswoman for Lyft, "In any medical emergency people should be calling 911."  Uber agrees.

However, if you are unable to drive yourself, but you need medical attention, being transported by Lyft, Uber or taxi may be the perfect and more affordable alternative to calling an ambulance.

Ambulance services are seeing the difference. In areas where Uber and Lyft ride-sharing services are doing well, ambulance rides have decreased by an average of 7 percent.

Are you interested in more information about common medical problems as you age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire and more?  Use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

Reference:  AARP Bulletin April 2018

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How to Pick a Nursing Home

Are you looking for a nursing home facility for your parents, your spouse or yourself?  You may feel overwhelmed.  There are approximately 16,000 nursing homes in the United States and they vary widely in quality.  When possible, it is a good idea to do advance research on the ones in your area so you have two or three in mind before you or someone you love needs to move into one.  Nothing is worse than hurriedly trying to find a skilled nursing facility during an emergency.  It can be too tempting to choose one simply because it is close to your home or seems convenient, rather than because of the quality of the care. Below are some of the things you need to consider while doing your nursing home research.

What Questions to Ask When Looking for a Nursing Home

1.  What is their Medicare rating?

Before you do anything else, you will want to know which facilities in your community are rated the highest by Medicare.  You will also want to know the specifics about their rating.  How did they score on issues such as staff attentiveness, health inspections and nurse-to-patient ratio?  One source of this information is the Medicare website at:  medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare

2.  What is the Shower Schedule?

In some states, such as California, the staff is required to help their patients shower at least twice a week.  You will want to confirm the schedule and find out if it possible for a patient to receive showers more frequently, if requested.  If so, is there an additional charge and how much would that be?

3.  What is a Typical Daily Schedule?

People stay in skilled nursing facilities because they are no longer able to care for themselves due to old age or because they are recovering from surgery, illness or an injury.  In most cases, the daily resident schedule will include some type of rehabilitation therapy.  However, if that is the only time the residents are engaged in an activity, they are likely to become very bored and feel lonely.  It is important that residents also have social activities, entertainment, exercise classes for those who can participate, and hair salon services for those who have an extended stay.  The photo above shows a group singing and enjoying a voluntary spiritual circle. Having activities and companionship is very important for the well-being of all of us, including the elderly.

4.  What is on the Menu and What Options Are Available?

Today, large numbers of people have a variety of dietary restrictions because of the nature of their illness, their religion, ethnic background or food preferences.  Consequently, it is important for the residents' health and emotional well-being to have input regarding their food choices.  Ask if special holiday meals are available and what options are available on normal days.  If possible, ask if you can go to the dining room and enjoy a meal with the residents.  This will give you the opportunity to try the food yourself and will enable you to observe how attentive the staff is when assisting people who need extra help.

5.  Are You Being Shown a Typical Room?

Most skilled nursing facilities are happy to give you a tour.  Make sure you take the tour and do not consider a facility if they will not show you around.  However, during your tour it is important to ask a lot of questions and be a little skeptical. Are they showing you a typical room, or is their model a little larger and fancier than the rooms of most residents?  Are the rooms private or semi-private?  Can the residents bring along a few pieces of their own furniture, especially if the move is likely to be permanent? Do the residents have access to Wi-Fi and computers?  Are there in-room televisions, or is TV viewing only available in the central lounge area?  Are there telephones in the rooms?  Are the facilities clean and attractive?  Are there outdoor areas where the residents can relax?  Does the facility smell pleasant? Is it reasonably quiet and cheerful?

6.  What Additional Costs Can You Expect?

Nursing homes often quote a price per month for basic care which includes room and board, as well as essential care.  However, you may be surprised to discover there are usually extra charges for things such as patient medications, having someone dispense the prescriptions at the appropriate times, and assistance with bathing, dressing or eating.  Ask if there an extra charge to drive residents to doctor's appointments.  Do they charge for other special services such as changing bandages or providing adult incontinence supplies?   These expenses add up quickly and can turn an affordable nursing home into an unaffordable one.  You will also want to ask how often the rates increase and how much they have historically risen.

7.  Can this Nursing Home Meet Residents' Future Needs?

While you or your loved one may initially move into a skilled nursing facility because of the need for physical care as you age, what happens if residents develop more complex problems, such as dementia?  Is this facility capable of handling all future needs, or do residents have to move somewhere else when their needs become more severe?  Moving can be very upsetting and disruptive to an elderly person with dementia.

8.  What Safety Measures are in Place?

Are the floors non-skid?  Are there handrails along hallways and stairways, as well as grab bars in the bathrooms?  Are the walkways and emergency exits clear?   Does the facility have an emergency preparedness plan?  Is there a back-up generator in case the electricity goes off?  What happens if the facility needs to be evacuated in the event of a natural disaster?  What contingency plans are there, especially for the weakest patients?  Are there emergency supplies in case the facility decides it is safer to shelter in place?

9.  How are the Caregivers Recruited, Trained and Screened?

Are the caregivers given continuing education classes?  Are they subject to background checks before being hired?  What is the employee turnover rate?

10.  Can You Chat with a Few Residents and Visitors?

Ask residents if they are happy in the facility.  Most of them will be extremely honest, but recognize that some people will complain no matter how good the facility is.  Try to observe if the staff seems to have a good relationship with the residents. Do people generally seem happy or disgruntled?  Does the staff greet the residents by their name?  If possible, ask the residents if they like the food, activities and staff.  If you run into family members who are visiting, ask what they think of the facility.  Ask everyone if there is anything else you might want to know ... such as unusual rules or expenses you might not expect.

Once you have visited several facilities and answered all the above questions, you will have a good idea which skilled nursing facility is most likely to meet your unique needs.

If you are interested in learning more about where to retire, financial planning for retirement, Social Security, Medicare, common medical problems and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Photo from public Facebook page of Serenades Assisted Living in Florida

Feel Younger at Any Age

How does your body feel at this very moment?  If you are like most Baby Boomers, you may be starting to feel your age and fear that things are only going to get worse as the years go by.  However, you do not have to just sit back in your recliner and assume that how you feel now is as good as it is going to get.  Instead, by applying the principles from the Younger Next Year books, you could slow down or even reverse the aging process and feel better than you have in years.

How to Feel Younger Within a Year

According to the authors of Younger Next Year, Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge, "how long you live is 80 percent genes and 20 percent you; but how well you live is 80 percent up to you and 20 percent genes."  They believe that people who follow their suggestions can avoid approximately 50 percent of all major diseases and accidents.  Of course, if this is true, it could make a tremendous difference in the quality of your life as you age.

AARP was so intrigued by the idea that the right lifestyle could help us all feel younger, they interviewed Henry Lodge, one of the authors of the Younger Next Year books (which I highly recommend) and summarized his findings in a special section of AARP Magazine in their October/November 2016 issue. So, what do you have to do in order to feel better and improve the quality of your life?

A Few Younger Next Year Recommendations

Exercise at least six days a week, as hard as you can, until the day you die!  Break it down into four days a week of aerobics and two days a week of strength training with weights.  Include some balance exercises.  Exercise regularly, even if you have arthritis.  It could actually reduce your pain.  Once you are in your 80s or older, continue with the exercise.  However, you can back off the high intensity workouts and rely more on longer, slower exercises.

Spend less money than you make.  This will help reduce the stress in your life.  You may even want to get a retirement job.  It will keep you active and involved in the world around you.  It will also make it easier to live within your means. 

Eat food which is alive, and stop eating dead, processed food.  Your diet should consist of 50 percent vegetables and fruit, 25 percent whole grains like brown rice, quinoa or whole wheat, and 25 percent meat, poultry and fish.  Replace butter and animal fat with olive oil. Limit alcohol to one or two glasses of wine a day, at most. Do not feel as if you have to eat everything on your plate.  The types of dead food we should minimize or eliminate from our diet include popular items such as bread, white rice, white pasta, sugar, chips, soft drinks, frozen meals, desserts, french fries, cheeseburgers, milk shakes, and anything which is fried. 

Care about others.  Connect with your friends and family, and commit to their well-being. Nurture yourself with friendships and, perhaps, a pet.

Enjoy your life. Explore your talents and follow your dreams.  Paint, write, or play an instrument.  Doing these things will make you happier, help you feel better, and you will enjoy your life more, too!

Of course, the entire book cannot be summarized in a short blog post.  As a result, I encourage anyone who wants to age well to read one of the Younger Next Year books.  You can use the Amazon link on the right side panel of this blog, near the top, to order the book.  The book makes a great gift, too! All ads on this blog are from quality, trustworthy sources such as Google, Amazon or Viglink.

If you are interested in learning more about dealing with common health problems as you age, financial planning, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Alzheimers Research - How to Join a Study

Alzheimer's Disease, the most common form of dementia in the United States, is expected to sky-rocket over the next few decades as Baby Boomers grow older.  Currently, about 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's Disease.  Over the next 30 years, that number is expected to triple to 16 million people, with approximately one-third of all Medicare dollars spent to treat this one disease alone.  If this concerns you, it is now possible to sign up to participate in a long-term research program, even if you currently have no signs of dementia.

There are thirty Alzheimer's Research Centers in the United States which are funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health..  The map at the top of this post shows the cities where they are located. 

On a personal level, I recently registered with the Alzheimer's Research Center in my area, at the University of California in Irvine.  In order to participate, I registered on their MIND website at c2c.uci.edu.  Readers who live in Orange County, California may also want to register with this Research Center.  Unfortunately, each Research Center has its own separate studies and websites. You can find more information about how to register with other centers at the National Institutes of Health website at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/registries-and-matching-services.

To initiate my registration with UCI MIND, I completed an online questionnaire which took about 30 minutes to complete.  It asked about my family background (my mother died of Alzheimer's, but my father is alive at 90 with no signs of the dementia.)  It also asked about my health, medications I take, and my lifestyle habits, including my diet, amount of sleep I get, alcohol consumption, etc.   In addition, they wanted to know what diagnostic and treatment medications I potentially would agree to, if offered.  I was a bit uncertain about how to answer these questions, since they included whether or not I was willing to take experimental medications, get brain scans, or donate my brain to the researchers upon my death.  I did not agree to all of these things, and apparently it was not necessary to agree to them all.

The speaker who suggested that interested parties should register for the UCI MIND Alzheimer's Research Project told us that people would qualify for the early clinical trial if they met the following criteria:

• Are 60 to 85 years old
• Have generally normal memory function
• Are not being treated for memory problems
• Have a close friend or relative who can partner with you
• Are willing to take an investigational medication

I met the above criteria.  As a result, I was contacted about six months after I registered on the UCI MIND website.  I went to the offices at UCI and had an interview with one of the researchers.  During the interview, I was also given a basic cognitive test to determine whether or not I was currently showing signs of dementia.  I was not.  The researcher told me that I would be contacted periodically in the future.  I would be asked to update my online questionnaire annually so I could report changes to my health, medications or medical record. 

I may also be invited back to their office occasionally to be interviewed again and given another cognitive test.  The researchers may decide at some point that I might be a good subject for more intensive study, perhaps receiving a brain scan or an experimental medication to prevent the progression of dementia.  That decision could be made at any time, or years from now.  However, it is reassuring to know that I am now part of their database and will be followed for the rest of my life. 

There is also a special, separate research study at UCI MIND which is called the 90+ Study. It is for people over the age of 90 and it has been featured on the television show "60 Minutes."  Some of the subjects of this study have been participating for over 30 years. You can find a video of the "60 Minutes" segment on YouTube, as well as other videos featuring Dr. Claudia Kawas, who is the lead investigator.

Whether you ever develop dementia or not, your participation in a research study could help someone else avoid Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia in the future. That makes your participation well worth the time and an excellent way to help others and, possibly, yourself.

For more information about dementia and other common health problems as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Photo credit:  National Institutes of Health

Use the ACA for Pre-Retirement Medical Insurance - the Affordable Care Act

People between the ages of 50 and 65 often pay extremely high medical insurance premiums.  What they may not realize is that many of them may qualify for a discount on their medical insurance if they take advantage of the ACA or Affordable Care Act.  This is an income based discount and may only be available if you apply during the annual open enrollment period.  Currently, those who want to investigate whether or not they qualify for lower medical insurance premiums through the ACA need to apply between November 1 and December 15. 

Those who miss the deadline but have what is considered a special qualifying event, such as an adult child who recently lost coverage under their parents' plan, or someone who has lost their employer sponsored or COBRA insurance, can apply at any time of year.  However, they must apply within 60 days of the time the "qualifying event" occurred.    This program is available even if you only need the coverage for a few months until you get a new job or qualify for Medicare.

Apply Even if you did not Qualify in the Past

If you have not been eligible for a discount through the Affordable Care Act in the past, you may still want to try again this year.  Several states, including Idaho, Utah and Nebraska, have recently passed Medicaid expansions, which means hundreds of thousands of people who previously were not eligible to receive help from the Affordable Care Act are now eligible.  Other states have also expanded their programs.

How to Apply Online or in Person

The official national website for the Affordable Care Act is:  healthcare.gov.  On the website you can either apply immediately for medical insurance or learn how to get personal help in the state where you live from a local agent or broker.  There is even a "Quick Start" guide on the website to make the application process easier.

If you live in California, the official site for receiving information about the Affordable Care Act is:  Covered California.  You can apply online or you can use the website to find the location of offices where you can get personal help with the application process.  You may also see small offices for Covered California in malls and shopping centers, manned by experts who can help you through the application process.

Pre-existing Conditions

According to the healthcare.gov website, "Under current law, health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts."

Preventive Care

The website also explains that the Affordable Care Act provides the following preventive care:

"You and your family may be eligible for some important preventive services at no additional cost to you.

If your plan is subject to the new requirements, you may not have to pay a copayment, co-insurance, or deductible to receive recommended preventive health services, such as screenings, vaccinations, and counseling.

For example, depending on your age, you may have access — at no cost — to preventive services such as:

• Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests
• Many cancer screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies
• Counseling on such topics as quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthfully, treating depression, and reducing alcohol use
• Regular well-baby and well-child visits, from birth to age 21
• Routine vaccinations against diseases such as measles, polio, or meningitis
• Counseling, screening, and vaccines to ensure healthy pregnancies
• Flu and pneumonia shots - Visit Vaccines.gov to learn more

Please Help Share this Information

It is important to pass this information to anyone you know who may benefit from the ACA, including your adult children who may no longer be eligible to be covered by your insurance.  Getting them insured under the Affordable Care Act could save you a great deal of money if they become injured or ill.

The advertising budget for the ACA has been drastically cut, so many people do not realize they are eligible and that we are currently in the open enrollment period.  There are virtually no television ads for the program. 

Feel free to email this information to friends you believe could benefit, or post a link to this article on Facebook, Twitter or other social media you use.  By sharing this information, you could make life much easier for someone who is not old enough to be eligible for Medicare, and may be feeling overwhelmed by the high cost of their medical insurance premiums.

If you are interested in learning more about Medicare, Social Security, common health problems as you age, where to retire in the US and abroad, financial planning and other retirement related issues, please use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Photo credit:  Meddata.com