Your Attitude about Retirement and Aging Can Make all the Difference!

We have often heard the expression "attitude is everything."  We know this can be true whether we are trying to start a new relationship, build a business, or raise a family.  Unsurprisingly, it is also true of the way we approach retirement and aging.  The more optimistic and positive our attitude, the more likely we are to enjoy the last years of our lives.

How do we develop the right mindset, though?  Does it only happen if we have plenty of money and good health, or can we have a pleasant, positive outlook, even when everything does not go exactly as we would like?  As I have aged, I have observed that many people are enjoying their retirement, whether or not they are able to experience a luxurious, healthy lifestyle, while other people seem bitter and unhappy, regardless of how fortunate they may seem to outsiders. The difference seems to be when people have learned about "Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life." (Ad) We are all more likely to have a happy retirement when we learn how to have the right mindset, and these are skills we can learn at any age.

Because I have seen how important it is to have a positive mindset as we approach retirement, I invited Chris Ryan of The Next Phase of Life to share what he has learned during his years as a life coach about how much better we age when we adopt the right retirement mindset.  The  information he provides below may help you approach the final quarter of your life with greater enthusiasm and joy.  You may also want to check out his website and sign up for his free newsletter.

Enjoy his guest post:

Why You Need the Right Retirement Mindset

by: Chris Ryan

As the founder of NextPhaseofLife.com I am always seeking experts like Deborah-Diane to share their wisdom on how baby boomers (those born 1946 to 1964) and the silent generation (those born before 1946) can have a fun, fulfilling and healthy retirement. We talk about the five pillars of a great retirement as:

.     Good health 
.     Adequate financial resources
.     A sense of purpose
.     Supportive community
.     A positive mindset

Many articles, books and videos about retirement cover the first four pillars of a great retirement, but neglect the fifth. Yet, I believe that your attitude about this important phase of your life can be as important, or more so, than even the issues of health and finances. We all know retired people who have money, good health, and plenty of friends and family around, yet spend much of their time acting miserable. I used to play tennis with a retired guy who seemingly had all the necessary assets, yet he was so gloomy his nickname was ‘Cranky Bob’. Who wants to go through life with the moniker ‘Cranky’? I can think of a hundred other words I’d rather have describe me than cranky. 

By contrast, there are others with limited resources and health problems, who are still cheerful and optimistic. You think: if I were that person, I would hate life. Yet they are positive beacons who spread joy. So, in this sense, it is obviously not the circumstances that determine one’s disposition, but rather the mindset. This is good news, because you may not have that much control over factors such as your health, finances and family. Sure, you can exercise and eat right, but if you have a genetic disposition to illness, robust health may not be in your future.

 

Once you reach retirement age, there are plenty of options for work or starting a business, but you may not have the ability (or desire) to put in the hours and energy needed to totally turn your financial ship around. Likewise, with your community. You may have few or no close friends, and few family members nearby. 

 

Regardless of whether you give yourself a "10" in each of the other four criteria (health, finances, purpose, and community), your mindset can vastly improve your overall happiness and sense of well-being.  Fortunately, if you get the mindset part right, the other good stuff tends to fall into place. Your health improves, people want to be around you, and you can more easily find and express your purpose. Even your finances may start to improve. Life just gets better.  

       

Focus on the Gain

A smart guy and seasoned citizen named Dan Sullivan talks about the importance of teaching yourself to focus on the “gain” instead of the “gap”. To put it another way, if you practice the art of gratitude for what you already have, instead of bemoaning what you don’t have, you are more likely to get more of the good stuff (the gain) instead of the bad stuff (the gap). Mr. Sullivan explains the concept in this YouTube video.  The video is worth watching several times until you get the concept – it is a potential life changer. 

    

One of the big caveats to a positive mindset is to not expect that just because you feel a certain way, life is always going to cooperate. This demand that your expectations will be fulfilled can do a lot of harm. The truth is that you can be both a realist and an optimist. In other words, you expect good things to happen but accept the reality of whatever actually happens. We all have sunny days and rainy days – days when it seems everything is going our way, and others when the opposite is true. Either way, you are just one more person doing life. 

Jenkin Lloyd Jones expressed this concept exactly right: “Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old-time rail journey … delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

To paraphrase the Rolling Stones, you really can’t always get what you want. Sometimes you do and often you don’t. Wanting what you get is more important to happiness than getting what you want. The trick is to accept what you get and, like Jenkin Lloyd Jones says, enjoy the ride. 

About the author: Christopher Ryan is founder and CMO of Next Phase of Life and a certified life coach. For more information, visit www.NextPhaseofLife.com.

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

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Photo credit:   Provided by Chris Ryan

Medicare vs. Medicaid - Different Government Programs

Are you confused by the differences between the two most common government healthcare programs ... Medicare and Medicaid?  If so, you are not alone.  To make matters even more confusing, both programs were established in 1965 as an amendment to the Social Security Act, and some Americans are entitled to be covered by both health insurance plans at the same time, while others are only eligible for one or the other.  As a result, it might be helpful to read an overview of the two programs and learn how they work.

Medicare is Usually an Age-Based Healthcare Program

Medicare was designed to help people over the age of 65, as well as people under the age of 65 who have certain medical disabilities or diseases.  It is an individual healthcare program, not one which covers the entire family of a qualified person.  It is a federal program and your basic Medicare coverage is the same regardless of where you live in the United States.

You must apply for Medicare during specific enrollment periods, usually during a window just before or after your 65th birthday, unless you are still being covered by an employer plan at the time you turn 65.  Then, you must enroll as soon as possible after your employer plan ends.  If you apply outside your official enrollment period, you may have to pay a higher premium for the remainder of your life.  Each year in the late fall there is also a specific period of time during which you may be eligible to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan, if that is the form of Medicare you are using.

Original Medicare does not include most types of dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dental plates, dentures or similar devices. Medicare does include a basic vision test as part of your yearly wellness visit, but not the cost of glasses or contact lens.

If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan to administer your Medicare health insurance, your plan may include some dental, vision and hearing benefits. Some dental care may also be covered under original Medicare if you are in a hospital and it is considered medically necessary because of your special circumstances.  If you are not in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may want to purchase a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan in addition to original Medicare, because it will cover many of the medical expenses which are not covered by original Medicare.

The Parts of Medicare

Medicare is Divided into Parts.  Each part covers different types of medical expenses.

Part A is hospital services.  It is usually free, although there may be a premium if you did not work long enough for you to be covered.

Part B covers Medical Services.  Everyone pays a premium for Part B and the premium usually increases every year.  If you are on Social Security, the Part B premium is deducted from those benefits.  If you are not on Social Security, for example if you are a retired government employee or waiting to apply for your Social Security benefits later than age 65, you may pay for your Medicare premiums separately.

Part C is also called Medicare Advantage and covers both Medicare Parts A and B, and may include additional services such as vision, dental and hearing care, depending on the plan your choose

Part D is prescription coverage and usually requires a separate premium.  However, if you have a Part C Medicare Advantage plan, then Part D may be included, depending on your plan.

You can learn more about these programs in the helpful book:  "Social Security, Medicare and Government Pensions: Get the Most out of Your Retirement and Medical Benefits." (Ad)  Getting all the right information before you apply for these benefits can save you money in the future, so it is important to educate yourself before you apply.

Medicaid is for Low Income Families and Individuals

Medicaid was set up to help people who have limited financial resources get healthcare for themselves and their family.  It is run jointly by state and federal governments and your eligibility is based on your income.  Because of the state and federal collaboration on the program, there may be slight differences in how the plan is implemented, depending on the state where you live.  For example, when the Affordable Care Act was passed, some states chose to expand the number of people who were eligible to receive benefits under Medicaid, and other states did not.  As a result, not only are your benefits determined by your income, but also by the state where you live.

Unlike Medicare, you can apply for Medicaid whenever your financial situation has changed, for example if you lose your job and your insurance.  You do not have to wait for a special open enrollment period if you have just experienced a financial catastrophe.

Dental care under Medicaid varies from state to state.  It may cover preventative dental care for adults, and even various dental treatments in some states.  Medicaid will cover dental care for your children, regardless of the state where you live.  Medicaid also covers eye exams and glasses in most states for both adults and children.  You need to check with your state administrator of the program.

How to Qualify for Medicare

Nearly all Americans are eligible for Medicare.  The rule is that you are eligible for Medicare if you are a citizen of the United States or have been a legal resident for at least 5 years and you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse has worked for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters) in Medicare-covered employment.  You may also be eligible if you are under the age of 65 but have certain disabilities or diseases.  Even if you have not met the work requirement, you may still be able to buy into the program.  You may also be eligible because of the work history of a former spouse.

How to Qualify for Medicaid

In order to qualify for Medicaid, the government will consider your income, household size, whether or not you or a family member is disabled, and your family status.  Among those who may be eligible are pregnant women, teenagers living alone, parents who are caregivers of sick children, people with unusually high medical expenses, blind or disabled people, or most low-income families and individuals.  The exact income level to be considered low-income varies from state-to-state, depending on whether or not your state has expanded their Medicaid coverage.

Included Medicaid Benefits

Among the services which must be provided by Medicaid are:

Lab tests and x-rays
Hospitalization and clinic treatment
Doctor visits, nursing services
Medical and Surgical dental services
Midwife and family planning services
Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioner services
Screening, diagnosis and treatment for persons under age 21
Home healthcare for people eligible for nursing home facilities
Nursing home facility services for people age 21 and older

Medicare vs. Medicaid for Nursing Home Care

The last two items in the above list of Medicaid benefits are especially important, because Medicare will NOT cover long-term stays in a nursing home, but Medicaid will.  This is a significant difference between the two programs.  While you may be expected to contribute to the cost of your stay in a nursing home, and could have to spend down family assets, your healthy spouse is not expected to give up their home or private business.  Medicaid is one of the largest payers for nursing home services in the United States, and many people do not realize they are eligible to receive this financial benefit when they or a loved one needs to be placed in a skilled nursing facility. If you or a family member needs to be admitted to a skilled nursing facility, it is important to apply for Medicaid as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one is facing an extended stay in a nursing home, you may want to read "How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets." (Ad)  It is a very helpful book and could save you and your family a significant amount of money. 

Combining Medicare and Medicaid

If you are "dual eligible" for both Medicare and Medicaid (because you meet the age or disability requirements for Medicare, and the income requirements for Medicaid), you can use Medicaid to help cover the cost of your Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, which can be a significant savings for low-income senior citizens.  You need to contact your local Social Security office, Social Services department, or other local agencies to find out whether or not you are eligible for both of these programs.  Everyone is entitled to have the most comprehensive and affordable medical insurance they can find.  Take the time to make sure you are getting all benefits for which you are eligible.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you are interested in learning more about Social Security, Medicare, common health issues as we age, financial planning or where to retire, 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:  Getty Images

GAIN Could Treat Alzheimers in Some Patients - How to be Part of the Study

Good news for those who are concerned about Alzheimer's Disease.  I recently learned about a trial for a new drug called GAIN which appears to have had some success in restoring memory and reducing signs of Alzheimer's Disease in certain patients. The drug is currently undergoing human trials, and researchers are looking for volunteers between the ages of 55 and 80 who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease.  Trial participants must also have a caregiver or family member who can attend study visits, report on how the subject seems to be handling daily living, and confirm that the patient is taking the medication.

It does not matter whether or not you are currently being treated with another medication in an effort to slow down the progression of your Alzheimer's Disease.  They will not ask you to stop any other medications you are currently using.  GAIN can be used alone or in addition to your current medications, not instead of them.  So far, the results of the study have been interesting and the researchers have been encouraged by what they have seen.   However, study samples have been small, so it is important that more people participate in the trial.

How Does GAIN Treat Alzheimer's Disease?

Readers of this blog will know that untreated gum disease in our mouth has been implicated in causing other health problems, included heart disease and an increased risk of dementia.  According to the website for GAIN, this drug trial, "is based on the growing body of scientific evidence that the bacteria P. gingivalis, commonly associated with gum disease, can infect the brain and cause Alzheimer’s disease." It is "an investigational drug designed to inactivate toxic proteins released by the bacteria and stop or slow further damage to healthy brain cells. A study in a small group of Alzheimer’s patients has shown promise in improving memory."

This is a revolutionary approach to treating Alzheimer's Disease.   While scientists have long suspected that toxic proteins in the brain contribute to Alzheimer's Disease, only recently have they discovered that some of those toxic proteins may be related to the gingivitis gum bacteria which also causes the loss of bone and teeth in the mouth, as well as other health problems.  In fact, they have learned that 90% of people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease have evidence of P. gingivalis in their central nervous system.

Where to Get More Information about GAIN

The trial is being conducted at 90 locations around the United States and Europe, as well as in the United Kingdom.  The researchers hope to find at least 500 study participants.  You can get more information about the drug and find out how to participate in the trial at gaintrial.com.  You can also download the study brochure which goes into even more detail about the drug and how you can participate in the trial, if you think you may be interested.  The study is being sponsored by Cortexyme.

More Ways to Cut Risk of Alzheimer's and Other Forms of Dementia

While this research on the effects of mouth bacteria on our brain is groundbreaking, there are additional ways you can help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease, dementia and other types of cognitive decline.  Diet, exercise, socialization and many other factors are also important.

You can develop your own personal plan to protect your brain by reading  "The Alzheimer's Solution."  (Ad)  It contains a great deal of helpful information, and I highly recommend it, since none of us want to lose our memories and our independence as we age.

More Conclusions from this Research

One obvious result of this research is the importance of caring for our gums and teeth if we want to live a long, healthy life, free from heart disease and dementia. While gingivitis is not the only cause of these health problems, it is one of the risk factors we can reduce or eliminate.


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

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Photo credit:  Pixabay

Free Cancer Screening SCAM - Do Not Fall For It!

Nearly all senior citizens in the U.S. today are aware of the Social Security scammers who are calling our homes and threatening to cut off our benefits if we do not immediately give them our Social Security number, date of birth and other personal data.  We all know that if someone calls and says they are from the Social Security Administration, we should immediately hang up.  The government does not randomly call retirees about their Social Security or other benefits.   If officials need to contact you, they will send you a letter.  However, now that the Social Security scam seems to be losing steam, scammers have moved on to a new way to steal our information.  It is called the "free cancer screening scam," which sounds perfectly innocent.

How Does the Free Cancer Screening Scam Work?

In this scam, people receive a phone call from someone who offers them a free DNA test to check their cancer risk.  It sounds easy.  They will mail you a DNA kit, similar to the ones you might get from Ancestry or 23andMe.  You provide them with your saliva or a cheek swab, along with your 11-digit Medicare number and other identifying information, and mail the package back to them. DO NOT DO IT!!

In some places, they are doing more than calling people.  Instead, the scammers drive around and offer senior citizens $20 in exchange for their DNA sample and Medicare information.  In other cases, they have even gone to senior centers or assisted living facilities and offered to swab people's cheeks for the genetic material necessary for the cancer screenings.  Again, they ask for the client's Medicare ID and other personal information or, if the residents are not yet on Medicare, they agree to accept any type of medical insurance information.

Once the scammers have what they want, the patients never receive the results of the "test," which is actually never performed. What they really wanted was not your DNA sample. They wanted your Medicare or insurance information.

Do not put yourself at risk. Everyone should educate themselves about common scams.  A good way to do that is to read the AARP book "Outsmarting the Scam Artists: How to Protect Yourself from the Most Clever Cons."  (Ad) Thieves change the way they operate often, so it is up to you to learn when to be suspicious and how to protect yourself.

Why Do Scammers Want Your Medicare ID Number?

Your insurance information, particularly your Medicare number, is valuable to scammers.  It can be used to create some of the $60 billion in fraudulent claims which Medicare receives every year. Other insurance information can be used to steal medical care or defraud insurance companies, too.

These scammers start by charging Medicare anywhere from $6,000 to $30,000 for these unnecessary, fake DNA tests. In contrast, Ancestry and 23andMe will charge between $60 and $100 and will not ask you for your Medicare or insurance information.  In addition, they actually perform the tests!

When these scammers offer people the fake DNA tests, the victims are typically unaware that their Medicare account has been charged for the tests until the fees show up on a statement.  Since some people do not review their statements, especially if they have not been ill, they have no idea that Medicare was charged for the test.  Even if the victims notice the charge, they may believe the charge was legitimate, since they gave their DNA sample to the scammer.

Once the scammers have billed Medicare for the DNA test, they may also try to use your insurance number to obtain medical care, or they may sell your number to other people who want to use your number to get medical services for themselves.  For example, your number could be used to obtain a prescription for opioids or other narcotics. There are dozens of ways they can use your Medicare and insurance information to get money, drugs or medical care.

How to Protect Your Medicare Number

Never give your Medicare number out to anyone other than your regular medical providers.  Give your new Medicare number only to those providers you trust, such as your doctors, pharmacists, insurers, and those who work with Medicare on your behalf.

Say "no" to any offers of free medical tests from anyone other than your normal medical practitioners if the offer is contingent on providing them with your personal information. This doesn't mean you should avoid common tests at community health fairs where local nurses perform checks of your blood pressure, bone density, and simple scans.  Those community health fairs can be life saving. However, only participate if the services they offer are truly free and they do not require you to provide them with any financial or medical information.  They may ask for your phone number or email, so they can contact you about your results.

Be careful not to give your Medicare number to anyone who supposedly wants to offer you "free" medical services.  If their services are free, they should not need your Medicare or other insurance numbers.

Once you have given your Medicare information to your personal medical providers, do not carry your Medicare ID card in your wallet where it could be stolen and used by strangers.

Read your Medicare statements carefully and notify the Social Security Administration if you suspect Medicare has been charged for any services which you did not personally receive.  You can go to your local Social Security office or call them at 1-800-772-1213.

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

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you

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

Photo credit:  DNA image from Google images

Alzheimers and Huntingtons Disease - New Research from UCI - MIND

About a year ago, I volunteered to be a guinea pig for the University of California - Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, better known as UCI - MIND.  As a result of my interest in their program, I now receive regular reports from them on their latest research into various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease.

Naturally, the major reason I volunteered for this program was to keep track of my own cognitive ability as I age, and do everything possible to avoid mental decline, if possible.  However, I also signed up so I could share what I learn with my readers.  In 2019, there were some encouraging news stories from the researchers at UCI - MIND about how doctors can improve their clinical management of dementia, as well as a potential therapy for Huntington's Disease, which also causes dementia.

Amyloid PET Scans Can Improve Care for Dementia Patients

The first thing they reported was what they discovered when researchers across the United States performed Amyloid PET Scans on 11,000 patients.  After reviewing the results in patients who had been diagnosed either with either mild cognitive impairment or dementia, doctors changed the care they had been giving to about 60% of the patients!  In other words, the original diagnosis for more than half the patients had been wrong.  The PET Scans revealed a number of errors in their original diagnosis.

Approximately 25 percent of patients who were thought to have Alzheimer's Disease had their diagnosis changed to non-Alzheimer's dementia after the PET scans.

Another 10 percent of patients who were not thought to have Alzheimer's Disease turned out to actually have Alzheimer's Disease.

Other diagnostic errors were also discovered after the PET scans.

Because of these PET Scans, doctors realized they needed to change the treatment they were giving many of their patients.  Unfortunately, this was a clinical study and amyloid PET scans are not covered by either Medicare or other insurance providers as a diagnostic tool before treating patients with dementia.  Hopefully, this will change in the future so that the treatments match the diseases causing dementia.  Meanwhile, if you or someone in your family is suffering with symptoms of dementia, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of your loved one having a PET scan to confirm the suspected cause of their cognitive decline.

Hopeful News for Huntington's Disease Patients

The second report from UCI - MIND was about a drug called an antisense oligonucleotide or ASO.  It has been found to be a safe way to lower the Huntington protein which is linked to the genetic mutation identified with Huntington's Disease.  A large clinical trial is planned to see if this drug will also lead to the first treatment to slow the progression of Huntington's Disease.  This could make a tremendous change in the lives of the 30,000 people in the United States currently living with the disease, and the estimated 150,000 who are believed to be at risk of developing it.

How You Can Access the Latest UCI - MIND Research

You can keep up with the latest research and discover what is being learned at UCI MIND yourself!  Anyone around the world can ask questions of the UCI MIND researchers by following them on Facebook at @UCIrvineMIND.  On the first Friday of every month at 9:00 A.M. Pacific Standard Time you can watch and participate live in their Facebook series, Ask the Doc: Alzheimer's Research Today!  Each month they have a new topic which is discussed by a research expert, and Facebook Live viewers can type their questions into the comments box and receive an immediate answer.

You can also get on the UCI MIND email list at www.mind.uci.edu/events and watch past episodes of their Ask the Doc Facebook series on the UCI MIND blog and YouTube channel.  If you are concerned about developing any type of dementia, you will want to take advantage of this unique opportunity to have your questions answered by experts, or see how the experts answered the questions other people had during their presentation.  Meanwhile, I will continue to share some of the latest research news with my readers as they release it.

To get a good overview of Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia, as well as symptoms, causes, treatments and patient care, I recommend the helpful book, "Alzheimer's & Dementia for Dummies."  It is clearly written and a good source of information for anyone who has been diagnosed with cognitive impairment, or for anyone who is a caregiver for someone who is suffering from mental decline.

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

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you

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

Photo of UCI taken by author.

Info in this report based on the Spring, 2019 issue of "MIND Matters"

Dying of Loneliness - Living Alone Can Shorten Your Life

Approximately one-fourth of Americans over the age of 65 live alone.  By the time they reach age 85, this will increase to around one-half of senior citizens who are living alone.  What most of them do not realize is that living alone increases their risk of an early death by 32 percent, regardless of any other health issues they may have.  Loneliness is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being obese. Loneliness also lowers the quality of life for many senior citizens and even increases Medicare costs. Why does loneliness create so many problems, and what can we do to reduce the negative effects?

The Disease of Loneliness

Steve Cole, a researcher with UCLA, discovered that the blood cells of very lonely people behave the same way they would if they were under assault from a bacterial infection.  In other words, at the molecular level, lonely people appear to have a serious disease.

According to a report in AARP Magazine in the January 2020 issue, studies have shown that lonely people are more likely to die from heart disease.  They are also more likely to get Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.  In addition, they are more vulnerable to high blood pressure, suicide, and even the common cold.   The issue is so severe that it is estimated that loneliness costs Medicare an extra $7 billion a year, often because of the longer hospital stays caused by the lack of family support at home.

Loneliness can cause physical pain and inflammation, and this can also lead to tissue breakdown and impairment of the immune system.

Most people who live alone are in denial that they are lonely, despite the fact that they may spend very little time with other people. A person living alone may insist that they are not lonely, but the fact remains that people who live alone tend to have shortened lifespans.

Psychological Impact of Loneliness

Being lonely can cause an inflammatory response in our white blood cells, and the impact on our brain can cause a person to become more irritable, defensive, self-centered and suspicious.  In turn, these negative emotions cause lonely people to push people away, fear meeting anyone new, joining organizations, or initiating new friendships. It is not their fault. It is a common side effect of living alone.

 Lonely people are more like to misread social signals and facial expressions or someone's tone of voice. This can cause them to have a distorted view of the social world around them.  As a result, a lonely person may unconsciously signal disinterest or hostility to other people, which makes them pull away from the person who is already lonely.  Consequently, being lonely can breed even more loneliness.

Proven Ways to Combat Loneliness

The good news is that living alone does not have to result in pain, inflammation, irritability and disease, but only if they take action to reduce the impact of their loneliness.  Here are some of the suggestions included in the AARP Magazine article on loneliness in their January 2020 edition. 

Volunteer:  Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and reduce your feelings of loneliness.  It can also make you less self-centered and, because you are spending time with others, less lonely.  Doing something for someone else makes us feel better about ourselves. It also helps us learn how to reach out to others and show a sincere interest in the well-being of other people.  If you do not have a place of worship or belong to a community organization where you can volunteer, check the website VolunteerMatch.org for volunteer opportunities in your area.  People are needed in by a great many non-profit organizations.  You may be surprised at the opportunities available.  I have a friend who volunteers weekly in a hospital nursery, just holding and rocking premature babies.  Other friends volunteer in thrift stores, hospital gift shops, homeless shelters, food pantries and for other charitable causes. There are many ways to make a difference in the lives of others which, in turn, can help you.  

Make an Effort to Meet Others:  Do not just sit home alone, expecting other people to reach out to you.  Join a club or organization where you will regularly come in contact with other people who have similar interests.  Sign up for classes, especially if there is a discussion period involved.  Many senior centers and local colleges offer these types of classes for seniors. If you cannot find something on your own, try to find a social group at Meetup.com. It is a site which will match you with people who have all kinds of interests, from people who are looking for others who want to socialize over dinner, go to movies, take hikes, play games, etc.  I have known people who found Meetup groups for single parents, friends to play Bunco with, bridge partners, walking groups and other types of fun.  It is very important that you meet people in person.  Online friends are not a substitute for the ones you spend time with face-to-face.  It also helps to seek friends you can build relationships with, not simply superficial connections.

You may also find it helpful to read the book "Here to Make Friends: How to Make Friends as an Adult."  (Ad)  It will help you go beyond casual relationships and help you build connections which are meaningful.  As you read the book, try putting their suggestions into action.  Thinking about making friends is not enough. You need to take action.

In addition, you must do more than simply meet people.  You need to learn how to show sincere curiosity about them and develop deeper relationships. Chatting with a waiter or a store clerk may seem friendly, but it is not the same as developing a true friendship. Ask questions and be genuinely interested in what is going on with the people you meet. Be willing to be open, friendly, and, most importantly, learn to become non-judgemental and non-critical. Accept others as they are; don't try to change them, or you will only push them away.  It may take practice, but these habits will make your relationships better.

Finally, if you join an established group, do NOT try to change them. Learning to be a good friend is learning how to adapt and join in the fun, not try to fix, change or improve other people.  This will immediately push them away and cause them to exclude you. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - If you find that you are having trouble making connections with others, research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most effective treatments.  It could help you learn how your own assumptions and behaviors have been working against you and keeping you from connecting with other people in meaningful ways.  It can also help you learn new behaviors so you can have deeper, more personal, less critical friendships.  Working with a behavioral therapist will also help you understand why you may be having difficulty with your friendships and other personal relationships.  A therapist may also help you overcome your reluctance to change your living situation to one in which it will be easier for you to build connections with other people, and they can help you deal with any problems which may arise. You are never too old to learn how to make a friend and be a friend.  A therapist can help.

Medications May Help - Some researchers have discovered that treating the actual physical pain and inflammation caused by loneliness can also make it easier for some people to feel less disconnected and lonely.  Surprisingly, some common medications which have been used include acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), and the type of antidepressants called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  Regular doses of these, often on a temporary basis, have been shown to be useful in reducing the physical pain and inflammation which sometimes cause lonely people to withdraw even more.  These medications, along with other behavioral changes, can break the cycle in which loneliness results in physical pain and inflammation, and the pain causes people to shut others out, causing more loneliness.  There is no shame in getting the help you need to break the cycle.

Whatever you try, it is important to disrupt the cycle of loneliness, because it not only can lower the quality of your life, but loneliness can be a killer.

More Ways to Reduce Your Loneliness

Although it was not mentioned in the AARP article, the obvious solution to the loneliness caused from living alone is to simply change your living situation to one where you maintain your privacy but you are not alone so much.  Many older people who are divorced, widowed or alone for other reasons in their senior years have found it helpful to live in one of the hundreds of over-55 communities around the United States.  These communities provide a wide variety of age-appropriate activities, clubs and classes, all of which are great opportunities to meet other people.

Some people have also discovered that they can improve the quality of their life by moving into a private independent living apartment in a Continuing Care Retirement Community, where they know they will receive any nursing assistance or personal care they need whenever they get ill ... which is likely to happen more often as they age.  The combination of a private apartment inside a community of other people, surrounded by helpful staff, often provides the best of both worlds for people as they age, especially if they are chronically ill, frail, or elderly.  No one really wants to die alone, isolated from friends and family. The sooner you take steps to avoid that, the better off you will be.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, 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 article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Pixabay.com

Do-It-Yourself Wills - The Pros and Cons

A shocking 60 percent of American adults do not have a will.  This includes both young parents who have failed to choose a guardian for their children in the event of their death, as well as very elderly people who want to leave their assets to their loved ones, but have never bothered to put their wishes in writing. In fact, even for those over the age of 55, approximately 45 percent do not have a will.  There is little reason for this, because nearly anyone can quickly and easily make a will which will satisfy the legal requirements in their state. 

Why Do You Need a Will?

Everyone should have a will, even if they have very few assets.  If you die without one, the laws of your state will decide who gets your assets, including the contents of your bank accounts.  Even if you do not own much of value, you still want to be the person who decides who will get your favorite artwork, jewelry, motorcycle, or car, if you die unexpectedly.  Once you have children, a will becomes even more important.  You will want to use it to designate the person who will be the guardian of the children if you die before they become adults.  This is not something to be left to the courts, because you know things about your friends and family that the state does not know.  For example, is one of your siblings more responsible than the others?  Do you have a friend or family member who is more willing and able to care for your children?  You need to make these decisions, not a judge.

You Can Make an Affordable Will Online in Less than an Hour

Some people do not have a will because they are concerned about the expense of meeting with an attorney to have one professionally written.  Other people do not believe that their assets are large enough to warrant spending a lot of money on a will.  Fortunately, you can easily go online and create your own will quickly and cheaply. There are a variety of websites which make it easy for you to create a will, trust, and any other documents you need.  Among the sites you will want to check out are:

freewill.com
legalzoom.com
rocketlawyer.com
uslegalwills.com

You can also order the Quicken WillMaker Plus.  (Ad) It is a software package which contains everything you need and is highly rated.

For those who do not have a computer, you may want to just order blank forms you can fill in, such as the Family Law Legal Planning Kit. (Ad) It has blank forms you can copy and fill-in, as well as laminated instruction sheets.  You can handwrite or type the information directly onto the form. This is perfect for someone who wants to keep it as simple as possible.

At the very least, whichever system you use, you will want to make sure the documents you create include a will, a trust, an advance health care directive, and a power of attorney to cover financial matters in the event you are temporarily or permanently incapacitated.

Your healthcare provider may have already had you complete an advance health care directive, especially if you have been admitted to a hospital, had surgery, or you are undergoing complex treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer.  An advance health care directive covers issues such as whether or not you want to have your life extended artificially and for what length of time, whether you would want to be on equipment such as a breathing tube if doctors have declared you brain dead, or what organs or tissue, if any, you would be willing to make available for transplant.  My healthcare provider, Kaiser Permanente, holds classes to help people complete their health care directive, and my husband and I found the class was very helpful.  They also provided the necessary witnesses, so we were able to complete the form without undo stress or complications.

Advantage of Do-It-Yourself Wills

The most obvious advantage of a do-it-yourself will is that you can create everything you need at home, privately, with very little fuss.

They are quick.  Nearly all of the documents can be created in less than an hour.  My husband and I used Legal Zoom to do our will and, a few weeks after filling everything out online, we were mailed a beautiful printed copy of the will, trust and other documents for us to sign and have witnessed.

Do-it-yourself wills are affordable. The cost ranges from free to under $200 for everything you need.  This is a bargain compared to the cost of hiring a professional to do the will for you.

Risks of a Do-It-Yourself Wills

Although creating a simple will yourself is very affordable and appealing, there are risks which could result in unexpected estate planning mistakes.

It is important for you to follow the formalities for your state.  For example, in New York the witnesses must sign the document and include their home addresses.  In Louisiana, the wills must be signed in front of a notary public.  If the online site you use does not give you specific information about signing the will in your state, you can find the pertinent laws at:

statelaws.findlaw.com/estate-planning-laws/wills.html

Another potential problem is that, if you have a complicated personal or financial life, you may not be able to deal with all your complex wishes in a simple online will.  For example, if you have an adult child who is mentally or physically handicapped, you may need a special trust set up for their care.  If you are estranged from one of your children and they will not be included in the will, you may need professional assistance to make sure you handle this situation correctly in your state. If you own a farm or business and plan to pass it on to one or more of your children, you may need professional help to make sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible, while paying a minimum of estate taxes on the business or farm.  In other words, any situation which is not a simple split of your assets among your heirs, with a few specific bequests, may require you to get help from an attorney.

If you make a critical error, it may not affect you, but it could certainly create bad feelings, confusion and unnecessary expenses for your family members after you are gone.

According to professional trustee, executor and estate planner, Marguerite C. Lorenz, in an article she wrote titled "The Problems with Do-It-Yourself Online Wills," the biggest risk is that "you don't know what you don't know."  There are laws and probate code which could affect what happens after you die, and you may not fully understand the implications of some of the decisions you made in your will.

One of the things you may not know is that you do not want to put your funeral instructions in your will.  You want to discuss these plans with your relatives while you are alive, put them in writing, and give your instructions to a family member.  If they are written in your will, your instructions may not even be found or read until after you are buried!

You also need to know that your retirement account assets, your life insurance, and your annuities do NOT get passed down through a will.  These assets have beneficiary-designation forms which take precedence over a will.  Make sure you have completed these forms and keep them up-to-date, or your former spouse may end up with your life insurance or 401(k).

Do not forget to ask someone to be your executor before you name them in your will.  The first person you ask may not want that responsibility, which could cause problems after you are gone. 

The goals of a will are to avoid the necessity of having your heirs go to court, and to make your desires clear.  If your will does not achieve these goals, you have missed the mark.

However, even estate planner Marguerite C. Lorenz agrees that whether you hire a professional or use a do-it-yourself online service, everyone should have a will.  Dying without a will is much worse than any difficulties which could arise from having a will which has been completed on a do-it-yourself site. 

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, 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.

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

Image:  Pixabay

Seniors Embrace Technology and Smartphones

Many younger adults have the impression that people over the age of 65 are clueless and incompetent when it comes to using technology. However, although that may be true for the most elderly seniors, many members of the Baby Boomer generation are either still in the workforce or they have just retired in the past few years.  Consequently, they are more comfortable with modern technology than their children and grandchildren may realize.

As a Baby Boomer myself, nearly everyone I know has a smartphone, a computer, and access to the internet. The majority of my friends are also active on social media, at the very least using Facebook.  In fact, according to surveys, over 80% of Baby Boomers are on at least one form of Social Media, primarily on Facebook. About 13% of Baby Boomers use LinkedIn; 5% use Twitter and 1% use Instagram.  Women tend to post more frequently than men.  Baby Boomers are also more likely than their younger relatives to share political content. *

While Baby Boomers are often lumped in with older seniors in their 80s and 90s by younger generations, it is the Baby Boomer generation which is primarily responsible for the rapid increase in the use of technology by senior citizens. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, smartphone use among Americans over the age of 65 has quadrupled since 201l.  Most of these smartphone users are Baby Boomers, with their numbers growing daily.

Below are some additional interesting statistics about people over the age of 65 and their use of technology.

Senior Citizens over age 65 and the Technology They Use

Remember, the statistics below include all older people, including those in their late 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and those over 100, not just the Baby Boomers, who are currently under 75. As a result, the fact that so many seniors in general are using the internet and smartphones is quite impressive.  These statistics are from the Pew Research Center.

For ALL Seniors over the age of 65:

67% use the internet

51% have home broadband

42% have a smartphone

32% have a tablet (like an iPad)

34% use social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram

AARP Survey of Smartphone Use by All Seniors

AARP has also surveyed their members, and this is what they found:

Of the 42% of people over the age of 65 who own a smartphone, nearly all of them are sophisticated enough to use it for more than just making phone calls.

89% use it to send and receive emails or text messages

77% get traffic information and directions

42% play games on their smartphone

34% watch videos or shows on it

28% use their smartphone to manage their medical care (for example, getting lab results, messaging their doctors, or ordering prescriptions)

Personally, I have noticed that many of the women I know also use their smartphones to take photos and videos, especially of their grandchildren and their trips, and share them with their friends. I rarely attend any casual social function where women are not passing their phones around, showing off their latest family photos!

Seniors Also Use Computers Regularly

According to the same surveys mentioned above, when making a purchase, 79% of senior citizens regularly use a computer; 35% are also comfortable using a cell phone to make purchases.

When looking online for discounts or deals, 61% do their research on a computer; 37% will turn to their smartphone.

When doing their banking or other financial transactions, 79% turn to their computer and 35% are willing to use a smartphone.

Among the people I know, the ability to do online banking from home, transfer money between accounts, and deposit checks electronically has been a tremendous help to people who no longer drive or who just do not want to go out in bad weather.  Shopping online has also made it much easier for seniors to buy gifts, have them wrapped, and mailed directly to family members.  In addition to gifts, some seniors are using their computers and smartphones to order groceries or have meals delivered to their homes. This has greatly benefited seniors who find it difficult to get out and go shopping.

Seniors have a Positive Attitude about Technology

When asked by the Pew Research Center about the effect technology has had on society, 58% believe the effect has been mostly positive, 33% felt the effect has been a mix of good and bad, and only 4% of those over the age of 65 believe that the results have been mostly negative.

Having a positive attitude about technology is important, because it is likely that the ability to use a computer and smartphone will be even more important in the future, when these devices could become the major way most of us contact our doctor, pay our bills, manage our finances, order our medications and groceries, or perform other aspects of daily living.  

Generation X Will be Also Start Retiring in the Coming Decade

Most of the above statistics reflect the impact of  the10,000 Baby Boomers who are reaching age 65 every single day in the United States.  Because of their experiences in the work force, they are bringing their comfort with technology into retirement with them.

Over the next ten years, the Baby Boomers will be followed by Generation X.  This age group was born between 1965 and 1980, which means the oldest of them will begin turning 55 in 2020 and and could start moving into retirement communities, joining the Baby Boomers and older generations in these neighborhoods.   As Generation X ages, the percentage of seniors using the most advanced technology will continue to increase. 

In my own retirement community, I recently overheard two men chatting at the gym, complaining that they didn't like the music and activities offered by the Baby Boomers Club and they thought they should start a Generation X club!   Progress continues to march on!

If you are retired or a Baby Boomer and would like to share your personal experiences with technology, please share them in the comments section below.

If you are interested in learning more about aging, retirement planning, common medical issues as you age, Medicare, 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.

* Sources for statistics about Social Media usage:   https://medium.com/@LiquidLockMedia/12-outstanding-statistics-on-baby-boomers-and-social-media-2be6c49b5b91  and from:  Pew Research Center as reported by AARP in their publications in 2019.

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

Photo credit:  Photo taken by author

Top Retirement Posts in 2019 - Health, Dementia and Money on Minds of Retirees

At the end of each year, we look back at the posts on this retirement blog which received the most interest from readers.  It is always fascinating to see which topics dominated the attention of Baby Boomers and other retirees.  This year, it was very clear that readers were primarily interested in articles dealing with health, healthcare, dementia and money.  The articles listed here were read several times as often as the typical article on this blog in 2019.

Below is a list of the top ten articles of the year, starting with the most popular article at the top.  To read the full articles, simply click on the titles.

The Affordable Care Act 2020 - Are You Eligible for the ACA? - This article received more attention than any other article this year, and five times the number of views of some of the typical post.  Clearly, thousands of readers were interested in learning how to get more information on the Affordable Care Act and find out whether or not they are qualified to get a reduction in health insurance premiums.  Finding affordable healthcare is a very important issue, especially for readers who are approaching retirement, but are not old enough, yet, for Medicare.

Shocking Financial Facts about Retirement - Many people who have not retired yet will be shocked to learn that it is likely they will need to continue to work AFTER retirement, that they will need to save more money before retirement, and that they need to be financially prepared to live another two to three decades.  These are just some of the shocking facts revealed in this article.

The American Blue Zone Lifestyle Could Help You Live a Longer, Happier Life - This article will surprise many readers who believe that the only people who commonly live to be over 100 years old are those who live in faraway, exotic locations.  In fact, a suburb of Los Angeles, California is occupied by a group of people who routinely live long, healthy, active lives well into their 90s and, often, until they are over age 100.  Learn how this community became one of the world's Blue Zones of long life, despite being located on the smoggy, inland side of Los Angeles.

Retired Women: Were You Prepared? What Would You Have Changed? - This article was an opportunity for my female readers to get involved in a project to help researchers who are working on a book designed specifically for women who have not yet retired.  These researchers hope to spare some younger women from the difficulties experienced by women who are already retired.  A number of my readers submitted their experiences, which will eventually be shared in the book these women are writing.

Protect Yourself from the Deadly Flu Virus - Avoid Death from this Serious Disease - During the winter of 2017-2018, approximately 80,000 people in the United States died of the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  More than 12,000 of them were over the age of 65. This year, thousands more have already died of the flu. This article goes into detail about the importance of getting the flu vaccine, as well as other ways to lower your risk of getting the flu.

Marijuana, Brain Health, and Alzheimers Disease - What impact does marijuana use have on your brain?  This article covers the benefits and risks, and they can be quite different for senior citizens and adolescents.  Could marijuana even slow down the development of Alzheimer's Disease?  Perhaps.  Learn more in this interesting article.

Low Investment Costs on Retirement Funds Can Save You Money - This article explains when it is a good idea to hire a financial advisor, and when you can save money by investing your savings directly in a low-cost or no-cost mutual fund, without the services of an advisor.  You should get help when you need it, but why spend money unnecessarily?

Reduce Alzheimers and Other Dementia Risks - You Can Protect Your Brain Health -  Learn about the Four Pillars of Brain Health and how you can easily incorporate them into your lifestyle.  While there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease or most other forms of dementia, there are lifestyle changes you can make which will reduce your risk.  No one wants to lose their memories as their age, so learn how you can protect your brain.

Responsible Computer Use After Retirement - Safety and Netiquette - If you are retired, are you spending your days sending out annoying emails to everyone on your contact list?  Do you put yourself at risk by failing to protect your privacy?  Learn how to use your computer responsibly, save your friendships, and protect yourself.

Dementia and Alzheimers Disease - Shocking Research from UCI - MIND - Based on a 2019 speech by the chairman of the University of California in Irvine's MIND program, this post goes into detail on the latest research on a wide range of topics related to dementia, including the status of their attempts to find a treatment, the financial impact on families, and the toll it takes on caregivers.  Since nearly every family with older members could eventually be impacted by this heartbreaking disease, this article could prove helpful to many people.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, 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 article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Affordable Care Act Website 

Save Money with Free Stuff - 10 Ideas to Help You Out

We all enjoy getting a freebie once in a while.  It is a great way to enjoy our lives while making our money go further. In some cases, getting something for free can even improve our health and the quality of our lives.  Whether we look forward to free stuff simply for entertainment, or whether we seek these benefits in order to maintain our health, there is sure to be something in the list below which will benefit you.

Check out these items and add your own ideas in the comments section.  Then, send this list to anyone you know who might benefit from some free stuff, too!

Free shopping at farmers' markets:  As of 2019, if you are a single person with an income under $23,000, or you live in a two-person household with an income under $31,000 (which applies to many retired couples), you can get free coupons from the federal government which can be used at authorized farm stands and farmers' markets.   Many young couples and retirees qualify for these benefits.  You can get the coupons by logging onto fns.usda.gov.  Click on Programs at the top of the page; then select Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program from the drop-down menu.  While taking advantage of the farmers' market, don't forget to also contact your local food bank for additional food to help you have a balanced diet.  (If you qualify for the farmers' market coupons, you might also talk to the Social Security office or your local Social Services office to see what other programs you may qualify for, such as SNAP food stamps, SSI, or housing vouchers).

Free rewards at franchises:  A number of franchises will give you free treats when you sign up for their rewards program.  You can earn credits towards beverages at Starbucks and other special offers at places like Baskin-Robbins or Golden Spoon.  If you patronize these places anyway, you might as well take advantage of any freebies they offer.

Free Meals for Youngsters in the Family  - Whenever you want to take your children or grandchildren out to eat, you can find a list of places where kids eat free with a paying adult at WalletHacks.com/kids-eat-free.  They have a list of over 100 places, including Carrows, Holiday Inn (while you are staying there), IHOP, Steak 'n Shake, and more.  Some restrictions apply, and many places only have the deal on certain nights of the week.  While you are at it, if you are eligible, never forget to ask for the senior discount when you are eating out.  Many restaurants offer it, but only if you ask.

Free Cancer Screenings - If you are like many people who are not old enough yet for Medicare, you may not have good health insurance.  The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers low income and under-insured women free screenings for breast and cervical cancer.  To find out if you qualify or to locate a provider, go to cdc.gov/cancer.  Then, click on National Programs.

Free Dental Care - Sadly, at this time most Medicare plans and other private insurance plans do not cover dental care.  Some plans may offer a discount, but treatments can still be quite expensive.  If you cannot afford the care you need, go to DentalLifeline.org.  They have a network of dentists who offer donated dental care for the elderly, disabled, medically fragile and other people who cannot afford dental care. The eligibility requirements vary by state.

Free Home Weatherization - Are high utility bills preventing you from being comfortable in your own home?  If you receive SSI or have a low income, you may qualify for the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program which will cover the cost of making your home more energy efficient.  Eligibility varies by state, but if your utility bills are getting you down, see if you qualify at Benefits.gov/benefit/580.  Being able to run your heat and stay comfortable in the winter can be life saving.

Free Credit Monitoring - With identity theft occurring constantly, it is highly likely that almost everyone has had their identity stolen at some point in the past few years.  Credit card companies, insurance companies, department stores and Facebook have all been hacked, and the personal information of hundreds of millions of people has been stolen.  There are several free sites which will monitor your credit score at no cost and let you know if anything changes.  Check out sites like WalletHub.com, CreditSesame.com and CreditKarma.com.  I personally use Credit Karma, and have been very pleased with their service.

Free Legal Services - We all need legal advice from time to time, including people who have questions about their Social Security and Medicare.  If you have legal questions, but do not feel you can afford an attorney, click on ElderCare.acl.gov to locate legal aid in your area.

Free Repair Coaching for small appliances - Do you have a lamp or small appliance that has stopped working, and you really can't afford to replace it?  About once a month, Repair Cafe holds free events to teach you how to fix your own things.  You can find out if there is an event near you at RepairCafe.org/en/visit.  If you can't find an event near you, then go to Fixya.com to get advice from experts on how to fix all kinds of things.  Don't forget to look up YouTube videos, too. Our daughter has learned how to replace the headlights on her car and make other small repairs by watching YouTube. You could save yourself a lot of money by doing a little research.  

All kinds of free stuff - Twice a year, my community has a free goods exchange.  You can bring whatever you want to donate to this exchange and, for five hours, you can take away all the items you would like to have.  Anything left over at the end of the day is hauled off by Goodwill.  My grandkids have gone to the exchange and found little gifts to give their friends, nick-knacks for their rooms, books, CDs, DVDs, and even a couple of jackets. I have often seen electronic equipment, small items of furniture, small appliances, dishes, and more.  It's perfect if you have a young adult in your family who is setting up their first apartment.  If you want to find a similar free goods exchange in your area, go to Freecycle.org.

Finally, if you want to find even more free stuff, you may want to get the book, "How to Get Free Stuff: The Ultimate Guide for Getting Good Things for Free."  (Ad) This paperback book will help you take advantage of even more opportunities.   This is a great way to find free gifts for yourself and others, too!

The bottom line is that you should look for free services and items in your community.  There may be local websites which allow people to list things they are giving away online.  You may be able to pick up free books from a special bin at your neighborhood library, or your local senior center may give away free day-old bakery goods.  Keep your eyes open for ways to make your dollars stretch.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, 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 article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Pixabay

Prevent Dementia from Head Trauma - Protect Your Brain!

One serious cause of dementia, which is frequently overlooked and can often be avoided, is head trauma.  Although it may already be too late to go back and change things if someone has suffered a past concussion while playing sports or as a result of a car accident, it isn't too late to take measures to avoid future brain damage. Even if you have experienced a concussion in the past, you still need to do everything possible to prevent another one in the future.  The more concussions you have in a lifetime, the higher your risk of dementia caused by brain trauma.

Your first steps in avoiding brain trauma are to get a check-up from your doctor, and then take a close look at your home. Below are the things you need to evaluate in order to lower your risk of falling.  In this way, you can reduce your risk of brain trauma and a major cause of dementia.

Check Your Physical Health

Get your eyes checked - Ignoring vision problems could put you at increased risk of tripping and falling, or banging your head on something you did not see because of limited peripheral vision.

Get treated for episodes of vertigo - Some medications may cause vertigo or dizziness. It can also be caused by vision problems and other health conditions.  Discuss these episodes with your physician, especially if they have caused you to fall or nearly fall.

Ask your doctor about medication related health problems - In addition to vertigo, some medications may cause sleepiness, nausea, sleep walking, sudden drops in blood pressure, muscle weakness, dehydration, and other conditions which could make you more prone to falling.  If a medication is causing uncomfortable side effects, check with your doctor to see if it can be changed.

Take a fall prevention class - Weak muscles and poor balance can often be improved when seniors take classes designed to improve their sense of balance.  People who have strong muscles are also more likely to be able to catch themselves when they stumble, thereby preventing a fall.  Many senior centers and city recreation departments offer these types of classes for senior citizens.  Not only could a class like this prevent brain trauma, it could also protect you from breaking a hip or other bone.

Get regular exercise - In addition to a fall prevention class, it is important that you walk regularly, and get other forms of exercise, including strength and flexibility training. Being strong and flexible will also help you stay on your feet when you trip. Practice lifting your feet a little when you walk.  One cause of tripping is the tendency to barely lift our feet above the surface as we age. This can cause us to trip over even tiny imperfections in a sidewalk or other surface.

Wear the right shoes - If you have neuropathy in your feet, it could lead to a fall. Talk to your doctor about any possible causes or treatments for your neuropathy. Other foot problems, including wearing the wrong shoes, could also cause you problems.  One precaution you can take is to wear suitable shoes which are non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled and lace-up.  Make sure they fully support your feet.

Use recommended walking devices - Whether your physician suggests you use a cane or a walker, it is important to take advantage of these tools.  Many people fall because they are too proud to let others see them use one of these devices.  However, it is better to lose your pride, than fall and damage your brain, hip or other part of your body.

Check Your Home for Hazards

Once you know that you have done as much as possible to maintain your physical health, you then need to make sure your home is safe.  Look around carefully and ask yourself the following questions as you walk around.

Throughout your home - Are the main areas of your home free from extension cords and rugs which could trip you?  Are the rooms well lit?  Is it easy to find the light switch if you enter a room after dark?

Kitchen - Can you reach your dishes and other items you use regularly without standing on a stool? If you ever need to use a stool to stand on, do you have a sturdy one which is safe and solid?

Bedroom -  Are your phone, lamp and alarm clock easy to reach so you do not have to jump out of bed in the dark?  Do you have a nightlight which makes it easier to find your way to the bathroom in the dark?

Bathroom - Does your bathtub or shower have a non-skid surface, or have you added a mat, non-skid decals or abrasive strips so you are less likely to slip in the shower?  Do you have sturdy grab bars in the shower and near the toilet?  Do you have a non-skid bathroom floor which does not get slippery when wet?

Stairs - Do you have light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs? Can you clearly see the outline of the steps so you are less likely to miss one?  Do the stairs have sturdy handrails on each side?  Are the steps in good repair without holes, uneven treads, or loose covering? Do you have access to a chair lift if the stairs become too much for you to handle?

Entrances - Are the entrances to your homes well lit so no one needs to approach in the dark?  You may want to consider having a motion detector attached to the outdoor lights in both the front and back of your home.  The light will come on as soon as someone approaches the door.  This will make it safer for both you and your guests.  In addition, are the stairs and sidewalks approaching your door in good repair, with no uneven surfaces or broken stones?

In Case of a Fall

If, despite your best efforts, you still fall, getting medical attention quickly can help limit the damage you have done.  If you hit your head, do not got to bed without being checked by a doctor first, especially if you are knocked unconscious or you are dizzy or have a headache after the fall.  Have someone drive you to the emergency room or an urgent care center, if there is any risk that you may have a concussion.

Whenever you are home by yourself, it may be wise to constantly carry a cell phone in your pocket during the day, and keep it on your nightstand at night, or you may consider getting a medical alert pendant with fall monitoring. (Ad) These pendants enable you to push a button and be put in touch with an operator who can call a neighbor, a family member, or the paramedics, depending on your need.  Some devices can even automatically detect when you fall and, if you do not get up in a short period of time, it will place a call for you.  A device like this could save your life and should be seriously considered by anyone who lives alone.

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

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Photo credit: Pixabay.com