Free Quizzes for Brain Stimulation - Protect Yourself Against Dementia

Many retirees are looking for new and creative ways to keep their minds stimulated.  While it can be helpful to work on crossword puzzles, try your hand at Soduko, or challenge yourself with a variety of activities and games, many people would like another way to improve their knowledge and keep their brain active.

Research has shown that learning new things and stimulating different parts of your brain are important parts of an overall plan to protect yourself from Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia.   Along with regular physical exercise, a healthy diet, and social involvement, stimulating your brain is one of the "pillars of brain health." There are a variety of ways to stimulate your brain, including learning to play a musical instrument, learning a new language, or tackling mentally stimulating games. (Ad)

(Disclosure: This article may contain some Amazon affiliate links. If you decide to make an Amazon purchase through one of these ads, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Although there are a variety of brain game sites on the internet which offer to stimulate your mind, many of the sites, such as Luminosity, charge fees.  Consequently, I was very interested when JetPunk contacted me about the free quizzes on their site. Visitors can use the site for free, without giving the site any of their personal information, and challenge themselves in a variety of fields of knowledge.  You can also repeat the quizzes as often as you wish, to increase your proficiency.  I have tried a couple of the quizzes, and thought they were both challenging and fun.

The site was created by the Hostetler Brothers, Dan and John, in 2008, and it has thousands of quizzes covering a wide range of topics including math, vocabulary, history, geography, and pop culture, to name just a few. Many teachers even use JetPunk to create their own quizzes. You can learn more about JetPunk and how to access the quizzes on their site in the guest post they submitted below:

JetPunk Quizzes Can Stimulate Your Brain

by Judy Hostetler

Looking for a way to challenge your mind or keep up with your grandchildren?  JetPunk is a free website that has thousands of quizzes on topics ranging from countries of the world to Harry Potter.  I start every morning with this one: https://www.jetpunk.com/quizzes/short-term-memory-test.  It only takes a minute or two, and helps to jumpstart my brain.  Then, it is on to the general knowledge and vocabulary quizzes.  Everyday, there are featured quizzes which may peak your interest.

There is no cost to use the website unless you want to become a premium member.  You don’t even need to sign in, although creating an account allows you to keep track of your statistics and turn off the timer.  Want to make your own quiz?  If you’re registered, you can do that too.  Many teachers have created quizzes for their students to use, covering topics such as algebra, biology and history.

Whether you take the quizzes in the privacy of your room, or use them in social gatherings, JetPunk is a fun and challenging way to keep your mind sharp.

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If you are interested in learning more about preventing dementia and other medical issues as you age, or want to know about 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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Health Issues After Age 50 - What Can You Expect?

Most of us enter our 50s and 60s in generally good health and, ideally, we hope to stay that way.  We may get exercise, eat right the majority of the time, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.  Despite all that, we may suddenly develop an unexpected illness.  The more we know about these health issues, the greater our odds of overcoming them.

WebMD recently posted a list of the most common health issues which often suddenly develop and affect people after they hit age 50.  I found it very illuminating and thought I would share this information with my readers.  While we may not be able to avoid them all, it is important we recognize what we might be experiencing when something happens, so we can respond as quickly as possible and get the treatment which will be the most effective.  Understanding the symptoms of these problems can also make it easier for you to help a spouse or other loved one when they fall ill.

Heart Attacks

While younger adults can have a heart attack, is it more likely you could have one as you age.  In fact, as of 2019, approximately 735,000 people a year have heart attacks.  This is despite the fact that we have made advances in preventative measures such as statin drugs, blood pressure medications, fewer smokers, special diets, and exercise programs.  Fifty percent of men who reach age 50 can expect to eventually have a heart attack, and it is also a major cause of death for women.  What are some symptoms to watch for?

You should call for an ambulance if you or someone you know experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or a sudden, unexplained pain in the back, shoulders, or neck. At the same time, it is even more likely you are having a heart attack if you also feel sweaty, dizzy, or nauseous.  Women may not have chest pain, but if they have several of the other symptoms, they should also suspect a heart attack.  Many people have a-typical heart attacks, so it is important to be aware of that. When my husband had his heart attack, he did not have chest pain.  In addition, he had pain in his right shoulder, although it is more common to have pain in the left shoulder.  He also became very pale and clammy.  Know your body.  If something doesn't feel right, trust yourself. 

Strokes

A stroke occurs when blood does not get to a part of your brain and the brain cells start to die.  Call an ambulance immediately if your face begins to droop on one side, you have sudden weakness or numbness in your face, arms, or legs, you lose your bearings or get confused, and you have trouble talking. There are treatments which can reverse the effects, but they have to be taken within the first couple of hours.  Do not delay!

Aneurysms

An aneurysm means that a weak part of a blood vessel is bulging out and is at risk of leaking or rupturing.  One of our daughters had an aneurysm rupture in her brain when she was only in her late 40s.  While it can happen at any age, the older you are, the greater your risk.  Our daughter's first symptom was a sudden, blinding headache and extreme nausea.  Other symptoms can include clammy skin, dizziness and a rapid heartbeat.  It you suddenly feel terrible and think you are experiencing the worst headache you ever had, do not hesitate to rush to the emergency room.  The sooner they stop the bleeding in the brain, the more likely you are to recover.  Our daughter happened to be with a retired paramedic when her aneurysm occurred.  He recognized the symptoms, rushed her to the emergency room, and today she is just fine.

Gallstones

It seems as if more and more frequently I hear about friends who have had gallbladder problems.  Suspect that you have a gallstone if you have severe pain behind your belly button.  Eating rich, fatty foods can bring on a gallbladder attack. Being overweight can contribute to gallstones, as can diabetes and Crohn's Disease.  The best advice is to eat a healthy diet, avoid fatty foods, and go to the doctor if you experience unusual pain in your stomach.

Acute Pancreatitis

If gallstones become bad enough, they can trigger acute pancreatitis.  It can also be caused if you are a heavy drinker, or you have high calcium or triglyceride levels.  If you have extreme nausea, vomiting, a fever and a lot of pain, do not brush it off as the flu.  Go to the emergency room.  It could save your life.

Pneumonia

The older you are, the greater your risk of dying from pneumonia, especially if your immune system becomes weaker, or you are sedentary for a few weeks after surgery or a broken bone. Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a bacteria, not a virus.  The good news is that there is a vaccine for many of the bacteria which cause pneumonia and it is highly recommended that you get it.  The bad news is that you can also come down with viral pneumonia, especially after a case of the flu or a bad cold, and the pneumonia vaccine will do nothing to prevent it.  If you have a fever and difficulty breathing after a cold or the flu, see your doctor.  There are treatments for pneumonia, whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. 

Pulmonary Embolism

This occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in your lungs, and it can be life threatening.  It often occurs after you have had a heart attack, surgery, or if you have sat for a long time in a cramped position, such as an airplane seat.  The first symptom may be a sharp pain in your leg, which is where these blood clots often originate.  Symptoms include blood when you cough, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, clamminess, or bluish skin.  Pulmonary embolisms are very dangerous, so get yourself checked if you experience these symptoms.  In addition, you may consider wearing medical support socks when you fly.  They can lessen your risk of developing a blood clot in your leg.

Other Common Health Issues After Age 50

The above list includes some of the more dangerous health issues which can develop as you age, but there are other common medical problems which can cause you pain and make your life miserable. These include broken bones which are a result of osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, vertigo, detached retinas, gout and kidney stones.

You may also be diagnosed in your later years with other life-threatening illnesses such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and bursitis.  The risk of developing any of these illnesses increase with age.

How to Protect Yourself Against Poor Health

The best protection against these illnesses is to get annual check-ups from your doctors, including specialists such as a dermatologist who will monitor you for skin cancer.  Women should get mammograms and men should have their prostrate checked.  Everyone should get a complete blood count at least annually, and more often if their doctor recommends it.  Your blood work can help doctors determine your risk of a heart attack or stroke, whether you are developing chronic kidney disease, blood cancers, diabetes, and other health issues.  Periodically, you will also want to get a bone density scan and any vaccines suggested by your doctor, including an annual flu shot. The flu shot not only reduces your risk of getting the flu, but lowers your risk of developing some forms of pneumonia. Be consistent about taking the medications you are prescribed to prevent heart disease and other problems.

It is equally important to make any lifestyle changes which are recommended by your doctors.  For example, if you have signs of developing heart disease or kidney disease, they may suggest you see a specialist or nutritionist and follow a specific diet.  In general, most people should eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats, but your diet can vary depending on your medical issues. For example, people with chronic kidney disease should avoid red meat and limit their consumption of certain fruits and vegetables.  Your doctor will be able to give you a list of foods to avoid so you stay healthy as long as possible.

Regardless of you health issues, you should also try to maintain a healthy weight, give up smoking, limit your alcohol consumption, and get plenty of exercise.  If you develop any unusual symptoms, see a doctor.  If you experience severe or sudden pain, go to the emergency room.

After age 50, health issues can reveal themselves suddenly.  However, we do not have to let them be debilitating or end our lives prematurely.

If you are interested in learning more about common health issues as you age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, travel 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.

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The Affordable Care Act 2020 - Are You Eligible for the ACA?

Many middle-age adults who are not quite old enough for Medicare are currently being charged outrageous prices for their private medical insurance.  However, in some cases, they may be eligible for subsidies to help pay for their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.  Yes, the ACA, sometimes called Obamacare, is still around, although it does not get as much of an advertising budget as it did in the past, so people are not as aware of it.  As a result, a large number of people are paying more than they need to for insurance coverage. How can you apply and find out if you are eligible for an Obamacare healthcare subsidy?

Apply During the ACA Open Enrollment Period

The 2020 Open Enrollment Period runs from Friday, November 1, 2019, until Sunday, December 15, 2019.  That window is just slightly over six weeks long, so it is important you act quickly.  If you do not act by December 15, 2019, you cannot get coverage for 2020 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.  Once you have been approved for medical insurance with subsidies through the Affordable Care Act, your healthcare plan will be effective starting January 1, 2020.

Special Enrollment Periods Provide Some Exceptions

In the event you have had a change in your situation, such as losing your prior medical coverage, getting married, or becoming a new parent, it may be possible for you to get insurance through the ACA after the Open Enrollment Period has ended.  You can also apply at any time of the year if you already qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Apply Even if You Have Pre-Existing Conditions

Under the current law, health insurers under the Affordable Care Act cannot charge you more or deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing health condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or cancer.  In addition, they cannot limit the benefits you receive for that condition.  Once you have obtained health insurance, they cannot refuse to cover the treatment of your pre-existing condition. (However, this may not be true if you continue to have an older, private insurance policy which you purchased prior to March 23, 2010.  Those old policies are still allowed to put limits on your care.)

How Do You Apply for Insurance through the Affordable Care Act?

In some communities, you may see special pop-up stores in malls where agents will be available to walk you through the process of completing an application.  If you do not have one of these businesses near you, and you have access to a computer, you can go to the government website to apply.  The website is:

HealthCare.gov

On the site, you will be asked to give your zip code, so they can help you sign up for a plan which will work in your state.   You will be able to apply right on the website.  Your premiums will be based on your income, as well as other factors, such as the size of your family and whether or not you are disabled.  In order to make it quicker and easier for you to apply, be sure to have proof of your household income and other financial information on hand while you are completing the application.

You can also get help from health insurance agents and brokers on the website by clicking on the button which says "Get Contacted."  Fill-in your contact information, and they will contact you to help you personally with the application process.  In some areas, a local agent may even be able to meet with you in person. 

Which ACA Plan is Best for You?

The plans which you can purchase through HealthCare.gov are available at three levels:  Bronze, Silver and Gold.  The Bronze plans are the least comprehensive and least expensive.  Silver is the moderate choice and Gold is the top-of-the-line plan.  The figures used below are for the typical Silver plan.  However, when you apply, you may want to check out the pros and cons of all three plans.

In addition to the option to choose plans which offer different levels of care, beginning this year you can also find out how the plans are rated.  The Star rating system which has been available for years for Medicare and Medicaid plans has now been extended to policies sold through the Affordable Care Act.  The health care plans which are listed on the healthcare exchanges will have a rating of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 representing plans of the highest quality. 

How Much Does the ACA or Obamacare Cost?

The amount you will pay depends on the size of the subsidy you are eligible to receive.  Currently, your portion of the cost of health insurance premiums through the ACA is capped at 9.5% of your income.

In addition, your maximum out-of-pocket expenses, excluding your premium, can range from $6,350 a year for a single person, up to $12,700 for a family of four.   While these out-of-pocket expenses may seem high, at least there is a cap and you cannot be hit with a huge, unexpected medical bill should someone in your family develop a major illness or require surgery.  The good news is that you may never come close to actually hitting the limits for your out-of-pocket costs.  Those fortunate families which remain healthy will rarely spend much more than their basic premiums and a few co-pays.

The actual amount you will be expected to pay in premiums will vary depending on the number of people in your family and your total household income. 

For example, assume you are a married couple with no children, which is common for many of my readers who have retired, but are still too young for Medicare. If you opt for the popular Silver insurance plan, you will receive a health insurance subsidy to reduce the cost of your premiums, as long as your household income in 2019 is under $65,840 for a married couple. 

If you are single, you can receive a subsidy if your income in 2019 is under $48,560. 

If you are a couple with a child you are supporting, you will receive a subsidy if your income is as much as $83,120.  If you have more than one child you are still supporting, your income limit can be even higher.

The exact amount of the subsidy you will receive will vary, and depends on your income and the size of your family.  If you think you are close to the income levels, it is still worth it to apply and see if you qualify for a reduction in your health insurance premiums.

Take Advantage of the Affordable Care Act if You are Eligible

Many people retire earlier than they planned, which means they often retire before they are eligible for Medicare.  In fact, the average American retires at age 63, and they cannot apply for Medicare until they are 65. In other cases, people become disabled and need to stop working at a much younger age.  Sometimes people are unemployed for an extended period of time, and COBRA coverage can be very expensive.  Purchasing health insurance through the ACA healthcare exchanges is a good alternative until you are working again.  One of our daughters obtained insurance through the ACA for herself and her two children when she obtained her teaching credential and it was several months before she found her first teaching job.  It was a relief to her to know that she and her children had health insurance until she was employed again and covered by her school district's group plan.

Regardless of your personal situation, you may be able to save a substantial amount of money if you apply for a health insurance subsidy through the Affordable Care Act.  It certainly will not hurt to apply and see if it can save you money.  After all, you have paid for these benefits through your taxes, so you should certainly feel comfortable using them when you are eligible.

If you want to learn more about Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, common health problems as you age, 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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Why Scammers Call You - Are You an Easy Mark?

If you are like most Americans, you receive frequent robocalls, personal calls and emails from potential scammers. The frequency of these calls may seem overwhelming. Some of them may even be initiated by seemingly trustworthy people.  For example, when you make a purchase or investment, you may occasionally encounter sales people who cross the line from offering legitimate sales assistance to suggesting deals which are outright fraud. At times, it may seem as if you are constantly under assault by criminals and you need to be suspicious of everyone.  You could be right.  You may have unintentionally become an easy mark for scammers.

Why you?  What is it about you that makes you especially vulnerable to being duped by dishonest people?  You may be surprised to know that the AARP Fraud Watch Network has done research on why certain people are targeted more easily and what personality traits they possess.  Once you understand your flaws, it will be easier for you to protect yourself.  Below are common weaknesses which make you more likely to become a fraud victim.

You May Respect Authority Figures Too Much

Some scammers try the approach of sending out official looking letters and emails, or they may call you and pretend to be officials with a government agency, such as the IRS, the police, Social Security or a court.  People should recognize that government agencies rarely call citizens, and almost never make a phone call as their first approach in dealing with a citizen.  They nearly always contact you first by mail.

In addition, if you are dealing with an agency such as the IRS, because of an issue such as unpaid taxes, they will never demand that you make an immediate payment.  Whenever you do make a payment, there are specific steps you must follow and only certain types of payments are allowed.  They NEVER accept  gift cards or similar methods of payment.  Let me repeat that.  If someone contacts you and says that you owe back taxes, a fee or a fine, no legitimate government agency will say that you must pay them immediately by using gift cards.  That should be your first red flag that something is very wrong.

If someone calls you and says they are from a government agency, tell them you only handle these transactions by mail and hang up.  When and if you do get an official looking letter, you should call the relevant agency using their official phone number listed on their website, NOT one which was given to you by a strange caller.  Be skeptical of any stranger who calls you unexpectedly, even if they say they are from a government agency.  If you have questions, call your local sheriff's department for guidance.

You Could be Too Trusting and a People Pleaser

There are many disadvantages of trying too hard to please other people, including the fact that it can simply be exhausting.  However, another disadvantage is that people pleasers tend to put their own judgement aside in order to follow the instructions of others.  For example, you may receive an email from someone pretending to be a friend or coworker.  They may give you unusual instructions, such as asking you to purchase gift cards, take photos of the front and back, and email the photos to them.  A more skeptical person might question why they would want you to do this.  However, believe it or not, people regularly fall for this scam.  By the time the victim realizes the person sending the email is not who they are pretending to be, the scammer has already used the photos you sent to purchase something with the gift cards.  Even when you think someone you know is asking you to photograph gift cards, don't do it.  There is a good chance it is a scam.

You May be Lonely and Seeking Friends Online

Scammers love lonely people.  The perfect mark is someone who willingly enters into a lengthy conversation over the phone with the scammer.  It doesn't take a lot of time to convince a lonely person that the stranger on the phone wants to be their friend.

An even more dangerous person could be someone you meet through social media or a dating website.  Thousands of lonely men and women have developed online relationships with strangers, "loaned" them money, "invested" in various schemes and otherwise been reeled in.  Some people have even lost thousands of dollars this way.  Below are some rules you should follow to protect yourself.

Never send money to someone you have met online, either through social media or a dating site.

Never invest in business deals with strangers, even if you have been conversing with them online for months.  Many of these scammers go for the "long game" and are willing to spend months emailing a large number of people until they find someone who will send them money.

Don't let loneliness cause you to become a victim.

You Could be Under Stress or Grieving and More Vulnerable

Be wary of phone calls from strangers, especially after a crisis, including a death in the family, a home fire, a flood or other disaster.  There are crooks who try to trick people into giving out their personal information during times of stress.  They may pretend to offer help, when they are really trying to steal any insurance or settlement money you could be receiving.  If you are feeling overwhelmed and get a phone call from someone who is offering to help, you may be tempted to lower your guard and tell them things such as your Social Security or bank account numbers, because you believe it is necessary in order to get federal aid or other assistance.  Be particularly suspicious whenever you are under stress.   Take your time, meet personally with the people from FEMA or the insurance company, do online research and gather information until you know exactly what you need to do.

You May Have Been a Scam Victim in the Past, Making You a "Mark"

Did you know that people who have been victimized once are even more likely to be victimized again?  Once scammers know your weaknesses, they will actually sell your name to other scammers who will try new and different approaches to get their hands on your money.  Once you have been a victim of fraud, be extra careful for the rest of your life. 

You Could Be Too Confident that You Will Not Be Scammed

After reading articles such as this one, you may be absolutely confident that you would never fall for any of these tricks.  Do not get over-confident.  Many of the people who fall victim to fraud are intelligent, confident, well-read people who believe they know "all the tricks in the book."  However, the people who conceive of these scams are also intelligent and they put all their energy into thinking of new, creative ways to trick people. They know how to come across in different ways, depending on the scam. They might appear to be professional and businesslike, or caring and helpful.  They are able to be whoever they need to be.  They consider this their profession, not a hobby.  Be skeptical of anyone who approaches you for money.

Learn How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Without getting over-confident, pay attention to new scams in your area and learn how to protect yourself.

If you receive a call from a telemarketer or a robocall, hang up immediately.  Never give out information over the phone.  Never call back.  You could be calling a number that will charge you when you place the call.

Block the phone numbers of telemarketers so they cannot keep calling you using the same number.

Even if you have to block dozens of numbers, do not give up.  Telemarketing companies have a variety of numbers they can use, but eventually they will run out if you keep blocking them.

Immediately end online conversations with people who ask for money, no matter how convincing they are.  This applies to people who contact you through email, Facebook, Twitter or dating sites.  If they ask for money, no matter how convincing their story, do not send it to them. If you do it once, they will probably keep asking.

If you believe the request could be from a legitimate company, such as a local charity, ask them to mail their request to you.  That will give you more time to check them out and think about your decision to make a donation.  If they begin to call repeatedly, hang up and block their number.

If you receive a call from a government agency, look up the number for that agency online and call them directly.  Ask that they put any questions or requests for information in writing and mail it to you.  Consult the police or an attorney if they harass you, especially if you are suspicious about why they have contacted you.

Do NOT cash unexpected checks or prize money you receive in the mail.  Check with your local sheriff's department, district attorney's office, or your bank to see if it is legitimate.  NEVER mail money back to the person or company that sent you the check. A common scam is to tell you that you have won money, then they send you a check for more than you supposedly won, and they ask you to mail them back the difference.  By the time you discover that their phony check has bounced, you have already sent them your real check and they have cashed it.

Always read the fine print before entering into any business deal.  Consult an attorney to protect yourself as much as possible.

Be skeptical of any requests for money, no matter how sincere, even if it is put in the form of a "loan" or an "investment."  Discuss real investments with legitimate advisors such as your lawyer, tax accountant, or financial planner.  In addition, investigate possible investments online.  There is plenty of information about both legitimate and dishonest business deals online, if people are just willing to do the research.

Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

For more information of financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, 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 blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com