Life has a way of throwing us curveballs. The unexpected death of a spouse—or a divorce—can certainly wreak havoc on your emotions. It can also throw a wrench in your finances. If you are age 62 or older, here are some Social Security basics to bear in mind as you regain your financial footing or…
Alzheimer’s is different from the normal forgetfulness of aging. Alzheimer’s is one of many conditions that cause the radical changes in memory, reasoning, and behavior known as “dementia.” The normal forgetfulness of aging is just an inconvenience, a slowing down. The serious changes of dementia eventually result in the inability to live on your own….
Irritating but true: Aging brings changes that make safe driving more of a challenge. Slower reflexes. Reduced vision and hearing. Difficulty concentrating. Less flexibility in the neck and shoulders. Fortunately, these changes do not come on suddenly. And adjustments in driving habits can offset them such that older drivers can be much safer than their…
If your goal is to “age in place,” now is the time to consider some remodeling. And there’s no room that demands more physical agility than the kitchen. It’s impossible to foresee how your body may change over time. But making a few thoughtful accommodations now could extend your comfort and independence. Plus, such an…
As we age, we find ourselves requiring different types of help. Medical needs are typically covered by Medicare. But many of us come to need assistance that is nonmedical in nature (e.g., help bathing or dressing). We have to be prepared to pay for this kind of assistance out of pocket, on our own. If you…
What if, despite your best intentions, you came down with COVID-19? Of course, we all hope this never happens. But prudence suggests that it’s better to plan ahead and be prepared. You don’t want to be scrambling for supplies and help when you are sick, contagious, and feeling terrible. If you have family, they too…
According to AARP, 50% of those over age 65 will need to pay for personal care for two years or less. Since Medicare does not pay for nonmedical help (average cost ≈$140,000 if you paid from your own resources), long-term care insurance was developed as a funding option. The reality of long-term care insurance. While it…
As many of us discovered through shelter-in-place restrictions, spending time outdoors isn’t just “nice.” It feels fundamentally healing. The research backs this up. Time spent in nature has been documented to decrease cortisol—a stress hormone—and boost the immune system. It can reduce depression and improve attention. The studies are so compelling that before the pandemic, some…
Video visits with doctors are one of the changes put in place during the pandemic that will likely carry forward even after COVID is long in our rearview mirror. While not appropriate for all conditions, it is a convenient new option for care. Here’s how to prepare: Confirm that your insurance will cover telemedicine. Medicare…
Most people are surprised to learn that Medicare pays for only a limited amount of the daily care you are likely to need in your lifetime (about 14%).
Medicare covers only services delivered by medically trained professionals. That means you need to have savings or insurance and rely on a collection of local programs. Or family and friends who may be able to pitch in with labor or funds.
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