| Call Us Now: (253) 375-1441
The importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes more critical as we age. Adopting good habits during our senior years is vital for overall well-being, longevity, and quality of life. Today, Encore Life Health will discuss six essential tips to help seniors live healthily and enjoy a fulfilling life.
Keep HydratedStaying hydrated is crucial for supporting various bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. Seniors should aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, although individual needs may vary based on factors like body weight and physical activity. Practical tips to remain hydrated include keeping a water bottle nearby, drinking water with meals, and consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.
Quit SmokingSmoking has a detrimental effect on seniors' health and quality of life, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, heart problems, and certain types of cancer. It's never too late to quit smoking and experience the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle. Some compelling reasons to quit smoking include better lung function, improved circulation, and enhanced overall well-being. Seniors can seek support from healthcare providers, join smoking cessation programs, and access resources such as counseling and medications to help them quit successfully.
Ensure Sufficient SleepIt’ll probably come as no surprise that sufficient sleep is vital for maintaining physical and mental health. After all, sleep is the body's natural way of restoring energy, repairing tissues, and consolidating memories. Seniors should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. To establish healthy sleep habits, it is advisable to follow a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and make the sleep environment comfortable and conducive to rest. Avoiding caffeine and large meals before bedtime and engaging in calming activities like reading or listening to soothing music can also promote better sleep.
Socialize for Emotional Well-beingSocial interaction is essential for seniors' emotional and mental well-being. Feeling connected and engaged with others can help prevent feelings of loneliness and depression, which are common among older adults. Seniors can stay socially active by joining clubs, attending community events, and spending time with loved ones. Engaging in volunteer work, participating in group classes, and pursuing new hobbies are other great ways to foster meaningful social connections.
Drink Less Alcohol and Seek Help if NecessaryExcessive alcohol consumption can have serious health implications for seniors, increasing the risk of falls, liver disease, and other health problems. Seniors are encouraged to consume alcohol in moderation, if at all, and seek professional help if they struggle with alcohol dependence. Check out the best rehab centers in the US to see how they can help seniors regain control over their alcohol consumption and live a healthier life. When choosing a facility, look for a center with experienced staff, evidence-based treatment programs, and positive reviews.
Turn a Passion into a BusinessStaying motivated and creative can add a sense of purpose and fulfillment to seniors' lives. Turning a hobby or interest into a small business can be a rewarding way to channel energy and passion into a productive endeavor. Whether it's painting, crafting, or gardening, there are countless opportunities for seniors to share their talents with the world and even generate income in the process.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for seniors to enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling life. By staying hydrated, drinking less alcohol, and pursuing personal passions, and more, seniors can experience physical, emotional, and mental well-being in their golden years. Trying out these suggestions can help seniors lead healthier lives while also contributing to a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their later years.
Encore Life Health is here to help you with life insurance, health insurance, and Medicare Advantage. Call 253-375-1441.
A midlife crisis can feel disorienting and discouraging if you let it get the best of you. To make the most of this time in your life, you need to recognize that now’s your chance to start fresh and create a new chapter for yourself. Brought to you by Encore Life Health, here are some ways to turn your midlife crisis into an opportunity for growth.
A change of scenery can do wonders for your outlook on life. If you can, take some time off and travel outside of Auburn, WA — even if it’s just a weekend getaway. Absorb new cultures and see the world through new eyes. Experiencing new places helps you remember that there’s so much more to life outside your current situation.
Think of meditation as a way to relax. While it can be a simple relaxation method, it can be so much more. Meditation can help you learn how to focus, connect with your inner self, and find peace and positivity amid chaos. If you're going through a mid-life crisis, learning to meditate can be a key way to help you find your center again.
A midlife crisis can be the perfect time to reassess your career goals and make a change. If you're unhappy with your current job or feel like you're stuck in a rut, consider changing your career. It's never too late to learn something new, and a career change can be the thing you need to jump-start your life. Consider what you're passionate about, and begin your own business. Even though owning your own business is hard work, it may be worthwhile if you have a high-demand product or service.
To start marketing your new business, use an online logo maker to create a unique and appealing logo on your own. You can browse various designs and change their fonts and colors by selecting a style, or an icon, and adding any necessary text.
Next, choose a structure for your business. LLCs have the limited liability protection of a corporation, but they also have flexibility and tax advantages. Plus, setting up an LLC is less paperwork. States have different regulations around forming an LLC, so check the rules in Auburn before moving ahead. You can save money by using an online formation service to help set up your LLC.
A midlife crisis can be the perfect time to learn new skills. Whether you're looking to change careers or start your own business, learning new skills can help you achieve your goals. Online degree programs, such as those from WSU Global campus, offer a range of liberal arts degrees that are relatively simple to complete while maintaining a full-time job or family responsibilities. Wherever you look, you'll want to ensure the online school is accredited and has affordable tuition.
A midlife crisis can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. By making positive changes in your life, you can turn this crisis into an opportunity for growth. Visit Encore Life Health, for trusted resources for your health plan needs in Auburn, WA.
Have you been feeling socially isolated from others in your area? Maybe the pandemic knocked your self-confidence so much that you're not sure how to get back on the road. You're not alone, and there are things you can do to re-enter the world and thrive. This short guide provides three solutions to overcoming a lack of self-confidence and developing ways of reaching your personal goals.
Social isolation can be a cause of depression, a disorder that reveals itself in a variety of ways, including persistent sadness or anxiety. You should contact a licensed mental health professional to discuss your situation if you think you're affected, as a specialist should be able to identify the nature and severity of your condition and provide tailored and appropriate treatment. Although not suitable for everyone, some forms of depression can be treated by antidepressants. If this applies in your case, the mental health professional will monitor your progress and be alert to signs of side effects that may risk your safety and health. Over time, you'll become more confident about rejoining society.
Developing a physical fitness routine and introducing healthy foods into your diet are well-known methods of improving mental health, but so too is educational development. School may feel like something from the past, but an online degree is an excellent way of increasing your knowledge and career prospects. Employers value online degrees, not just because they represent the candidate's intellectual capacity but also because they know the person simultaneously juggled their education with their work and home life, showing them to be committed, disciplined, and ambitious. Figures for the National Center for Education Statistics reveal employment levels in 2021 for people with bachelor's degrees was 86%, compared to only 68% for those with only high school diplomas.
Maybe re-entering the world is your opportunity to be your own employer. Starting a business is challenging, but it can be very rewarding. Regardless of the type of business you have in mind, or whether you plan to stay small or become the biggest company in your area, you should develop a business plan that at least includes the following:
Becoming more educated and starting a business are known to be good for mental health, as is getting the right treatments from the best health care professionals. If you're daunted by the plethora of options in your area, you needn't be. Contact Joyce of Encore Life Health who has experience helping people get the health care coverage they need.
Image via Pexels
Have you been diagnosed with diabetes recently? Some lifestyle changes are on the cards. You must be extra careful with your health to avoid short-term and long-term complications, which range from mood changes and weakness to heart disease and strokes. The good news is diabetes can be managed—you can live a normal life with just a few minor changes.
To get a handle on diabetes, make sure you understand the implications. Your body is producing more glucose than it can process. Said glucose can damage your body’s organs as well as blood vessels if left uncontrolled or unmanaged. Over time, it could cause problems in your heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, gums, and even your feet. The exact impact depends on your personal circumstances and the type of diabetes you have.
Your job is to keep blood glucose to a manageable level. This involves some common-sense stuff such as eating healthy, exercising, and taking medication. It also involves some less-obvious stuff—such as taking extra care of your mouth, skin, and feet, and being more vigilant than ever with your health.
Avoid burdening your body with foods it has difficulty processing, especially sugary snacks. Instead, include foods that are high in fiber and nutrients and low in fat and salt. Plan out your meals and eat at the same time for the best results. Talk to your doctor or dietician for a personalized eating plan, which should cover food choices and quantities.
Exercise is essential to maintaining your health, not to mention it’s your ticket to avoiding long-term complications. When you’re active, it automatically reduces your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Furthermore, it is good for your overall health. It puts you in a better mood, boosts your appetite, gives you more energy, and generally makes it easier to function.
Having goals and tracking your progress can help you stay motivated long-term. Find ways to get more movement into your workday. Develop an effective fitness routine with your physician’s help. Lastly, always monitor your health and blood pressure levels at all times—excess exercise can and does raise your blood sugar levels.
Investing in a fitness tracker or smartwatch gadget may be a good idea. Such gadgets not only allow you to track your workout progress but also come with blood pressure monitors and alarm functions to help keep you safe.
Drinking alcohol will cause your blood sugar to shoot up. Excessive alcohol consumption, on the other hand, may cause it to drop to an abnormal low. If you must drink, keep it to two servings a day. Smoking is potentially more harmful than alcohol. It increases blood pressure and heart rate, but constricts your blood vessels and increases the build-up of fats. This increases the chance of heart attacks and strokes—which was already a point of concern.
Have regular tests and create a long-term health schedule with your doctor’s assistance. Tests will allow you to pick up problems early before they snowball out of control. Some important tests to do are blood pressure, blood glucose levels, cholesterol, kidney, eyes, feet, and oral.
Keep an eye out for potential diabetes-induced problems. Common possible complications and symptoms include:
In our fast-paced world, it's often difficult to find the time to see a doctor for routine care, let alone for an unexpected illness or injury. However, there's no need to put your health on hold. You can find your doctor online so you can get the care you need without leaving home. Online doctors offer a convenient and affordable way to receive high-quality medical care. You’ll also get access to a larger pool of medical professionals and quickly be able to fill and refill necessary prescriptions.
Managing diabetes can be a stressful, anxiety-inducing experience. The chemical imbalances in your body may exacerbate the problem. Be kind to yourself, practice positive thinking, and get help from a therapist if you feel depressed or anxious all the time.
Diabetes leads to the retardation in the production of white blood cells (due to the heightened glucose). Also, as mentioned earlier, it affects blood flow and your nerves. All of these factors combined will make you more vulnerable to infection. Furthermore, it may sometimes compromise your immune system (but not always), according to the Chicago Tribune. Practice extra hygiene, if you can.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage your blood sugar levels. Make sure you take your medication on time every day (not everyone does this). If you do miss a medication, make sure you take the next dose and monitor your blood sugar levels in the meantime. Failure to take your medications consistently could cause long-term damage to your body.
Last, but not least, learn to relax. Anxiety and stress will cause your blood pressure to shoot up. Listen to music, spend time in nature, and meditate to stay in good emotional shape. Get plenty of rest too. Not sleeping enough or sleeping at irregular times affects your glucose levels, which may make your problems worse.
Remember that you’re not alone. Talk to your family and friends if you feel down and ask for help when you need it. Try to build a solid support structure for yourself—having good people around you will keep you motivated and on track with all your health goals. Be responsible for yourself, make your health a priority, find a reputable doctor online, and you will have no trouble managing your condition.
Having a tough time navigating Medicare? Visit Encore Life Health to learn more about your options and develop a plan that meets your needs.
Starting a new, healthy lifestyle is a great way to start over and re-enter the world. It doesn't have to happen overnight. You can begin by making a few small changes that collectively make you feel your best over time. Consider these six simple tips to help you get started.
For some, exercise is an easy way to start feeling better, but not everyone loves the idea of grinding at the gym. You can find ways to exercise that suit your likes and your age. For instance, simply taking a walk outside can change how you feel. Research shows that regular exercise of any form actually improves your cognitive and physical performance overall. Find something you can enjoy so you will stick to it, and don't be afraid to change it up.
What you eat has a significant impact on how you feel. If you want to feel better, the best place to start is to change the way you eat and get rid of unhealthy habits. Start by researching nutrition basics if you feel you know very little. This is especially important if you have a medical condition affected by diet. For example, a proper diet will look different for someone with diabetes than for someone with a heart condition. You can talk to your doctor or see an actual nutritionist for tips. Learn more about your insurance plan to see what wellness options you have available to you. And if you don’t have insurance or you’re looking to update your policy, make sure you connect with Encore Life Health to explore some different options.
Considering the vast amount of time spent on the job, it should come as no surprise that work can have a significant effect on your happiness. If you hate your job, you will find it difficult to enjoy your life. When work is standing between you and your fresh start, it may be time to make a career move. It may not happen overnight. Consider what you love to do and how you can turn it into a career. You can even go back to school.
When you're busy, often the first thing you neglect is time for yourself. When self-care falls to the wayside, motivation often follows. Remember to take the time to do the things you love. It can be as simple as going shopping every weekend or reading a book at night before bed. If you're an extrovert, prioritize time with your friends.
Take to Instagram to share your progress with the people in your life. Encouragement is a great motivator. Use your Instagram stories to create a fun narrative about your goals. You can use this Instagram post maker to get creative. All you have to do is choose the template you like and customize it. You can personalize the font and color, upload photos, and resize designs.
One of the best ways to jump-start motivation and start feeling better about yourself is to take a vacation. If you prefer the company of others, go with friends, but don't underestimate the power of a great personalized experience. You'll learn more about yourself and the direction you want for your new life.
Once you feel renewed and refreshed, you can reintroduce yourself to the world with confidence. Remember to be kind to yourself when you fail and prepare to get back on track. When you invest in yourself, you invest in your future.
If you want your children to develop healthy bodies and minds, it's essential to practice what you preach. Telling a child to eat vegetables won't make the same impression as your child observing you eating vegetables and enjoying them.
Children often imitate their parents and caregivers. It's never too early to start teaching kids to practice habits that promote a healthy body and mind.
Research shows children mimic their parents' eating habits and food choices. During the formative years, children develop preferences for certain foods. Those who begin eating sweet, salty, or fatty foods early in life are likely to favor those foods. Therefore, as their children's first nutrition teachers, parents should focus primarily on eating and serving nutritious, healthy foods.
It's common for children to reject foods the first time they try them. Nutrition experts say it may take at least 10 to 15 exposures to a food before a child tries it. Some suggestions for getting your child to eat healthily include pairing a new food with familiar flavors and encouraging them to help with food preparation tasks like tearing lettuce for a salad.
It's not unusual for children to experience stress. Peer pressure, problems in the home, and low self-esteem can take an emotional toll on children of all ages. Children who practice mindfulness can learn to relax and prevent stressful situations from becoming overwhelming.
Mindfulness is paying attention to what's happening within and around you. If your child becomes anxious before taking a test, they can practice a mindful moment by doing a simple breathing exercise of inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth a few times. This breathing exercise can have a calming effect whenever your child feels anxious. Teaching your child to think about the consequences of a decision is another way to help them be mindful.
Like good nutrition habits, a love for learning begins during the formative years. Reading with children and using curiosity as a teachable moment are some ways to encourage learning. Children love to ask, "Why?" Rather than becoming annoyed at their persistent questioning, use these curious inquiries as teaching opportunities. When a child attempts a task but doesn't do it perfectly, praise the effort.
Demonstrate the value of achieving educational goals. If you've been thinking about going back to school, share your desire to further your learning with your child and ask them what they think about it. You might consider getting an online degree that will allow you to study at home and provide opportunities for you and your child to work on your assignments simultaneously.
If you choose to study for a degree in education, you can help your child and teach other children. Your example shows your child it's never too late to pursue educational goals.
Developing healthy habits as a child can carry over into adulthood. Eating well, making good decisions, and valuing learning are all important to a successful life.
We opened Encore Life Health back in 2018 although we’ve been in insurance for over 10 years. We wanted to make sure that each and every one of our clients had the right health and life insurance plans so that they are covered in the event of any emergency that might happen.
Are you hoping to make some healthier lifestyle changes? You might have held off on picking up some new habits because you’re worried that these changes will be costly. But prioritizing your health can actually help you save money! In many ways, frugal choices and healthy choices are often one and the same. If you’re interested in saving on health insurance costs, Encore Life Health can help. And if you want to cut down on costs and improve your health at the same time, try some of these tips!
Learning about how health and frugality can go hand in hand might make you feel more motivated to implement these beneficial lifestyle changes. For example, if you’re not commuting to work by car, you can save on gas. By exercising outside with a workout buddy rather than buying a gym membership, you can socialize and avoid adding another monthly expense. Cooking healthy meals at home is cheaper than eating out at restaurants, and in the long run, living a healthier lifestyle means lower insurance premiums.
Do you live within a few miles of your workplace? Depending on the route you take to get to work, and the urban infrastructure in your area, you could consider walking or biking to work instead of driving. You’ll be able to get some exercise twice per day, and you won’t be spending any money on gas! If you’re nervous about biking to work, you could practice cycling on potential routes over the weekend so that you can get a feel for the journey.
Did you know that reducing the amount of meat you eat can help you save money and improve your overall physical fitness? By cooking plant-based meals, you can make a positive choice for your wallet and your health - in fact, Everyday Health states that canned vegetables in particular are a nutritious, budget-friendly choice. You don’t have to cut out meat entirely, but cooking vegetarian meals a few times per week could be a good idea.
Furthermore, if you want to start incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet, you can start gardening to save even more money. By growing some of your own produce, you’ll be able to save at the grocery store.
What if you can’t afford a gym membership right now? If you don’t have lots of space at home to work out, you could ask a friend to go jogging with you, do yoga in the park, or try another form of outdoor exercise! Not sure who to ask to be your workout buddy? Fitness Blender recommends asking one of your coworkers - since they likely have a similar schedule to yours, you’ll easily be able to find a time to exercise.
If you make these healthy changes permanent, you might even be able to monetize your lifestyle in some way! For instance, you could start a blog with an affiliate marketing system and share tips on your affordable wellness habits. If you want to try something more ambitious, you could open your very own yoga studio, sporting goods store, or another retail business, depending on where your interests lie. To advertise your business, you could hand out business cards that will leave a memorable impression! By using a business card maker, you can include the details you want in a premade template, like the text, images, and even color scheme you’d like.
It’s a misconception that healthy choices are expensive choices. In fact, making smart decisions for your health can actually help you cut down on unnecessary spending. By following these tips, you can spend less while going the extra mile for your health!
Searching for the right health plan? Find the guidance you need with Encore Life Health. Call us today at 253-221-3592 to get started.
Photo via Pexels
Grief is different for everyone, but it is very common for people to experience sleep problems after losing a loved one. Sleep deprivation can lead to several serious health problems. A poor night’s sleep can lead to fatigue, mood swings, memory problems, difficulties with concentration, paranoia, and even hallucinations. Over a prolonged period of time, not getting enough sleep increases a person’s risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and mental health issues, including depression and other mood disorders.
If you are experiencing sleep loss while grieving, it may be time to make some adjustments to your bedtime schedule and environment. Even small adjustments can make it easier to fall asleep and stay that way throughout the night. And when you sleep better, you feel better, making the grieving process somewhat easier.
A physical change in your environment can help with a figurative new beginning. An inexpensive and easy way to bring new energy into your bedroom is with a new paint color that helps you sleep. Avoid bright colors that excite the senses and instill feelings of restlessness before bed. Instead, look for earth tones or cool colors like deep blue to create a Zen environment.
Upgrade your sleepwear to clothes that keep you cool and comfortable. A cozy pair of pajamas or nightgown can help you get more restful sleep.
The whole eight-years rule for mattresses isn’t hard and fast. If you’re tossing and turning at night, it may be time to replace your mattress even if it isn’t that old. Instead of buying just any old crash pad, look for a model that supports your specific sleep position. Side sleepers need something that is softer. Meanwhile, back and stomach sleepers need a firm surface that keeps the hips from sinking during the night.
Watching television, especially in the bedroom, is one of the worst things you can do before bed. Zoning out in front of the tube isn’t active enough to work your brain to a tired state. Furthermore, the light can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm. If you have a TV in the bedroom, find a new home for it and try some different bedtime hobbies that won’t keep you up at night.
As you feel comfortable, begin to sort through and move out some of your spouse's items so that the bedroom is a source of comfort as opposed to grief. Slowly move bedside items, pillows, clothes, shoes, and various knickknacks. If you find some items to be a comfort such as scent or a special blanket, by all means keep those in the room. Perhaps you could spritz your spouse’s favorite cologne or perfume on your pillow, and have a blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal made out of their clothing.
As great as modern conveniences are, they really do cut down on the amount of physical energy we need to expend on a daily basis. Having too much pent-up energy due to a sedentary lifestyle is a definite contributor to sleep problems. Thankfully the answer is simple—exercise more during the day. Even light exercise can help balance the body and support sleep. Exercise also alleviates feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, helping you feel better overall during this difficult time.
Having a few calming activities you participate in before bed can signal to the brain that it’s time to prepare for a restful night’s sleep. When crafting a bedtime routine, avoid over-stimulating activities—relaxation should be your goal. Try taking a warm bath, sipping a mug of herbal tea, and reading a book before bed to wind down.
What you eat and drink can have a huge impact on your sleep. While it’s okay to drink caffeine in moderation, cut off the coffee after one in the afternoon to avoid evening jitters. While a nightcap may help you feel drowsy at first, alcohol disrupts restorative rest. Finally, avoid heavy, spicy, and sugary foods before bed. Nothing will keep you up at night quite like an upset stomach. If you are hungry before bed, try a healthy bedtime snack like almond butter on sprouted grain toast or a wholesome cereal with low-fat milk.
If you experience sleep deprivation among your grief symptoms, it’s important to make adjustments to your environment and bedtime routine to facilitate rest. The bedroom should be a calming environment furnished with a supportive mattress and devoid of electronics like televisions. Your quality of sleep is also a reflection of what you do before bed. Exercise daily to release energy and instill an overall feeling of well-being. Create a bedtime routine with healthy habits like taking a warm bath, drinking tea, and reading. Finally, be smart about what you eat and drink before bed and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy foods.
Here's another article you might like about sleep and sounds: https://naturesoundretreat.com/how-to-sleep-better/
Photo via Unsplash
This article is brought to you by Encore Life Health, a trusted resource for your health plan needs, including individual, family, and group health insurance and Medicare Health Plans. No charge for consulting or enrollment assistance. We compare, inform, enroll, and service...all at no cost to you! For more information, please contact us today!
Encore Life Health helps you develop, implement, and monitor a Medicare strategy that’s designed to address your unique situation. Connect with us today to find out more! 253-221-3592
About 25 percent of Americans age 65 and older have diabetes according to the CDC. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your pancreas cannot produce insulin. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin and your blood sugar levels become too high. Only about 10 percent of diabetes cases are type 1.
Generally, diabetes can be effectively managed with proper diet, regular exercise, and medication if diagnosed early. However, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, vision problems, nerve damage, infections, and other serious health complications. Fortunately, if you have Medicare, diabetes testing, treatment, and supplies can be covered.
Medicare and all its terminology can often be difficult to understand. If you are unclear about your coverage, connect with Encore Life Health to help with understanding your plan and coverage.
Medicare Part B provides coverage for doctor visits, medical services, and supplies. It pays 80 percent of approved costs after you first pay your annual deductible. Fortunately, it also covers the cost of diabetes screening through a fasting blood glucose test. If you are at high risk for diabetes – e.g., you are obese, have high blood pressure, or have abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels – you are typically eligible for two of these screenings each year.
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, Part B can cover your supplies including a blood glucose testing monitor, test strips, lancet devices, and lancets. An insulin pump is considered durable medical equipment and is also covered.
Medicare Part B can also cover foot exams for poor circulation, nutrition therapy, diabetes management training, and other tests and treatments associated with diabetes. If you have questions about Medicare and diabetes management, talk to your health care provider or contact the Medicare office directly.
Medicare Part D provides prescription coverage. You can purchase it as a stand-alone drug plan or as part of your Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Part D covers insulin, unless it's administered by an insulin pump. In that case, your insulin would be covered by your Part B coverage. Medicare Part D can also cover syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, and other medical supplies for diabetes. Depending on your plan, you may have to pay coinsurance amounts or a deductible with Part D.
If you were to be admitted to the hospital due to complications from diabetes, your stay would be covered by Medicare Part A.
For those with Type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can help lower blood sugar and reduce A1C levels. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains that it can also improve metabolism and slow organ damage caused by diabetes. Additionally, physical activity raises your heart rate and improves circulation, getting blood to your organs and helping your body more effectively use insulin.
Whether or not you have diabetes, you should engage in 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, spread over several days. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans also recommends strength training a couple days a week.
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, start out with walking. Take it slowly and aim to increase your distance and speed each week. One good way to track progress is to use a fitness tracker. Walking isn’t the only option when it comes to exercise, however. Dancing, hiking, biking, swimming, and many other activities can get your blood pumping. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy so that you will be more likely to stick to it. Some Medicare Advantage plans also cover gym memberships or fitness programs. Advantage plans are offered by independent insurance companies contracted with Medicare and include all the coverage of Part A and Part B, plus additional benefits. Do online research to find out if a Medicare Advantage plan may be a good choice for you.
If a senior is diagnosed with diabetes, it's often overwhelming news. However, seniors can successfully manage diabetes with a dedication to exercise and some help from Medicare.
Photo via Pixabay
It’s never too late to get married. For seniors, marriage can be a great opportunity to ensure financial security and access new tax benefits. However, it’s important to think through the legal, financial, and logistical implications of getting married in your golden years before you run down the aisle. While getting married later in life comes with several advantages, there may also be a few cons to keep in mind. Here are a few questions to consider before getting married as a senior.
First, find out how marriage will affect your health care coverage. Encore Life Health can help you evaluate your Medicare health plan and determine how getting married may affect your coverage and premiums. The good news is that marriage may be able to save you some money on Medicare payments. Depending on your joint income, for example, you may be eligible for Medicare savings programs that weren’t available to you as an individual earner.
Keep in mind that you may lose your Medicaid eligibility if you get married because Medicaid combines the assets of both spouses when determining a senior’s eligibility for coverage. Before getting married, be sure to do your research if you rely on either Medicare or Medicaid for healthcare coverage.
Getting married is a great opportunity to reevaluate your living situation. As a senior couple, it’s important to think about your long-term needs. Consider buying a new home that will accommodate any age-related challenges that may come up in the future.
If you want to move somewhere new, it’s a good idea to rent before buying so you can get a feel for the community and determine if it’s really the right place for you and your spouse. There are many online tools that can help you in your rental search. For example, you can find apartments near Seattle on websites like Apartment List. Some listings even include 3D tours! Take advantage of search tools that let you filter your results by desired amenities, location, price, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Depending on you and your partner’s income, getting married may result in tax benefits or penalties. In some cases, getting married can increase your taxes owed by thousands of dollars every year. On the other hand, you may wind up paying less tax filing as a married couple than you would if you remained single. Take the time to learn about marriage bonuses and penalties so you aren’t met with an unwelcome surprise come tax time.
Speaking of taxes, how are you going to handle other financial matters? Will you and your new spouse combine your financial accounts, keep them separate, or use some combination of the two? Regardless of what you choose to do, open communication is key to ensure you’re both comfortable with your arrangement.
You may also be wondering what will happen if your or your partner brings debt into your marriage. According to The Balance, any debt you take on before marriage does not become the responsibility of your spouse. If you incur debt after getting married, the implications depend on whether or not you live in a community property state.
You should always review and update your estate plan when your relationship changes. Ensure that the right people are included in your plan, such as your new spouse. If you’ve been married before, make sure your ex-spouse is no longer on your plan. Remember to also consider your children and your spouse’s children, redistributing property according to your current wishes.
If you’re thinking about getting married in your golden years, try not to rush into things. Take time to discuss important issues with your partner so you can be prepared for any legal and financial challenges that result from your marriage. Good planning and communication will ensure your marriage goes smoothly right from the start!
Before getting married, talk to a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare Insurance plans. Encore Life Health can help you better understand Medicare and how marriage may affect your coverage. Call today! 253-221-3592