Author: Aging Wisdom
Discovering that your identity has been stolen is scary: someone has violated your privacy and security! Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card, bank account, or driver’s license, to commit fraud or steal money in your name. Many people don’t realize they’ve been victimized until they notice unfamiliar charges, new accounts, or other signs of fraud. …
Medicare has a number of options. Understanding what each covers can help you plan with more confidence. Even if you feel healthy and active today, your Medicare choices still shape your future healthcare expenses, your care choices, and where you may want to age. Learn the basics to have a clearer picture of what is included and what you may need to plan for on your own.
Medicare is made up of several “parts.” Each part covers a specific type of care. …
Emergencies, by definition, happen with little to no warning. Having a “go bag” ready can save time and reduce stress should you need to leave home quickly due to a severe storm, power outage, or other unforeseen event. Preparation helps you respond with confidence instead of panic.
The American Red Cross recommends that a go bag contain enough supplies to last at least three days. Include these items: …
If your goal is to “age in place,” now is the time to consider some remodeling. And no room 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 investment may well forestall or eliminate a move to assisted living. That’s spending wisely! …
What if your life suddenly changed. Do you know who would step up to help? Regardless of whether you are a solo ager, part of a couple who hasn’t discussed “what if” scenarios, or someone with family nearby, it’s best to identify help before needs arise. Making the effort now to talk about your wishes and expectations helps create clarity, both for you and for the people who care about you. …
While cognitive impairment is not inevitable with age, the possibility of experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia makes advance planning an important and empowering step. This doesn’t mean resigning yourself to decline. Planning allows you to stay in the driver’s seat of your life rather than leave your future to chance or to others. …
If you like to plan ahead, you understand the value of having the right resources in place when life inevitably brings changes. Consider choosing to make professional care management part of your proactive life plan in the same way you chose to rely on trusted legal and financial counselors. …
Between ages sixty-five and seventy-five (“young-old”), you’re typically independent and clear about what matters most to you. That makes now the ideal time to talk with your family or chosen decision makers about your wishes for your future. Waiting until age eighty-five often means those conversations are driven by crisis, fear, or urgency. Starting as early as you can allows for calm and more thoughtful conversations. …
Aging brings change. Some of it is expected and manageable; some of it deserves closer attention. Have you noticed slower recall, needing more light to read, or taking a little longer to recover from exercise? These are common, normal parts of aging. What’s not normal? Changes such as getting lost in familiar places, poor balance, and difficulty managing everyday tasks. Knowing the difference is important. …
As many of us have discovered throughout our lives, spending time outdoors isn’t just “nice.” It often feels fundamentally healing, no matter our age.
Research supports this. Time spent in nature has been shown to decrease cortisol, a stress hormone, and boost the immune system. It can reduce depression and improve attention. It can lower blood pressure and improve sleep quality. The studies are so compelling that some doctors have even written prescriptions for a weekly outing. If you’re feeling stressed, consider a little nature therapy. …