What to do During Annual Enrollment Period

During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, you can enroll in a plan if you’re new to Medicare.
If you currently have a Medicare plan, AEP is your chance to change plans to ensure you are
getting the most from your Medicare coverage.

During AEP, you can:

• Review your current plan’s changes for 2023
• Enroll in or switch Medicare Advantage Plans
• Enroll in or switch Part D prescription drug plans
• Change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
• Drop your current Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan and return to
• Original Medicare

Why Reviewing Your Medicare Plan Is Important

Whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and/or a Medicare Part D
prescription drug plan, it’s always a good idea to review your Medicare coverage options during
AEP. Here’s why:

Ensure your coverage meets your healthcare needs. You may want to switch plans if
your current plan will change in costs and coverage (e.g., deductible, premium, copays)
or if your health needs or budget have changed. Reviewing your current coverage and
comparing it to other plans gives you the opportunity to get the coverage you need.

• Be sure you can continue to see your preferred provider(s). Medicare Advantage plans typically limit you to a specific network of providers. If your current provider or preferred hospital is no longer in-network with your Advantage plan, you may want to switch to a plan that is in-network with your preferred providers. You can also switch to Original Medicare, which allows you to see any healthcare provider or go to any hospital or facility that accepts Medicare.
• Make sure your medications are covered. You should have received your current Medicare plan’s Notice of Change by the end of September. The notice includes a list of covered prescription drugs. If your current plan will no longer cover one or more of your prescriptions or the costs of your prescription copays are increasing, you may want to change to a different Part D prescription drug coverage plan that covers all of your prescriptions and offers lower copays.
• Better manage your out-of-pocket expenses. Exploring your Medicare coverage options may help you save money by switching to a zero-premium Medicare Advantage plan or opting for a Medicare Supplemental plan that offers flexibility in covering your out-of- pocket expenses, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
• Ensure you get the benefits you need. Original Medicare covers most medically necessary services and supplies, but does not cover additional benefits, such as dental and eye exams. Medicare Advantage plans cover all medically necessary services and may also offer extra benefits, such as vision, hearing and dental services.

Even if you like your current plan, it can still be helpful to review the plan’s changes for the
upcoming year and compare it to other plans to determine if your current plan will continue to
work for you.

How to Prepare for AEP

Preparing ahead of time can help take the stress out of AEP. The following steps can help you
get ready for the 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period:

• Review your current plan. Make sure you’re aware of any copay or premium changes as
  well as changes to your network of providers and prescription coverage.
• Consider your healthcare needs. While nobody can predict the future, it’s important to
  ensure your known and potential health care needs are covered. This may include
  planned surgeries or screening tests, travel plans (in the event you need healthcare
  when you’re away), any existing diagnoses you have, and ‘extras’ you may need
  coverage for, such as vision or dental benefits.
• List the elements you need coverage for. This includes doctors, specialists, medical
  equipment and prescription medications. As you compare plans, make sure the plans
  you are considering cover all of your healthcare needs.

Important AEP Dates

• Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7. Coverage changes you make during this period will be effective as of January 1, 2023.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 – March 31. Coverage begins the first day of the month after you join a plan.
• Special Enrollment Period. In certain situations, you may be able to switch or leave a plan outside of the enrollment periods. For example, moving out of your current plan’s service area or moving to or from a long-term care or skilled nursing facility may make you eligible for special enrollment.

Need Help with Medicare AEP?

Around this time every year, you may have noticed that TV commercial breaks are full of ads
from celebrity spokespeople promoting private Medicare Advantage plans. Don’t be swayed —
celebrities are paid to make these Medicare plans sound like the “Holy Grail” of healthcare
coverage, but it’s possible the plan may not work for you.

To avoid overwhelm and get trustworthy assistance, you may want to consider working with a
licensed Medicare insurance consultant. For free health coverage counseling, visit the Medicare
Access Center at our Apopka location. Knowledgeable staff are here to help you understand
your Medicare options so you can make the best decision for your healthcare needs. If you
can’t get to our Apopka location before AEP is over, call us at 407-703-9990 to speak with our
staff.

Simply put: older adults have so much to offer, and sharing the wisdom and knowledge you’ve gained through the years can be of great value not only to the younger generations, but to your own life. Research shows that wisdom-sharing offers significant benefits for both young people and older adults.

Sharing your wisdom is an excellent way to deepen your sense of purpose and contribute more to your community. Read on for some creative ways to share your valued experiences and impart your wisdom onto your children, grandchildren and others. 

Volunteer 

Older adults have so much experience and expertise to share, but after retirement it may be challenging to find a place or people to share these talents with. Volunteering is an excellent way to stay engaged with your community and connect with people of all ages. Research shows that volunteering can be beneficial for seniors’ health, life expectancy and even improve your overall quality of life. 

Depending on your interests and skill set, you may want to consider volunteering at your local library, hospital or charitable organization. If you want to work with younger people, look for programs in your area that pair senior volunteers with children. The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, for example, matches older adults with children in their neighborhood to provide educational support from a grandparent-figure for low-income young people. 

Write your life story 

Writing out your life story — particularly the parts you want to share with others — is a powerful way to reflect on your life and reflect on all you’ve experienced over the years. Lessons you’ve learned throughout your life can be treasured by family members for years to come. If you want to share your wisdom with a wider audience, blogging is a good way to reach people of all ages around the world. 

It can be difficult to know where to start, so you may find it helpful to write about each decade of your life and what you lived through, experienced and learned. Or, write about important life events (e.g., school years, navigating relationships, raising children) and the insights you gained during those times that others may benefit from reading. Be sure to include things that were important to you throughout your life, such as your values and morals. You may want to include how your perspective has shifted throughout the years. Chances are, you saw life through a different lens at 55 than you did at 25! 

Scrapbooking

If you’re more of a hands-on, crafty type of person, you may enjoy scrapbooking your life story. Scrapbooking is a great way to showcase your life in photos along with captions that explain the image and what life was like when the photo was taken. 

Dig out your old photo albums and mementos you’d like to include in the scrapbook, such as old concert ticket stubs, mementos or treasured items you’d like to pass down to loved ones. Under each photo, consider writing captions or important messages you’d like to share about that time in your life — including what you might say to your younger self if you could, or what you might have done differently if you had the perspective you do now.  

Elder wisdom circle

Through your life experience, you’ve learned many life lessons and likely have a lot of good advice to give on everything from family, friendship, school, dating and careers. If you’d be interested in serving as a mentor or coach, the Elder Wisdom Circle is a wonderful way to share your wisdom with teens and younger people all over the world. This web-based nonprofit pairs younger advice seekers with seniors — known as “cyber grandparents” on the site — who provide supportive advice based on their life experiences. Everything is posted using pseudonyms, so your privacy is protected and confidentiality is assured. 

Become a mentor

Multigenerational mentorship is a perfect opportunity to form mutually beneficial relationships with younger people who can benefit from your time, attention and wisdom. Offering yourself as a mentor can be an excellent way to make meaningful connections and share your advice with children, teens and young adults. As a mentor, you can feel good knowing you’re making a positive impact on a young person’s life.

There are many organizations that help make connections between seniors and youth. Not sure where to start? The Gerontological Society of America offers a mentorship program, Mentor Match, that is designed to connect older adults with young people who are looking for mentorship in various areas of life. You can register as a mentor and identify potential mentees on their website. Or, inquire at your local community center or contact the National Area Agency on Aging for mentorship opportunities near you. 

The good news is that type 2 diabetes is a manageable condition for older adults. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for a while, there are lifestyle changes you can make to manage the condition and prevent diabetes-related health problems. 

Exercise Regularly 

Exercise is an important part of managing diabetes. Try exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. If you’re short on time, you can split the exercise up into 10 minutes of activity 3 times a day. Aerobic and cardiovascular exercises such as bicycling, swimming and walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your heart healthy. Weight training and yoga help build muscle and keep your bones strong. All exercise can help you control your blood sugar levels to keep you healthy. 

Eat a Healthy Diet

The foods you eat impact your glucose levels, so it’s important to know what foods to eat (and what to avoid), how much to eat, and when. Be sure to eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, and lean protein. Avoid eating processed foods and foods high in added sugars. Eating a balanced diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight along with helping you stay within healthy glucose levels. 

Stress Reduction 

Stress levels can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels. When you’re stressed, your body’s fight-or-flight response is activated, and in people with diabetes, this can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation can help you manage stress and keep your glucose levels balanced.

Take Medication 

Take all of your medication exactly as prescribed, even when you’re feeling good. Taking your diabetes medicine helps keep your blood sugar levels as close to the ‘normal’ range as possible. If your blood sugar soars too high or sinks too low, this can lead to diabetes-related health problems, such as damaged nerves and blood vessels. Talk to your doctor if your medications are causing unwanted side effects, or if you’re having trouble keeping track of your medication schedule. 

Monitor Your Blood Sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar is an essential part of diabetes care. Your doctor will tell you how to check your blood sugar levels, and how often. Seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taking diabetes medications, which is why it’s so important to check your levels regularly so you can administer insulin when needed. 

Examine Your Feet

Nerve damage and poor blood flow are common in diabetes, which puts you at risk of developing a foot ulcer that may get infected. Check your feet every day to check for cuts, blisters, calluses, sores, and signs of infection. If you’re having trouble seeing your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member for help. Aim to keep your feet clean, use lotion to keep them well-hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes that will not cause chafing or blisters. If you notice any cuts, red patches or signs of infection, call your doctor immediately. 

Conclusion 

Older adults with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetes-related health complications. The good news is, diabetes is a manageable condition and many people with the condition live happy, fully lives. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress can all help you stay healthy and feel good. Talk with your doctor if you need help checking your glucose levels or administering your medications. 

Regular exercise and physical activity are essential for staying healthy. As we age, it can become more challenging to exercise, particularly if we have a health condition or have sustained an injury. However, it’s imperative that seniors stay active in order to gain muscle strength, stay mobile, reduce the risk of falls, and maintain a good quality of life. 

Regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, helps maintain a healthy weight, and even improves mental health and mood. 

Simple At-Home Exercises for Seniors

Exercise doesn’t need to take place in the gym — there are exercises seniors can do at home to build strength, improve endurance, and support their overall health and wellbeing. 

Tightrope Stance 

The tightrope stance — sometimes called the tandem stance — can improve balance and stability to reduce the risk of falls. 

How to do it: Stand upright with your feet together, and strengthen your core (stomach & back). Step one foot in front of the other so the front foot’s heel is against your back foot’s toe. Keep your feet in a straight line (like you’re walking a tightrope) and hold this position for 30 seconds. Then, switch the positioning of your feet and hold for another 30 seconds. You can hold onto a chair or the wall for balance if needed. 

Chair Sits 

Standing up from a chair without using your hands helps maintain muscle strength and mobility.  

How to do it: Stand in front of a chair (approximately 6 inches) with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms held out straight in front of your shoulders. Slowly bend your knees and push your hips back to lower yourself into the chair in a seated position. Then, stand by placing your body weight on your heels. Try not to swing your torso or use your hands to stand up, but instead use your core and leg muscles. Repeat 10-15 times. 

Shoulder Rolls 

Shoulder rolls improve flexibility and range of motion, and help build strength in the shoulders and upper back, which can be helpful in living independently. 

How to do it: This exercise can be completed in either a sitting or standing position. To begin, shrug your shoulders up towards your ears, without hunching your back or protruding your neck. Once you shrug up, squeeze your shoulder blades together to pull the shoulders back. Pull the shoulders back down, slightly rounding your upper back to push your shoulders forward. Repeat 10-15 times. 

Step-Ups

Step ups improve balance and coordination while building muscle strength in the legs. 

How to do it: Wearing supportive shoes, step up and down on the bottom step of a staircase. You don’t need to walk all the way up and down the stairs, unless you prefer to/feel safe doing so. Lead with a different foot for each step up to ensure you’re strengthening both sides of the body. Repeat 20-30 times on each side. 

Toe Lifts 

Toe lifts help strengthen legs and feet, and are an excellent way to improve your balance. 

How to do it: Slowly lift on your toes as if you are standing in a tippy-toe position. Then, slowly lower your heels back down to the ground. You can hold on to the back of a chair with one or both hands to help keep your balance if needed. Repeat 20-30 times. 

Wall Push-Ups

Wall push-ups build strength in the shoulders, arms, upper back, and chest. 

How to do it: Stand facing a wall with your feet shoulder-length apart. Stand close enough so that you can stretch your arms out in front of you to touch the wall. Place both palms on the wall at shoulder height and width. Slowly bend your arms to bring your chest toward the wall, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Get as close to the wall as you comfortably can, then slowly press yourself back up to standing. Repeat 15-20 times. 

Try doing these or similar exercises once a day for approximately 30 minutes a day. You don’t have to do them all at once — you can break these exercises into small segments throughout the day when you have time and the energy to do so. Mix up the exercises to keep it interesting, and play music to provide motivation and focus if you’d like. 

With February 14^th approaching quickly, this is a good time to start planning for Valentine’s Day and how to make it a fun day for seniors. Because people associate this special holiday with love, it’s the perfect occasion for celebrating all the love they deserve. And because we decorate for Valentine’s Day with hearts, it’s a great time to encourage heart-healthy activities.

Have fun with the decorations.

Set the mood in advance by dressing your space up with plenty of fun Valentine’s Day decorations. If you feel like it, paint it all red and pink, with balloons, streamers, and even fresh flowers. You can even invite friends, family, and especially grandchildren, to come over and help, including making their own decorations. You’ll need to have plenty of red construction paper and crayons, as well as safety scissors. After all, the more fun you can make the decorations, the more you’ll enjoy the holiday.

Watch a romantic movie… or two… or three!

One of Hollywood’s favorite topics to make movies about is the love story. Practically since the medium was invented, film-makers have been following the emotional ups and downs of their main characters as they try to find love and hold onto it. Holding a romantic film festival in your living room is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, either with friends or your special loved one, and will certainly lift your spirits.

No matter what you consider the Golden Age of Hollywood, there are plenty of options available. In fact, here is a list of some of the most popular love stories on film from each of the last decades:

• Roman Holiday (1953)
  The story of a princess who falls for an American newspaper reporter while enjoying the sights of Rome. Stars Audrey Hepburn, who won an Academy Award, and Gregory Peck.
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
  Also starring Audrey Hepburn, this is the story of two people falling in love while they’re both trying to keep their secret pasts hidden.
• The Way We Were (1973)
  Set in a time span that runs from the late 1930s to the late 1950s, The Way We Were stars Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand as an unlikely pair with widely different backgrounds trying to find love.
• When Harry Met Sally (1989)
  This movie follows the lives of Harry and Sally, who meet as college graduates sharing a ride back home to New York from Chicago. They go from hating each other, to becoming friends, to eventually finding love over a ten-year period.
• Titanic (1997)
  For most people, just mention the names, “Jack and Rose,” and they know what movie you’re talking about. It’s the love story between Jack, a poor artist, and Rose, a high-society girl aboard the doomed Titanic. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
• The Proposal (2009)
  Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling portray a hard-driving boss and her ambitious assistant, who hatch a plan to get married so she won’t be deported to Canada. Of course, pretending to be married eventually leads to true love.
• La La Land (2016)
  An aspiring actress and a jazz musician fall in love, then try to navigate a life of success in Hollywood while keeping their love intact.

Make Valentine’s Day treats from scratch.

This will be great for sharing during your romantic movie film festival! Put out a tray of fresh fruit, especially the kinds of fruit that will go with all your red and pink Valentine’s Day decorations, like strawberries, cherries, raspberries, dried cranberries, and watermelon slices. If you prefer to do some baking, heart-shaped sugar cookies with pink frosting covered in red sprinkles would certainly be appropriate. Or consider making rice krispy treats using pink marshmallows, which you can purchase at the grocery store.

Couples’ spa treatment

Make an appointment at a nearby spa for you and your special someone to get a couples massage. Choose from a variety of spa treatments that you would both find enjoyable and relaxing and that you can do side by side. Facials, manicures, and pedicures are also very relaxing and will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Call ahead or go online to make sure they offer the spa treatments you want, and to make reservations.

Go for a heart-healthy walk.

Whether you’re walking with a spouse, partner, or friend, or as part of a group, walking is a great way to enjoy some social time while improving your heart health. Walking, even at a leisurely pace, gets your heart rate up and improves circulation throughout the body, while also burning calories. Additionally, walking helps you strengthen your bones, which is very important as we age. Research has even shown that walking enhances your mood, improving your emotional state substantially.

So have some fun with Valentine’s Day this year, and make it an enjoyable, memorable, and most of all, healthy celebration!