How to Use Technology to Boost Senior Health

By: Hal Salazar - elders.today

hsalazar@elders.today

Seniors make up a big part of the population. In fact, Senior Living notes there are roughly 47 million seniors living in the United States, and that number will soon go up as the baby boomer generation approaches the defining age of 65. With numbers like that, some experts fear we could face a serious health crisis.  Yet while those statistics may sound daunting, modern technology provides older adults with advantages previous generations couldn’t enjoy.

 

Boomers Retirement invites you to read on for some of the many ways today’s seniors can put tech to work for better well-being.

Smartphone Apps

Perhaps the most convenient way to utilize technology for senior health is to download helpful apps to your smartphone. Here are a few favorites:

●     Fabulous is a motivational health app that lets users set goals and gives daily reminders to encourage them to make a routine out of their most healthy habits.

●     The GoodRx app can help seniors find discounts on prescription medications, and most pharmacies these days have their own downloadable app so seniors can order their refills in a matter of seconds.

●     The Red Panic Button app lets users summon anyone in their emergency contact list simply by pressing one easy button.

 

While apps are simple to use, they are typically powered by complex programming. Seniors should know in advance that many feature-rich apps require more power, memory, and speed to run well than some older smartphones provide. If it’s time to find a more suitable phone, there are plenty of plans and models that are up to the task, and some service providers allow trade-ins of older models for discounts on new ones. Remember that buying a new phone may require some other purchases since your current phone case or charger may not be compatible with newer smartphone models

Smart Home Devices

For the simple purpose of making life easier, CNET notes smart home devices are a great way for seniors to utilize technology in their homes. Bluetooth speakers equipped with AI assistants, like the Alexa-enabled Amazon Echo, make it easy for people to create grocery lists, set alarms and reminders, check the weather, and play music, just by simply talking to the device.

 

Another suggestion is to hook up a Smart Hub with smart door locks, light bulbs, and thermostat, so seniors can control just about everything in the home without even standing up. The possibilities are nearly endless!

GPS

One of the biggest technological advances in recent history is the development of GPS for public use. For people suffering from memory ailments like Alzheimer's and dementia, GPS services can be utilized to locate a person in the event that they wander off and get lost. GPS sensors can be worn as bracelets or be added to clothing or shoes, so loved ones can be located quickly before they can hurt themselves. It’s an unobtrusive way to boost safety and peace of mind.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Beyond the home environment and daily life, healthcare also involves routine care from medical professionals. With that in mind, seniors must remember that the Medicare Open Enrollment period is from October 15 through December 7 each year.

 

During this time, seniors can change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa. They can also switch Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. Sometimes seniors find a reduction in their out-of-pocket expenses by switching plans, and it can mean broader healthcare coverage.

 

AARP points out the benefits provided through Medicare Advantage are more extensive than ever, so many seniors find it’s worth making comparisons to see if they can come out ahead. Technology steps in to help here as well, since those who wish to make changes can do so online, and those who do not want changes do not need to do anything as plans will auto-renew.

 

Seniors of today have more health-related advantages than any previous generation. Thanks to technology, seniors can utilize these tips to improve their daily routine, stay safe and more independent, and check their Medicare plan. With just a bit of tech at their fingertips, it’s a chance for a happier and healthier life.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Skills to Pursue Online During Your Golden Years

 Looking for guidance as you navigate senior life as a boomer? Then subscribe to Boomer Retirement today for tips on tackling senior conundrums and learning to enjoy this new chapter.

hsalazar@elders.today 

By:  Hal Salazar

Skills to Pursue Online During Your Golden Years

 

 

Image courtesy of Pixabay

 

Your golden years can be your years of golden opportunities!  Adding to your skill set and increasing personal growth is a terrific fountain of youth.  Thanks to the internet, there is a wealth of options available. 

 

Why you should be learning

 

One of the best things you can do to keep your mind sharp as you age is to keep it active.  Just as physical exercise benefits your body, mental exercise benefits your brain.  According to studies cited by Psychology Today, choices you make in how you live can maintain your brain’s resilience and ability to age well.  You can actually boost your brain’s health and slow cognitive aging with mental, physical, and social activity.  There is every indication that not only can you learn new things as you age, it’s actually good for you! 

 

Exploring possibilities

 

The internet is a deep well of information, and you are likely to find resources for virtually anything you would enjoy exploring.  Contemplate what topics interest you, and then start surfing!  Choose something fun and exciting, perhaps something you always wanted to learn about but haven’t had the chance to.  You don’t need to worry about grades and deadlines, so this is your opportunity to do anything you would enjoy.  Here are some options that we really like:

 

Home Projects.  You may find that making certain home improvements can actually be quite enjoyable, especially if they're a source of entertainment.  For example, if you have space in your backyard for a fire pit, you may want to consider installing one, as it can also boost the appearance of your outdoor space.  You can create one yourself by following online step-by-step guides, and there are different types of fire pits you can choose from, such as in-ground and tin.  Gather the necessary materials and get building!

 

Art.  Being creative offers benefits to your wellness, reducing depression and helping you feel happier and more productive and increasing social connections.  Experts note the impact is so powerful it might even reduce many health care and medical needs.  Class Central suggests exploring free online courses at the Museum of Modern Art for information that is relevant, creative, and inspiring.  Selections are rich and varied, with courses on everything from fashion to photography to understanding abstract painting.  It’s sure to get your creative juices flowing!  

 

Music. If you’ve always loved music but have never been able to pursue it, now is a better time than ever. The internet can help you with every part of the process, from buying your instrument to taking lessons. For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn to play the trumpet, you can check out online instrument reviews and pick the best trumpet for you. Then, you can search the web for an in-person instructor, or take individual or group online lessons on sites like YouTube and 8Notes. The internet makes it possible for you to take up this hobby without ever having to leave home!

 

Nutrition.  Looking to learn more about improving your well-being through food?  Monash University offers a free online course called “Food as Medicine” throughout the year.  This terrific program offers information on how food can boost health, fight chronic disease, and prevent illness.  You also learn how to evaluate what is in food and recognize good choices for your health and well-being.

 

Language.  According to some studies, no matter how old you are, there are benefits in learning a new language.  Also, for many adults, learning a new language can be easier than for children, since you already have a foundation of grammar and structuring words to build on.  You can find free language courses online that cover a range of fluent levels. 

 

Photography.  According to some researchers, learning digital photography is particularly valuable, engaging your mind in ways that offer a superior memory boost over activities like doing word puzzles and other less engaging mental exercises.  Harvard University offers a free, self-paced program. 

 

Live and learn!  Make your golden years even brighter by adding online learning to your lifestyle.  Broadening your skills and exercising your brain is healthy and fun.  Decide what you would like to learn, and get surfing!

 

 

How Your Golden Years Can Be Your Best Years — Even on a Fixed Income

 

How Your Golden Years Can Be Your Best Years — Even on a Fixed Income

Living on a fixed income is commonly seen as being limited in the lifestyle you live. While it’s true that this can be the case, it doesn’t have to be. By budgeting, eliminating debt, and making a few other moves, you can live a restriction-free, fulfilling life in your golden years. If you want to know more about how to live well on your fixed income, read on for some practical tips from Boomers Retirement. 

Make a budget you can stick to. 

The first part of thriving on a fixed income is creating a budget. And to make a budget that you can stick to requires you to be realistic about all of your expenses. So, list all of your fixed expenses, including your mortgage or rent, insurance, groceries, and utilities. Then, subtract those expenses from your total monthly income (from all sources). This will show you how much money you have left for discretionary spending. 

At the very least, creating a budget should show you where you can make adjustments so that you can make the most of your money, even if that means undergoing a major life change to free up your finances for other things. 

Knock out debt.

There’s no getting around it: debt is a killer. If you are straddled with debt, there’s little opportunity for you to spend money on the things that bring you happiness. The first thing you need to do in order to enhance your budget is to work toward eliminating your debt. Pay off your credit cards as soon as possible, and avoid using them in the future unless you can comfortably make the monthly payments. This will help you avoid the staggering interest rates that come with them. 

Consider working.  

Along with tackling your debt, think of ways that you can pad your income. If you are able to work, look around town for part-time opportunities. Chances are there are a number of organizations and companies that will value your experience. This could mean picking up shifts at a local coffee shop, restaurant, art museum, or even at a company that specializes in the industry in which you spent your career.

Another thing to consider is going freelance. The freelance market is massive, and it includes almost any industry you can think of. For example, if you have customer service experience, you can use your skills as a freelance customer service agent. If you are a retired teacher, you can teach remotely in a part-time capacity. Even if your experience is in engineering, accounting, or consulting, you can find work-from-home opportunities through online job boards. 

See where you can cut. 

Finally, evaluate your budget and figure out where you can cut expenses. For example, if you live in a house that is much too big for your lifestyle, downsizing could save you a ton of money on mortgage, insurance, utilities, and taxes. Or, if you’re leasing a car every few years, you could save big by purchasing a late model or used car and driving it until it quits. Also, reassessing how you buy and use groceries can be a major money-saver. 

Try your hand at starting your own business.

For many retirees, adjusting to life on a fixed income can be difficult, even if you have no trouble sticking to your budget. Sometimes, you just want to enjoy a little more flexibility and a larger financial cushion. You can accomplish this by starting a side hustle right from your home! Many retirees find fulfillment in small business ownership.

Perhaps you’re already excited about a particular business idea. Once you’ve decided on a name, you’ll need to go about filing for a business entity in your state. After all, you need to make sure that your personal assets are protected, and naturally, you’ll want to find ways to save during tax season. If you’re not quite sure how to approach this process, don’t worry - you can work with an online formation service if you have lots of questions.

Just because you’re on a fixed income doesn’t mean your life has to be limited or unrewarding. Draw up a realistic budget, work toward eliminating all your debt, look for employment opportunities, and cut expenses where possible. Implementing these tips can help put you in a better position to flourish in your golden years. 

For more valuable resources and insight into retirement life, be sure to bookmark 

Boomers Retirement.

Karen Weeks

 

Heavily-Indebted Boomers Increasingly The Ones Going Bankrupt:

 BUSINESS (Canada)

02/10/2021 16:47 EST

Heavily-Indebted Boomers Increasingly The Ones Going Bankrupt: Study

Rapidly rising house prices are shielding indebted borrowers from insolvency, but for those without real estate, it’s a different story.

By Daniel Tencer

Amid the COVID-19 economic crisis, a lot of attention has focused on younger working Canadians, who have been disproportionately hit by job losses. But a new survey of consumer bankruptcies suggests it’s aging Canadians ― those over 50 ― who are increasingly ending up insolvent.

People aged 50-plus have seen their share of insolvencies jump since the start of the pandemic, from 28.3 per cent in 2019 to 31.4 per cent immediately after last year’s lockdowns, according to a study from insolvency trustees Hoyes Michalos. The study looked at 3,900 Ontario insolvencies filed with the firm.

This comes at a time when ― thanks to emergency pandemic income supports from the government ― the number of Canadians who filed for insolvency actually dropped by nearly 30 per cent, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy.

https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/bankruptcy-insolvency-study-canada_ca_60244a6ec5b6ddb3581578be?

Seniors in the Midst of Downsizing

Sell, Rent, or Transfer: Options for Seniors in the Midst of Downsizing 

There are many circumstances in which moving into a smaller home makes more sense than continuing to live in a property that becomes burdensome. Many seniors find themselves in such a predicament due to physical ailments associated with aging. Despite a desire to continue aging in place, older individuals may need to downsize in order to find something more manageable and affordable. One major decision involved in this transition is the fate of a senior’s prior property. Depending on the individual’s unique circumstances, the home can either be sold, rented out, or transferred to a relative.

Selling It for an Increase in Capital

When purchasing a new property, most people instinctively assume that selling their prior house is the only viable option. While there are potential alternatives, this is certainly the most financially stable option. By selling their old home, seniors free up a significant amount of capital that can be put towards their new property. Due to the nature of downsizing, seniors should have some extra income left over to pay off bills, put toward savings, or to take a short vacation.

Seniors who decide to sell their property should hire a real estate agent to help ensure each step of the process goes smoothly. Real estate agents will ensure that your asking price is low enough to generate interest and high enough to leave you with a nice cushion. These professionals can also help you stage your property for listing photos and open houses. Make sure to hire a local real estate agent for a more focused approach.

Transforming It into a Rental Property

There are some seniors who don’t have to worry about affording their new property. With no financial need to sell your old house, you may decide to hold onto it and rent it out instead. This option will still provide you with a return on your investment while allowing you to maintain ownership of the property. You might even end up making more money through this monthly revenue as opposed to one lump sum from a sale.

Be sure to take note of the expenses that come with maintaining a rental property. For example, you’ll have to invest in repairs, such as structural damage and HVAC issues. For seniors who don’t have the energy or time to run the property themselves, there will also be an added expense of hiring a reputable property manager to look after things. You’ll still be able to come away with a positive monthly income, but these costs should always be accounted for.

Transferring Ownership to a Relative

Some older individuals won’t take money into consideration when deciding what to do with their old property. After decades of making memories, raising children, and celebrating holidays, it’s common for seniors to have a sentimental attachment to their house. Instead of selling it or having strangers live there, you can opt to transfer ownership of the home to a relative. You can rest assured that the home will be cared for without having to maintain it yourself.

If you’re downsizing into a new property without selling your old one to cover the cost, be sure to determine how much you can realistically afford to spend. Take a look at your income and savings account as well as the average price for down payments in the area. Setting a budget is a great way to ensure you don’t end up with a home that’s too expensive.

Seniors in the process of downsizing need to consider whether selling, renting, or giving their home to a family is the best option given their current financial circumstances and desires.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Jim Vogel

Elderaction.org

jim@elderaction.org

USEFUL LInks For Seniors

Elders Welcome

WE WELCOME SENIOR CITIZENS AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM.

– DARREN JOHNSON

https://www.elderswelcome.org/

Vaccines You’ll Need After 50

Check out this list of what to get and when

by Barbara Stepko, AARP, January 14, 2020

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2018/every-vaccine-needed-after-age-50.html


Baby Boomer Addiction Resource

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Valuable Boomers' & Seniors' Resources

Another valuable resource we will put on our Boomers International Web Site page.  
https://www.newmouth.com 

"Effects of Drug Addiction on Oral Health" page here:
https://www.newmouth.com/oral-health/effects/drug-addiction/  

Christine Bell
Community Outreach
New Mouth

Top resources my members find most useful:

• Local senior guides with demographics, senior housing, long-term care choices, healthcare quality ratings, and more. (https://www.seniorcare.com/directory/)
• What you need to know about in-home and home health care. (https://www.homehealthcareagencies.com)
• What is assisted living? - everything one should know about assisted living. (https://www.assistedlivingfacilities.org/resources/what-is-assisted-living-/)

Top resources my members find most useful: 

• Local senior guides with demographics, senior housing, long-term care choices, healthcare quality ratings, and more. (https://www.seniorcare.com/directory/)
• What you need to know about in-home and home health care. (https://www.homehealthcareagencies.com)
• What is assisted living? - everything one should know about assisted living. (https://www.assistedlivingfacilities.org/resources/what-is-assisted-living-/)

Carol Marak, the editor at Seniorcare.com.