Living 50 Plus - September 2020

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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH CARE 65th Birthday Brings Key Decisions Regarding Health Care

thing that Medicare does and provides additional benefits, including, in many cases, prescription drugs (also known as Part D). 3. You have many options. With Orig- inal Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans, there are many choices to make. Understanding your budget, health needs, doctor preferences and lifestyle will be important in making the best choice for you. 4. Get help. For more information, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1- 800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users can call 1-877-486- 2048. Or visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. Find local assistance through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at www.shiptacenter.org. You can also contact individual Medicare plans. For instance, you can learn more about Cigna plans at www.cigna. com/medicare. Consult your benefits administrator at work and talk with friends and family members who’ve been through the process. 5. Use it. Know your available benefits. Find out about wellness checks and pre- ventive screenings needed for your age and health status, and get them. Take advantage of Medicare Advantage ex- tras, like gym memberships, to actively engage in your health and well-being. As you turn 65, it’s important to do your homework regarding health insurance. However, if you find out that the plan is not the right fit, all is not lost. You can make changes during Medicare’s Annu- al Election Period, which occurs every year from October 15 to December 7.

1. Timing is important! Medicare has a seven-month window around your 65th birthday called the Initial Enrollment Period. It begins three months before your 65th birthday and extends three months past your birthday month. En- rolling outside this window could result in higher premiums on Medicare Part B for the rest of your life. If you’re still working, your path for- ward depends on the size of your com- pany. If you work for a company with fewer than 20 employees, generally, you must sign up for Medicare at 65. If you work for a larger company, you can keep your company’s plan and enroll in Medicare without penalty later – usual- ly when you retire – or enroll in Medi- care immediately. However, by switch- ing, your spouse could lose coverage

(StatePoint) Your 65th birthday is an important milestone. That’s when you become eligible for the federal Medi- care health insurance program. Medicare is a popular, affordable health insurance program for Americans 65 and older, and those under 65 with certain disabilities, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to those who qualify. But it can be complicated. To decide what cov- erage is best for you, take inventory of your current and future health, work and economic standing, including your personal preferences and goals. Here are a few tips to consider from Cigna, which serves hundreds of thou- sands of Medicare customers nation- wide.

if they’re currently on your company’s insurance. If you’re not working and you’ve al- ready filed for Social Security, the pro- cess is much easier. You’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. Sometimes called Original Medicare, this doesn’t include prescription drug coverage. 2. Original Medicare doesn’t cover ev- erything. Original Medicare covers hospital and physician expenses, but there are cost-sharing requirements and limits on what’s covered. Consid- er how you’ll cover things like dental, vision, hearing and pharmacy. You can buy supplemental plans, or you can buy a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Part C), which covers every-

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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH

Manage Medical Conditions During COVID-19 (Family Features) Diabetes and heart disease are two pre-existing medical conditions that researchers believe contribute to elevated risk of severe complications from COVID-19. In fact, patients with two or more pre-existing conditions have 4.5 times greater risk of needing treatment at a hospital if they contract COVID-19, according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How Diabetes Affects Heart Health If you have diabetes, your body either makes too much or not enough insulin, which results in too much glucose in your bloodstream. Over time, high blood glucose levels can increase damage to your organs, including your heart, brain and kidneys. Diabetes is associated with a buildup of plaque that can clog arteries, so the longer you live with type 2 diabetes, the higher your cardiovascular risk. At least one-third of people with heart failure have diabetes, and heart disease is the leading cause of death and a major cause of heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and disability for people living with type 2 diabetes. Managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are common in people with type 2 diabetes, along with keeping blood glucose levels in check, supports heart health and may also prevent or slow down progression of chronic kidney disease – another condition that heightens the risk of severe COVID-19 complications. COVID-19 Precautions Considering that people with conditions like diabetes and heart disease are at higher risk for severe illness from

COVID-19, it’s especially important to keep health-related numbers in healthy ranges and manage these conditions, in addition to taking precautions against contracting the virus. Consider these tips from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association:

medication without talking to your health care provider could lead to serious illness or death. • Know your numbers. If you have diabetes, check blood glucose levels frequently and make necessary adjustments to insulin and diet to keep levels under control. If you have high blood pressure, make sure to monitor that number regularly from home. • Manage stress, which can also impact blood glucose and blood pressure levels. In addition to maintaining your social support network (even if it’s through social distancing), exercise, adequate sleep and meditation

can help improve your mental health.

• If you or someone around you has symptoms of heart attack or stroke, remember to call 9-1-1 as the hospital is still the safest place to go in a medical emergency. • If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and COVID-19.

• If you’ve delayed or postponed medical appointments due to COVID-19, it’s vital to resume them, either in person or through virtual options. • Continue to take medication as prescribed. If you’ve lost your medical insurance or can’t afford it, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about available resources. Stopping your

Visit KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org for resources like diabetes-friendly recipes, success stories and a list of questions to ask your doctor. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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SENIOR LIVING | MENTAL HEALTH Engage Virtually - Tips for keeping older adults connected (Family Features)

Explore • Take free courses online. With subjects ranging from computers and cooking to studio arts and foreign languages, there is something for nearly everyone. • Explore zoos and aquariums across the country through virtual tours and lessons. Many have live webcams that allow you to watch the animals in real time. • Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands of museums and galleries are currently displaying their collections online through virtual tours.

• Catch free performances online. Some opera houses and theaters are streaming plays and performances for digital audiences. • Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone or over video chat. Many streaming services offer free trials and some even have a way to watch together online. For information on services for older adults in your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800- 677-1116 or eldercare.acl. gov.

in touch with friends and loved ones or reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while. • Take advantage of video call platforms to see faces of family and friends while you talk to them. • Write letters to friends and reminisce about some of your favorite memories. Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memories. • Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and community bulletins.

• Tour one of the many national parks offering digital tours and experiences you can access anytime from the comfort of home. Unwind • Check your library’s free e-books and audiobooks you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book. • Host dinner or a game night with friends over a video chat. Word, trivia and acting games tend to work well virtually.

Connection and a sense of community can be critical to well-being as people continue to distance and isolate. It can be challenging, especially for older adults, but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind. There is no one-size-fits- all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember to pay attention to your social and mental health while taking care of your physical health, and consider these ideas from the Administration for Community Living. Connect • Use social media to stay

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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH

Foot Care Tips for Those With Diabetes

• Keep feet dry. Change your socks if they get wet. You may also consider using an antiperspirant on the soles of your feet. • Never walk barefoot. It can be tempting to go barefoot in warmer weather. Never do so, not even at home. Always wear shoes or slippers to avoid getting scratched, cut or even burned from hot surfaces. • Be active. Staying active is important. Just be extra careful, particularly if you play sports, to monitor your feet for related injuries. • Treat your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control. Untreated diabetes can result in other conditions affecting the feet, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and Charcot foot, a condition in which the bones of the

foot are weakened enough to fracture. • Don’t smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet. • Get periodic foot exams. Your foot and ankle surgeon works with your other healthcare providers to prevent and treat complications from diabetes. See your foot and ankle surgeon regularly, or as soon as you notice any problems, to help prevent the foot complications of diabetes. For more resources and tips regarding foot and ankle health and conditions, visit the ACFAS patient education website, FootHealthFacts.org. “When it comes to diabetes care, don’t neglect your feet. Proper preventive care with the help of a foot and ankle surgeon can help keep your whole body healthy,” says Dr. Sachs.

(StatePoint) For those with diabetes, a seemingly insignificant foot problem can produce dangerous consequences. Experts say that managing this risk is an important part of diabetes care. “Living with diabetes increases the risk of developing a wide range of foot problems, often because of two complications of the disease: nerve damage and poor circulation,” says Dr. Brett Sachs, DPM, FACFAS, a Denver foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “However, you can play a vital role in prevention.” To avoid serious foot problems that could result in losing a toe, foot or leg, follow these guidelines from ACFAS foot and ankle surgeons: • Inspect feet daily. Diabetes may cause nerve damage, which takes away the feeling in your feet, so a daily visual inspection is important. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. Call your foot and ankle surgeon if you notice any issues.

with a soft washcloth or sponge using only lukewarm water. Dry by blotting carefully. • Moisturize. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But don’t moisturize between the toes -- that could encourage a fungal infection. • Cut nails carefully. Cut nails straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails. • Never treat corns or calluses yourself. Don’t perform “bathroom surgery” or use medicated pads. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment. • Wear proper socks. Always wear clean, dry socks. You may want to consider those made specifically for patients living with diabetes, which have extra cushioning, no elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from moisture-wicking fibers. • Shake out your shoes. Remember, your feet may not be able to feel a pebble or other foreign objects, so always inspect shoes before wearing them to help prevent blisters and sores that could lead to an infection or non- healing wound.

• Bathe feet gently. Wash your feet daily

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SENIOR LIVING | FINANCES

4 Steps for Developing a Thoughtful Estate Plan

(StatePoint) Many people may avoid estate planning because they think it can be put off until later in life. But experts agree that adults of any age should have a plan in place to make sure their financial affairs are in order after they pass on, or in case they are incapacitated. A complete and thoughtful estate plan covers more than who will get what -- it helps to ease the burden on your family and beneficiaries by documenting your wishes and instructions. Here are the four major steps involved in developing an estate plan: Inventory and Determine Asset Value Account for any and all items you can make decisions about -- including financial assets, real estate and even intangible property such as patents or copyrights. Then, determine the financial value of each asset. Debt should

also be considered.

to pass to your beneficiaries without a court proceeding. Write a Will and End-of-Life Documents Your will governs who will receive property not otherwise designated by titling, the terms of a trust, or by beneficiary designation (such as on retirement accounts or insurance policies). Other end-of-life documents might include a living will dictating what should or should not be done to keep you alive, or a simple letter regarding how you would like to be laid to rest. Keep all of your finalized, original estate planning documents in one location so they don’t get lost and make several copies to store in a different location, such as a safe deposit box.

up to date is necessary to preserve your future wishes and prevent your loved ones from experiencing unnecessary stress. Experts recommend that you review your estate plan annually or biannually to ensure it is current, and update it as major life events occur, such as marriage, divorce or the birth of a child. You may want to consult a Certified Financial Planner professional to bring the different parts of your estate together into a plan that represents your wishes. To find a CFP professional near you, visit letsmakeaplan.org. Estate planning may not be fun, but designing a plan now will help provide the best outcome for your family and friends when you are no longer with them.

Choose Your Beneficiaries and Decision Makers These designations are crucial to estate planning. Beneficiaries -- the recipients of your funds, trusts or property -- are typically a spouse, child, relative or friend. They can be decision makers, too. Choose someone responsible who can be charged with administering the assets of your estate, taking care of any remaining financial obligations, and ensuring your wishes are carried out. Consider Setting Up a Revocable Trust Revocable trusts give you an added layer of control and privacy over your assets that is not possible when assets are left directly to beneficiaries. They let you continue managing your property and make changes to the trust terms during your lifetime, and they allow property

Remember that keeping your estate plan

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SENIOR LIVING | GARDENING

DON’T WAIT…FINAL EXPENSE

won’t get full face amount, you’ll get a portion of the face amount. For example, you bought a $10,000 policy and die in the first year, your family will get 110% of your money back. If you die in year 2, your family will get 220% of your premium back. By year 3 and after, your family would be paid out the full $10,000. The other type of policy is the “simplified issue” plan that does ask medical questions but are written to allow seniors with reasonable health to be covered. The monthly premiums will be lower than the guaranteed issue and full face value benefits are payable immediately with no waiting period required. The face value of these final expense policies are usually smaller than a traditional life insurance policy so if you thought you couldn’t afford a premium payment, think again. Most people are able to afford and qualify for final expense life insurance. Are you feeling motivated now? Clean out your “financial” drawer and get things in ship-shape in 2020. Give your family peace of mind, the inevitable is coming…. To schedule an appointment or consultation, just call Phares Financial at 308-532-3180 to schedule a complementary appointment with Rebecca. Just a reminder, the Phares Financial office has moved to 319 East B Street in North Platte.

fund to your current spouse, make sure that they are listed as the beneficiary. Also, make sure that any bank accounts that are “payable upon death” are designated to the right person. Those forms will trump a will. I have worked with several clients who still had their previous spouse listed on their beneficiary list. Finally, loss of a loved one is stressful enough without having to worry about final expenses hitting the family. Just because a family member passes away doesn’t mean that the credit card or electric bills stop coming. Funeral costs and travel expenses may easily reach over $10,000. There still may be medical bills left unpaid. According to Berkley, the estate is still going to owe the money. Planning ahead and providing for those expenses can give you peace of mind that your family will have some means to meet those expenses. Talk to your insurance agent to set up a final expense policy. These policies come in two flavors- guaranteed issue and simplified issue. These two types help insurers understand their level of risk and helps keep the rates low. “Guaranteed issue” policies turn down no one between the age of 50 and 80. No physical exam is needed but the costs are little higher due to the risk to the insurer as your health is unknown. Also, your policy’s face value benefits at death may be graduated. If you die within the first 2 years of the policy, you

the, “he promised me this” by including it in the will so there is no question who gets the “car or the favorite shotgun”. Also, talk with your attorney to see if you need to set up a trust. That may protect your estate from paying too much in fees. Why fritter away up to 10% of your assets in court costs if you just do a little planning ahead. Don’t forget to make a medical power of attorney and living will. Make your medical wishes known “in writing” ahead of that stressful time! The forms are available at your local hospital admissions office. In addition, get your records in order. Who wants to paw through someone else’s disorganized file cabinets or drawers. Add to that, the grief and stress of trying to find a will or life insurance or other evidence of estate planning. Keeping track of all your information and organizing it in a recognizable way is vital according to Clifford. “Write down your social security numbers, insurance policies, the name of the companies that you do business with, your brokerage accounts and where they are held, and account numbers and place it in a single drawer or file folder.” Don’t forget contact numbers for your attorney and insurance agent. Sharing the location of these records with your spouse or family members now would help when the situation happens. Have you checked your beneficiary designations lately? If you want to leave your life insurance or retirement

By Rebecca Nordquist, RD, MHA, CLTC

Procrastination may be forgiveable for young singles with no dependents but not for parents or seniors with family members. Putting off making your final arrangements can be devastating. According to attorney, Denis Clifford, “the biggest single mistake is avoiding the subject altogether”. “There are a couple reasons that people do that. For one, it’s not fun. Secondly, it’s procrastination caused by fear of thinking about your own mortality. “ Anyone with assets and a family to protect should start with a will. According to Benjamin Berkley, an attorney who specializes in estate planning, “a will is simply a letter of instruction appointing someone to be in charge of your estate to be distributed or divided”. In addition, it needs to be reviewed at least every 3 years to ensure it’s up to date. You can prevent fights between family members by designating who gets what. Eliminate

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LIVING 50 PLUS

C8 SEPTEMBER 2020

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